This Lovely City is the gripping mystery that you need to read this weekend.
The book sweeps the reader back in time, taking place between 1948 and 1950: with the Blitz over and London reeling from war, jazz musician Lawrie Matthews has answered England’s call for help.
Fresh off the Empire Windrush, he’s taken a tiny room in south London lodgings, and has fallen head-over-heels in love with the girl next door.
Touring Soho’s music halls by night, pacing the streets as a postman by day, Lawrie has poured his heart and soul into his new home – and it’s alive with possibility.
That is, until he makes a terrible discovery one morning - one which sends his life into a spiral.
As the local community rallies together, it isn't long until fingers are pointed and the blame is placed a the feet of those who had only just recently been welcomed with open arms.
And, before long, the newest arrivals become the prime suspects in a tragedy which threatens to tear the city apart.
Louise Hare's novel paints a vivid and unforgettable novel, mixing the experiences of Lawrie and Evie - the girl next door - in a way that will have you hooked from the first page of the novel until the very last.
And while there's the mystery at the heart of the novel,
This Lovely City is also an atmospheric tale of love, friendship and betrayal - and is one one that you won't regret adding to your reading list.
- This Lovely City by Louise Hare, published by HQ, is available now.
