Long, Long Afternoon: The captivating mystery for fans of Small Pleasures and Mad Men

Inga Vesper's debut novel, The Long, Long Afternoon, is a 1950s set debut mystery that delves into inequality, broken dreams, and quiet desperation behind a picture-perfect facade. Set in Sunnylakes, California, the novel follows the disappearance of Joyce Haney, wife, and mother, and explores the secrets behind the perfect world of the Haney family. The family's help, Ruby Wright, knows more about the secrets than anyone, and she must help the detective in charge of the case. The novel is a page-turning mystery and an intoxicating vision of the ways in which women are diminished, silenced, and under-estimated.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2021
Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd

The Long, Long Afternoon is a captivating debut novel that delves into the complexities of a 1950s suburban community. Set in the picturesque town of Sunnylakes, California, the story follows the disappearance of Joyce Haney, the wife and mother of two children. As the search for Joyce intensifies, the focus shifts to her family's maid, Ruby Wright, who may hold the key to unraveling the mystery.

The novel is a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and social commentary, exploring themes of inequality, broken dreams, and quiet desperation behind a façade of perfection. The writing is remarkably assured, with a keen eye for detail and a vivid portrayal of the characters and their surroundings.

The characters in The Long, Long Afternoon are well-developed and relatable, each with their own secrets and motivations. Ruby, the family's maid, is a complex figure who is fiercely loyal to her employers but also carries a burden of silence and secrets of her own. Joyce, the missing woman, is portrayed as a loving and devoted mother, but her disappearance reveals a darker side of her personality.

The setting of Sunnylakes is vividly described, with the long, hot summer afternoons providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama. The reader is transported to the era through the author's meticulous attention to detail, from the well-trimmed lawns and starched curtains to the social norms and prejudices of the time.

The mystery in The Long, Long Afternoon is carefully crafted, with layers of secrets and lies gradually revealed. The reader is kept guessing until the satisfying finale, which leaves no doubt that the characters' lives will never be the same again.

In conclusion, The Long, Long Afternoon is a remarkable debut novel that offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of a 1950s suburban community. With its assured writing, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting, the book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and a thought-provoking exploration of societal issues.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838772284