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A Curious Ending

Not yet published
Expected 10 Sep 26
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Escape into the world of Sally Page with the perfect armchair read! From the author of phenomenal bestsellers The Keeper of Stories and The Book of Beginnings comes another novel that will warm your heart.

When Lara bought a floristry and moved to North Dorset, she did so with the expectation that her life would become less eventful. But since the death of her loyal customer and good friend, Lady Porter, Lara suspects foul play…

The Hon. Abigail Rossmore knows exactly how it feels to suspect murder but not to have sufficient she’s seen it all before. She’s seen it many times, in fact, over the course of the last 190 for The Hon. Abigail Rossmore is a ghost, drawn to haunting suspicious deaths.

Despite her initial shock, Lara’s relief at having someone to share her concerns with soon develops into a steady friendship with Abigail as they investigate the circumstances behind Lady P’s death. But who is keeping her fate secret?

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 10, 2026

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About the author

Sally Page

31 books609 followers
After studying history at university, Sally moved to London to work in advertising. In her spare time she studied floristry at night school and eventually opened her own flower shop. Sally came to appreciate that flower shops offer a unique window into people’s stories and she began to photograph and write about this floral life in a series of non-fiction books. Later, she continued her interest in writing when she founded her fountain pen company, Plooms.co.uk.

In her debut novel, The Keeper of Stories, Sally combines her love of history and writing with her abiding interest in the stories people have to tell. Sally now lives in Dorset. Her eldest daughter, Alex, is studying to be a doctor and her younger daughter is the author, Libby Page. Both are keen wild swimmers.

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5 stars
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8 (33%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
1,280 reviews58 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 23, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I have read all of Sally's books and they're always so great that she's become one of my favourite authors.

The synopsis told me this was going to be a different kind of book to her others which was intriguing. I was a little worried because what I think makes her books so magical is the normalcy of it, that these characters could be any of us. But at the same time I wasn't worried because I know how much of a spectacular storyteller she is.

Abigail and Lara are fabulous protagonists, and whilst they may seem complete opposites, they complemented each other really well.

It's proper escapist reading, a genteel read, not much difficult. You've got the fabulous characters which Sally is known for, great friendships, the suggestion of some romance, but with the added ghostly element. So much fun. This is predominately a female-led story. There are a handful of male characters and there's nothing wrong with them at all, but the women steal the show, and I find that's generally the case with all her books.

I was a little worried at first that being more of a cosy crime novel rather than the contemporary novels I'm used to from where, whether there would be the same emotional depth to it. But I think it was there. Her previous books focus on the characters and their everyday lives, whereas this one obviously has the crime and ghostly elements which took up more time but I think the balance is there.

Sally has created such a sense of place and this little town they live in sounds so idyllic and everything is so vivid that you want to join the characters.

It's not a short book at almost 400 pages but I think she's got the right balance when it comes to pacing. Some bits are drawn out and others quick, so it all balances out and I read it in just two sittings.

It's cosy crime, very Agatha Christie, and it was old fashioned and nostalgic and just a really comforting cosy and exciting read.

Is it my favourite of her books? No. That accolade still remains with The Book of Beginnings, but it's still a five-star read and Sally will remain one of my go-to authors.

It's new, it's different, it's fresh - and it's wonderful.
Profile Image for Ceecee .
2,895 reviews2,436 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
3.5 rounded down

Lara moves from a high pressure London based job to a Dorset town, to own and run a florist shop as she desperately needs a change of pace. However, when her only friend Lady Porter dies, Lara is suspicious, believing the wealthy elderly lady is murdered. Finding the proof is a different story but help comes from a most unexpected quarter- the Honorable Abigail Rossmore. Abbie is ghost (yes, you read that correctly) and has had 190 years of experience of solving suspicious deaths. Together they set out to prove that indeed, Lady Porter has been murdered.

This is good escapist reading, I really like the concept which is great fun and Abbie herself is quite the character with a good sense of humour as well as good instincts. Lara is also a likeable character and the pair have a good dynamic going, encouraging and rubbing sparks off each other.

The small town setting and the florist shop is lovely and there are some descriptions that allow the reader to picture it clearly. The author makes the most of it and the characters that grace the town. The mystery is interesting and though Lady Porter is the subject of the inquiry, you do feel her presence. There are some twists and a Hercule Poirot style big reveal at the end which is great fun and done well, moving from one suspect to another.

However, despite the many pluses and the warmth of the storytelling, I think it’s drawn out which means that parts drag and feel unnecessary. Part of the issue is some very drawn out conversations especially between Abby and Lara that don’t advance the plot much at all.

Overall, it’s a light cozy mystery, it’s entertaining but not Sally Page’s best book in my opinion.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,529 reviews116 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 16, 2026
A Curious Ending is exactly the kind of warm, gently magical mystery that makes Sally Page’s books such a joy to sink into. What begins as Lara’s quiet life among flowers in North Dorset quickly blossoms into something far more intriguing — and unexpectedly touching.

Lara is a wonderfully relatable protagonist. She wants peace, routine, and a world without drama, but life has other plans. Lady Porter’s death unsettles her deeply, and her quiet suspicion that something isn’t right gives the story its first spark. When the Hon. Abigail Rossmore appears — a ghost with 190 years of secrets and a sharp eye for suspicious deaths — the book shifts into a charming blend of mystery, whimsy, and emotional discovery.

The dynamic between Lara and Abigail is delightful. Their partnership feels both unlikely and perfectly natural, with Abigail’s dry observations balancing Lara’s gentle determination. Together, they navigate old scandals, lingering shadows, and the truth behind Lady Porter’s fate, all while Lara slowly reconnects with parts of herself she thought she’d lost.

The setting is beautifully drawn, full of small‑village charm and quiet corners where secrets like to hide. The mystery is engaging without ever losing the warmth that defines Page’s storytelling, and the emotional threads — grief, friendship, rediscovery — are woven with real tenderness.

A cosy, uplifting mystery with heart, humour, and just the right touch of the supernatural. Perfect for readers who love character‑driven stories that leave them feeling a little lighter by the final page.

With thanks to Sally Page, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Annabelle.
173 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read an ARC copy of this book.

This book is a bit different from Sally Page’s other books and I have to admit, I was intrigued and very much looking forward to reading.

We open with Lady Porter’s death - deemed a suicide, or is it? Lara doesn’t think so, and nor does the Honourable Abigail Rossmore (ghost). Together, with a great plethora of characters, they investigate Lady Porter’s murder, and we go along for the ride.

I enjoyed this book. In the beginning, I loved the character of Abby especially, and her presence throughout the book really added something for me. I loved that the characters were very real people, but the hint of the supernatural made it that little bit better. Page writes her characters very well. This book is predominantly female focussed, though the male characters also add a lot to the story. And the brief appearance from the Porters’ Labradors!

I think if the pacing had been a little better, I’d have given this five stars but the middle felt a bit of a slog at times for me. I loved the beginning and the end, and I enjoyed the middle but it was quite a slow. I loved the Agatha Christie style to end with and the gentle twists and turns along the way. A cosy mystery but not quite, for me. Which I liked.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and I like Page’s books. It was nice to read something a little different from her.
Profile Image for Sharon Greenwood.
289 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 29, 2026
Sally Page returns with A Curious Ending, a novel that beautifully showcases her signature gift for gently placed storytelling and highly descriptive settings. This time, the author pivots from her usual domestic romance toward a cozy crime mystery, delivering a pleasant, atmospheric tale that is perfect for a cozy weekend indoors.

The story is anchored by a cast of thoroughly likeable female characters, whose warmth stands in sharp contrast to some intentionally obnoxious male counterparts. While the book keeps a steady pace throughout, it does not quite reach the same level of emotional engagement as her previous novels. It feels slightly less gripping than her earlier work, but the journey remains thoroughly enjoyable.

The plot culminates in a convoluted yet entirely believable ending. Page manages this intricate resolution smoothly, ensuring the final pages never feel rushed. It is a solid, comforting read that fans of gentle mysteries will certainly appreciate.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for the ARC Copy of this book.

5 Excellent read, Loved it.
4 Enjoyable read, Liked It.
3 Average read, Mediocre.
2 Below average read, Mundane.
1 Regrettable read, nearly a DNF
Profile Image for Donna.
129 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2026
A Curious Ending by Sally Page is a wonderfully cosy and heartwarming mystery with just the right touch of the supernatural. I really enjoyed being introduced to Lara and her quiet life in North Dorset, which is turned upside down after the death of her friend Lady Porter. When the ghost of Abigail Rossmore appears, bringing 190 years of secrets with her, the story becomes both intriguing and unexpectedly emotional.

I loved the unlikely friendship between Lara and Abigail. Their personalities are so different, but they work brilliantly together, and Abigail’s dry humour adds some lovely lighter moments. The mystery kept me curious as they uncovered old secrets and tried to understand what really happened

This book isn’t just about solving a mystery, it’s also about grief, friendship, finding yourself again, and letting go of the past. Sally Page creates a beautiful, comforting atmosphere that made the story feel warm and inviting.

A gentle, charming and uplifting read with likeable characters, an engaging mystery and a sprinkling of magic. Perfect for anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries with plenty of heart.
Profile Image for Artemiz.
984 reviews32 followers
July 21, 2026
Although Sally Page has so far been known to readers for her humorous novels about new beginnings with a touch of history and a little magic, with this book she tries her hand at a cosy mystery sprinkled with a bit of the supernatural. It's a classic cosy mystery where, thanks to the police's incompetence—or unwillingness—to solve the case, someone else takes it upon themselves to investigate because they don't want the guilty to get away with it.

It's such a lovely story about Lara, a former stockbroker turned florist, who refuses to believe that her customer and friend, Lady P, took her own life. She is soon joined by Abigail, a ghost who has been unable to find peace ever since the deaths of first her husband and then herself, and who is determined to help Lara solve the case. Until now Lara has felt rather lonely in the village, but with Abbi's help she finds friends and kindred spirits. And although things become genuinely dangerous for a while, in the end everyone is gathered in the manor house kitchen, where it becomes clear both who merely believed themselves to be guilty and who the real culprit is.

A cosy story with friendship, history, and, of course, flowers alongside the mystery.
Profile Image for Patricia Williams.
542 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 29, 2026
Sally Page gives us a murder investigation team with a difference in her new book A Curious Ending. Lara is a florist who has up sticks to Dorset from a high pressure job in London and Abby is her ghostly 'Kindred Spirit' come to help her investigate the death of her friend Lady Porter. I suppose it should come under the 'cozy crime' genre which is not my favourite however I will definitely make an exception in this case. A Curious Ending is funny, clever, tender and caring with a cracking ending. Some of the characters are slightly more cartoonish than others but that makes them more memorable to me. A very enjoyable book that I'm happy to recommend. I really hope we see more of Abby.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Meraki Komorebi.
293 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 29, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins for providing me with an ARC.

Normally I hate the trope of, small town stories where the MC ends up after leaving their high pressure job and finds a life they had previously hated but are now in love with. But this one was actually good.
And I think the credit for that goes to the Hon. Abigail Rossmore, a ghost with 190 years of solving murders. It was a fantastic way to stir up the plot.
The only thing that I disliked was the unnecessary story stretching but other than that this is a must read for those looking for cozy murder mystery.
1,778 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 6, 2026
Although Lady Porter’s death was declared a suicide, Lara wondered about that. When Abigail, her kindred spirit appears in her life, together they start looking into this. This is a murder mystery, complete with despicable characters, greed, hidden secrets and illicit love. But there is also the way Lara grows as a person, lets friends into her life, mentors Becky , her shop assistant, and improves her relationship with her mother. Abigail is a feisty character and very entertaining for 192 year old ghost. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and seeing people get their just desserts. Sally strikes a nice balance between a cosy story, without making it twee. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for making this available to me.
104 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2026
When Lara McGregor moved to Dorset, she imagined a quiet, peaceful life as the village florist.

However when a friend passes away and she suspects it was murder she is at a loss about what to do.

Until Abby arrives, uninvited, but just as keen to solve the mystery as Lara is. The only problem is Abby is a ghost! Will the find out the trusty behind Lady Porters death?

A really enjoyable read, once again Sally Page has created wonderful characters and a gripping storyline that keeps you turning the pages in anticipation of what will happen next.

Sally has a great way of story telling that makes me feel like I’m right inside the novel and part of the story.

Highly recommended and thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,755 reviews72 followers
Read
July 8, 2026
A Curious Ending by Sally Page is a stand alone published by Harper Collins UK. A general fiction mystery with pnr accents, womens fiction.
Lara wants nothing more than a qiet and peaceful life. Til her friend dies and she suspects nefarious reasons.
Together with Abigail she investigates to find out what happened to their friend. The only curveball is Abigail is a ghost with limited visibility.
An intriguing story. There was no easying in, the reader gets thrown right into the thick of the story.
Yes it took me a minute, but I loved the athmospere and the storyline just fine.
4.5 best stars.
Profile Image for WhatFrizRead.
251 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 16, 2026
Lara has recently moved to Devon and opened a floristry; as she's establishing her life there she loses a new friend and acquires a new one in the form of The Hon. Abigail Rossmore who is there to help Lara investigate what she suspects is the murder of Lady P.... finding herself talking to a ghost wasn't on her list for things to do when she moved but can Lara and Abigail get to the bottom of the circumstances around the sudden death together?

If you like Page's books, this one is written in a very similar vein. Initially, I wasn't sure I liked the set-up but Page's writing is so easy to read and enveloping that it quickly got under my skin! The characters are well formed, the plot well set and I like that it isn't entirely predictable. It isn't my favourite Page novel but it's still a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Louise.
642 reviews
August 7, 2026
A delightful, different take on a classic murder mystery. I loved the premise — a quiet Dorset life upended by Lady Porter’s suspicious death and the arrival of Abby, a ghostly witness with 190 years of secrets. The relationship between Lara and her kindred spirit Abby is the heart of the book: quirky, touching, and full of gentle humour. Their bond gives the mystery real warmth, and the plot itself is clever, engaging, and full of charm. A wonderful 5/5 — inventive, heartwarming, and a joy to read.
52 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 24, 2026
A Curious Ending is a great book, with lovely characters and a beautiful atmosphere. It’s a story about finding yourself and your spot in life, grief and friendship. Abby brings a sprinkling of historical fiction with her, which is woven into the rest of the story perfectly. Because Abby is a ghost, the sleuthing is taken to a whole different level. It makes for a fun read and I wish I could have spent more time with Lara and Abby!
287 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 12, 2026
I have enjoyed all of Sally Pages’ novels but this was different.

Lara has opened a florist shop in North Dorset to escape the pressures of London. The death of a friend and loyal customer leaves her feeling untethered. Into her life comes the Honourable Abigail Rossmore - a ghost and expert on investigating murders.

The two start to investigate the circumstances behind Lady Porter’s death coming up with a formidable list of suspects, motives and opportunities to commit murder.

Aided by two local friends, thwarted by a former lover and putting herself on the line, Lara and Abigail manage to solve the mystery.

A gentle crime mystery - perhaps not with the emotional weight of her previous novels but enjoyable.
57 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 29, 2026
Lara runs a florists in Dorset and is saddened when one of her clients dies, but she can't quite shake of the suspicion that it was murder, not natural causes. Then Abigail turns up to help solve the case, however, only Lara can see and speak to her. This was an intriguing story and is ideal for anyone who wants to suspend their credulity and enjoy a good read.
Profile Image for Sue.
151 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June 3, 2026
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I love Sally Page's books, they're always nice easy reads that keep your attention. I devoured this one over a couple of days and thoroughly enjoyed it. She has become a must read author for me.
133 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 14, 2026
Another fantastic novel from Sally Page. This is a little different from the previous books I have read from this author. It starts quite cosy and sets a beautiful scene but it’s not long before the creepy sinister elements start to appear. I absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended.
438 reviews20 followers
August 5, 2026
Without giving anything away, I started this book and straight away I thought this isn’t for me, however, I usually enjoy Sally Page, so I stuck with it and I’m so glad that I did.
It was easily readable and I felt that I was reading about friends of mine.
Read it, you won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Joanna Park.
659 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 24, 2026
Absolutely brilliant! Review coming soon x
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews