The Opposite of Lonely

The Skelfs #5

by Doug Johnstone

A body lost at sea, arson, murder, astronauts, wind phones, communal funerals and existential angst ... This can ONLY mean one thing! The Skelfs are back, and things are as tense, unnerving and warmly funny as ever!

The Skelf women are recovering from the cataclysmic events that nearly claimed their lives. Their funeral-director and private-investigation businesses are back on track, and their cases are as perplexing as ever.

Matriarch Dorothy looks into a suspicious fire at a travelers' site, and takes a grieving, homeless man under her wing. Daughter Jenny is searching for her missing sister-in-law, who disappeared in tragic circumstances, while grand-daughter Hannah is asked to investigate increasingly dangerous conspiracy theorists, who are targeting a retired female astronaut ... putting her own life at risk.

With a body lost at sea, funerals for those with no one to mourn them, reports of strange happenings in outer space, a funeral crasher with a painful secret, and a violent attack on one of the family, The Skelfs face their most personal – and perilous – cases yet. Doing things their way may cost them everything...

Tense, unnerving and warmly funny, The Opposite of Lonely is the hugely anticipated fifth installment in the unforgettable Skelfs series, and this time, danger comes from everywhere...

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Scotland, Crime, Death, Thriller

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2023

About the author

Doug Johnstone is a writer, musician and journalist based in Edinburgh. His fourth novel, Hit & Run, was published by Faber and Faber in 2012. His previous novel, Smokeheads, was published in March 2011, also by Faber. Before that he published two novels with Penguin, Tombstoning (2006) and The Ossians (2008), which received praise from the likes of Irvine Welsh, Ian Rankin and Christopher Brookmyre. Doug is currently writer in residence at the University of Strathclyde. He has had short stories appear in various publications, and since 1999 he has worked as a freelance arts journalist, primarily covering music and literature. He grew up in Arbroath and lives in Portobello, Edinburgh with his wife and two children. He loves drinking malt whisky and playing football, not necessarily at the same time.

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it’s fair to say that Doug Johnstone is, without a doubt, one of the most accomplished author of recent years, with his books consistently displaying his versatility as a writer. Alongside his standalone novels, the Skelf series, of which The Opposite of Lonely is the fifth instalment, are emblematic of his desire as a writer to explore the themes of interconnectedness, death, family and community, with this book undoubtedly the strongest in these themes to date…

Before we explore this book further, I would implore you not to be dissuaded from reading this one in isolation from the others, if you are a Skelf virgin, so to speak. Although we are at the point where regular readers are heavily invested in this trinity of strong and determined women, you can comfortably enter these series at any point, and get a true sense of what has happened in their lives previously, and how each of them have to come to terms with the loss, violence and, moments of personal or emotional triumph at this juncture in their lives.

Many writers have a recurring motif in their books, and Johnstone’s is without a doubt, that of connection. As I previously wittered on about in a review of his last book, The Space Between Us there is no escaping the tenet of ‘only connect’, the principle being that we should all endeavour to bridge the gap between one another regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality or class, and that true connection is the nirvana of the relationship between us all. This is central to all three women in the book, where Dorothy, mother and grandmother, has a propensity to adopt waif and strays of the human and animal variety, to connect with people through music, to honour the memory of those that seemingly have no connection to anyone else, and to also show a generous spirit to people vilified by being viewed as outside of the community. This book sees the Skelfs connecting with an alternative community, ostracised by most, embraced by others, all feeding into this theme that everyone can connect at some level, despite the appearance of difference. Dorothy’s daughter, Jenny, who I think has probably endured more pain and suffering than any person should have to endure, is making connections with the past, and those that have wronged her personally, but refreshingly moving on and flourishing in the wake of her previous traumas. Jenny’s daughter Hannah, has a more cerebral state of connection, with her life and thoughts dominated by what lies beyond our earthbound experience, and what scientific secrets the universe holds. She, like Dorothy, also has an innate ability to connect with others across boundaries and lifestyles, but tempered with a more pragmatic view of life and the insignificance of our place within it. There’s a very interesting diversion in the book at one point on the ‘overview effect’ most commonly experienced by astronauts that really puts Hannah’s perception of the world into context. Every day is a school day when you read Johnstone’s books. But so much better than school…

There is no denying the strength of Johnston’s character building, and I can’t remember who said it, but in its simplest terms ‘plot is character’, and this series is absolutely indicative of that. As each woman strikes out on their own investigations or dealing with the travails of their lives, we are pulled along with them on their various paths, and what they experience, or seek to discover. As their paths in the story connect and separate we see the strength of the bond between them, and how they navigate and overcome obstacles to achieve justice or some kind of resolution in peoples’ lives. They are all a force of nature in their own singular way. Aside from the core strength of these three main characters, Johnstone uses the male characters, and Hannah’s wife Indy, in the book as a prism through which to view them. I was particularly enchanted by the slowly blossoming relationship between Archie (an employee at the funeral home and one of Dorothy’s ‘strays’) and Jenny. It will be particularly interesting to see how this one develops, alongside Brodie’s story, a funeral crasher, again ‘adopted’ by Dorothy.

Obviously I cannot fail to mention the role that death plays in the books, and the way that the circle of life is so integral to the Skelf’s business itself, and their personal approach to the subject too, particularly in the case of Dorothy. Dorothy is always keen to embrace both the panopoly of alternative rituals, also exploring environmentally friendly body disposal, and how to afford some dignity to those who have no-one to mourn them with her communal funeral project. The stuff on a new water cremation method is fascinating, and pleasing to see the Skelfs acquiring their first ‘green’ burial site. To be honest, I could rattle on about The Opposite of Lonely for ages, as I haven’t even delved into how the theme of concealment looms large in this book, especially in one particularly seedy interlude, and how Edinburgh itself is once again a significant backdrop to the book, but I feel I have yammered at you long enough, with my utter enthusiasm for both this book and the Skelf series in general.

If you’ve not read this series before, than pop your Skelf cherry as soon as possible would be my advice.

You won’t regret it.

If you are a follower of the series, get this next Skelf on your shelf.

It’s pure class.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is it that the hardest reviews to write are, most often, for the books you've loved? Perhaps it's the pressure to do the book and the author justice. I don't know. I just know it's a pain the arse and I end up all fearful that I'm just going to keep repeating myself. A bit like how I feel right now, writing this review for The Opposite of Lonely, the fifth book in the absolutely fabulous Skelfs series.

I've loved this series from book one, A Dark Matter. Loved the unusual setting, and by that, I don't mean Edinburgh. As much as I love the city, and how it is steeped in history, it's still just a city. By setting I refer more to the fact that two of the main characters, Dorothy and Jenny Skelf, run a somewhat unique business operation - Funeral Directors turned Private Investigators - run from their home in the city. They are more often than not assisted by Jenny's daughter, Hannah, who should be completing the thesis for her doctorate in Astrophysics, (as you do) but between the dead bodies who they meet, through both fair means and fowl, it's fair to say that these three fabulous women are kept very busy and we, as readers, endlessly entertained. It may sound strange to the uninitiated, but fans of the series will know just how beautifully Doug Johnstone has drawn this altogether, blending his own love of music and science with the experience he gained as 'Author In Residence' for a funeral business ... Believe me, as unorthodox as the set up might be, it just works>

As is traditional with this series, the story opens with Dorothy presiding over a funeral, this time for a traveller who commemorating over on Cramond Island prior to the final cremation ceremony. As is also traditional, they funeral does not exactly go according to plan. It might be a tad less dramatic than some of the funerals that have come before it, but it still brings forth a smile, and maybe the odd inappropriate chuckle or two. This will be short lived as, in fulfilling the obligations to the deceased's family and friends, Dorothy soon finds herself embroiled in a new investigation when one of the caravans from the community is set alight. It's safe to say that there are no end of people unhappy about the illegal camp, but would any of them really be so vindictive as to set one of the van on fire? Jenny is still being dogged by events from the past as her former mother in law seeks her help to locate her missing daughter, and Hannah is finding out just why people advise it's best to never meet your heroes ...

