Nancy North and her partner Felix, are hoping that the move to a new area of London will be just the fresh start that they need. When a neighbour is found dead shortly after they move, Nancy is the only person who finds the death suspicious.
The Last Days Of Kira Mullan by Nicci French is the second book in the Maud O'Connor series. While Maud does feature, this book is really all about Nancy, so can easily be read as a standalone mystery.
We learn early on that a mental health crisis is the reason for Nancy and Felix to relocate. Felix is very protective of Nancy and hopes that the flat, part of a large old house, will offer her extra support and protection during her recovery. When Kira Mullan dies shortly after the couple move in, everyone, including the police, is convinced that the young woman took her own life. Only Nancy, who had a brief interaction with Kira, is convinced that something more sinister has happened.
Trying to convince others that there is more to Kira's death becomes a nightmare journey for Nancy. Having recently suffered a breakdown, everyone is convinced she's having a relapse. It is scary how easily her beliefs are brushed aside, and she is labelled as neurotic. There is so much gaslighting taking place, particularly from her partner, that there are times when Nancy even doubts herself. But, how do you convince people you're not "mad"?
Nancy's fight to prove she's right is terrifying; no one believes her. We quickly realise that Felix is extremely controlling and question why. There are lots of characters who aren't entirely honest, any one of them could be responsible for Kira's death, which all adds to Nancy's difficulty in getting anyone to listen to her.
When Nancy is finally able to persuade Maud O'Connor, the story becomes more of a police procedural, but Nancy is still struggling to escape Felix's coercive control. It is chilling that no matter where she goes or what she does, Felix is hovering, refusing to accept that she wants to be alone.
Author Details
Nicci French is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of
journalists Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. The couple are married and live in
London and Suffolk.
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