This is a wonderful story of a ten-year-old girl and her pals who grow up in a run-down village in the west of Scotland in the late 1960's.
Their suffering and hardship through all sorts of parential abuse sets the scene for a story that is both evocative, haunting and humerous.
Thoroughly enjoyable and written with simpathy and style!
Tim rating ***

Ruth Rendell is a master of storeytelling and this is the first book of hers that I have read.

Inspector Wexford and his team tackle another murder mystery and as it resolves the reader is lead through a web of names and personalities that only the Author can deliver in her easily-readable and understandable way. Disappointing ending!

Tim rating **