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One-Hit Wonder
Moving back in with her mother after her geeky boyfriend ends their relationship, Ana dreams about living the life of her pop singer half-sister, Bee, whose untimely death introduces Ana to the mysterious dangers of Bee's world.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2001
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9048 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Jewell
47 books88.4k followersLISA JEWELL was born in London in 1968.
Her first novel, Ralph's Party, was the best- selling debut novel of 1999. Since then she has written another twenty novels, most recently a number of dark psychological thrillers, including The Girls, Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs and The Night She Disappeared.
Lisa is a New York Times and Sunday Times number one bestselling author who has been published worldwide in over twenty-five languages. She lives in north London with her husband, two teenage daughters and the best dog in the world.
Lisa's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/LisaJewelloff...
Her first novel, Ralph's Party, was the best- selling debut novel of 1999. Since then she has written another twenty novels, most recently a number of dark psychological thrillers, including The Girls, Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs and The Night She Disappeared.
Lisa is a New York Times and Sunday Times number one bestselling author who has been published worldwide in over twenty-five languages. She lives in north London with her husband, two teenage daughters and the best dog in the world.
Lisa's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/LisaJewelloff...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 765 reviews
October 15, 2023
It is hard to believe this one was written 22 years ago. I must say Lisa Jewell has grown so much in 20 years. This was not one of my favorites, but the others I have enjoyed a lot. She develops some extraordinary characters with unique plots in creative mysteries.
This was an adventure for Ana. Her sister Bee was found dead in her apartment in London from an apparent suicide. Bee became famous in the 80's from a One-hit wonder then lived a life of luxury, but alone and sad. Much develops slowly, as Ana pieces back her life.
This was an adventure for Ana. Her sister Bee was found dead in her apartment in London from an apparent suicide. Bee became famous in the 80's from a One-hit wonder then lived a life of luxury, but alone and sad. Much develops slowly, as Ana pieces back her life.
May 27, 2023
In this book, Lisa Jewell explores our hidden lives - the ones we want to keep from others - especially from those we love. It’s a good reminder that what we see, isn’t always the whole picture, only what someone wants us to see.
Belinda ‘Bee’ Bearhorn shared little in common with her half-sister, Anabella Fisher, except for coming from a dysfunctional family. When Bee dies and her sister is sorting through her personal effects, Ana discovers more about Bee than she ever knew. True, Bee was a celebrity, but few people really knew her.
As a result of honouring her, Ana is able to do what her ‘one hit wonder’ sister was never able to do - bring her fractured family together. Along the way, Anna experiences growth and healing.
I wouldn’t say that I loved this one. The language was shocking and the characters were fairly unlikeable. So, why did I keep reading? It’s Lisa Jewell! Her writing is beguiling; one minute she had me to the point of tears and the next giggling. I think I stayed for the mystery. Who was Zander? Why was there a secret home?
Watch for timeframe clues as this storytime hops and can be confusing at first. Know the triggers before you start.
Belinda ‘Bee’ Bearhorn shared little in common with her half-sister, Anabella Fisher, except for coming from a dysfunctional family. When Bee dies and her sister is sorting through her personal effects, Ana discovers more about Bee than she ever knew. True, Bee was a celebrity, but few people really knew her.
As a result of honouring her, Ana is able to do what her ‘one hit wonder’ sister was never able to do - bring her fractured family together. Along the way, Anna experiences growth and healing.
I wouldn’t say that I loved this one. The language was shocking and the characters were fairly unlikeable. So, why did I keep reading? It’s Lisa Jewell! Her writing is beguiling; one minute she had me to the point of tears and the next giggling. I think I stayed for the mystery. Who was Zander? Why was there a secret home?
Watch for timeframe clues as this storytime hops and can be confusing at first. Know the triggers before you start.
May 20, 2018
Journalist and author Elizabeth Fishel was quoted as saying, “A sister is both your mirror…and your opposite.” As I read Lisa Jewell’s “One Hit Wonder” and saw the relationship between Belinda “Bee” and Anabella “Ana” Fishel’s words rang true.
One of the life experiences that these two sisters had most closely in common was the outlandish, confused, disorderly family situation they were both born into. Despite the eleven year age difference and the contrasting paths their respective of their lives took, the negative toll it took on each of them was equally affecting.
The girl’s mother, Gay, was an aspiring stage actress when she met, and married a burly young director named Gregor Bearhorn in 1963. For a time, Gay and Gregor settled into a lifestyle that Lisa Jewell describes as, “a cozy state of mild, middle-class bohemia.” All that changed in 1964 when Gay gave birth to a daughter named Belinda. Gay was obsessed with becoming a successful actress, and loved the free spirited life she and Gregor had together. Having a child, in Gay’s estimation would relegate her to the traditionalist, unimaginative role of conservative motherhood. Despite this aversion to motherhood, Gay gave it a shot, while at the same time always fantasizing the “what if’s” of her fledgling acting career.
Matters became worse for Gay in 1971 when Gregor, in Jewell’s words, “finally gave into his long-repressed, but ultimately uncontrollable homosexual urges and left Gay.” Then in 1974, in what was perhaps an attempt at marital security, Gay married a college professor, twenty-two years her senior, named Bill. Gay became pregnant and had her second daughter, Anabella, in 1975. During the period between 1975 and 1979 the sisters lived in the same house until Belinda, now fifteen years old and at odds with her mother, moved out to live with her father Gregor in London.
In the years following, Ana and Bee seldom see each other. This is partly because of Gay’s dislike of the city of London, and partly because of the deteriorating relationship between the mother and her eldest daughter. Bee enters the world of entertainment, eventually scoring a number one hit “Groovin’ for London” in 1985. After Bee’s transformation from unknown vocalist to celebrity, the family gatherings were at times and places of Bee’s convenience, including the depressing, gaudy look of gothic themed nightclubs in the afternoon. Gay uses these occasions to share her disapproval of her older daughter’s lifestyle and as a result, the “family visits” become more strained, and fewer and fewer.
The story begins in August of 2000 when Bee is found dead in her apartment at the age of 36. One year earlier, in 1999, Ana’s dad Bill passed away and Ana moved back in with her mother. Ana had been living with her mom for about ten months when Bee died. A few days later, her mother decides it best to send Ana to London to put Bee’s apartment to put things in order so that the movers can pack up the boxes and bring Bee’s possessions back to her childhood home.
That is where the story begins, and believe me, it’s gut-wrenching in so many ways. As Ana goes through the process of sorting her sister’s belongings and then shortly after, meeting her sister’s friends, she discovers, bit by bit, that the two-dimensional “famous person” persona she’d tagged her sister with were only one small part of who Bee Bearhorn was. Ana also uncovers her true self as well.
I’m giving “One Hit Wonder” five stars, and am doing so because of the intense emotional “highs” and “lows” I experienced while reading the story. For a period of time there would be the deepest heartache, then in the next chapter, laughter. Some of this story was incredibly inspiring and reading other parts were so warm and satisfying! I finished the book feeling a sense of melancholy…somehow wrapped up inside an emotional climate of delighted contentment. A writer must be a skilled story teller in order to affect readers in such a variety of ways.
I’m enthusiastically recommending “One Hit Wonder” by Lisa Jewell!
One of the life experiences that these two sisters had most closely in common was the outlandish, confused, disorderly family situation they were both born into. Despite the eleven year age difference and the contrasting paths their respective of their lives took, the negative toll it took on each of them was equally affecting.
The girl’s mother, Gay, was an aspiring stage actress when she met, and married a burly young director named Gregor Bearhorn in 1963. For a time, Gay and Gregor settled into a lifestyle that Lisa Jewell describes as, “a cozy state of mild, middle-class bohemia.” All that changed in 1964 when Gay gave birth to a daughter named Belinda. Gay was obsessed with becoming a successful actress, and loved the free spirited life she and Gregor had together. Having a child, in Gay’s estimation would relegate her to the traditionalist, unimaginative role of conservative motherhood. Despite this aversion to motherhood, Gay gave it a shot, while at the same time always fantasizing the “what if’s” of her fledgling acting career.
Matters became worse for Gay in 1971 when Gregor, in Jewell’s words, “finally gave into his long-repressed, but ultimately uncontrollable homosexual urges and left Gay.” Then in 1974, in what was perhaps an attempt at marital security, Gay married a college professor, twenty-two years her senior, named Bill. Gay became pregnant and had her second daughter, Anabella, in 1975. During the period between 1975 and 1979 the sisters lived in the same house until Belinda, now fifteen years old and at odds with her mother, moved out to live with her father Gregor in London.
In the years following, Ana and Bee seldom see each other. This is partly because of Gay’s dislike of the city of London, and partly because of the deteriorating relationship between the mother and her eldest daughter. Bee enters the world of entertainment, eventually scoring a number one hit “Groovin’ for London” in 1985. After Bee’s transformation from unknown vocalist to celebrity, the family gatherings were at times and places of Bee’s convenience, including the depressing, gaudy look of gothic themed nightclubs in the afternoon. Gay uses these occasions to share her disapproval of her older daughter’s lifestyle and as a result, the “family visits” become more strained, and fewer and fewer.
The story begins in August of 2000 when Bee is found dead in her apartment at the age of 36. One year earlier, in 1999, Ana’s dad Bill passed away and Ana moved back in with her mother. Ana had been living with her mom for about ten months when Bee died. A few days later, her mother decides it best to send Ana to London to put Bee’s apartment to put things in order so that the movers can pack up the boxes and bring Bee’s possessions back to her childhood home.
That is where the story begins, and believe me, it’s gut-wrenching in so many ways. As Ana goes through the process of sorting her sister’s belongings and then shortly after, meeting her sister’s friends, she discovers, bit by bit, that the two-dimensional “famous person” persona she’d tagged her sister with were only one small part of who Bee Bearhorn was. Ana also uncovers her true self as well.
I’m giving “One Hit Wonder” five stars, and am doing so because of the intense emotional “highs” and “lows” I experienced while reading the story. For a period of time there would be the deepest heartache, then in the next chapter, laughter. Some of this story was incredibly inspiring and reading other parts were so warm and satisfying! I finished the book feeling a sense of melancholy…somehow wrapped up inside an emotional climate of delighted contentment. A writer must be a skilled story teller in order to affect readers in such a variety of ways.
I’m enthusiastically recommending “One Hit Wonder” by Lisa Jewell!
November 26, 2022
Despite the title, this novel isn't so much about former pop star Bee Bearhorn, who had one huge hit in the 80's and then faded into obscurity. It's more about her estranged younger half-sister, Anabella, who tries to piece together Bee's life after she's found dead in her apartment.
Although as usual, I'm awed by Jewell's ability to create a complex plot and unique characters, the mystery in this one didn't pull me in as much as others. And at the end when I realized that Ana's complete Cinderella transformation took place in "a fortnight" as the Brits say, it really didn't seem believable. It wasn't a bad read, but doesn't rank among the best of Jewell's books so far.
Although as usual, I'm awed by Jewell's ability to create a complex plot and unique characters, the mystery in this one didn't pull me in as much as others. And at the end when I realized that Ana's complete Cinderella transformation took place in "a fortnight" as the Brits say, it really didn't seem believable. It wasn't a bad read, but doesn't rank among the best of Jewell's books so far.
April 24, 2021
I love the way Lisa Jewel writes, weaving together different time periods and different characters. There’s a little bit of everything in this story: mystery, romance and family drama. I have listened to several of her books and enjoyed them all and the narrators are great!
September 18, 2014
Excellent story of a woman's suicide and her friends and half sister finding out the secrets of her life.
December 18, 2022
Audible version narrated by Helen Duff
I scored One-Hit Wonder two stars...but just barely. I think the only reason I didn't rate it one star is because I finished it...but just barely.
I was in the mood for an easy, in-between book and this one fit the need but then it drug on and on and on. It is WAY too long. Way too many details...the constant inventory lists (Bree's apartment, what's in a suitcase, etc.) drove me NUTS...every outfit is described in excruciating detail (She looked stunning in a slinky black lycra top with rhinestones affixed haphazardly over the front...). And then it just got ridiculous as the virginal nerd, within days, becomes beautiful and is mistaken for a model...and is confident and sexy. It doesn't track and wasn't enduring. And we're supposed to just find it acceptable that one horribly cruel, manipulative character becomes completely self-aware and apologetic. And, what's with everyone's name? Noone in the story has a normal name.
This one started out pretty good. Other than some annoying moments, I was interested and wanted to know more but then...as soon as the mystery is revealed...it goes to the poo-pail pretty fast and just gets worse. It took me DAYS to finish the final 1.5 hours of the audible version. I even started another book with only 20 minutes remaining.
This one probably would have been better in printed form...so the reader could skim as necessary.
I scored One-Hit Wonder two stars...but just barely. I think the only reason I didn't rate it one star is because I finished it...but just barely.
I was in the mood for an easy, in-between book and this one fit the need but then it drug on and on and on. It is WAY too long. Way too many details...the constant inventory lists (Bree's apartment, what's in a suitcase, etc.) drove me NUTS...every outfit is described in excruciating detail (She looked stunning in a slinky black lycra top with rhinestones affixed haphazardly over the front...). And then it just got ridiculous as the virginal nerd, within days, becomes beautiful and is mistaken for a model...and is confident and sexy. It doesn't track and wasn't enduring. And we're supposed to just find it acceptable that one horribly cruel, manipulative character becomes completely self-aware and apologetic. And, what's with everyone's name? Noone in the story has a normal name.
This one started out pretty good. Other than some annoying moments, I was interested and wanted to know more but then...as soon as the mystery is revealed...it goes to the poo-pail pretty fast and just gets worse. It took me DAYS to finish the final 1.5 hours of the audible version. I even started another book with only 20 minutes remaining.
This one probably would have been better in printed form...so the reader could skim as necessary.
September 2, 2020
Loved this story. It is hard to love someone you’ve never really known but it is possible. This story has it all: self discovery, family dysfunction, romance, intrigue, heart break and friendship. Anna begins a straightforward task of packing up her deceased sister’s last residence but really starts a complicated journey of learning about her sister’s mysterious existence and starts her own life journey. Great story.
December 11, 2021
2.75⭐️. I am usually a big fan of this author, but this one didn’t do it for me. Narration was good though.
June 29, 2020
Inače volim Lisu, ali ovo je... strašno. Strašno dosadno! Morala sam se u par navrata boriti da ne zaspim čitajući. :/
May 27, 2022
**3 1/2 stars**
I wanted to give Lisa Jewell another try after the first book I read by her. Like the previous novel, I was intrigued by the concept behind this one.
Ana, a bonafide card-carrying ugly duckling is 25 years old. She is repressed and bullied by everyone around her, especially her abusive psycho mother. She thinks she is ugly because she is tall, thin, and has a big nose. Her beautiful and dynamic half-sister, whom she barely knew, has died suddenly and she must go to New York to put her affairs in order. Bee was a wild child and ex-pop star whose celebrity faded quickly. A One-Hit wonder in fact.
When Ana gets to New York she is saddened and disturbed to see how Bee lived and died. She falls in with her two best and apparently only friends, Lol and Flint. Together, they are determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Bee. It is soon apparent that Bee had been living a double life with many secrets. In the course of her investigations, and away from her mother, Ana blossoms into a swan, finds inner strength, confidence, and self-esteem, and falls in love. By the end, there is plenty of redemption, happiness, and hope for the future for our main character, Ana, and others we meet along the way. But the happiness and hope that is found are in the ashes of Bee’s tragedy.
