For a debut novel I was pleasantly surprised. Based in the summer of 1959, in California, it is written around a family with many secrets.
Sunnylakes is an area where the woman stayed at home and brought up the children. The neighbours all knew each other and tried to keep up with each other, there being a rule you kept your home spotless.
The characters are strong and you really get to know each one of them, their strengths and weaknesses. Joyce had issues with her husband and their story line was well written with the appearance of an old boyfriend who brought back many painful memories. The Detective came across as a likeable man who always tried to do the right thing but doubted himself after previous problems from a case he had. I liked the way the author included the issues surrounding the cleaner Ruby, who in those times being black and working in a white neighbourhood could cause many problems. The have's and have not's. So well written.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and would recommend anyone to read it.
Sunnylakes is an area where the woman stayed at home and brought up the children. The neighbours all knew each other and tried to keep up with each other, there being a rule you kept your home spotless.
The characters are strong and you really get to know each one of them, their strengths and weaknesses. Joyce had issues with her husband and their story line was well written with the appearance of an old boyfriend who brought back many painful memories. The Detective came across as a likeable man who always tried to do the right thing but doubted himself after previous problems from a case he had. I liked the way the author included the issues surrounding the cleaner Ruby, who in those times being black and working in a white neighbourhood could cause many problems. The have's and have not's. So well written.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and would recommend anyone to read it.