I really did enjoy this book. Tore through it in just one evening, more or less. There is just something so wonderful about these characters, about the blend of melancholy and humour that the author infuses in each page, that makes me want to keep reading. I could read about these women for another dozen books and not get bored. There are a wonderful trio. Flawed, as all good characters should be, but driven by a desire to do the right thing, no matter what danger that may put them in. And danger is most definitely what they face this time around, especially Hannah and Dorothy. But they are just such brilliant, strong, characters that, no matter the odds, you really do feel that they can achieve anything.

Dorothy is driven by wisdom and a desire for peace, Even Jenny, often the angriest and most unsettled and chaotic of the three seems to find her inner calm throughout the course of this book, in spite of the very testing situation she is placed in. And as for Hannah, she is seeking solace in her science, trying to understand the many complex links between every part of the universe, a lofty goal perhaps, but one that Doug Johnstone makes both accessible and entertaining. And beyond the three Skelf women are a support network who I have come to love as much as them. Indie, Hannah's wife, is the rock that keeps not only Hannah grounded, but the funeral business going. Archie, embalmer and mortician extraordinaire, has also proven a real friend to Jenny. And Thomas, Dorothy's partner, may seem to play a smaller role this time around, but it is no less crucial to the story. The books would just not be the same without any of them. They are joined by a new character this time, Brodie, a man suffering his own grief, another addition to Dorothy's collection of strays and noble causes, who more than makes his mark and proves Dorothy's faith and trust in him justified.

This is a very clever story, three very distinct threads with three very different investigations, but woven together beautifully with the occasional side story, or funeral, thrown in for good measure. It is the Skelfs' core business after all. There are some very current and pertinent subject matters which feed into the main story, centred around abuse, and abuse of power. The real bad guys in this story are not who you might suspect, the identities kept hidden until just the perfect moment. The reveal, when it comes, both shocking and perhaps almost inevitable. With misdirection rife, and prejudice hiding the most blatant abuse of position, it's a powerful story which could be shockingly ripped direct from the headlines. It leads to a highly dramatic and life threatening conclusion for some of our favourite characters, and I could feel the pulse quickening and my reading speed escalating the close I got to the final showdown. Hannah's investigation also takes a somewhat dark turn, a frighteningly plausible situation that has its own roots in current events.

If you love the Skelfs, you are going to absolutely adore this book. There is a kind of peace that descends towards the end of the book, a feeling of the many open threads of the women's story finally being brought to a satisfying, if not entirely painless, conclusion. I could feel a kind of step change in the characters throughout, and a sense of acceptance and understanding from the three women as we move to that last page. There is a funeral which is held at the end of the book, a celebration of a man who none of them knew, but which clearly demonstrates that sense of community and belonging which has developed over the course of the series. If this were to be the last we saw of the Skelfs, and I sincerely hope it's not, then it would be a fitting place to end. They've created a kind of legacy now, one that will live long in the hearts of readers I am sure.

Funny, tense, thrilling and undeniably poignant. Get reading.

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is getting more and more unrealistic, and I could do without the endless reflections on life, death & the universe.

[Monika Armet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Skelfs are back!

The women are still coming to terms with the events of the past year.

This time each of them is investigating a case of their own…

Dorothy arranges an eco-funeral for a man from a travelling community. Few days later, some of the community’s campervans are torched, and one of the young women staying there goes missing.

Jenny feels lonely and troubled by her past. However, saying that, she’s managing a lot better than she did before. A dying mother reaches out to Jenny wanting to discover her lost daughter’s whereabouts. Jenny is desperate to help and fulfil the women’s last wish.

Hannah is studying PhD is Astrophysics. Through university, she meets Kirsty Ferrier, a female astronaut who went into space. It appears that someone is harassing Kirsty. At the beginning, it was low level, but recently things have started to escalate…

As the Skelfs investigate, they soon realise that danger is everywhere and that no one is safe.

I adored this book!

I was so excited to pick it up and I wasn’t disappointed. There’s stalking, harassment, intimidation, and even conspiracy theories.

I love the fact that the Skelfs are heading towards eco funerals. I’ve never heard of a water cremation before! This book certainly raises awareness of how traditional funerals, even cremations, are harmful to our planet.

My favourite character by far is Dorothy – for a woman in her 70s she sure rocks.

Overall, a great book and I can’t wait for another one in the series.

[Kelly Van Damme · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all: a huge thankyou to Doug Johnstone for steering me clear of a reading slump! I hadn’t had the best time with reading. I struggled through book upon book until I came across one that almost bored me to tears and thus caused me to DNF, which I almost never do. On the brink of a reading slump, desperate to avert the crisis, I remembered what I did the last time I felt this way: I read Breakers by Doug Johnstone and it snapped me right out of my funk.

I figured what Doug did once, he could do again, especially when it involved a new instalment in one of my favourite series. Lo and behold, a few chapters later, I remembered why I love reading.

The Opposite of Lonely is the fifth Skelfs book, and it’s every bit as fantastic as its predecessors. In case you missed it, the Skelfs were first introduced in A Dark Matter in 2019. The paterfamilias had just died, leaving his wife Dorothy, daughter Jenny and granddaughter Hannah bereft. However, the Skelf women bounced back and throughout the sequels they have had to face A LOT but they’ve thrived and so has their dual business as undertakers / private investigators.

Note that you should probably read the other books first, because this one is full of spoilers. On the other hand, if you want to jump into this series without having to read a bunch of other books first, this is probably the book to do it with. (I’ll try not to judge you for it…)

The Opposite of Lonely is everything I’d been craving. Short chapters alternating between the three protagonists keep the momentum going. We’re hopping from Skelf to Skelf, from investigation to investigation, with some personal and funeral business issues, and quite a bit of thought-provoking wisdom about life thrown in for good measure. Flawless writing and impeccable timing ensure a fast-paced, riveting and well-rounded story that never gets confusing or overwhelming.

The Opposite of Lonely is quite simply brilliant. Words can’t express how much I love these women, how real they seem to me. I have to mention Jenny’s personal growth, her character arc is amazing, yet believable. I love how far she’s come and that she’s found her feet and her place in the world and in the family businesses and in the family itself.

At a time when I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to pick up a book again because you’re dying to know what happens next, The Opposite of Lonely had me put down my Kobo with the utmost reluctance and pick it up again with the utmost eagerness. It’s good to know I’m not broken and if I was, Doug fixed me 😂

Do I even need to say it? Highly recommended!

Massive thanks to Orenda Books for the digital proof. All opinions are my own.

[Fran McBookface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fabulous instalment of the Skelf series

Almost every review you will read of Dougs books will mention how brilliant he is at bringing his characters to life. I’m reiterating that here . 

The Skelf women are fabulous. So relatable and authentic and I always enjoy coming back and revisiting their lives. I’m a huge fan of the friendship between Jenny and Archie too and I look forward to seeing where the introduction of a new character of Brodie takes the series

Great to see the business expand with eco burials in this instalment and as in the previous books I learned plenty about death and funerals. One recurring theme is that the Skelf women feel that death and dying should form more of the everyday conversation. That more of us should be able to discuss our thoughts and wishes freely. Fictional though they may be, they have succeeded. I think every time I finish one of these books I end up discussing some aspect of death with my husband, family or friends. I certainly wouldn’t have been discussing hydrolysis without reading this!

