It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
The Mystery of Mercy Close

The Mystery of Mercy Close

From the author of the 2023 Sunday Times bestseller Again, Rachel

Summary

Discover the seriously funny, stunningly written novel about one woman's attempts to put her past behind her, from the author of 2023 No. 1 bestseller AGAIN RACHEL

'A brilliant, unusual, brave book . Confirms Keyes's place as one of our finest writers' JOJO MOYES
_________

Meet Helen Walsh.

Wasp-tongued private investigator Helen doesn't believe in love, fear or hot drinks.

But when a missing persons case takes her into the dark, glamorous world of her dodgy ex, Jay Parker, she is drawn away from Artie Devlin, her distinctly unglamorous detective boyfriend.

This isn't good news for Helen.

For Jay's fame-hungry world is one of smoke and mirrors, and Helen is no longer sure what she's doing, or quite why she's doing it...

To save herself from the brink, she'll have to start believing in something - and fast.

But will it be fear? Or love?

Love the Walsh sisters? Don't miss out on the eagerly awaited sequel to Rachel's Holiday: AGAIN, RACHEL . . .
_________

'Zips along with engaging characters, fabulous plotting and spot-on dialogue. Marian Keyes: what a genius' Daily Mail
'Gut-bustingly funny' Independent on Sunday

FAMOUS FANS AND WHY THEY LOVE MARIAN KEYES

'Marian's writing is the truth. With big laughs' Dawn French
'A giant of Irish writing' Naoise Dolan
'Will make you laugh and make you cry, but will also reveal the truth of who you really are' Louise O'Neill
'Keyes weaves the joy and pain of life in a unique and magical way' Cathy Rentzenbrink
'One of the most honest writers writing today' Pandora Sykes
'Compassionate, tender, incisive writing' Lucy Foley
'Her talent for tackling serious issues with such humanity and wit is balm for the soul' Nigella Lawson
'Marian Keyes is a brilliant writer. No one is better at making terrifically funny jokes while telling such important, perceptive and agonizing stories of the heart. She is a genius' Sali Hughes
'Irresistible, profound. Keyes's comic gift is always evident' Independent
'Joyful. Keyes' clever way with words and extraordinary wit. People stared at me as I laughed to myself' C.L. Taylor
'A born storyteller' Independent on Sunday

Reviews

  • The Mystery of Mercy Close is the tale of strong and sassy but vulnerable, private detective Helen Walsh who is looking for a missing person - but can she find him before she loses herself?

    'I have a habit of taking instant dislikes to people. Simply because it saves time . . .'
    from the publisher's description

About the author

Marian Keyes

Marian Keyes is a phenomenon. The multimillion copy, internationally bestselling author of some of the most widely loved, genre-defying novels of the past thirty years – including Rachel’s Holiday, Anybody Out There and Grown Ups – has millions of devoted readers around the world.

In addition to her fifteen previous novels, Marian has also written three collections of journalism, upon which hit BBC Radio 4 show Between Ourselves was based. Marian co-hosts the popular show Now You’re Asking with actress Tara Flynn for BBC Radio 4. In 2022, she was named the British Book Awards Author of the Year.

Marian lives in Dublin. My Favourite Mistake is her sixteenth novel.
Learn More

More in this series

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more