The Couple at No. 9

This appears to me my first introduction to Claire Douglas (although I swear I’ve read other books by her but not according to GR 🤷‍♀️), and I must say, I am a fan. I’m already on the hunt for more of her books!

Saffy and her boyfriend Tom have moved into 9 Skelton Place, an English cottage given to them by her grandmother, Rose, who is suffering from dementia. Saffron is pregnant, and she and Tom begin renovating and expanding the cottage. They are shocked when the builders unearth two skeletons in the garden. Police say that the skeletons have been there for approximately 30 years – exactly the timeframe in which Saffy’s grandmother lived in the cottage. Saffy, who is very close to her grandmother, never even knew about the cottage until Rose developed dementia, which makes her question Rose’s secrecy. Saffy reaches out to her mother, Lorna, who is somewhat estranged from Saffy and Rose and lives in Spain with her much-younger boyfriend. Lorna has only vague recollections about the cottage but as a media circus has descended upon Skelton Place, she leaves Spain and comes to England to help Saffy and Tom. Saffy and Lorna set out to find out from Rose what she might know about the bodies but unraveling the truth affects all 3 generations of women and jeopardizes the entire family.

I really enjoyed the dual timelines – 2016 and the 1980’s – but I must admit I enjoyed Rose’s story in the past the most. The book is told from the POV of Saffy, Lorna, Rose, and Theo (although Theo seemed almost like a throw-in character). I honestly loved Lorna and Rose – they were strong-willed, resilient women, with a tenuous bond that felt believable. Saffy, eh, not so much. Her actions annoyed me much of the book – especially her reaction to the “big twist”. I thought her mother was a much more interesting character! Were there a few unbelievable moments? Yes. Did Lorna remember a bit too much as a 3-year old child but then did not recall the most important thing of all? Yes. Did I guess the twist before it was revealed? Yes. Did any of it take away from overall enjoyment? No. I thought the writing was phenomenal, and I raced through the book in two sittings.

In the end, a twisty mystery with a fantabulous ending. It’s one of those books that I finished several days ago but still remember every single thing about it – always a sign of a winner in my book! 4 stars.