Grave Expectations is a thoroughly modern murder mystery.
We follow Claire, a 30 something psychic, who is providing entertainment for an old uni friends family party and her best friend Sophie tags along, but then Sophie is always tagging along because she’s been haunting Claire since her death when they were 17.
We are introduced to a great cast of characters, a grumpy ex-cop and his teenage nibling, a terrifying monk, a helpful, albeit slightly pervy ghostly gardener and some truly awful home counties toffs who all convene at Nana’s birthday party where Claire uncovers a murder… maybe?
Without a body or a motive Claire and Sophie are determined to solve this murder.
It’s a quirky and clever take on a classic whodunnit and a light cosy read that I am undoubtedly the target audience for. Think Thursday Murder Club, sitcom Ghosts and some Reece Shearsmith-esque darkness with hilarious take downs of millennials which left me feeling personally victimised and searing insults that can only be delivered by a 17 year old.
I wanted to be Claire’s mate, she is funny, flighty and a bit weird and as the story unfolds you discover more about her issues and her lifestyle which keep you firmly on her side and invested in her success. I hope that Bell continues Claire and Sophie’s story as I would love to hang out with them again.
