Hmmm. Right. So, this book. 

This is expertly written. The characters are rich and vivid. The writing is immersive. The plot is predictable, but gripping. 

And yet…

I want to love this book. I really do. But I cannot. The conservative (and Conservative) leanings are just too transparent. 

There’s repeated Covid denialism. There’s the implication that the scrutiny into the Metropolitan Police has resulted in them no longer doing proper cop work (Macpherson report – what’s that?). There’s the gross (and I mean  gross) stereotypes of immigrants. There’s the way (wealthy Tory) Westminster council is shown in sharp contrast to less wealthy Labour-run councils.

Oh, and let’s not forget the main character and her friends are members of the Conservative Party. 

So, yeah. I wanted to like it. But no.