I liked Ana, but didn’t love her. She was kind and good. I guess I can’t blame her for being a doormat to her mother and others, because the primary focus of the book is how she gets herself up off the floor. However, her constant poormouthing herself and failing to see her striking beauty that is obvious to everyone else was irritating. I listened to this on audio, and I liked the reader's characterizations of everyone except two other main characters: Lol (short for Lolita, we are finally told) and Flint. The accent and voice tone was over the top with these two, and actually gave me a bad impression of them throughout most of the book. Flint’s character really turned me off and his voice just exacerbated my initial dislike. I just didn’t see how he could be the love interest but there wasn’t anyone else. As the book went on, and we learn more about him, my feelings did change, but it was slow going.
The gradual solving of the mystery and anticipation of closure on several fronts were what kept me going with this one. There were some interesting characters, particularly the difficult mystery boy and the cruel neurotic mother. The final outcomes with these two came too easily and were too pat for me.
I wanted to give Lisa Jewell another try after the first book I read by her. Like the previous novel, I was intrigued by the concept behind this one.
Ana, a bonafide card-carrying ugly duckling is 25 years old. She is repressed and bullied by everyone around her, especially her abusive psycho mother. She thinks she is ugly because she is tall, thin, and has a big nose. Her beautiful and dynamic half-sister, whom she barely knew, has died suddenly and she must go to New York to put her affairs in order. Bee was a wild child and ex-pop star whose celebrity faded quickly. A One-Hit wonder in fact.
When Ana gets to New York she is saddened and disturbed to see how Bee lived and died. She falls in with her two best and apparently only friends, Lol and Flint. Together, they are determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Bee. It is soon apparent that Bee had been living a double life with many secrets. In the course of her investigations, and away from her mother, Ana blossoms into a swan, finds inner strength, confidence, and self-esteem, and falls in love. By the end, there is plenty of redemption, happiness, and hope for the future for our main character, Ana, and others we meet along the way. But the happiness and hope that is found are in the ashes of Bee’s tragedy.
I liked Ana, but didn’t love her. She was kind and good. I guess I can’t blame her for being a doormat to her mother and others, because the primary focus of the book is how she gets herself up off the floor. However, her constant poormouthing herself and failing to see her striking beauty that is obvious to everyone else was irritating. I listened to this on audio, and I liked the reader's characterizations of everyone except two other main characters: Lol (short for Lolita, we are finally told) and Flint. The accent and voice tone was over the top with these two, and actually gave me a bad impression of them throughout most of the book. Flint’s character really turned me off and his voice just exacerbated my initial dislike. I just didn’t see how he could be the love interest but there wasn’t anyone else. As the book went on, and we learn more about him, my feelings did change, but it was slow going.
The gradual solving of the mystery and anticipation of closure on several fronts were what kept me going with this one. There were some interesting characters, particularly the difficult mystery boy and the cruel neurotic mother. The final outcomes with these two came too easily and were too pat for me.
April 11, 2020
I rarely rate books on the 1 to 10 scale, but this one I did as it fell solidly in the "5" range for me. It was very predictable, but well written enough for what it was. I guessed just about every "twist" in the plot, but kept on reading just the same, which is a good sign I think. I can't imagine anyone not seeing the relationship between Ana and Flint from a mile away, so I don't feel it is any bit of a spoiler to comment on it. Though it is an overdone plot (awkward girl meets aloof "I've never loved before" guy and they fall in love), the circumstances surrounding their coupling really struck a chord with me. I met my current boyfriend when I flew cross-country to attend a mutual friend's wake. If it wasn't for the loss of the most unique man I have ever known, my love and I wouldn't be together now. Even in the most horrible circumstances, some good can come to light. I don't know that I would have appreciated this book as much as I did if I couldn't relate so closely with that part of the storyline. The last few chapters made my eyes prick with tears as I thought of the loss of my beloved, dearly missed Dirk. He was a man unlike any other, as was Bee's character. I am grateful to be given yet another moment to think on him fondly and honor his memory.
June 26, 2023
5 stars
I listened to this book rather than read it.
This is one of Lisa Jewell's earlier books, written in the late 90s and not a thriller like she currently writes. I was fully aware of these facts but had been reluctant to read it as I was unsure if I'd read it when I was younger, as I recognised the cover, as a book I'm sure I once owned.
However, I didn't recognise the story and soon realised that I hadn't already read it.
This book was very nostalgic with its content about 80s music and dial-up Internet, but of course, broadband didn't exist back then.
I loved the characters, and the story was fantastic. It was very moving but with humour too.
I'm now going to start another of Lisa's early novels.
I listened to this book rather than read it.
This is one of Lisa Jewell's earlier books, written in the late 90s and not a thriller like she currently writes. I was fully aware of these facts but had been reluctant to read it as I was unsure if I'd read it when I was younger, as I recognised the cover, as a book I'm sure I once owned.
However, I didn't recognise the story and soon realised that I hadn't already read it.
This book was very nostalgic with its content about 80s music and dial-up Internet, but of course, broadband didn't exist back then.
I loved the characters, and the story was fantastic. It was very moving but with humour too.
