The Other Mrs Walker by Mary Paulson-Ellis

Back of the Book

Somehow she’d always known that she would end like this. In a small square room, in a small square flat. In a small square box, perhaps. Cardboard, with a sticker on the outside. And a name…

An old lady dies alone and unheeded in a cold Edinburgh flat, on a snowy Christmas night. A faded emerald dress hangs in her wardrobe; a spilt glass of whisky pools on the carpet. A few days later a middle-aged woman arrives back to the city of her birth, her future uncertain, her past in tatters. But what Margaret Penny cannot yet know is that in investigating the death of one friendless old lady, her own life will become enriched beyond measure.

The Other Mrs Walker – a detective story with no detective – is a beautiful, beguiling and intensely moving debut.

BOOK REVIEW

The Other Mrs Walker by Mary Paulson-Ellis is a hauntingly beautiful debut novel that explores the fragility of life and the memories we leave behind. Set in Edinburgh, the story follows the life of Margaret Penny as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery while investigating the death of an old lady who died alone on Christmas night.

Paulson-Ellis’s writing style is lyrical, poignant, and incredibly atmospheric. The setting of Edinburgh, with its narrow alleys, dark corners, and Gothic architecture, becomes a character in itself. The city is dark, foreboding, and suffused with a sense of melancholy that mirrors the emotional landscape of the characters.

The story unfolds in two timelines, alternating between the present-day investigation of Mrs Walker’s death and the past events that led to her demise. Through this device, the reader is slowly piecing together the fragmented lives of the characters, revealing the secrets, the betrayals, and the tragedies that shaped them.

At the centre of the story is Margaret Penny, a middle-aged woman who returns to her birth city after a long absence. Margaret is lost, adrift, and searching for meaning in her life. She’s also dealing with personal demons, regrets, and unresolved issues that make her relatable and sympathetic. Through her interactions with Mrs Walker’s belongings, Margaret discovers a newfound sense of purpose and identity that helps her come to terms with her own past.

The Other Mrs Walker is not a typical detective story. There is no hard-boiled investigator with a badge, no chase scenes, and no shootout at the end. Instead, it’s a slow-burn character-driven mystery that unfolds gradually and delicately, exploring themes of loneliness, loss, and redemption.

One of the things that stood out for me was the way Paulson-Ellis uses objects as a way to evoke memories and emotions. Mrs Walker’s possessions, from a dress to a photograph to a trinket, are all imbued with meaning, history, and sentimentality. The way Margaret uses these objects to unravel the mystery surrounding Mrs Walker’s death and the stories of her life is both poignant and beautiful.

However, there were also aspects of the novel that made me uncomfortable. The nod to child abuse in the chapters with Tony was difficult to read. It added a disturbing layer to the story that didn’t feel fully fleshed out or resolved.

In conclusion, The Other Mrs Walker is a captivating, beautifully written novel that delves into the human condition with depth and sensitivity. It’s a remarkable debut that announces Paulson-Ellis as a talent to watch. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a poignant and thought-provoking read.

Buy Link

KELLY’S INSTAGRAM

Tweets by KellyALacey

Click below to learn more about my book publicity services!

In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog
contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for us (at no extra cost for you).