A review by liseyp
The Opposite of Lonely by Doug Johnstone

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Skelfs are back. Still recovering from the personal stresses of previous books they’re taking on new cases - investigatory and supportive - which challenge them in new ways. From missing cats, to online abuse, the still missing body of Hannah’s dad and the murder of a young girl from a hidden community on the edges of the city, the Skelfs have their hands full.

 

Once again I am astounded by how much story the author has packed into a sub-300 page novel. Three core investigations, marital strife, important consideration of the dynamics of power and the abuse of power in relationships, and a the always sensitive handling of grief and family dynamics. In any other author’s hands this would be several hundred pages longer, and yet I’m left totally satisfied as a reader. Everything I’d want from such storylines have been delivered, the plot and thoughts it has sparked will continue to bounce round my head for a long time to come.

 

I’m particularly happy with how Jenny is developing as a character. She’s always been the one slightly out of step with the rest of the Skelfs (for good reason), and in the previous book dealing with the trauma of her murderous ex-husband had sent her slightly off the rails. But, as the Opposite of Lonely progresses it’s Jenny who sees the most character growth and I’m very much here for that.

 

And, of course no Skelfs book would be complete without a fresh appreciation for and insight into the ways traditional funerals/cremations are damaging to the environment and how green alternatives should be the future.