All of our book group members enjoyed 33 Women by Isabel Ashdown.
The local setting of Arundel added a real sense of place and was particularly appreciated. Many of us were familiar with locations mentioned in the book, such as The Black Rabbit pub and Swanbourne Lake, which added extra enjoyment to the reading experience.
The relationships between the characters (particularly the sisters) were one of the book's strengths, and the commune setting made the novel distinctive from more conventional whodunnits.
While not a fast-paced thriller, the story kept us engaged because we were keen to discover what had happened and uncover the truth behind the mystery. Most of us were genuinely surprised by the revelation of Seed's secret, which many had not guessed.
Finally, the group agreed that the novel handled difficult subjects, such as domestic abuse, with sensitivity and realism.
The ending, however, divided opinion. Some members were dissatisfied with the resolution of the mystery, while others were frustrated that no one appeared likely to face prosecution. There were also mixed feelings about the suggestion of a possible romance between Alex and Celine.
Despite these reservations, the group agreed that 33 Women was a good book group choice and most of us would be happy to read more from Isabel Ashdown.
The next book to be read will be 'Why Didn't They Ask Evans' by Agatha Christie.
This will be discussed on Friday 10th July 2026.