It’s such a pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Kate Galley, The Last Laugh Club, and sharing my review. Published by Boldwood Books on 29th July, it’s now available as an e-book (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, in hardcover, and as an audiobook too. Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invitation and the support, and to publishers Boldwood for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
I so enjoyed spending time with Gina and Dot when I read Old Girls Behaving Badly last year – an intriguing and page-turning mystery, those more mature characters I always enjoy so much, and such an uplifting read, with a few emotional moments and plenty of gentle laughter along the way (you’ll find my review here). And, although I would have loved to have joined them on another adventure, I was so sorry I just couldn’t fit in the sequel – The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape – that was published in January this year. But – although it’s a different cast list – I absolutely loved the look of Kate’s latest…
Three former friends. One last request. The journey of a lifetime!
Bridget isn’t the adventurous type. But somehow she finds herself attending a memorial for her oldest friend, dressed in the bright woolly jumper he once knitted her – at his request. To her dismay, she’s not the only one. There’s glamorous Gloria and quiet Derek too, each wearing their own knitwear gifts.
The three former colleagues haven’t been in the same room for years, something Bridget has been perfectly happy with. But when they’re asked to grant their friend’s final wish – to scatter his ashes in the Shetland Islands – Bridget finds herself swept into an adventure she never planned.
Crammed into a battered minivan, armed with far too much yarn and not nearly enough patience, the unlikely trio head north. As the ferry pulls away and storm clouds gather, Bridget begins to wonder if this whole idea was a mistake. But sometimes, the most unexpected journeys can lead to the best discoveries – about friendship, forgiveness, and how it’s never too late to start a new chapter…
A must-read for fans of Judy Leigh, Maddie Please and Sarah Morgan!
When Norman’s working life came to a rather premature end, his three former colleagues – Bridget, Gloria and Derek – continued to visit him. Not together though – they haven’t willingly spent time in a room together for many years. And although they certainly knew about his new-found passion for knitting, they had no idea that the word had spread considerably more widely – when they attend his funeral, wearing some of his creations (at his request), they discover his YouTube channel, Norman Knits, had over eight hundred thousand followers. But he has one further request of them – he never did make it to the Shetland Islands, and had a bucket list itinerary he’d like them to carry out on his behalf. And his dearest wish was to have his ashes scattered at Muckle Flugga lighthouse – the northernmost point of the islands.
Bridget used to be Gloria’s highly efficient secretary – but she’s very aware that her memory and concentration is starting to let her down, and she’s leaning increasingly heavily on the support of her husband Derek. When he decides not to accompany her, she worries about his plans for the future. Gloria’s as brash and bossy as she was throughout her working life – and she sets about organising the details of their trip, leaving behind the complications of her current relationship (the latest in a long line – but he was becoming rather tiresome). As for Derek – well, he’s happy to go along with whatever Gloria decides, and he’s still as infatuated with her as he ever was.
The first ferry crossing’s a nightmare – Gloria’s plans to fly were thwarted, and their transport on arrival wasn’t exactly what she’d hoped for either. But, accompanied by Norman’s ashes – and taking selfies along the way to share with his fans – they all make the best of it, enduring each others’ company and following his meandering route to his final resting place. But all goes far from smoothly – they seem to be being followed, the weather gets the better of them at times, and then there’s something of a mishap that sends their plans totally awry for a while…
This book was an absolute joy from beginning to end – real fun, with the most wonderful characters, and not only the trio at the story’s centre who all found their places in my heart. They find new and sometimes unlikely new friendships among the islanders – but also get to know each other again, rebuilding their relationships, and discover more about themselves (and about Norman’s past) along the way. The event that ruptured their friendship is slowly revealed – and talking it through enables them all to look to the future with new insights and fresh hope for the future. There’s a great deal of laughter as they make their way across the islands, but loads of really poignant moments too – and the story moves at a cracking pace that keeps the pages turning ever faster. There are lots of touches of the unexpected too – the whole story is just so wonderfully told.
I’ve never been to the Shetlands, and the whole setting – inhospitable, rugged and wild, but sometimes so beautiful – is perfectly captured and wonderfully described. And, should you be put off by the idea of a pensioners’ road trip, set that aside immediately – they’re all so brave when the chips are down, up for every new challenge (even if quaking inside), and so very determined to make it to the finish line (for Norman, who really knew what he was doing when he set his challenge… but for their own sense of achievement too). I really loved every moment – such an entertaining and heartwarming read, and one I’d very much recommend to others.
About the author
Kate Galley writes UpLit and Bookclub fiction full of heart and humour. The older generation are at the centre of her stories and are usually wrapped up in a mystery.
She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works part time as a mobile hairdresser in the surrounding Chiltern villages.In her spare time she crochets blankets, knits jumpers and also disappears into her workshop to play with kiln formed glass.
Kate is the author of The Second Chance Holiday Club – which has been optioned for TV – and The Golden Girls’ Road Trip.
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I would not have chosen this book for its cover but bought it after reading your review. And this is why I try and resist opening all of your posts. You always make me want to read the book!
And I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did! xx