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There's Been a Little Incident
A witty and warm debut novel from a young Irish writer. A story of family, grief, and the ways we come together when all seems lost.
Molly Black has disappeared. She's been a bit flighty since her parents died, but this time – or so says her hastily written note – she's gone for good.
That's why the whole Black clan – from Granny perched on the printer all the way through to Killian on Zoom from Sydney – is huddled together in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do.
Former model Lady V presumes Molly's just off taking drugs and sleeping with foreigners – which is fine by her. Cousin Anne, tired of living in Molly's shadow, is keeping quiet, and cousin Bobby is distracted by his own issues.
But Molly's disappearance is uncomfortably familiar to Uncle John. It doesn't feel like Molly's gone, it feels like she's lost, and he's determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises.
'Here is a story that takes on grief in its many insidious guises, and yet this brave, big-hearted novel is full of warmth and wisdom. Clever, funny and an utterly life-enhancing read.' Christine Dwyer Hickey
'Told with great generosity and humour... Absorbing, uplifting and very hopeful.' Sinéad Crowley
Molly Black has disappeared. She's been a bit flighty since her parents died, but this time – or so says her hastily written note – she's gone for good.
That's why the whole Black clan – from Granny perched on the printer all the way through to Killian on Zoom from Sydney – is huddled together in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do.
Former model Lady V presumes Molly's just off taking drugs and sleeping with foreigners – which is fine by her. Cousin Anne, tired of living in Molly's shadow, is keeping quiet, and cousin Bobby is distracted by his own issues.
But Molly's disappearance is uncomfortably familiar to Uncle John. It doesn't feel like Molly's gone, it feels like she's lost, and he's determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises.
'Here is a story that takes on grief in its many insidious guises, and yet this brave, big-hearted novel is full of warmth and wisdom. Clever, funny and an utterly life-enhancing read.' Christine Dwyer Hickey
'Told with great generosity and humour... Absorbing, uplifting and very hopeful.' Sinéad Crowley
432 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2022
182 people are currently reading
2100 people want to read
About the author
Alice Ryan
1 book38 followersAlice Ryan grew up in Dublin. After moving to London to study at the LSE, she spent ten years working in the creative industries, holding roles in publishing, film and TV. She was Head of Insight and Planning at BBC Studios before returning to Ireland. She now works at The Arts Council of Ireland and lives in Dublin with her husband Brian and their daughter Kate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
September 27, 2022
EXCERPT: Who were we without Molly?
No matter how exasperating she was, somehow Molly had a special connection to each of us. Molly and Blur shared a history of minor crime and rescued each other from dodgy situations without alerting the wider family. She and Oasis led marches to government buildings about the environment. After babysitting late one Easter weekend, Molly accidentally got hooked on the Masters and, ever since, she and Uncle Mike compared notes on all the Majors - a more unlikely golf fan there never was. Molly indulged Aunt Angela by attending 7 a.m. mass although, unbeknownst to Angela, Molly spent the time alternating between meditating and singing the soundtrack to Evita in her head. Molly brought Ann to life, was more reasonable than Even-Steven and ate Helen out of house and home. Aunt Frances approved of Molly's non-conformist walkabout lifestyle and, weirdly, Molly and Bobby both loved swimming in the rain. There was a reason John was so worked up - sometimes it seemed like Molly was the daughter he'd never had. Molly had a connection to each of us but, more than that, she brought us all together - for good reasons and bad. Molly Black was like electricity - sometimes she lit up the world. Sometimes she electrocuted you.
ABOUT 'THERE'S BEEN A LITTLE INCIDENT':
'There's been a little incident...'
Molly Black has disappeared. She's been a bit flighty since her parents died (sure, hadn't she run off with a tree surgeon that time?) but this time, or so says her hastily written leaving note, she's gone for good.
That's why the whole Black clan – from Granny perched on the printer all the way through to Killian on Zoom from Sydney – is huddled together in the back room of Uncle John's semi-D in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do.
Cousin Bobby's having a hard enough time of it as it is, convincing his family he's happy single and childless. Lady V reckons this is all much too much fuss over a thirty year old. And Uncle Danny knows all too well how it feels to be lost with no one trying to find you.
But Uncle John is determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises.
MY THOUGHTS: Warm and witty doesn't even begin to cover it. There's Been a Little Incident is a story of grief, of family, of love, in all it's various forms.
This vast extended family reminds me of the diagram of an atom; you remember the one with a nucleus and all the particles whizzing about it? Only I'm not quite sure who the nucleus is here. It could be Uncle John, who loves to be the centre of things; the organiser. But it's more likely that the nucleus is fluid and that each individual slips effortlessly in and out of the role in some strange uncoreographed dance that only they know the steps to.
Molly is a wonderful character. She seems to be a free spirit, but perhaps she's simply lost, untethered, unsure of her place in this world. She appears relaxed and nothing seems to irritate her. She sings 'Don't Cry For Me, Argentina' (off-key) when she's driving, and counts upwards in fives when she's stressed. She can't stay in any one place for any length of time; she is always on the move - running, running, running, mostly from herself and the insurmountable grief that she doesn't know how to live with. But, of course, the problem with running away is that you take yourself with you.
I love the dynamics in the Black family; the way they both support and gossip about one another. Electrons and neutrons.
I also enjoyed the mystery that is woven into this story. Because Molly was not the only person to disappear that night . . .
There's Been a Little Incident is a superb debut novel and Alice Ryan is an author I will be watching for.
Family was sometimes simultaneously not enough and too much. You needed them and there were times when what you needed was not to need them.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#TheresBeenALittleIncident #NetGalley
I: #AliceRyanAuthor @headofzeus
T: @Alice_Ryan @HoZ_Books
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #friendship #irishfiction #mystery #romance
THE AUTHOR: Alice Ryan grew up in Dublin. After moving to London to study at the LSE, she spent ten years working in the creative industries, holding roles in publishing, film and TV. She was Head of Insight and Planning at BBC Studios before returning to Ireland. She now works at The Arts Council of Ireland and lives in Dublin with her husband Brian and their daughter Kate.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Head of Zeus, Apollo via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of There's Been a Little Incident by Alice Ryan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
No matter how exasperating she was, somehow Molly had a special connection to each of us. Molly and Blur shared a history of minor crime and rescued each other from dodgy situations without alerting the wider family. She and Oasis led marches to government buildings about the environment. After babysitting late one Easter weekend, Molly accidentally got hooked on the Masters and, ever since, she and Uncle Mike compared notes on all the Majors - a more unlikely golf fan there never was. Molly indulged Aunt Angela by attending 7 a.m. mass although, unbeknownst to Angela, Molly spent the time alternating between meditating and singing the soundtrack to Evita in her head. Molly brought Ann to life, was more reasonable than Even-Steven and ate Helen out of house and home. Aunt Frances approved of Molly's non-conformist walkabout lifestyle and, weirdly, Molly and Bobby both loved swimming in the rain. There was a reason John was so worked up - sometimes it seemed like Molly was the daughter he'd never had. Molly had a connection to each of us but, more than that, she brought us all together - for good reasons and bad. Molly Black was like electricity - sometimes she lit up the world. Sometimes she electrocuted you.
ABOUT 'THERE'S BEEN A LITTLE INCIDENT':
'There's been a little incident...'
Molly Black has disappeared. She's been a bit flighty since her parents died (sure, hadn't she run off with a tree surgeon that time?) but this time, or so says her hastily written leaving note, she's gone for good.
That's why the whole Black clan – from Granny perched on the printer all the way through to Killian on Zoom from Sydney – is huddled together in the back room of Uncle John's semi-D in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do.
Cousin Bobby's having a hard enough time of it as it is, convincing his family he's happy single and childless. Lady V reckons this is all much too much fuss over a thirty year old. And Uncle Danny knows all too well how it feels to be lost with no one trying to find you.
But Uncle John is determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises.
MY THOUGHTS: Warm and witty doesn't even begin to cover it. There's Been a Little Incident is a story of grief, of family, of love, in all it's various forms.