And that leads me onto another pretty mad thing about this brilliant series - Dougs ability to predict the future. Not long after I finished The Opposite of Lonely, a UK funeral provider announced they were introducing alkaline hydrolysis as an alternative to traditional cremation. In a Black Hearts, a previous Skelf book, a man uses a wind phone to speak to his dead wife and such a phone has now been installed in a public park in Philadelphia

While the series is a fairly easy read in some ways, not least because of the quality of the writing, it certainly tackles big issues - death, space and our place in the universe. Like the rest, The Opposite of Lonely had me feeling thoughtful. Perhaps not quite the ‘overview effect’ but it did leave me contemplating the bigger picture. 

Unsurprisingly, this is another cracking read from Doug and a huge thank you to the fabulous Karen at Orenda for my copy. Get out and buy this book/the entire series and thank me later.

[Fictionophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first four books, I've discovered I just can't get enough of Doug Johnstone's Skelf series. If anything, I found it even more enjoyable than the first four books, due to the fact that now I'm familiar with the characters, and they have become almost like friends. If ever there was a 'character-rich' series, this is it.

With a unique family dynamic, and an unusual family business, this series had me hooked from the beginning. The Skelf women are memorable, moral, and authentic. They want to make their funeral business as environmental friendly as possible. Also, Dorothy is keen to start up a service which provides services for those who live alone and have no friends or family to take care of their funeral.

In addition to the family's personal stories, I enjoyed following the cases they were working on throughout the book, and how the women support one another. In this novel all three Skelf women are tested in myriad ways, yet pass with ethics and bodies intact.

The cover of this book is perfect for the content and brings the opening chapter to life.

Set in Edinburgh, the novel explores themes of grief, hate crimes, conspiracy theories, sexual abuse, and of course... loneliness.  The author's obvious affection for his home city permeates the entire novel - as does his love of music and science. Johnstone has managed that unique balance of tension and comfort, poignancy and humour, that makes his books so enjoyable.

Written with empathy and skill, this crime novel displayed a richness in characterization along with unique and clever plotting that makes this series stand out from its peers.  The books read like a pleasing cross between crime thriller and literary fiction. I continue to find the three strong female protagonists fascinating, and I am eager to read more about their lives and exploits in further books. I'm definitely an ardent Skelfs fan.  The ending of this novel sees danger for the Skelfs and presents the reader with breathtaking tension. The entire series is life-affirming, quality crime fiction.  Highly recommended!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story:
The Skelfs are back — and in the funeral/private investigation business, things are never straight-forward…

Matriarch Dorothy Skelf has a tricky case on her hands, trying to get to the bottom of an arson attack on a traveller community.

Just about recovered from the events of a year ago that saw their Edinburgh family home nearly burnt down, there is still unfinished business for Dorothy’s daughter Jenny, when she is enlisted by her former mother-in-law to track down her own missing daughter.

And the youngest of the Skelf women, granddaughter Hannah, has acquired a case that is out of this world — the stalking and harassment of Scotland’s first female astronaut.

Once again, the Skelfs will need all their skills and courage to navigate cases that both affect them personally and throw them into danger…

My thoughts:
“The Opposite of Lonely” is the fifth instalment in the Skelf series, and the first I’ve read. Although there is plenty of backstory touched on from the previous books (which I’m now very keen to read!), I found I was able to pick up the threads without trouble.

The Skelfs are a remarkable family of women, and I loved the way they supported one another, and committed themselves to their businesses with compassion and curiosity.

Jenny’s case in particular is a very personal one, but all three strands of the story were intriguing (and dramatic). I really enjoyed the concept of the funeral and PI businesses working side by side, with both requiring an interest in people that the Skelfs have in spades.

Overall this was a quirky and wonderfully written book, and an exciting mystery to boot. I can’t wait to go back to the earlier books and find out more about the lives of the Skelfs!

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying end (for me) to a series I both loved and hated (LOL). Loose ends are tied up, additional mysteries are tied up and the bad guys lose.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read

[J Fearnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read, Dark Matter, the first in this series and have bought a further two. I concluded my thoughts on the first book with “… the foundation for what, hopefully, will become a series going from strength to strength.” Well, it certainly has! The author is rightly collecting great praise, commendations and awards for the books in this series. Three have been shortlisted for prestigious awards and one currently in TV production which is certainly something to look forward to.

The Opposite to Lonely is no exception.

Initially the Skelf series was intended as a three book collection but the author and his publisher, Orenda Books, certainly made one of the best decisions ever when it was announced that the series would continue and more books would be published.

So here we are at number five.

The Skelfs are a family of three women – Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah – grandmother, mother and daughter they own and run a funeral business and a private detective agency. They are individually and collectively formidable. These women are exactly who you would want beside you and on your side through the ups and downs of life. They are human, caring, kind and generous. They aren’t perfect, they get into difficult situations, things go wrong but they persevere, they persist and they support and look out each other, for their friends, clients and community – whatever guise that takes – as they look to make the(ir) world a happier and healthier/greener place.

This is why they are so beloved by their readers.

So, The Opposite of Lonely opens with Dorothy overseeing a funeral. Fara is part of a travelling community and one of their number passed. They are on an island which gets cut off from the mainland at high tide. They need to be leaving or they will get stranded. As they walk back across the tide rushes in and the body is lost and taken out to sea. The coastguard has to be called to recover it.

This is the black humour that Doug Johnstone conjures up which brings a great sense of lightness to those awkward, uncomfortable and sad times that inevitably are a part of a story involving funerals.

Jenny is meeting her mother-in-law. She hasn’t seen her since the awful events of a year ago. This is the thread that most links what happened in the previous book Dark Hearts to The Opposite of Lonely. It’s always good to read a series in order but in this instance I haven’t and I had no problem with settling into this book. Also, having the other books on my TBR means I will be able to snuggle down with the Skelfs at some point before the next book is published, how lovely! Anyway, Jenny meets Violet who has changed drastically since they last met. Violet asks Jenny to find Stella, her daughter, as she hasn’t long to live. Stella went missing after taking (her brother and Jenny’s ex) Craigs body and committing arson which nearly killed Hannah and Indy.

Hannah is taken by her university supervisor to a talk being given by a Scottish astronaut – Kirsty – but it is disrupted by a man who seems to think something happened to Kirsty in space. Hannah learns that there have been other instances of disruption and other problems that are causing concern for Kirsty’s safety. Hannah agrees to look into it.

Then there’s a fire at Fara’s campground and one of the vans is burnt down. Luckily nobody is hurt. It is the van that belongs to two young women who are quite vulnerable due to their past experiences and Dorothy agrees to investigate.

The storyline has these three threads working through it and is easily followed as each chapter is headed with the name of one of the Skelfs. This also allows us to find out what is happening to each of the women and how they are coping with what happened in the last book and what is happening in this book. It’s a simple but effective approach and is beautifully executed by Doug Johnstone.

There are more characters that are central to the book Indy, Hannah’s wife, who works in the Skelf funeral business as does Archie. Then there’s Thomas who is a police officer and is Dorothy’s boyfriend. Yes Dorothy’s in her seventies but she’s a living, breathing woman who is as deserving of a relationship as anyone. Then there’s Brodie who is brought to Dorothy’s attention by Hannah and Indy – this is a sad but lovely part of the story.

Other characters like Fara and the travelling community, Kirsty and Mina, Stella each play a part as do Webster and Low the police officers who are investigating the van fire.

All this makes for a complex, at times shocking and heartbreaking story which has been brought to the reader by an author who has the deftest of touches. His writing simply flows unhindered from one thread to another and back again. He makes it so easy to read even through the difficult parts and he doesn’t shy away from them. The themes of misogyny, abuse of power, drug abuse, sexual assault, murder and how attitudes to ‘outsiders’ to ‘other’ can be manipulated, used to make it easier for bad people to do bad things. Then the balance is regained through what the Skelfs and their ever widening circle are doing no matter how small.

Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah – and the rest – are looking at greener funerals, concerned for those who die without family or friends for whatever reason setting up a community who can be called on to help and show support, making good use of the wind phone and more. They are redressing the balance in whatever ways they can and it makes you feel better – isn’t that wonderful! Isn’t that an amazing feat from the author!

All of this brings us back to the fact that The Opposite of Lonely, all the Skelf series and Doug Johnstone is deserving of all the attention and praise received. This is an excellent book and an excellent series.

If you haven’t already I urge you to read this indeed all the books in the series.


Thanks

Many thanks to Anne at RandomThingsTours for the invitation to join this wonderful BlogTour and to Orenda Books for an eCopy of The Opposite of Lonely by Doug Johnstone.

[Richard Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm becoming frustrated with this series. It started so well but successive volumes are becoming weaker and less credible. There are so many problems here. Various members of the Skelf family have become prone to rushing into dangerous situations without any thought or common sense, which - considering how often they have been in peril - seems a bit unbelievable. I get that there's a need for healing but some of the reactions here are, quite frankly, ridiculous. 'Oh, you burned down my house and nearly killed my daughter and mum but, no worries, I'll just follow you into this dark woodland.' Come on! The series is still very readable but it's in real danger of jumping the shark.

[Judith M Messino · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first Skelf book and liked ‘a lot’ the 2nd book but this one was just not good. It was too much rehashing of the first two books and very unrealistic circumstances for the characters. A female astronaut drugging people so they could experience what she saw in outer space??? That was a bridge too far for me. And the craziness of a person stealing a dead body and living off the grid was just silly to me.
I will read the next Skelf book but if it is as mind numbing as this last one I will be done.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Opposite of Lonely by Doug Johnstone published September 14th with Orenda Books and is described as ‘tense, unnerving and warmly funny. It is the fifth instalment in the highly successful Skelfs series set in Edinburgh, and is currently in production for TV.

I’ve been very fortunate to have read the previous three books in this series, The Big Chill (#2), The Great Silence (#3) and Black Hearts (#4), courtesy of Orenda Books. The very first book in this series, A Dark Matter, is one I clearly need to read, so I must rectify that and go back to where the story of The Skelf family began. But, here is the wonderful thing about these books, no matter where you pick up, Doug Johnstone has done the most incredible job with the backstory, expertly slipping snippets in all over the place, providing the reader with the perfect overview of what’s been happening over the last few years. (Although do be warned that if you are planning on reading this series backwards it will inevitably lead to spoilers).

The Skelfs are an Edinburgh institution, almost to the point that if I ever go to Edinburgh I’ll be looking them up. Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah are three generations of a family of funeral directors that have diversified into private investigating. Trouble seems to find these three women wherever they go. After a rough few years, where all their lives were at risk at any given time, things seemed to have calmed down a little.

Dorothy, the matriarch of the family, is in a loving relationship with Thomas. Although in her seventies, Dorothy has always maintained a fit and healthy lifestyle with little sign of stopping. Dorothy has plans for the funeral side of the business. Conscious of environmental issues, she is hoping to adopt more climate friendly practices going forward. The book opens with a very dramatic scene off the Cramond Island causeway, with its ominous concrete teeth (see cover of book), where Dorothy is conducting a funeral service for a member of a travelling community. This group of people are not welcome locally, with the assumption that they bring trouble wherever they camp up. Following the funeral, one of their caravans is torched and, with little support from the local police, Dorothy intervenes and makes a decision to get to the bottom of it herself. As Dorothy investigates, she ends up pulling the cover off a Pandora’s Box, unveiling some very dark secrets.

Jenny, her daughter, has been through hell and back but is now in a better place both emotionally and physically. Jenny has mellowed a little from the angry person she once was. But then she has reason, as her ex-husband is dead and (almost) finally out of her life. Jenny is now back home living with her mother, Dorothy, somewhere she had never expected to be at her age, but she is coming to terms with it now and is almost content to be there. When she gets a very unexpected request to track down her missing sister-in-law, she finds herself on a very unanticipated and unpredictable path. But Jenny is never one to shy away from danger and follows through, putting herself into risky situations where her safety is questionable.

Hannah lives with her wife Indy. Hannah is studying at college but also assists with both sides of the Skelf business when required. Indy works full-time as a funeral director becoming a very welcome addition to the family. Hannah has been through some very turbulent years but with Indy by her side, she is coming to terms with her past and slowly finding the peace she craves. Hannah had always had a dream to go to space so when an unexpected request for her assistance comes knocking on her door from a retired female astronaut, Hannah is anxious to prove her worth. Indy, from the get-go, is not too enamoured with Hannah’s preoccupation with this case and, as things take a sinister twist, Indy is frightened for Hannah.

This Scottish series is rightfully loved by many as Doug Johnstone has created a very original bunch of characters. They have an abundance of grit and warmth, with plenty of dark humour, but most importantly they are authentic. There is so much packed into each of these books and, as I have stated in the past, it’s very hard to pigeonhole them into any one specific genre. While entertaining, Doug Johnstone doesn’t shy away from highlighting dark themes but he does handle them realistically yet also very sensitively.

Continuing the theme of strong and feisty protagonists with strong and intriguing storylines makes The Opposite of Lonely a wonderful addition to the Skelf series. With the perfect balance of witty dialogue, a compelling and multi-layered plot and three extraordinary women at the helm, The Opposite of Lonely is a humane and poignant tale. This really is an ace series for all. It has that extra special something that readers of all genres will truly enjoy.

Will there be a book six? Well I literally just discovered that yes there will be, as Doug Johnstone has just announced that there will be a further 2 book deal with Orenda Books. Good news for all fans of the Skelfs!

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first four in the Skelf series

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh…

[Peter Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts with a delicious slice of black humour, which I would imagine typical of funeral directors, as a new-age funeral goes wrong as the tide moves in rapidly as the procession passes over the Cramond Island causeway. Not only does everyone get wet but the shroud wrapped corpse is washed out to sea and needs to be recovered by the coastguard.

The humour throughout may be black, but the stories never dwell on the dark or morbid side even when they are rooted in something bad. In fact, they are quite the opposite, seeming to find something positive from the bleakest of situations. Death comes to us all, fearing it or obsessing over it will not delay the tall man in the black hooded cloak carrying a scythe. So why not face him with a smile, as they say life is for living and there are more than enough worries in the modern world without the fear of death. The overall effect is rather life affirming, telling us to go out and live our best lives possible, to try and turn bad situations positive and where you can help your fellow man.

Dorothy is the matriarch of the family; she’s aged 73 but looks and acts many years younger. She’s fit and active, playing the drums in an eclectic band, that she formed, which perform with a choir formed from refugees. She’s the one that shows with age comes wisdom and teaches, love, compassion and forgiveness. She also thinks about the future, hopefully a greener one, by investing in a water cremation machine and a green burial site. Dorothy is also a collector of lost souls, which explains how Archie and Indy come to work for her (as described earlier in the series). When she becomes aware of a ‘funeral crasher’ she takes an interest. There are old people who go to funerals for something to do, the ham sandwiches and the sherry can be a draw, but this one is a young chap. His story when told is both sad and touching, and he has resorted to sleeping in his car. Dorothy is moved enough to suggest a route out of the abyss, that will recognise the lives of others.

Daughter Jenny is the family ‘mess’, whose marriage and life blew up in spectacular style resulting in a deep affair with the bottle. Jenny is the one who has had to learn how to recover her life from its lowest point with the love and help of her family. Only now taking full responsibility for herself and her actions she realises she must now live life in the moment, thereby turning herself into a woman reborn. When asked by her ex-mother-in-law, Violet, to find her daughter, Stella, who absconded with the body of her bother Craig (Jenny’s ex-husband) she is dumbfounded. Not least because Stella set fire to the Skelf’s home trapping and nearly killing Hannah and Indy. Violet has discovered she has MND (Motor Neurone Disease) and only a short time left. Can Jenny refuse a dying wish, perhaps she must learn to forgive and forget.

Granddaughter Hannah is the sensible one, at university trying to finish her PhD on Astrophysics, who is the future of the Skelfs. At times a little naïve, it is she who will bring fresh ideas and impetus. It is Hannah who reminds to stop and look at the world in all its wonder, to take everything in and never stop questioning or looking for answers. Hannah is a lesbian and is married to Indy, with their relationship bringing solidity to the storylines. When Scotland’s only female astronaut is being stalked by conspiracy theorists, Hannah is only too happy to investigate even though it ends up putting her life in danger and her marriage at risk.

The storyline cycles through these stands, never becoming confusing or boring. The prose is a delight with uplifting moments scattered throughout. There is action too and a little jeopardy amongst all the strange happenings. The reader will quickly discover that the world of the Skelfs has a slightly skewed sense of reality. It’s like stepping into a friend’s living room and noticing a beautiful picture is not quite straight but we wouldn’t want it any different.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Opposite of Lonely is the fifth book in Doug Johnstone's superlative Skelfs series and despite each of the previous instalments being novels of the highest quality, I think this might just be the best yet. There will obviously be a greater emotional impact for readers who have followed Dorothy, Jenny, Hannah and their friends since the beginning, but Doug Johnstone skilfully draws in newcomers to the Skelfs too and while I highly recommend treating yourself to the whole series, it is perfectly possible to start here.
The narrative is shared between the three Skelf women and there surely can't be a more heartfelt, authentic depiction of female characters in fiction; each is so richly brought to the page, it's hard to accept they aren't actually running a combined funeral directors and private investigator business in Edinburgh! One of my favourite aspects of the series is its empathetic portrayal of the death business; I've mourned the deaths of several of my loved ones and consequently think of the subject fairly often – it's so refreshing to see it examined openly and without resorting to euphemisms. The Skelfs are moving towards more environmentally friendly funerals here; it's an important topic to consider and I hope it will encourage some readers to think about their future wishes.
An unusual, lively celebration following the death of a man who clearly lived his life well results in one of the cases the Skelf women are drawn into investigating. Attitudes towards the Travelling community and those who live transient lives are explored throughout The Opposite of Lonely and it seems that the prejudiced bigotry they face may have escalated into violence after a caravan belonging to two young women is set on fire. As the oldest of the Skelf women, Dorothy is arguably the most surprising, given she eschews what is widely accepted to be the more conservative, even judgemental perspective of the older generation. We're perhaps all guilty of making assumptions about people and she is a wonderful reminder that anybody can be open-minded about lifestyles different from their own. She doesn't have an easy time, however, and this harrowing investigation impacts her personal life as well as her body and mind.
The mental health of Jenny and Hannah has featured throughout the series, with Jenny in particular understandably struggling with the aftermath of the traumatic, violent events of the past. However, her friendship with Archie and the therapy she has received find her stronger here and while she still has a tendency to be rather caustic at times, this is a more balanced Jenny who, in trying to honour the last wishes of her mother-in-law, may finally find the closure she has been searching for. Jenny is the most challenging of the Skelf women and I love that Doug Johnstone allows her to be both abrasive and compassionate.
Meanwhile, Hannah's dreams of exploring space take an unexpected turn after she is introduced to Kirsty, a retired Scottish astronaut who asks her to investigate the conspiracy theorists who have already doxxed her and are becoming impossible to just ignore. A terrible discovery followed by an unexpected night hint at dangerous secrets and this subplot is tense and surprising. However, it's a brutal murder which proves to be the most shocking investigation the Skelfs become involved with and the repercussions are terrifying – without giving anything away, the case is especially relevant and thought-provokingly unsettling given recent real-life atrocities.
This is contemporary crime fiction as its grittiest and yet The Opposite of Lonely abounds with warmth, wit and perhaps most notably, hope. As Doug Johnstone inspires us to contemplate the interconnectedness between people, right down to our very atoms and extending into the universe itself, the result is a novel which is intensely uncompromising and yet really rather beautiful. I thought it was utterly wonderful and cannot recommend it highly enough.

[David Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's great to welcome the Skelfs back, three generations of women who run an undertakers and act as private investigators in modern Edinburgh. Over the four previous books readers of this series will have come to regard them as friends, the stories as notable for their nuanced and gentle relationships between them as for the crime plots and twists (of which Johnstone is however an absolute master).

The Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah are faced here with as puzzling a collection of mysteries as they have encountered before - and ones where personal issues are entwined with professional challenges.

Anti Traveller prejudice raises its head as a caravan is burned down after the firm provide a sendoff for one of the community. A stranger haunts funerals in the city. What is he up to, and what can be done about him? Jenny - whose ex sister-in-law set fire to the funeral parlour, stole her brother's body, and vanished - is asked to find the missing woman. And Hannah, still wrestling with her PhD, is investigating threats to Scotland's first woman astronaut and her wife (who seems to think she "came back wrong" from the International Space Station).

These cases are entwined with the firm's routine work: helping the bereaved to send off their loved ones, and sometimes standing in when the dead have nobody to mourn. For this last act in their existence on Earth, Grandmother Dorothy, mother/ daughter Jenny and granddaughter/ daughter/ wife Hannah believe that everybody should be the opposite of lonely.

I read this book with a strong degree of personal buy-in. My mother died suddenly a few months ago. Her funeral was the first one I'd had to arrange, and I was very sensitive reading this book to the degree to which Johnstone has the Skelfs negotiate real issues at a time when, with grief raw, their customer will have no real guiderails. He's clearly done his research in this, and to me, does a magnificent job recognising the feelings that will flow: grief, guilt, loss, the sense of endings and lost opportunities. As The Opposite of Lonely makes clear, the Skelf women are themselves still mourning various losses too.

The mystery aspects of this book are, as ever, skilfully designed and turn out not to be random acts but to be deeply and plausibly rooted in the characters that Johnstone develops. The Skelf family (and I'm including Hannah's wife Indy here) have developed, or perhaps I should say, grown, through Johnstone's previous books so that they are reliable emotional gauges of what's going on. We know how they will react to particular things, to threats or opportunities that approach, so we can judge the emotional pitch of the story by their responses. And as the three women have somewhat different outlooks - Dorothy, approaching the end of her life, rather elegiac, Jenny seething, still battling her demons, Hannah rather perplexed by the life before her - we'll get their slightly different takes on everything. Like Feynman diagrams, the full result is only reached by adding up these different contributions. Or perhaps, it's as if Johnstone projects the emotions of the story with a variety of notes, not just one, or perhaps, as if he's giving us a hologram, not just a flat photograph? (I hope all this makes sense!)

Of course, as a Skelfs story, this isn't all about emotional depth and resonance, though they are there, there's also action and peril, and indeed one of the most nailbiting conclusions I can remember in this series, one which opens up some new possibilities going forward.

