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An Unlikely Visitor: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26From the internationally bestselling author of the “unique and unforgettable” (The Wall Street Journal) The Trouble with Goats and Sheep comes a funny and poignant story of a woman who encounters the ghosts of her past as she untangles the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance—a powerful, hopeful reminder that the people we love are always with us.
Margaret thinks her time is up…
Things have been hard since her husband Derek died, and they never got over the disappearance of their daughter, Jeanie, all those years ago. With his support, it seemed like everything would be okay—okay enough, that is.
But now Derek’s gone. Margaret moves through the days slowly, quietly, alone. Then one day, Margaret returns home to an unlikely visitor, and together they set out to discover what really happened to Jeanie. Perhaps if she knocks on enough doors, she might find another end to the story.
Part mystery, part ghost story, part meditation on grief, An Unlikely Visitor is a warmhearted and hopeful reminder that the people we love are always with us.
Margaret thinks her time is up…
Things have been hard since her husband Derek died, and they never got over the disappearance of their daughter, Jeanie, all those years ago. With his support, it seemed like everything would be okay—okay enough, that is.
But now Derek’s gone. Margaret moves through the days slowly, quietly, alone. Then one day, Margaret returns home to an unlikely visitor, and together they set out to discover what really happened to Jeanie. Perhaps if she knocks on enough doors, she might find another end to the story.
Part mystery, part ghost story, part meditation on grief, An Unlikely Visitor is a warmhearted and hopeful reminder that the people we love are always with us.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
351 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Cannon
12 books7 followersLibrarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 14, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Netgalley
Margaret has suffered unimaginable loss between her husband Derek and daughter Jeanie. She promises Derek that she will continue to keep chugging through life but how can she when there is nothing left to live for?
Joanna did an amazing job of delving into grief by carefully peeling away layer by layer of humankind through the development of Maraget "maggie" and Derek. Maraget and Derek's relationship is the fantasy that everyone dreams of to find in a partner. They balance each other out impecably but it never felt like a "too good to be true." Joanna balanced the messiness of coping, anger, grief, love on such a delicate scale it made me want to keep on coming back from more. Although the story situates itself in sadness, I found myself emotionally invested in Margaret and Derek's journey to find the answers they have been searching for these past decades. There was a sense of heaviness without it weighing down the story. A sense of joy without it overshadowing the tragedy that had unfolded.
I am excited to keep reading other books Joanna has published thus far and those that have yet to be published as well!
Margaret has suffered unimaginable loss between her husband Derek and daughter Jeanie. She promises Derek that she will continue to keep chugging through life but how can she when there is nothing left to live for?
Joanna did an amazing job of delving into grief by carefully peeling away layer by layer of humankind through the development of Maraget "maggie" and Derek. Maraget and Derek's relationship is the fantasy that everyone dreams of to find in a partner. They balance each other out impecably but it never felt like a "too good to be true." Joanna balanced the messiness of coping, anger, grief, love on such a delicate scale it made me want to keep on coming back from more. Although the story situates itself in sadness, I found myself emotionally invested in Margaret and Derek's journey to find the answers they have been searching for these past decades. There was a sense of heaviness without it weighing down the story. A sense of joy without it overshadowing the tragedy that had unfolded.
I am excited to keep reading other books Joanna has published thus far and those that have yet to be published as well!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Summary:
It's been 94 days since Margaret's husband Derek died. It's also been 40 years since their beloved daughter Jeanie disappeared on her paper round, and was never seen again.
Looking back on these 40 years, Margaret realises that she has measured her life in the absence of things, rather than the presence, and the loss of Derek has hit her hard. Life feels pointless since he died. He was the scaffolding that held everything in place.
Margaret had promised him she'd keep marching on and not give up, but life without him is too hard. She just isn't the same Margaret she was before he died. So she decides she's going to stop agreeing to do things, and wants to be left alone, in peace.
But then Margaret returns home to find an unlikely visitor waiting for her, and together they set out to discover what really happened to Jeanie. As the cover quote says: 'Perhaps if you knock on enough doors, you might find another end to your story…'
My Thoughts:
Thank you, Borough Press, for sending me a GIFTED proof of Joanna Cannon's fourth novel which comes out in June, I loved it so, so much!
I've read and enjoyed everything that the very talented Joanna Cannon has written, and this, I think, is her best novel yet....though reviewing it is so tricky! Tricky in the sense that I absolutely don't want to give anything away, and tricky because I know whatever I write I will fail to do it the justice it deserves!
The story has at its heart two of life's unimaginable and devastating life events, the loss of a child and bereavement, which Joanna Cannon handles with the utmost sensitivity, tact and compassion.
It must be such difficult path to walk. Done badly, subject matter which is emotionally affecting like this could be either crass or too much to bear. But here it is done with a quiet and deft assurance. The reader never once feels overwhelmed by grief and sadness, or deterred from reading further, because Joanna Cannon writes with the lightest touch, and a profound humanity.
As aways in her books, difficult issues like love and loss, bereavement, grief and loneliness, are presented with total understanding and with her trademark mix of a bittersweet poignancy, which blends sadness, wry humour, gentle comedy and brilliant observation.
Having set her stall out at the start of the novel, painting a moving picture of a 74 year old woman who has lost so much, the novel then picks up its skirts, 70 pages, in and heads off on a voyage of discovery, with the arrival of an unlikely and decidedly unexpected visitor. A journey which looks back to the past to solve a mystery, and grants resolution, and closure in the present.
I absolutely loved the characters of Margaret and Derek, their development is superb. They're truly couple goals. Derek is dependable, devoted, and loves to laugh at his own jokes. And Margaret? As Derek says himself, she makes everything so much better and so much easier to bear. She's valuable and necessary. If she didn't exist someone would have to invent her.
This is such a special and beautifully written story, filled with insight, understanding, joy hope and a certain sense of what I can only describe as magic. It prompts the reader to think about the big emotional issues which it presents, as much as the key points in a lifetime: the losses endured, the choices made, the paths taken.
I promise you, unless you're made of stone, you'll laugh and you'll cry, but, by the end of the novel, you'll feel a sense of satisfaction, and rightness about the way things have unfolded. It left me feeling a tad teary and wistful, but also hopeful, uplifted and satisfied. So much so, that I want to read it again, and very soon.
I can't recommend this novel to you highly enough, and I think that if you enjoy the pathos, poignancy, dry observation and wry humour of the likes of writers such as Alan Bennett, Kate Atkinson and Rachel Joyce , you will absolutely love this one, and should definitely add it to your TBR.
It's been 94 days since Margaret's husband Derek died. It's also been 40 years since their beloved daughter Jeanie disappeared on her paper round, and was never seen again.
Looking back on these 40 years, Margaret realises that she has measured her life in the absence of things, rather than the presence, and the loss of Derek has hit her hard. Life feels pointless since he died. He was the scaffolding that held everything in place.
Margaret had promised him she'd keep marching on and not give up, but life without him is too hard. She just isn't the same Margaret she was before he died. So she decides she's going to stop agreeing to do things, and wants to be left alone, in peace.
But then Margaret returns home to find an unlikely visitor waiting for her, and together they set out to discover what really happened to Jeanie. As the cover quote says: 'Perhaps if you knock on enough doors, you might find another end to your story…'
My Thoughts:
Thank you, Borough Press, for sending me a GIFTED proof of Joanna Cannon's fourth novel which comes out in June, I loved it so, so much!
