This is Inga Vesper's debut novel, The Long, Long Afternoon. The crime novel is set in 1959 in Sunnylakes California it focuses on Ruby 'the help' who has to clear up the mess left behind from Joyce Haney as she is missing. The two main themes of the novel are racism and sexism as Ruby is a black maid and a women who tries to piece together what has happened to Joyce. The sexism in the novel comes from the men who are condescending and unpleasant. This is such an addictive book as you really want to work out what is happening. The writing style was really nice as it allowed you to have different perspectives of the story for each chapter. I was really made to feel as though I had been transported to California. The story allows discussion for racism and subtle it can be. It explores the treatment of women and how the attitudes have changed. Hopefully more people will enjoy this great crime novel.