Snoop by Susan E Paul

This is that rarest of things, a genuinely funny book.  Ms Paul has a deftness of touch with her dialogue that means you genuinely laugh out loud - a very rare thing, in my experience.  Whilst the situation that Julia and Stephen find themselves in is extreme it dealt with in such a way that it fells entirely believable and completely snigger-worthy (even it did make me think about Nana's knitting a certain brand of cereal).

I raced through the book because the timing of the plot is exceptionally good and one that a good few famous authors could take lessons from.  Julia and Stephen have moved from their native California to London and Julia is feeling a little out on a limb.  No longer working and with her daughter growing up and at school  she has time on her hands and worries about the state of her marriage.  So she does what any woman in that situation she snoops but when she breaks in to her husband's desk drawer all bets are off.

A tale of misunderstandings and dastardly business practices that hooks you from the outset.  With cameo appearences by her newly Jewish mother, her best friend Caroline who can only be described as "ballsy" and the delectable Francois you find yourself wanting Julia's life - even if it is a little bizarre.  The scene setting is spot on and the characters are well developed and fully fleshed, if a little outlandish - nobody here is a simpering wallflower.

A great read that will lift you out of the doldrums.

**Review originally published February 2nd, 2018**