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Fran Varady is a 20-something actress and PI – but not making much of a living at either. And she's not your normal 'luvvie'. Instead, she's had a chequered life, including living rough and in a squat, and it's given her sympathy for any underdog. So she's always had a soft spot for Edna, an eccentric bag lady who used to live in the churchyard near Fran's squat. Fran now has a flat and Edna, it seems, is living in a hostel. But their chance meeting in Camden is marred when Edna is seemingly scared off by a mysterious man. Fran, who can't keep her nose out of anything, follows the bloke. And before long she comes across a body and gets involved with a very strange family. This is the first book by Ann Granger that I've read, and it was a thoroughly pleasant read for a quiet afternoon. If you're not keen on amateur sleuths who really don't have any business poking their nose in, then you will probably find Fran a bit much. But at least she has a tame copper who she keeps in the loop. Incidentally, this is the seventh in the series, and while there is some recapping, I have no idea how she acquired said tame cop! Fran's in the same vein as Joyce Holms's Fizz – an alternative young woman with a gob on her. Fortunately Fran's not quite as annoying as Fizz, as she is far less self-centred. The narrative reminds me very much of Judith Cutler's books – good-humoured but a bit too much chat! Granger's strength is her portrayal of London with all its wealth and poverty. And she has a sharp eye for characters as well. I rather liked Fran's long-suffering friend Ganash, torn between fussing over her, and his demanding family (dear Uncle Hari who enjoys a good moan!). Even though Fran has a tendency to chatter a bit too much, this is a pleasant and likeable book, told with humour and compassion.
Reviewed by Sharon Wheeler, May 2007
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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