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ClareR (5589 KP) rated Shrines of Gaiety in Books

Dec 5, 2022  
Shrines of Gaiety
Shrines of Gaiety
Kate Atkinson | 2022 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What can I write to do this book justice, other than say “just read it?” I have to admit to not having read much Kate Atkinson before - only the first Jackson Brodie novel, which I loved - but I really feel I should read more of her books!

Shrines of Gaiety is set in the 1920’s, post First World War, and encompasses post war life with all of its excesses, poverty, grief and debauchery.

Nellie Coker is a self made woman who owns a series of nightclubs in London. She’s a single mother, and five of her six children help her to run her empire (the sixth is too young). How she came to own these clubs is a mystery. But the chances are that it wasn’t legal money!

Then there are the 14 year old runaways, Freda and Florence, who want to take to the stage to find fame and fortune.

Detective Chief Inspector Frobisher is determined to bring Nellie Coker and her corrupt empire down, as well as the corrupt police officers that support her. He also becomes involved in the search for the two runaways, thanks to Gwendoline Kelling, a librarian who has inherited a considerable amount of money. She’s a friend of one of the runaways sister, and vows to find her.

I won’t just regurgitate the story, that’s no fun, and you need to read this book for yourself! Needless to say, I loved these characters - the whole novel in fact! It’s a gripping, entertaining story, and it was a joy to read.

Very highly recommended.

Oh, and for the book cover fans, it’s a gorgeous one!