I've read and enjoyed everything that the very talented Joanna Cannon has written, and this, I think, is her best novel yet....though reviewing it is so tricky! Tricky in the sense that I absolutely don't want to give anything away, and tricky because I know whatever I write I will fail to do it the justice it deserves!
The story has at its heart two of life's unimaginable and devastating life events, the loss of a child and bereavement, which Joanna Cannon handles with the utmost sensitivity, tact and compassion.
It must be such difficult path to walk. Done badly, subject matter which is emotionally affecting like this could be either crass or too much to bear. But here it is done with a quiet and deft assurance. The reader never once feels overwhelmed by grief and sadness, or deterred from reading further, because Joanna Cannon writes with the lightest touch, and a profound humanity.
As aways in her books, difficult issues like love and loss, bereavement, grief and loneliness, are presented with total understanding and with her trademark mix of a bittersweet poignancy, which blends sadness, wry humour, gentle comedy and brilliant observation.
Having set her stall out at the start of the novel, painting a moving picture of a 74 year old woman who has lost so much, the novel then picks up its skirts, 70 pages, in and heads off on a voyage of discovery, with the arrival of an unlikely and decidedly unexpected visitor. A journey which looks back to the past to solve a mystery, and grants resolution, and closure in the present.
I absolutely loved the characters of Margaret and Derek, their development is superb. They're truly couple goals. Derek is dependable, devoted, and loves to laugh at his own jokes. And Margaret? As Derek says himself, she makes everything so much better and so much easier to bear. She's valuable and necessary. If she didn't exist someone would have to invent her.
This is such a special and beautifully written story, filled with insight, understanding, joy hope and a certain sense of what I can only describe as magic. It prompts the reader to think about the big emotional issues which it presents, as much as the key points in a lifetime: the losses endured, the choices made, the paths taken.
I promise you, unless you're made of stone, you'll laugh and you'll cry, but, by the end of the novel, you'll feel a sense of satisfaction, and rightness about the way things have unfolded. It left me feeling a tad teary and wistful, but also hopeful, uplifted and satisfied. So much so, that I want to read it again, and very soon.
I can't recommend this novel to you highly enough, and I think that if you enjoy the pathos, poignancy, dry observation and wry humour of the likes of writers such as Alan Bennett, Kate Atkinson and Rachel Joyce , you will absolutely love this one, and should definitely add it to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and The Borough Press for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Joanna's books and this may be her best one yet. This is my fifth of her books (fiction and non-fiction) and they just get better with each one. She's become a go-to author and I just know I'll love whatever she writes next.
Her description of grief is so beautiful. Grief is hard to write about, even for someone who has experienced a lot of it, and she's hit the nail on the head. She's not overdone it or sensationalised it for entertainment purposes, and she hasn't hidden from the really dark parts. Not to sound like Goldilocks but it was just right I also loved how she showed the quieter parts of grief such as anger. I know that not long after my dad died, if I couldn't et the cling film out, or if I dropped the foil and it rolled across the floor, I would get so angry at him - like I would never have done it if he had been there. It's a side of grief that many people forget about.
Margaret is a wonderful protagonist. From the first page, this is her story and I instantly fell in love with her. Joanna has made every character feel very human, which I know sounds weird because of course they are human. But characters can feel very...well, like they're characters and you're very aware they're made up people in a book. But everyone in this book feels so real and familiar that you get even more invested in it.
It took a turn I wasn't expecting and actually in hindsight, it's the best turn it could have done. It worked so well, like any other route to tell the story wouldn't have been as perfect as this. (That's my clumsy way of explaining something without spoiling it).
It's got a lot more thrillery, tense bits than I was expecting and it wasn't out of place. I didn't expect it but it really worked in context. And the "Unlikely Visitor" was as far away from who I expected as possible but I won't say more for fear of spoilers.
It's split into two timelines, the now, when Margaret is a woman in her seventies, and the then when she'd just lost her daughter. I love dual timelines so that was really interesting to read.
Did I cry? Of course I did. I cry at everything. But this wasn't really a sad cry, more a cry of hope and happiness (it'll make sense when you read it, I think).
It might be a book about loss and grief and fear, and yes parts of it are sad. But she's managed to weave in such a sense of hope and love and warmth about it, so it never feels too overwhelmingly morbid. A perfect book.
I love Joanna's books and this may be her best one yet. This is my fifth of her books (fiction and non-fiction) and they just get better with each one. She's become a go-to author and I just know I'll love whatever she writes next.
Her description of grief is so beautiful. Grief is hard to write about, even for someone who has experienced a lot of it, and she's hit the nail on the head. She's not overdone it or sensationalised it for entertainment purposes, and she hasn't hidden from the really dark parts. Not to sound like Goldilocks but it was just right I also loved how she showed the quieter parts of grief such as anger. I know that not long after my dad died, if I couldn't et the cling film out, or if I dropped the foil and it rolled across the floor, I would get so angry at him - like I would never have done it if he had been there. It's a side of grief that many people forget about.
Margaret is a wonderful protagonist. From the first page, this is her story and I instantly fell in love with her. Joanna has made every character feel very human, which I know sounds weird because of course they are human. But characters can feel very...well, like they're characters and you're very aware they're made up people in a book. But everyone in this book feels so real and familiar that you get even more invested in it.
It took a turn I wasn't expecting and actually in hindsight, it's the best turn it could have done. It worked so well, like any other route to tell the story wouldn't have been as perfect as this. (That's my clumsy way of explaining something without spoiling it).
It's got a lot more thrillery, tense bits than I was expecting and it wasn't out of place. I didn't expect it but it really worked in context. And the "Unlikely Visitor" was as far away from who I expected as possible but I won't say more for fear of spoilers.
It's split into two timelines, the now, when Margaret is a woman in her seventies, and the then when she'd just lost her daughter. I love dual timelines so that was really interesting to read.
Did I cry? Of course I did. I cry at everything. But this wasn't really a sad cry, more a cry of hope and happiness (it'll make sense when you read it, I think).
It might be a book about loss and grief and fear, and yes parts of it are sad. But she's managed to weave in such a sense of hope and love and warmth about it, so it never feels too overwhelmingly morbid. A perfect book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An Unlikely Visitor, by Joanne Cannon is an outstanding read, a story that is as profound as it is nuanced—a “so very human” exploration of how the end of one’s story might actually be a hidden beginning.
Margaret is a character who immediately breaks your heart and then slowly starts to mend it. Following the death of her beloved husband, Derek, she feels as though her “time is up.” The house is too quiet, and the air is heavy with the double grief of losing a partner and the decades-old mystery of her daughter Jeanie’s disappearance.
The story is beautifully written and illustrates the “lovely life” Margaret and Derek built together, making the current impossibility of her solitary existence feel incredibly grounded and real. It is a “sombre mood,” yes, but it’s written with such compassion that you never feel overwhelmed by the sadness.
Everything changes when Margaret returns home to find an unlikely visitor. This visitor acts as the catalyst for a journey Margaret never thought she would take. Together, they begin to knock on the doors of the past to uncover the truth about Jeanie.
What makes this book truly special is how it handles the “whimsical twist.” It’s never overstated or jarring; instead, it lightens the atmosphere and provides a sense of hope that feels earned. It’s a reminder that if you are brave enough to keep looking, you might just find a different ending to your story.
This is a “beautifully written story of grief, love, and compassion.” It’s a book that invites you to slow down and appreciate the tiny intersections of life that turn out to be the huge ones. It’s rare to find a story that deals with such heavy themes while remaining so uplifting, but Joanne Cannon has achieved exactly that.
“Margaret thought her time was up, but she discovered that life isn’t a straight line, it’s a series of doors, and sometimes you just need the right visitor to help you knock.”
This book will leave you feeling both tearful and inspired, emotional storytelling that reminds us that no matter how late the hour, there is always room for a little more love and a lot more truth. Fabulous read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Margaret is a character who immediately breaks your heart and then slowly starts to mend it. Following the death of her beloved husband, Derek, she feels as though her “time is up.” The house is too quiet, and the air is heavy with the double grief of losing a partner and the decades-old mystery of her daughter Jeanie’s disappearance.
The story is beautifully written and illustrates the “lovely life” Margaret and Derek built together, making the current impossibility of her solitary existence feel incredibly grounded and real. It is a “sombre mood,” yes, but it’s written with such compassion that you never feel overwhelmed by the sadness.
Everything changes when Margaret returns home to find an unlikely visitor. This visitor acts as the catalyst for a journey Margaret never thought she would take. Together, they begin to knock on the doors of the past to uncover the truth about Jeanie.
What makes this book truly special is how it handles the “whimsical twist.” It’s never overstated or jarring; instead, it lightens the atmosphere and provides a sense of hope that feels earned. It’s a reminder that if you are brave enough to keep looking, you might just find a different ending to your story.
This is a “beautifully written story of grief, love, and compassion.” It’s a book that invites you to slow down and appreciate the tiny intersections of life that turn out to be the huge ones. It’s rare to find a story that deals with such heavy themes while remaining so uplifting, but Joanne Cannon has achieved exactly that.
“Margaret thought her time was up, but she discovered that life isn’t a straight line, it’s a series of doors, and sometimes you just need the right visitor to help you knock.”
This book will leave you feeling both tearful and inspired, emotional storytelling that reminds us that no matter how late the hour, there is always room for a little more love and a lot more truth. Fabulous read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sweet (a little too much so), warm, whimsical and humorous
Cannon always has these tender qualities, as stated above, in her writing, she brings the quirky and imaginative with a lot of heart, into her characters. There are some similarities with the energy and exuberance of early Kate Atkinson, though the incisive bite of Atkinson is missing. So, at times, I can find that Cannon has got a little too soft and sweet and consciously feelgood for my tastes. So it is here.
Central character Margaret, is an elderly widow, deep in the place of despair and loss after the recent death of her beloved husband Derek. Both Margaret and Derek were no strangers to forever grief and loss, as decades earlier their only daughter, Jeanie, a quiet, thoughtful and kind young girl, had vanished without trace. This was an unsolved mystery, despite the usual media furore as the local community and police search and investigation yielded no solution, and the search for who might have taken and harmed her, went national via press and television. Neither Derek nor Margaret had ever got over this terrible event (who would?) but they had stayed together, lovingly, weathering the inevitable strains such a tragedy brings. One such being the inability to move away from the village where they had been living, and where Jeanie had been born, as somewhere, particularly for Margaret, was the feeling that somehow, somewhere, despite the passage of time, Jeanie might return. Maybe she had been kidnapped but had not been murdered?
The story of past and present is told, primarily through Margaret, but Derek’s thoughts, feelings and actions are also given space.
Primarily, Cannon’s world is of understanding, and of human beings trying to get by, in all their sometimes clumsy and inadequate ways. She is dealing with the inevitable loss which we all must face, - even if we experience no shocking or unnatural cutting short of the lives of those we care about. I think probably most readers will, early on, get some sense of where the story might be heading, and probably, the unsolved mystery.
Cannon takes a dark subject and views it through a definite glass at least half full lens
Cannon always has these tender qualities, as stated above, in her writing, she brings the quirky and imaginative with a lot of heart, into her characters. There are some similarities with the energy and exuberance of early Kate Atkinson, though the incisive bite of Atkinson is missing. So, at times, I can find that Cannon has got a little too soft and sweet and consciously feelgood for my tastes. So it is here.
Central character Margaret, is an elderly widow, deep in the place of despair and loss after the recent death of her beloved husband Derek. Both Margaret and Derek were no strangers to forever grief and loss, as decades earlier their only daughter, Jeanie, a quiet, thoughtful and kind young girl, had vanished without trace. This was an unsolved mystery, despite the usual media furore as the local community and police search and investigation yielded no solution, and the search for who might have taken and harmed her, went national via press and television. Neither Derek nor Margaret had ever got over this terrible event (who would?) but they had stayed together, lovingly, weathering the inevitable strains such a tragedy brings. One such being the inability to move away from the village where they had been living, and where Jeanie had been born, as somewhere, particularly for Margaret, was the feeling that somehow, somewhere, despite the passage of time, Jeanie might return. Maybe she had been kidnapped but had not been murdered?
The story of past and present is told, primarily through Margaret, but Derek’s thoughts, feelings and actions are also given space.
Primarily, Cannon’s world is of understanding, and of human beings trying to get by, in all their sometimes clumsy and inadequate ways. She is dealing with the inevitable loss which we all must face, - even if we experience no shocking or unnatural cutting short of the lives of those we care about. I think probably most readers will, early on, get some sense of where the story might be heading, and probably, the unsolved mystery.
Cannon takes a dark subject and views it through a definite glass at least half full lens
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s tough for Margaret these days since Derek died and the couple never get over the disappearance of their daughter Jeanie many years ago. Despite their profound loss, they do build a nice life together but these days she feels the walls are closing in as it’s just so hard. Then an unlikely visitor appears and perhaps for the first time in many, many years she can find some answers about what really happens to Jeanie.
Fellow book lovers will know exactly what I mean when I say this has been the most wonderful reading experience encompassing all the emotions. Ever since her debut novel ‘The Trouble with Goats and Sheep’, I have loved Joanna Cannon‘s books and I’m certain this will be another best seller. It’s a beautiful book which is beautifully written with genuine feeling, empathy, sensitivity and understanding of Margaret and her life. I can honestly say I truly love being in Margaret’s company for the hours it takes to read this. The author has quite simply taken an ordinary, everyday life and made it extraordinary in every possible way. It’s wonderfully written with some witty and apt turns of phrase, summing situations up to perfection. The characterisation is exemplary.
Clearly, the novel has grief at its core but it’s grief wrapped up in a mystery which evolves naturally through the writing. It’s also sprinkled with a lot of magic and some marvellously surreal moments which the author 100% makes me buy into. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, the loss of Jeanie and the living with the not knowing, the loss of lovely Derek but it’s also heartwarming and life affirming. I defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye at the end. It’s a truly poignant story written with compassion and huge imagination. Absolutely fabulous.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction/The Borough Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Fellow book lovers will know exactly what I mean when I say this has been the most wonderful reading experience encompassing all the emotions. Ever since her debut novel ‘The Trouble with Goats and Sheep’, I have loved Joanna Cannon‘s books and I’m certain this will be another best seller. It’s a beautiful book which is beautifully written with genuine feeling, empathy, sensitivity and understanding of Margaret and her life. I can honestly say I truly love being in Margaret’s company for the hours it takes to read this. The author has quite simply taken an ordinary, everyday life and made it extraordinary in every possible way. It’s wonderfully written with some witty and apt turns of phrase, summing situations up to perfection. The characterisation is exemplary.
Clearly, the novel has grief at its core but it’s grief wrapped up in a mystery which evolves naturally through the writing. It’s also sprinkled with a lot of magic and some marvellously surreal moments which the author 100% makes me buy into. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, the loss of Jeanie and the living with the not knowing, the loss of lovely Derek but it’s also heartwarming and life affirming. I defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye at the end. It’s a truly poignant story written with compassion and huge imagination. Absolutely fabulous.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction/The Borough Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Aware that Joanna Cannon has a huge following, I acknowledge that I’m late to the party. But I’m don’t think I’ll be staying very long.
I appreciate that Cannon depicts her characters and their surroundings carefully and that she engages with horrific circumstances very sensitively. I can see from others’ reviews of ‘An Unlikely Visitor’ how she touches readers’ hearts with her tale of Margaret, an elderly woman not coping very well with the death of her husband. And who can blame Margaret? Derek has been a stalwart and loving support throughout their marriage as they try to live without their only daughter, missing from the age of eleven and with no explanation as to what happened on the terrible day when Jeanie cycled off on her paper round and never came home.
I appreciate that the author plans to allow Margaret to come to some sort of an understanding about her daughter’s story. However, because everything is predicated on such a terrible incident, I found it difficult to accept the fanciful way in which this is done. In life, sadly, there are stories of children who disappear, never to be found. There is often no answer.
Nonetheless, whilst I found myself out of tune with the plot, I recognise that Cannon often highlights elements of human behaviour very effectively, such as when Margaret thinks back to her school days and remembers that, ‘…as strange as it sounds, bullying by exclusion, with its small acts of quiet cruelty, can be more painful and even more damaging that its counterpart.’ This is a well-written novel that the author’s fans will no doubt enjoy very much.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK, HarperFiction for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I appreciate that Cannon depicts her characters and their surroundings carefully and that she engages with horrific circumstances very sensitively. I can see from others’ reviews of ‘An Unlikely Visitor’ how she touches readers’ hearts with her tale of Margaret, an elderly woman not coping very well with the death of her husband. And who can blame Margaret? Derek has been a stalwart and loving support throughout their marriage as they try to live without their only daughter, missing from the age of eleven and with no explanation as to what happened on the terrible day when Jeanie cycled off on her paper round and never came home.
I appreciate that the author plans to allow Margaret to come to some sort of an understanding about her daughter’s story. However, because everything is predicated on such a terrible incident, I found it difficult to accept the fanciful way in which this is done. In life, sadly, there are stories of children who disappear, never to be found. There is often no answer.
Nonetheless, whilst I found myself out of tune with the plot, I recognise that Cannon often highlights elements of human behaviour very effectively, such as when Margaret thinks back to her school days and remembers that, ‘…as strange as it sounds, bullying by exclusion, with its small acts of quiet cruelty, can be more painful and even more damaging that its counterpart.’ This is a well-written novel that the author’s fans will no doubt enjoy very much.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK, HarperFiction for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Forty years ago, Margaret and Derek’s daughter disappeared. Ninety-four days ago Derek died. The latter natural, the former a mystery, still unsolved. Left on her own, Margaret, now seventy-five, is naturally bereft, not just because Derek has gone, but because her lifelong fixation about the whereabouts of her daughter, Jeanie; alive, dead, kidnapped, murdered? The busy life she has created for herself over the years, to mask this constant concern, needed Derek’s support. She is sinking! And then the eponymous visitor appears and suddenly she is galvanised into action. The answer to Jeanie’s disappearance is out there. Someone knows, and when she can piece together who that someone is she will finally answer the question.
Life and Death, and what happens when the former becomes the latter, are deep questions. This story, while being a murder-mystery, beautifully explores these issues; metaphysically rather than empirically. It’s an unconventional, but evocative, book. The early chapters are Margaret’s stream of consciousness on these matters, precipitated by the aftermath of Derek’s death. Some might find it a bit too philosophical, and rather aphoristic, but the pace picks up when the visitor appears and supplies Margaret with new sources of evidence. I did solve the mystery quite early on, but that isn’t really what carries the reader through to the dénouement. That is down to the skilful writing and the emotion that it unleashes.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Life and Death, and what happens when the former becomes the latter, are deep questions. This story, while being a murder-mystery, beautifully explores these issues; metaphysically rather than empirically. It’s an unconventional, but evocative, book. The early chapters are Margaret’s stream of consciousness on these matters, precipitated by the aftermath of Derek’s death. Some might find it a bit too philosophical, and rather aphoristic, but the pace picks up when the visitor appears and supplies Margaret with new sources of evidence. I did solve the mystery quite early on, but that isn’t really what carries the reader through to the dénouement. That is down to the skilful writing and the emotion that it unleashes.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Unlikely Visitor
Having read The Trouble with Goats and Sheep and Three Things About Elsie I was really looking forward to reading this novel. The story revolves around Margaret. She is finding life difficult following the death of her husband Derek just 90 days ago. The couple have also never recovered from the disappearance of their daughter Jeanie many years ago.
The book also talks very movingly about the death of the tree which had provide shade and shelter and how Margaret never really recovered from its loss either. She always felt there was something missing. Margaret is slowing down, she does not seem to be able to manage all of the things she was involved with in the past and then an unlikely visitor arrives in her house and perhaps, finally, she can find the answers to questions she has been asking for so many years.
The book is an emotional roller coaster and what I find so powerful about Joanna Cannon’s writing is her ability to capture the tiny details of everyday life. You really believe in Margaret as a character and you read about her life as if she is a friend. There is genuine emotion in the writing and I love the touching details of the relationship between Derek and Margaret; such as the way in which she cannot manage to mend the fuse in the toaster because that was always Derek’s domain.
It is s poignant story which is written with humanity and compassion and yes there was a tear in my eye as I reached the end of the novel. I will be recommending this book at my various book groups and would like to thank Joanna Cannon, Harper Fiction and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.
Having read The Trouble with Goats and Sheep and Three Things About Elsie I was really looking forward to reading this novel. The story revolves around Margaret. She is finding life difficult following the death of her husband Derek just 90 days ago. The couple have also never recovered from the disappearance of their daughter Jeanie many years ago.
The book also talks very movingly about the death of the tree which had provide shade and shelter and how Margaret never really recovered from its loss either. She always felt there was something missing. Margaret is slowing down, she does not seem to be able to manage all of the things she was involved with in the past and then an unlikely visitor arrives in her house and perhaps, finally, she can find the answers to questions she has been asking for so many years.
The book is an emotional roller coaster and what I find so powerful about Joanna Cannon’s writing is her ability to capture the tiny details of everyday life. You really believe in Margaret as a character and you read about her life as if she is a friend. There is genuine emotion in the writing and I love the touching details of the relationship between Derek and Margaret; such as the way in which she cannot manage to mend the fuse in the toaster because that was always Derek’s domain.
It is s poignant story which is written with humanity and compassion and yes there was a tear in my eye as I reached the end of the novel. I will be recommending this book at my various book groups and would like to thank Joanna Cannon, Harper Fiction and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Following the death of her husband of many many years, Margaret feels as if 'her time is up'. She isn't coping with his absence and has all but given up doing anything, seeing anyone, doing things like replacing a fuse in the toaster plug and eating for that matter. The house is heavy and quiet without Derek and this comes on top of Margaret losing her daughter, Jeanie, some forty years earlier when the child was out on a paper round and never returned home.
Then, one day, as Margaret in the edge of giving up entirely, she comes home to find an unlikely visitor waiting for her in the living room. The reappearance of this stranger is the spark Margaret needs to revisit Jeanie's disappearance. Together they return to people who were at the centre of their lives at the time, some of whom, it turns out, knew more than they had said.
Although a story of grief and loss, the book is written with great compassion and even the occasional flashes of humour. As Margaret navigates her way though her grief and learns to open her mind to making the impossible, possible, she also embarks on a journey to solve a decades long mystery. In front of our eyes she goes from being low and depressed and to helping her neighbours and making the world a sunnier place.