I'm now going to start another of Lisa's early novels.
April 17, 2008
Yikes!
I picked this up when I needed something light to read after all of the Joyce Carol Oates I'd been enjoying, but I didn't mean for it to be this bad!
I hate reading books where every outfit is described in great detail (She looked stunning in a slinky black lycra top with rhinestones affixed haphazardly over the front...) and -- I know this is a strange thing to hate, but... -- no one has a "normal" name. Besides that, this one had a virginal nerd who, within days, becomes a model-esque sex-fiend. Excuse me? And there weren't ACTUALLY any sex scenes!
Not worth the time it took to check it out of the library.
I picked this up when I needed something light to read after all of the Joyce Carol Oates I'd been enjoying, but I didn't mean for it to be this bad!
I hate reading books where every outfit is described in great detail (She looked stunning in a slinky black lycra top with rhinestones affixed haphazardly over the front...) and -- I know this is a strange thing to hate, but... -- no one has a "normal" name. Besides that, this one had a virginal nerd who, within days, becomes a model-esque sex-fiend. Excuse me? And there weren't ACTUALLY any sex scenes!
Not worth the time it took to check it out of the library.
April 17, 2014
Saw a more recent book by Lisa Jewell in a dept. store. Read the back cover and Found "One Hit Wonder" at my own library and found it great fun. Not a formula romance, not a formula mystery, but a story with such engaging characters I couldn't put it down. The publisher takes pains to say this is NOT a Bridget Jones type novel. Ana, sister of the title character, comes into her own after years of being a string bean--with a little help--okay a lot of help--from two slightly oddball friends of her now deceased sister.
January 10, 2020
Not my favorite Lisa Jewell book, but still worth reading! I liked the mystery aspect of this book, and finding out what happened was unexpected and shocking! This book showed there is more going on than meets the eye. That you don’t know what someone is going through in their lives by just looking at or even knowing them. The main character brings her family and friends together by honoring her deceased sister. She finds the courage to try new things and follow her own path in life. An overall nice story of mystery and discovery along with building and healing relationships.
January 31, 2021
Bee is found dead in her apartment and a few days after the discovery her mother, Gay, sends her other daughter Ana to London to sort through Bee’s possessions and bring them back to her childhood home in Devon. With no explanation to Bee’s death, Ana and Bee’s friends set out on a journey to uncover what Bee’s life really was like underneath her glam and ‘fame’. Throughout this journey, sheltered Ana finds out more about herself and discovers who she is really destined to be.
I adored this book and really connected to all of the characters. It was full of laughter, heartache, grief and excitement and made me feel so many things. I finished the book with a sense of fulfilment but equally emotional in all the best ways.
I adored this book and really connected to all of the characters. It was full of laughter, heartache, grief and excitement and made me feel so many things. I finished the book with a sense of fulfilment but equally emotional in all the best ways.
March 14, 2022
This audiobook seemed to be a few hours too long. I enjoyed the story and it had Lisa Jewell’s classic twist that couldn’t be guessed, but it was a little longer than necessary.
May 8, 2022
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One-Hit Wonder
by Lisa Jewell, pub. 2001 and about 350 pages.
Overview:
In August of 2000 Ana Wills age 25 has no desire to leave her mom's home in the English Countryside and travel to London, the big scary city where her half-sister died at 36. Belinda (aka Bee) was a one-hit wonder with her big hit being back in the 1980s. Over the years their neurotic mother, Gay Wills, has gotten worse and no longer travels. She's every bit as self-centered and caustic as ever, complaining now that her lovely, talented child is dead and Ana the lanky, scruffy, disappointing daughter is still alive - hurtful words that no longer wound Ana. Regardless of her mother's rancor, Ana has moved back in to care for her troublesome parent. It's been less than a year since Ana's beloved dad, Bill died at age 82. Bill, Gay's second husband had been 22 years her senior.
Gay insists Ana go to London to clean out Bee's apartment flat and meet with the solicitor to settle her estate. Once she arrives, Ana discover's she loves the city and sorts through her glamorous sister's stuff trying to understand the kind of women she'd been. A few months earlier Bee had inexplicably left her nice place and moved to this austere apartment where she seems to have smoked and drank cocktails regularly, had great taste in books and music, used luxury cosmetics and had a closet full of flamboyant outfits and jewelry.
Friends, Amy the neighbor and Bee's besties Lol Tate, a professional singer and Flint Lennard, a big guy who'd been her chauffeur / bodyguard, are thrilled to meet the famous Ana who Bee had apparently extolled over. In the distant past Bee had often teased her gangly sister, calling her the Towering Twiglet. Now she learns her devoted big sister allegedly traveled to Devon every weekend to spend time with her beloved Ana. Tall tales all, since the sisters had not seen or spoken to one another for the past 12 years, not since Ana was 13. The falling out was due to an incident that occurred between Gay (mom) and Bee during the funeral service for Bee's father Gregor, Gay's first hubby who left her for a guy in London. Mom claimed Bee threw her out of the service and disowned the family and Ana at 13 believed it. Actually mom was thrown out after she behaved abysmally and began one of her vulgar tirades.
Bee had other secrets as well. She traveled to India and didn't tell anyone. There are photos of the trip that include a guy her friends have never seen. Under the bed Ana found a cigar box stuffed with cash. There's a lovely cottage she purchased that's fully wheelchair accessible including a stairlift, all purchased with the inheritance from her father and she still has income from royalties. How she died isn't yet official, but may have been an overdose suicide. Where did Bee disappear to every weekend since she was not visiting Ana? Did she really commit suicide? Ana, Lol and Flint set out to investigate the mysterious details of Bee's life, starting with visiting the cottage no one else knew about. - dav
.
The story begins with a letter, December 1999, written to Ana, asking her to come visit Bee in London and letting Ana know she won't be attending Bill's funeral. He was Ana's father and mom's second husband and Bee knows she'd just end up yelling at mum, who of course deserves it for the abysmal way she treated her second hubby all those years. Much later we'll learn Ana never received the letter and thanks to mom, never got to know the sister she idolized for years and now wonders if she could have saved her.
After packing up Bee's stuff, Ana learns her sister's beloved cat, John, is missing. Since the landlord didn't allow pets, Bee's BFF Lol had reluctantly agreed to cat sit, but John escaped out the window. Bee had been devastated by the news and Lol worries loosing John may have pushed her over the edge, since her friend had been on anti-depressants for years and was in therapy for a time.
Lol is black and gorgeous and just as thin and tall as Ana. After giving the country gal a makeover, stylish clothes and proper posture, Ana no longer looks like a gangly 6-foot freak and the two spend time out on the town. Gay (mom) is beside herself when Ana calls to say she'll be staying in London a bit longer and the new Ana isn't swayed by her mother's self-centered complaints.
As they search for information they find Bee's secret boyfriend/fiance who's married and after 3 years together decided to stay with his newly pregnant wife. He'd been paying the rent on Bee's posh lover's flat and when he dumped her, Bee made that hasty, overnight move to the current dismal apartment. Boyfriend Ed reveals what he knows about Zander Roper who Bee claimed was her secret child now age 16 or so.
They track down Zander at the Children's Home where he lives. He turns out to be a wheelchair-bound genius kid who's arrogant and a bit hostile. He also has Bee's last will, which gives everything she owned to Zander, including the fancy cottage, her royalties and even the motorbike she always rode. Along with the will Bee sent Zander a letter of confession which reveals all. According to the coroner's report Bee ended it with a bunch of pills and a bottle of vodka and now they know why.
1986 had been a bad year for Bee, but in the letter they find out it was far worse than anyone knew. In addition to her dad being diagnosed with HIV and she being dropped by her record company and losing her pop star career, Bee had killed a family and permanently crippled their six month old baby. Upset over her career and dad's diagnosis, Bee was in France driving over to her dad's townhouse, but wasn't accustomed to driving on the right and accidentally caused a van to swerve out of her way and plunge down a ravine.
Years later she started sending the boy gifts and eventually revealed herself to be his aunt. She's not of course. Zander doesn't believe it, but enjoys Bee's company and they start spending weekends at the cottage she purchased specifically to accommodate him and his wheelchair. He's headed to college in Scotland and doesn't need her so much anymore. She'd seen ex-fiance Ed with his wife and their babies, all together happy. The only one she believes truly needs her is John the cat and she's brokenhearted that she let him down and he's gone. So it seems the loss of her cat really did push her over the edge.
After the big reveal Ana plans a wake for Bee and invites all the people who didn't know she'd passed or couldn't come to the funeral. Only three mourners had attended that first funeral service. It's a big success and Ana is going to stay in London with her new boyfriend Flint. Mom even showed up at the wake. When Flint and Ana first tried to persuade her to attend, their demands and bluntness was met with hostility and mom had ordered them out of her house. Contrite and apologetic, mom shows up at the funeral service and gives Ana that letter from 1999, in which Bee asked her sister to come to London for a visit.
John the cat lives. After escaping Lol's apartment, John made his way across the city, back to Bee's apartment building where he was rescued by Amy the elderly neighbor and now the cat resides at Flint's house.
..
A bit sappy at times and includes some bedroom antics, but well written and engaging.
Loved much of the story.
And it is sad, filled with what ifs. If mom hadn't lied and hidden the letter, Ana may well have gone to visit the sister she idolized and Bee may not have become suicidally depressed.
Throughout the story it makes much of Ana's height and the height of the three investigators, Ana, Lol and Flint who are supposed to be unusually tall. At least that's the impression they give, based on the reactions of the people they meet. In reality, Ana at 5 foot 11 and a half is not freakishly tall. That's taller than the average woman, shorter than basketball players, but not someone who needs to duck going through a doorway.
The other annoyance is the author's overuse of "uh-huh." Apparently every other person in Britain says it, repeatedly and it begins to grate on you, especially if you're listening to the audio version.
.
One-Hit Wonder
by Lisa Jewell, pub. 2001 and about 350 pages.
Overview:
In August of 2000 Ana Wills age 25 has no desire to leave her mom's home in the English Countryside and travel to London, the big scary city where her half-sister died at 36. Belinda (aka Bee) was a one-hit wonder with her big hit being back in the 1980s. Over the years their neurotic mother, Gay Wills, has gotten worse and no longer travels. She's every bit as self-centered and caustic as ever, complaining now that her lovely, talented child is dead and Ana the lanky, scruffy, disappointing daughter is still alive - hurtful words that no longer wound Ana. Regardless of her mother's rancor, Ana has moved back in to care for her troublesome parent. It's been less than a year since Ana's beloved dad, Bill died at age 82. Bill, Gay's second husband had been 22 years her senior.
Gay insists Ana go to London to clean out Bee's apartment flat and meet with the solicitor to settle her estate. Once she arrives, Ana discover's she loves the city and sorts through her glamorous sister's stuff trying to understand the kind of women she'd been. A few months earlier Bee had inexplicably left her nice place and moved to this austere apartment where she seems to have smoked and drank cocktails regularly, had great taste in books and music, used luxury cosmetics and had a closet full of flamboyant outfits and jewelry.
Friends, Amy the neighbor and Bee's besties Lol Tate, a professional singer and Flint Lennard, a big guy who'd been her chauffeur / bodyguard, are thrilled to meet the famous Ana who Bee had apparently extolled over. In the distant past Bee had often teased her gangly sister, calling her the Towering Twiglet. Now she learns her devoted big sister allegedly traveled to Devon every weekend to spend time with her beloved Ana. Tall tales all, since the sisters had not seen or spoken to one another for the past 12 years, not since Ana was 13. The falling out was due to an incident that occurred between Gay (mom) and Bee during the funeral service for Bee's father Gregor, Gay's first hubby who left her for a guy in London. Mom claimed Bee threw her out of the service and disowned the family and Ana at 13 believed it. Actually mom was thrown out after she behaved abysmally and began one of her vulgar tirades.
Bee had other secrets as well. She traveled to India and didn't tell anyone. There are photos of the trip that include a guy her friends have never seen. Under the bed Ana found a cigar box stuffed with cash. There's a lovely cottage she purchased that's fully wheelchair accessible including a stairlift, all purchased with the inheritance from her father and she still has income from royalties. How she died isn't yet official, but may have been an overdose suicide. Where did Bee disappear to every weekend since she was not visiting Ana? Did she really commit suicide? Ana, Lol and Flint set out to investigate the mysterious details of Bee's life, starting with visiting the cottage no one else knew about. - dav
.
The story begins with a letter, December 1999, written to Ana, asking her to come visit Bee in London and letting Ana know she won't be attending Bill's funeral. He was Ana's father and mom's second husband and Bee knows she'd just end up yelling at mum, who of course deserves it for the abysmal way she treated her second hubby all those years. Much later we'll learn Ana never received the letter and thanks to mom, never got to know the sister she idolized for years and now wonders if she could have saved her.
After packing up Bee's stuff, Ana learns her sister's beloved cat, John, is missing. Since the landlord didn't allow pets, Bee's BFF Lol had reluctantly agreed to cat sit, but John escaped out the window. Bee had been devastated by the news and Lol worries loosing John may have pushed her over the edge, since her friend had been on anti-depressants for years and was in therapy for a time.
Lol is black and gorgeous and just as thin and tall as Ana. After giving the country gal a makeover, stylish clothes and proper posture, Ana no longer looks like a gangly 6-foot freak and the two spend time out on the town. Gay (mom) is beside herself when Ana calls to say she'll be staying in London a bit longer and the new Ana isn't swayed by her mother's self-centered complaints.
As they search for information they find Bee's secret boyfriend/fiance who's married and after 3 years together decided to stay with his newly pregnant wife. He'd been paying the rent on Bee's posh lover's flat and when he dumped her, Bee made that hasty, overnight move to the current dismal apartment. Boyfriend Ed reveals what he knows about Zander Roper who Bee claimed was her secret child now age 16 or so.
They track down Zander at the Children's Home where he lives. He turns out to be a wheelchair-bound genius kid who's arrogant and a bit hostile. He also has Bee's last will, which gives everything she owned to Zander, including the fancy cottage, her royalties and even the motorbike she always rode. Along with the will Bee sent Zander a letter of confession which reveals all. According to the coroner's report Bee ended it with a bunch of pills and a bottle of vodka and now they know why.
1986 had been a bad year for Bee, but in the letter they find out it was far worse than anyone knew. In addition to her dad being diagnosed with HIV and she being dropped by her record company and losing her pop star career, Bee had killed a family and permanently crippled their six month old baby. Upset over her career and dad's diagnosis, Bee was in France driving over to her dad's townhouse, but wasn't accustomed to driving on the right and accidentally caused a van to swerve out of her way and plunge down a ravine.
Years later she started sending the boy gifts and eventually revealed herself to be his aunt. She's not of course. Zander doesn't believe it, but enjoys Bee's company and they start spending weekends at the cottage she purchased specifically to accommodate him and his wheelchair. He's headed to college in Scotland and doesn't need her so much anymore. She'd seen ex-fiance Ed with his wife and their babies, all together happy. The only one she believes truly needs her is John the cat and she's brokenhearted that she let him down and he's gone. So it seems the loss of her cat really did push her over the edge.
After the big reveal Ana plans a wake for Bee and invites all the people who didn't know she'd passed or couldn't come to the funeral. Only three mourners had attended that first funeral service. It's a big success and Ana is going to stay in London with her new boyfriend Flint. Mom even showed up at the wake. When Flint and Ana first tried to persuade her to attend, their demands and bluntness was met with hostility and mom had ordered them out of her house. Contrite and apologetic, mom shows up at the funeral service and gives Ana that letter from 1999, in which Bee asked her sister to come to London for a visit.
John the cat lives. After escaping Lol's apartment, John made his way across the city, back to Bee's apartment building where he was rescued by Amy the elderly neighbor and now the cat resides at Flint's house.
..
A bit sappy at times and includes some bedroom antics, but well written and engaging.
Loved much of the story.
And it is sad, filled with what ifs. If mom hadn't lied and hidden the letter, Ana may well have gone to visit the sister she idolized and Bee may not have become suicidally depressed.
Throughout the story it makes much of Ana's height and the height of the three investigators, Ana, Lol and Flint who are supposed to be unusually tall. At least that's the impression they give, based on the reactions of the people they meet. In reality, Ana at 5 foot 11 and a half is not freakishly tall. That's taller than the average woman, shorter than basketball players, but not someone who needs to duck going through a doorway.
The other annoyance is the author's overuse of "uh-huh." Apparently every other person in Britain says it, repeatedly and it begins to grate on you, especially if you're listening to the audio version.
.
December 31, 2022
I gave this implausible snoozer an extra star just for mentioning Paul Westerberg.
September 3, 2021
The second half of this book is absolutely 5 star worthy but I knocked a star off the overall rating just because it did take me so long to get into it that I almost gave up on it. None of the characters are really likable at first and the story seems to take forever to get anywhere. Once it does finally pick up though it is so worth it and I truly grew to love Ana, Flint, Lol, and little Xander. I was almost sad when it ended because by the end I was so deeply emotionally invested and just wasn't ready to say goodbye to my new friends and their tragic but somehow amazing world. If you can deal with a slow start I would absolutely recommend this book.
July 30, 2016
I loved this book as I do all those books that have been written by the Lisa Jewell. The author has an amazingly creative mind. All her stories have many twists and turns and start you guessing from the first page. Life and death play a part in all her books as well. There is always an element of sadness which sets the stage for decent well thought out endings. This book was no exception. Once I started the book I found it hard to tear myself away. I would definitely recommend it.
January 1, 2020
After coming to the city to clear out the flat of her recently deceased ex-pop star older sister Bee, Ana finds herself “Groovin’ for London” and with a mystery to solve.
I enjoyed reading the book, but ultimately wasn’t that impressed. It was fine, but a little flat to me and I questioned some of the character development.
I enjoyed reading the book, but ultimately wasn’t that impressed. It was fine, but a little flat to me and I questioned some of the character development.
October 1, 2012
Great book. supposed to be chick-lit but this is so much more: how to follow your dreams, not to let your insecurities stop you, how to live with mistakes (big and small) and how to enjoy the good things in life. Fantastic!
recommend to everybody :)
recommend to everybody :)
July 22, 2018
4.5/5.
I love her books, youcant predict where they will lead you. Always a page turner
I liked this story about a one time 80s star who seems to have it all. It centre’s around her but she actually dies in the start of the book.
Really lovely characters
I love her books, youcant predict where they will lead you. Always a page turner
I liked this story about a one time 80s star who seems to have it all. It centre’s around her but she actually dies in the start of the book.
Really lovely characters
February 2, 2020
Probably should of read it and not listened. Voices were over the top. Content was good.
August 15, 2021
I loved this book. The narrator is amazing, the story kept you guessing the entire time. Love this author. And do far this is my favorite book of hers.
February 10, 2024
I love the way Lisa Jewell writes. She somehow manages to soften the typical psychological thriller format; making the reading experience more enjoyable whilst still maintaining the air of mystery.
I specifically enjoyed the characters in this book - Ana, Flint and Lol were a kooky trio and they somehow fit together perfectly. Their interactions with each other were a lot of fun and I found their investigation into Bea’s death easy to follow along with.
However, I have a similar issue with this book that I had with The House We Grew Up In. The ending was too ‘happy ever after’ to truly fit into a thriller; the reason behind Bea’s death being revealed was already a soft enough punch, so the story had the misfortune of quietly petering out, rather than reaching a satisfying conclusion. I also felt that Ana and Bea’s mother should have had a much more pivotal role - she is mentioned quite a lot in the beginning of the story, but doesn’t feature enough throughout the book to allow the reader to truly understand how much of an effect she had on her daughters.
Overall, I was entertained by the story, but it’s not one of my
favourite works by this author.
I specifically enjoyed the characters in this book - Ana, Flint and Lol were a kooky trio and they somehow fit together perfectly. Their interactions with each other were a lot of fun and I found their investigation into Bea’s death easy to follow along with.
However, I have a similar issue with this book that I had with The House We Grew Up In. The ending was too ‘happy ever after’ to truly fit into a thriller; the reason behind Bea’s death being revealed was already a soft enough punch, so the story had the misfortune of quietly petering out, rather than reaching a satisfying conclusion. I also felt that Ana and Bea’s mother should have had a much more pivotal role - she is mentioned quite a lot in the beginning of the story, but doesn’t feature enough throughout the book to allow the reader to truly understand how much of an effect she had on her daughters.
Overall, I was entertained by the story, but it’s not one of my
favourite works by this author.
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