The True Tale of Jezbel Cole by Karen Mason

Yet another winner by Karen Mason. Her fifth novel, this is a story about a writer with a secret past. Starting in the early seventies, it tells the story of Patsy Keegan/Patty Belleville and her family. It is written from the point of view of her eldest daughter Sasha, who investigates the disappearance of her mother in mysterious circumstances. There are then regular flashbacks telling us the story in between. The book is set in London and West Ireland, and goes back and forth from the seventies to the present day.

As with all of Karen Mason’s novels, it is filled with interesting characters, a good plot, and is a well paced story with grittiness and all aspects of the social make up of the time. I loved the contemporary style of her writing and always look forward to reading these books and passing them on to friends and family.

There is only one tiny criticism (and it’s not really even a criticism) I just wish her books were a bit longer! She has the ability to write a big blockbuster; her books are so good I would just love the stories to go on and on!

*****

Carmel Madden

The True Tale of Jezebel Cole is available from the author’s website

http://authorkarenmason.wordpress.com/the-true-tale-of-jezebel-cole/

and will be available from Amazon.co.uk from August 2010