I was immediately hooked when I started reading this novel, the first in a new series by award-winning New Zealand author Mandy Hager.
Bella Goodfellow is forced to leave her home – which is also a hideaway from the outside world – when a landslide swallows it whole. Bella is a writer and a climate change activist, but she isn’t ready to venture too far into the real world after experiencing past tragedy. So when her publisher offers her the chance to stay with an elderly aunt on the Kapiti Coast, in a situation that will give her a roof over her head, and some income looking after the ageing aunt, she decides to take up the offer in the short term.
Freyja is elderly, but not at all what Bella is expecting. While her eyesight might be deteriorating, there is nothing wrong with her sharp mind. But Bella is floored completely when she discovers Freyja is a physic. But before she can run to the hills, they are embroiled in a case that has them trying to solve a murder and rescue a vulnerable child from a dangerous situation.
Like Bella, I wasn’t impressed that Freyja was a physic initially – expecting a read I wouldn’t enjoy. But I read on and was enchanted by Freyja and Bella’s characters and their eventual relationship. The story flows easily, so you are soon caught up in the unfolding mystery and an expertly told and equally interesting backstory. Strays & Waifs is a highly engaging, beautifully written read, and I look forward to reading more from this unusual crime-solving duo.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
The Cuba Press