Lesley Pearse’s latest novel is set in the early 70’s in London. Amelia lives alone in a bedsit and workers at West London Weekly newspaper, not as a journalist but selling advertising. One evening on her way home from work she spots some really trendy white boots on the top of a heap of rubbish. London is beset by a refuse collection strike and power cuts happening daily. The boots are just too much to pass up, only when Amelia goes to pull them out, they have legs in them and are attached to a dead young woman. Scared out of her wits a local man, she knew from her street hears her scream, calls the police and comforts her while they wait. Suddenly Amelia’s life is turned upside down. The editor of her paper sends her round to meet the grieving family to get some salacious gossip to print, only Amelia convinces the editor, Jack, to let her write a more heartfelt piece. From that point on life for Amelia goes from calm and boring to fast paced and scary. In a blink of an eye Amelia has a kind caring boyfriend a job with prospects, what could be better? Then there’s a second murder and Amelia is convinced the murders are not random and she is determined to find the connection whatever it takes. This is a fabulous novel with wonderful touches that bring to life an ordinary young girl working and living in London, trying to give herself a better life having escaped a violent father and drunken apathetic mother. Yet another great read from Lesley Pearse,

Whenever I hear that Lesley Pearse has a new book out I am always eager to read it. Yet again this author has not let me down and has written another brilliant story. I was hooked on this book from the first page . A great read.

Murders set in 1970. Amelia White is passing loads of rubbish rotting on the pavements, as the garbage collectors are on strike when she spots a pair of white boots. She’s astounded that such expensive boots are being thrown away in the trash and decides to check the size to see if they’ll fit her. The only problem is that once she tugs the boots – she discovers that they’re attached to a body – that of a young girl. Amelia works for The West London Weekly, selling advertising. When she tells her editor about discovering the body, he encourages her to meet with the family and write an exclusive article on the young girl. Two more murders follow and Amelia is convinced that the girls are somehow linked. She takes it upon herself to try to prove what the connection is. The storyline about the murders has been explored by other authors. Instead of the police finding the murderer, Amelia, with no training, turns into the sleuth. Unfortunately, her judgement of men lacks the same foresight! I couldn’t connect with any of the characters and found the plot farfetched. It’s disappointing because I had heard that Lesley Pearce was an author of merit – unfortunately, I doubt if I’ll be reading any further books by her. Bluebell Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.