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Shit Happens
Rose Starling, abused wife, is living on benefits with her three children on a sink estate in a small town in the Newcastle area, keeping one step ahead of the tallyman and dancing in the shadows of various illegal dealings. She's got problems though when bits of her ex-husband turn up in different places and the slimy DI Savage seems to be bending the evidence to link her to the death. Add the fact that she's being pressured into taking a ‘job’ by hard-nosed Vera Devlin from the estate and having to work in a topless bar to make ends meet and you can see she's up against it. Desperate to extricate herself from the mess she breaks into her old marital home to find the diary of her dead husband, except that his mother has taken up residence and arrives back early from bingo…
Set against a backdrop of Northern council estate life, this fast paced, humorous novel exemplifies the problems caused by poverty, piles and unruly children, think Jeremy Kyle meets the Thorn Birds and you won't be far wrong!
Set against a backdrop of Northern council estate life, this fast paced, humorous novel exemplifies the problems caused by poverty, piles and unruly children, think Jeremy Kyle meets the Thorn Birds and you won't be far wrong!
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2012
57 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 31, 2022
Witty , fast paced , laugh out loud Shit happens is an entertaining thriller about an abused ex wife with three unruly kids. A fun read though I did find the language a little tricky to follow at times.
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers Request Group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers Request Group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
August 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Rose has got a pretty horrid life, she's a single parent trying to raise her kids and struggling to make ends meet. The area she lives is pretty rough and throws a whole array of problems for Rose. I have to say that I really admired Rose in this book. She's a great character and I just so wanted things to get better for her. Would highly recommend.
March 4, 2022
This is a hard-hitting, incredibly honest and gripping story of a woman who is down on her luck and fighting the world to provide for her children, which is cleverly entwined with the gruesome killing of Rose’s husband – but did she do it?
This isn’t usually the type of book I normally read but something about it intrigued me enough to ignore my toppling TBR pile and add yet another book to it, I only just managed to read it in time for my stop on the tour – literally on the wire and then it’s taken me all of this time to write the review, I think me rushing to finish on time took a little of the shine of my overall enjoyment, but then again if this wasn’t as fast-paced as it ended up being I doubt I would have finished it on time – being a ridiculously slow reader, so the pacing is a huge thumbs up from me.
This really appealed to me I could relate so much to parts of the story, having grown up (and still living on) a council estate, having to scrimp and scrape for every penny and watching my parents tear the living room apart for any loose change for a simple loaf of bread.
The story is full of drama, you feel for Rose her very existence and her hardships tugs at the heartstrings and her determination to keep her head above water is inspiring. No matter the choices she makes along the way you know she has the very best intentions at heart, she does what she needs to do and she does it for her children, to eradicate the constant threat of losing their home and of poverty which is an ever-present shadow in the corner, plus not to mention the looming threat of being charged with the shits (or in other words her husband) murder.
Shit Happens – which is the perfect title for the story – is part gritty drama, part black comedy with some serious subjects thrown in to mix things up. It’s oddly engrossing and a little rough around the edges which will leave you thinking of what you would do if you were in Rose’s position, plus will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with the ongoing murder mystery.
This isn’t usually the type of book I normally read but something about it intrigued me enough to ignore my toppling TBR pile and add yet another book to it, I only just managed to read it in time for my stop on the tour – literally on the wire and then it’s taken me all of this time to write the review, I think me rushing to finish on time took a little of the shine of my overall enjoyment, but then again if this wasn’t as fast-paced as it ended up being I doubt I would have finished it on time – being a ridiculously slow reader, so the pacing is a huge thumbs up from me.
This really appealed to me I could relate so much to parts of the story, having grown up (and still living on) a council estate, having to scrimp and scrape for every penny and watching my parents tear the living room apart for any loose change for a simple loaf of bread.
