A Novel Solution by Sue Clark

Trish’s self-esteem is at rock bottom in A Novel Solution, Sue Clark’s witty, satirical second novel. Her husband is unfaithful, her adult daughters are selfish and her boss underrates her. When Trish finds herself alone and out of a job, she decides to repair her shattered confidence by writing a best-selling book. As she has no idea how to go about this, she signs up for individual writing lessons. The tutor she chooses, Amanda Turner, is a self-styled celebrity author whose teaching method is to charge Trish a lot of money for being insulted. But Trish persists with the lessons, because she genuinely believes Amanda will teach her how to become a successful writer. After a few visits to her tutor’s gloomy mansion, Trish becomes convinced that Amanda is in danger from Pavel, her Eastern European live-in handyman. A persistent bad smell and a disused ochre pit in the woods contribute to this conclusion. Because she has begun to think of Amanda as a sort of friend, kind-hearted Trish sets out to save her from what she fears will be a horrid fate.

Sue Clark uses clever writing techniques to emphasise her main character’s inner conflicts. Trish’s inner voice is personified as Ivy, who comments on and appraises her efforts to better herself. As well as being very funny, Ivy helps to explain why Trish sticks like glue to the arrogant Amanda. Anyone who has been through the mill of overpriced creative writing courses will enjoy an extra level of humour. Clark also avoids stereotypes, which is difficult to do when writing a cosy thriller. From Trish’s cheating husband Gregory to Felicity the librarian, all of her characters are original and entertaining.

I also enjoyed Sue Clark’s beautifully written, relatable first novel Note to Boy. I heartily recommend both of her novels as pacy, entertaining reads which will make you giggle. To paraphrase Trish’s dream review – these are great books. Buy them!