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The End of Cuthbert Close
From bestselling author Cassie Hamer, comes a hilarious tale of warring neighbours in Australian suburbia, with a mystery at its heart.
'Captures Australian suburbia perfectly. Has the reader gripped until the end. Perfect for anyone who wants to devour easy-to-read fiction, while also doing some detective work of their own.' Mamamia
You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your neighbours. (Trad. proverb, origin: Australian suburbia)
Food stylist Cara, corporate lawyer Alex and stay-at-home mum Beth couldn't be more different. If it wasn't for the fact they live next door to each other in Cuthbert Close, they'd never have met and bonded over Bundt cake. The Close is an oasis of calm and kindness. The kind of street where kids play cricket together and neighbours pitch in each year for an end of summer party.
But no one's told Charlie Devine, glamorous wife of online lifestyle guru, The Primal Guy. When she roars straight into the party with her huge removal truck and her teenage daughter with no care or regard for decades-old tradition, the guacamole really hits the fan.
Cara thinks the family just needs time to get used to the village-like atmosphere. Beth wants to give them home cooked meals to help them settle in. Alex, says it's an act of war. But which one of them is right? Dead guinea pigs, cruelly discarded quiches, missing jewellery, commercial sabotage and errant husbands are just the beginning of a train of disturbing and rapidly escalating events that lead to a shocking climax.
When the truth comes out, will it be the end of Cuthbert Close?
'Captures Australian suburbia perfectly. Has the reader gripped until the end. Perfect for anyone who wants to devour easy-to-read fiction, while also doing some detective work of their own.' Mamamia
You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your neighbours. (Trad. proverb, origin: Australian suburbia)
Food stylist Cara, corporate lawyer Alex and stay-at-home mum Beth couldn't be more different. If it wasn't for the fact they live next door to each other in Cuthbert Close, they'd never have met and bonded over Bundt cake. The Close is an oasis of calm and kindness. The kind of street where kids play cricket together and neighbours pitch in each year for an end of summer party.
But no one's told Charlie Devine, glamorous wife of online lifestyle guru, The Primal Guy. When she roars straight into the party with her huge removal truck and her teenage daughter with no care or regard for decades-old tradition, the guacamole really hits the fan.
Cara thinks the family just needs time to get used to the village-like atmosphere. Beth wants to give them home cooked meals to help them settle in. Alex, says it's an act of war. But which one of them is right? Dead guinea pigs, cruelly discarded quiches, missing jewellery, commercial sabotage and errant husbands are just the beginning of a train of disturbing and rapidly escalating events that lead to a shocking climax.
When the truth comes out, will it be the end of Cuthbert Close?
464 pages, ebook
Published March 23, 2020
26 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Hamer
7 books100 followersCassie Hamer has a professional background in journalism and PR, but now much prefers the world of fiction over fact. She has published four novels, which focus on the dark side of suburbia.
Cassie lives in Sydney with her terrific husband, three, mostly-terrific daughters, and a labradoodle, Charlie, who is the least demanding member of the family. In between making school lunches and walking the dog, Cassie is also working on her next novel but always has time to connect with other passionate readers via her website – CassieHamer.com – or through social media.
You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Cassie lives in Sydney with her terrific husband, three, mostly-terrific daughters, and a labradoodle, Charlie, who is the least demanding member of the family. In between making school lunches and walking the dog, Cassie is also working on her next novel but always has time to connect with other passionate readers via her website – CassieHamer.com – or through social media.
You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 16, 2020
Cuthbert Close in typical middle class Australian suburbia is a close, friendly street where everyone gets on, look out for each other's kids and close the street at the end of summer for an annual street party. That is until glamorous neighbour Charlie Devine, wife of a popular online health guru, and her teenage daughter move into the street. Then all sorts of things start to go wrong.
I very much enjoyed this warmly humorous take of life in suburbia and the three very different women, a corporate lawyer, a food stylist and a stay at home mother, who form a special friendship and share life's ups and downs together. Over the course of the difficulties they face they all come to realise what it is they most want out of life and even though Cuthbert Close may never be the same again they will always be best friends.
With thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for a copy to read.
I very much enjoyed this warmly humorous take of life in suburbia and the three very different women, a corporate lawyer, a food stylist and a stay at home mother, who form a special friendship and share life's ups and downs together. Over the course of the difficulties they face they all come to realise what it is they most want out of life and even though Cuthbert Close may never be the same again they will always be best friends.
With thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for a copy to read.
March 18, 2020
Three friends, Cara, Alex and Beth all lived at the end of Cuthbert Close. They had been friends for years and their camaraderie was relaxed and casual. Their annual end of summer street party was in full swing when a removalist truck appeared at the end of the street, determined to drive through them all to the vacant house at the end. That was how they met the glamorous Charlie Devine and her teenage daughter Talia. Their dislike of Charlie was instant but they were going to be neighbours, so Beth took a home cooked quiche to welcome them…
As things began to go wrong within the Close and with Beth, Cara and Alex, their lives entered previously uncharted areas. Alex was doing her best to make a decision in her position as a corporate lawyer, while her five-year-old twins had her hair going gray; Cara and her daughter Poppy were feeling very insecure and Beth wondered what was going on with Max. The new business the three women had started suddenly came under fire – was it sabotage? What was going on? Was the peace and tranquility of Cuthbert Close coming to an end?
The End of Cuthbert Close is my first read of Aussie author Cassie Hamer’s writing, and I enjoyed the closeness between the three neighbours and friends who are the main characters. Typical suburbia with humour, family, friendships, motherhood and money struggles combined with a seriously tricky mystery made The End of Cuthbert Close a highly readable story which I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As things began to go wrong within the Close and with Beth, Cara and Alex, their lives entered previously uncharted areas. Alex was doing her best to make a decision in her position as a corporate lawyer, while her five-year-old twins had her hair going gray; Cara and her daughter Poppy were feeling very insecure and Beth wondered what was going on with Max. The new business the three women had started suddenly came under fire – was it sabotage? What was going on? Was the peace and tranquility of Cuthbert Close coming to an end?
The End of Cuthbert Close is my first read of Aussie author Cassie Hamer’s writing, and I enjoyed the closeness between the three neighbours and friends who are the main characters. Typical suburbia with humour, family, friendships, motherhood and money struggles combined with a seriously tricky mystery made The End of Cuthbert Close a highly readable story which I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2020
Cuthbert Close reminded me a lot of Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, a show that was so deliciously addictive. Last year I read After The Party by Cassie Hamer and really enjoyed it. I have to say that I think that I liked The End of Cuthbert Close even more.
Cuthbert Close is a typical middle class street that could be anywhere in Australia. It tells the story of a close knit community, in particular three women and their families. Cara, Beth and Alex are so different and yet such great friends. they would do anything for each other. Their friendship is tight...and then Charlie Devine and her teenage daughter move in to the street. She is not like them - she is glamourous and the wife of a famous online health blogger. She threatens to disturb their lives, but in a good or bad way?
It is a story of friendships and bonds, family and money struggles, motherhood and being working women in this day and age. It was a very relatable storyline for me, and I felt connected to these women in many ways. It would be lovely to live in a place like this where everybody looks out for each other. It is funny and emotional and I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Cuthbert Close is a typical middle class street that could be anywhere in Australia. It tells the story of a close knit community, in particular three women and their families. Cara, Beth and Alex are so different and yet such great friends. they would do anything for each other. Their friendship is tight...and then Charlie Devine and her teenage daughter move in to the street. She is not like them - she is glamourous and the wife of a famous online health blogger. She threatens to disturb their lives, but in a good or bad way?
It is a story of friendships and bonds, family and money struggles, motherhood and being working women in this day and age. It was a very relatable storyline for me, and I felt connected to these women in many ways. It would be lovely to live in a place like this where everybody looks out for each other. It is funny and emotional and I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
March 21, 2020
This is one of those books where you get so caught up in the characters and their relationships that it is almost impossible to put down.
I loved the friendship between the three main characters and the support they gave each other. I found the story humorous and entertaining and, for the most part, realistic. For a book which was basically a suburban drama there was a good little mystery thrown in as well, although I guessed the culprit fairly early on.
It was well paced, not too long, engaging and funny. Very well worth reading
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book
I loved the friendship between the three main characters and the support they gave each other. I found the story humorous and entertaining and, for the most part, realistic. For a book which was basically a suburban drama there was a good little mystery thrown in as well, although I guessed the culprit fairly early on.
It was well paced, not too long, engaging and funny. Very well worth reading
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book
March 29, 2022
4.5.
Do you still miss Desperate Housewives as much as I do?
Are you a big fan of Liane Moriarty?
If your answer to either of the above (or both) is yes, then The End of Cuthbert Close was the Australian version of the TV show, Cassie Hamer’s domestic noir in a similar vein to Moriarty’s.
There was drama, intrigue, hilarity, romance, mystery, misunderstandings, work/life balance struggles, marriage and parenting issues, neighbour disputes, an unbreakable, supportive, times-three female friendship to weather any storm, and a cul-de-sac suburban street setting on the outskirts of a nameless Australian city.
Chapters alternated between three female friends, who all lived in a row on Cuthbert Close. And, I loved all three narrators, and households.
Alex O’Rourke – a corporate lawyer, married to chiropractor James, mother to five-year-old twins Noah and Jasper.
Beth Chandler – a homemaker, married to real estate agent Max, mother to Ethan (17) and Chloe (13).
Cara Pope – a food stylist, widowed, single mother to eight-year-old Poppy.
There were also intermittent email newsletters to his subscribers from Ryan Devine a.ka. Instagram star, The Primal Guy (a lifestyle guru who promoted a hunter/gatherer style of clean living). The Primal Guy (currently away on business in the US) is the husband of new neighbour Charlie Devine, who, along with her sixteen-year-old daughter Talia in tow, literally crashed the Cuthbert Close annual street party and, from that point on, continuously disrupts Alex, Beth, and Cara’s carefully ordered lives, resulting in utter chaos and great uncertainty.
As my tagline states, this novel definitely had some things in common with Desperate Housewives. Charlie Devine, the outsider and invader just like Eddie Britt. Twins Noah and Jasper were as cheeky, mischievous, and adorable as Porter and Preston. And there was even a culinary endeavour reminiscent of Bree Van de Camp’s garage test kitchen.
Trigger warning for the death of an animal – Henny the guinea pig was killed by Banjo the cat (offsite). It was near the beginning, so you don’t really get to know Henny, but still horrible for animal lovers such as myself. But, and this is going to sound in poor taste, the burial scene was laugh out loud, and made me think of the scene where they bury the budgie in the movie Poltergeist, which I also find amusing every time I watch it.
This was a fun, light witty read. None of the twists were particularly surprising, but they’re want you want to happen, and in this genre the lack of surprise never really bothers me. There were two surprises that I didn’t see coming though, so that was really cool. I loved how it all wrapped up. Who doesn’t love a happy ending? And, the last sentence was a neat idea to close with.
I went back-and-forth between the e-book and audio-book, and narrator Rebecca Macauley’s lively style of narration had me utterly entranced. She is also the reader for Cassie Hamer’s previous novel, After the Party, so, add that to the many reasons I can’t wait to read it.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, HQ Australia, and Cassie Hamer for the e-ARC.
Do you still miss Desperate Housewives as much as I do?
Are you a big fan of Liane Moriarty?
If your answer to either of the above (or both) is yes, then The End of Cuthbert Close was the Australian version of the TV show, Cassie Hamer’s domestic noir in a similar vein to Moriarty’s.
There was drama, intrigue, hilarity, romance, mystery, misunderstandings, work/life balance struggles, marriage and parenting issues, neighbour disputes, an unbreakable, supportive, times-three female friendship to weather any storm, and a cul-de-sac suburban street setting on the outskirts of a nameless Australian city.
Chapters alternated between three female friends, who all lived in a row on Cuthbert Close. And, I loved all three narrators, and households.
Alex O’Rourke – a corporate lawyer, married to chiropractor James, mother to five-year-old twins Noah and Jasper.
Beth Chandler – a homemaker, married to real estate agent Max, mother to Ethan (17) and Chloe (13).
Cara Pope – a food stylist, widowed, single mother to eight-year-old Poppy.
There were also intermittent email newsletters to his subscribers from Ryan Devine a.ka. Instagram star, The Primal Guy (a lifestyle guru who promoted a hunter/gatherer style of clean living). The Primal Guy (currently away on business in the US) is the husband of new neighbour Charlie Devine, who, along with her sixteen-year-old daughter Talia in tow, literally crashed the Cuthbert Close annual street party and, from that point on, continuously disrupts Alex, Beth, and Cara’s carefully ordered lives, resulting in utter chaos and great uncertainty.
As my tagline states, this novel definitely had some things in common with Desperate Housewives. Charlie Devine, the outsider and invader just like Eddie Britt. Twins Noah and Jasper were as cheeky, mischievous, and adorable as Porter and Preston. And there was even a culinary endeavour reminiscent of Bree Van de Camp’s garage test kitchen.
Trigger warning for the death of an animal – Henny the guinea pig was killed by Banjo the cat (offsite). It was near the beginning, so you don’t really get to know Henny, but still horrible for animal lovers such as myself. But, and this is going to sound in poor taste, the burial scene was laugh out loud, and made me think of the scene where they bury the budgie in the movie Poltergeist, which I also find amusing every time I watch it.
This was a fun, light witty read. None of the twists were particularly surprising, but they’re want you want to happen, and in this genre the lack of surprise never really bothers me. There were two surprises that I didn’t see coming though, so that was really cool. I loved how it all wrapped up. Who doesn’t love a happy ending? And, the last sentence was a neat idea to close with.
I went back-and-forth between the e-book and audio-book, and narrator Rebecca Macauley’s lively style of narration had me utterly entranced. She is also the reader for Cassie Hamer’s previous novel, After the Party, so, add that to the many reasons I can’t wait to read it.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, HQ Australia, and Cassie Hamer for the e-ARC.
March 24, 2020
This is the first book from MS Hamer that I have read and it won’t be the last, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and her way with words, the emotions that she brings to the surface of fabulous characters. It was fun and moving as we see three neighbours and friends sort through problems that are thrown their way, I do hope that you will pick this one up and get to know Alex, Beth and Cara as I did.
Alex is a lawyer, wife and mother to twins, her life is hectic, and Beth is married with two teenage children and a stay at home Mum and food nutritionist who is a little worried about her husband at the moment and then Cara is a single mum and food stylist who works hard to keep a roof over her and her daughter’s head, these three ladies are all very different but the best of friends and all of them have problems that are causing them much concern and then a new neighbour Charlie Devine and her daughter Talia arrives in Cuthbert Close and she and her daughter are going to put a cat among the pigeons so to speak.
With the arrival of Charlie in the middle of the annual street party, Alex, Beth and Cara do their best to make her feel welcome but Charlie is pushing them away this causes much discussion and thoughts of what to do, throw in their own personal problems about what to do with husbands and jobs and a place to live and life is moving in odd directions in the normal and happy Cuthbert Close.
I truly loved this story, I loved getting to know Alex, Beth and Cara and their families they are honest real life characters with real problems who were very easy to make friends with, I think Cuthbert Close would be a lovely place to live, there are so many laughs along the way as these ladies determine what to do with their futures but above all else even when things are thrown in their paths they remain fast friends and work through emotions and uncover the truth about their new neighbour. This is a page turner at its best one that I would highly recommend, thank you MS Hamer I loved it.
Alex is a lawyer, wife and mother to twins, her life is hectic, and Beth is married with two teenage children and a stay at home Mum and food nutritionist who is a little worried about her husband at the moment and then Cara is a single mum and food stylist who works hard to keep a roof over her and her daughter’s head, these three ladies are all very different but the best of friends and all of them have problems that are causing them much concern and then a new neighbour Charlie Devine and her daughter Talia arrives in Cuthbert Close and she and her daughter are going to put a cat among the pigeons so to speak.
With the arrival of Charlie in the middle of the annual street party, Alex, Beth and Cara do their best to make her feel welcome but Charlie is pushing them away this causes much discussion and thoughts of what to do, throw in their own personal problems about what to do with husbands and jobs and a place to live and life is moving in odd directions in the normal and happy Cuthbert Close.
I truly loved this story, I loved getting to know Alex, Beth and Cara and their families they are honest real life characters with real problems who were very easy to make friends with, I think Cuthbert Close would be a lovely place to live, there are so many laughs along the way as these ladies determine what to do with their futures but above all else even when things are thrown in their paths they remain fast friends and work through emotions and uncover the truth about their new neighbour. This is a page turner at its best one that I would highly recommend, thank you MS Hamer I loved it.
April 22, 2020
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**4.5 stars**
The End of Cuthbert Close by Cassie Hamer. (2020).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 23 March 2020**
You can choose your friends, but can't choose your neighbors. Food stylist Cara, corporate lawyer Alex and stay-at-home mum Beth couldn't be more different. But they have become really close in their relaxed suburbia street. But no one's told Charlie Devine, glamorous wife of online lifestyle guru, The Primal Guy. She roars into the street with a bang with her teenage daughter. Dead guinea pigs, cruelly discarded quiches, missing jewellery, commercial sabotage and errant husbands are just the beginning of a train of disturbing and rapidly escalating events that lead to a shocking climax...
I really enjoyed this author's previous novel (After the Party) and this one was just as good. I loved the imagery of this gorgeous little street where neighbours are all close to each other but lead completely different lives. In comes Charlie, who after a few little events had ruined the lovely peace and harmony as far as Cara, Alex & Beth are concerned. There were quite a few moments where I had a little laugh (particularly the email newsletters from 'The Primal Guy', I think I snorted at every one haha). I appreciated that the narrative included and alternated between the point-of-views of Cara, Alex & Beth; I liked all three women and found all their respective situations quite interesting.
I highly recommend this engaging novel, it's another winner from this author for sure.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The End of Cuthbert Close by Cassie Hamer. (2020).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 23 March 2020**
You can choose your friends, but can't choose your neighbors. Food stylist Cara, corporate lawyer Alex and stay-at-home mum Beth couldn't be more different. But they have become really close in their relaxed suburbia street. But no one's told Charlie Devine, glamorous wife of online lifestyle guru, The Primal Guy. She roars into the street with a bang with her teenage daughter. Dead guinea pigs, cruelly discarded quiches, missing jewellery, commercial sabotage and errant husbands are just the beginning of a train of disturbing and rapidly escalating events that lead to a shocking climax...
I really enjoyed this author's previous novel (After the Party) and this one was just as good. I loved the imagery of this gorgeous little street where neighbours are all close to each other but lead completely different lives. In comes Charlie, who after a few little events had ruined the lovely peace and harmony as far as Cara, Alex & Beth are concerned. There were quite a few moments where I had a little laugh (particularly the email newsletters from 'The Primal Guy', I think I snorted at every one haha). I appreciated that the narrative included and alternated between the point-of-views of Cara, Alex & Beth; I liked all three women and found all their respective situations quite interesting.
