As the title of my review states, I can't believe this was a debut. A novel set in late 50's America. Sunnylakes is a perfect neighbourhood. To perfect. It hides lots of unsavoury things that mar the ideal surface it presents. This glosses over the fact that beneath the surface lies the murky waters of misogyny, racism and a feeling that their is a lot of people who should be kept in their place. That includes the coloured help and the little lady who runs your home. It is a good portrait of the prevailing attitude of the times. The writing is of a high standard and draws the reader into the narrative. The characters are all essential to the story and the interaction between Ruby and Mick is a well drawn relationship and she shows a strong woman is a match for any man. Which for the times of the book is set in is strong thing to say. I recommend this book to all readers who love a great story.