Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death (Sarah Smith, Ultimo)

Few books are narrated by their murder victim, but Stacey, who has just died in a car crash in sunny Los Angeles, is determined to find out what really happened to her. Stacey was indecisive, petulant and narcissistic in life, leaving detectives Ed Beaufontaine and Rosie Garafino with no shortage of suspects for her death. As she stumbles around the remnants of her former life, she is forced to re-evaluate her relationships, including her pathological ex Liam, and her own flawed character. In a world of surface-level cleanses, detoxes and 12-step programs, Stacey is finally taking a long, hard look at her world. In her debut novel, author Sarah Smith is great at capturing LA’s rhythms and moods and creates a plausible redemption arc in which the vapid and unlikeable Stacey becomes humanised and understandable. While the book is often light and funny, there is a darkness at the heart of it that lends Stacey pathos, even as other characters are less three-dimensional. Part detective story, part dark comedy and ghost story, Twelve Steps to a Long and Fulfilling Death has plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep readers guessing. Chatty, quippy and slightly quirky, this is a fun ride for fans of Richard Osman or Janet Evanovich.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Fay Helfenbaum is a freelance writer and editor and was a bookseller for five years. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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Category: Reviews