This vast extended family reminds me of the diagram of an atom; you remember the one with a nucleus and all the particles whizzing about it? Only I'm not quite sure who the nucleus is here. It could be Uncle John, who loves to be the centre of things; the organiser. But it's more likely that the nucleus is fluid and that each individual slips effortlessly in and out of the role in some strange uncoreographed dance that only they know the steps to.
Molly is a wonderful character. She seems to be a free spirit, but perhaps she's simply lost, untethered, unsure of her place in this world. She appears relaxed and nothing seems to irritate her. She sings 'Don't Cry For Me, Argentina' (off-key) when she's driving, and counts upwards in fives when she's stressed. She can't stay in any one place for any length of time; she is always on the move - running, running, running, mostly from herself and the insurmountable grief that she doesn't know how to live with. But, of course, the problem with running away is that you take yourself with you.
I love the dynamics in the Black family; the way they both support and gossip about one another. Electrons and neutrons.
I also enjoyed the mystery that is woven into this story. Because Molly was not the only person to disappear that night . . .
There's Been a Little Incident is a superb debut novel and Alice Ryan is an author I will be watching for.
Family was sometimes simultaneously not enough and too much. You needed them and there were times when what you needed was not to need them.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#TheresBeenALittleIncident #NetGalley
I: #AliceRyanAuthor @headofzeus
T: @Alice_Ryan @HoZ_Books
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #friendship #irishfiction #mystery #romance
THE AUTHOR: Alice Ryan grew up in Dublin. After moving to London to study at the LSE, she spent ten years working in the creative industries, holding roles in publishing, film and TV. She was Head of Insight and Planning at BBC Studios before returning to Ireland. She now works at The Arts Council of Ireland and lives in Dublin with her husband Brian and their daughter Kate.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Head of Zeus, Apollo via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of There's Been a Little Incident by Alice Ryan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 15, 2023
A very promising debut which starts off in an amusing way with a quirky but dizzying amount of characters (some of whom are stereotypes) with Molly Brown at the centre. It begins to drag for me around the halfway point when I grow tired of the non-linear backwards and foreword’s meandering nature of the storyline. The message to be yourself gets a bit old too as it’s repetitive. However, it’s clear the author has talent and I would read more by her. If you like Marian Keyes you’d probably like this too.
November 28, 2022
A quality debut which wiled away a few hours. Another debut that does not appear at all as a new writer, and this is always the hallmark for me.
Ireland current day, this story revolves around a busy family, who at the core of things is Molly Black. Molly has lost both of her parents and appears to be unmoored. Her quirky family are busy, and some may have become too busy that they have forgotten about dear Molly. Molly is a free spirit, much like her mother, and has disappeared. Her Uncle John needs to find her, she's like a daughter to him. He assigns the family members a task to help find Molly.
This is a story of family and love, of being lost and finding one's way home, with a lot of excellent life lessons, all put together in a unique way, with a lot of zany characters who end up finding more about themselves than they had realised, in the search for young Molly Black.
The author seems to have a way of conveying nuances of the every day while always imparting clever messages about even the most mundane everyday folk.
This was an audio read, which I felt I missed a little by not concentrating in parts. The writing is solid as a debut, and I will definitely keep an eye out for this author to see what comes next. Recommended reading, this had a kind of a funky tone. 3.5 stars.
Ireland current day, this story revolves around a busy family, who at the core of things is Molly Black. Molly has lost both of her parents and appears to be unmoored. Her quirky family are busy, and some may have become too busy that they have forgotten about dear Molly. Molly is a free spirit, much like her mother, and has disappeared. Her Uncle John needs to find her, she's like a daughter to him. He assigns the family members a task to help find Molly.
This is a story of family and love, of being lost and finding one's way home, with a lot of excellent life lessons, all put together in a unique way, with a lot of zany characters who end up finding more about themselves than they had realised, in the search for young Molly Black.
The author seems to have a way of conveying nuances of the every day while always imparting clever messages about even the most mundane everyday folk.
This was an audio read, which I felt I missed a little by not concentrating in parts. The writing is solid as a debut, and I will definitely keep an eye out for this author to see what comes next. Recommended reading, this had a kind of a funky tone. 3.5 stars.
September 5, 2022
Molly Black has disappeared. She's been a bit flighty since her parents died (sure hadn't she run off with the tree surgeon that time?) but this time, or so her hastily written leaving note, she's gone for good. That's why the whole Black clan some of the characters - from Granny perched on the printer all the way through to Killian on zoom from Sydney - is huddled together in the back room of Uncle John's semi-D in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do. Cousin Bobby's having a hard enough time of it as it is, convincing his family he's happy single and childless. Lady V reckons this is all too much fuss over a thirty-year-old. And Uncle Danny knows all too well how it feels to be lost with no one trying to find you.
This is a story that's based around a family's grief and loss, but it's also quite funny too. It's also been beautifully written and shows how unconditional love can revolve around in an extended family. We could learn a lot from some of the characters in this book. Each character has their own storyline. Some of the characters were more likeable than others. I did struggle at first trying to remember the vast number of characters, but I soon got to grips with them all. Molly was not the only woman who disappeared that evening. The Black clan are quite a dysfunctional family, but I liked them. This is an intriguing read and I will look out for the authors future books.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeadofZeus and the author #AliceRyan for my ARC of #TheresBeenALittleIncident in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story that's based around a family's grief and loss, but it's also quite funny too. It's also been beautifully written and shows how unconditional love can revolve around in an extended family. We could learn a lot from some of the characters in this book. Each character has their own storyline. Some of the characters were more likeable than others. I did struggle at first trying to remember the vast number of characters, but I soon got to grips with them all. Molly was not the only woman who disappeared that evening. The Black clan are quite a dysfunctional family, but I liked them. This is an intriguing read and I will look out for the authors future books.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeadofZeus and the author #AliceRyan for my ARC of #TheresBeenALittleIncident in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2023
I started out really enjoying this book. It's funny, filled with characters who are likeable and/or strange and there was a sub-plot of the missing girl to contend with.
However some time around the halfway mark I started to wonder when it was going to end. I'd lost interest in the missing girl and quite a few of the characters were beginning to grate due to their initially quirky characteristics.
I think my difficulty lay in the fact that a family may have one or two "characters" but to have an entire extended family where everybody has some extreme form of quirk just seemed unlikely.
In the end (for me) it began to sound more self-help book than novel. Be yourself! Don't listen to detractors! Let grief in! Let yourself be loved! It just went on and on.
For me (and I understand that this book will appeal to the majority of readers) it simply went on too long. So I'm not going to.
However some time around the halfway mark I started to wonder when it was going to end. I'd lost interest in the missing girl and quite a few of the characters were beginning to grate due to their initially quirky characteristics.
I think my difficulty lay in the fact that a family may have one or two "characters" but to have an entire extended family where everybody has some extreme form of quirk just seemed unlikely.
In the end (for me) it began to sound more self-help book than novel. Be yourself! Don't listen to detractors! Let grief in! Let yourself be loved! It just went on and on.
For me (and I understand that this book will appeal to the majority of readers) it simply went on too long. So I'm not going to.
August 26, 2022
“She was used to being wild Molly, exasperating Molly, cheeky Molly, but still after all these years she hadn’t found the words to be sad Molly. She would have felt more comfortable calling her family to say she’d been arrested than that she was lonely.”
There’s Been A Little Incident is the first novel by Irish author Alice Ryan. When Molly Black’s Uncle John gathers the family together, some think it’s a bit premature. Molly has disappeared before, often requiring a dramatic extraction, and maybe she just wants to escape for a while. If so, who could blame her?
Crammed into John’s suburban Dublin house, in person or by Zoom, are Molly’s four uncles, her four aunts (not necessarily spouses of said uncles), her granny (mother of five of those present) and four cousins. John reports that B., Molly’s best friend since they were four, was left a note that “didn’t say where she was going, just that she loved us, but she had to run”.
When John stresses the urgency to find her, several remind him of earlier false alarms, but he is insistent, and assigns them tasks. While Molly has always been impulsive, B. is inclined to believe that his decision to move in with his new boyfriend has precipitated this. And he’d be right: fatherless since she was nine, motherless at nineteen, without B. as her constant companion, she feels there’s no one to whom she now belongs.
As the family searches for clues to her destination, some at first believing the whole exercise to be unnecessary, irritating and inconvenient, they begin to recall what Molly has been in their lives. “Molly had a special connection to each of us” For John, “it seemed like Molly was the daughter he’d never had” and “Molly Black was like electricity – sometimes she lit up the world. Sometimes she electrocuted you.”
They remember how Molly had tried to talk to each of them over the last few weeks, but they didn’t spare her the time, so now they feel a little guilty about that. They also remember just how much Annabelle, of whom Molly reminds them so much, did for them when she was still alive.
Thinking back, they realise that, actually, they have always needed Molly just as much as she has needed them. Even if some of them think she is more a contagious mess than a lovable rogue to be humoured, they agree that Molly has to be found.
The Black family aren’t the only ones who want to know where Molly is: the Guards want to ask her what she might have seen when she was near where a young nurse, now missing, was last seen alive.
So when they get word, they put together an extraction team “of nothing but liabilities. The line-up was an irate aunt with a broken ankle, a vacuous vlogger who Bobby had actively avoided for twenty years, a heavily sedated uncle on the verge of a pro-terrorism diatribe, a nervous wreck who could only grasp concepts which existed as functions in Excel, and at the last minute –and the absolute pièce de résistance –they’d had to replace Mike, the one reliable member of the team, with a long-term alcoholic.”
Ryan’s cast of characters is a crazy family, made up of “new-aged hippies, religious nuts, alcoholics, former shoe salesmen, delinquent youths and Sudoku enthusiasts” who manage to endear themselves to the reader. Are they “nosy, judgemental and eccentric but ultimately great”? or “suffocating, overbearing people who pigeon-holed you”? Either way, quite a few of them are dealing with grief. And doing it the best way they can.
Ryan gives them wise words and insightful observations: “People who give out that much good energy, who are breezy and jovial and try their best to be happy and positive all the time, have a far greater capacity for getting hurt than those who put up a defence.” She often has a marvellous turn of phrase: “Mike called them the Botox Bettys. But Liam said they were more like the Schadenfreude Sheilas”. Funny, heart-warming and uplifting, this is a brilliant debut novel.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Head of Zeus Apollo
There’s Been A Little Incident is the first novel by Irish author Alice Ryan. When Molly Black’s Uncle John gathers the family together, some think it’s a bit premature. Molly has disappeared before, often requiring a dramatic extraction, and maybe she just wants to escape for a while. If so, who could blame her?
Crammed into John’s suburban Dublin house, in person or by Zoom, are Molly’s four uncles, her four aunts (not necessarily spouses of said uncles), her granny (mother of five of those present) and four cousins. John reports that B., Molly’s best friend since they were four, was left a note that “didn’t say where she was going, just that she loved us, but she had to run”.
When John stresses the urgency to find her, several remind him of earlier false alarms, but he is insistent, and assigns them tasks. While Molly has always been impulsive, B. is inclined to believe that his decision to move in with his new boyfriend has precipitated this. And he’d be right: fatherless since she was nine, motherless at nineteen, without B. as her constant companion, she feels there’s no one to whom she now belongs.
As the family searches for clues to her destination, some at first believing the whole exercise to be unnecessary, irritating and inconvenient, they begin to recall what Molly has been in their lives. “Molly had a special connection to each of us” For John, “it seemed like Molly was the daughter he’d never had” and “Molly Black was like electricity – sometimes she lit up the world. Sometimes she electrocuted you.”
They remember how Molly had tried to talk to each of them over the last few weeks, but they didn’t spare her the time, so now they feel a little guilty about that. They also remember just how much Annabelle, of whom Molly reminds them so much, did for them when she was still alive.
Thinking back, they realise that, actually, they have always needed Molly just as much as she has needed them. Even if some of them think she is more a contagious mess than a lovable rogue to be humoured, they agree that Molly has to be found.
The Black family aren’t the only ones who want to know where Molly is: the Guards want to ask her what she might have seen when she was near where a young nurse, now missing, was last seen alive.
So when they get word, they put together an extraction team “of nothing but liabilities. The line-up was an irate aunt with a broken ankle, a vacuous vlogger who Bobby had actively avoided for twenty years, a heavily sedated uncle on the verge of a pro-terrorism diatribe, a nervous wreck who could only grasp concepts which existed as functions in Excel, and at the last minute –and the absolute pièce de résistance –they’d had to replace Mike, the one reliable member of the team, with a long-term alcoholic.”
Ryan’s cast of characters is a crazy family, made up of “new-aged hippies, religious nuts, alcoholics, former shoe salesmen, delinquent youths and Sudoku enthusiasts” who manage to endear themselves to the reader. Are they “nosy, judgemental and eccentric but ultimately great”? or “suffocating, overbearing people who pigeon-holed you”? Either way, quite a few of them are dealing with grief. And doing it the best way they can.
Ryan gives them wise words and insightful observations: “People who give out that much good energy, who are breezy and jovial and try their best to be happy and positive all the time, have a far greater capacity for getting hurt than those who put up a defence.” She often has a marvellous turn of phrase: “Mike called them the Botox Bettys. But Liam said they were more like the Schadenfreude Sheilas”. Funny, heart-warming and uplifting, this is a brilliant debut novel.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Head of Zeus Apollo
December 2, 2022
I LOVED this book. A wonderful ensemble of characters,great writing,and sensitive, poignant gems about a mother-daughter relationship in the form of a dairy.
Broken,huggable,complex,funny people. Irishness at its best:warm,zanny,making you cry,making you laugh.
I wish more people read this wonderful novel,
Broken,huggable,complex,funny people. Irishness at its best:warm,zanny,making you cry,making you laugh.
I wish more people read this wonderful novel,
June 1, 2023
Molly is missing.
What a complete and utter joy. I just adored There’s Been A Little Incident. It’s everything I had hoped and more. I don’t know what it is about Irish writers, but Alice Ryan fully deserves an enduring place in that line of natural storytellers who create emotional, life affirming books not easily forgotten.
In a sense, there’s very little plot here although there are surprises along the way. Molly goes missing and her extended family decide to look for her. But saying that is to miss the fact that There’s Been A Little Incident encompasses the whole of humanity in its structure. Here we have life and death, happiness and sadness in glorious technicolour. I laughed out loud reading There’s Been A Little Incident, and found myself moved to tears too.
Molly is a fabulous character and the mirror held up so that everyone else can finally see themselves clearly. Grief, loneliness, addiction, appearances, fear and shame are just some of the emotions experienced by the Black family, and it takes Molly, who is, ironically, absent for much of the narrative, to enable each person to find their true selves. I thought the way Alice Ryan created the underpinning theme of grief in particular was simply stunning.
What works so effectively is the way in which Molly’s absence enables each family member to reassess their own lives. Uncle John remains a fairly pivotal constant, but others like Danny and Lady V experience epiphanies that are moving, engaging and absolutely realistic. I’d go so far as to say that reading There’s Been A Little Incident is equally as important and profound for the reader as it is for the characters because there’s a moment, a character or a feeling that is relatable for every reader. As well as a riveting, entertaining and emotional story, this book is a subliminal self-help manual!
That makes There’s Been A Little Incident sound somewhat ‘worthy’. It isn’t. It’s huge fun, witty, and sensitive. I thought it was totally wonderful and cannot recommend it highly enough. Don’t miss it.
What a complete and utter joy. I just adored There’s Been A Little Incident. It’s everything I had hoped and more. I don’t know what it is about Irish writers, but Alice Ryan fully deserves an enduring place in that line of natural storytellers who create emotional, life affirming books not easily forgotten.