Told with emotion and compassion and a very easy read despite being rooted in loss and grief and a special mention for the satisfying ending.
With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Then, one day, as Margaret in the edge of giving up entirely, she comes home to find an unlikely visitor waiting for her in the living room. The reappearance of this stranger is the spark Margaret needs to revisit Jeanie's disappearance. Together they return to people who were at the centre of their lives at the time, some of whom, it turns out, knew more than they had said.
Although a story of grief and loss, the book is written with great compassion and even the occasional flashes of humour. As Margaret navigates her way though her grief and learns to open her mind to making the impossible, possible, she also embarks on a journey to solve a decades long mystery. In front of our eyes she goes from being low and depressed and to helping her neighbours and making the world a sunnier place.
Told with emotion and compassion and a very easy read despite being rooted in loss and grief and a special mention for the satisfying ending.
With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4* An Unlikely Visitor - Joanna Cannon. A book with a big heart, a bigger message and many magical moments.
It's been just over 90 days since Derek died and his wife Margret is struggling. Struggling with the day-to-day, with the GPs suggestion of taking up a hobby and continually overcome with events that happened 30 years previously. Margret realises that she has allowed her life and her friendships to narrow and she now finds herself lost. Yet Margret is never lost, she just needs help to be shown the way - to help others with small acts of kindness, with sound advice and most importantly to rid herself of the uncertainty and doubt that has lingered for three decades.
I'm a huge Joanna Cannon fan. An Unlikely Visitor was a little topsy-turvy for me. A great start and then we drift into magical realism / imagination, a genre that I normally run a mile from. Once I was back into the groove, I absolutely loved this book. The plot device allows the reader to see Margret's view while dropping little nuggets of clues and future plot points without being too obvious. it also has an excellent ending.
It is a book about kindness, closure and taking opportunities - as I reached the final chapters was firmly of the view that this is a very special book with very special characters told in a unique way. It deserves a lot of plaudits.
Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC.
It's been just over 90 days since Derek died and his wife Margret is struggling. Struggling with the day-to-day, with the GPs suggestion of taking up a hobby and continually overcome with events that happened 30 years previously. Margret realises that she has allowed her life and her friendships to narrow and she now finds herself lost. Yet Margret is never lost, she just needs help to be shown the way - to help others with small acts of kindness, with sound advice and most importantly to rid herself of the uncertainty and doubt that has lingered for three decades.
I'm a huge Joanna Cannon fan. An Unlikely Visitor was a little topsy-turvy for me. A great start and then we drift into magical realism / imagination, a genre that I normally run a mile from. Once I was back into the groove, I absolutely loved this book. The plot device allows the reader to see Margret's view while dropping little nuggets of clues and future plot points without being too obvious. it also has an excellent ending.
It is a book about kindness, closure and taking opportunities - as I reached the final chapters was firmly of the view that this is a very special book with very special characters told in a unique way. It deserves a lot of plaudits.
Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In 1985, Margaret and Derek Ford’s daughter Jeanie, disappeared whilst doing her paper round. Despite the best efforts of the Police and the neighbourhood, she was never found.
Present day takes us to Margaret, she is now 74 and has been recently widowed. Life has lost its purpose, everywhere around her are older people, lost, forgotten by family and society, just waiting to die.
Derek wanted to move away, but she refused, how would Jeanie find them when she came back?
One day, a very unexpected visitor arrives that makes Margaret question everything about her life and this event brings about opportunities to finally find the answers she has been searching for.
A difficult book to review without giving away too much. This author always writes such warm, tender and emotional books, they are full of wry humour, empathy and compassion.
The pain of an unexpected death makes us question the whole meaning of life. This story had a profound effect upon me. I lost my daughter in law eighteen months ago, she was only 36 years old. Trying to grieve and support my son and grandchildren has been so draining, it is hard for others to express their feelings, as their life continues.
A beautifully written story, keep a box of tissues handy.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers HarperCollinsUK for my advance copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A five star rating.
Present day takes us to Margaret, she is now 74 and has been recently widowed. Life has lost its purpose, everywhere around her are older people, lost, forgotten by family and society, just waiting to die.
Derek wanted to move away, but she refused, how would Jeanie find them when she came back?
One day, a very unexpected visitor arrives that makes Margaret question everything about her life and this event brings about opportunities to finally find the answers she has been searching for.
A difficult book to review without giving away too much. This author always writes such warm, tender and emotional books, they are full of wry humour, empathy and compassion.
The pain of an unexpected death makes us question the whole meaning of life. This story had a profound effect upon me. I lost my daughter in law eighteen months ago, she was only 36 years old. Trying to grieve and support my son and grandchildren has been so draining, it is hard for others to express their feelings, as their life continues.
A beautifully written story, keep a box of tissues handy.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers HarperCollinsUK for my advance copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A five star rating.
April 9, 2026
The concept of this book is what immediately intrigued me. The narration of grief under the themes of magical realism and solving of a mystery sounded right up my alley! And the first 50% of this book had me highlighting quotes, laughing, and crying. I fell in love with the inner dialogue of Margaret, she was such an endearing character who I related to and her outlook on the world around her was so fun and powerful to read! And then the magical realism aspects came in and I devoured it, the dialogue between Margaret and Derek and how the author showed the familiarity with each other and how they naturally fell back into it, was such a bittersweet thing to read. The way grief was portrayed in this was perfect. No note absolutely perfect! There are so many quotes in this book that will stay with me.
My only issue was, the plot of solving the case of her missing daughter was like oil to water to the first half of this book. I felt like the two themes just didn’t mesh at all and the heavy tones of her investigating felt awkward against the quirkiness of the rest of the book. It felt like the author was trying to cover too much and the different plots (of the mystery and her grief of her husband passing) didn’t exactly flow together like I’d wanted. I would’ve much rather had it have been one or the other, preferably the plot of her and her husband.
And the ending felt soooo rushed and left me feeling unsatisfied with how everything was boom boom boom just info dumped on me. It could’ve been so much more emotionally satisfying, but instead it just fell flat.
The first half EASY 5 stars, the last half dropped my rating to a 3.5.
Thank you so much to netgalley and scribner for the ARC of this book
My only issue was, the plot of solving the case of her missing daughter was like oil to water to the first half of this book. I felt like the two themes just didn’t mesh at all and the heavy tones of her investigating felt awkward against the quirkiness of the rest of the book. It felt like the author was trying to cover too much and the different plots (of the mystery and her grief of her husband passing) didn’t exactly flow together like I’d wanted. I would’ve much rather had it have been one or the other, preferably the plot of her and her husband.
And the ending felt soooo rushed and left me feeling unsatisfied with how everything was boom boom boom just info dumped on me. It could’ve been so much more emotionally satisfying, but instead it just fell flat.
The first half EASY 5 stars, the last half dropped my rating to a 3.5.
Thank you so much to netgalley and scribner for the ARC of this book
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The story centres around Margaret, who has recently become a widow. She is lonely and sad, but also quietly determined as she tries to rebuild her life.
One day Margaret returns home to find an unexpected visitor, and from that moment the story unfolds between the past and the present as she becomes more determined to finally find out what happened to her daughter.
This is a gentle, character-driven story which I found hard to put down. I became very invested in Margaret and really wanted her to find some answers. The book includes some magical elements, which may not be to everyone’s liking. I had slightly mixed feelings about this at times, as these elements sometimes felt unusual, but I also felt they were needed for the story to work and I soon accepted them as part of the story.
The story kept me interested throughout and I was always keen to get back to reading it. I was also satisfied with the ending, which felt neatly wrapped up and fitting for the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys gentle, emotional mysteries with a touch of something a little different.
The story centres around Margaret, who has recently become a widow. She is lonely and sad, but also quietly determined as she tries to rebuild her life.
One day Margaret returns home to find an unexpected visitor, and from that moment the story unfolds between the past and the present as she becomes more determined to finally find out what happened to her daughter.
This is a gentle, character-driven story which I found hard to put down. I became very invested in Margaret and really wanted her to find some answers. The book includes some magical elements, which may not be to everyone’s liking. I had slightly mixed feelings about this at times, as these elements sometimes felt unusual, but I also felt they were needed for the story to work and I soon accepted them as part of the story.
The story kept me interested throughout and I was always keen to get back to reading it. I was also satisfied with the ending, which felt neatly wrapped up and fitting for the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys gentle, emotional mysteries with a touch of something a little different.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This novel tells the tale of Margaret, her late husband Derek, and Jeanie, their daughter who vanished without trace 40 years ago. Now, widowed for three months, quiet Margaret doesn't think there's really a lot of time left for her, either; before Derek died, they never did discover what happened to Jeanie, though always, a lingering hope that she may one day walk back in to the family home never quite left Margaret.
The opening sequences of this story were so poignant, yet not unnecessarily embellished, as Jeanie's story is revealed and we're shown how Margaret and Derek coped in their own sad ways... Their devotion to each other shines through and they somehow live their lives for all of those 40 years.
Except, three months after her husband's death, the eponymous visitor appears at the house... And for a little while, Margaret's life becomes an adventure with a mission, and, just maybe, she'll discover what did happen all those years ago.
This story moved me on so many levels, as the mystery at the heart of these two people's lives is gradually unwrapped. It's also a story of a tree, a thing of beauty that represents all that Margaret feels she had, but lost; and of a dog which, while only appearing briefly, offers resonance and hope.
The opening sequences of this story were so poignant, yet not unnecessarily embellished, as Jeanie's story is revealed and we're shown how Margaret and Derek coped in their own sad ways... Their devotion to each other shines through and they somehow live their lives for all of those 40 years.
Except, three months after her husband's death, the eponymous visitor appears at the house... And for a little while, Margaret's life becomes an adventure with a mission, and, just maybe, she'll discover what did happen all those years ago.
This story moved me on so many levels, as the mystery at the heart of these two people's lives is gradually unwrapped. It's also a story of a tree, a thing of beauty that represents all that Margaret feels she had, but lost; and of a dog which, while only appearing briefly, offers resonance and hope.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would happily read this beautiful novel over again. Joanna Cannon muses on life through the eyes of a newly widowed Margaret Ford.. Margaret is not only dealing with the death of her beloved husband, Derek, but she is dealing with the fact that the only other person who understood her grief at the loss of her missing daughter has now gone too.
Margaret’s grief is raw. She is lost, alone, bereft and is ready to give up. She believes that life has nothing to offer her any more and doesn’t see a purpose in continuing - that is until she receives a visit from an unlikely visitor who gives her a reason for living and helps her to step into the world outside again.
Death is a huge subject to make sense of, but Joanna Cannon does it brilliantly and with compassion and humour. She is a writer who seems to delve into the human psyche. Her phrases and words will have you nodding your head in agreement as if she has read your mind at some point. This beautiful book demonstrates the importance of human connection and friendship. Grief and sadness sit comfortably with humour. There are moments when I just laughed out loud and moments of enormous sadness.
This is a wonderful book, and it will stay with me for a very long time.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Margaret’s grief is raw. She is lost, alone, bereft and is ready to give up. She believes that life has nothing to offer her any more and doesn’t see a purpose in continuing - that is until she receives a visit from an unlikely visitor who gives her a reason for living and helps her to step into the world outside again.
Death is a huge subject to make sense of, but Joanna Cannon does it brilliantly and with compassion and humour. She is a writer who seems to delve into the human psyche. Her phrases and words will have you nodding your head in agreement as if she has read your mind at some point. This beautiful book demonstrates the importance of human connection and friendship. Grief and sadness sit comfortably with humour. There are moments when I just laughed out loud and moments of enormous sadness.
This is a wonderful book, and it will stay with me for a very long time.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I can’t remember the last time a book made me tear up as much as this one did.
I cried while reading the first pages, and I cried a river after finishing the last one.
It is a sad story, no doubt: it talks about grief, loss, unanswered questions, and moving on (or at least trying to). Its protagonist is a lonely woman who has been through so much in her life that all you want to do is give her a hug.
But I loved this book so much because it gave me a new perspective on the meaning of death, in a heartfelt and comforting way I had never considered before, one that made me smile. Because it is true that the people we loved and lost are never truly gone — they will always be by our side.
I can’t find the words to describe how deeply this story touched me. It was melancholic, but also so precious and full of love. Beautifully written.
It won’t be easy to stop thinking about this book. In fact, I know I’ll always keep this story in my heart.
I’m sure it will touch many people who get the chance to read it. Thank you so much to Scribner Books for the advanced copy.
Gosh… I can’t stop crying❤️🩹
It is a sad story, no doubt: it talks about grief, loss, unanswered questions, and moving on (or at least trying to). Its protagonist is a lonely woman who has been through so much in her life that all you want to do is give her a hug.
But I loved this book so much because it gave me a new perspective on the meaning of death, in a heartfelt and comforting way I had never considered before, one that made me smile. Because it is true that the people we loved and lost are never truly gone — they will always be by our side.
I can’t find the words to describe how deeply this story touched me. It was melancholic, but also so precious and full of love. Beautifully written.
It won’t be easy to stop thinking about this book. In fact, I know I’ll always keep this story in my heart.
I’m sure it will touch many people who get the chance to read it. Thank you so much to Scribner Books for the advanced copy.
Gosh… I can’t stop crying❤️🩹
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beautiful, poignant and emotionally heart-wrenching, An Unlikely Visitor by Joanna Cannon is an extraordinary novel that will undoubtedly stay with me.
Margaret is struggling, simply trying to stay afloat following the death of her husband, Derek, and the historic disappearance of her eleven-year-old daughter, Jeanie. The arrival of the titular ‘unlikely visitor’ brings a quiet tide of change, gradually helping Margaret piece together the events surrounding Jeanie’s disappearance while also confronting the lasting impact of that loss in the present day.
What really underpins the novel is its overwhelming sense of grief and absence. Margaret is written in a way that feels completely emotionally exposed and deeply affecting to read. Her relationship with Derek shapes the entire text; it is warm, believable and full of tenderness. Equally powerful is the sense of hope that underpins Margaret’s actions throughout the novel. Cannon handles both themes with remarkable skill, allowing moments of warmth and humanity to sit alongside the devastation of loss.
An absolutely fantastic novel and undoubtedly one of my favourite reads of 2026.
Margaret is struggling, simply trying to stay afloat following the death of her husband, Derek, and the historic disappearance of her eleven-year-old daughter, Jeanie. The arrival of the titular ‘unlikely visitor’ brings a quiet tide of change, gradually helping Margaret piece together the events surrounding Jeanie’s disappearance while also confronting the lasting impact of that loss in the present day.
What really underpins the novel is its overwhelming sense of grief and absence. Margaret is written in a way that feels completely emotionally exposed and deeply affecting to read. Her relationship with Derek shapes the entire text; it is warm, believable and full of tenderness. Equally powerful is the sense of hope that underpins Margaret’s actions throughout the novel. Cannon handles both themes with remarkable skill, allowing moments of warmth and humanity to sit alongside the devastation of loss.
An absolutely fantastic novel and undoubtedly one of my favourite reads of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“An Unlikely Visitor” is a story about grief, loss, and love.
Margaret Ford has had her share of loss. Forty years prior to the start of our story, Margaret’s daughter, Jeanie, goes missing and is never found. In the present, Margaret’s husband, Derek, has recently died from cancer. Now alone in the world, Margaret seems ready to give up until an unlikely visitor appears in her living room…
I so enjoyed this author’s narrative style. She gives Margaret such depth and even when others may find her actions to be a bit annoying or irritating, Margaret’s motivations always stem from the unwavering love of a grieving mother.
Throughout the story, Margaret was depressed and facing low self esteem due to the loss of her daughter and then husband. But through the encouragement of the unlikely visitor, she is able to spread joy to her neighbors and even find some herself.
For a book so heavily rooted in loss and grief, it was quite cozy with a satisfying ending.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley.
Margaret Ford has had her share of loss. Forty years prior to the start of our story, Margaret’s daughter, Jeanie, goes missing and is never found. In the present, Margaret’s husband, Derek, has recently died from cancer. Now alone in the world, Margaret seems ready to give up until an unlikely visitor appears in her living room…
I so enjoyed this author’s narrative style. She gives Margaret such depth and even when others may find her actions to be a bit annoying or irritating, Margaret’s motivations always stem from the unwavering love of a grieving mother.
Throughout the story, Margaret was depressed and facing low self esteem due to the loss of her daughter and then husband. But through the encouragement of the unlikely visitor, she is able to spread joy to her neighbors and even find some herself.
For a book so heavily rooted in loss and grief, it was quite cozy with a satisfying ending.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was hooked from the very first chapter. Having been a fan of Joanna’s writing since… as long as she has been published actually…it’s an honour to have the opportunity to read this one ahead of publication.
Joanna Cannon has such a gift for storytelling, and An Unlikely Visitor is no exception. There’s a quiet warmth running through it, even as it explores deeply devastating moments. This book will gently hold your hand through grief while also reminding you about the beauty of living. And isn't that exactly what we need?
‘At the end of the day, the life we are so certain must be ours is only ever lent to us for a while.’
This story balances loss with wonder, sorrow with hope, and ultimately leaves you thinking about what it really means to make peace with life as it is. It feels timely, no matter your experience of grief, offering comfort that perhaps many of us crave right now. With just the right amount of humour, comedic moments and poignancy, An Unlikely Visitor is perfection in a book. Don’t miss this one. Truly, you won’t regret it.
Joanna Cannon has such a gift for storytelling, and An Unlikely Visitor is no exception. There’s a quiet warmth running through it, even as it explores deeply devastating moments. This book will gently hold your hand through grief while also reminding you about the beauty of living. And isn't that exactly what we need?
‘At the end of the day, the life we are so certain must be ours is only ever lent to us for a while.’
This story balances loss with wonder, sorrow with hope, and ultimately leaves you thinking about what it really means to make peace with life as it is. It feels timely, no matter your experience of grief, offering comfort that perhaps many of us crave right now. With just the right amount of humour, comedic moments and poignancy, An Unlikely Visitor is perfection in a book. Don’t miss this one. Truly, you won’t regret it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Unlikely Visitor - Joanna Cannon due for publication 4/6/2026
When i started reading this novel the plot felt very familiar, Margaret's spouse Derek dies she is lonely and keeps herself to herself not seeing friends or neighbours. So i was disappointed this was going to be similar to all those ones I have read before where the grumpy older person finds redemption through renewing ties with neighbours and making new friends.
BUT you need to keep reading as it does not continue in that vein. An unlikely visitor turns up one day (I didn't guess who that was going to be and I am not going to spoil that) and the unsolved mystery about Margaret and Derek's missing daughter of 40 years starts to be pieced together as Margaret and her visitor set off to find out what the police could not do all those years ago.
The book explores grief, love and compassion and the story has emotion, humour and whimsicality. The main characters are gentle and fun and the descriptions are vividly drawn.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a pre publication copy.
When i started reading this novel the plot felt very familiar, Margaret's spouse Derek dies she is lonely and keeps herself to herself not seeing friends or neighbours. So i was disappointed this was going to be similar to all those ones I have read before where the grumpy older person finds redemption through renewing ties with neighbours and making new friends.
BUT you need to keep reading as it does not continue in that vein. An unlikely visitor turns up one day (I didn't guess who that was going to be and I am not going to spoil that) and the unsolved mystery about Margaret and Derek's missing daughter of 40 years starts to be pieced together as Margaret and her visitor set off to find out what the police could not do all those years ago.
The book explores grief, love and compassion and the story has emotion, humour and whimsicality. The main characters are gentle and fun and the descriptions are vividly drawn.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a pre publication copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fans of Fredrik Backman will enjoy this bittersweet story of love and loss.
Imagine there IS a heaven……if you don’t already believe there is. Margaret is recently widowed and years ago she lost her daughter, Jeanie, who was believed to have been abducted whilst delivering newspapers. I know very little about the author but she seems to write with great insight about grief and loss, and ways of coping and not coping. There are two major elements - one requires a suspension of disbelief, the other is essentially a whodunnit as Margaret is still trying, forty years on, to solve the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance.
I found I couldn’t put this book down despite it going against my general disinterest in stories that rely on…what will I call it? The supernatural? Impossible events? I enjoyed Joanna Cannon’s writing very much and will read more of her books.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for a review copy.
Imagine there IS a heaven……if you don’t already believe there is. Margaret is recently widowed and years ago she lost her daughter, Jeanie, who was believed to have been abducted whilst delivering newspapers. I know very little about the author but she seems to write with great insight about grief and loss, and ways of coping and not coping. There are two major elements - one requires a suspension of disbelief, the other is essentially a whodunnit as Margaret is still trying, forty years on, to solve the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance.
I found I couldn’t put this book down despite it going against my general disinterest in stories that rely on…what will I call it? The supernatural? Impossible events? I enjoyed Joanna Cannon’s writing very much and will read more of her books.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Unlikely Visitor by Joanna Cannon is a very moving and poignant read and is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read.
It centres on Margaret, a recent widow who is struggling since her husband Derek died. She’s finding herself struggling with the day-to-day things but is also feeling lonely and isolated because people aren’t very good at dealing with death and tend to quietly retreat from people. Making the situation all the more tragic is that Margaret is quite alone. Her 11 year old daughter, Jeannie, disappeared forty years ago whilst on a newspaper delivery round and was never found.
One day, a visitor arrives and helps rebuild Margaret’s confidence and also discover what happened to Jeanie all those years ago.
It’s incredibly moving and poignant. It’s a joy reading Margaret finding her way again.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, HarperCollins UK, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It centres on Margaret, a recent widow who is struggling since her husband Derek died. She’s finding herself struggling with the day-to-day things but is also feeling lonely and isolated because people aren’t very good at dealing with death and tend to quietly retreat from people. Making the situation all the more tragic is that Margaret is quite alone. Her 11 year old daughter, Jeannie, disappeared forty years ago whilst on a newspaper delivery round and was never found.
One day, a visitor arrives and helps rebuild Margaret’s confidence and also discover what happened to Jeanie all those years ago.
It’s incredibly moving and poignant. It’s a joy reading Margaret finding her way again.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, HarperCollins UK, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Unlikely Visitor is a poignant and absorbing read, about Margaret, who feels she has lost it all - her husband (and soul mate) died recently and many, many years ago her 11 year old daughter vanished without a trace. Now, with the arrival of the ‘unlikely visitor ’ that is the title of this book, Margaret has a new lease for life and a new reason to try and find out what really happened all those years ago.
Mixing grief, love, and mystery, this novel made me cry and smile at different points. It’s a story about learning to live with your new reality but also the importance of never giving up, and Joanna Cannon has done a brilliant job of making a certain element of the plot - which you’ll know when you read it - feel somehow natural as part of the story and not annoying. I don’t want to give anything else away but I’d really recommend An Unlikely Visitor as a heartfelt, emotional but also uplifting novel.
Mixing grief, love, and mystery, this novel made me cry and smile at different points. It’s a story about learning to live with your new reality but also the importance of never giving up, and Joanna Cannon has done a brilliant job of making a certain element of the plot - which you’ll know when you read it - feel somehow natural as part of the story and not annoying. I don’t want to give anything else away but I’d really recommend An Unlikely Visitor as a heartfelt, emotional but also uplifting novel.
May 12, 2026
What a beautiful, emotional book this is; one that left me with a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes; and I just needed to sit with it for a while after finishing the last page.
Margaret carries such heavy loss. Her daughter disappeared 40 years ago and has never been found, and now her husband Derek has died. Yes, this is a story about grief; but I found so much comfort in these pages too. It has given me a fresh perspective on death; affirming that those we love never really leave us, even our pets! They’re always with us in the ordinary every day moments. I even told my husband about Margaret and Derek; and that this is what I hope for us when the time comes!
An Unlikely Visitor is a profound book that will stay with me. It is immensely reassuring, poignant, human, warm and witty.
Thank you, Joanna Cannon, for this gift of a book, written with such empathy and compassion. I know this is going to be one of my favourite books this year.
Margaret carries such heavy loss. Her daughter disappeared 40 years ago and has never been found, and now her husband Derek has died. Yes, this is a story about grief; but I found so much comfort in these pages too. It has given me a fresh perspective on death; affirming that those we love never really leave us, even our pets! They’re always with us in the ordinary every day moments. I even told my husband about Margaret and Derek; and that this is what I hope for us when the time comes!
An Unlikely Visitor is a profound book that will stay with me. It is immensely reassuring, poignant, human, warm and witty.
Thank you, Joanna Cannon, for this gift of a book, written with such empathy and compassion. I know this is going to be one of my favourite books this year.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Margaret thinks her time is up… Things have been hard since her husband Derek died, and they never really got over the disappearance of their daughter, Jeanie, all those years ago. Despite everything, they built a lovely life together… it’s just starting to feel impossible for Margaret on her own.
But maybe her time is now?
Then one day, Margaret returns home to an unlikely visitor, and together they set out to discover what really happened to Jeanie. Perhaps if you knock on enough doors, you might find another end to your story…
A beautifully written story of grief, love and compassion with a rather whimsical twist which lightened a somewhat sombre mood. Joanna Cannon really knows how to get into the minds of her characters and this makes for a thoroughly engaging read. Highly recommended.
But maybe her time is now?
Then one day, Margaret returns home to an unlikely visitor, and together they set out to discover what really happened to Jeanie. Perhaps if you knock on enough doors, you might find another end to your story…
A beautifully written story of grief, love and compassion with a rather whimsical twist which lightened a somewhat sombre mood. Joanna Cannon really knows how to get into the minds of her characters and this makes for a thoroughly engaging read. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance review copy of An Unlikely Visitor by Joanna Cannon from NetGalley. I’ve read three of the author’s previous books, so I was very happy to have the opportunity to read this one.
I was drawn in by the themes of loss, grief, a missing child, and the importance of friendship. There were moments I really appreciated; the writing is often poignant, and I liked the way it explores grief and connection. However, I wasn’t always fully engaged and found my attention drifting.
It blends grief with a more whimsical, ghostly element, which didn’t entirely resonate with me. At times, I enjoyed it, but at others, it felt a little too whimsical for my taste. I can see this working well for other readers, but it wasn’t quite for me.
That said, I did love the ending and was glad the mystery was resolved.
I was drawn in by the themes of loss, grief, a missing child, and the importance of friendship. There were moments I really appreciated; the writing is often poignant, and I liked the way it explores grief and connection. However, I wasn’t always fully engaged and found my attention drifting.
It blends grief with a more whimsical, ghostly element, which didn’t entirely resonate with me. At times, I enjoyed it, but at others, it felt a little too whimsical for my taste. I can see this working well for other readers, but it wasn’t quite for me.
That said, I did love the ending and was glad the mystery was resolved.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having loved Joanna Cannon's previous books I was delighted to receive an ARC of her latest offering from NetGalley and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
The book centres around Margaret who has recently lost her husband Derek. Margaret and Derek had spend over 40 years united in grief after their daughter disappeared as a child never to be found. In spite of the challenges they had supported each other to get on with life but after Derek died Margaret felt lost and desperate. Then an 'unlikely visitor' turned up and with their help and engagement with her community she manages to navigate her way through grief and puts together missing pieces of a jigsaw she and Derek had previously not been able to solve.
Sensitive, poignant, heart-warming and tragic in equal measure. A beautifully written book that has a bit of everything!
The book centres around Margaret who has recently lost her husband Derek. Margaret and Derek had spend over 40 years united in grief after their daughter disappeared as a child never to be found. In spite of the challenges they had supported each other to get on with life but after Derek died Margaret felt lost and desperate. Then an 'unlikely visitor' turned up and with their help and engagement with her community she manages to navigate her way through grief and puts together missing pieces of a jigsaw she and Derek had previously not been able to solve.
Sensitive, poignant, heart-warming and tragic in equal measure. A beautifully written book that has a bit of everything!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the emotional and insightful story of Margaret facing up to bereavement, and along the way, a journey to discover the unsolved disappearance of her daughter who has been missing for 40 years. It is told with compassion but with a light touch and there are smiles amongst the tears, but always there remains Margaret’s compulsion and determination to solve the mystery and find the answers that have hitherto baffled everyone including the police – with her unlikely visitor by her side.
It is a beautifully written book with characters that come to life on the page and has a mystery with a satisfying ending that keeps the pages turning. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as I have every one of Joanna Cannon’s books that I have read.
Many thanks to Joanna Cannon, Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy.
It is a beautifully written book with characters that come to life on the page and has a mystery with a satisfying ending that keeps the pages turning. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as I have every one of Joanna Cannon’s books that I have read.
Many thanks to Joanna Cannon, Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy.
April 11, 2026
A story about loss and grief and about love. Margaret is recently widowed and struggling to cope. Additionally, in the past she has had to deal with the disappearance of her daughter. Her unlikely visitor helps her to find confidence and together they solve the mystery of her daughter's disappearance.
Joanna Cannon writes a poignant and at times quite emotional story. Her observations on life and her characters are intelligent and insightful. The book started off so well but on the arrival of the unlikely visitor, I'm afraid the story lost something for me. It became rather surreal which didn't sit comfortably with the seriousness of the subject matter and the ending was rather cloying.
Sadly for me, this wasn't as good ass her previous books.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Joanna Cannon writes a poignant and at times quite emotional story. Her observations on life and her characters are intelligent and insightful. The book started off so well but on the arrival of the unlikely visitor, I'm afraid the story lost something for me. It became rather surreal which didn't sit comfortably with the seriousness of the subject matter and the ending was rather cloying.
Sadly for me, this wasn't as good ass her previous books.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
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