CaseyCep
WILLIAM HEINEMANN
H
arper Lee, the famed author
of To Kill a Mockingbird, was
obsessed with researching
this criminal case for years, yet never
released her book with the working
title of The Reverend. Debut author
Casey Cep picks up where Lee left
off, investigating the 1970s trial of an
Alabama serial killer, Reverend Willie
Maxwell. This cold-blooded rural
preacher was accused of murdering
five members of his family for
insurance money. Despite evidence
of his guilt, Maxwell was acquitted,
then shot dead at the funeral of his
alleged last victim. It’s a fascinating
true crime story yet the interwoven
portrait of Lee and why her book
never saw the light of day is just as
compelling.
The Carer
Deborah Moggach
HACHETTE AUSTRALIAB
est-selling author Deborah
Moggach charmed us with
The Best Exotic Marigold
Hotel, which was made into a movie
starring Judi Dench. She’s back with
an infectious take on the subject of
love. Phoebe and Robert’s father
James needs full-time home help
to assist him with shopping, meals
and more. When robust Mandy fills
the position of carer, the siblings are
relieved as this newcomer somehow
positively transforms their normally
distant father. There’s an unexpected
twist in this witty novel, with secret
pot-holes and a unique take on what
it means to be older yet still open to
new beginnings.FuriousHours
Books
130 august 2019