You are right. And yes she’s one to add to your list. Enjoy!

Yes - I like to read more of Gardam - I’ve read and loved the Old Filth trilogy, but little else. But as you say, she’s pretty popular already.

Great series of reviews. I hope someone else may do STW next year, but also that you find someone else that I could learn to love. I haven't read either Storm Jameson or Alice Thomas Ellis so either would be fine for me. Jane Gardham might be another possibility? or is she too well known? Please put me in the draw for The True Heart. x

Indeed. Yes you are right about the potential anchoress - no reason, just seems nobody can be bothered to do anything about it

Sounds wonderful. Definitely my next STW read.

Yes indeed. I’m. Now reading her earlier novel, The Spoilt Kill, also in BL. It’s excellent too.

Sounds like a wonderful collection. You've made me long to read it.

This is such a good one, Helen - I know you’ll enjoy it. I’ve read Snow - liked that too

Aha! I actually didn't remember that this was coming soon but I recently got The Corner That Held Them on someone's recommendation and am halfway through reading it. So I'll be able to contribute. Hooray.

Yes I read your review Liz. I didn’t expect to enjoy this at all, so I was delighted to find out how much I did! Yes poor woman a total monster.

Yes it’s excellent Helen. I’m sure you’ll like it. I’ve read lots of Elizabeth Taylor but not The Soul of Kindness. Must seek it out.

Thanks Simon. I’ve found Delafield’s complete works on kindle for 99p so I’ll certainly be reading more soon.

Yes, isn’t it Claire. I could just see myself in that chair by the fire.

You’ve got a real treat in store then! Do read The Rector’s Daughter - it’s superb.

It is beautifully produced, Liz, and so worth reading!

It is really is, Hayley. What a pity she wrote so few novels - she was excellent!

It is indeed. I should have mentioned Florrie who is another lovely character.

You are quite right Michele. I've changed it. Many thanks for pointing this out.

The Scapegoat is brilliant (don’t watch the Alec Guinness film as that is rather a travesty). If you decide to go back to Goddard, this would be a great place to start.

I think these books would be an excellent distraction. He writes well and keeps up the interest and curiosity throughout what is often a very long novel!

Way better indeed!

Hi Jessica. I have to admit that it didn’t bother me like it did you. I can absolutely understand your reaction but I guess in the 1950s it would have been more acceptable. Not saying that’s a good thing but it certainly wouldn’t have been viewed as abuse. It used to be customary to slap someone who was having hysterics, but not now. I don’t think it’s exactly that she has learned her lesson - rather, the two of them had reached a bad place and she didn’t know how she stood with him and was angry because of it. But then she finds he loves her and realises she loves him too. After all we saw much earlier that she had feelings for him.. that’s my take on it anyway.

You are so right Joy. She is a superb writer.

It is really lovely Liz. Do read it!

The review makes it sound great. thanks to you I am also addicted to Line of Duty.. just started season 5. Loved the first four but this hasn't grabbed me yet. I expect it will.