I highly recommend this engaging novel, it's another winner from this author for sure.
September 10, 2020
The End of Cuthbert Close by Australian author Cassie Hamer was a hilarious and charming tale which reminded me of an old but well-loved TV show about the women that lived on Wisteria Lane.
I found the story captivating with an edge of mystery and your typical suburbia drama’s. Cuthbert Close is the kind of street where all the kids play together, everyone knows each other and are friendly and kind to one another....well at least it was!
It’s central characters are four very different mums, corporate lawyer Alex, stay at home mum Beth, food-stylist Cara and new to the neighbourhood the glamorous Charlie Devine, the wife of a famous online heath blogger.
Alex, Beth and Cara have a wonderful friendship and help each other through their parenting, work related and financial problems, there is a lot of realism in their experiences. The author’s character building of these women was exceptional.
Suddenly there is a chain of disturbing events at Cuthbert Close, including dead guinea pigs, husbands being bizarre and missing jewellery that leads to a shocking outcome.
A fun and amusing read about friendships, hope and drama that you couldn’t not enjoy! This story made me smile a lot, a gift when the world is currently dealing with these stressful pandemic times and bad news all around us.
I found the story captivating with an edge of mystery and your typical suburbia drama’s. Cuthbert Close is the kind of street where all the kids play together, everyone knows each other and are friendly and kind to one another....well at least it was!
It’s central characters are four very different mums, corporate lawyer Alex, stay at home mum Beth, food-stylist Cara and new to the neighbourhood the glamorous Charlie Devine, the wife of a famous online heath blogger.
Alex, Beth and Cara have a wonderful friendship and help each other through their parenting, work related and financial problems, there is a lot of realism in their experiences. The author’s character building of these women was exceptional.
Suddenly there is a chain of disturbing events at Cuthbert Close, including dead guinea pigs, husbands being bizarre and missing jewellery that leads to a shocking outcome.
A fun and amusing read about friendships, hope and drama that you couldn’t not enjoy! This story made me smile a lot, a gift when the world is currently dealing with these stressful pandemic times and bad news all around us.
May 2, 2022
The last Saturday of February is the night of the annual end-of-summer street party in Cuthbert Close. A barbeque and trestle tables have been set up in the front yard of a vacant house, ready for the festivities. This tradition is indicative of the long held chumminess between the suburban Australian neighbours, especially Cara (single mum and freelance food stylist), Beth (stay at home mum approaching a milestone wedding anniversary) and Alex (corporate lawyer and mother of tearaway twins). Although at different ages and stages these women share a bond of friendship, but their solidarity is about to be tested. A sudden southerly brings thunder, lightning and teaming rain but that’s insignificant compared to the storm about to wreak havoc on their lives with the arrival of a removalist truck and the new tenants, glamorous Charlie Devine and her teenaged daughter Talia.
Charlie rejects all friendly advances from the women, is rudely dismissive when a pet guinea pig is killed by her cat, but always seems to be in the vicinity of one husband. Cause for concern grows further when the group’s fledgling food catering enterprise’s Instagram posts are trolled and a vexatious complaint sees them temporarily put out of business by the Council’s food safety officer.
The saboteur seems obvious, but things are not as they seem and the end of Cuthbert Close comes about for entirely different reasons. Cara, Beth and Alex question their circumstances, plans and dreams, their gains and losses. Mother-guilt and lives spinning out of control is the harsh reality of their everyday existence but their sisterhood just might prevail.
This is the first novel I have read by author Cassie Hamer, but it won’t be the last. A very relatable read
Charlie rejects all friendly advances from the women, is rudely dismissive when a pet guinea pig is killed by her cat, but always seems to be in the vicinity of one husband. Cause for concern grows further when the group’s fledgling food catering enterprise’s Instagram posts are trolled and a vexatious complaint sees them temporarily put out of business by the Council’s food safety officer.
The saboteur seems obvious, but things are not as they seem and the end of Cuthbert Close comes about for entirely different reasons. Cara, Beth and Alex question their circumstances, plans and dreams, their gains and losses. Mother-guilt and lives spinning out of control is the harsh reality of their everyday existence but their sisterhood just might prevail.
This is the first novel I have read by author Cassie Hamer, but it won’t be the last. A very relatable read
May 24, 2020
The End of Cuthbert Close is the second novel by Australian author, Cassie Hamer. Is it the End of Summer Street Party on Cuthbert Close where things start to go wrong? Or have things been brewing well before that? Lawyer Alex O’Rourke has certainly been feeling the pressure of a full-time high-stress job while raising twins. But it’s not her wonderful husband, James, or her best friends and close neighbours, Beth Chandler and Cara Pope exerting the pressure; it’s Alex herself.
The annual party comes to a first-ever premature end with the arrival of a wild storm hot on the heels of the removals truck that brings a new and unexpected (by all but one) neighbour, Charlie Devine and her teen-aged daughter, Talia, the family of lifestyle and hunter-gatherer guru, Ryan Devine (aka The Primal Guy).
Beth is feeling pressure of a different sort: her children don’t seem to need her any more, and their new neighbour interprets her welcome as interfering. Young widow Cara’s ever-critical Korean mum thinks she should do more with her life: being a food stylist isn’t a proper job; she should use her accounting qualifications; and move out of that dilapidated cottage in the bulb of their cul-de-sac. But that cottage holds all her memories of Pete.
Then things ramp up a notch: for Alex, the results of the test she’s just done, a dead pet, and the call from the boys’ school principal just add to the load; Beth’s husband is exchanging concerning texts with an unknown number; Cara’s visitor brings bad news, and the man her mother has selected? Please, no! But then an evening commiseration session sparks an idea that might just save the day for some of them.
Hamer’s depiction of Cuthbert Close will strike a chord with many readers: a place where neighbours become friends. And this group of friends is easily recognisable from the ordinary people we encounter in our daily lives. Most of the characters are appealing for all their very human flaws.
The plot, which includes a fire, a missing ring, a malicious note and an unplanned haircut, has a few twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing before a very satisfactory conclusion, some aspects of which will surely surprise. Themes of holding onto the past, work-life balance and empty-nesters are explored.
The description of the Melted Snickers Mug Cake will have many readers salivating: luckily, the recipe is available in the free Cuthbert Kitchen recipe book, along with several other delicious sounding dishes, if you sign up for the author’s newsletter. A very enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and HQ Fiction.
The annual party comes to a first-ever premature end with the arrival of a wild storm hot on the heels of the removals truck that brings a new and unexpected (by all but one) neighbour, Charlie Devine and her teen-aged daughter, Talia, the family of lifestyle and hunter-gatherer guru, Ryan Devine (aka The Primal Guy).
Beth is feeling pressure of a different sort: her children don’t seem to need her any more, and their new neighbour interprets her welcome as interfering. Young widow Cara’s ever-critical Korean mum thinks she should do more with her life: being a food stylist isn’t a proper job; she should use her accounting qualifications; and move out of that dilapidated cottage in the bulb of their cul-de-sac. But that cottage holds all her memories of Pete.
Then things ramp up a notch: for Alex, the results of the test she’s just done, a dead pet, and the call from the boys’ school principal just add to the load; Beth’s husband is exchanging concerning texts with an unknown number; Cara’s visitor brings bad news, and the man her mother has selected? Please, no! But then an evening commiseration session sparks an idea that might just save the day for some of them.
Hamer’s depiction of Cuthbert Close will strike a chord with many readers: a place where neighbours become friends. And this group of friends is easily recognisable from the ordinary people we encounter in our daily lives. Most of the characters are appealing for all their very human flaws.
The plot, which includes a fire, a missing ring, a malicious note and an unplanned haircut, has a few twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing before a very satisfactory conclusion, some aspects of which will surely surprise. Themes of holding onto the past, work-life balance and empty-nesters are explored.
The description of the Melted Snickers Mug Cake will have many readers salivating: luckily, the recipe is available in the free Cuthbert Kitchen recipe book, along with several other delicious sounding dishes, if you sign up for the author’s newsletter. A very enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and HQ Fiction.
July 17, 2020
The End of Cuthbert Close is an Aussie chicklit book focusing on three friends who are all neighbours in a culdesac of an upmarket suburb (in Sydney, I assumed, although I don’t remember if it was ever really specified).
Alex’s storyline follows the struggle of juggling life as a mum (of a set of twin boys, no less) and a full time job (as a lawyer, no less). When she falls pregnant at the same time she’s offered a partnership, she has to make some decisions on how she’ll move forward.
Meanwhile her younger neighbour, Korean-Australian Cara, is facing uprooting her life and her daughter’s stability when the situation of her rental property changes. This storyline was probably the biggest romance of the book. Cara was nice enough but I would have actually liked to read more about her stubborn and emotionally closed off mother, Joy.
The third storyline was Beth’s, a mum who is at a bit of a loose end now her children are in their late teens and not as needy. While she’s wondering what to do next, Beth starts to suspect her husband might be also searching for something to do next, in the shape of an affair.
All these storylines were sweet enough but I did have a problem with their predictability. One plot point which was revealed near the end was glaringly obvious from the start and it didn’t take much to work out how the three storylines would be resolved. On the plus side, at least there was a measure of believable conflict involved with all the plots.
Actually, maybe Alex’s wasn't that believable. As in, I thought the ideas Alex’s employer suggests were a little over the top. I know it’s fiction but I just couldn’t believe a modern firm making such demands on its female employees. Not to say that I believe you can ‘do it all’ easily. I certainly never managed it and had to have a break from the workforce for a few years so I know where Hamer is coming from, however, I would imagine Sydney law firms would be more willing to accommodate women in the workforce.
Hamer’s writing style was pretty readable; she didn’t pepper her prose with long literary descriptive passages but she definitely never fell into the ‘basic’ category. And, even if I did think a few times that the three leads were a little bland, Hamer (and the publishers) did allow them to be of a ‘certain age’ (even if they were all thin and gorgeous).
I would recommend The End of Cuthbert Close if you want to while away a couple of hours with a little bit of light sweetness.
3 1/2 out of 5
Alex’s storyline follows the struggle of juggling life as a mum (of a set of twin boys, no less) and a full time job (as a lawyer, no less). When she falls pregnant at the same time she’s offered a partnership, she has to make some decisions on how she’ll move forward.
Meanwhile her younger neighbour, Korean-Australian Cara, is facing uprooting her life and her daughter’s stability when the situation of her rental property changes. This storyline was probably the biggest romance of the book. Cara was nice enough but I would have actually liked to read more about her stubborn and emotionally closed off mother, Joy.
The third storyline was Beth’s, a mum who is at a bit of a loose end now her children are in their late teens and not as needy. While she’s wondering what to do next, Beth starts to suspect her husband might be also searching for something to do next, in the shape of an affair.
All these storylines were sweet enough but I did have a problem with their predictability. One plot point which was revealed near the end was glaringly obvious from the start and it didn’t take much to work out how the three storylines would be resolved. On the plus side, at least there was a measure of believable conflict involved with all the plots.
Actually, maybe Alex’s wasn't that believable. As in, I thought the ideas Alex’s employer suggests were a little over the top. I know it’s fiction but I just couldn’t believe a modern firm making such demands on its female employees. Not to say that I believe you can ‘do it all’ easily. I certainly never managed it and had to have a break from the workforce for a few years so I know where Hamer is coming from, however, I would imagine Sydney law firms would be more willing to accommodate women in the workforce.
Hamer’s writing style was pretty readable; she didn’t pepper her prose with long literary descriptive passages but she definitely never fell into the ‘basic’ category. And, even if I did think a few times that the three leads were a little bland, Hamer (and the publishers) did allow them to be of a ‘certain age’ (even if they were all thin and gorgeous).
I would recommend The End of Cuthbert Close if you want to while away a couple of hours with a little bit of light sweetness.
3 1/2 out of 5
April 8, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘No one leaves Cuthbert Close unless they’re dying –‘
‘Or divorcing,’ Beth cut in.
‘Or drowning in debt,’ said Alex. ‘Which is basically what we are.’ She looked around. ‘I love this place, and I love you guys, and I love our home.’
The End of Cuthbert Close is a wry, revealing and connective tale. I enjoyed my first taste of Australian author Cassie Hamer’s work. I will be asking for a second, third and fourth helping of this talented storyteller’s writing.
In the bustling little community of Cuthbert Close, three women have managed to forge a relationship despite their clear differences. A place of security, non judgement and peace, the trio of Cuthbert Close have enjoyed nurturing a deep bond with one another over barbecues, cakes and parties. When a heady new neighbour enters their peaceful existence, the three friends rally together as this newcomer disrupts the equilibrium of Cuthbert Close. Each of the three friends approaches the new neighbour differently. While Cara wants to allow the new neighbour time to settle in, Beth bombards the new resident with home cooked delicacies. While Alex struggles to see eye to eye with glamorous Charlie. When things start to go missing and unexplained mishaps occur, the long term residents of Cuthbert Close can’t help but point the blame at the newest addition to their street. When the truth is revealed, it will change the relations of Cuthbert Close forever.
A favourite blogger of mine (Debbish) recently reviewed The End of Cuthbert Close and I was so taken by her post that I decided to carefully maneuver this one to the top of my rather full review book pile. I’m so glad I did, as I truly regret not having read Hamer’s debut, After the Party. I really connected to and appreciated the sardonic tone of The End of Cuthbert Close, with the well timed moments of humour, which is matched by plenty of realism.
There is a touch of Liane Moriarty in this novel and I hate to draw comparisons, but this novel has the same domestic focus, with mysterious undertones, which has been perfected by the bestselling author. I enjoyed this life lit focus, which is shaded with moments of grey and shady episodes. The End of Cuthbert Close is brimming with tension and melodrama. I could easily see this one playing out the small screen in the form of an addictive series. The atmosphere is cutting, but also comical.
The setting is fantastic. While on the one hand it is very obviously Australian, I am sure readers from any location around the world will be able to relate to life in the suburbs. Hamer’s descriptions of her locale ring true and I definitely felt grounded in this location for the length of the book.
‘The normal sounds of Cuthbert Close filtered through the open door of the shed: the wind whispering through the trees. A whip of birds taking flight. The woody music of a bamboo wind chime. A leaf blower squealing in the distance. The muted beep of a truck reversing, several streets away.’
Hamer does a fine job of outlining her characters. From Cara, Beth and Alex, though to their families, partners, employers and more, this book is filled with an eclectic character set. Although each of the three pivotal protagonists had features or behaviours I could identify with, my true affinity went to Alex. I really warmed to Alex and I looked forward to the Alex sequences in the book. Alex’s situation, which is based around her difficulties maintaining a work/life balance sucked me in.
Hamer uses The End of Cuthbert Close as a template to explore a variety of issues at the heart of modern day lifestyles. From parenting, infertility, motherhood, careers, friendship, loneliness, infidelity, finances, teen issues and life choices, these problems are examined within the umbrella theme of neighbourhood relations. Hamer’s approach is authentic, eye opening and intuitive, which ensures that the pages of The End of Cuthbert Close turn themselves.
I also need to mention the additional excerpts included in The End of Cuthbert Close. Inserted within the narrative are a series of intriguing posts made by a narrator by the name of The Primal Guy, which adds an extra layer of interest and a touch of mystery to the novel. This was an excellent device employed by the author to draw her readers further into The End of Cuthbert Close.
A gratifying novel that offers up plenty of amusement as well as understanding, The End of Cuthbert Close has wide ranging appeal. I highly recommend this title.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The End of Cuthbert Close is book #39 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘No one leaves Cuthbert Close unless they’re dying –‘
‘Or divorcing,’ Beth cut in.
‘Or drowning in debt,’ said Alex. ‘Which is basically what we are.’ She looked around. ‘I love this place, and I love you guys, and I love our home.’
The End of Cuthbert Close is a wry, revealing and connective tale. I enjoyed my first taste of Australian author Cassie Hamer’s work. I will be asking for a second, third and fourth helping of this talented storyteller’s writing.
In the bustling little community of Cuthbert Close, three women have managed to forge a relationship despite their clear differences. A place of security, non judgement and peace, the trio of Cuthbert Close have enjoyed nurturing a deep bond with one another over barbecues, cakes and parties. When a heady new neighbour enters their peaceful existence, the three friends rally together as this newcomer disrupts the equilibrium of Cuthbert Close. Each of the three friends approaches the new neighbour differently. While Cara wants to allow the new neighbour time to settle in, Beth bombards the new resident with home cooked delicacies. While Alex struggles to see eye to eye with glamorous Charlie. When things start to go missing and unexplained mishaps occur, the long term residents of Cuthbert Close can’t help but point the blame at the newest addition to their street. When the truth is revealed, it will change the relations of Cuthbert Close forever.
A favourite blogger of mine (Debbish) recently reviewed The End of Cuthbert Close and I was so taken by her post that I decided to carefully maneuver this one to the top of my rather full review book pile. I’m so glad I did, as I truly regret not having read Hamer’s debut, After the Party. I really connected to and appreciated the sardonic tone of The End of Cuthbert Close, with the well timed moments of humour, which is matched by plenty of realism.
There is a touch of Liane Moriarty in this novel and I hate to draw comparisons, but this novel has the same domestic focus, with mysterious undertones, which has been perfected by the bestselling author. I enjoyed this life lit focus, which is shaded with moments of grey and shady episodes. The End of Cuthbert Close is brimming with tension and melodrama. I could easily see this one playing out the small screen in the form of an addictive series. The atmosphere is cutting, but also comical.
The setting is fantastic. While on the one hand it is very obviously Australian, I am sure readers from any location around the world will be able to relate to life in the suburbs. Hamer’s descriptions of her locale ring true and I definitely felt grounded in this location for the length of the book.
‘The normal sounds of Cuthbert Close filtered through the open door of the shed: the wind whispering through the trees. A whip of birds taking flight. The woody music of a bamboo wind chime. A leaf blower squealing in the distance. The muted beep of a truck reversing, several streets away.’
Hamer does a fine job of outlining her characters. From Cara, Beth and Alex, though to their families, partners, employers and more, this book is filled with an eclectic character set. Although each of the three pivotal protagonists had features or behaviours I could identify with, my true affinity went to Alex. I really warmed to Alex and I looked forward to the Alex sequences in the book. Alex’s situation, which is based around her difficulties maintaining a work/life balance sucked me in.
Hamer uses The End of Cuthbert Close as a template to explore a variety of issues at the heart of modern day lifestyles. From parenting, infertility, motherhood, careers, friendship, loneliness, infidelity, finances, teen issues and life choices, these problems are examined within the umbrella theme of neighbourhood relations. Hamer’s approach is authentic, eye opening and intuitive, which ensures that the pages of The End of Cuthbert Close turn themselves.
