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The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E
Muriel, a former bestselling romantic novelist, and Ruth, a journalist, are best friends. Inseparable since they were little, they’ve shared everything; unable to be without each other, even after the most vicious of fights.
Now fate has left them living together in a North London home, with Ruth caring for Muriel in her deteriorating health, playing Scrabble, arguing and making up, passing the days in monotony, ignoring the scars of their relationship. Then one afternoon, Muriel makes a shocking and sinister announcement, sending Ruth’s world into chaos. Only one thing is certain. Life, as she knows it, will never be the same again. . .
The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E is the deliciously dark debut novel from Claire Parkin. An intensely gripping story of toxic friendship, jealousy and revenge, it is perfect for fans of A Tidy Ending and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
Now fate has left them living together in a North London home, with Ruth caring for Muriel in her deteriorating health, playing Scrabble, arguing and making up, passing the days in monotony, ignoring the scars of their relationship. Then one afternoon, Muriel makes a shocking and sinister announcement, sending Ruth’s world into chaos. Only one thing is certain. Life, as she knows it, will never be the same again. . .
The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E is the deliciously dark debut novel from Claire Parkin. An intensely gripping story of toxic friendship, jealousy and revenge, it is perfect for fans of A Tidy Ending and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2024
126 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 23, 2024
EXCERPT: Monday 24th June 2019 - Evening - A death is announced
Now that I think about it, it wasn't so much Muriel telling me she was going to die, it was more that she gave her death an actual date and time that unnerved me so much. I am well acquainted with Muriel's prophecies; unfailingly vague and melodramatic, invariably relating to her health or safety.
A whispered, 'Ruth! You mustn't leave me alone tonight. I felt the angel of death's icy palm caress my cheek during Eastenders.' That sort of thing. Yes, I am very familiar with Muriel's predictions which, by now, I am able to predict myself because they occur, without exception, when I have plans to go out for the evening. But that was the other curious thing, I had no such plans for tonight. I was a free agent anticipating the familiar, comforting ups and downs of a night in with Muriel, a cup or two of chamomile tea, a game of scrabble, a furious row.
ABOUT 'THE FINAL HOURS OF MURIEL HINCHCLIFFE M.B.E.': Muriel, a former bestselling romantic novelist, and Ruth, a journalist, are best friends. Inseparable since they were little, they’ve shared everything; unable to be without each other, even after the most vicious of fights.
Now fate has left them living together in a North London home, with Ruth caring for Muriel in her deteriorating health, playing Scrabble, arguing and making up, passing the days in monotony, ignoring the scars of their relationship. Then one afternoon, Muriel makes a shocking and sinister announcement, sending Ruth’s world into chaos. Only one thing is certain. Life, as she knows it, will never be the same again. . .
MY THOUGHTS: I loved this! So entertaining! It's a blend of indifference in a relationship that has lasted decades, resentment, dementia and obligation. Yes, sometimes I knew what was going to happen, but that didn't detract from my pleasure at all. I cackled out loud (yes - cackled with glee!) in parts and in others felt inordinately sad.
Muriel's (Moo) and Ruth's (Ru) relationship is one of inequality and toxicity buried under an outer surface of respectability. Both have had dysfunctional childhoods. Each wanted what the other had including, at one stage, a husband. Yes, the same husband.
I loved these two characters - stroppy, selfish, sly . . . and, in Moo's case, entitled. Ru, on the other hand, feels obliged and put upon but is quite, quite sure that she is getting one over on Moo and that she has the upper hand. They argue and sulk and put each other down.
The story is told entirely from Ruth's perspective. It is her memories we are privy to, her recollections, her machinations, her disappointments. But Muriel has had an equally unhappy life, which just goes to prove that getting what you want is not necessarily best for you, and this is slowly revealed through conversations.
Some of the revelations are deliciously shocking. I loved it! I finished this audiobook with a big smile on my face and now, several hours later, I am still smiling. I am sure I will smile every time I think of this book, and I will be recommending it to everyone I know who likes a little dark humor.
An excellent debut novel, and an author to watch!
The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Jenny Funnell, a new to me narrator whom I will be watching for in the future.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheFinalHoursofMurielHinchcliffeMBE #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Claire was born and brought up in a village just outside Cardiff. She worked as a journalist on women’s general-interest magazines for many years, where she was known for being able to turn her hand to pretty much anything – from interviewing boxing champs and war correspondents, to learning how to pole dance and the correct way to iron a shirt. Other career highlights include taste-testing eight varieties of mince pie during an August heatwave, begging Victoria Beckham to donate a dress to a charity raffle, and visiting six second-hand car dealerships in one afternoon, in a bid to expose sexism in the motoring industry.
She turned to fiction after the birth of her twin son and daughter. Claire lives in London with her husband and children. When she’s not writing, she’s a passionate Park runner, container-gardener and baker of calorific goods. After a break of several years, she’s finally enjoying mince pies again.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Macmillan UK Audio via NetGalley for providing an audio ARC of The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E. written by Claire Parkin and narrated by Jenny Funnell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Now that I think about it, it wasn't so much Muriel telling me she was going to die, it was more that she gave her death an actual date and time that unnerved me so much. I am well acquainted with Muriel's prophecies; unfailingly vague and melodramatic, invariably relating to her health or safety.
A whispered, 'Ruth! You mustn't leave me alone tonight. I felt the angel of death's icy palm caress my cheek during Eastenders.' That sort of thing. Yes, I am very familiar with Muriel's predictions which, by now, I am able to predict myself because they occur, without exception, when I have plans to go out for the evening. But that was the other curious thing, I had no such plans for tonight. I was a free agent anticipating the familiar, comforting ups and downs of a night in with Muriel, a cup or two of chamomile tea, a game of scrabble, a furious row.
ABOUT 'THE FINAL HOURS OF MURIEL HINCHCLIFFE M.B.E.': Muriel, a former bestselling romantic novelist, and Ruth, a journalist, are best friends. Inseparable since they were little, they’ve shared everything; unable to be without each other, even after the most vicious of fights.
Now fate has left them living together in a North London home, with Ruth caring for Muriel in her deteriorating health, playing Scrabble, arguing and making up, passing the days in monotony, ignoring the scars of their relationship. Then one afternoon, Muriel makes a shocking and sinister announcement, sending Ruth’s world into chaos. Only one thing is certain. Life, as she knows it, will never be the same again. . .
MY THOUGHTS: I loved this! So entertaining! It's a blend of indifference in a relationship that has lasted decades, resentment, dementia and obligation. Yes, sometimes I knew what was going to happen, but that didn't detract from my pleasure at all. I cackled out loud (yes - cackled with glee!) in parts and in others felt inordinately sad.
Muriel's (Moo) and Ruth's (Ru) relationship is one of inequality and toxicity buried under an outer surface of respectability. Both have had dysfunctional childhoods. Each wanted what the other had including, at one stage, a husband. Yes, the same husband.
I loved these two characters - stroppy, selfish, sly . . . and, in Moo's case, entitled. Ru, on the other hand, feels obliged and put upon but is quite, quite sure that she is getting one over on Moo and that she has the upper hand. They argue and sulk and put each other down.
The story is told entirely from Ruth's perspective. It is her memories we are privy to, her recollections, her machinations, her disappointments. But Muriel has had an equally unhappy life, which just goes to prove that getting what you want is not necessarily best for you, and this is slowly revealed through conversations.
Some of the revelations are deliciously shocking. I loved it! I finished this audiobook with a big smile on my face and now, several hours later, I am still smiling. I am sure I will smile every time I think of this book, and I will be recommending it to everyone I know who likes a little dark humor.
An excellent debut novel, and an author to watch!
The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Jenny Funnell, a new to me narrator whom I will be watching for in the future.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheFinalHoursofMurielHinchcliffeMBE #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Claire was born and brought up in a village just outside Cardiff. She worked as a journalist on women’s general-interest magazines for many years, where she was known for being able to turn her hand to pretty much anything – from interviewing boxing champs and war correspondents, to learning how to pole dance and the correct way to iron a shirt. Other career highlights include taste-testing eight varieties of mince pie during an August heatwave, begging Victoria Beckham to donate a dress to a charity raffle, and visiting six second-hand car dealerships in one afternoon, in a bid to expose sexism in the motoring industry.
She turned to fiction after the birth of her twin son and daughter. Claire lives in London with her husband and children. When she’s not writing, she’s a passionate Park runner, container-gardener and baker of calorific goods. After a break of several years, she’s finally enjoying mince pies again.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Macmillan UK Audio via NetGalley for providing an audio ARC of The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E. written by Claire Parkin and narrated by Jenny Funnell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 4, 2024
4-5 stars
“Life’s not fair, is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane, and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on the A597 ……”. The late, great Victoria Wood.
This is the story of an unequal friendship, of friends since birth, and both are now in their 70s. Muriel (Moo) is the champagne drinker, the one people are drawn to in their youth, the successful author and recipient of an MBE. Ruth is the resider by the A597, and though she has her moments of journalistic success, those sandwiches are eaten at the grace and favour of Moo, for whom Ruth is now a full-time carer. It’s fair to say that Moo is not easy to live with, the pair row and there are frequent threats of will changing, perhaps whilst they play Scrabble or Ludo. What does Ruth make of Muriel’s pronouncement that in 72 hours she will die? This shocking announcement sends Ruth into a chaotic spiral, and she’s now entering uncharted waters. Ruth narrates how reliably only time will tell.
I’m all in with this excellent debut from the first few sentences, as Ruth has a way with words that makes me smile, titter and even on the odd occasion, a downright belly laugh. However, this really is a case of fool me once, fool me twice as the author lulls us into a false sense of security as love and hate are both sides of the same coin.
So, we start on an amusing, light tone, this novel is going to be a breeze I think, wrong. I begin to suspect all is not sweetness and light as Ruth keeps dropping little information bombs in which initially raises your eyebrows and later makes your jaw drop with a resounding thud. The jealousy, bickering and rowing via whip smart dialogue hides something much more malign, as this is one toxic friendship. I love the way the author hits us with the realisation via the fusing of the past and present storytelling. You watch the control pendulum swing back-and-forth between them as this pair of sharp septuagenarians engage in a very dangerous and revengeful game of cat and mouse. Here’s a game of psychological warfare and the reader doesn’t know the rules and it seems neither do Ruth or Muriel entirely. It builds, the atmosphere is strained, you watch appalled at some of the behaviour, the outbursts that are very revealing as it’s twists its way to an inevitable and shocking conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoy this well written slow burner with its injections of dark humour. The characterisation of Muriel and Ruth is excellent, and these two have one complicated and intense relationship which definitely lurches into the dramatically bonkers, but that’s what makes reading the story so compelling.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
“Life’s not fair, is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane, and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on the A597 ……”. The late, great Victoria Wood.
This is the story of an unequal friendship, of friends since birth, and both are now in their 70s. Muriel (Moo) is the champagne drinker, the one people are drawn to in their youth, the successful author and recipient of an MBE. Ruth is the resider by the A597, and though she has her moments of journalistic success, those sandwiches are eaten at the grace and favour of Moo, for whom Ruth is now a full-time carer. It’s fair to say that Moo is not easy to live with, the pair row and there are frequent threats of will changing, perhaps whilst they play Scrabble or Ludo. What does Ruth make of Muriel’s pronouncement that in 72 hours she will die? This shocking announcement sends Ruth into a chaotic spiral, and she’s now entering uncharted waters. Ruth narrates how reliably only time will tell.
I’m all in with this excellent debut from the first few sentences, as Ruth has a way with words that makes me smile, titter and even on the odd occasion, a downright belly laugh. However, this really is a case of fool me once, fool me twice as the author lulls us into a false sense of security as love and hate are both sides of the same coin.
So, we start on an amusing, light tone, this novel is going to be a breeze I think, wrong. I begin to suspect all is not sweetness and light as Ruth keeps dropping little information bombs in which initially raises your eyebrows and later makes your jaw drop with a resounding thud. The jealousy, bickering and rowing via whip smart dialogue hides something much more malign, as this is one toxic friendship. I love the way the author hits us with the realisation via the fusing of the past and present storytelling. You watch the control pendulum swing back-and-forth between them as this pair of sharp septuagenarians engage in a very dangerous and revengeful game of cat and mouse. Here’s a game of psychological warfare and the reader doesn’t know the rules and it seems neither do Ruth or Muriel entirely. It builds, the atmosphere is strained, you watch appalled at some of the behaviour, the outbursts that are very revealing as it’s twists its way to an inevitable and shocking conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoy this well written slow burner with its injections of dark humour. The characterisation of Muriel and Ruth is excellent, and these two have one complicated and intense relationship which definitely lurches into the dramatically bonkers, but that’s what makes reading the story so compelling.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 7, 2025
The oddly compelling story of Moo and Roo and their toxic friendship spanning practically a lifetime. Starting off seemingly light, it soon becomes dark and somewhat disturbing, the characters are all dysfunctional and horrible and there are no healthy relationships to be found.
I enjoyed it for the most part but I was not sorry to see the back of Moo and Roo when I was finished, 3.5 stars rounded up.
I enjoyed it for the most part but I was not sorry to see the back of Moo and Roo when I was finished, 3.5 stars rounded up.
January 19, 2025
The title of this book first sparked my interest, and my instincts were on fire this time!
Muriel and Ruth are in their seventies, and have been best friends since early childhood.
Or have they..?
I love a good tale of revenge, and this is wonderfully written and portrayed.
If you enjoy "What Happened to Baby Jane?" you will probably love this too.
I may enjoy a revenge story, but they also show how revenge often spells misery for all involved, and usually mostly for the person who has been wronged in the first place.
5 stars (I loved it!)
Muriel and Ruth are in their seventies, and have been best friends since early childhood.
Or have they..?
I love a good tale of revenge, and this is wonderfully written and portrayed.
If you enjoy "What Happened to Baby Jane?" you will probably love this too.
I may enjoy a revenge story, but they also show how revenge often spells misery for all involved, and usually mostly for the person who has been wronged in the first place.
5 stars (I loved it!)
January 3, 2024
I loved the sound of the blurb, and it said that it was for the lovers of Eleanor Oliphant, which I am, but this book was unfortunately not for me.
It is the story of best friends from birth Moo (Muriel) and Roo (Ruth). Moo was an ex model and best selling author, and Roo an ex Journalist. At the start of the book they are living together in Moo’s house, with Roo looking after her as she is wheelchair bound. The story is told in flashbacks, entirely from Roo’s perspective.
Unfortunately I found the story line both uncomfortable and predictable, and didn’t find the characters believable. Others have enjoyed it, so it obviously just wasn’t for me.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
It is the story of best friends from birth Moo (Muriel) and Roo (Ruth). Moo was an ex model and best selling author, and Roo an ex Journalist. At the start of the book they are living together in Moo’s house, with Roo looking after her as she is wheelchair bound. The story is told in flashbacks, entirely from Roo’s perspective.
