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Frankie & Dot
London socialite and political wife, Frankie, is framed by her husband and goes to prison for arson. Now she’s out on parole with few possessions beyond her clothes and is a long way from the comforts she once took for granted.From her bedsit in a northern seaside boarding house, Frankie tries to build a new and simpler life, filled with genuine friendships. However, her new-found tranquillity is disrupted when anonymous messages start arriving urging her to ‘keep quiet’…
Unsure of how to handle these emerging threats, Frankie enlists the help of her new friend and fellow Sea View resident, Dot, who’s not the batty older lady she enjoys pretending to be. As a tangled web of lies and deceit begins to unravel, Frankie’s sheltered worldview is painfully exposed. She embarks on a journey not only to fight back against her own injustice but also to strive for positive change in the lives of others.
Unsure of how to handle these emerging threats, Frankie enlists the help of her new friend and fellow Sea View resident, Dot, who’s not the batty older lady she enjoys pretending to be. As a tangled web of lies and deceit begins to unravel, Frankie’s sheltered worldview is painfully exposed. She embarks on a journey not only to fight back against her own injustice but also to strive for positive change in the lives of others.
296 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2024
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43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 3, 2025
Bit predictable at times. Sometimes felt as though I rushed through reading just to get it over and done with rather than savouring the story.
March 28, 2025
A fast paced tale of a life shattered and rebuilt. There’s kindness, loss, friendship and laughter. A really enjoyable read.
January 15, 2026
I found myself rushing to get through this toward the end, it was quite repetitive
main character? insufferable and self-righteous. Love interest? dull and controlling (also i am a bit done with the widowed husband trope). Twist? where.
Also because the main character is so intent on being a martyr i do not believe for a second she wouldn't have fessed up and gotten rid of the will? also why she keep slagging off her son like that until he got a personality transplant overnight.
finally, can we stop acting like london is another planet!!! why has this woman never shopped in a charity shop or eaten mushy peas. also, it does in fact get cold in london and warm in the north.
sorry this was brutal. i did enjoy the first quarter of this book.
main character? insufferable and self-righteous. Love interest? dull and controlling (also i am a bit done with the widowed husband trope). Twist? where.
Also because the main character is so intent on being a martyr i do not believe for a second she wouldn't have fessed up and gotten rid of the will? also why she keep slagging off her son like that until he got a personality transplant overnight.
finally, can we stop acting like london is another planet!!! why has this woman never shopped in a charity shop or eaten mushy peas. also, it does in fact get cold in london and warm in the north.
sorry this was brutal. i did enjoy the first quarter of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
This is a highly readable, page-turner of a book about rehabilitation and redemption.
Frankie, posh wife of a junior Government minister, is framed for arson and sent to prison. Once released, separated from her husband who is now openly in a gay relationship, rejected by her father and her son, she has to rebuild her life in a boarding-house on the Lancashire coast with ex-cellmate Sal and her partner Buster, autistic Angus the IT whizz-kid, and the mysterious Aunty Dot. On probation, she starts a cleaning job (in her previous life she employed a 'daily') and begins the slow climb to rehabilitation. But mysterious messages threaten her with being returned to prison and she starts talking to a journalist about her husband's murky past. At the same time she begins a relationship with charity manager Nik, a widower with a daughter and a mother.
It's very readable; there's almost too much plot. For me, the best part of the book was the first quarter when the trials facing newly released and nearly destitute prisoners were carefully detailed: this section was clearly thoroughly researched and Frankie and her problems seemed very real. There was a hint that this might be an updated feminist version of the revenge classic The Count of Monte Cristo. But at the 25% first turning point the mysterious text messages arrived and we begin the subplot about the new relationship with Nik and we begin another subplot about son Justin and around the 50% mark we discover that Dot is more than she seems (Elizabeth from The Thursday Murder Club). Soon we reach the third turning point around the 75% mark when the journalist we last met half a book ago turns up trumps and ex-husband Henry's house of cards comes crashing down. The last quarter is then rattled through at a significantly faster pace.
Frankie is a brilliant protagonist and a fearfully honest narrator and most of the other characters are solidly crafted although I could never quite believe in Dot. Of the two antagonists, both male, I was impressed by Nik who was a complex character with both strengths and weaknesses but ex-husband Henry was a pantomime villain with no saving graces whatsoever which drained him of credibility.
But where the focus was on Frankie overcoming the everyday problems facing ex-cons, the writing was strong. This was a promising debut.
Frankie, posh wife of a junior Government minister, is framed for arson and sent to prison. Once released, separated from her husband who is now openly in a gay relationship, rejected by her father and her son, she has to rebuild her life in a boarding-house on the Lancashire coast with ex-cellmate Sal and her partner Buster, autistic Angus the IT whizz-kid, and the mysterious Aunty Dot. On probation, she starts a cleaning job (in her previous life she employed a 'daily') and begins the slow climb to rehabilitation. But mysterious messages threaten her with being returned to prison and she starts talking to a journalist about her husband's murky past. At the same time she begins a relationship with charity manager Nik, a widower with a daughter and a mother.
It's very readable; there's almost too much plot. For me, the best part of the book was the first quarter when the trials facing newly released and nearly destitute prisoners were carefully detailed: this section was clearly thoroughly researched and Frankie and her problems seemed very real. There was a hint that this might be an updated feminist version of the revenge classic The Count of Monte Cristo. But at the 25% first turning point the mysterious text messages arrived and we begin the subplot about the new relationship with Nik and we begin another subplot about son Justin and around the 50% mark we discover that Dot is more than she seems (Elizabeth from The Thursday Murder Club). Soon we reach the third turning point around the 75% mark when the journalist we last met half a book ago turns up trumps and ex-husband Henry's house of cards comes crashing down. The last quarter is then rattled through at a significantly faster pace.
Frankie is a brilliant protagonist and a fearfully honest narrator and most of the other characters are solidly crafted although I could never quite believe in Dot. Of the two antagonists, both male, I was impressed by Nik who was a complex character with both strengths and weaknesses but ex-husband Henry was a pantomime villain with no saving graces whatsoever which drained him of credibility.
But where the focus was on Frankie overcoming the everyday problems facing ex-cons, the writing was strong. This was a promising debut.
July 8, 2025
Loved this book. 5 stars from me
March 6, 2025
We all need an Auntie Dot in our lives!
The heart of this redemptive novel is the warm friendship between privileged Frankie, looking to rebuild her life after a wrongful conviction, and older Dot, a woman with her own colourful past. I enjoyed both these characters and their exile in St. Anne’s. The story is rooted in the boarding house, the coast, charity and coffee shops. The story doesn’t shy away from the realities of life after prison, contrasted with the ease of Frankie’s former life and the privileged circumstances of her ex-husband and son.
The story has interesting twists and turns, skips along at a good pace, and the strength of the writing lies in the relationships between the cast of characters, who are all well drawn. An enjoyable and thoroughly satisfying read.
The heart of this redemptive novel is the warm friendship between privileged Frankie, looking to rebuild her life after a wrongful conviction, and older Dot, a woman with her own colourful past. I enjoyed both these characters and their exile in St. Anne’s. The story is rooted in the boarding house, the coast, charity and coffee shops. The story doesn’t shy away from the realities of life after prison, contrasted with the ease of Frankie’s former life and the privileged circumstances of her ex-husband and son.
The story has interesting twists and turns, skips along at a good pace, and the strength of the writing lies in the relationships between the cast of characters, who are all well drawn. An enjoyable and thoroughly satisfying read.
May 20, 2025
Chick lit isn't my usual diet, but I met Rosie at a craft fair and swapped books with her. Honestly, the first few pages didn't grab me, but the book was well written and edited, so I persevered. I'm glad I did. This is a well paced book that doesn't succumb to the usual romantic happy ending, and instead builds a relationship up between a group of intelligent and generous people who have ended up sharing a house.
I did find that the main character found herself to be rescued from her frequent pickles a tad too quickly, real life in poverty doesn't work that way, but this is a feel good story and I can forgive the author for her magic wand license.
I enjoyed this book, and found myself returning to it whenever I had a few moments of spare time.
I did find that the main character found herself to be rescued from her frequent pickles a tad too quickly, real life in poverty doesn't work that way, but this is a feel good story and I can forgive the author for her magic wand license.
I enjoyed this book, and found myself returning to it whenever I had a few moments of spare time.
February 24, 2025
new start for a new author
Rosie has written a lovely first book and I look forward to her next one with great anticipation! What a wonderful new author that many will love to add to their repertoire of great writers! Well done, Rosie Radcliffe!
Rosie has written a lovely first book and I look forward to her next one with great anticipation! What a wonderful new author that many will love to add to their repertoire of great writers! Well done, Rosie Radcliffe!