I also need to mention the additional excerpts included in The End of Cuthbert Close. Inserted within the narrative are a series of intriguing posts made by a narrator by the name of The Primal Guy, which adds an extra layer of interest and a touch of mystery to the novel. This was an excellent device employed by the author to draw her readers further into The End of Cuthbert Close.
A gratifying novel that offers up plenty of amusement as well as understanding, The End of Cuthbert Close has wide ranging appeal. I highly recommend this title.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The End of Cuthbert Close is book #39 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
April 4, 2020
Author Cassie Hamer gifts us stories that are perfect for these stressful pandemic times: tales of quiet neighbourhoods brimming with secrets; of struggling parents trying their best; of the best-laid domestic plans resulting in epic fails; of the complicated relationships between husbands and wives, and parents and children; of the resulting hilarity of misunderstandings and miscommunications; and of the simple dreams and ambitions common throughout Australian suburbia. Her new novel The End of Cuthbert Close (HQ Fiction 2020) is a welcome breath of fresh air perfectly timed for the current mood of the world. It provides a romantic-comedy brand of escape, a light-hearted examination of the close domestic confines in which we all live, and a funny, poignant and insightful view of the dynamics of those closest to us.
The book is set in the cul-de-sac of Cuthbert Close, with the tagline: ‘You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your neighbours’. And in the opening pages, most of the neighbours in Cuthbert Close are also friends, especially the three main protagonists. Alex is a corporate lawyer trying to be the woman who does – and has – it all. With a busy career, twin five-year-old boys who can be quite a handful, and a devoted husband, Alex is like the duck sailing smoothly along the surface of the pond … but furiously paddling beneath just to keep it all together. Her friend Beth couldn’t be more different – a stay-at-home mum to two older kids, Beth has spent her life caring for her family, but when she suspects her husband might be straying from the matrimonial bed, it seems that her life might fall apart. Their friend Cara, a young widow, is desperately trying to raise her child and manage her work as a food stylist, mourning her husband gone too soon, and yearning to provide safety and stability for her daughter Poppy. The neighbourhood is close, calm and friendly. The kids play in each other’s backyards. The adults have street parties. The women cook together (food is a big part of this book and will make you want to rush straight to your kitchen to cook up a storm).
But this all threatens to come unstuck when the glamorous Charlie Devine and her teenage daughter Talia move in to number 25. Charlie is married to the famous online lifestyle guru The Primal Guy (think male version of Gwyneth P.), who is mysteriously absent from the local scene but whose regular emails regularly ping into everyone’s email boxes. Charlie wears white active gear and always look impeccably made up. But from the moment she disrupts the annual summer party by barging in with a removalist truck, she upsets the applecart and gets on the wrong side of just about everybody. She manages to annoy Beth, Cara and Alex in various ways and her snooty and standoffish behaviour gets under their collective skins.
The End of Cuthbert Close has a bit of everything – an unfortunately dead guinea-pig, an uneaten quiche, a missing ring, store-bought snacks disguised as homemade, peanut-butter mug cakes, worrying child behaviour, anxiety-inducing husband behaviour, questionable parenting behaviour, corporate blindness and greed, corporate sabotage, dancing, IVF, real estate and swimming carnivals. And underneath all of these chaotic events, there is ambition, scheming and suspicion, as well as generosity, new love, long-term companionship and commitment, and unexpected kindnesses.
What Cassie Hamer does so well is to write about real life in a relatable and familiar way. All of the conversations you have had with your girlfriends about juggling work and kids and family obligations are in this book. All the arguments you’ve had with your partner about whose career is more important and who does the lion’s share of the household duties are in in this book. All the secret thoughts you’ve ever had about schooling (dare I say, at the moment, HOME-SCHOOLING?), gripes about neighbours, complaints about your workplace, hidden resentments or your private anxieties about your own life trajectory and where you are going – they are all in this book. It’s like the author has read the minds of all the people around her – particularly the women – and committed them all to the page.
The dialogue is authentic, the scenarios are unbearable funny and will make you wince in recognition, and the themes at the heart of the book – kindness, friendship, parental love, hope and resilience – are poignant and heart-warming.
Comparing books is a fraught process. Trying to rate a work of great literary fiction against a fast-paced crime story against a light-hearted rom-com against a harrowing memoir against a non-fiction mine of information against a historical account is truly like trying to compare apples with pears with steak with coffee with cake with wine with psyllium husks. All can be great, depending on the mood you’re in and what you feel like reading. What you need to read at a particular time. You couldn’t survive on a diet of only one. It’s the endless combinations that manifest the feast; the joyful variety that sustains us. The End of Cuthbert Close is an enlivening, fun read; like a gooey dark chocolate sauce, a guilty pleasure that leaves you feeling warm, cosy and satisfied. And when the news around us is nothing but bad, this is the perfect feel-good book to uplift your spirits.
The book is set in the cul-de-sac of Cuthbert Close, with the tagline: ‘You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your neighbours’. And in the opening pages, most of the neighbours in Cuthbert Close are also friends, especially the three main protagonists. Alex is a corporate lawyer trying to be the woman who does – and has – it all. With a busy career, twin five-year-old boys who can be quite a handful, and a devoted husband, Alex is like the duck sailing smoothly along the surface of the pond … but furiously paddling beneath just to keep it all together. Her friend Beth couldn’t be more different – a stay-at-home mum to two older kids, Beth has spent her life caring for her family, but when she suspects her husband might be straying from the matrimonial bed, it seems that her life might fall apart. Their friend Cara, a young widow, is desperately trying to raise her child and manage her work as a food stylist, mourning her husband gone too soon, and yearning to provide safety and stability for her daughter Poppy. The neighbourhood is close, calm and friendly. The kids play in each other’s backyards. The adults have street parties. The women cook together (food is a big part of this book and will make you want to rush straight to your kitchen to cook up a storm).
But this all threatens to come unstuck when the glamorous Charlie Devine and her teenage daughter Talia move in to number 25. Charlie is married to the famous online lifestyle guru The Primal Guy (think male version of Gwyneth P.), who is mysteriously absent from the local scene but whose regular emails regularly ping into everyone’s email boxes. Charlie wears white active gear and always look impeccably made up. But from the moment she disrupts the annual summer party by barging in with a removalist truck, she upsets the applecart and gets on the wrong side of just about everybody. She manages to annoy Beth, Cara and Alex in various ways and her snooty and standoffish behaviour gets under their collective skins.
The End of Cuthbert Close has a bit of everything – an unfortunately dead guinea-pig, an uneaten quiche, a missing ring, store-bought snacks disguised as homemade, peanut-butter mug cakes, worrying child behaviour, anxiety-inducing husband behaviour, questionable parenting behaviour, corporate blindness and greed, corporate sabotage, dancing, IVF, real estate and swimming carnivals. And underneath all of these chaotic events, there is ambition, scheming and suspicion, as well as generosity, new love, long-term companionship and commitment, and unexpected kindnesses.
What Cassie Hamer does so well is to write about real life in a relatable and familiar way. All of the conversations you have had with your girlfriends about juggling work and kids and family obligations are in this book. All the arguments you’ve had with your partner about whose career is more important and who does the lion’s share of the household duties are in in this book. All the secret thoughts you’ve ever had about schooling (dare I say, at the moment, HOME-SCHOOLING?), gripes about neighbours, complaints about your workplace, hidden resentments or your private anxieties about your own life trajectory and where you are going – they are all in this book. It’s like the author has read the minds of all the people around her – particularly the women – and committed them all to the page.
The dialogue is authentic, the scenarios are unbearable funny and will make you wince in recognition, and the themes at the heart of the book – kindness, friendship, parental love, hope and resilience – are poignant and heart-warming.
Comparing books is a fraught process. Trying to rate a work of great literary fiction against a fast-paced crime story against a light-hearted rom-com against a harrowing memoir against a non-fiction mine of information against a historical account is truly like trying to compare apples with pears with steak with coffee with cake with wine with psyllium husks. All can be great, depending on the mood you’re in and what you feel like reading. What you need to read at a particular time. You couldn’t survive on a diet of only one. It’s the endless combinations that manifest the feast; the joyful variety that sustains us. The End of Cuthbert Close is an enlivening, fun read; like a gooey dark chocolate sauce, a guilty pleasure that leaves you feeling warm, cosy and satisfied. And when the news around us is nothing but bad, this is the perfect feel-good book to uplift your spirits.
January 10, 2021
Cuthbert Close is a typical middle class Australian suburban, a no through road. A street where everyone knows each other, look out for each other, and each year they close the street for an annual street party.
The book opens just as the annual street party is about to begin. The reader is introduced to Alex, a workaholic lawyer, wife and mother to twins; then there is Beth, married with two teenage children, a stay at home mum who expects nothing but ordered perfection from herself and her family; finally we meet Cara, a single mum of colour and food stylist who works hard to stay independent and pay the bills. The three women are very different but the best of friends and each of them have problems that are throwing their ordered lives into disorder.
As they put their smiles on and join the party set up outside the only empty house in the street a truck literally drives through the crowd - Charlie and her daughter have arrived to move in. The friends try to welcome Charlie and gather her into their circle. But Charlie’s arrival only exacerbates the existing problems, and even adds a new one into the mix.
This is a story of friendship and support. Alex, Beth and Cara have a wonderful relationship and help each other through their issues - marital problems, parenting, work and financial problems, against a background of unusual events that threatens to destroy their friendships. Dead guinea pigs, a quiche thrown into the rubbish bin, secretive husbands, misbehaving children and missing jewellery.
All the characters come alive on the pages and I felt I would have been able to walk into any of their homes and poured a cuppa and sat down and chatted. There is a lot of tension in the story, and then there is humour to break it down a bit before it starts to build to the final showdown. Thoroughly readable and highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Harlequin Australia, for my copy to review
The book opens just as the annual street party is about to begin. The reader is introduced to Alex, a workaholic lawyer, wife and mother to twins; then there is Beth, married with two teenage children, a stay at home mum who expects nothing but ordered perfection from herself and her family; finally we meet Cara, a single mum of colour and food stylist who works hard to stay independent and pay the bills. The three women are very different but the best of friends and each of them have problems that are throwing their ordered lives into disorder.
As they put their smiles on and join the party set up outside the only empty house in the street a truck literally drives through the crowd - Charlie and her daughter have arrived to move in. The friends try to welcome Charlie and gather her into their circle. But Charlie’s arrival only exacerbates the existing problems, and even adds a new one into the mix.
This is a story of friendship and support. Alex, Beth and Cara have a wonderful relationship and help each other through their issues - marital problems, parenting, work and financial problems, against a background of unusual events that threatens to destroy their friendships. Dead guinea pigs, a quiche thrown into the rubbish bin, secretive husbands, misbehaving children and missing jewellery.
All the characters come alive on the pages and I felt I would have been able to walk into any of their homes and poured a cuppa and sat down and chatted. There is a lot of tension in the story, and then there is humour to break it down a bit before it starts to build to the final showdown. Thoroughly readable and highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Harlequin Australia, for my copy to review
March 22, 2020
You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your neighbours. (Trad. proverb, origin: Australian suburbia)
Cuthbert Close is a community of friends that have bonded over over time. It is a street where kids meet for cricket and neighbours have an end of year party. Food stylist Cara, corporate lawyer Alex and stay at home mum, Beth, have also bonded through living in the close.
But then one day there is a newcomer to the street, Charlie Devine, the glamrous wife of Primal Guy, along with his teenage daughter. While everyone goes out of their way to make them welcome, the family seem to keep their distance and odd occurrences in the neighbourhood begin. Missing jewellery, commercial sabotage and errant husbands, which lead the close knit community to have real concerns over the new family.
'When the truth comes out, will it be the end of Cuthbert Close?'
This really was such an easy and fun read, that left me guessing what on earth the ladies (and men) were up to! I found the characters so engaging and it was completely enjoyable.
Cuthbert Close is a community of friends that have bonded over over time. It is a street where kids meet for cricket and neighbours have an end of year party. Food stylist Cara, corporate lawyer Alex and stay at home mum, Beth, have also bonded through living in the close.
But then one day there is a newcomer to the street, Charlie Devine, the glamrous wife of Primal Guy, along with his teenage daughter. While everyone goes out of their way to make them welcome, the family seem to keep their distance and odd occurrences in the neighbourhood begin. Missing jewellery, commercial sabotage and errant husbands, which lead the close knit community to have real concerns over the new family.
'When the truth comes out, will it be the end of Cuthbert Close?'
This really was such an easy and fun read, that left me guessing what on earth the ladies (and men) were up to! I found the characters so engaging and it was completely enjoyable.
March 21, 2020
‘This too shall pass.’
Cuthbert Close. The sort of neighbourhood where street parties are held each year. Where friendships are formed, and children play in the street. Three very different women have become close friends: Cara is a food stylist; Alex is a corporate lawyer and Beth is a stay-at-home mum. They are having their annual end of summer street party when a removalist’s truck drives into the close. The truck is headed to the vacant house at the end of the close: Charlie Devine and her teenage daughter Talia are moving in. And then there’s a storm, but that’s just the beginning...
Things start going wrong in Cuthbert Close: Beth is worried about her husband Max, Cara and her daughter Poppy are concerned about the future and Alex is finding it ever more challenging to juggle her responsibilities as the mother of twins with being a corporate lawyer.
‘Yesterday, I held a funeral for a guinea pig. I will not judge you.’
Beth, Cara and Alex establish a new business, but someone seems determined to sabotage them. Alex is offered her dream position, but there are domestic issues to consider. Beth is worried about her marriage, and Cara has parental expectations to meet (or avoid).
What does the future hold for these women in Cuthbert Close?
Contemporary issues (with an occasional twist) in middle class suburbia: issues that many of Ms Hamer’s readers will be able to relate to. I enjoyed this novel, the relationships between the main characters and the challenges they were trying to meet. There’s a wry humour in the storytelling which I really enjoyed.
‘The past is who we are, for better or worse.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin HQ Fiction for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Cuthbert Close. The sort of neighbourhood where street parties are held each year. Where friendships are formed, and children play in the street. Three very different women have become close friends: Cara is a food stylist; Alex is a corporate lawyer and Beth is a stay-at-home mum. They are having their annual end of summer street party when a removalist’s truck drives into the close. The truck is headed to the vacant house at the end of the close: Charlie Devine and her teenage daughter Talia are moving in. And then there’s a storm, but that’s just the beginning...
Things start going wrong in Cuthbert Close: Beth is worried about her husband Max, Cara and her daughter Poppy are concerned about the future and Alex is finding it ever more challenging to juggle her responsibilities as the mother of twins with being a corporate lawyer.
‘Yesterday, I held a funeral for a guinea pig. I will not judge you.’
Beth, Cara and Alex establish a new business, but someone seems determined to sabotage them. Alex is offered her dream position, but there are domestic issues to consider. Beth is worried about her marriage, and Cara has parental expectations to meet (or avoid).
What does the future hold for these women in Cuthbert Close?
Contemporary issues (with an occasional twist) in middle class suburbia: issues that many of Ms Hamer’s readers will be able to relate to. I enjoyed this novel, the relationships between the main characters and the challenges they were trying to meet. There’s a wry humour in the storytelling which I really enjoyed.
‘The past is who we are, for better or worse.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin HQ Fiction for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 10, 2020
Thank you so much to Harlequin Fiction HQ for providing me with a copy of the End of Cuthbert Close, in exchange for an honest review!
Cara, Alex and Beth are neighbours and close friends, because Cuthbert Close is that type of street. They look out for each other, and each other’s families. When a new family moves in during their street party, they are ready to welcome them – but it seems new neighbour Charlie is not at all interested in being welcomed, no matter how much her daughter Talia would like to join in the friendship of Cuthbert Close. As the ladies help each other through one disaster after another, it seems Charlie its determined to make things worse.
Although I guessed the twist in this story, it was so much fun! I must admit, from the description I thought it would be quite a fluffy ‘gossipy mum’s’ type story, but it was so much more than that. Aside from the tense mystery and laugh out loud situations they sometimes found themselves in, at times it was really thought provoking, with regard to the issues that we face as a modern society – juggling work and families, grief, and financial hardship. If you’re a mother yourself, you might find yourself identifying with one of these women more than you’d like 😅 I certainly identified with Alex’s struggle balancing her job and family, and the guilt she felt over not being able to give 100% to either. Although I work from home at my business, and she worked out of the home, I really understood how she felt.
An engaging read with relatable and interesting characters, I’d recommend this one if you enjoy chic lit with a mystery background!
This was the second book I’ve read from Cassie Hamer and I’m looking forward to seeing more from her!
Cara, Alex and Beth are neighbours and close friends, because Cuthbert Close is that type of street. They look out for each other, and each other’s families. When a new family moves in during their street party, they are ready to welcome them – but it seems new neighbour Charlie is not at all interested in being welcomed, no matter how much her daughter Talia would like to join in the friendship of Cuthbert Close. As the ladies help each other through one disaster after another, it seems Charlie its determined to make things worse.
Although I guessed the twist in this story, it was so much fun! I must admit, from the description I thought it would be quite a fluffy ‘gossipy mum’s’ type story, but it was so much more than that. Aside from the tense mystery and laugh out loud situations they sometimes found themselves in, at times it was really thought provoking, with regard to the issues that we face as a modern society – juggling work and families, grief, and financial hardship. If you’re a mother yourself, you might find yourself identifying with one of these women more than you’d like 😅 I certainly identified with Alex’s struggle balancing her job and family, and the guilt she felt over not being able to give 100% to either. Although I work from home at my business, and she worked out of the home, I really understood how she felt.
An engaging read with relatable and interesting characters, I’d recommend this one if you enjoy chic lit with a mystery background!
This was the second book I’ve read from Cassie Hamer and I’m looking forward to seeing more from her!
April 21, 2020
This fabulous, delightful read by Cassie Hamer, tells the story of three women who live in the same neighbourhood and share a remarkable friendship, that is, until a newcomer arrives and threatens to disrupt everything that made living in Cuthbert Close special.
Corporate lawyer and mother, Alex, widow, food-stylist and single-mother, Cara, and the oldest of the trio, stay-at-home mother and talented cook Beth, live busy but satisfying lives in a terrific cul-de-sac in an upmarket part of town. Their lives are spent caring for their families, working, socialising, and feeling gratitude for what they have, including each other.
But when one summer’s evening, at the annual street party, a removalist van gate-crashes the event, bringing new neighbours – the svelte and glamourous wife and teen daughter of the lifestyle guru, the Instafamous, Primal Guy, their small world is turned topsy-turvy.