What else? Well I still miss poor Einstein, of course, I was glad to see Dorothy as driven with her social mission here as with her business (Johnstone thereby giving us I hope a new regaular character who I'll enjoy finding out more about in future) and, of course, the heartbeat of Edinburgh life drums throughout the book, an accompaniment to Dorothy's playing.

In short, another Skelf masterpiece.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth installment of the highly entertaining Skelfs series. I’ve enjoyed my previous visits with the three Skelf women and this one is no different.

At one point, Hanna thinks “But nothing was ever simple for the Skelfs” and their funeral service/private investigator businesses, and that is certainly the case here. Dorothy, the septuagenarian matriarch, investigates arson in an encampment of travellers, but that case becomes more complicated as other even more serious crimes are committed. Her daughter Jenny is tasked with locating Stella, her ex-sister-in-law who, a year earlier, stole the body of Jenny’s ex-husband and torched the Skelf family funeral home. And Hannah, Jenny’s daughter, is asked to investigate harassment and threats against the first female Scottish astronaut. As in the previous books, chapters alternate among the three women but their stories and cases also intertwine.

The three women are consistent with their personalities as developed in the previous books. They are strong, capable women who, rather than being defeated by the potential loss of their family home, have expanded the business to include alkaline hydrolysis and eco burials. Unfailingly loyal, they support one another. To varying degrees, all try to understand that grief comes in many forms and strive to understand and provide comfort. Jenny has tended to be my least favourite Skelf because of her chaotic, often self-destructive, behaviour, but I am pleased that she is now less angry and seems much calmer. A stabilizing friendship has helped her be less reactive and judgmental. Readers familiar with the series will be happy to see the return of the other characters as well: Indy, Archie, and Thomas. A new character, Brodie Willis, is added to Dorothy’s collection of strays and wounded souls.

I recently read The Space Between Us, Doug Johnstone’s foray into the science-fiction genre, and found that The Opposite of Lonely shares many similar themes. One is the limitations of human knowledge and understanding: Hannah thinks of humans as “blinkered idiots” whose “understanding of so much fell pitifully short.”

Even stronger is the theme of connection: “there was no ‘you’, no definitive self, unconnected from the universe. . . . We’re all up to our necks in the universe, we can’t be separated from it.” Jenny thinks about “how all the lands of the world were connected by seas, every living thing in an inconceivable network, a web of intertwined meaning and possibility.” Hannah thinks about being a “part of an interconnected universe, cosmic rays and neutrinos, solar bursts and supernovae, dark matter and black holes, animals and plants and mountains and caves and oceans and dirt.” And Dorothy, at the end of the book, reflects that “Being connected, being a part of something other than yourself, is the most important thing.”

So the advice offered is that, because “everyone has an inner life, everyone is going through stuff you have no idea about,” it’s important to “Keep an open mind, see the other side, think about what it’s like to be someone else.” We’re all “just trying to get along” and “trying to get to the end of the day” so we all need “a friendly face once in a while, someone to listen to your bullshit and not judge.”

This book has so much to recommend it: a multi-layered plot, authentic and endearing characters, wonderfully detailed descriptions of Edinburgh, and thematic depth. The book combines humour (usually of the dark variety), pathos (especially for the lonely and marginalized), and suspense (with more than one brush with danger). The book ends with Dorothy playing the drums and thinking about how “She would keep going forever, if she could.” I certainly hope the series keeps going.

Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DCYakabuski).

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Skelfs are trying to get their lives back on track after the events of Dark Hearts that nearly claimed their lives. Having rebuilt following the fire that damaged their home, Dorothy, Jenny, and Hannah have taken time to reflect on what the future holds for them. Dorothy has ideas about taking the funeral business in an eco-friendly direction, Jenny is dealing with the fallout of the conflict with her sister-in-law Stella over Craig's remains, and Hannah is looking towards the stars...

On the private investigations front, cases come their way that tap into their reflections - Dorothy is determined to find the person behind a case of arson aimed at a travelling community; Hannah is embroiled in finding someone responsible for harassing a famous female astronaut; and crucially for Jenny, she is compelled to track down Stella to fulfil a deathbed request. The threads of these investigations are about to lead them all into danger once more...

Doug Johnstone has done it again, with a cracking fifth instalment of this series that throws a whole new set of trials and tribulations at the Skelf family we have come to know and love. Dorothy is once more opening her arms to waifs and strays, which adds a great new character to the Skelf fold in the form of Brodie, a young man carrying the burden of unacknowledged grief, and which gets her into literal deep water in a crusade against those who abuse their powers. In an unexpected turn, Hannah finds herself caught up in a case which has unsettling undercurrents of off-kilter power dynamics, which she is slow to appreciate under the spell of one of her idols. Meanwhile, Jenny has to confront her demons, and sees the disturbing truth about controlling influences in the process too.

This book is a slickly conceived culmination of all that has come before, and as the storylines from the perspective of all three generations of Skelf women play out, Johnstone spins his magic to have them looking forward to a potentially more positive future. Of course, this being a Johnstone novel, the transition is far from easy, and it is marked with heart-rending emotional turmoil in the way he does so well. There are all the twists and turns you could want, with murky mysteries to be solved, caustic confrontations with authority, bruising brushes with danger, and the grittiest of crime stories, set against an Edinburgh that comes alive at the hands of someone who knows all her many faces. This is glorious storytelling.

The theme of abuse of power runs rife through this book, sometimes in ways which are not easy to detect beneath facades of wealth, celebrity, and positions of trust; along with Johnstone's trademark examination of the lives of those on the fringes of society; but what strikes me most about this fifth book is the overwhelming message he imparts about human connection. From grand notions of the insignificance of humankind in the big, wide cosmos, to the most intimate moments of kindness and understanding between strangers, Johnstone touches on so many ways in which we are all connected with each other. This resonates beautifully with the lovely title, The Opposite of Lonely, with all its shades of meaning. A little mention here too for the truly brilliant way Johnstone shines a light on loss, grief, and the whole process of what happens to our remains after death in the Skelf books - I went down a rabbit whole about eco-funerals and water cremation after reading this story, and it provoked a really interesting family conversation about the many issues involved. Death can be a difficult topic to talk about with loved ones, so well done Mr Johnstone.

I consumed this book from cover to cover, and it is my favourite of the Skelf series so far. I cannot wait to see what fate holds for this family next.

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Opposite of Lonely’ is the fifth book in the fantastic Skelf series and I loved everything about it! Although, this is part of a series you can read it as a standalone. However I do recommend reading it from the start of this has become one of my favourite series of all time!

When I see that white padded envelope arriving on the doormat my heart skips as beat as I know it contains the next instalment of the Skelf series! I instantly want to run and devour it, but part of me holds back as I want to try and savour these characters and if there is an unread book it means there is something to look forward to. However, I normally just shove my tbr pile to the side and start reading. Once again I devoured this book as I have done the previous four and then felt bereft when it was over. That time I get to spend with the Skelf is precious and lovely, it's like returning to a group of old friends each and every time.

This series is something special. I was in a local Waterstones with a friend recently and showed her the series and of course, made her buy the first book ‘A Dark Matter’ and described the premise - three generations of women running a funeral parlour/detective agency in Edinburgh. It struck me again that this is such a unique combination and there really is nothing else out there on the market quite like it. Trust me I read a lot of crime fiction and run an online indie bookshop that specialises in crime fiction and there really is nothing else like this series! Plus, on top of the basic premise we get discussions on astrophysics, examinations of the ‘big’ questions, a discussion of marginalised groups in society and whether you should really meet your heroes oh and the topic of green funerals! This is just in this book alone.

The book opens with Dorothy presiding over a funeral on Cramond Island. The deceased was a member of an alternative community based nearby and they are celebrating his life with music and other things…yes the Skelfs funerals are not always normal! There is a dramatic exit and the body doesn't end up where it should be! Dorothy becomes involved with the community and when one of their trailers is set alight she is determined to figure out what has happened. Jenny meanwhile, with an new inner sence of calm has been tasked with finding a family member, one she really doesn't want to reunite with. Hannah is given the opportunity to meet one of her heroes - the first Scottish woman in space. But she soon learns that Kiraty is been targeted online and is tasked with finding out who is behind it!

The main theme that runs through this book is the marginalisation of people and how this affects their lives. Dorothy is dealing with an alternative community, Hannah is searching for answers to keyboard warriors attacking a prominent figure. But the story that touched me the most was the ‘funeral crasher’. His grief and lack of power in a horrible situation really touched me and Doug managed to convey such empathy in his writing.

I really could carry on reading about the Skelfs forever. There is magic in these books and I love reading them. Roll on book six!

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[UKDana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arson at a traveler site, the search for a missing person and the harassment of a female astronaut are just some of the cases the Skelf women are involved with, alongside the normal day-to-day running of their family funeral visit.

The Opposite Of Lonely from Doug Johnstone is the fifth book in the Skelf series. The series features Dorothy, the matriarch of the family, Jenny, Dorothy's daughter, and Hannah, Jenny's daughter. Together the women run a funeral business and have a sideline as private investigators. While the book can be read as a stand-alone story, real enjoyment comes from seeing how the family has developed. The "missing person" element of the book also recalls elements of the previous books in the series.

Doug Johnstone has a knack for writing opening chapters that immediately grab your attention and the first chapter in this book is no different. Featuring a funeral for a member of a traveler community which takes place on an island about to be cut off from the mainland by the tide, we see a race against time and some humor in the event.

The funeral for the travelling community see's the Skelf's moving their funeral business in a new direction, trying to offer greener funerals. I found the plans for the business really informative, there's nothing nicer than learning something new as you read. The fact that the "something new" is about funerals is important, as one of the characters points out, death and funerals isn't an easy topic of conversation.

Supporting the Skelf women are Indy, Hannah's wife, and Archie, an employee at the funeral home. We also meet a new character, Brodie, who becomes part of the team. The way in which Brodie is introduced is intriguing to start with and then becomes heartbreaking. I am sure that Brodie's backstory will resonate with many people.

While the storyline featuring the harassment of the female astronaut isn't the main one it does give us the overall theme of the book, connectedness. We have connections with family and friends, along with connections with the greater community. However, we have to work to keep the connections. Then there is a much greater connection, to the planet and the universe. I felt this fit well with the theme of the author's last book, The Space Between Us (please don't let the thought of this being a sci-fi story put you off reading, it is wonderful).

As one of the stories is concluded pretty peacefully, the other two lead to danger. One thread in particular had me very worried about the possible direction of a supporting character. I was so distressed about the possibility I didn't want to read on. Even though the story didn't take the route I thought it was going to, the ending was still nerve-wracking and had me fearing we'd seen the end of characters I'd grown to know and love.

If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/

or follow me on Twitter
@Debbie_Hart_UK

or on Threads
@debbiehartuk

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fifth in the series set in Edinburgh about the Skelf family of grandmother Dorothy, daughter Jenny and granddaughter Hannah, three generations of women working together since Dorothy's husband of fifty years Jim died. They run an odd combination of funeral parlour which has been in the family for generations and also a private detective business from their home. So much has happened to this amazing trio over the past four stories – Dorothy has found love again with black Swedish detective Thomas, Hannah is near completing her PhD studies and is married to Indy who has become a funeral director, and Jenny is finally getting her life back on track, becoming great friends with Archie, a man coming to terms with suffering from Cotard's syndrome where he believes he is already dead. Jenny experienced a terrible time with ex-husband Craig, who killed Hannah’s friend, fled prison, kidnapped his new wife’s daughter and finally washed up burned and dead at Jenny’s hands. The funeral home has now been restored after the fire set by Craig’s sister Stella last year but she is still on the run with his body. Phew! And it’s so good to have them all back again! Dorothy has picked up another waif and stray in the form of Brodie, a young man who has lost everything and become a funeral crasher. In this story Dorothy investigates the arson attack on a group of caravanners whilst Hannah is asked to look into the stalking of retired Scottish astronaut Kirsty and her wife, both cases where their difference from the mainstream has meant hostility from some people and an apparent lack of interest by the local police. Meanwhile Jenny’s ex-mother-in-law Violet is dying and begs her to find Stella before it is too late. As Hannah comes to realise it’s not always good to meet your hero, the ladies discover some very nasty stuff going on in the woods, and set out to solve a murder.
The Skelf ladies do attract the oddest of cases, which in this story become dark and dangerous, culminating in a most satisfying ending. There is an abundance of warmth and humour in this series which is as much about family relationships as it is about the investigations themselves, and despite the fact that they deal with death, the overriding feeling when reading these books is one of absolute joy. The main characters are well described and are very likeable, particularly the dependable Thomas and unique Archie, and Dorothy herself who holds everything together. Brodie is becoming a bit of a star too. The title for this story is once again perfect as the ladies work towards the Lonely Funeral Project, together with their expansion into greener alternatives for the departed which were very interesting to read about. I also loved the idea of the band that Dorothy plays with, The Multiverse, with their choir of refugee women. The great news is that there will be more books to follow featuring this great formidable and slightly quirky collection of characters.

[Jacob Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say about this book that hasn’t already been said? The Skelf series is one of my favourites and it continues to go from strength to strength. I flew through this book in just a couple of sittings. The Opposite of Lonely is the latest book in the series by Doug Johnstone, and there is a lot going on in this book, once again, for the Skelf women, which kept me hooked from page one.

Doug Johnstone is such a skilled writer when it comes to bringing his characters to life. I also love the way in which he brings his settings to life, particularly Edinburgh, the home of the Skelf women. The main characters in this series, Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah, run a funeral business in the city of Edinburgh, and they are also private investigators. In the latest book, they each have their own case they are working on, and these cases prove to be an emotional rollercoaster for all of them.

Hannah is studying and working on her thesis. Once again you can see her enthusiasm for the subject she is studying, which comes through so strongly in Doug Johnstone’s writing. In this book she becomes acquainted with a former astronaut, who asks for her help, when she starts receiving threats. But as Hannah begins to work more closely with her, you can see how this is playing with her emotions, and Doug Johnstone writes this so brilliantly.

We switch between Hannah, Dorothy and Jenny’s point of view throughout the book. Doug Johnstone is a writer who handles this so, so well, giving each character a unique voice. Their personalities are all quite different, and this shines through on the page as their voices come to life. The investigation Dorothy’s undertaking comes as a direct result from when she presides over the funeral of someone from the traveller community. A caravan at an illegal campsite is set alight, and this takes Dorothy down some very dark avenues as she investigates. Doug Johnstone explores some very dark themes with this strand of the plot. This also puts Dorothy in some very tense and dangerous situations. And there is another equally intriguing strand to this book, as Jenny is searching for her missing sister-in-law, which also adds another emotional layer to the book.

The Opposite of Lonely is a tense crime novel, but it is also has a real emotive heart, that makes you connect even more to the characters in the story. Once again, Doug Johnstone has written another winner that’ll captivate and thrill fans of the Skelf series. You do not want to miss this book! I loved it.

[John Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review

Title The Opposite of Lonely —‘even death needs company’

Author Doug Johnstone

Publisher Orenda Books

The Opposite of Lonely is the fifth story of the Skelfs series. Having read the previous books I am familiar with Family Skelfs, that includes other relationships, which adds to the family affair as well as others co-opted in. Three generations have carried on the funeral business created by patriarch Jim, now deceased, and the husband of Dorothy. Their daughter Jenny carried her generation into the business and her daughter Hannah added the third dimension. It has been and still is a family business although with all the escapades they have under taken they enlisted help and in this fifth book Brodie is taken under the matriarchs wing.

The unsavoury part of Edinburgh is investigated and included to the full. There are nasty people out there and the author does not come up short which includes the Polis. drugs, sex, same sex relationships as well as open ones. There are hippies, travellers and itinerants camping on the derelict land that borders the tidal estuary. Doug Johnstone adds a social caring touch to all aspects and his way of dealing with daily life which he does meets head on.

There is an over-reach from previous novels which is dealt with finally in this one. That is an in-family matter too and for the reader to find out. Relationships with the Skelfs is important and helps to carry the stories forward apace as they deal with funerals, violence and accompanying traumas. It’s the coping of it all they have to deal with.

Traditionally there were burials, now more commonly cremations, and then there are alternatives. The ethics are examined when pollutants are sent skywards. With resomation and alkaline hydrolysis does the job cleaner! They also deal with people who die alone and then a ‘communal’ burial with people present and a band blasts over the mournfulness. Respect for those that die alone and in death there is company now.

There is a lot of love here too so don’t runaway with the idea its all blood and guts. In these instances he shows his skill as a storyteller. There is emphasis on talking and that is how a wind phone can be useful. There were aspects of this book I really loved. Just number six to read next.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back in Scotland with the Skelf women for another outstanding instalment of this addictive series filled with arson, stalking, arson, murder, theories, secrets, family drama, green funerals, community funerals, astronauts, and more. This is suspense writing at its finest and it’s easy to see why this book has been included in The Times’ list of Best New Crime Fiction for September 2023.

Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah Skelf work together running their family funeral home and private investigation company. Intelligent, fierce, funny, sassy and no-nonsense, the trio are likeable, flawed and real. They are easy to relate to and root for and feel like the kind of women I could meet in my everyday life - just with an unusual combination of jobs. I’ll admit I have a particular soft spot for Dorothy, the matriarch of her family. Dorothy is in her seventies but has lost none of her character or sass. Not only does she still run and actively participate in both businesses but she also has a younger boyfriend, active sex life, and plays in a band. She is the kind of older female character we need more of as life is far from over when you hit middle age and I love reading about women who are thriving in their twilight years.

Doug Johnstone is a masterful storyteller who just keeps getting better. He writes with an intoxicating mix of apprehension, sensitivity, and humour, which he combines with a multilayered plot, authentic characters, and short, striking chapters to create a first-rate thriller. The intricately woven plot explores topics such as prejudice, the environment, and grief, and I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the Japanese wind phone that people use to call their lost loved ones. I devoured this book in almost one sitting, reading in breathless anticipation as it built to its heart-pounding crescendo.

A sensational thriller that is also darkly funny, moving, and crackles with tension, The Opposite of Lonely is a must-read for all fans of this genre. Perfect whether read as part of the series or as a standalone.

[Rich B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable continuation of the Skelf's series. However, it helped to have read the previous books and to have become invested in the characters, as it helps you overlook the one obvious credibility flaw in the set-up.

You have to believe that this family group of grandmother, mother and daughter who run a combined funeral home / private investigator business will keep running into a series of dangerous psychopaths to make the stories work and add drama and conflict. It suggests Edinburgh had a serious amount of criminally oriented nutters.

Each of the women needs a “case” to investigate to give them something to do. These often connect which is fine, but occasionally the connection feels a bit of a stretch.

So we get Gran Dorothy who helps with the funeral of a traveller / caravan dweller / hippy type and then starts to investigate when one of the group’s caravans is set on fire.

Then Mum Jenny deals with some past demons as her dying mother-in-law asks her to track down her sister-in-law who’d tried to burn down the Skelfs' home at the end of the last book, then ran off with the body of her murdering brother / Jenny’s ex-husband.

And finally, Daughter Hannah gets befriended by a lesbian power couple, Scotland’s first female astronaut and her rich, manipulative partner who seem to be plagued by a stalker.

In the process, they pull in a newcomer to the Skelf funeral crew who helps with one of the plot points at the end.

It kind of works though there are loose ends and unresolved storylines (e.g. it’s said the astronaut’s experience in space changed her, but we never quite get to the bottom of how, and it’s never quite clear how the corrupt cops in the story got away with being so corrupt for so long).

There are some good ideas and the characters are very likeable, but this felt like it needed just a little bit of tightening just to lift it from good to great. But glad that it keeps the story going as this is an enjoyable series overall.

[Angi Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, The Skelfs are a fantastic creation. I say this with every book, and each time they get better. And better. They have grown over time into the most readable series about women that I can think of. Because we have three generations of them their reactions to everything and their outlook on life is vastly different. Yet, I love each and every one of them. Because they feel real. They’re people you could meet in the street and find yourself chatting to. I love that Dorothy is like a collector of lost souls. This instalment had me on the edge of my seat as I always am. Because I now feel that this family are so well known to me, there’s never a member that you want to be without and I feel I know them in so much more depth than before.
The Skelfs name suits them so perfectly. I’d not thought to look it up before, but it means (if you like me, didn’t know!) splinter. And they are truly splinters from the same piece of wood or in this case, family.
It goes into the relationship between generations of families, particularly women, who have often got great relationships with grandparents, but parents are the missing link in the chain.
I love the funeral crasher, and the way he is accepted into the Skelfs.
I found myself worried that we might lose a Skelf, but because of the skilled writing of the story my worry about which it might be changed through the story. As always Doug Johnstone makes you feel all the feelings, but presents more than one side to a story.
The humanity as well as the crime element hauls me back for more every single time in The Skelfs series, and in every Doug Johnstone book I read.
With thanks to Anne Cater, Orenda and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book. @writerdougj @orendabooks @randomthingstours

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Skelf women have certainly dealt with a lot in their lives, and they seem to be finally getting back on track after recent events. Now anyone who has been following this series just knows that this situation won’t last, and they will soon find themselves in the middle of some interesting cases that will see them both confronting their past and risking their lives.
I think I might just have a very dark sense of humour as the start of the book had me chuckling at something that I possibly should not have but I just couldn’t help myself and it was certainly a funeral to remember. Following on from this Dorothy soon finds herself investigating a fire at the traveller site that the police don’t really seem to be interested in, putting one of her personal relationships under a bit of strain. Jenny has her own struggles when she is contacted by her former mother-in-law who wants her to find her daughter before she dies. Fans of the series will know that the last time Jenny saw her things got a little heated to say the least, but she knows that she has to do this to hopefully put the past behind her once and for all. After meeting a retired female astronaut, Hannah starts investigating some very personal attacks on the woman, but could her lifestyle put Hannah in danger and threaten her relationship with Indy?
The detective agency part of their business definitely seems to be the main focus in this book and with each of the Skelf women taking on such different cases they do seem to be a bit stretched which at times leads them into some dangerous situations. Despite this they still always manage to be there for each other and help others too with their own special way of providing support to those who seem down on their luck and adding to their extended family.
I love this series for so many reasons not least the fact that at the heart of it are three very strong and independent women with vastly different personalities who have managed to make their way in some male dominated professions. They are not perfect by any means, but their flaws make them so much more real and relatable. The Opposite of Lonely is the fifth book in the Skelf series yet thanks to the skill of its author Doug Johnstone it feels as fresh as the first one. Each book could easily be read in isolation but with a series as good as this one you really would be missing out if you didn’t read them all.