Murder at Gulls Nest

*A big thank-you to Jess Kidd, Faber and Faber, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
I have been an admirer of Ms Kiid's talent since I read her first book, and was delighted to receive a copy of her later offering, so different from her previous works but engaging and enjoyable thoroughly.
A mystery surrounds silence from a young former nun, despite promises to write, and the mystery is powerful enough for Sister Agnes, a nun of thirty years, to leave the convent and travel south to track down her young friend. Ms Kidd is famous for imagining characters that you become attached to almost immediately,and Nora Breen, former Sister Agnes, is another wonderful addition to the group. The plot is intriguing, but Nora won my heart instantly. She had been through a lot, however, her experience did not make her bitter and she learns how to gradually step into the new world, and find bits of happiness daily.
There is the atmosphere of a small seaside town in the early 1950s, and a plethora of characters who have their own secrets and regrets.
If this going to be a series, I will be happy to continue with it.

With only the slightest nod to the supernatural, this is a very different novel to Jess Kidd's other books. What remains the same is her brilliant observations of character, witty dialogue and a story that hooks you in and races along. I loved it and hope that the hint of a sequel at the end of the book comes to fruition as I'd love to see how Nora's life pans out!
Many thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

I love Jess Kidd's previous books, she has a lovely, easy to read style of writing. This book is a departure from her usual book and is the first in a new cosy mystery series. Set in the 1950s in coastal Kent, Nora Breen has recently left her convent after thirty years as a nun. She is on a mission to find out what has happened to her young friend who has mysteriously stopped writing to her and has disappeared.
The character observations are wonderful and Nora is a truly entertaining character. The mystery is gentle but engrossing and there are plenty of surprises along the way.
I can't wait for the second book in the series. Highly recommended.