The story is full of drama, you feel for Rose her very existence and her hardships tugs at the heartstrings and her determination to keep her head above water is inspiring. No matter the choices she makes along the way you know she has the very best intentions at heart, she does what she needs to do and she does it for her children, to eradicate the constant threat of losing their home and of poverty which is an ever-present shadow in the corner, plus not to mention the looming threat of being charged with the shits (or in other words her husband) murder.
Shit Happens – which is the perfect title for the story – is part gritty drama, part black comedy with some serious subjects thrown in to mix things up. It’s oddly engrossing and a little rough around the edges which will leave you thinking of what you would do if you were in Rose’s position, plus will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with the ongoing murder mystery.
March 31, 2015
Moving frenetically between witty, pacy thriller and heart-breaking pathos, it's difficult to know where to begin with this remarkably-accomplished novel. So I'll concentrate on Rose Starling, narrator, heroine, mother, lover, neighbour and friend.
The novel is peppered with literary references - Roddy Doyle pops up, Mark Haddon, and (or perhaps I imagined it) the marshes of Great Expectations. But although Doyle's Paula Spencer is the obvious reference point for Rose - bloodied but unbowed and refusing to be silenced - for me, Rose belongs up there with Kate Atkinson's always-surprising heroines, capable of capturing a reader's imagination like little else. In Rose, Eileen Wharton has given us a character to treasure, with a voice that absolutely transcends her background and circumstances and (frankly) allows me to gloss over truly minor imperfections (sometimes the transition between tragedy and comedy is a little awkward; occasionally the minor characters are a trifle predictable) and award this five stars without the slightest hesitation. Sinner and sinned-against, forgetful, occasionally even happy, ever-conscious of the plight of her children, optimist against all odds, Rose is the never-still point in the centre of a genuinely exciting plot that will have (and deserve) many a reader neglecting their own work and family in a frantic race to find out how it all ends.
It's fun, it's funny, it's exciting, but it's a lot more than that. In places it's beautifully-crafted, genuinely breathtaking. There's more than a hint of a remarkable writer here. I am very much looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
The novel is peppered with literary references - Roddy Doyle pops up, Mark Haddon, and (or perhaps I imagined it) the marshes of Great Expectations. But although Doyle's Paula Spencer is the obvious reference point for Rose - bloodied but unbowed and refusing to be silenced - for me, Rose belongs up there with Kate Atkinson's always-surprising heroines, capable of capturing a reader's imagination like little else. In Rose, Eileen Wharton has given us a character to treasure, with a voice that absolutely transcends her background and circumstances and (frankly) allows me to gloss over truly minor imperfections (sometimes the transition between tragedy and comedy is a little awkward; occasionally the minor characters are a trifle predictable) and award this five stars without the slightest hesitation. Sinner and sinned-against, forgetful, occasionally even happy, ever-conscious of the plight of her children, optimist against all odds, Rose is the never-still point in the centre of a genuinely exciting plot that will have (and deserve) many a reader neglecting their own work and family in a frantic race to find out how it all ends.
It's fun, it's funny, it's exciting, but it's a lot more than that. In places it's beautifully-crafted, genuinely breathtaking. There's more than a hint of a remarkable writer here. I am very much looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
March 7, 2022
I so very much enjoyed this story ,a new author for me .Rose once had it all married to Joe Starling , the house the Money they have 3 children William Michael Kitty . but Joe was abusive controlling and his mum and sisters where as bad Rose had no life so she left him and divorced him , but life is not good for her and her children Rose gets nothing of Joe she lives hand to mouth in debt and no money for electricity or gas her best friend Mags and her Neighbour Elsie and what a character she is ,the hard nut of the town Vera wont leave Rose alone wants her to do stuff for her ,then her ex Joe is murdered and Di Savage is trying to put Rose behind bars . she Tries Ann Summers party s and I tell you so funny. then she meets Johnny who owns a topless club then things start to heat up for Rosie , this book is just so so good you will laugh have the giggles and parts you will cry I so recommend this book ,
March 4, 2022
Rose is in a whole heap of shit. She’s barely holding her family and her life together, no money at all and her abusive ex-husband has turned up dead and the investigating detective really seems to have it in for her. Trying to get herself out of the mess she has fallen into, she manages to create more chaos.
Rose is such a fun character. The story is first person narrated through her eyes and she is such a great storyteller. Despite her situation, she’s an intelligent and incredibly witty lady and I loved her sarcasm, honesty and attitude towards things that keep cropping up into her life. Her attitude is fairly positive, and she has a feistiness that is adorable. Through flashbacks and the motivations for her choices we also see a more vulnerable side to Rose. With Rose and other characters, especially Detective Savage, Wharton teaches readers not to judge other and that sometimes things aren’t always what they seem. For me the characters really bring this novel to life.
I loved the use of dialect and accent in this novel. It’s set in Newcastle so would have been very unauthentic to hear everyone speaking with standard English. To me it gave added depth to the characters and the setting and I could really picture everything. It was like watching a film, which I think this would work well as (or TV).
I loved trying to solve the mystery of the murder and the more I read, the more I kept changing y mind. It kept me guessing for a long time.
This is such a clever book and is also about social inequity and the impact this has on communities and people’s lives. Despite writing rose as a feisty woman making the best of a situation and despite having a dark comedy slant on the plot – Shit Happens is also contains a realistic insight into poverty and the wider implications of this. I live in the Northeast and the stark contrast between the financially secure and those struggling to survive is a reality many of us could easily find ourselves living. It’s a bit of a thought-provoking eye opener.
Shit Happens is a great read, very unique storytelling style and really believable characters. I loved it.
Rose is such a fun character. The story is first person narrated through her eyes and she is such a great storyteller. Despite her situation, she’s an intelligent and incredibly witty lady and I loved her sarcasm, honesty and attitude towards things that keep cropping up into her life. Her attitude is fairly positive, and she has a feistiness that is adorable. Through flashbacks and the motivations for her choices we also see a more vulnerable side to Rose. With Rose and other characters, especially Detective Savage, Wharton teaches readers not to judge other and that sometimes things aren’t always what they seem. For me the characters really bring this novel to life.
I loved the use of dialect and accent in this novel. It’s set in Newcastle so would have been very unauthentic to hear everyone speaking with standard English. To me it gave added depth to the characters and the setting and I could really picture everything. It was like watching a film, which I think this would work well as (or TV).
I loved trying to solve the mystery of the murder and the more I read, the more I kept changing y mind. It kept me guessing for a long time.
This is such a clever book and is also about social inequity and the impact this has on communities and people’s lives. Despite writing rose as a feisty woman making the best of a situation and despite having a dark comedy slant on the plot – Shit Happens is also contains a realistic insight into poverty and the wider implications of this. I live in the Northeast and the stark contrast between the financially secure and those struggling to survive is a reality many of us could easily find ourselves living. It’s a bit of a thought-provoking eye opener.
Shit Happens is a great read, very unique storytelling style and really believable characters. I loved it.
March 9, 2022
This is one of those books I read, and at the end wasn’t sure what I thought. It’s funny in parts, sad in part and in places an uncomfortable read. It was a slow burner but once it got moving it was much faster paced. Sometimes the comedy was a little predictable but at others it was totally unexpected and laugh out loud. There was also a hint of a thriller, a touch of a romance and a little suspense but all leading back to the dark comedy.
Briefly, Rose Starling escaped an abusive husband and is living in poverty on a rundown estate in Newcastle with her children. But when her husbands body parts start turning up DI Savage seems determined to prove Rose murdered him. Trying to try to keep the wolf at bay Rose takes a job as a topless waitress where her boss takes an interest in her.
The possible triggers/ warnings are many but none of them are overly graphic. The author weaves a tale full of barbs at society and the inequality of life for many. The lead character Rose is a good solid character, determined to do her best for her family having been strong enough to get away from her husband and his family. Despite her living conditions she remains positive and happier than she was before. I didn’t work out the murderer until near the reveal which is always good. So yes I did enjoy the book and a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Rose Starling escaped an abusive husband and is living in poverty on a rundown estate in Newcastle with her children. But when her husbands body parts start turning up DI Savage seems determined to prove Rose murdered him. Trying to try to keep the wolf at bay Rose takes a job as a topless waitress where her boss takes an interest in her.
The possible triggers/ warnings are many but none of them are overly graphic. The author weaves a tale full of barbs at society and the inequality of life for many. The lead character Rose is a good solid character, determined to do her best for her family having been strong enough to get away from her husband and his family. Despite her living conditions she remains positive and happier than she was before. I didn’t work out the murderer until near the reveal which is always good. So yes I did enjoy the book and a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 16, 2013
Daily life in the bowels of a Newcastle sink estate is related with verve and humour by the main character Rose Starling. Trying to provide for her three youngsters, she cannons between the DSS and the black economy, a hypocritical, religion-obsessed parent, spiteful in-laws, and the tyranny of the estate's female bruisers determined to set her up as a patsy for their crimes because of her links to her murdered ex-husband.
The subtext of corruption and violence permeating from playground to big business, reminiscent of any despotic third world country, is deftly handled and never overwhelms the humour which becomes more brittle as Rose grows increasingly desperate to hang on to her sanity and do right by her offspring in the face of unremitting pressure.
Yes, you can read this novel for its laughs, and there is plenty to make you smile, but it isn't a caper or a thriller. It is social comment on life for many trapped in a maze where every attempt to escape is blocked by a glass wall, and where the owning of a Prada handbag or a pair of Jimmy Choos is both a salve and a mirage of upward mobility. Watch this author. Her star will rise.
The subtext of corruption and violence permeating from playground to big business, reminiscent of any despotic third world country, is deftly handled and never overwhelms the humour which becomes more brittle as Rose grows increasingly desperate to hang on to her sanity and do right by her offspring in the face of unremitting pressure.
Yes, you can read this novel for its laughs, and there is plenty to make you smile, but it isn't a caper or a thriller. It is social comment on life for many trapped in a maze where every attempt to escape is blocked by a glass wall, and where the owning of a Prada handbag or a pair of Jimmy Choos is both a salve and a mirage of upward mobility. Watch this author. Her star will rise.
July 11, 2012
Sh*t Happens is a laugh out loud funny book. Razor sharp wit and comical descriptions are used to good effect by the author to create a novel that guarantees a chortle a chapter.
The author slowly builds up the story of Rose, a single Mum living on a rough housing estate. When Rose's abusive ex-husband is found brutally murdered she finds herself in the frame for it. The police seem to dog her every step and local hard woman-cum-gangster Vera Devlin is also after Rose for her own mysterious reasons.
The novel is peppered with colourful characters and there is plenty going on to entertain the reader. On just a couple of occasions I felt the humour was overdone and a little obvious. However, at times Wharton's descriptions were crisp and excellently observed and you could see the potential she has for creating gripping and immersive settings.
Overall perhaps a little too long and quite slow going at times but there is plenty of twists and enough going on to keep the reader entertained at all times. An excellent read that I recommend.
The author slowly builds up the story of Rose, a single Mum living on a rough housing estate. When Rose's abusive ex-husband is found brutally murdered she finds herself in the frame for it. The police seem to dog her every step and local hard woman-cum-gangster Vera Devlin is also after Rose for her own mysterious reasons.
The novel is peppered with colourful characters and there is plenty going on to entertain the reader. On just a couple of occasions I felt the humour was overdone and a little obvious. However, at times Wharton's descriptions were crisp and excellently observed and you could see the potential she has for creating gripping and immersive settings.
Overall perhaps a little too long and quite slow going at times but there is plenty of twists and enough going on to keep the reader entertained at all times. An excellent read that I recommend.
March 27, 2015
The writing is decent and it flows, but the content isn't great. Part murder mystery, part comedy and a big part poverty porn. Wharton really goes overboard with her descriptions of the apparent shittiness of the northern council estate, making it sound like a post-apocalyptic world rather than just a place where working class people live. In parts it is funny because of Wharton's humour, and in other parts it's funny because it's just so silly and outrageous in terms of its storyline. Wharton has no problem in using stereotypes to flesh out her novel, which to me is lazy writing. I don't think I'd read another book by the author.
April 21, 2013
Although I enjoyed this book, I found the colloquialisms and local (North-East England) language tricky to follow at times. If the reader keeps the idea of Cheryl Cole dressed Wal-Mart style in mind, it will help a great deal. The pace of the story can feel slow and perhaps autobiographical in places, but it's well worth sticking with it as it all falls into place in the end, leaving the reader with a warm sense of satisfaction.
August 3, 2016
A tale of a 'working class' lass that seems to have a run of bad luck from the day she was born until the day her life is likely to end. Set in the mean streets of the North East, the language and accents used in the telling of this tale makes the narrative come alive in the mind of the reader. How low can a mother of three stoop to ensure the well-being of her children, and their safety when under threat. A first class read and highly recommended.
February 3, 2015
I liked this book - unlikely to win literary prizes and may be slated by literary snobs but who cares? A laugh out loud beginning (I had Sarah Millican's voice in my head all the time I was reading), plot became a bit less believable later in the book - an entertaining read, a good bit of escapism for when you don't want to think too hard.
August 7, 2024
Rose has a pretty rubbish life trying to make ends meet and avoid the debt collectors who are always hounding her..This was one of the most funniest books I've read in a long time....whilst in the canteen at work and on the bus I got some pretty strange looks as i was shaking with laughter literally shaking. Imaging the Devlins as rough as they come characters.
October 18, 2016
This is the 1st adult book by Eileen wharton has she writes childrens books. I look forward to read her next one. Funny, Sad and true to life, a good book.
March 13, 2022
Funny, gritty, doesn’t hold back and written with a real warmth, I loved this. The main character is a down on her luck single mum living in the North East. Her past involves a gruesome, love to hate ex husband with a penchant for domestic abuse and a mother and sisters in law who would give a Disney stepmother and ugly sisters a run for their money.
The surviving life anecdotes and quips are absolutely top class and she builds into a really believable and yet outrageous character. A real comment on society and how hard life can be and how lines are blurred between criminality and survival. A real treat and great easy to read entertainment. Thank you.
The surviving life anecdotes and quips are absolutely top class and she builds into a really believable and yet outrageous character. A real comment on society and how hard life can be and how lines are blurred between criminality and survival. A real treat and great easy to read entertainment. Thank you.
April 1, 2022
Absolutely hysterical! I laughed so much I snorted tea out of my nose!
I flicked between laughing out loud and feeling sorry for poor Rose who is struggling day to day as a single mother on benefits with three young kids to raise on a council estate in Newcastle having escaped her abusive husband but when the people around her start dying and the hard nut family want her running dodgy deals for them and they are willing to threaten the safety of her kids to get it we get to see past the woman who hides behind the curtains when the debt collector comes knocking to the strong woman she needs to be to protect herself and her children.
I flicked between laughing out loud and feeling sorry for poor Rose who is struggling day to day as a single mother on benefits with three young kids to raise on a council estate in Newcastle having escaped her abusive husband but when the people around her start dying and the hard nut family want her running dodgy deals for them and they are willing to threaten the safety of her kids to get it we get to see past the woman who hides behind the curtains when the debt collector comes knocking to the strong woman she needs to be to protect herself and her children.
March 18, 2022
Fast paced, brutally honest, witty and heartbreaking. I loved this story about Rose, single mother to 3 children living in poverty in the north east, and all the trials she goes through on a daily basis just to survive. And when body parts of her ex husband turn up in various locations, she becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation too. For many women, her life would be enough to make you never want to get out of bed again, but not Rose who is willing to do anything it takes to protect her family. You have to admire that sort of bravery. An excellent read.
March 20, 2022
With equal parts of dark humour and the tale of the survivor of domestic violence this is the story of Rose and her journey into single parenthood. Rose is now a single parent of 3 children struggling to make ends meet.
Her friends rally around offering moral support where they can
Really enjoyed this one and would relish reading another book by this authoress
Her friends rally around offering moral support where they can
Really enjoyed this one and would relish reading another book by this authoress
May 25, 2023
A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
March 26, 2022
Brilliant book. Loved the story and characters. Fast moving, funny, sad and shocking. Really liked Rose and her strength to get through her day to day life. Couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out what happens to her and wasn’t disappointed. Definitely recommend.
March 19, 2022
A good book i did enjoy it
This book had everything it was funny and sad...
Loved the title of the book makes you want to read it ...
It was an easy read its worth a read...
This book had everything it was funny and sad...
Loved the title of the book makes you want to read it ...
It was an easy read its worth a read...
April 3, 2022
Funny fast past and part thriller what more could you ask for.
April 29, 2022
A cracking read that’s well paced and numerous despite the storyline
Great characters and the backdrop the story is set in is very realistic
A fab read
Great characters and the backdrop the story is set in is very realistic
A fab read
May 14, 2022
This was quite funny and an entertaining read.
February 20, 2025
The most random book I have ever read! Would recommend it
September 19, 2025
hard hitting and totally honest
December 3, 2016
Laugh out loud in bits tragic in others but a fantastic read
June 26, 2014
Rose Starling lives a dreadful life. Physically abused by her ex-husband, Joe, she’s raising their three kids on benefits and is barely able to make ends meet, skirting from one problem to the next. But things turn from bad to worse when bits of Joe turn up in various locations and the police, led by DI Savage, seem to believe she’s the main suspect. So do most of her neighbours and all Joe’s family. They never liked Rose, thinking that Joe had married beneath himself, that she trapped him to get his money.
At the same time the crime family running the Newcastle housing estate Rose calls home, the Devlins, keep trying to force her to take various illegal jobs. Rose starts to work for nightclub owner Johnny Milton as a topless waitress to earn some extra money and soon she’s being tempted into an affair. But what about the priest, Patrick, she’s also secretly seeing? And how is a penniless housewife – suffering from acute tiredness and piles – going to prove she’s not the killer?
This is not a story for the faint of heart. It’s got a mixture of the worst possible experiences of being a parent – divorce and problem children – but with domestic abuse and poverty thrown in for good measure. Joe, her ex, was a manipulative, jealous control freak, but was adored by friends and family. He regularly kicked seven shades out of Rose, whilst surrounding her with a nice house, cars and jewels. To all intents and purposes Rose looks like she has a good life, but no-one sees what goes on behind closed doors. These experiences are steadily revealed through flashbacks interspersed through the story. They get grimmer and more violent as the story progresses.
Rose now lives in utter poverty, doing just about anything to feed her kids because she loves them more than anything. The trouble is every step she takes puts her in a slightly worse position. Taking on debt she can’t afford means a visit from collectors, doing one job for the Devlin’s leads to another, and so on. She just can’t seem to break the cycle. Ironically Joe’s murder turns out to be the best thing that happens to her – which says it all about the plot of Sh** Happens.
Her friends and neighbours are all criminals of various shades. Some are salt-of-the-earth types who will do anything for Rose, while selling stolen goods. Others are amoral gangsters who will do anything to Rose to get what they want.
It sounds as though it could be terribly disturbing book, but it is very well written and stays on the side of humour. The author manages this by not being too graphic, revealing just enough for a grimace, and throwing in a good dose of fun. It’s impossible not to feel sorry for Rose, who only wants to better herself and her kids, whilst hating Joe. There’s a multitude of great characters too. Savage is a sleaze, Johnny is a decent guy who happens to run a stripclub, Patrick the conflicted priest who’s bitten off more than he can chew, and there’s also Rose’s religious fanatic father. Evil comes in with Joe’s mother and sister, as well as Vera Devlin.
Later in the book the narrative does drift towards being a commentary on Rose’s life and her numerous mounting problems. In doing so, it steers away from matters that relate to the crime. However Sh** Happens does hit a satisfying conclusion when all the strands are drawn together in a fashion that makes complete sense. Eileen Wharton is one to watch out for.
Originally reviewed for Crime Fiction Lover.
At the same time the crime family running the Newcastle housing estate Rose calls home, the Devlins, keep trying to force her to take various illegal jobs. Rose starts to work for nightclub owner Johnny Milton as a topless waitress to earn some extra money and soon she’s being tempted into an affair. But what about the priest, Patrick, she’s also secretly seeing? And how is a penniless housewife – suffering from acute tiredness and piles – going to prove she’s not the killer?
This is not a story for the faint of heart. It’s got a mixture of the worst possible experiences of being a parent – divorce and problem children – but with domestic abuse and poverty thrown in for good measure. Joe, her ex, was a manipulative, jealous control freak, but was adored by friends and family. He regularly kicked seven shades out of Rose, whilst surrounding her with a nice house, cars and jewels. To all intents and purposes Rose looks like she has a good life, but no-one sees what goes on behind closed doors. These experiences are steadily revealed through flashbacks interspersed through the story. They get grimmer and more violent as the story progresses.
Rose now lives in utter poverty, doing just about anything to feed her kids because she loves them more than anything. The trouble is every step she takes puts her in a slightly worse position. Taking on debt she can’t afford means a visit from collectors, doing one job for the Devlin’s leads to another, and so on. She just can’t seem to break the cycle. Ironically Joe’s murder turns out to be the best thing that happens to her – which says it all about the plot of Sh** Happens.
Her friends and neighbours are all criminals of various shades. Some are salt-of-the-earth types who will do anything for Rose, while selling stolen goods. Others are amoral gangsters who will do anything to Rose to get what they want.
It sounds as though it could be terribly disturbing book, but it is very well written and stays on the side of humour. The author manages this by not being too graphic, revealing just enough for a grimace, and throwing in a good dose of fun. It’s impossible not to feel sorry for Rose, who only wants to better herself and her kids, whilst hating Joe. There’s a multitude of great characters too. Savage is a sleaze, Johnny is a decent guy who happens to run a stripclub, Patrick the conflicted priest who’s bitten off more than he can chew, and there’s also Rose’s religious fanatic father. Evil comes in with Joe’s mother and sister, as well as Vera Devlin.
Later in the book the narrative does drift towards being a commentary on Rose’s life and her numerous mounting problems. In doing so, it steers away from matters that relate to the crime. However Sh** Happens does hit a satisfying conclusion when all the strands are drawn together in a fashion that makes complete sense. Eileen Wharton is one to watch out for.
Originally reviewed for Crime Fiction Lover.
March 29, 2022
I have a slight advantage to some as my mam was a Mackem. It always brings me joy to read a book using her way of saying things.
This book is a great read regardless of whether you are familiar with some of the north eastern sayings or not. It also reflects how desperate living conditions are for the poorer families and how they have to do anything just to live. It also shows the strong spirit that is alive and kicking regardless of trials and tribulations.
This is a black humoured, gritty, realistic tale and thoroughly enjoyable.
This book is a great read regardless of whether you are familiar with some of the north eastern sayings or not. It also reflects how desperate living conditions are for the poorer families and how they have to do anything just to live. It also shows the strong spirit that is alive and kicking regardless of trials and tribulations.
This is a black humoured, gritty, realistic tale and thoroughly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews