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The Big House
RAQUEL FITZPATRICK IS BACK! The sequel to NJ Miller’s word-of-mouth hit 23
"Laughed my head off! What a great read." BRYONY GORDON
"A book full of everything I love, plot twists, big laughs and delicious food" PAUL COLEMAN, WRITER OF THE CAR SHARE
"A 5 star comical, clever and criminally good read" THE SUNDAY MAIL
‘Go on a long family holiday’ they said.
‘It will be fun’ they said.
What ‘they’ didn’t say was that I would be doing exactly the same as I did at home, only there would be more people to do it for.
However, due to the fact I had colossally messed up the year before and almost wrecked all of our lives, I had some serious making up to do. So, I agreed and took my entire family plus a few stragglers to balmy Scotland, the destination for a relaxing summer break.
This was my chance to build bridges with my nearest and dearest and to show my husband in particular that I wasn’t a complete wazzock.
Did the road to redemption run smoothly?
Did it bollocks!
Mother of three and wife Raquel Fitzpatrick is back for another hilarious and laugh-out-loud summer of chaos. It can't be as bad as last summer, can it?
"Laughed my head off! What a great read." BRYONY GORDON
"A book full of everything I love, plot twists, big laughs and delicious food" PAUL COLEMAN, WRITER OF THE CAR SHARE
"A 5 star comical, clever and criminally good read" THE SUNDAY MAIL
‘Go on a long family holiday’ they said.
‘It will be fun’ they said.
What ‘they’ didn’t say was that I would be doing exactly the same as I did at home, only there would be more people to do it for.
However, due to the fact I had colossally messed up the year before and almost wrecked all of our lives, I had some serious making up to do. So, I agreed and took my entire family plus a few stragglers to balmy Scotland, the destination for a relaxing summer break.
This was my chance to build bridges with my nearest and dearest and to show my husband in particular that I wasn’t a complete wazzock.
Did the road to redemption run smoothly?
Did it bollocks!
Mother of three and wife Raquel Fitzpatrick is back for another hilarious and laugh-out-loud summer of chaos. It can't be as bad as last summer, can it?
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
52 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 15, 2024
She's back !
More bonkers fun from the pen of the mysterious NJ Miller. Who ever you are I bet you're a hilarious dinner guest.
Raquel's mishaps with family and criminals continues, but this time from a holiday house in Scotland. In trying to do the right thing she always seems to end up making things worse, but can she survive unscathed this time. Read this book and find out.
More bonkers fun from the pen of the mysterious NJ Miller. Who ever you are I bet you're a hilarious dinner guest.
Raquel's mishaps with family and criminals continues, but this time from a holiday house in Scotland. In trying to do the right thing she always seems to end up making things worse, but can she survive unscathed this time. Read this book and find out.
October 5, 2024
an enjoyable read but not as compelling as the first book.
had me groaning about her decisions
had me groaning about her decisions
October 11, 2024
Book Review -
Publication Date 13th Sept 2024
Delighted to be part of the Book Blog Tour today. Organised by @rachelsrandomresources ❤️
The festive season is in full swing, and Sadie throws herself into the packed Twelve Days of Christmas programme, relishing the opportunity to make new friends and new memories.
Single father Dylan Travers hasn’t been to his childhood home of Juniper Meadows for decades. Estranged from his cantankerous father Monty, he has made a happy life for himself in the States. But now with teenage children keen to know more about their roots, Dylan has brought them back to the Cotswolds to meet his family.
I didn’t realise this book was part of a series, but the fact that I didn’t realise, can only be a good thing.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s definitely one of what I would call, ‘a cosy book’ which I adore!! The characters of Dylan and Sadie were just so loveable. I was cheering for them, right from the start! What a lovely lovely book!
Thank you Rachel, for allowing me to be part of this book blog tour.
#rachelsrandom #netgalley #cotswolds #sarahbennett #snowisfalling #instagram
August 6, 2024
After last year's success, I was pleased to hear that @njmillerbooks wrote a sequel of 23.
Raquel Fitzpatrick is back! This time, she agrees to spend the summer in Scotland. After all, it will be her parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary, and her mother always wanted a big family holiday to mark this occasion.
So Raquel, her husband David, her children, mum & dad, sister Mel plus a few stragglers take themself to Scotland, where they have rented a beautiful house.
Raquel has been promised that The Eagle Lodge has the perfect kitchen, garden & surroundings.
What could possibly go wrong? Let’s just say the past is coming to bite Raquel yet again.
The book is full of classic northern humour, some laugh out loud moments, embarrassing situations (I am just saying…therapy session), and The Big House makes an easy summer read.
