What do you think?
Rate this book
The Curious Case of Maggie Macbeth
Sometimes you have to take the law into your own hands…
After unexpectedly losing her high-powered job in Hong Kong, forty-something widow, Maggie Macbeth, turns up on the doorstep of her old sidekick, Cath, in the sleepy Peak District village of Archdale. A fish out of water, Maggie comes into conflict with everyone and everything — especially Cath’s awful friend Tiggy – and rock bottom is just around the corner. But it turns out Maggie isn’t the only one in trouble, and when a crisis hits the local community, Maggie has a choice: to give up on life, or to go back to her legal roots and fight for justice. But can she save the day as well as herself?
This laugh-out-loud debut novel shows that no battle is too big when you’ve got friends on your side.
After unexpectedly losing her high-powered job in Hong Kong, forty-something widow, Maggie Macbeth, turns up on the doorstep of her old sidekick, Cath, in the sleepy Peak District village of Archdale. A fish out of water, Maggie comes into conflict with everyone and everything — especially Cath’s awful friend Tiggy – and rock bottom is just around the corner. But it turns out Maggie isn’t the only one in trouble, and when a crisis hits the local community, Maggie has a choice: to give up on life, or to go back to her legal roots and fight for justice. But can she save the day as well as herself?
This laugh-out-loud debut novel shows that no battle is too big when you’ve got friends on your side.
320 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2020
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 20, 2020
📚 Hello Book Friend! I am so excited to be part of the blog tour for this fantastic novel: THE CURIOUS CASE OF MAGGIE MACBETH by Stacey Murray. Maggie MacBeth is no ordinary gal. She is blunt, no-nonsense, and dealing with a lot of emotional turmoil. Maggie is a strong mind woman who loves her career as a power lawyer for an oil company in Hong Kong. But after a disagreement with her boss, Maggie finds herself without a job and decides to show up at her best friend Cath’s doorstep unannounced. Promising to find another job, Maggie tips into hard times. Cath welcomes Maggie at first, but she has her own issues and soon starts to regret her decision. Through many stressful events, they both will rediscover their friendship and Maggie’s feet will soon find solid ground to start anew.
This is a beautiful story of friendship, love, loss, and finding purpose. There are many fun moments in the book and many sad too. This is a wonderful book.
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you, RedDoor Press for inviting me to be part of this blog tour and for sending me an eARC of this beautiful book. THE CURIOUS CASE OF MAGGIE MACBETH by Stacey Murray is now available at your favourite bookstore.
#poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography #thecurriouscaseofmaggiemacbeth #staceymurray #bookreview
September 17, 2020
This was such an enjoyable read! It was such a delight to get through and 0ne of the best things was the main character. In a way I could relate with much of what she was feeling. although I think Maggie Macbeth is a much more ballsy character than I am.
So after Maggie loses her high profile laywer's job in Hong Kong she ends up going back to the UK, and taking shelter at her best friend's house in a village in Archdale - aka practically in the middle of nowhere. So Maggie has to learn how to adjust in this small community. But how can you do this if you're used to living the high life for more than a decade.
Despite Maggie's hilarious struggles at the beginning, she soon finds ways to learn to manouvre herself in the countryside customs. Maggie's character is obnoxious, insufferable but all around a determined woman. Her heart's in the right place, so it was quite impossible not to like her.
What I loved most of all was the humour in the book. The story was so brilliantly told, it felt I was literally watching the character unfold from the page into my mind's eyes like a good old rom-com; big city girl ends up for whatever reason back home and needs to get her life back on track. In the end she ends up finding herself and what really matters in life.
So after Maggie loses her high profile laywer's job in Hong Kong she ends up going back to the UK, and taking shelter at her best friend's house in a village in Archdale - aka practically in the middle of nowhere. So Maggie has to learn how to adjust in this small community. But how can you do this if you're used to living the high life for more than a decade.
Despite Maggie's hilarious struggles at the beginning, she soon finds ways to learn to manouvre herself in the countryside customs. Maggie's character is obnoxious, insufferable but all around a determined woman. Her heart's in the right place, so it was quite impossible not to like her.
What I loved most of all was the humour in the book. The story was so brilliantly told, it felt I was literally watching the character unfold from the page into my mind's eyes like a good old rom-com; big city girl ends up for whatever reason back home and needs to get her life back on track. In the end she ends up finding herself and what really matters in life.
March 9, 2020
This is a tricky one. On the one hand, you think it's going to be a sprited but classic chick lit "happy ever after" story of city girl blundering round the counryside making a fool of herself before meeting the hunky farmer and settling down. And on the face of it, there is a bit of that going on. BUT, it is not that book at all!
For starters, it's a fair bit darker than your usual pastel covered tale. There is grief, friends, gasp, "not being perfect", unresolved issues where not everyone likes everyone else.
And it's funny. Lots of snarky asides and understated putdowns; the sort of semi bitchy things you might say to your mates.
It's realistic too. It feels as though the writer has been to that village pub and that charity quiz (and from her bio, I'm guessing she has). The set pieces are not ridiculously overblown but subtle and occasionally cringe-inducing. Just like real life
So then you find yourself in the slightly weird place of reading a story about events which really might actually happen but are fun and sparkley at the same time. It doesn't gloss over the spells of loneliness and depression but nor does it dwell on them. Hey, just like real life!