Unfortunately I found the story line both uncomfortable and predictable, and didn’t find the characters believable. Others have enjoyed it, so it obviously just wasn’t for me.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
March 22, 2024
Muriel and Ruth are the best of friends. They’ve been together since childhood, through thick and thin, sharing everything. Now in their later years of life the two of them share a home. Muriel is wheelchair bound and Ruth is practically her carer, fetching and caring for her and playing second fiddle as always.
For Ruth has never been the favourite, Ruth has never gained the prizes, Ruth has always lived in Muriel’s shadow. But now, maybe things are about to change.
Written in the first person from Ruth’s perspective, I found this to be an absolutely captivating story. I loved Ruth’s voice., she was funny, frank and forthright. There were definite shades of Elinor Oliphant in her, but a more older, stroppy, selfish version which made her all the more interesting.
Ruth gradually reveals past recollections; her relationship with her own mother (and her mother’s relationship with Muriel),her marriage and career. All interspersed with current day details of the ‘friendship’ between these two women. It’s evident that there is something simmering under the service here; something bad, something rotten. And eventually it’s all going to float to the surface
Entertaining, witty and engaging, this toxic friendship between two bitter women was great fun to read.
For Ruth has never been the favourite, Ruth has never gained the prizes, Ruth has always lived in Muriel’s shadow. But now, maybe things are about to change.
Written in the first person from Ruth’s perspective, I found this to be an absolutely captivating story. I loved Ruth’s voice., she was funny, frank and forthright. There were definite shades of Elinor Oliphant in her, but a more older, stroppy, selfish version which made her all the more interesting.
Ruth gradually reveals past recollections; her relationship with her own mother (and her mother’s relationship with Muriel),her marriage and career. All interspersed with current day details of the ‘friendship’ between these two women. It’s evident that there is something simmering under the service here; something bad, something rotten. And eventually it’s all going to float to the surface
Entertaining, witty and engaging, this toxic friendship between two bitter women was great fun to read.
November 10, 2023
This was thoroughly enjoyable and a deliciously dark novel. The toxicity of the relationships in this book just jump off the page.
The title of the novel ultimately provides the synopsis of the novel. This is about the final hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe who is being looked after and cared for by her life long friend Ruth. However, we learn much about their powerful but often difficult friendship and we know something just isn't quite right......but what that something is, we come to learn over the course of 72 hours, and it will shock you!
Thanks to Netgalley and Pam Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The title of the novel ultimately provides the synopsis of the novel. This is about the final hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe who is being looked after and cared for by her life long friend Ruth. However, we learn much about their powerful but often difficult friendship and we know something just isn't quite right......but what that something is, we come to learn over the course of 72 hours, and it will shock you!
Thanks to Netgalley and Pam Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 4, 2024
The book itself describes this story as -
‘Behaviour immortalised in (a) tale of two bitter women so determined to destroy each other that they unwittingly wreck the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to get close to them’
A toxic friendship thriving on perpetual oneupmanship. Ruth has shared everything with her best friend Muriel (or the ‘Princess of Darkness’ as Ruth calls her) including Ruth’s own mother and even her husband who left her (desperate to be a mother) to have a child with her best friend. Has this made Ruth bitter? Hell yes, and some! But she has secrets involving both the husband and Muriel’s son that if they were ever revealed would turn both their world’s upside down. The demise of all concerned leads to an ending fit for a Greek tragedy.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers, MacMillan and author, Claire Parkin for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop
‘Behaviour immortalised in (a) tale of two bitter women so determined to destroy each other that they unwittingly wreck the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to get close to them’
A toxic friendship thriving on perpetual oneupmanship. Ruth has shared everything with her best friend Muriel (or the ‘Princess of Darkness’ as Ruth calls her) including Ruth’s own mother and even her husband who left her (desperate to be a mother) to have a child with her best friend. Has this made Ruth bitter? Hell yes, and some! But she has secrets involving both the husband and Muriel’s son that if they were ever revealed would turn both their world’s upside down. The demise of all concerned leads to an ending fit for a Greek tragedy.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers, MacMillan and author, Claire Parkin for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop
December 10, 2023
Dark, funny, twisty, occasionally shocking - what a fun read! Don't go in expecting realism and you'll have a blast.
March 22, 2024
Really enjoyed this book about two women enjoying (or trying to enjoy) their golden years.
The history between these two is what makes the story.
Dive in for a portrayal of toxic friendships, jealousy, and constantly trying to get the upper hand.
Listened to audiobook. Took about 50% before things starting heating up. 3.5 stars
The history between these two is what makes the story.
Dive in for a portrayal of toxic friendships, jealousy, and constantly trying to get the upper hand.
Listened to audiobook. Took about 50% before things starting heating up. 3.5 stars
October 1, 2024
Kooky, but in the best way.
Toxic female friendship is one of those themes, I feel, can be explored forever in a thriller setting. More than the grand acts of malevolence or disturbing outbursts, the toxic female friendships are filled with various incidents of microaggressions- you know: the small jibes followed with a smile like it's all in a good joke, the carefully placed word to change the opinion of someone important, the "not done on purpose" sitting order at the event... It's the constant occurrence of these, to others completely insignificant and minor events, that build like a crescendo resulting in something outrageously and unexpectedly violent between two women. And to be honest, it's the delicate ruthlessness part of it that intrigues me more.
Claire Parkin weaves a story of Moo and Roo, the friendship that started the day they were born at the same hospital and continued well into their seventies they are now as we meet them with Muriel in a wheel chair and Ruth taking care of her. They live alone in a big house, they follow the same routine of Ruth buying the same groceries, cooking the same dinner, doing's Muriel's pedicure, making something that will result in a fight than begging for forgiveness until they hug and play Scrabble. But then Moo does something unexpected which scares Roo very much.
Now, the intense, complicated relationship between the two, as well as the circumstances they are in and the grumpy old lady lack of patience and dramatics reminded me very much of Dolores and Vera from Stephen King's Dolores Claiborne. They rage at each other, they are often petty and absurd, but it's very clear they can't imagine life without one another. The story is told entirely from Ruth's point of view, who is a former editor and journalist, and it's filled with sarcastic quips and observations. This narrative method is extremely effective because you can feel resentment underneath her words which creates the suspense because you want to know what happened between them and how on earth they ended up in this situation. It also gives us the insight into her mind and her slow spiraling out of the control which mirrors the way the story and their friendship, from minutiae of their everyday becomes more crazy and messed up the more you are privy to main events that shaped it. And, wow, does this gets bonkers! In the weirdest of ways, it paints the toxic, emotional whirlpool two women are caught up in pulling everyone they care about with them. But it's not just umped to make it more shocking, like for example, What Lies Between Us is. Claire Parkin isn't concerned with spectacle as much as she is with the human nature and it can occasionally make you laugh uncomfortably, like it's plucked straight out of Psychoville.
The pace was so well done and I can say that by the end book had me in a choke-hold.
If can take anything against it it's that the Ruth's unreliable narration makes other characters a bit too distant, because she is opinionated and it pushes her opinions on you, so you have to read between the lines and make your own conclusions. It makes others constructs of her own conclusions and this one-sideness, I feel, stifled the opportunity to show the full picture of this toxic female friendship. Because, by definition it demands two willing participants in the madness of it all.
All in all, great debut.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Pan Macmillan, and Claire Parkin for an advanced copy of The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe, M.B.E. . All opinions are my own.
Toxic female friendship is one of those themes, I feel, can be explored forever in a thriller setting. More than the grand acts of malevolence or disturbing outbursts, the toxic female friendships are filled with various incidents of microaggressions- you know: the small jibes followed with a smile like it's all in a good joke, the carefully placed word to change the opinion of someone important, the "not done on purpose" sitting order at the event... It's the constant occurrence of these, to others completely insignificant and minor events, that build like a crescendo resulting in something outrageously and unexpectedly violent between two women. And to be honest, it's the delicate ruthlessness part of it that intrigues me more.
Claire Parkin weaves a story of Moo and Roo, the friendship that started the day they were born at the same hospital and continued well into their seventies they are now as we meet them with Muriel in a wheel chair and Ruth taking care of her. They live alone in a big house, they follow the same routine of Ruth buying the same groceries, cooking the same dinner, doing's Muriel's pedicure, making something that will result in a fight than begging for forgiveness until they hug and play Scrabble. But then Moo does something unexpected which scares Roo very much.
Now, the intense, complicated relationship between the two, as well as the circumstances they are in and the grumpy old lady lack of patience and dramatics reminded me very much of Dolores and Vera from Stephen King's Dolores Claiborne. They rage at each other, they are often petty and absurd, but it's very clear they can't imagine life without one another. The story is told entirely from Ruth's point of view, who is a former editor and journalist, and it's filled with sarcastic quips and observations. This narrative method is extremely effective because you can feel resentment underneath her words which creates the suspense because you want to know what happened between them and how on earth they ended up in this situation. It also gives us the insight into her mind and her slow spiraling out of the control which mirrors the way the story and their friendship, from minutiae of their everyday becomes more crazy and messed up the more you are privy to main events that shaped it. And, wow, does this gets bonkers! In the weirdest of ways, it paints the toxic, emotional whirlpool two women are caught up in pulling everyone they care about with them. But it's not just umped to make it more shocking, like for example, What Lies Between Us is. Claire Parkin isn't concerned with spectacle as much as she is with the human nature and it can occasionally make you laugh uncomfortably, like it's plucked straight out of Psychoville.
The pace was so well done and I can say that by the end book had me in a choke-hold.
If can take anything against it it's that the Ruth's unreliable narration makes other characters a bit too distant, because she is opinionated and it pushes her opinions on you, so you have to read between the lines and make your own conclusions. It makes others constructs of her own conclusions and this one-sideness, I feel, stifled the opportunity to show the full picture of this toxic female friendship. Because, by definition it demands two willing participants in the madness of it all.
All in all, great debut.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Pan Macmillan, and Claire Parkin for an advanced copy of The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe, M.B.E. . All opinions are my own.
March 16, 2024
This is an ode to the toxic friendships with all been in, some of us on either side of the toxicity.
I throughly enjoyed this read, especially as we see it from only Roo’s perspective, so we we never really know if some events happened or she is overthinking/being to sensitive.
As well as many twists- the book name within 👌🏻👌🏻there are moments which shocked me (the dark room) and had me shouting at the book - her narcissistic mother and the iron/dress.
This book is perfect for those who love characters who whilst slightly psychotic, are completely endearing. I’m looking forward to the authors next book.
I throughly enjoyed this read, especially as we see it from only Roo’s perspective, so we we never really know if some events happened or she is overthinking/being to sensitive.
As well as many twists- the book name within 👌🏻👌🏻there are moments which shocked me (the dark room) and had me shouting at the book - her narcissistic mother and the iron/dress.
This book is perfect for those who love characters who whilst slightly psychotic, are completely endearing. I’m looking forward to the authors next book.
June 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Muriel and Ruth are dysfunctional, elderly life long friends. When Muriel predicts her death, it causes Ruth to spiral into memories and realizations
Told from Ruth’s perspective, she is an unreliable narrator as she seems oblivious to the truth
Muriel and Rose both have strong personalities, are eccentric, unlikable and yet a joy to read
The pace is steady but I struggled with the unreliable, fuzzy storytelling. It’s hard to understand what exactly is going on as Ruth won’t accept the truth
The reveals are kind of shocking but the end was predictable. Overall, I didn’t enjoy the book as much as I’d have liked but that’s because I’m not a fan of the unreliable narrator - I just don’t like feeling fuzzy and confused
Muriel and Ruth are dysfunctional, elderly life long friends. When Muriel predicts her death, it causes Ruth to spiral into memories and realizations
Told from Ruth’s perspective, she is an unreliable narrator as she seems oblivious to the truth
Muriel and Rose both have strong personalities, are eccentric, unlikable and yet a joy to read
The pace is steady but I struggled with the unreliable, fuzzy storytelling. It’s hard to understand what exactly is going on as Ruth won’t accept the truth
The reveals are kind of shocking but the end was predictable. Overall, I didn’t enjoy the book as much as I’d have liked but that’s because I’m not a fan of the unreliable narrator - I just don’t like feeling fuzzy and confused
July 18, 2025
Twisted.
Delves pretty deeply into toxic relationships.
Is the opposite of love not hate but cold indifference?
Delves pretty deeply into toxic relationships.
Is the opposite of love not hate but cold indifference?
November 26, 2024
Ruth Donne has cared for her close friend Muriel Hinchcliffe for years.
What a deliciously toxic and entertaining read. I loved The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E because Claire Parkin gets right under the skin of who we are as humans and illustrates just how close we are to savagery and maliciousness even when we love someone and do our best by them. It’s a fabulous portrait of two friends and rivals who cannot be separated – even to the extent of marrying the same man!
The story is filled with intrigue, and twists and turns, so that it’s impossible to decide whether Ruth (Roo) and Muriel (Moo) adore or despise one another. Having been linked since their mothers gave birth to them minutes apart, they are defined by one another, their relationship and, crucially, the themes of motherhood, love (or lack of it) and control. Physically opposites, with Moo an It girl model and Roo a dumpy hobbit-like woman, they are almost two sides of the same person. Neither is averse to devious and controlling behaviour. Neither can forgive the other for the things they have done to one another, and neither can live without the other, so that when Moo announces her imminent demise, Roo’s life spins into freefall. The depth of emotion linking the two women is brilliantly depicted.
As well as this wonderful relationship, there’s mystery in The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E – but I can’t say anything further without spoiling the read. There’s criminal behaviour. There’s threat. There’s a smashing depiction of a small local community. Most fabulously, however, is the exploration of how one event leads inexorably to another beyond the intentions of the perpetrator. Through Roo’s first person narrative the layers of their lives are gradually revealed so that the reader becomes implicated in the story and vacillates between wide eyed shock and absolute admiration for the devious, manipulative and often unacceptable behaviour of the two women. It’s impossible to decide which of the two is the one to champion as they are equally well portrayed and equally culpable and forgivable!
I’m aware that this is one of my vague reviews that says very little, but it’s so hard not to give too much away. I thought The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E was a brilliant book. I loved the intensity, the humour and the humanity and thoroughly recommend it.
What a deliciously toxic and entertaining read. I loved The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E because Claire Parkin gets right under the skin of who we are as humans and illustrates just how close we are to savagery and maliciousness even when we love someone and do our best by them. It’s a fabulous portrait of two friends and rivals who cannot be separated – even to the extent of marrying the same man!
The story is filled with intrigue, and twists and turns, so that it’s impossible to decide whether Ruth (Roo) and Muriel (Moo) adore or despise one another. Having been linked since their mothers gave birth to them minutes apart, they are defined by one another, their relationship and, crucially, the themes of motherhood, love (or lack of it) and control. Physically opposites, with Moo an It girl model and Roo a dumpy hobbit-like woman, they are almost two sides of the same person. Neither is averse to devious and controlling behaviour. Neither can forgive the other for the things they have done to one another, and neither can live without the other, so that when Moo announces her imminent demise, Roo’s life spins into freefall. The depth of emotion linking the two women is brilliantly depicted.
As well as this wonderful relationship, there’s mystery in The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E – but I can’t say anything further without spoiling the read. There’s criminal behaviour. There’s threat. There’s a smashing depiction of a small local community. Most fabulously, however, is the exploration of how one event leads inexorably to another beyond the intentions of the perpetrator. Through Roo’s first person narrative the layers of their lives are gradually revealed so that the reader becomes implicated in the story and vacillates between wide eyed shock and absolute admiration for the devious, manipulative and often unacceptable behaviour of the two women. It’s impossible to decide which of the two is the one to champion as they are equally well portrayed and equally culpable and forgivable!
I’m aware that this is one of my vague reviews that says very little, but it’s so hard not to give too much away. I thought The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E was a brilliant book. I loved the intensity, the humour and the humanity and thoroughly recommend it.
March 27, 2024
The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E
Written by Claire Parkin
What a very odd and vaguely disturbing book. Dark, very, very dark. It buzzes with a constant undercurrent or resentment, hatred (dare I say it? Yes, I think so...), and toxicity, all hidden - sometimes barely - under a veneer of respectability. Moo and Roo are dysfunctional, destructive, competitive and in so many ways dreadful to each other. Throw in a good helping of dementia and delusion, and the pot starts to bubble.
The characters are an interesting mix of weakness, madness and spite. Harvey was awful, Roo's mother possibly even more so. Moo and Roo are not far behind. The only sensible one was Stephanie. Either way, it goes to show how you can end up feeding off someone, literally sucking them dry, if you don't move on. Physically, emotionally and mentally.
It isn't quite my cup of Earl Grey, more like a bitter, slightly past-it's-sell-by-date green tea. The one that makes you hallucinate. With a splash of arsenic thrown in for good measure.
Written by Claire Parkin
What a very odd and vaguely disturbing book. Dark, very, very dark. It buzzes with a constant undercurrent or resentment, hatred (dare I say it? Yes, I think so...), and toxicity, all hidden - sometimes barely - under a veneer of respectability. Moo and Roo are dysfunctional, destructive, competitive and in so many ways dreadful to each other. Throw in a good helping of dementia and delusion, and the pot starts to bubble.
The characters are an interesting mix of weakness, madness and spite. Harvey was awful, Roo's mother possibly even more so. Moo and Roo are not far behind. The only sensible one was Stephanie. Either way, it goes to show how you can end up feeding off someone, literally sucking them dry, if you don't move on. Physically, emotionally and mentally.
It isn't quite my cup of Earl Grey, more like a bitter, slightly past-it's-sell-by-date green tea. The one that makes you hallucinate. With a splash of arsenic thrown in for good measure.
March 21, 2024
Murial and Ruth have been inseparable since they were born, going through life's highs and lows together. As Muriel's health starts to deteriorate, Ruth becomes her carer, the two living together in Muriel's London home. When Muriel makes a shocking announcement one afternoon, Ruth's life begins to unravel.
I found this one a struggle if I'm being completely honest. I'm sure there will be readers out there who love it, but it wasn't for me.
The blurb is 100% accurate when it mentions this being a story of toxic friendships. The relationship between Muriel and Ruth is about as toxic as you can possibly get. As we see flashbacks of the girls' younger lives it becomes clear that this started at an early age and has continued as they have grown old together, being continually exacerbated by those around them. Neither of the two characters comes out of the story looking like a good person, with the two of them going tit for tat at every opportunity.
Where I struggled was that the humour didn't work for me, so the novel as a whole was very dark and uncomfortable. With not liking the characters and the story being rather heavy I found myself not looking forward to picking this up, and that's very unusual for me.
As I said I'm sure some readers will love it, but for me personally it needed something to help lighten the tone in places.
Thanks to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I found this one a struggle if I'm being completely honest. I'm sure there will be readers out there who love it, but it wasn't for me.
The blurb is 100% accurate when it mentions this being a story of toxic friendships. The relationship between Muriel and Ruth is about as toxic as you can possibly get. As we see flashbacks of the girls' younger lives it becomes clear that this started at an early age and has continued as they have grown old together, being continually exacerbated by those around them. Neither of the two characters comes out of the story looking like a good person, with the two of them going tit for tat at every opportunity.
Where I struggled was that the humour didn't work for me, so the novel as a whole was very dark and uncomfortable. With not liking the characters and the story being rather heavy I found myself not looking forward to picking this up, and that's very unusual for me.
As I said I'm sure some readers will love it, but for me personally it needed something to help lighten the tone in places.
Thanks to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2024
Ruth and Muriel (Roo and Moo fgs) have been friends since childhood and are now living together, with Ruth caring for the invalided Muriel. They have their ups and downs until Muriel announces one evening that she has 72 hours to live.
This story failed to grab me right from the start and I found myself discouraged from picking it up which is never a good sign. The central characters did not engage at all.
The publicity references Eleanor Oliphant but this story lacks its quiet sense of humour.
(Apologies to the publishers who provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
This story failed to grab me right from the start and I found myself discouraged from picking it up which is never a good sign. The central characters did not engage at all.
The publicity references Eleanor Oliphant but this story lacks its quiet sense of humour.
(Apologies to the publishers who provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
March 29, 2024
Okay read. I was expecting more.
January 31, 2024
It took me a bit to get in to the writing style but once I did I found it quite charming. It perfectly captures the way in which some of the older generation speak. Unfortunately I found the book to be slow going and it really didn't pick up pace until the last 40 pages (out of 311). Both Muriel and Ruth were awful characters, both as toxic as the other, who absolutely deserved each other! There was lots of flashbacks and details on what happened then but I felt what was happening in the present was briefly written about. I wanted more. Particularly when Ruth eventually figures out what was going on. Sadly, that explanation was cut short haha. There was a couple of good twists and turns that were shocking. That moment when Muriel was in the cab with Barney had me absolutely disgusted with her! On a whole, though, I just wanted a bit more depth to the story.
February 3, 2025
Can we both madly love and hate someone ? Of course, we can ! Unless, in the end, we're only left with bile ?
The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe is a diamond asking how far resentment goes ? How envy and the need to relate can bring someone to act so selfishly.
L.
The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe is a diamond asking how far resentment goes ? How envy and the need to relate can bring someone to act so selfishly.
L.
April 4, 2025
Wow! Spoiler free review coming to my channel soon! https://youtube.com/@bookreviewswithb...
December 14, 2023
The voice is engaging and there is some nice observation, but the characters are two-dimensional and the plot very predictable.
December 14, 2023
This is one darkly comic, well written and surprising novel
Told from in the first person POV by Ruth/Roo in a reflective tone we hear her story, the story of the finial hours of her best friend Muriel/Moo life of whom she is the sole carer of. Both elderly they have been friends since their birth sharing the the ups and downs of their life. However don't be so fooled by that sweet description. What we actually hear from Ruth/Roo is the story of frenemies long before frenemies was a thing.
The layout of the novel being set of over 72hours really sets the pace, it moves fast and is well plotted with it. It moves seamlessly between that 72hours and flashbacks to the past, of which were my favourite parts of the novel, you get a sense of there being a lot of secrets and lies from the past that are still impacting the present day. A sense of underlaying tension simmers away as the novel processes. My only issue is you do have to leave a little sense of realism and reality aside to truly engage with some of the plot however as we all now from the press we don't ever know what goes about behind closed doors so perhaps some of the more questionable events are not so far of the mark of what people get up to and put up with.
Both Roo and Moo are absolutely horrible but in the best way. I thought at first Moo was the worst but as the novel progressed I started to question who was really the worst and why perhaps both were such horrors. They characterisation of them
both is well developed and rich, they are two you won't forget after reading.
