This book had been sitting on my Kindle for a while. Initially it was because I was waiting for my nan to get a copy because we usually discuss books afterwards. Then we both got distracted with life, read other books and forgot about it. Last week she reminded me ( boy I hope my memories as good as hers at 89!) and we finally started the book.
The Thursday Murder Club gang make living in a retirement home sound alomost appealing, yes its a little risky but it sounds like they have a more exciting time than most poeple I know.
Although theres a few additons to the gang the usual suspects are all there. Stephen is slowly getting worse and Elizabeth is worried, then his friend is killed and a ox of heroin goes missing. The gang are looking for a killer but everyone else is looking for the drugs so its clear that worlds are going to collide, and instantly it just feels like the OAPs will have the upper hand.
This time round it really felt that Joyce stepped up, she grew as a character, and as a person. In previous books it felt like she had been there to help with the narration, almost like an easy way to help fill in the gaps and more the story along. Now shes really in the forefront, someone that you’d be proud of if she was your mum, or nan – her daughter could learn a thing or two though. I feel a little sorry for her though shes loved, lost and despite her best efforts is a little lonely.
Theres alot of aspects to this story that just feel implausable, but thats what makes you think all the crazy things could happen. Towards the end I found part of the story really emptional, and thats because Stephens story is so real, the struggles that people with illnesses go though and how it affects both them and the people around them, how quality of life changes, the feeling of powerlessness, and frustrtaion. Its well written and really important, How Elizabeth and Stephen manage it is completely in keeping with the characters but does make you wonder how many people choose toi find simialr ways to deal with it.
I feel I ve digressed slightly but sometimes the background story is so much more important, and meaningful than the main plot.
One More Chapter 