After this, you will be re-thinking family holidays!
Raquel Fitzpatrick is back! This time, she agrees to spend the summer in Scotland. After all, it will be her parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary, and her mother always wanted a big family holiday to mark this occasion.
So Raquel, her husband David, her children, mum & dad, sister Mel plus a few stragglers take themself to Scotland, where they have rented a beautiful house.
Raquel has been promised that The Eagle Lodge has the perfect kitchen, garden & surroundings.
What could possibly go wrong? Let’s just say the past is coming to bite Raquel yet again.
The book is full of classic northern humour, some laugh out loud moments, embarrassing situations (I am just saying…therapy session), and The Big House makes an easy summer read.
After this, you will be re-thinking family holidays!
September 7, 2024
NJ Miller has done it again.
The British humour in this book is on point, relatable, and classic!
The first half of this I could relate to so much when it comes down to having children, especially a teenager and I have to say it actually made me feel better that other mums are going through the same response I get from my teenager, which is a grunt, an eye roll or no answer at all.
All the side characters really make this story come to life, and again, you can relate to them so much. Raquels mum is the best 😂
There are times Raquels says things, and I want to shut her up before she finishes what she says, then other times I think good on you, girl!
I could see the trap that Raquel was falling into, but I have to say I didn't expect the end.
Thank you NJ Miller 🩷
The British humour in this book is on point, relatable, and classic!
The first half of this I could relate to so much when it comes down to having children, especially a teenager and I have to say it actually made me feel better that other mums are going through the same response I get from my teenager, which is a grunt, an eye roll or no answer at all.
All the side characters really make this story come to life, and again, you can relate to them so much. Raquels mum is the best 😂
There are times Raquels says things, and I want to shut her up before she finishes what she says, then other times I think good on you, girl!
I could see the trap that Raquel was falling into, but I have to say I didn't expect the end.
Thank you NJ Miller 🩷
August 25, 2024
Loved the first book but wish it had just ended there. There were none of the laughs which there had been in book one and the whole thing was so ridiculous (even more so than book 1) that it wasn’t enjoyable. I never leave a book unfinished so read to the end, and what a ridiculous ending it was. Don’t waste your time!
December 27, 2024
After reading '23' I was left wanting more so dived straight into the sequel 'The Big House'.
A riotous, laugh-out-loud comedy that follows the misadventures of Raquel Fitzpatrick as she navigates a summer of unexpected chaos.
Picking up where '23' left off, Raquel finds herself embroiled in a series of hilarious mishaps. From accidental criminal activity to family drama and hilarious misunderstandings.
The author's witty writing keeps the reader engaged and entertained & she has a knack for creating relatable characters and crafting witty dialogue, making the story both funny and heartwarming.
While the plot is full of twists and turns, the true heart of the book lies in its humour and its exploration of family dynamics. Miller expertly balances the comedic elements with genuine emotion.
If you're looking for a lighthearted escape that will leave you chuckling, The Big House is the perfect choice. I shall miss having these characters as part of my day!
A riotous, laugh-out-loud comedy that follows the misadventures of Raquel Fitzpatrick as she navigates a summer of unexpected chaos.
Picking up where '23' left off, Raquel finds herself embroiled in a series of hilarious mishaps. From accidental criminal activity to family drama and hilarious misunderstandings.
The author's witty writing keeps the reader engaged and entertained & she has a knack for creating relatable characters and crafting witty dialogue, making the story both funny and heartwarming.
While the plot is full of twists and turns, the true heart of the book lies in its humour and its exploration of family dynamics. Miller expertly balances the comedic elements with genuine emotion.
If you're looking for a lighthearted escape that will leave you chuckling, The Big House is the perfect choice. I shall miss having these characters as part of my day!
January 26, 2025
Funny, ridiculous but at the same time so many accurate observations. I was willing Raquel not to make so many daft decisions because I love her, but without daft decisions the book would be 3 pages long and rather dull! So yay for Raquel and her bonkers life choices and naivety! Hopefully there will be another in this series.
August 25, 2024
Disappointing. It’s lost most of the wit, and all of the laugh-out-loud moments, from 23 that had me jumping to read this; and plot has become so absurd it’s unbelievable.
Admittedly an easy holiday read, but I wouldn’t recommend or pick up any potential sequels in the series.
Admittedly an easy holiday read, but I wouldn’t recommend or pick up any potential sequels in the series.
July 12, 2024
Slow to start and just not as good as the first one.
July 28, 2024
Brilliant
Loved this as much as the first book. Hope NJ Miller writes another book. I recommend this book. Funny and easy to read.