The game of cat and mouse between the two both now and the last was at times fun but was really dark underneath it all, the fun is without very funny but very dark dealing with a lot of issues( miscarriage, alcoholism, abuse) it is a book that is not only entertaining but is poignant. It really reminds of books like A Tidy Ending and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
I loved the concept of this book it wasn't quite what I was expecting it was much than a story about two old ladies stuck together out of necessity with one reflecting of their years of friendship in the token stereotypical way , the flashbacks should how sweet old ladies were not always sweet old ladies, this I loved as you were not expecting such characters or in fact a darkly comical twisty book.
This novel was surprising different refreshing take on friendship with a rich plot horribly fantastical characters and a nice little twist. Really enjoyed it
On a side note I have had a best friend from birth( our mothers are best friends) and while we love each other dearly we can push each others buttons like no one else can so I really got some the lighter moments between the pair, the bickering over how to make soup etc these parts made me chuckle . That being the darker moments made me glad I have my friend more than ever we are most definitely not frenemies. We often joke how we will end up old dears living together bickering away over what is a better biscuit to dunk in your tea I hope that is very much the case...If only Roo and Moo could have done the same it would have been a very different novel, a much less interesting one with a lot less murder
Told from in the first person POV by Ruth/Roo in a reflective tone we hear her story, the story of the finial hours of her best friend Muriel/Moo life of whom she is the sole carer of. Both elderly they have been friends since their birth sharing the the ups and downs of their life. However don't be so fooled by that sweet description. What we actually hear from Ruth/Roo is the story of frenemies long before frenemies was a thing.
The layout of the novel being set of over 72hours really sets the pace, it moves fast and is well plotted with it. It moves seamlessly between that 72hours and flashbacks to the past, of which were my favourite parts of the novel, you get a sense of there being a lot of secrets and lies from the past that are still impacting the present day. A sense of underlaying tension simmers away as the novel processes. My only issue is you do have to leave a little sense of realism and reality aside to truly engage with some of the plot however as we all now from the press we don't ever know what goes about behind closed doors so perhaps some of the more questionable events are not so far of the mark of what people get up to and put up with.
Both Roo and Moo are absolutely horrible but in the best way. I thought at first Moo was the worst but as the novel progressed I started to question who was really the worst and why perhaps both were such horrors. They characterisation of them
both is well developed and rich, they are two you won't forget after reading.
The game of cat and mouse between the two both now and the last was at times fun but was really dark underneath it all, the fun is without very funny but very dark dealing with a lot of issues( miscarriage, alcoholism, abuse) it is a book that is not only entertaining but is poignant. It really reminds of books like A Tidy Ending and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
I loved the concept of this book it wasn't quite what I was expecting it was much than a story about two old ladies stuck together out of necessity with one reflecting of their years of friendship in the token stereotypical way , the flashbacks should how sweet old ladies were not always sweet old ladies, this I loved as you were not expecting such characters or in fact a darkly comical twisty book.
This novel was surprising different refreshing take on friendship with a rich plot horribly fantastical characters and a nice little twist. Really enjoyed it
On a side note I have had a best friend from birth( our mothers are best friends) and while we love each other dearly we can push each others buttons like no one else can so I really got some the lighter moments between the pair, the bickering over how to make soup etc these parts made me chuckle . That being the darker moments made me glad I have my friend more than ever we are most definitely not frenemies. We often joke how we will end up old dears living together bickering away over what is a better biscuit to dunk in your tea I hope that is very much the case...If only Roo and Moo could have done the same it would have been a very different novel, a much less interesting one with a lot less murder
October 22, 2024
Muriel and Ruth are now in their 70s and have been friends since childhood, though their friendship has never run smoothly. Ruth has been jealous of Muriel her whole life, and Muriel seems to have wanted whatever Ruth has (her mother’s affection, her husband …).They have been oddly bonded through friendship, resentment and an odd mutual dependency on one another, though who has needed the other more has changed at various times …
Now elderly, they find themselves together again, living in Muriel’s home (that was once Ruth’s) in London, with Ruth caring for Muriel who has a number of health issues. Their life primarily consists of playing Scrabble, arguing and making up, and of Muriel treating Ruth as a servant, yet Ruth seems to like being needed. Their life now is punctuated with flashbacks to their younger years, and with such a long shared history there is much to reflect on, and many layers to uncover before we reach the final few days before Muriel’s death.
For the reader, the book title confirms that Muriel’s life will end, but the way that end arrives is not at all expected.
The characters are believable, well developed and keenly observed, and the toxic, unequal relationship between the women is full of ups & downs and twists. I found that I shifted my attitudes to each of the women as the book progressed – they were not always likeable, sometimes I positively loathed them, then I sympathised or …
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator Jenny Farrell to be excellent – she kept the story flowing and was able to inhabit both characters well. I felt that it was an interesting choice by the author to have the book told only from Ruth's perspective, and it did feel odd to only have one set of memories, one perspective – we do get a glimpse into Muriel’s life, but it is through Ruth’s eyes …
Ultimately this is an unusual, slightly odd book that is slow-paced but it does unravel beautifully if you can handle the pace. The personalities of the two women, the history they have shared between them and a number of secrets they’ve kept, are gradually revealed as we learn more about them … their friendship might be long, but it’s been quite toxic for many years & you will wonder who exactly is going to come out on top in the end. Both characters are flawed and there is a subtle dark humour that some may miss. The book might make some readers a bit uncomfortable, but I think that this is because the book is not what you might expect and the characters do not behave in a stereotypical way.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
#TheFinalHoursofMurielHinchcliffeMBE #NetGalley
Now elderly, they find themselves together again, living in Muriel’s home (that was once Ruth’s) in London, with Ruth caring for Muriel who has a number of health issues. Their life primarily consists of playing Scrabble, arguing and making up, and of Muriel treating Ruth as a servant, yet Ruth seems to like being needed. Their life now is punctuated with flashbacks to their younger years, and with such a long shared history there is much to reflect on, and many layers to uncover before we reach the final few days before Muriel’s death.
For the reader, the book title confirms that Muriel’s life will end, but the way that end arrives is not at all expected.
The characters are believable, well developed and keenly observed, and the toxic, unequal relationship between the women is full of ups & downs and twists. I found that I shifted my attitudes to each of the women as the book progressed – they were not always likeable, sometimes I positively loathed them, then I sympathised or …
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator Jenny Farrell to be excellent – she kept the story flowing and was able to inhabit both characters well. I felt that it was an interesting choice by the author to have the book told only from Ruth's perspective, and it did feel odd to only have one set of memories, one perspective – we do get a glimpse into Muriel’s life, but it is through Ruth’s eyes …
Ultimately this is an unusual, slightly odd book that is slow-paced but it does unravel beautifully if you can handle the pace. The personalities of the two women, the history they have shared between them and a number of secrets they’ve kept, are gradually revealed as we learn more about them … their friendship might be long, but it’s been quite toxic for many years & you will wonder who exactly is going to come out on top in the end. Both characters are flawed and there is a subtle dark humour that some may miss. The book might make some readers a bit uncomfortable, but I think that this is because the book is not what you might expect and the characters do not behave in a stereotypical way.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
#TheFinalHoursofMurielHinchcliffeMBE #NetGalley
December 14, 2025
[ARC review] For some reason, I was expecting a dark, gritty detective-led thriller, but instead I found myself immersed in what felt something more like a French and Saunders script. I wasn't disappointed by it not being quite the genre I expected; in fact it was nice to have a break from my regular thriller fiction staple.
The story gradually reveals the shared history of two women, "Roo" and "Moo", who have known each other since birth, and by fate,--and by convenience for both--have been left sharing a house in their beleaguered old age. The relationship is overshadowed by a series of unfortunate life events, including the fact that Roo's husband left her for Moo. All of the built up frustrations and resentment clearly can't end in the best of circumstances for either.
