The Mysterious Miss Mayhew: a heartfelt romantic comedy

Other reviewers have given great outlines of the plot and characters of Hazel Osmond's latest book, so I've made a list of all the wonderful things I loved about The Mysterious Miss Mayhew.1. The way she writes from a male point of view (unusual) but reveals Miss Mayhew's individual character through listing her thoughts (1 - 10) as in a kind of diary. Like this.2. The characters. A sympathetic male lead character, a quirky female lead character and a completely believable romance.3. The subplots - Tom's family have their own little dramas which unfold as the main characters' story moves to a conclusion.4. The plot twists which make that conclusion unpredictable.5. The background detail which is cleverly woven into the main action - I'm now an expert on the consistency of llama spit and how to make a paper sculpture.6. The realism of the magazine setting where Tom works including the magazine staff, who are always well thought out characters and never just stock figures.7. The humour - lovely wry, funny touches - a Hazel Osmond trademark.8. The real tension in the last chapters as the story builds to a climax.9. The unputdownability of the book - and the fact that it's such a good read that you don't mind the aching eyes and desperate urge to sleep the next day when you've stayed up late to finish it. It was worth it.10. Cakes. There are quite a few cakes in The Mysterious Miss Mayhew and cake is always good.The Mysterious Miss Mayhew is such a human, engaging story ... thoroughly recommended.

What first captured me for this book was that it was written in the presence of the man and I found this so different and interesting. The writing style was great and I had moments of giggling at Fran's 'points' that she makes throughout the book then a couple of tears by the end. I felt the story line was great, and the little twists and turns that the author had made are really hooking. I like the mysterious ways of Fran and I did have an idea were the story was going but it still didn't dissapointment me when it came to a head. Fran as a character was fabulous and I loved the descriptions of her, the way she talks and dresses reminds me a little of myself. I would defiantley recommend this book and would enjoy reading more from this author.

I have read all four of Hazel's books, and this one is well up to her usual standard. It is beautifully written, tightly plotted and with a story that keeps you engaged and interested right to the end. Even her minor characters are strongly yet subtly drawn and beautifully detailed - and the leading male/ female relationship is managed beautifully from their first meeting, through trials and tribulations to final resolution. I liked seeing the action through male eyes for a change - although Hazel very cleverly allows her female lead to give her slant on events throughout. Tom's family are delightful - especially his wonderful little daughter Hattie. I often find fictional small children too cutesy and unconvincing, but loved Hattie from her first appearance, and found myself totally engaged by the ways in which her little life was affected and influenced by those around her. I love Hazel's sense of humour, and find myself longing to share the many, 'laugh out loud' moments throughout the book - but will leave you to discover these for yourself ! Altogether, another great read from an excellent writer.

Tom is a single parent to 5 year old Hattie, close to his mother and brother, his soon (he hopes) to be ex wife lives abroad and he has a discreet Thursday evening relationship. His life is very settled when along comes the unusual Fran Mayhew to annoy and irritate him.Quirky characters and great story.

This was a good read, though the story line was predictable to a large extent. I''ve enjoyed all of Hazel Osmond's novels, but I still think her first, Who's afraid of Mr Wolfe?, is the best. It's a more 'complete' work. There is a slight emphasis in her work on the 'damaged' individual who will be 'healed' by their relationship with A.N.Other, which could become tedious if it is always a key theme. The other common theme is rather eccentric characters, usually female, and though they add humour to the work, they can also become tedious if they're always present. Most of us are rather boringly commonplace, but we can still have passionate love affairs and laughter within them.

This is the 4th book I've read of Hazel Osmond's! I am always waiting for the next one, I think she's a brilliant author. With every book I read of hers, including this one, I find I can't put it down. This is a lovely story and I found both the characters of Fran and Tom very lovable. I liked the fact it was portrayed through Tom's eyes as well. I enjoyed the fact that Fran was quite eccentric and I love the humour! All of Hazel's books are so different yet all of them are so good. I recommend this book as well as all of her other books. Bring on the next one!

Having read and loved all of Hazel Osmond's books I relished the thought of this new read.The story and writing did not disappoint having me laughing out loud in a number if places (be warned if reading in public....these moments really catch you off guard!) I adore how this author gives life to her characters, making them not only believable but akin to friends (or not in some cases).Who's afraid of Mr Wolfe remains my favourite novel by this author, but the variation in her story lines is admirable and I can't wait to see what's coming next. I for one will definitely be adding future releases to my reading list.

I came across this book by accident and, intrigued by the title, kept coming back to it until I eventually bought it. I'm so glad I did. It's quirky, touching, laugh out loud funny and above all compelling. I read it over three evenings staying up late on the third to finish it. I really cared about the characters and what happened to them while at the same time not wanting to finish the book because I was so enjoying it. The book is beautifully written, so effortless with absolutely no "skimmy" bits. The Mysterious Miss Mayhew is the best book I have read for quite some time, I highly recommend it.