Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh

It feels good to start a new year with a book that you know will have you turning the pages and be a compelling read. With that in mind, I started my reading year with Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh, knowing that this author was highly likely to satisfy my needs. I was not disappointed.

This is book 3 of the Ffion Morgan/Leo Brady detective series set in border country between Wales and England. As I live in Cheshire and I'm in the process of moving house, there was a lot to like for me. 

The premise is a good one. Unusual burglaries on The Hill, an exclusive housing development in Cheshire, corrupt estate agents, plus details of a cold case that goes back years. Naturally, we get the feeling these plot lines will all cross at some point. The mystery had me guessing all the way through and changing my mind only to be foiled again. Characters are well formed and this time around, I even had some sympathy for Leo's ex-wife at the hands of those who lived further up the hill. What a despicable bunch! I loved some of the descriptions - 'enough product to make his hair look like a lego mini fig model,' was one that had me hooting with laughter. 

At the end it played out as anticipated but was no less entertaining as a result.

I love this series by Clare and it's hard to say whether this or book 1 - The Last Party is my favourite. I can't wait to read the next instalment.