So, in waffly summary, it IS an easy, funny read but there is a lot more to it than that. Maggie is an interesting, unapologetic character who is great at some things and rubbish at others but intelligent, good hearted and not a chick lit caricature for which I am thankful
For starters, it's a fair bit darker than your usual pastel covered tale. There is grief, friends, gasp, "not being perfect", unresolved issues where not everyone likes everyone else.
And it's funny. Lots of snarky asides and understated putdowns; the sort of semi bitchy things you might say to your mates.
It's realistic too. It feels as though the writer has been to that village pub and that charity quiz (and from her bio, I'm guessing she has). The set pieces are not ridiculously overblown but subtle and occasionally cringe-inducing. Just like real life
So then you find yourself in the slightly weird place of reading a story about events which really might actually happen but are fun and sparkley at the same time. It doesn't gloss over the spells of loneliness and depression but nor does it dwell on them. Hey, just like real life!
So, in waffly summary, it IS an easy, funny read but there is a lot more to it than that. Maggie is an interesting, unapologetic character who is great at some things and rubbish at others but intelligent, good hearted and not a chick lit caricature for which I am thankful
July 8, 2020
Thank you to @reddoorbooks for my #gifted copy for an honest review on the blog tour.
.
This is a great novel, easy to read and heart warming. You really feel for some of the characters and can really relate to them having curve balls thrown at them from all walks of life but they are able to overcome them by being together and having strong friendships to help get them through.
.
Who can’t relate to that?!?!
.
This is a great novel, easy to read and heart warming. You really feel for some of the characters and can really relate to them having curve balls thrown at them from all walks of life but they are able to overcome them by being together and having strong friendships to help get them through.
.
Who can’t relate to that?!?!
July 20, 2020
Thank you so much to @reddoorbooks for including me in this booktour.
This book was wonderful but simple. A heartwarming story about friendship, finding ones self and finally moving on and finding love ❤️
And who wouldn’t love this cover its so cute right?
SYNOPSIS
Sometimes you have to take the law into your own hands…
After unexpectedly losing her high-powered job in Hong Kong, forty-something widow, Maggie Macbeth, turns up on the doorstep of her old sidekick, Cath, in the sleepy Peak District village of Archdale. A fish out of water, Maggie comes into conflict with everyone and everything — especially Cath’s awful friend Tiggy – and rock bottom is just around the corner. But it turns out Maggie isn’t the only one in trouble, and when a crisis hits the local community, Maggie has a choice: to give up on life, or to go back to her legal roots and fight for justice. But can she save the day as well as herself?
This laugh-out-loud debut novel shows that no battle is too big when you’ve got friends on your side.
4.5⭐️
This book was wonderful but simple. A heartwarming story about friendship, finding ones self and finally moving on and finding love ❤️
And who wouldn’t love this cover its so cute right?
SYNOPSIS
Sometimes you have to take the law into your own hands…
After unexpectedly losing her high-powered job in Hong Kong, forty-something widow, Maggie Macbeth, turns up on the doorstep of her old sidekick, Cath, in the sleepy Peak District village of Archdale. A fish out of water, Maggie comes into conflict with everyone and everything — especially Cath’s awful friend Tiggy – and rock bottom is just around the corner. But it turns out Maggie isn’t the only one in trouble, and when a crisis hits the local community, Maggie has a choice: to give up on life, or to go back to her legal roots and fight for justice. But can she save the day as well as herself?
This laugh-out-loud debut novel shows that no battle is too big when you’ve got friends on your side.
4.5⭐️
March 8, 2020
What a great book!
The writing style of this book was great and it flowed so well. It has become one of my favourite books so far this year and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light hearted, cosy, witty book that also has you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what's to come!
Maggie, a lawyer from Glasgow, returns from her job in Hong Kong to the village of Archdale in the Peak District to find her old friend Cath after losing her job and unable to face her mother back in Scotland. Archdale is a small village in the middle of nowhere and high profile lawyer Maggie finds herself trying to adjust to small village life where everyone knows everything about everyone. She clashes with many of the villagers and when trying to do her bit ends up making things worse or trying to change them to her way of thinking which doesn't always work.
Maggies relationship with Cath starts to break down once she begins to fall into a pit of despair and fails to help with chores, paying bills and job hunting. As their relationship gets tested to its limit she finds friendship in Rob, a farmer who is going through some hard times at the farm and could use some support. Their friendship grows and Maggie finds herself drawn to him more and more but circumstances get in the way and she learns just what it means to be part of such a small community that rallies round one of its own in times of need.
Although her relationships with the villagers is tense and she has made a few enemies along the way, she can't help but feel like she is growing to like both them and the village itself. After returning to Scotland she finds herself being pulled back by the need to help Rob and his family save their farm by becoming their lawyer in the hopes that she can get to court and put up a fight to save it. Although this area of the law is not her usual domain she puts in everything she has to help and the villagers start to see her in a new light and accept her more than they ever have.
Will Maggie decide to stay in Archdale or will she be drawn back to the glitz and glam of lawyer life in a big city abroad?
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole book. Although at times Maggie can be quite annoying her character grows so much and you find yourself loving her even when you thought you might not. We see characters facing a range of struggles in their daily life which some people might be able to relate to and we see what it means to have friendship and to be a good friend and neighbour. Everyone needs support at some point in life and as hard as it may be there is nothing wrong in accepting it. It also shows us that change can be great! Be bold and brave and take those chances because you don't know what amazing things may come of those decisions.
The writing style of this book was great and it flowed so well. It has become one of my favourite books so far this year and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light hearted, cosy, witty book that also has you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what's to come!
Maggie, a lawyer from Glasgow, returns from her job in Hong Kong to the village of Archdale in the Peak District to find her old friend Cath after losing her job and unable to face her mother back in Scotland. Archdale is a small village in the middle of nowhere and high profile lawyer Maggie finds herself trying to adjust to small village life where everyone knows everything about everyone. She clashes with many of the villagers and when trying to do her bit ends up making things worse or trying to change them to her way of thinking which doesn't always work.
Maggies relationship with Cath starts to break down once she begins to fall into a pit of despair and fails to help with chores, paying bills and job hunting. As their relationship gets tested to its limit she finds friendship in Rob, a farmer who is going through some hard times at the farm and could use some support. Their friendship grows and Maggie finds herself drawn to him more and more but circumstances get in the way and she learns just what it means to be part of such a small community that rallies round one of its own in times of need.
Although her relationships with the villagers is tense and she has made a few enemies along the way, she can't help but feel like she is growing to like both them and the village itself. After returning to Scotland she finds herself being pulled back by the need to help Rob and his family save their farm by becoming their lawyer in the hopes that she can get to court and put up a fight to save it. Although this area of the law is not her usual domain she puts in everything she has to help and the villagers start to see her in a new light and accept her more than they ever have.
Will Maggie decide to stay in Archdale or will she be drawn back to the glitz and glam of lawyer life in a big city abroad?
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole book. Although at times Maggie can be quite annoying her character grows so much and you find yourself loving her even when you thought you might not. We see characters facing a range of struggles in their daily life which some people might be able to relate to and we see what it means to have friendship and to be a good friend and neighbour. Everyone needs support at some point in life and as hard as it may be there is nothing wrong in accepting it. It also shows us that change can be great! Be bold and brave and take those chances because you don't know what amazing things may come of those decisions.
March 27, 2020
Maggie Macbeth. What can I tell you about our protagonist Maggie? She had it all. A high-flying career in Hong Kong, mingling with the big shots. But, then it all comes to a halt and she has to come back to the UK.
She lands on Cath's doorstep. Her friend from university, who she hasn't actually seen for a few years. And, from here on in the fun and drama begins.
Maggie isn't used to the country life. She's just come from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. So, it's very much a culture shock when she starts living the village life in Archdale. I loved the humour in this book, and Maggie was usually at the centre of it all. She is definitely not afraid to tell it like it is, and this has a knock on effect on Cath.
Cath, who has settled down and made a life in the village at first embraces Maggie's visit. But, soon enough when Maggie's loose tongue gets going. Cath is the one who has to deal with the fallout. It's not necessarily chaotic, just the fact that Maggie has more guts to tell people to their faces, when Cath would rather just keep quiet and keep the peace.
The relationship between Maggie and Cath is great. Despite not seeing each other for years, they still fall into step like the good old days. Just how good friendships should be. Time apart doesn't mean time lost. Despite everything that Maggie does or says she knows that Cath will always be by her side... eventually.
A beautiful tale of friendship. With a good smattering of humour. You definitely need Maggie Macbeth in your life.
She lands on Cath's doorstep. Her friend from university, who she hasn't actually seen for a few years. And, from here on in the fun and drama begins.
Maggie isn't used to the country life. She's just come from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. So, it's very much a culture shock when she starts living the village life in Archdale. I loved the humour in this book, and Maggie was usually at the centre of it all. She is definitely not afraid to tell it like it is, and this has a knock on effect on Cath.
Cath, who has settled down and made a life in the village at first embraces Maggie's visit. But, soon enough when Maggie's loose tongue gets going. Cath is the one who has to deal with the fallout. It's not necessarily chaotic, just the fact that Maggie has more guts to tell people to their faces, when Cath would rather just keep quiet and keep the peace.
The relationship between Maggie and Cath is great. Despite not seeing each other for years, they still fall into step like the good old days. Just how good friendships should be. Time apart doesn't mean time lost. Despite everything that Maggie does or says she knows that Cath will always be by her side... eventually.
A beautiful tale of friendship. With a good smattering of humour. You definitely need Maggie Macbeth in your life.
March 5, 2020
We meet Maggie Macbeth, returning home to the UK after losing a high-flying job in Hong Kong, its been over 10 years since she's lived in the UK.
Not having a great relationship with her mother, Maggie decides to call on an old friend from Uni, to ask for a place to stay until she sorts out somewhere to live.
Her friend Cath is more than happy to help. Recently suffering the affects of a cheating husband, who has moved out, she is looking forward to a bit of company. However, Cath lives in a very small and remote village in the Peak District, not the kind of place Maggie is used to. She soon finds it too quiet, too remote and managers to clash with nearly every villager she meets. Cath soon finds that her new lodger is upsetting the apple cart of the respectable life she has carved out for herself and as days become weeks and with Maggie's mood on a serious downturn coupled with a serious lack of help with the household chores, we start to see friction between the two old friends.
As Maggie and Cath reach a decision point on what to do next, a crisis in the village involving perhaps the one person Maggie has managed to get along with, calls on Maggie's background as a lawyer and as she starts to find a way to help, villagers start to see her in a different light. At the same time with the occurrence of a crisis more close to home, Maggie might even be beginning to think she may belong among these folk after all.
Written with great warmth and sprinkled throughout with humour this is a sweet tale of friendship, companionship and learning how to get along together. As Maggie begins to learn that not everyone's life has been plain sailing, including her own, she starts to understand that the quiet life suits them just fine. Could this also be true for Maggie?
With a great little twist at the end this is a feel good story just in time for spring and new beginnings!
March 9, 2020
Thanks to Reddoor for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: After losing her high powered job in Hong Kong, forty-something widow and lawyer, Maggie Macbeth, turns up on the doorstep of her old sidekick, Cath, in the sleepy Peak District village of Archdale.
A fish out of water, Maggie comes into conflict with everyone’s and everything- especially Cath’s awful friend Tiggy- and rock bottom is just around the corner. But it turns out Maggie isn’t the only one in trouble. When a crisis hits the local community, Maggie has a choice: to give up on life, or go back to her legal roots and fight for justice. But can she save the day as well as herself?
Thoughts: I loved this. It’s funny at the start of the book I hated Maggie and thought oh no I’m not going to enjoy this- keep going! Maggie turns into such a lovely, funny person you need to give her a chance. Lots of things happen in the little town of Archdale. This story is written with humour and it is very uplifting. Maggie is dealt with a lot of problems but manages to over come every one. I really recommend this feel good story!
Synopsis: After losing her high powered job in Hong Kong, forty-something widow and lawyer, Maggie Macbeth, turns up on the doorstep of her old sidekick, Cath, in the sleepy Peak District village of Archdale.
A fish out of water, Maggie comes into conflict with everyone’s and everything- especially Cath’s awful friend Tiggy- and rock bottom is just around the corner. But it turns out Maggie isn’t the only one in trouble. When a crisis hits the local community, Maggie has a choice: to give up on life, or go back to her legal roots and fight for justice. But can she save the day as well as herself?
Thoughts: I loved this. It’s funny at the start of the book I hated Maggie and thought oh no I’m not going to enjoy this- keep going! Maggie turns into such a lovely, funny person you need to give her a chance. Lots of things happen in the little town of Archdale. This story is written with humour and it is very uplifting. Maggie is dealt with a lot of problems but manages to over come every one. I really recommend this feel good story!
July 12, 2020
This has been just the right paced book for me this week. It has been delightful to read and get lost in the characters lives. The characters in this book are so relatable and you can really get behind them and feel what they are feeling. There are so many laugh out moments and I adored the long years of friendship between Maggie and Cath, their ups and downs, their banter and their petty frustrations taken out on each other, but always being there for each other, cheering each other on.
I loved that each chapter had it's own title which gave a feeling of what it might be about.
This debut novel made me smile, it was full to the brim of every life, the righting of wrongs, community spirit and general 'feel good factor'.
I loved it!
I loved that each chapter had it's own title which gave a feeling of what it might be about.
This debut novel made me smile, it was full to the brim of every life, the righting of wrongs, community spirit and general 'feel good factor'.
I loved it!
March 10, 2020
Excellent ! easy read full of laughter and heartwarming moments of true friendships old and new , Easy to relate to characters who you just want to know more about ! Just love this book bought a smile to my face every time I picked it up .
March 16, 2020
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would.
Firstly, I loved that the chapters were actually titled rather than numbered. I don't know why but this made me smile, it's been a long time since I've seen this in a book. The chapters were of a good length too, definitely allowing for you to read here and there throughout the day.
Initially I disliked Maggie. She seemed uptight and too controlling, having returned from her impressive job in Hong Kong, but I grew to like her through the book. The other characters were great too. All had depth, background and slotted in to the story well.
I also loved the friendship between Maggie and Cath, having been friends for years. The banter, the comfortable feeling they had between each other shine through.
This isn't a crime, nor a thriller. Something which I have been reading plenty of recently. But it was a lovely story of Maggie finding herself, creating friendships and becoming comfortable with who she is.
Thank you to Lizzie at Red Door Books for the gifted book.
Firstly, I loved that the chapters were actually titled rather than numbered. I don't know why but this made me smile, it's been a long time since I've seen this in a book. The chapters were of a good length too, definitely allowing for you to read here and there throughout the day.
Initially I disliked Maggie. She seemed uptight and too controlling, having returned from her impressive job in Hong Kong, but I grew to like her through the book. The other characters were great too. All had depth, background and slotted in to the story well.
I also loved the friendship between Maggie and Cath, having been friends for years. The banter, the comfortable feeling they had between each other shine through.
This isn't a crime, nor a thriller. Something which I have been reading plenty of recently. But it was a lovely story of Maggie finding herself, creating friendships and becoming comfortable with who she is.
Thank you to Lizzie at Red Door Books for the gifted book.
February 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was really easy to read and i got through it quickly. The chapters were nicely sized and not too long.
I loved the relationship between Maggie and Cath and it shows that even after 10 years of contact but not seeing each other, some friendships are built that good that there is not much awkwardness when you see each other again
Although Maggie gets off to a rough start, she really comes through for the village and the book also has a strong sense of community throughout.
Thank you to red door for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion
I loved the relationship between Maggie and Cath and it shows that even after 10 years of contact but not seeing each other, some friendships are built that good that there is not much awkwardness when you see each other again
Although Maggie gets off to a rough start, she really comes through for the village and the book also has a strong sense of community throughout.
Thank you to red door for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion
July 8, 2020
Stacey Murray's debut, The Curious Case of Maggie Macbeth is a very entertaining story with a larger than life protagonist. Maggie Macbeth is kind of like a hedgehog: prickly and tough on the outside but soft and caring on the inside. If you make friends with Maggie I think you'll have a friend for life, such as in the case of her friend, Cath.
Glaswegian Maggie Macbeth makes quite an entrance to the story when she turns up out of the blue at her friend's cafe in Derbyshire clutching a traffic cone. I worked in Glasgow for a wee while so a Glaswegian clutching a traffic cone did make me chuckle in the same way as it did when I first saw the traffic cone perched atop the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow city centre. A stickler for the rules, as evidenced by the confiscated traffic cone, Maggie inevitably seems to rub people up the wrong way at first but she's definitely someone you want on your side when the chips are down.
It's not a saying I've ever adopted but it came to mind when I was reading Maggie's story: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Widowed and unemployed in her forties, Maggie has been handed more than her fair share of lemons but I felt that she got more job satisfaction through helping a local farmer with a loan contract than she ever did with any of her high flying clients in Hong Kong. Of course, it helps when the farmer in question is a bit dishy!
I loved Maggie and Cath's longstanding friendship and the strain it was put under when Maggie seemed to have outstayed her welcome. Cath's dog, Jazz, has to get a special mention as she's such a fantastic little character and she almost stole the show; she really took a shine to Maggie and the feeling is definitely mutual. What I loved most is how things didn't always turn out as expected for Maggie, making it very realistic and true to life.
Gloriously heart-warming, The Curious Case of Maggie Macbeth is a fabulous feel-good book. It might take a while for readers to warm to Maggie but she is well worth getting to know in this charming and witty debut from Stacey Murray.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Glaswegian Maggie Macbeth makes quite an entrance to the story when she turns up out of the blue at her friend's cafe in Derbyshire clutching a traffic cone. I worked in Glasgow for a wee while so a Glaswegian clutching a traffic cone did make me chuckle in the same way as it did when I first saw the traffic cone perched atop the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow city centre. A stickler for the rules, as evidenced by the confiscated traffic cone, Maggie inevitably seems to rub people up the wrong way at first but she's definitely someone you want on your side when the chips are down.
It's not a saying I've ever adopted but it came to mind when I was reading Maggie's story: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Widowed and unemployed in her forties, Maggie has been handed more than her fair share of lemons but I felt that she got more job satisfaction through helping a local farmer with a loan contract than she ever did with any of her high flying clients in Hong Kong. Of course, it helps when the farmer in question is a bit dishy!
I loved Maggie and Cath's longstanding friendship and the strain it was put under when Maggie seemed to have outstayed her welcome. Cath's dog, Jazz, has to get a special mention as she's such a fantastic little character and she almost stole the show; she really took a shine to Maggie and the feeling is definitely mutual. What I loved most is how things didn't always turn out as expected for Maggie, making it very realistic and true to life.
Gloriously heart-warming, The Curious Case of Maggie Macbeth is a fabulous feel-good book. It might take a while for readers to warm to Maggie but she is well worth getting to know in this charming and witty debut from Stacey Murray.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 13, 2020
The Blurb :
Sometimes you have to take the law into your own hands…
After unexpectedly losing her high-powered job in Hong Kong, forty-something widow, Maggie Macbeth, turns up on the doorstep of her old sidekick, Cath, in the sleepy Peak District village of Archdale. A fish out of water, Maggie comes into conflict with everyone and everything — especially Cath’s awful friend Tiggy – and rock bottom is just around the corner. But it turns out Maggie isn’t the only one in trouble, and when a crisis hits the local community, Maggie has a choice: to give up on life, or to go back to her legal roots and fight for justice. But can she save the day as well as herself?
This laugh-out-loud debut novel shows that no battle is too big when you’ve got friends on your side.
My Thoughts :
Here we meet Maggie Macbeth, she has just returned to the UK after losing her job in Hong Kong. Maggie hasnt been home in 10 years and since she doesnt have the best relationship with her mum, Maggie calls upon Cath her friend from uni and asks if she can stay with her. Cath is happy to let Maggie stay as she is in need of some female company after kicking her cheating husband out.
The Peak District is not Maggie’s idea of fun, its far too quiet and she isnt a fan of the locals.
As Cath starts to think she made a mistake having Maggie to stay, things need to change and quick.
Has Maggie outstayed her welcome and can they save their friendship before its too late!?.
I really enjoyed Stacey Murray’s writing style. The story was full of wit and charm with a little romance thrown in. I felt the characters were warming and just like friends of my own. Although Maggie took a bit of getting used to at the start, I soon fell in love with her as her story progressed.
Looking forward to more books from the Author.
Sometimes you have to take the law into your own hands…
After unexpectedly losing her high-powered job in Hong Kong, forty-something widow, Maggie Macbeth, turns up on the doorstep of her old sidekick, Cath, in the sleepy Peak District village of Archdale. A fish out of water, Maggie comes into conflict with everyone and everything — especially Cath’s awful friend Tiggy – and rock bottom is just around the corner. But it turns out Maggie isn’t the only one in trouble, and when a crisis hits the local community, Maggie has a choice: to give up on life, or to go back to her legal roots and fight for justice. But can she save the day as well as herself?
This laugh-out-loud debut novel shows that no battle is too big when you’ve got friends on your side.
My Thoughts :
Here we meet Maggie Macbeth, she has just returned to the UK after losing her job in Hong Kong. Maggie hasnt been home in 10 years and since she doesnt have the best relationship with her mum, Maggie calls upon Cath her friend from uni and asks if she can stay with her. Cath is happy to let Maggie stay as she is in need of some female company after kicking her cheating husband out.
The Peak District is not Maggie’s idea of fun, its far too quiet and she isnt a fan of the locals.
As Cath starts to think she made a mistake having Maggie to stay, things need to change and quick.
Has Maggie outstayed her welcome and can they save their friendship before its too late!?.
I really enjoyed Stacey Murray’s writing style. The story was full of wit and charm with a little romance thrown in. I felt the characters were warming and just like friends of my own. Although Maggie took a bit of getting used to at the start, I soon fell in love with her as her story progressed.
Looking forward to more books from the Author.
July 14, 2020
I have to say that The Curious Case of Maggie Macbeth was a far more serious book than the fluffy romcom I was expecting. Yes, there is a little romance but that isn’t the be all and end all of the plot here! It’s a book about friendship, new beginnings and community with a cast of relatable characters, even if some of them are far more likeable than others! Maggie is a 40 something widow who has left her high flying career as a lawyer in Hong Kong and on returning to the UK seeks out her old friend Cath. Now Cath has her own problems but a friend in need and all that so she allows Maggie to move in with her…
I loved the community spirit of this village in the Peak District and how so much of their social life was based around the local pub! There were friendships and fallouts, falling in and out of love, endings and new beginnings…so life in general really! And Maggie manages to get herself involved in most of it as she adjusts to life back in the UK. She didn’t always act in the best interest of others but this led to some very funny scenarios throughout this touching and life affirming novel. I loved the balance of humour and drama with Maggie always at the centre of things proving it’s never too late to learn something new or reinvent yourself.
The Curious Case of Maggie Macbeth is a fun debut that delivered far more than I was expecting. Funny but poignant with an unforgettable main character, it’s well worth a read especially if you’re a fan of the “more mature” female in your women’s fiction!
I loved the community spirit of this village in the Peak District and how so much of their social life was based around the local pub! There were friendships and fallouts, falling in and out of love, endings and new beginnings…so life in general really! And Maggie manages to get herself involved in most of it as she adjusts to life back in the UK. She didn’t always act in the best interest of others but this led to some very funny scenarios throughout this touching and life affirming novel. I loved the balance of humour and drama with Maggie always at the centre of things proving it’s never too late to learn something new or reinvent yourself.
The Curious Case of Maggie Macbeth is a fun debut that delivered far more than I was expecting. Funny but poignant with an unforgettable main character, it’s well worth a read especially if you’re a fan of the “more mature” female in your women’s fiction!
July 11, 2020
What an absolute delight this book was! It is highly entertaining, funny and Maggie is a brilliant protagonist. At first I wasn’t too sure about her, she seemed very abrupt and touchy but once you got to know her you start to warm to her and understand that her heart is in the right place.
The story itself is all about friendship and how it is not always perfect. Everyone has issues and fall outs but a true friendship always gets through the tough times. Cath and Maggie reminded me so much of me and my friends they were both so realistic and relatable.
There is a little bit of romance thrown in and it was just enough to not sway away from the rest of the plot. It is a funny, easy read which has so much more depth to it than a lot of contemporary reads that are about at the moment. The grief Maggie has gone through, the failed marriage of Cath’s and the worry of losing your home due to your financial situation, it is all described so poignantly. The story definitely makes you think about how life can take you to places you never intended to go, but life has a funny way of throwing all kinds of hurdles at you. Sometimes, it is all so you are exactly where you should be in the end.
I adored this and I know many readers will be inspired by Maggie’s strength and her prickly, hilarious ways.
The story itself is all about friendship and how it is not always perfect. Everyone has issues and fall outs but a true friendship always gets through the tough times. Cath and Maggie reminded me so much of me and my friends they were both so realistic and relatable.
There is a little bit of romance thrown in and it was just enough to not sway away from the rest of the plot. It is a funny, easy read which has so much more depth to it than a lot of contemporary reads that are about at the moment. The grief Maggie has gone through, the failed marriage of Cath’s and the worry of losing your home due to your financial situation, it is all described so poignantly. The story definitely makes you think about how life can take you to places you never intended to go, but life has a funny way of throwing all kinds of hurdles at you. Sometimes, it is all so you are exactly where you should be in the end.
I adored this and I know many readers will be inspired by Maggie’s strength and her prickly, hilarious ways.
July 15, 2020
4.5 stars
Having grown up in South Yorkshire and visited the Peak District on many occasions, I enjoyed my virtual visit to the virtual village of Archdale during the early summer of 2020 to meet Maggie, Cath and so many more wonderful characters created by Stacey Murray.
As the blurb on the back of the book points out, Maggie has left her high powered job in Hong Kong and is now staying with an old friend in a sleepy village in England. Initially it was difficult to warm to Maggie, who seemed to be overstaying her welcome at Cath’s and was reluctant to be helpful.
However as the story progressed, we discovered more about Maggie, the heartbreak she had suffered and how she needed time to rediscover herself. Then it was time for Maggie to help her friend Cath, plus many of the new people she had met in Archdale.
The book covers a lot of topics, some of them heartbreaking, as we discover what has happened in the past for Maggie, Cath and Rob. However, the book looks at how they all move forward with help of the local community.
I loved the humour, especially when Maggie spends time with Tiggy. Another excellent addition to the story is Jazz – all the best books include at least one dog. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about friendship and love, and will be recommending it to friends and family.
Having grown up in South Yorkshire and visited the Peak District on many occasions, I enjoyed my virtual visit to the virtual village of Archdale during the early summer of 2020 to meet Maggie, Cath and so many more wonderful characters created by Stacey Murray.
As the blurb on the back of the book points out, Maggie has left her high powered job in Hong Kong and is now staying with an old friend in a sleepy village in England. Initially it was difficult to warm to Maggie, who seemed to be overstaying her welcome at Cath’s and was reluctant to be helpful.
However as the story progressed, we discovered more about Maggie, the heartbreak she had suffered and how she needed time to rediscover herself. Then it was time for Maggie to help her friend Cath, plus many of the new people she had met in Archdale.
The book covers a lot of topics, some of them heartbreaking, as we discover what has happened in the past for Maggie, Cath and Rob. However, the book looks at how they all move forward with help of the local community.
I loved the humour, especially when Maggie spends time with Tiggy. Another excellent addition to the story is Jazz – all the best books include at least one dog. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about friendship and love, and will be recommending it to friends and family.
April 26, 2020
This is a gentle and lovely read. A story of lasting friendships and wrongs needing to be righted. The beautiful descriptions of the Peak District were transporting and I really found myself living in the picturesque fictional village of Archdale with Maggie and Cath and Rob and all the other brilliant characters. I loved Australian Pete and Mrs Winterson. The characters and storylines were believable and down to earth. It reminded me of a Marian Keyes’ novel - very warm and like being wrapped in a giant soft woollen blanket. It wasn’t my usual kind of book but I found it a lovely gentle-paced read which kept me company during lockdown and gave me a warm glow throughout. An excellent debut. Nice one Stacey Murray!
May 22, 2020
It’s not wall-to-wall perfect country idyll when you move from a big city to the Hope Valley in Derbyshire, you know.
Yes, it’s probably the most beautiful place in the entire world. Yes, you can go on any number of glorious walks straight from your doorstep. And yes, there is often a great sense of community. But it’s certainly not without its challenges.
Maggie Macbeth, the high-flying lawyer fallen on hard times at the centre of Stacey Murray’s debut novel, discovers this for herself when she rocks up on her friend’s doorstep in a village that is probably Hope, and asks to stay for an indeterminate length of time.
Full review here: https://murderundergroundbrokethecame...
Yes, it’s probably the most beautiful place in the entire world. Yes, you can go on any number of glorious walks straight from your doorstep. And yes, there is often a great sense of community. But it’s certainly not without its challenges.
Maggie Macbeth, the high-flying lawyer fallen on hard times at the centre of Stacey Murray’s debut novel, discovers this for herself when she rocks up on her friend’s doorstep in a village that is probably Hope, and asks to stay for an indeterminate length of time.
Full review here: https://murderundergroundbrokethecame...
July 23, 2020
This is a wonderful book. The main protagonist Maggie is a witty, intelligent and fully rounded character. The other characters are well thought out and I particularly loved Tiggy (we all know a Tiggy). The description of village life is very well observed and the various story lines running through the book are superbly told. It is also refreshing to find a story where the pay off at the end is worth the investment in the book. So many books these days have a great set up but end up with a disappointing ending. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Very much looking forward to the next.
September 26, 2020
Loved this uplifting read that leaves me feeling like I've had a good walk in the Hope Valley once again (how I would love to!), laughed over a drink and found the company and conversation satisfying. Stacey Murray has the gift of a light touch, and only ruminating afterwards, feeling content with the meal, you realise you've been sharing some quite serious things. It's definitely a read to share with friends and should go down well with book clubs! Also lovely to find a book that lives up to its blurb.
May 13, 2020
The book was such a lovely read. Ms Macbeth is a mouthy but loveable character, who goes from strength to strength through the book. Maggie is one of those characters who you can relate to (at least I can) Her friend Cath is someone you can imagine living around here ( I live in Hope Valley)
I think we all know someone like Twiggy.
You can really imagine this story happening in real life. It really was a great read.
I think we all know someone like Twiggy.
You can really imagine this story happening in real life. It really was a great read.
March 5, 2020
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲!
Well well well...
This is a must read for 2020! You will not be disappointed
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I have been kindly gifted this book by @reddoorbooks in exchange for a review.
And I am so thankful, it was a cracker.
The Curious Case Of Maggie Macbeth is the story of Maggie and her estranged best friend Cath. Maggie appears at Cath's doorstep, after her life falls apart and she is left with no one. The high life is all Maggie knows, but the middle of nowhere has no place for high class wines and dines. Will Maggie rekindle her friendship with Cath, and adjust to a life in the country or will she forever regret her up and go from her previous world of power and business.
I adored the writing style in this, such an easy flowing, witty, charming, funny, warming and adorable read. The characters were so homely, and relatable.
I didnt expect the ending, and that made me love the book even more. I'm grateful from the escape of my normal thrillers and I highly recommend giving this your precious time.