March 11, 2025
At the very beginning, Frankie is wronged by her abusive husband, Henry. We watch her vow revenge on Henry & justice for herself, while imprisoned. But this isn’t your typical revenge story! As Frankie meets new friends after her release, even a love interest, we expect the story to unfold in a familiar manner: sisterhood, a group of common, small towners vs a powerful Londoner, fairytale romance; this story is none of these, not the way we expect!
Radcliffe has taken a familiar premise & turned it into a refreshingly unique, engrossing & satisfying story. There are unexpected twists, enough mysteries to keep you hooked, without any tropes or excesses. Radcliffe balances a tight, suspenseful plot with well-paced descriptions and slow moments of reflection. The mysteries unravel with perfect timing: Frankie’s determination to outwit Henry, the reasons behind his threats, and the enigmatic Dot's true backstory. The slow moments delight & comfort the readers while the tense, suspenseful moments keep them hooked.
The ending is well written, somewhat predictable but satisfying. It leaves a resonant message of hope & resilience, leaving a strong emotional impact on the readers.
Radcliffe has created loveable characters, with strong female leads like Frankie our protagonist, Dot her friend & mentor, and her other friends like Sal & Buster.
At first, Frankie seems like a typical rich housewife who’s suddenly lost her place & falls to the lowest rungs of society. But she’s a wonderful mix of softness & strength. Readers would root for her intelligence, resilience, humility & discipline. Dot, her loyal friend and mentor, is a role model whose depth and warmth touch the soul, even if her situation may stretch plausibility.
What’s with British small towns? They’re so romantic, despite the harshest of weather! Most of the story is set in St. Annes—a cozy coastal town with its biting winters but warm-hearted residents. The imagery is rich, mature, and vivid, pulling readers into a world that feels so inviting. Even the inclusion of surprising cultural touches, like Indian dishes beyond the stereotypical curry, brings delightful authenticity and depth.
Beyond the mystery, what engrossed me most was watching Frankie rebuild her life in the warm embrace of St. Annes. The comforting portrayal of community, the subtle charm without the typical British humor, and the unexpected ending all resonated deeply with me. I especially loved Frankie’s romantic life; it’s an important message for today’s women.
This book came to me at a difficult point in my life with its inspiring message of hope, renewal & connection. This book is for you if you love strong female characters, the power of friendship & community, if you’re looking for a friend like Dot or wish to visit a charming place like St. Annes. It’s a comforting, quick read, with perfect doses of happiness & intrigue.
Radcliffe has taken a familiar premise & turned it into a refreshingly unique, engrossing & satisfying story. There are unexpected twists, enough mysteries to keep you hooked, without any tropes or excesses. Radcliffe balances a tight, suspenseful plot with well-paced descriptions and slow moments of reflection. The mysteries unravel with perfect timing: Frankie’s determination to outwit Henry, the reasons behind his threats, and the enigmatic Dot's true backstory. The slow moments delight & comfort the readers while the tense, suspenseful moments keep them hooked.
The ending is well written, somewhat predictable but satisfying. It leaves a resonant message of hope & resilience, leaving a strong emotional impact on the readers.
Radcliffe has created loveable characters, with strong female leads like Frankie our protagonist, Dot her friend & mentor, and her other friends like Sal & Buster.
At first, Frankie seems like a typical rich housewife who’s suddenly lost her place & falls to the lowest rungs of society. But she’s a wonderful mix of softness & strength. Readers would root for her intelligence, resilience, humility & discipline. Dot, her loyal friend and mentor, is a role model whose depth and warmth touch the soul, even if her situation may stretch plausibility.
What’s with British small towns? They’re so romantic, despite the harshest of weather! Most of the story is set in St. Annes—a cozy coastal town with its biting winters but warm-hearted residents. The imagery is rich, mature, and vivid, pulling readers into a world that feels so inviting. Even the inclusion of surprising cultural touches, like Indian dishes beyond the stereotypical curry, brings delightful authenticity and depth.
Beyond the mystery, what engrossed me most was watching Frankie rebuild her life in the warm embrace of St. Annes. The comforting portrayal of community, the subtle charm without the typical British humor, and the unexpected ending all resonated deeply with me. I especially loved Frankie’s romantic life; it’s an important message for today’s women.
This book came to me at a difficult point in my life with its inspiring message of hope, renewal & connection. This book is for you if you love strong female characters, the power of friendship & community, if you’re looking for a friend like Dot or wish to visit a charming place like St. Annes. It’s a comforting, quick read, with perfect doses of happiness & intrigue.