I feel the book is more suited for older readers, who might better appreciate and empathize the unglamorous unravelling of ageing. Narrated well, with a consistently acerbic tone, you could imagine Roo or Moo being played perfectly by actor Miriam Margolyes, who in real-life doesn't mince her words when it comes to commentating on life's deals. The book is simultaneously both sad and funny.
This is a quick, compelling read, and I would say it echoes Margaret Atwood's Lady Oracle, a work that tells the story of an often unloved character who leads a secret life as a romance fiction writer. I will look forward to more of Parkin's work.
The story gradually reveals the shared history of two women, "Roo" and "Moo", who have known each other since birth, and by fate,--and by convenience for both--have been left sharing a house in their beleaguered old age. The relationship is overshadowed by a series of unfortunate life events, including the fact that Roo's husband left her for Moo. All of the built up frustrations and resentment clearly can't end in the best of circumstances for either.
I feel the book is more suited for older readers, who might better appreciate and empathize the unglamorous unravelling of ageing. Narrated well, with a consistently acerbic tone, you could imagine Roo or Moo being played perfectly by actor Miriam Margolyes, who in real-life doesn't mince her words when it comes to commentating on life's deals. The book is simultaneously both sad and funny.
This is a quick, compelling read, and I would say it echoes Margaret Atwood's Lady Oracle, a work that tells the story of an often unloved character who leads a secret life as a romance fiction writer. I will look forward to more of Parkin's work.
April 2, 2024
Born on the same day in 1943, during an air raid, Ruth and Muriel have been best friends their whole lives, remaining inseparable through marriages, careers and some monumental fallings-out. Now, in their mid-seventies, Ruth cares for frail, wheelchair-bound Muriel, tolerating her selfish, entitled behaviour in the knowledge that Muriel has promised to leave everything to Ruth when she dies. Their days are monotonous, filled with Scrabble and passive aggression, until one evening when Muriel suddenly proclaims that in seventy-two hours she will be dead.
The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe, M.B.E. is a sharply observed story of friendship, family and betrayal. Author Claire Parkin crafts a compelling relationship between two women who at once loathe each other and yet cannot imagine life without each other, and the resentment, envy and co-dependence between the two is both believable and fascinating. I found myself drawn into their lives - the timeline switching between the present day and Ruth's memories of defining incidents spanning more than seventy years, and I was desperate to know how the narrative strands were going to be woven together to reveal the secrets at the heart of the friendship. Parkin gleefully scatters red herrings and misdirection throughout the story, so that the reader might make up their mind that the narrative is heading in a particular direction, only to find themselves wrong-footed.
The framing and narration is reminiscent of Elizabeth is Missing or Three Things About Elsie, the reader's perceptions of the elderly - and the perceptions of the - often frustrated and impatient - younger characters in these novels lending themselves easily to the unreliable narrator trope. Can we trust Ruth's recollections of the past or observations in the present? Is she being manipulated or is she doing the manipulating?
From the outset, Ruth portrays herself as the put-upon, long-suffering sidekick who has always lived in the shadow of her more beautiful, charming friend; at one point she notes how Muriel entered the world serenely, while Ruth, according to her mother's accusatory account, had made so much noise when she was born minutes earlier that they couldn't hear the all clear siren announcing that the air raid was over. Because it is Ruth who is telling the story of the two women's inextricably linked lives, it is up to the reader to challenge the narrative we are presented with and uncover the truth. Indeed, both women are complex, layered characters, and it is impossible not to feel sympathy for both of them at times; they are undeniably products of their generation, class and experiences.
Parkin writes Ruth's voice convincingly throughout - from lonely, neglected little girl to cantankerous old woman. Muriel is inevitably more of a cypher; we are not privy to her innermost thoughts so must draw our conclusions about her from Ruth's biased testimony. Because of this, the ending felt rather hurried and unearned.
Overall, this was a hugely enjoyable, riveting debut, and I look forward to seeing what else Claire Parkin has up her sleeve.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe, M.B.E. is a sharply observed story of friendship, family and betrayal. Author Claire Parkin crafts a compelling relationship between two women who at once loathe each other and yet cannot imagine life without each other, and the resentment, envy and co-dependence between the two is both believable and fascinating. I found myself drawn into their lives - the timeline switching between the present day and Ruth's memories of defining incidents spanning more than seventy years, and I was desperate to know how the narrative strands were going to be woven together to reveal the secrets at the heart of the friendship. Parkin gleefully scatters red herrings and misdirection throughout the story, so that the reader might make up their mind that the narrative is heading in a particular direction, only to find themselves wrong-footed.
The framing and narration is reminiscent of Elizabeth is Missing or Three Things About Elsie, the reader's perceptions of the elderly - and the perceptions of the - often frustrated and impatient - younger characters in these novels lending themselves easily to the unreliable narrator trope. Can we trust Ruth's recollections of the past or observations in the present? Is she being manipulated or is she doing the manipulating?
From the outset, Ruth portrays herself as the put-upon, long-suffering sidekick who has always lived in the shadow of her more beautiful, charming friend; at one point she notes how Muriel entered the world serenely, while Ruth, according to her mother's accusatory account, had made so much noise when she was born minutes earlier that they couldn't hear the all clear siren announcing that the air raid was over. Because it is Ruth who is telling the story of the two women's inextricably linked lives, it is up to the reader to challenge the narrative we are presented with and uncover the truth. Indeed, both women are complex, layered characters, and it is impossible not to feel sympathy for both of them at times; they are undeniably products of their generation, class and experiences.
Parkin writes Ruth's voice convincingly throughout - from lonely, neglected little girl to cantankerous old woman. Muriel is inevitably more of a cypher; we are not privy to her innermost thoughts so must draw our conclusions about her from Ruth's biased testimony. Because of this, the ending felt rather hurried and unearned.
Overall, this was a hugely enjoyable, riveting debut, and I look forward to seeing what else Claire Parkin has up her sleeve.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
February 28, 2024
Novel of a toxic relationship in NORTH LONDON
Muriel and Ruth are in their 70s and have been ‘friends’ since childhood. They have a chequered history, yet here they are living together, with Ruth (Roo) acting as carer for Muriel (Moo), confined as she is to her wheelchair and needy of attention and succour. Their relationship careens between spikiness, hostility, neediness and warmth as they play rounds of Scrabble, trying to outwit each other and score points.
Muriel received her MBE for services to publishing, she was a lauded romantic novelist in her time. Ruth was a good journalist who had a varied career. In their childhood years Muriel was welcomed into Ruth’s home, where her mother favoured the incomer at the expense of her own daughter, leaving Ruth craving love and nurture over her lifetime. Ruth married and found she could not have children and was verbally skewered for this by her mother. Her husband turned for solace to Muriel who welcomed him with open arms. They then married and had a son, much to Ruth’s chagrin, although she had an incurable and deadly attachment to the son that wasn’t hers. And thus the competitive nature of their relationship continued throughout adulthood. Are you up to speed? Put it this way, their boundaries and motivations are pretty skewed.
As a reader, we are never clear who the victim is in this relationship, and it is wise to remember that wherever a victim lurks, there is always a persecutor nearby 😉 – and that these ‘roles’ are interchangeable. In this regard, the author creates a wonderfully well observed toxic relationship between the two women. The Twits by Roald Dahl has clearly proved inspirational. The reader knows that somehow Muriel’s life will come to an end, given the title, but there are plenty of diversionary tactics, and twists and turns, ramping up the passive aggressive interchanges and downright hostile and nasty remarks and observations along the way – before she dies.
The novel is well written and beautifully observed, with digs and dark humour highlighting the shifting dynamics of power and control, detailing events that are creatively misremembered. I didn’t much enjoy spending time in the company of these noxious women, to be honest, who really cared only for themselves, and destructively outwitted each other at every turn. But I was fascinated and drawn in by the level of deceit and escalating vitriol.
This is a well put together storyline that wonderfully captures the shifting dynamics of a toxic relationship.
The setting of North London and its inhabitants is intuited (since when did plantation shutters have to get such a dissing?) through the kinds of shops and characters that are perceived as stereotypical of the area.
Muriel and Ruth are in their 70s and have been ‘friends’ since childhood. They have a chequered history, yet here they are living together, with Ruth (Roo) acting as carer for Muriel (Moo), confined as she is to her wheelchair and needy of attention and succour. Their relationship careens between spikiness, hostility, neediness and warmth as they play rounds of Scrabble, trying to outwit each other and score points.
Muriel received her MBE for services to publishing, she was a lauded romantic novelist in her time. Ruth was a good journalist who had a varied career. In their childhood years Muriel was welcomed into Ruth’s home, where her mother favoured the incomer at the expense of her own daughter, leaving Ruth craving love and nurture over her lifetime. Ruth married and found she could not have children and was verbally skewered for this by her mother. Her husband turned for solace to Muriel who welcomed him with open arms. They then married and had a son, much to Ruth’s chagrin, although she had an incurable and deadly attachment to the son that wasn’t hers. And thus the competitive nature of their relationship continued throughout adulthood. Are you up to speed? Put it this way, their boundaries and motivations are pretty skewed.
As a reader, we are never clear who the victim is in this relationship, and it is wise to remember that wherever a victim lurks, there is always a persecutor nearby 😉 – and that these ‘roles’ are interchangeable. In this regard, the author creates a wonderfully well observed toxic relationship between the two women. The Twits by Roald Dahl has clearly proved inspirational. The reader knows that somehow Muriel’s life will come to an end, given the title, but there are plenty of diversionary tactics, and twists and turns, ramping up the passive aggressive interchanges and downright hostile and nasty remarks and observations along the way – before she dies.
The novel is well written and beautifully observed, with digs and dark humour highlighting the shifting dynamics of power and control, detailing events that are creatively misremembered. I didn’t much enjoy spending time in the company of these noxious women, to be honest, who really cared only for themselves, and destructively outwitted each other at every turn. But I was fascinated and drawn in by the level of deceit and escalating vitriol.
This is a well put together storyline that wonderfully captures the shifting dynamics of a toxic relationship.
The setting of North London and its inhabitants is intuited (since when did plantation shutters have to get such a dissing?) through the kinds of shops and characters that are perceived as stereotypical of the area.
July 15, 2024
What a brilliant debut novel!
I found Claire Parkin's story about the toxic relationship between two septuagenarian women, friends for their whole lives due to their mothers giving birth within seconds of each other at the same hospital, bonding over 'the shared trauma of shaved vulvas, enemas and labouring in a basement'. They are now living together, with Ruth (our unreliable narrator) acting as carer to wheelchair-bound Muriel. As the story moves between past and present the reader gradually discovers the sequence of events which have led to the lives of these two women becoming so inextricably linked, and so interdependently dysfunctional. It's clear from the outset that each of them is holding dark secrets, but it was the author's skilful control over how these are revealed and how they have affected and shaped their behaviour over decades, which made this such a page-turning read for me. Although there was one major 'reveal' which I'd guessed quite early on, this took little away from the increasing tension and darkness of the story and the self-destructive behaviour of the main characters. With acute observations of human behaviour so perceptively captured through her accounts of the interactions between Muriel & Ruth, the author brought them both to life so vividly that there were times that I felt a bit like a fly on the wall, uncomfortably exposed to their toxic interdependence, their mutually manipulative behaviour and the competitiveness which drove so much of their behaviour. Whilst were some genuinely comic, laugh-out-loud moments, most of the humour was of the decidedly dark variety, adding a definite frisson of guilty enjoyment to my reading experience!
I found Claire Parkin's story about the toxic relationship between two septuagenarian women, friends for their whole lives due to their mothers giving birth within seconds of each other at the same hospital, bonding over 'the shared trauma of shaved vulvas, enemas and labouring in a basement'. They are now living together, with Ruth (our unreliable narrator) acting as carer to wheelchair-bound Muriel. As the story moves between past and present the reader gradually discovers the sequence of events which have led to the lives of these two women becoming so inextricably linked, and so interdependently dysfunctional. It's clear from the outset that each of them is holding dark secrets, but it was the author's skilful control over how these are revealed and how they have affected and shaped their behaviour over decades, which made this such a page-turning read for me. Although there was one major 'reveal' which I'd guessed quite early on, this took little away from the increasing tension and darkness of the story and the self-destructive behaviour of the main characters. With acute observations of human behaviour so perceptively captured through her accounts of the interactions between Muriel & Ruth, the author brought them both to life so vividly that there were times that I felt a bit like a fly on the wall, uncomfortably exposed to their toxic interdependence, their mutually manipulative behaviour and the competitiveness which drove so much of their behaviour. Whilst were some genuinely comic, laugh-out-loud moments, most of the humour was of the decidedly dark variety, adding a definite frisson of guilty enjoyment to my reading experience!
March 22, 2024
Any book that has a character's name in the title is always going to get my attention. Add to that two friends with a love/hate relationship, one a former novelist with a notion that something is going to happen in her final hours, and I'm sold.
Muriel and Ruth have known each other all of their lives. Now both aged 76 they share a home, with Ruth being an unofficial carer for Muriel. They spend their time drinking soup and playing Scrabble, with Ruth seeming extremely put upon, but my goodness, there is so much that lies beneath the surface of this fantastic multi-layered story.
I don't intend to delve too far into the plot as I think what makes it so delicious is that I had no idea of the hidden depths of Moo and Roo's (yes, really!) friendship. Let's just say it's super toxic and leave it at that. Ruth narrates the story and she is the very definition of an unreliable narrator. She has very little self-awareness and it made me contemplate the old nature/nurture debate.
This book is a brilliant debut from Claire Parkin. It goes back and forth between the present and the whole of the two women's lives, filling in the blanks and building up the resentment and jealousy between them, even though on the face of it the pair are best friends. From the opening page when Muriel suddenly announces she is going to die in exactly seventy-two hours, to the gloriously twisted ending, via some dark deeds and manipulative actions, it captured my imagination and captivated my mind. There are some comical moments too so this book really has it all. I thought it was superb and fascinating and expertly constructed
Muriel and Ruth have known each other all of their lives. Now both aged 76 they share a home, with Ruth being an unofficial carer for Muriel. They spend their time drinking soup and playing Scrabble, with Ruth seeming extremely put upon, but my goodness, there is so much that lies beneath the surface of this fantastic multi-layered story.
I don't intend to delve too far into the plot as I think what makes it so delicious is that I had no idea of the hidden depths of Moo and Roo's (yes, really!) friendship. Let's just say it's super toxic and leave it at that. Ruth narrates the story and she is the very definition of an unreliable narrator. She has very little self-awareness and it made me contemplate the old nature/nurture debate.
This book is a brilliant debut from Claire Parkin. It goes back and forth between the present and the whole of the two women's lives, filling in the blanks and building up the resentment and jealousy between them, even though on the face of it the pair are best friends. From the opening page when Muriel suddenly announces she is going to die in exactly seventy-two hours, to the gloriously twisted ending, via some dark deeds and manipulative actions, it captured my imagination and captivated my mind. There are some comical moments too so this book really has it all. I thought it was superb and fascinating and expertly constructed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews