The Mystery of Mercy Close

I first read a review paperback of this novel back when it was published. Regular readers of Marian Keyes will be aware of the Walsh sisters series of books and this is #5 and concerns the youngest, Helen. This version of Helen, who works as a Dublin-based Private Investigator, doesn't really chime with the character, who really came to life in the other four books. In addition, the depression storyline is just too clunky to ring true; granted that Keyes was experiencing a major depressive episode at the same time as writing this, but maybe a separate non-fiction book should have been penned instead.

The reason for the three star rating is that the novel is just too long - doesn't Keyes' editor ever, er ... edit? It could have been cut down to the standard chick lit length of say, 7 to 8 hours without losing a great deal except the padding.

The narrator on the other hand, was excellent and managed to convey a series of characters with consummate ease, although Artie sounded northern Irish. It's a real pity that Keyes has decided to narrate her own work now, which is the reason why I returned 'Grown Ups'.

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fab!

loved this, even though the twists and turns of Helen's mind do make it confusing sometimes. written so well, with MK usual compassion and wit

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Both entertaining and thought provoking.

I particularly like this addition to the Walsh family story. Nothing in the other books about the Walshes gives any indication as to the complexities of Helen’s character which makes this book even more interesting and enjoyable. Helen is very believable as both a formidable woman and a woman trying to hide and control her inner demons. The supporting cast of characters are well developed and consistent, with none of them superfluous to the story. The narration wasn’t as good as others who have narrated Marian’s books but some of them are very hard acts to follow. Because of the narration, I preferred the written version to the audio book.

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Like the story not the narrator

The narrator ruins this story. All the males voices sound the same and her voice is very monotone and monotonous.

I’ve read the book and it’s a good story classic Marian if a bit darker than normal but for me the narrator ruins this story. It’d be better if re-record with another narrator

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A good story if you are running out of options

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was time spent - I'm glad I have listened to it, however, it took a while to really get into and I had to focus on listening which was unfortunate.

If you’ve listened to books by Marian Keyes before, how does this one compare?

I really enjoy listening to Marian Keyes books, but I was not 100% sure I truly enjoyed this book. It was a distraction rather then something I really wanted to listen to.

Which character – as performed by Niamh Daly – was your favourite?

The main Character

Did The Mystery of Mercy Close inspire you to do anything?

No not really.

Any additional comments?

If you are comparing this and another book, take the other book,

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4 people found this helpful

Hilarious

What did you like most about The Mystery of Mercy Close?

It was funny but dealt with a serious issue in a sensitive but factual way
I thought Mammy Welsh was as funny as ever; some parts made me cry with laughter and one with sadness.
A great read/listen - would recommend

What did you like best about this story?

All of it - hugely entertaining

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When we had to deal with the main characters severe depression and her almost indifference to dealing with her condition in any other way but following it through to the end in her own way

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3 people found this helpful

Not her best

Really enjoyed Rachel’s holiday and even recommended it to many friends, however I found this one a bit disappointing, definitely not as good as Rachel’s holiday, for me the main character is not very likely and I find it hard to relate to her, doesn’t seem like much actually happens during the course of the book. I would 100% choose Rachel’s holiday over this one.

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Very focused on manic depression

Not as funny as other Marion Keyes books. Too much focus on depression and too little on the plot. A bit rambling in places. Very well read though. All Marion Keyes fans will get it anyway and it's worth a listen, just. I have to confess it made me depressed listening to it, a bit too close to the truth. Not an uplifting book.

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Mercy Close

I think this is my least favourite book, I couldn’t get on with the narrator and it kind of just really really dragged.

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Slow burner

Really missed Ms Keyes’ voice having listened to the previous books but it wasn’t too long till I got used to and enjoyed Niamh Daly’s narration. Wasn’t sure about the story at first but again wasn’t too long till I started looking forward to hearing more.

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