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The American’s Cousin
A twisty and gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing. THE AMERICAN’S COUSIN combines wit and suspense, in a dark and unsettling first case for investigator Edie Fox − one that blurs the professional and the personal with terrifying results.
Edie Fox is a Private Investigator. Or at least that’s what she aspires to be. From her cramped office above a shop on the wrong side of town, she just about manages to stay afloat with the odd job spying on cheating spouses.
This all changes when a wealthy young American, desperate to find his missing cousin, hires Edie to track her down.
But things are not as they seem. People are telling lies, lots of them.
Edie needs to work out why, but time is running short. As she gets swept up in the hunt for the American’s cousin, she realises that she’s out of her depth. And as personal and professional boundaries blur, she fears she could lose everything: her business, her family … her life.
Combining a sharp and compelling investigator with an increasingly suspicious first client, THE AMERICAN’S COUSIN keeps readers gripped, as Edie finds herself drawn into a world of secrets, lies and, ultimately, great danger.
Edie Fox is a Private Investigator. Or at least that’s what she aspires to be. From her cramped office above a shop on the wrong side of town, she just about manages to stay afloat with the odd job spying on cheating spouses.
This all changes when a wealthy young American, desperate to find his missing cousin, hires Edie to track her down.
But things are not as they seem. People are telling lies, lots of them.
Edie needs to work out why, but time is running short. As she gets swept up in the hunt for the American’s cousin, she realises that she’s out of her depth. And as personal and professional boundaries blur, she fears she could lose everything: her business, her family … her life.
Combining a sharp and compelling investigator with an increasingly suspicious first client, THE AMERICAN’S COUSIN keeps readers gripped, as Edie finds herself drawn into a world of secrets, lies and, ultimately, great danger.
366 pages, ebook
First published June 19, 2017
320 people are currently reading
2714 people want to read
About the author
Julie Highmore
20 books66 followersAfter having her three children, Julie became a mature student at first Westminster College, then Oxford Brookes University, where she gained a degree in English. As part of the course, she studied creative writing with Philip Pullman, who encouraged her to continue with her writing after graduation. This she did, and her published work includes nine rom-com novels, and more recently, a crime fiction series for The Book Folks. The Missing American - the first in the series - features the somewhat flawed, Oxford-based private investigator, Edie Fox; a single mother and very young grandmother who inadvertently gets her precious family caught up in her first big case. Although her recent novels have ventured into some dark places, Julie manages to inject humour into the stories without diminishing the danger of situations Edie finds herself in.
Between graduating and becoming a published author, Julie taught English as a foreign language, and for several years was a reader for Oxford University Press’s Children’s Books.
She enjoys music, binge-watching a good TV series, country strolls, doing the New York Times crossword, and hanging out with her husband and ever-expanding family. With two Edie books now in production and a third following in Spring 2023, Julie is hoping to continue with the series while also exploring other crime-fiction paths.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 13, 2018
Good One
This was another page turner! I wouldn't mind reading more about these characters. There was mystery, romance, deceit, a few twists and turns. Although I was able to figure it out, I still really enjoyed the story and the characters. Another good book from bookbub.com.
This was another page turner! I wouldn't mind reading more about these characters. There was mystery, romance, deceit, a few twists and turns. Although I was able to figure it out, I still really enjoyed the story and the characters. Another good book from bookbub.com.
August 20, 2017
Fun mystery! Love the main character too.
November 9, 2017
Edie Fox is a hard-drinking, pot-smoking, young grandmother who abandons her teaching career to open a PI firm in the UK. Times or tough until a wealthy American offers a generous cash retainer to find his missing cousin. Thrilled by the unexpected influx of money, Edie embraces her first real case until her amateur antics uncover a bevy of questions and inconsistencies about her mysterious client. As her confusion leads to nefarious suspicions, her daughter's estranged father pays a surprise visit and asks to get to know their college-aged daughter. Alternately smitten by her ex-lover and jealous of his budding relationship with their daughter and her toddler son, Edie is caught between professional and personal ambiguities.
The protagonist unapologetically uses crime fiction as her PI training and her self-effacing humour is engaging. The novel involves a large supporting cast, most of which are well rendered and unique. The dialogue is strong and the settings show Edie’s chaotic investigation style and attitude toward life. The secondary plot—involving the family dynamics—works with the primary storyline, and Edie’s wit and personality carries the narrative well. Written primarily from the protagonist’s first-person perspective, there are occasional peeks into the antagonist’s POV. Although these scenes don’t enhance the mystery, they do add credibility to the concluding revelation. The novel’s third act wraps up nicely, while leaving room for continued literary adventures.
The editing could be a bit tighter, especially the proofreading, but this is a light read with a fun and interesting main character.
The protagonist unapologetically uses crime fiction as her PI training and her self-effacing humour is engaging. The novel involves a large supporting cast, most of which are well rendered and unique. The dialogue is strong and the settings show Edie’s chaotic investigation style and attitude toward life. The secondary plot—involving the family dynamics—works with the primary storyline, and Edie’s wit and personality carries the narrative well. Written primarily from the protagonist’s first-person perspective, there are occasional peeks into the antagonist’s POV. Although these scenes don’t enhance the mystery, they do add credibility to the concluding revelation. The novel’s third act wraps up nicely, while leaving room for continued literary adventures.
The editing could be a bit tighter, especially the proofreading, but this is a light read with a fun and interesting main character.
August 14, 2017
Where is the American's Cousin?
Julie Highmore has written a compelling story that kept my mind working trying to figure out why Michael Jackson (not that Michael Jackson) chose her to find his cousin Bella Rossini. He hired her, answered a few questions, stressed the importance of confidentiality, gave her an envelope full of money and hurried out of her office without leaving contact information.
The characters are a mixed bag. The unusual personalities give the book an even greater sense of urgency. Edie Fox is afraid this case is beyond her abilities as she is just starting her private investigations business but Edie figures she already has the money and without a way to contact her client, she should begin working the case.
After a frustrating day of unanswered questions, Edie is happy to return home to see her daughter and grandson. Maeve followed in her mother's footsteps and became a single parent at an early age. The cast of characters grows as the case becomes more involved.
I enjoyed the plot as it became more complicated. I like a mystery that makes me think. The characters are often not what or who I expected them to be. This is an interesting story and at times became frustrating when Edie accepted explanations that made no sense to me. I definitely recommend this one to any mystery lover.
Julie Highmore has written a compelling story that kept my mind working trying to figure out why Michael Jackson (not that Michael Jackson) chose her to find his cousin Bella Rossini. He hired her, answered a few questions, stressed the importance of confidentiality, gave her an envelope full of money and hurried out of her office without leaving contact information.
The characters are a mixed bag. The unusual personalities give the book an even greater sense of urgency. Edie Fox is afraid this case is beyond her abilities as she is just starting her private investigations business but Edie figures she already has the money and without a way to contact her client, she should begin working the case.
After a frustrating day of unanswered questions, Edie is happy to return home to see her daughter and grandson. Maeve followed in her mother's footsteps and became a single parent at an early age. The cast of characters grows as the case becomes more involved.
I enjoyed the plot as it became more complicated. I like a mystery that makes me think. The characters are often not what or who I expected them to be. This is an interesting story and at times became frustrating when Edie accepted explanations that made no sense to me. I definitely recommend this one to any mystery lover.
July 30, 2017
Convoluted but entertaining
Former school teacher turns private investigator gets a red herring missing persons case filled with too many characters, misdirections and weird reappearance of 'a one night stand that produced a child' character.
I lost track of half the male names within the 4th or 5th chapter and found myself asking who the f Matt, Hector, Jack and Ben were and totally gave up on who Nadya, Emily, Ruth, Caroline and Astrid. 'The Wire' this is not so not worth the effort of tracing the characters.
The book is well written. The lead character is very like-able. These are the only reasons why I kept reading since the plot line is preposterous.
Decent beach read.
Former school teacher turns private investigator gets a red herring missing persons case filled with too many characters, misdirections and weird reappearance of 'a one night stand that produced a child' character.
I lost track of half the male names within the 4th or 5th chapter and found myself asking who the f Matt, Hector, Jack and Ben were and totally gave up on who Nadya, Emily, Ruth, Caroline and Astrid. 'The Wire' this is not so not worth the effort of tracing the characters.
The book is well written. The lead character is very like-able. These are the only reasons why I kept reading since the plot line is preposterous.
Decent beach read.
August 16, 2017
3 or 4 stars... hard to choose. I really liked the main character Edie. She is flawed and not a professional investigator as in so many other crime books I read. The story was compelling and kept my interest, though I'm not sure I'm totally satisfied with how the mystery wrapped up. But I am intrigued enough to read the next in the series.
May 13, 2019
This book is a delight, for the plot is not formulaic like in a typical 'Who Dunit'. The settings and characters are realistic, and the plot is the more disturbing as it appears possible. I enjoy the way gentle humour is interlaced with the tension. I look forward to reading more of Julie Highmore's books.
September 2, 2017
Most entertaining!
While the story didn't keep me riveted, it did keep me interested and entertained. It has some compelling and amazing characters. Just when I thought I had it figured out a new twist came to light. A very good book.
While the story didn't keep me riveted, it did keep me interested and entertained. It has some compelling and amazing characters. Just when I thought I had it figured out a new twist came to light. A very good book.
January 24, 2018
The plot was a good one but it got mixed with quite a bit and was often confusing. There was too much casual dialogue that could have been avoided. No doubt some mystery lovers will enjoy it anyway.
August 8, 2017
This book has everything. Humour, suspense and a nail-biting climax. I hope we'll be hearing more from Edie Fox as she develops her detective skills!
August 18, 2017
I loved the book! The characters were all interesting and lovable (yes even the bad ones)! Great story. Many surprises from beginning to end. Hope it's made into a film!
September 1, 2017
Many twists!
Great story. Just when you think it's about to end, you realize that it's only just begun! Take time and enjoy!
Great story. Just when you think it's about to end, you realize that it's only just begun! Take time and enjoy!
October 23, 2017
I really love reading books with a genre of crime and detectives. :) I will give this a shot :)
November 13, 2017
A little confusing but good
I like the book but it was a little confusing. I liked the English terms it add to story. Also the characters were good.
I like the book but it was a little confusing. I liked the English terms it add to story. Also the characters were good.
January 11, 2018
Had a hard time putting it down to clean up my Christmas decorations. Awesome read for cold days when you have to stay inside. Kept my interest up all the way through.
March 18, 2018
Nice English mystery
I enjoyed the complexity of Edie Fox's family while she waded through a complex missing person case. It was a bit predictable but still a joy to read
I enjoyed the complexity of Edie Fox's family while she waded through a complex missing person case. It was a bit predictable but still a joy to read
August 4, 2018
I like the book. I would have given it four stars but I was not happy with how they resolved the the murders character.
If this became a series I would probably read the next one.
If this became a series I would probably read the next one.
August 9, 2018
Enjoyable
This is a very enjoyable book. Mysterious and suspenseful, and humorous, with all of the little twists and turns that keep you on the edge and turning the next page.
This is a very enjoyable book. Mysterious and suspenseful, and humorous, with all of the little twists and turns that keep you on the edge and turning the next page.
October 18, 2018
Great book
Crazy story full of interesting characters. Sometimes it is not easy to follow a British point of view, but this book makes it easy
Crazy story full of interesting characters. Sometimes it is not easy to follow a British point of view, but this book makes it easy
March 28, 2019
The American's Cousin
Although I found this book hard to get into after starting it found it to be funny and quirky at times . Really kept me guessing Whodunit.
Although I found this book hard to get into after starting it found it to be funny and quirky at times . Really kept me guessing Whodunit.
July 8, 2019
I have a hard time reading British authors.
November 22, 2019
A very enjoyable mystery with lots of twists and turns.
December 22, 2019
Great mystery
This book had so many twist and turns. Edie the main character was a little air head.Never expected the killer to be so close to the main character.Good read.
This book had so many twist and turns. Edie the main character was a little air head.Never expected the killer to be so close to the main character.Good read.
August 17, 2023
Really enjoyed this from front cover to back
May 26, 2023
Edie Fox is a former teacher turned private investigator, but, so far, her cases have involved only a couple of cheating spouses, until an handsome man enters her small office. Mike Smith has arrived from the US in search of his cousin Isabella, a photographer who has moved to the UK a few months back, and he hasn’t heard from her in months. He is very worried and he is willing to pay Edie a lot of money to find her. Edie starts investigating, but when first a new PI enters the game and then Mike suddenly disappears, she starts to suspect that something more sinister is in place. To further complicate matters, someone from Edie’s past resurfaces, turning her quiet family life upside down.
The Missing American is an entertaining and suspenseful read. The mystery of the missing photographer and her deceitful cousin make for an intriguing read with quite a few unexpected twists and turns. Edie’s personal life is also under the spotlight. After a one-night stand at university, she found herself pregnant and she raised her daughter Maeve all on her own. Now, her daughter has also a child and they are raising him together. Smart, witty, and resourceful, Edie uses her love for crime novels as her PI training. She is helped by a cast of young side characters that are interesting, unusual, and well-developed.
The story is well-paced and I enjoyed the storylines both on the professional and personal side as they are quite full of drama. And when the lines blend, things become even more interesting!
The Missing American is an entertaining and suspenseful read. The mystery of the missing photographer and her deceitful cousin make for an intriguing read with quite a few unexpected twists and turns. Edie’s personal life is also under the spotlight. After a one-night stand at university, she found herself pregnant and she raised her daughter Maeve all on her own. Now, her daughter has also a child and they are raising him together. Smart, witty, and resourceful, Edie uses her love for crime novels as her PI training. She is helped by a cast of young side characters that are interesting, unusual, and well-developed.
The story is well-paced and I enjoyed the storylines both on the professional and personal side as they are quite full of drama. And when the lines blend, things become even more interesting!
November 14, 2017
¡Received the book in a Giveaway!
RATINGS : 4.0
It was a good book that keeps us in its grips, with butt-load of mystery, till the very last. I am sure that no one will have guessed the ending even in their wildest dreams.
Even though it was a bit dull in the start, it picked up pace and the last 50 pages were just a roller-coaster of surprises. Loved the main character too;who's completely different than what we see in normal crime novels.
The ending could have been a bit better but overall, it was a good read.
RATINGS : 4.0
It was a good book that keeps us in its grips, with butt-load of mystery, till the very last. I am sure that no one will have guessed the ending even in their wildest dreams.
Even though it was a bit dull in the start, it picked up pace and the last 50 pages were just a roller-coaster of surprises. Loved the main character too;who's completely different than what we see in normal crime novels.
The ending could have been a bit better but overall, it was a good read.
Read
February 25, 2018T
I really enjoyed this one. Teacher turns private eye, interesting entwined story enfolds
I really enjoyed this one. Teacher turns private eye, interesting entwined story enfolds
Want to read
February 8, 2019the fussy librarian
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews