Starting this book I was very surprised to read our heroine is a lady in her 40s as I got the impression initially of a much younger person. Scout Davis is a freelance journalist and a guerrilla knitter (someone who in the stealth of the night leaves knitted objects drapped over monuments, street furniture, trees etc to be enjoyed by many but to the annoyance of the few). For an assignment Scout begins an investigation into a cult - The Luminous Renaissance of Illustrious Light.The book despite its serious topic is light reading and perfect for a summer vacation which is when I read it. But sometimes the light touch doesn't always sit comfortably and seems incongruous with the cruelty and despicable crimes which the cult leader is perpetuating on vulnerable people. The bullying and manipulative theme is also continued in a second investigation Scout undertakes of a young girl's experiences at school. I very much like that this is included as bullying seems a topic a lot of people seem reluctant to discuss yet it is so prevalent nowadays especially with social media making it become a consuming part of your life where it invades even your home where you use to be able to escape for a few hours now you can't.My opinion of the book wasn't enhanced by the observation of a character that she had "an unfortunate mouthful of English teeth"! Then to emphasise the point followed it up with "Cinnamon's cheeks ballooned and her lips stretched into a frighteningly toothy smile. Her mouth, I'm sorry to say looked like a gash in a Halloween pumpkin." Yes, I think we get the point you REALLY don't like our English teeth. This got me annoyed LOL so I took a break from the book and came back to it! And I'm glad I did as I must say I enjoyed the rest of the story and especially the ending. I think Scout Davis is a nice addition to the detective genre and I liked the Australian setting. I would recommend this it was a refreshing change. I have to say though my favourite character was by far Chairman Meow, Scout's cat.P.S. If you need advice about diabetes then there are numerous mentions as the lead character Scout has Type 1 diabetes and includes how she copes with a busy working and social life around her balancing her sugar levels and administering her insulin. Just a sneaky comment, I have just finished the sequel, due in March, and it is FANTASTIC, as good as if not better than the first. I love this series. Scout is a great character, and they are calling this series the Australian Evanovich, which is spot on, but if you are a fan of Marian Keyes quirky family tales with the Walsh Sisters, I think you will also love these books. magpie Groff does a great job of weaving three tales into the one book, and veering between them at just the right time to keep the pace of the book cracking along. if you are looking for the perfect lighthearted read, but with a good old fashioned mystery, this is the series. An ideal book for a long plane trip, for the beach, or just to curl up to with a glass of wine. I highly recommend this book and its sequel, and I can not wait for the next Scout Davis book to land on my desk.
What do You think about Mad Men, Bad Girls (2012)?
Loved it. I haven't read many Australian author's, but found this very good and entertaining
—Ryann
Rafe is fine... Looking forward to the sequel ;)
—lori