#gifted #giftedbook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookpost #bookworm #bookaddict #booklovers #bookish #ukbookworm #bookreview #5stareview #5stars #thecuriouscaseofmaggiemacbeth #reddoorbooks #paperback #releasedtoday #publicationday #booksaretherapy #ilovereading #worldbookday #marchreads #februaryreads
Well well well...
This is a must read for 2020! You will not be disappointed
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I have been kindly gifted this book by @reddoorbooks in exchange for a review.
And I am so thankful, it was a cracker.
The Curious Case Of Maggie Macbeth is the story of Maggie and her estranged best friend Cath. Maggie appears at Cath's doorstep, after her life falls apart and she is left with no one. The high life is all Maggie knows, but the middle of nowhere has no place for high class wines and dines. Will Maggie rekindle her friendship with Cath, and adjust to a life in the country or will she forever regret her up and go from her previous world of power and business.
I adored the writing style in this, such an easy flowing, witty, charming, funny, warming and adorable read. The characters were so homely, and relatable.
I didnt expect the ending, and that made me love the book even more. I'm grateful from the escape of my normal thrillers and I highly recommend giving this your precious time.
#gifted #giftedbook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookpost #bookworm #bookaddict #booklovers #bookish #ukbookworm #bookreview #5stareview #5stars #thecuriouscaseofmaggiemacbeth #reddoorbooks #paperback #releasedtoday #publicationday #booksaretherapy #ilovereading #worldbookday #marchreads #februaryreads
April 20, 2020
Great book! Maggie is a complex character with great observations on people and life. Book picks up pace especially when dealing with legal storyline.Rooting for Maggie at end of the book!
July 1, 2020
Thank you to @reddoorbooks for letting me be a part of this book tour. I LOVED this book, so much in fact that I read this in one day - I couldn’t put it down. Maggie Macbeth is up there for me with characters like Eleanor Oliphant. Maggie and Cath’s friendship has stood the test of time, albeit a tad frosty at their reunion, it blossoms again, only this time they have an added member to their club - Jazz the dog!This book is full of warmth, heart, fight and friendship. It should be on every bookshelf, I have no doubt you’ll love it!
September 10, 2020
Maggie Macbeth's life has taken a drastic turn for the worse, she has lost her prominent upper-level job in Hong Kong and has found her way back to the single spare bedroom of her University roommate, Cath. Whilst Maggie only wants this to be a temporary stay in Archdale she may realise this is the opportunity to find herself again.
A huge thank you to Red Door Press for including me in this blog tour for what is now one of my favourite reads of the year! Contemporary novels are something I dip in and out of throughout the year but I always come back to thrillers however this novel has completely changed my outlook and I'll be picking more books like this up!
Murray's writing skill kept me hooked throughout and definitely left me wanting more even though initially I didn't love Maggie as a main character. She was very stand-offish that made me struggle to connect with her but as I kept reading it became clear that she just struggled to be open with people and therefore, with the reader. By the end of the novel I was rooting for Maggie to get her happily ever after and *spoiler* I was not disappointed. This was a heartfelt and emotional journey that I cannot see anyone disliking.
Small town settings are always a positive for me whether that be in books, TV shows or films. It always creates a strong connection to both the characters and the story because the reader/watcher doesn't have to split their attention between various places. Murray beautifully adopts this writing technique and makes Archdale the perfect setting by reflecting the calming landscape in Cath's personality but also incorporates some pathetic fallacy with the weather and Maggie's initial downhill story line.
As I neared the end of the book I was prepared to give the book four stars, it was really up there but was just missing a small part I couldn't put my finger on but then this big twist! I was blown away by Murray's ending here. Twist endings are always better when little hints are dropped throughout the novel that seem irrelevant at the time but are a big part of the story and Murray executed it perfectly.
Based on all this I couldn't not give it five stars. I am completely in love with this book and recommend everyone read it, it's a beautiful narrative on finding yourself and finding your feet when all seems lost.
A huge thank you to Red Door Press for including me in this blog tour for what is now one of my favourite reads of the year! Contemporary novels are something I dip in and out of throughout the year but I always come back to thrillers however this novel has completely changed my outlook and I'll be picking more books like this up!
Murray's writing skill kept me hooked throughout and definitely left me wanting more even though initially I didn't love Maggie as a main character. She was very stand-offish that made me struggle to connect with her but as I kept reading it became clear that she just struggled to be open with people and therefore, with the reader. By the end of the novel I was rooting for Maggie to get her happily ever after and *spoiler* I was not disappointed. This was a heartfelt and emotional journey that I cannot see anyone disliking.
Small town settings are always a positive for me whether that be in books, TV shows or films. It always creates a strong connection to both the characters and the story because the reader/watcher doesn't have to split their attention between various places. Murray beautifully adopts this writing technique and makes Archdale the perfect setting by reflecting the calming landscape in Cath's personality but also incorporates some pathetic fallacy with the weather and Maggie's initial downhill story line.
As I neared the end of the book I was prepared to give the book four stars, it was really up there but was just missing a small part I couldn't put my finger on but then this big twist! I was blown away by Murray's ending here. Twist endings are always better when little hints are dropped throughout the novel that seem irrelevant at the time but are a big part of the story and Murray executed it perfectly.
Based on all this I couldn't not give it five stars. I am completely in love with this book and recommend everyone read it, it's a beautiful narrative on finding yourself and finding your feet when all seems lost.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews