FROM THE COVER-
'There's been a little incident...'
Molly Black has disappeared. She's been a bit flighty since her parents died (sure, hadn't she run off with a tree surgeon that time?) but this time, or so says her hastily written leaving note, she's gone for good.
That's why the whole Black clan – from Granny perched on the printer all the way through to Killian on Zoom from Sydney – is huddled together in the back room of Uncle John's semi-D in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do.
Cousin Bobby's having a hard enough time of it as it is, convincing his family he's happy single and childless. Lady V reckons this is all much too much fuss over a thirty year old. And Uncle Danny knows all too well how it feels to be lost with no one trying to find you.
But Uncle John is determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises.



I really enjoyed this book. It has early Marian Keyes vibes witty, funny, heartwarming with a deeper undertone . Ryan captures the quirks of family perfectly, each individual character is unique, well written and developed beautifully as the novel progresses. Told in the third person we hear from a number of family members giving insight to the disappearance of Molly. The book examines grief in all it’s guises in a identifiable true to life way told in way that is full of warmth, wisdom and humour. This great debut novel I look forward to the writers next outing if it is anything like this am all in.

There’s Been a Little Incident is a magnificent novel, exquisitely crafted, and strikingly warm and funny for a story that touches on loss and grief. I loved the excellent writing, the wonderful cast of characters, and all the wisdom and glimpses of hope throughout this book. If I have to choose one highlight - which is almost impossible, because there were so many - I would say how well the author constructed this story to capture the family dynamics.

Molly Black has disappeared before, but there’s something about the note she left this time that set off her granny, uncles, aunts, cousins, and best friend for a search. Each chapter followed one relative and it’s impossible not to fall for the Black family, who suffered terrible loss and grief but somehow still only know how to love to the fullest. They might be an eccentric family and the whole clan - all of them - had their quirks and whims, but it was as Uncle John said: You don’t have to come home. Just know you have a home to come to.

There’s Been a Little Incident is a triumph at every level. And this novel is just the author’s debut. I can’t wait to read their future work.