Loved this as much as the first book. Hope NJ Miller writes another book. I recommend this book. Funny and easy to read.
August 26, 2024
Not as funny as 23 but still a laugh
September 25, 2024
Loved the first one and loved this
January 18, 2025
Loved it
Funny gripping read, relatable to a middle aged woman with kids who enjoys a glass of wine e (or two)
Funny gripping read, relatable to a middle aged woman with kids who enjoys a glass of wine e (or two)
May 19, 2025
Disappointing. It just felt a little lack lustre and definitely wasn't as entertaining as the first book in the series. I was glad to get to the end.
June 16, 2025
I’m a big fan of the first book of this series but this was a disappointment. A couple of funny moments but I found it quite boring and nowhere near as entertaining as the first book.
January 14, 2026
I really looked forward to reading this book, after reading “23”. Loved the sarcasm and cunning plot of it all. I must say, there are a lot of typos and missing words, but it adds a quirky charm
August 29, 2024
This is the sequel to 23 and it is just as funny and great! It picks up a year or so later after Matt was arrested for drugs and human trafficking. The whole extended family along with their new friends head off to Scotland for a family holiday and to celebrate Raquel’s mum and dad’s wedding anniversary. Her ‘cousin’ who has just been released from jail just happens to lives in a cottage next door to their holiday home and it’s not long before Raquel’s past starts to catch up with her!
This is an hilariously written book, I laughed out loud and couldn’t believe how much trouble one woman can get into accidentally! I found this one slightly slower than 23 but it was still a fantastic summer read! Most of it (apart from aiding and abetting criminals) is very relatable and I raced through the pages. This is a perfect summer read, grab a cocktail or a glass of Prosecco and be prepared to laugh your head off! This would also be a great book club choice!
Thank you to NJ Miller got gifting me a copy of the hardback, although I did also buy myself a copy to read on my kindle as I had to carry on reading through the night as I couldn’t put it down!
This is an hilariously written book, I laughed out loud and couldn’t believe how much trouble one woman can get into accidentally! I found this one slightly slower than 23 but it was still a fantastic summer read! Most of it (apart from aiding and abetting criminals) is very relatable and I raced through the pages. This is a perfect summer read, grab a cocktail or a glass of Prosecco and be prepared to laugh your head off! This would also be a great book club choice!
Thank you to NJ Miller got gifting me a copy of the hardback, although I did also buy myself a copy to read on my kindle as I had to carry on reading through the night as I couldn’t put it down!
December 13, 2025
Well, after reading 23 - I had very high hopes for this, and it did not disappoint! Miller has a very engaging and clever style of writing, it’s gripping but just different to anything I’ve ever read. Cannot wait for her to write more books! It was good to find out more about Raquel and her life and family chaos.
September 3, 2025
This is the sequel to the hilarious book 23 that I read and reviewed last year. After I posted my review, the author kindly reached out to me to offer me this follow up book.
I had been reading a lot of thrillers so needed to read something a bit more light-hearted., This book definitely delivered! I was glad that all the hilarious family members that we met in the first book were in this book.
Raquel and her family go on a family holiday to a holiday home in Scotland. Raquel feels quite pessimistic about the whole thing. She’s still going to have to do all the washing, cleaning and cooking she does at home except this time there’s more people! Although after all the drama she caused last year, she kinda feels she has to.
If Raquel thinks she’s going to have a relaxing time she’s in for a shock. Between dealing with her past coming back to haunt her thanks to her cousin/not cousin, preparing a Christmas dinner in the middle of summer for work, thinking her husband is having an affair and all the other family drama, this is another crazy read.
In my opinion you don’t have to have read the first book as all the characters are explained so you know who is who. This had all the drama and fun of the previous book and I would love to read another story of Raquel and her chaotic family.
I had been reading a lot of thrillers so needed to read something a bit more light-hearted., This book definitely delivered! I was glad that all the hilarious family members that we met in the first book were in this book.
Raquel and her family go on a family holiday to a holiday home in Scotland. Raquel feels quite pessimistic about the whole thing. She’s still going to have to do all the washing, cleaning and cooking she does at home except this time there’s more people! Although after all the drama she caused last year, she kinda feels she has to.
If Raquel thinks she’s going to have a relaxing time she’s in for a shock. Between dealing with her past coming back to haunt her thanks to her cousin/not cousin, preparing a Christmas dinner in the middle of summer for work, thinking her husband is having an affair and all the other family drama, this is another crazy read.
In my opinion you don’t have to have read the first book as all the characters are explained so you know who is who. This had all the drama and fun of the previous book and I would love to read another story of Raquel and her chaotic family.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews