Nosy Neighbors

I liked this more than “The Last Chance Library” so I guess it should get a five star but it’s not like it’s as good as “Pride and Prejudice”. Nah, I’m holding back but a very strong four.

Grumpy older woman Dorothy is a nosy neighbor and after her apartment complex has been listed for demolition and one of the other residents is attack, grumpy Dorothy and standoffish Kat are joining forces.

Some more cozy vibes than “The Last Chance Library” and maybe Sampson should head for a full blown cozy next?

Oh and in my mind Dorothy was Miriam Margolyes, I could hear her voice.

3.5 stars. Surprisingly insightful British women's fiction with a hint of mystery and a dash of romance. I found myself more engaged with the main characters than I expected, given the chirpy blurb. The bond between Kat (motherless daughter) and Dorothy (daughterless mother) is predictable but the path Sampson takes to get there has some surprises and depth. I'm always happy to see a septuagenarian woman taken seriously. Other positive notes: a found family vibe, a smart Jack Russell terrier (is there any other kind?), and an ending that is upbeat but not treacly. I'm off to check out Freya Sampson's two previous novels.

3.5. I always like a mildly complicated people-becoming-better-people story, you know, by taking time to listen and empathize and connect.