ISBN Poison Garden book Crime fiction English 400 pages

Serena Mackesy’s bio states that she was ‘raised by wolves,’ and writes novels under the name of Alex Marwood. Wonderful novels at that.She’s imaginative, sly, funny, brutal, beautifully descriptive - and surely mad.I'm not going to write a synopsis, as others have done a masterful job already. This review is about the actual read itself–dynamic and evocative, peopled with expertly crafted characters.This tale circles from arc to arc until the reader realizes that what they thought was happening, wasn’t true after all. Or was it..?The novel follows the awkwardness and wonder of a life-long cult member, Romy, experiencing the world outside of her own. Everything is brand new to her, things most of us take as a matter of course, such as how to use money, navigate transportation or what to do with a rental flat. (Romy’s first taste of jerk chicken from vendor was so enticingly described, I had to run out and get some!)The story began with a deceptively moderate pace that nonetheless wouldn’t let me set the book down. And then it sped up! What began as a slightly sinister tale spun back on itself and became a gasp-out-loud, wicked romp of a read.I was only sorry when it was over. (It’s the difficulty of figuring out what to read next, after such a fun book, I’m sure some of you know what I mean.)I continued to think about it for some time…I highly recommend all of the Alex Marwood novels, and this soon to be released (in the US) gem will not disappoint.