By: Beth O’Leary

I am not feeling particularly cranky but maybe? Because I also did not enjoy The No-Show. I have read O’Leary’s previous novels, The Flatshare and The Road Trip, which I have fond memories. I especially connected with the characters in The Flatshare. I did like The Road Trip, but there is a plot point that I had a hard time bouncing back from (which I won’t spoil here: there was a fine line for the hero to walk, and I just am not sure O’Leary nailed it). But, as with The No-Show, O’Leary has a way of writing sensitive, raw topics but allowing the characters growth and joy. So, while I would not say The No-Show is a sad book, it certainly is not a light beach read. If you have read other reviews, they all note there is a plot twist to this book. I do not want to spoil it, so I won’t mention it either, but I will say that I guessed what it would be a few chapters in, so perhaps this ruined the experience for me?  

This story is told through the point of view of three strangers, Siobhan, Miranda and Jane. The book weaves through the three women’s lives and their relationship with a man named Joseph Carter. Siobhan is a vivacious life-coach who is not handling stress in a healthy manner. Miranda is an active tree surgeon, who has a hard time sitting passively and watching life go by. Jane is a quiet, almost reclusive volunteer at a charity shop with a self-induced restrictive lifestyle. Unknown to these three women: they have all been stood up by the same man on Valentine’s Day: Joseph.  

Of the characters, I only really liked Miranda. Not that the other characters are bad, but she is the only character who is uncomplicated. Everyone else has some sort of secret or trauma that the Reader is trying to sort through and, at times, it was exhausting. I found myself skimming through sections to get back to Miranda. I also felt that most of these people really needed to be working with a therapist and, maybe I missed it (ahem, skimming), but I did not see that sort of focus on their mental health. I realize therapy is not the ONLY thing, but for some of these characters, it really should have been. 

It is hard to say more without spoiling the big reveal, so I won’t. I think if you are into mystery stories, this book will be more up your alley than mine.

Rating: 🌟🌟/5

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0593438442/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1655487879&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-no-show-beth-oleary/1139909592?ean=9780593438442

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