December 11, 2024
AWESOME REVIEW! From a friend Rona Doyle, and no I don’t actually know this lady and I didn’t pay her to say this … but she's not on GR so gave permission to reproduce this.
“How many of you are debut novel fans? I’ve been always interested in discovering new authors and reading their debut novels for as long as I can remember. There’s a freshness to the whole experience and some extraordinary gems to discover. Along with a certain dare I say smugness that you discovered it before loads of other people!
Rosie Radcliffe‘s book Frankie & Dot is one of these wonderful special gems. I’ve just finished it. It was published on 28 November. Available at all the usual outlets both online and in bookshops.
And I was totally charmed by the story which was full of interesting unexpected twists turns with some laugh out loud times! Along with urging the main character Frankie to just cop on now, please! She was ably supported by Dot though, whose character developed teasingly along the way into something quite gorgeous altogether. Everyone one of us needs and often has a Dot in our lives at some point. But rarely this gorgeous or this funny too.
So if you want a special read I can’t recommend this book enough"
“How many of you are debut novel fans? I’ve been always interested in discovering new authors and reading their debut novels for as long as I can remember. There’s a freshness to the whole experience and some extraordinary gems to discover. Along with a certain dare I say smugness that you discovered it before loads of other people!
Rosie Radcliffe‘s book Frankie & Dot is one of these wonderful special gems. I’ve just finished it. It was published on 28 November. Available at all the usual outlets both online and in bookshops.
And I was totally charmed by the story which was full of interesting unexpected twists turns with some laugh out loud times! Along with urging the main character Frankie to just cop on now, please! She was ably supported by Dot though, whose character developed teasingly along the way into something quite gorgeous altogether. Everyone one of us needs and often has a Dot in our lives at some point. But rarely this gorgeous or this funny too.
So if you want a special read I can’t recommend this book enough"
March 18, 2025
This is a lovely page-turner that has plenty of substance. I wondered if I'd warm to Frankie, with her previously-privileged lifestyle - and I certainly did. Especially as her struggles, once out of prison, have mirrored recent events in my own life – I had to keep reading to see how she coped.
I also loved the character of Dot, especially when we discover she has issues of her own. Rosie Radcliffe: if you read this, here’s a request for another book all about Dot; it’s bound to be amazing.
In fact, all the characters were well-depicted and I enjoyed the ups and downs of the events Frankie had to face – and the choices she made.
A very satisfying read – just what we need! I look forward to reading further books by Rosie Radcliffe
I also loved the character of Dot, especially when we discover she has issues of her own. Rosie Radcliffe: if you read this, here’s a request for another book all about Dot; it’s bound to be amazing.
In fact, all the characters were well-depicted and I enjoyed the ups and downs of the events Frankie had to face – and the choices she made.
A very satisfying read – just what we need! I look forward to reading further books by Rosie Radcliffe
December 7, 2024
One way and another, life chucks a lot of brown stuff at Frankie. But she doesn’t wallow in it. Instead she shows us how easy it is to brighten up our daily lives with a simple charity shop purchase or a plate of yummy comfort food. And coffee – lots of it. She is fiercely faithful to her new friend Dot and the unusual mix of people (and a large marmalade cat) who help her rebuild her life after prison. Her newly discovered strength and self-esteem in the end allow her to make an unexpected choice about her future. A lovely read.
February 4, 2025
I opened the book expecting a thrilling story but I got far more than that.
I appreciate the author's precise and concise writing style, which makes the story fast-paced and exciting. Try not to spoil the story, I recommend it to those who love thrillers and also seek comforts to start afresh. I look forward to Rosie's coming novels!
I appreciate the author's precise and concise writing style, which makes the story fast-paced and exciting. Try not to spoil the story, I recommend it to those who love thrillers and also seek comforts to start afresh. I look forward to Rosie's coming novels!
September 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Full of drama, Frankie’s fall from grace from a priveledged society to a humble seaside bedsit is both moving and page-turning. Her friendship with Dot is warm, and full of surprises. The anonymous threats add tension, and the twists kept me guessing. A story of resilience, redemption, and the power of true friendship. Highly recommended!
February 28, 2026
intriguing plot
This book kept me intrigued from beginning to end .
I loved the fact it is set in Lytham StAnnes ,where I was brought up and visit frequently.
This book kept me intrigued from beginning to end .
I loved the fact it is set in Lytham StAnnes ,where I was brought up and visit frequently.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews