Philippa Gregory - 'Zelda's Cut'

Another contemporary novel by Philippa Gregory.

Isobel is a literary writer in her mid-fifties who is working hard to support an invalid husband. She values the type of writing she does, but unfortunately it doesn't pay well. So Isobel and her agent, Troy, create a new writer. 'Zelda' does not write for acclaim or to further the literary world. She writes about sex and desire and a darker side of life. She writes for money. However as Isobel finds her needs are clashing with her alter ego's a whole new series of problems arise. Add in the troubles associated with her husband and money her whole world changes in ways she never expected.

A story with double meaning and twists and turns that will keep you in suspense until the last page. Even the times you think you know what is going to happen and the times you do actually guess there is a twist that will take you down a whole different path.

Philippa Gregory - 'The Little House'

I am used to thinking of Philippa Gregory as writing historical novels. However, this novel is described on the cover of my edition as being a "chilling novel of contemporary suspense". An apt description.

The story is of two women, the mother-in-law and the wife, of the man who links the two and of a baby loved by them all. Covering issues such as post-natal depression, career v baby and the intricacies of some of the most complicated relationships you can have. The relationship between a mother and her son and between the mother and the woman who becomes his wife.

Set in the 1990's the story at times seems fantastical but with chilling echoes of real life. Games are played. Battles are won. As these two women attempt to co-exist in the life of one man.

An intriguing story.