A Routine Infidelity

Edwina (“Ted”) Bristol is a gutsy, pint-sized Melbourne private investigator who, with her miniature schnauzer Miss Marple, usually exposes unfaithful spouses. When she overhears a conversation between a suspect husband and his girlfriend, she realises she’s uncovered a major fraud and finds herself involved in more sinister doings that lead to murder.

Ted isn’t afraid of challenges but can be cynical and some of her unresolved personal relationships underlie the plot. The other main characters are all well-drawn. There’s Ted’s gentle and trusting sister, Roberta (“Bob”), who seems to have been exposed to an online catfishing scam, and her neighbour Chantal, a New Age spiritual medium who Ted thinks is just another phoney until events prove otherwise. Vying for romantic attention are Joel, who’d like to be more than just a casual “friend with benefits”, and Ted’s “Swordcraft” combatant mate, the shambolic copper, Spike.

This is an easy, fast-paced and hugely entertaining read that has moments of wry humour but also some serious elements. The ending suggests this may be the beginning of a new series and I look forward to more exciting madcap adventures featuring the sassy Ted and her trusty sidekick Miss Marple. 

Four and a half stars.

(Many thanks to Better Reading previews for the ARC.)

Not published until 31 January 2023. Further links to come.

Dymocks Australia

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