The Finishing School - Joanna Goodman

Mallory Towers meets mystery!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

After recently reading The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman I made a promise to read more of her work, and promptly ordered this on Amazon (tut tut Waterstones for not stocking Ms Goodman). This book is a far cry from the first, but just as unputdownable. Her style is relaxed but gripping, her plot twists shocking and her characters flawed but enticing. Some plot points were slightly crazy, but that didn't stop me from loving it!

Kersti Kuusk is a successful author in a writing slump, whose marriage and plans to be a mother are teetering on the edge. But when she receives an invitation from her old boarding school in Switzerland to attend and speak at their centenary celebration her life takes a turn, and she finds purpose in uncovering the secrets from her past. One spring night in 1998 her best friend Cressida Strauss fell from her fourth floor balcony at the Lycée Internationale Suisse, the incident was quickly dismissed as a tragic accident but questions still remain about what really happened that night. In investigating the event Kersti's life will become inextricably linked with Cressida's, she will unearth a dangerous world of secrets, accusations and lies and be forced to reflect on her past self.

This is such a fun read and a tragic and riveting mystery to delve into. Perhaps it's a little unbelievable at times but I'm willing to forgive that. It is full of clever twists and turns, beguiling characters and the ending is absolutely unexpected! It is important to note that it does address some more serious themes including mental health, infertility and abuse, but they are handled delicately and with respect.

Having gone to a girl's school myself (though admittedly I didn't board) I could totally relate to the fierce friendship and bond that was formed between the school mates, specifically Kersti and Cressida. Even when you disagree or argue, those people are your life support, your truest allies. That being said, Cressida was often actually quite an unpleasant character in my opinion. She is manipulative and selfish, but has the ability to have you hang on her every word and draw you into her world, making you desperate to be her friend. Many of her actions are self-absorbed, and she has no empathy for others who are in the way of what she wants but her friendship and fortitude are her saving graces. Kersti on the other hand is troubled and passive, but as the novel progresses she finds her power, her drive and takes control. Goodman has created complex and engaging characters in Cressida and Kersti, their friendship is imperfect and strained but it is the backbone of this very gripping story.

On the surface this is an entertaining cold case mystery novel, but on a deeper level it is so much more. Flitting between the past and the present it is a powerful novel about the promise of youth as well as self-acceptance, inadequacy and the desire to belong.

H x