Suddenly, marriages, plans, domestic arrangements and even dreams go awry. Is it just time for things to change, even for the worse, or is something closer to home causing trouble in this suburban paradise?
This is a clever, really entertaining book that not only captures the suburban life of some people, but portrays the complications and joys of motherhood, female friendship, neighbours, relationships, kids and marriages so very well.
The dialogue snaps and is often laugh-out-loud funny but at the same time can deliver depth and be incredibly moving. The women are so relatable with their triumphs, self-doubt, foibles and flaws and you genuinely come to care about them. Likewise, the men and children are familiar types that you can identify with easily.
I so enjoyed this book – found it hard to put down - and even though I saw the twist, it didn’t spoil a thing as I loved how it came together and resolved.
A wonderful, charming and yet surprisingly poignant novel, that’s so well written and will linger in your head and heart long after the last page is turned.
Corporate lawyer and mother, Alex, widow, food-stylist and single-mother, Cara, and the oldest of the trio, stay-at-home mother and talented cook Beth, live busy but satisfying lives in a terrific cul-de-sac in an upmarket part of town. Their lives are spent caring for their families, working, socialising, and feeling gratitude for what they have, including each other.
But when one summer’s evening, at the annual street party, a removalist van gate-crashes the event, bringing new neighbours – the svelte and glamourous wife and teen daughter of the lifestyle guru, the Instafamous, Primal Guy, their small world is turned topsy-turvy.
Suddenly, marriages, plans, domestic arrangements and even dreams go awry. Is it just time for things to change, even for the worse, or is something closer to home causing trouble in this suburban paradise?
This is a clever, really entertaining book that not only captures the suburban life of some people, but portrays the complications and joys of motherhood, female friendship, neighbours, relationships, kids and marriages so very well.
The dialogue snaps and is often laugh-out-loud funny but at the same time can deliver depth and be incredibly moving. The women are so relatable with their triumphs, self-doubt, foibles and flaws and you genuinely come to care about them. Likewise, the men and children are familiar types that you can identify with easily.
I so enjoyed this book – found it hard to put down - and even though I saw the twist, it didn’t spoil a thing as I loved how it came together and resolved.
A wonderful, charming and yet surprisingly poignant novel, that’s so well written and will linger in your head and heart long after the last page is turned.
May 31, 2020
4.5 stars
This was my second book of Cassie Hamer’s I’ve listened to and I loved this just as much as her first book, After the Party.
Although listening to the story was relaxing and hearing the lovely voice of Rebecca Macauley was once again delightful I will be picking up Cassie Hamer’s third novel in print as I’d like to read at least one (or perhaps many more) of her books in my own voice.
I adored this story! It was a captivating and fun tale filled with humour and heart!
I can’t wait to see what Cassie Hamer comes up with next!
This was my second book of Cassie Hamer’s I’ve listened to and I loved this just as much as her first book, After the Party.
Although listening to the story was relaxing and hearing the lovely voice of Rebecca Macauley was once again delightful I will be picking up Cassie Hamer’s third novel in print as I’d like to read at least one (or perhaps many more) of her books in my own voice.
I adored this story! It was a captivating and fun tale filled with humour and heart!
I can’t wait to see what Cassie Hamer comes up with next!
March 20, 2020
Absolutely loved it! Perfect novel for these crazy times! I completely misjudged what I thought it would be, I thought it would be bitchie and sneaky; I found friendship and sweetness. It’s funny and silly, but beside Justin Timberlake jokes, vomit in hair and dresses held together with pins there is real connection and love. This is a novel that celebrates female friendship and community. It certainly explores motherhood and busyness, but it’s so much more. ‘Love and memories. Happiness didn’t exist in fancy ovens and expensive baths. It was in their hearts and hands’ Exactly what I needed from my reading. Perfect.
January 26, 2020
Cassie Hamer has nailed it! Loved this book with its witty dialogue and accurate take on modern motherhood. Barely a page passed when I wasn't either nodding in agreement, laughing at the predicaments the characters found themselves in or sympathising with the strong serve of mother's guilt. Very engaging and relatable, and I especially liked the friendship between Cara, Alex and Beth.
May 31, 2020
The End of Cuthbert Close is the second novel by Australian author, Cassie Hamer. The Bolinda audio version is read, a little breathily at times, by Rebecca Macauley. Is it the End of Summer Street Party on Cuthbert Close where things start to go wrong? Or have things been brewing well before that? Lawyer Alex O’Rourke has certainly been feeling the pressure of a full-time high-stress job while raising twins. But it’s not her wonderful husband, James, or her best friends and close neighbours, Beth Chandler and Cara Pope exerting the pressure; it’s Alex herself.
The annual party comes to a first-ever premature end with the arrival of a wild storm hot on the heels of the removals truck that brings a new and unexpected (by all but one) neighbour, Charlie Devine and her teen-aged daughter, Talia, the family of lifestyle and hunter-gatherer guru, Ryan Devine (aka The Primal Guy).
Beth is feeling pressure of a different sort: her children don’t seem to need her any more, and their new neighbour interprets her welcome as interfering. Young widow Cara’s ever-critical Korean mum thinks she should do more with her life: being a food stylist isn’t a proper job; she should use her accounting qualifications; and move out of that dilapidated cottage in the bulb of their cul-de-sac. But that cottage holds all her memories of Pete.
Then things ramp up a notch: for Alex, the results of the test she’s just done, a dead pet, and the call from the boys’ school principal just add to the load; Beth’s husband is exchanging concerning texts with an unknown number; Cara’s visitor brings bad news, and the man her mother has selected? Please, no! But then an evening commiseration session sparks an idea that might just save the day for some of them.
Hamer’s depiction of Cuthbert Close will strike a chord with many readers: a place where neighbours become friends. And this group of friends is easily recognisable from the ordinary people we encounter in our daily lives. Most of the characters are appealing for all their very human flaws.
The plot, which includes a fire, a missing ring, a malicious note and an unplanned haircut, has a few twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing before a very satisfactory conclusion, some aspects of which will surely surprise. Themes of holding onto the past, work-life balance and empty-nesters are explored.
The description of the Melted Snickers Mug Cake will have many readers salivating: luckily, the recipe is available in the free Cuthbert Kitchen recipe book, along with several other delicious sounding dishes, if you sign up for the author’s newsletter. A very enjoyable read.
The annual party comes to a first-ever premature end with the arrival of a wild storm hot on the heels of the removals truck that brings a new and unexpected (by all but one) neighbour, Charlie Devine and her teen-aged daughter, Talia, the family of lifestyle and hunter-gatherer guru, Ryan Devine (aka The Primal Guy).
Beth is feeling pressure of a different sort: her children don’t seem to need her any more, and their new neighbour interprets her welcome as interfering. Young widow Cara’s ever-critical Korean mum thinks she should do more with her life: being a food stylist isn’t a proper job; she should use her accounting qualifications; and move out of that dilapidated cottage in the bulb of their cul-de-sac. But that cottage holds all her memories of Pete.
Then things ramp up a notch: for Alex, the results of the test she’s just done, a dead pet, and the call from the boys’ school principal just add to the load; Beth’s husband is exchanging concerning texts with an unknown number; Cara’s visitor brings bad news, and the man her mother has selected? Please, no! But then an evening commiseration session sparks an idea that might just save the day for some of them.
Hamer’s depiction of Cuthbert Close will strike a chord with many readers: a place where neighbours become friends. And this group of friends is easily recognisable from the ordinary people we encounter in our daily lives. Most of the characters are appealing for all their very human flaws.
The plot, which includes a fire, a missing ring, a malicious note and an unplanned haircut, has a few twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing before a very satisfactory conclusion, some aspects of which will surely surprise. Themes of holding onto the past, work-life balance and empty-nesters are explored.
The description of the Melted Snickers Mug Cake will have many readers salivating: luckily, the recipe is available in the free Cuthbert Kitchen recipe book, along with several other delicious sounding dishes, if you sign up for the author’s newsletter. A very enjoyable read.
March 30, 2020
This is a great Women's Fiction story about a suburban Close and the people who live there. I absolutely loved the stories of Beth - the home-maker, Alex - the high flying lawyer and mother of twins and Cara - a widowed single mum who is a food stylist with a daughter. They all get along famously despite being quite different, but that all seems to change once a new neighbour Charlie and her daughter Talia move into the close.
What follows is great - there is a missing hamster, a suspected food poisoning, a suspected betrayal, missed opportunities, threats of eviction, parenting issues, jealousy....I could go on, but won't for fear of any spoilers!
This is the first book of Cassie Hamer's that I have read and I felt totally committed to this book, as I just had to keep turning those pages to find out what was happening with everyone at Cuthbert Close. The author did a wonderful job of drawing you in to the plot and the characters were fantastic - you could definitely relate to them and the situations they found themselves in - I'm sure we all know people like Beth, Alex & Cara!
I definitely believe it would make a great movie - hello - any producers & directors out there???
Many thanks to Harlequin Australia and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What follows is great - there is a missing hamster, a suspected food poisoning, a suspected betrayal, missed opportunities, threats of eviction, parenting issues, jealousy....I could go on, but won't for fear of any spoilers!
This is the first book of Cassie Hamer's that I have read and I felt totally committed to this book, as I just had to keep turning those pages to find out what was happening with everyone at Cuthbert Close. The author did a wonderful job of drawing you in to the plot and the characters were fantastic - you could definitely relate to them and the situations they found themselves in - I'm sure we all know people like Beth, Alex & Cara!
I definitely believe it would make a great movie - hello - any producers & directors out there???
Many thanks to Harlequin Australia and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2020
Laugh out loud funny with a mystery at its core, this suburban drama has it all.
Cara, Alex and Beth are neighbours, much like with family, neighbours are the friends you don't get to choose but you're beyond glad to have.
The story starts out with a street party held in Cuthbert Close, all seems to be going to plan until it isn't.
The Devines have shown up and they are ready to turn this tight knit community inside out.
The story follows our three main families and a collection of emails from ThePrimalGuy otherwise known as husband to Charlie Devine and father to Talia, our new family on the street.
At first I thought this story would be a funny chic-lit based on the blurb but the End of Cuthbert Close tackles some pretty hefty topics; the juggling of balance between family and work, relationships and how time affects them, and lastly the uncertainty but necessity of change.
This story had some very relatable moments, funny situations and scenarios, loveable main characters and overall I just really enjoyed it! I did guess the mystery but I don't think that took away from the story at all.
This was the first book I have read from Cassie Hamer and my goodness it will not be the last! What an addicting and witty writing style!
Thank you Harlequin for gifting me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Cara, Alex and Beth are neighbours, much like with family, neighbours are the friends you don't get to choose but you're beyond glad to have.
The story starts out with a street party held in Cuthbert Close, all seems to be going to plan until it isn't.
The Devines have shown up and they are ready to turn this tight knit community inside out.
The story follows our three main families and a collection of emails from ThePrimalGuy otherwise known as husband to Charlie Devine and father to Talia, our new family on the street.
At first I thought this story would be a funny chic-lit based on the blurb but the End of Cuthbert Close tackles some pretty hefty topics; the juggling of balance between family and work, relationships and how time affects them, and lastly the uncertainty but necessity of change.
This story had some very relatable moments, funny situations and scenarios, loveable main characters and overall I just really enjoyed it! I did guess the mystery but I don't think that took away from the story at all.
This was the first book I have read from Cassie Hamer and my goodness it will not be the last! What an addicting and witty writing style!
Thank you Harlequin for gifting me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 17, 2020
After her brilliant 2019 debut novel 'After The Party', Cassie Hamer has delivered another outstanding offering in 'The End of Cuthbert Close' and stamped her foot firmly as an author who can deliver a page-turning, commentary on ordinary life.
For those who love Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth, Cassie Hamer should be another go-to novelist with her witty, intelligent take on women's lives in modern times.
The End of Cuthbert Close delivers an alluring story of four neighbours, their interactions with each other and their own lives and individual struggles of day-to-day life. Through quality narrative and believable dialogue, Cassie pulls the reader into each story, evoking emotion and understanding. I have no doubt readers will relate to at least one, if not more, of the characters in this book. Each character has their own unique personality and predicaments to confront and I enjoyed how Cassie was able to draw me into each and every one.
Touching on social issues such as working mothers, grief, and financial hardships, Cassie allows the reader room to think and bring our own judgment and opinions into play.
The End of Cuthbert Close is a fun, witty, thought-provoking read that can easily be gobbled up in a couple of sittings (if life allows!). Five stars all the way.
*I received an advance reader copy in return for an honest and unbias review as all my reviews are.
For those who love Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth, Cassie Hamer should be another go-to novelist with her witty, intelligent take on women's lives in modern times.
The End of Cuthbert Close delivers an alluring story of four neighbours, their interactions with each other and their own lives and individual struggles of day-to-day life. Through quality narrative and believable dialogue, Cassie pulls the reader into each story, evoking emotion and understanding. I have no doubt readers will relate to at least one, if not more, of the characters in this book. Each character has their own unique personality and predicaments to confront and I enjoyed how Cassie was able to draw me into each and every one.
Touching on social issues such as working mothers, grief, and financial hardships, Cassie allows the reader room to think and bring our own judgment and opinions into play.
The End of Cuthbert Close is a fun, witty, thought-provoking read that can easily be gobbled up in a couple of sittings (if life allows!). Five stars all the way.
*I received an advance reader copy in return for an honest and unbias review as all my reviews are.
April 5, 2020
Well this was a nice slice of escapism! Fans of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth will revel in this suburban contemporary tale of neighbourly intrigue and backyard betrayal.
Cassie Hamer explores many issues relating to marriage, parenthood, and work-life balance within her latest release. Each of the main characters have something big going on in their own lives, but playing out in the background is a mystery involving their new neighbour: Charlie Devine, a woman who seems to be intent on not fitting in with the Cuthbert Closers, right from the get-go.
There is plenty going on within this story to keep you intrigued and entertained. Cassie Hamer has a sharp sense of humour that often had me laughing out loud for the duration. If you’re looking for something to just sit back and relax with while social distancing, I can recommend The End of Cuthbert Close as a good choice for your next read.
‘When it came to passive aggression, Alex had a particularly highly tuned antenna. There were only two things that threw it out. One of them was Botox, and the other was genuine sincerity, which Alex found very difficult to pick, mostly because it was so rare.’
Thanks is extended to HarperCollins Publishers Australia for providing me with a copy of The End of Cuthbert Close for review.
Cassie Hamer explores many issues relating to marriage, parenthood, and work-life balance within her latest release. Each of the main characters have something big going on in their own lives, but playing out in the background is a mystery involving their new neighbour: Charlie Devine, a woman who seems to be intent on not fitting in with the Cuthbert Closers, right from the get-go.
There is plenty going on within this story to keep you intrigued and entertained. Cassie Hamer has a sharp sense of humour that often had me laughing out loud for the duration. If you’re looking for something to just sit back and relax with while social distancing, I can recommend The End of Cuthbert Close as a good choice for your next read.
‘When it came to passive aggression, Alex had a particularly highly tuned antenna. There were only two things that threw it out. One of them was Botox, and the other was genuine sincerity, which Alex found very difficult to pick, mostly because it was so rare.’
Thanks is extended to HarperCollins Publishers Australia for providing me with a copy of The End of Cuthbert Close for review.
March 25, 2020
This is a book that I simply could not put down. I laughed. I cried. I wanted to reach out and hug each of these women at one time or another. Alex, Beth and Cara each have such different lives and yet I could relate to each of them in one way or another, and I think that was one of the reasons I so loved this book. I travelled back to early motherhood when I saw Alex watching one of her twin sons praying for their dead guinea pig—““God. Please let Henrietta into guinea pig heaven because she doesn’t eat much, and her poo is tiny.” It’s just the sort of thing one of my sons might have said at around the age of five. At the same time I cried for Beth when her engagement ring disappeared—I lost mine in a bale of hay, never to be found again. I’ll be reaching for this book again and again over coming years. It’s an absolute gem!
August 12, 2020
Cassie Hamer has done it again with this brilliant follow-up to her best-selling debut novel, "After the Party". I LOVED it!
"The End of Cuthbert Close" was a deliciously fun, yet astute exploration of some of the big issues women face today.
If you like Liane Moriarty's books, you'll definitely like Cassie's.
Click on the link below to tune into my hilarious chat with Cassie about mother's guilt, good/bad neighbours and . . .looking good naked!!
https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?...
"The End of Cuthbert Close" was a deliciously fun, yet astute exploration of some of the big issues women face today.
If you like Liane Moriarty's books, you'll definitely like Cassie's.
Click on the link below to tune into my hilarious chat with Cassie about mother's guilt, good/bad neighbours and . . .looking good naked!!
https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?...
March 29, 2020
Corporate lawyer Alex juggles her high-pressure job while mothering rambunctious twin sons. Widowed mother of one, Cara is a food stylist fighting to keep her house and dreaming of financial independence. Stay-at-home Mum Beth is questioning whether or not her 20-year marriage is on the rocks. The three close friends are neighbours in an unnamed Sydney suburb’s Cuthbert Close. Their problems only seem to grow when the standoffish and seemingly snobbish glamour wife Charlie Devine moves into the ‘hood with her teenage daughter and apparent disinterest in building good relationships.
Domestic angst and challenges surrounding motherhood, career-juggling, marriage, romance, grief, mental health and the dream of suburban harmony does not, at first glance, seem the stuff of gripping fiction. Yet as Hamer (author of the well-receive After the Party) deftly raises each of these many issues challenging the Cuthbert Close sisterhood, the reader becomes more and more engrossed in the narrative. Why? Because they’re all topics with which every Australian can personally relate. This could be ‘everywoman’s story’ and it carries an optimistic message of friendship, hope, ambition and resolution.
Reading …Cuthbert Close already makes one nostalgic for the days when, without fear, we could hold block parties, school gatherings and office meetings without social distancing or medical concern. Hamer’s conjuring of those not-long-past days is a welcome and enjoyable reminder and distraction as we increasingly lockdown.
Domestic angst and challenges surrounding motherhood, career-juggling, marriage, romance, grief, mental health and the dream of suburban harmony does not, at first glance, seem the stuff of gripping fiction. Yet as Hamer (author of the well-receive After the Party) deftly raises each of these many issues challenging the Cuthbert Close sisterhood, the reader becomes more and more engrossed in the narrative. Why? Because they’re all topics with which every Australian can personally relate. This could be ‘everywoman’s story’ and it carries an optimistic message of friendship, hope, ambition and resolution.
Reading …Cuthbert Close already makes one nostalgic for the days when, without fear, we could hold block parties, school gatherings and office meetings without social distancing or medical concern. Hamer’s conjuring of those not-long-past days is a welcome and enjoyable reminder and distraction as we increasingly lockdown.
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