In a sense, there’s very little plot here although there are surprises along the way. Molly goes missing and her extended family decide to look for her. But saying that is to miss the fact that There’s Been A Little Incident encompasses the whole of humanity in its structure. Here we have life and death, happiness and sadness in glorious technicolour. I laughed out loud reading There’s Been A Little Incident, and found myself moved to tears too.
Molly is a fabulous character and the mirror held up so that everyone else can finally see themselves clearly. Grief, loneliness, addiction, appearances, fear and shame are just some of the emotions experienced by the Black family, and it takes Molly, who is, ironically, absent for much of the narrative, to enable each person to find their true selves. I thought the way Alice Ryan created the underpinning theme of grief in particular was simply stunning.
What works so effectively is the way in which Molly’s absence enables each family member to reassess their own lives. Uncle John remains a fairly pivotal constant, but others like Danny and Lady V experience epiphanies that are moving, engaging and absolutely realistic. I’d go so far as to say that reading There’s Been A Little Incident is equally as important and profound for the reader as it is for the characters because there’s a moment, a character or a feeling that is relatable for every reader. As well as a riveting, entertaining and emotional story, this book is a subliminal self-help manual!
That makes There’s Been A Little Incident sound somewhat ‘worthy’. It isn’t. It’s huge fun, witty, and sensitive. I thought it was totally wonderful and cannot recommend it highly enough. Don’t miss it.
July 15, 2023
There’s Been a Little Incident is a magnificent novel, exquisitely crafted, and strikingly warm and funny for a story that touches on loss and grief. I loved the excellent writing, the wonderful cast of characters, and all the wisdom and glimpses of hope throughout this book. If I have to choose one highlight - which is almost impossible, because there were so many - I would say how well the author constructed this story to capture the family dynamics.
Molly Black has disappeared before, but there’s something about the note she left this time that set off her granny, uncles, aunts, cousins, and best friend for a search. Each chapter followed one relative and it’s impossible not to fall for the Black family, who suffered terrible loss and grief but somehow still only know how to love to the fullest. They might be an eccentric family and the whole clan - all of them - had their quirks and whims, but it was as Uncle John said: You don’t have to come home. Just know you have a home to come to.
There’s Been a Little Incident is a triumph at every level. And this novel is just the author’s debut. I can’t wait to read their future work.
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for sharing a digital ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
Molly Black has disappeared before, but there’s something about the note she left this time that set off her granny, uncles, aunts, cousins, and best friend for a search. Each chapter followed one relative and it’s impossible not to fall for the Black family, who suffered terrible loss and grief but somehow still only know how to love to the fullest. They might be an eccentric family and the whole clan - all of them - had their quirks and whims, but it was as Uncle John said: You don’t have to come home. Just know you have a home to come to.
There’s Been a Little Incident is a triumph at every level. And this novel is just the author’s debut. I can’t wait to read their future work.
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for sharing a digital ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2022
“She was used to being wild Molly, exasperating Molly, cheeky Molly, but still after all these years she hadn’t found the words to be sad Molly. She would have felt more comfortable calling her family to say she’d been arrested than that she was lonely.”
There’s Been A Little Incident is the first novel by Irish author Alice Ryan. The audio version is narrated by Simone Collins. When Molly Black’s Uncle John gathers the family together, some think it’s a bit premature. Molly has disappeared before, often requiring a dramatic extraction, and maybe she just wants to escape for a while. If so, who could blame her?
Crammed into John’s suburban Dublin house, in person or by Zoom, are Molly’s four uncles, her four aunts (not necessarily spouses of said uncles), her granny (mother of five of those present) and four cousins. John reports that B., Molly’s best friend since they were four, was left a note that “didn’t say where she was going, just that she loved us, but she had to run”.
When John stresses the urgency to find her, several remind him of earlier false alarms, but he is insistent, and assigns them tasks. While Molly has always been impulsive, B. is inclined to believe that his decision to move in with his new boyfriend has precipitated this. And he’d be right: fatherless since she was nine, motherless at nineteen, without B. as her constant companion, she feels there’s no one to whom she now belongs.
As the family searches for clues to her destination, some at first believing the whole exercise to be unnecessary, irritating and inconvenient, they begin to recall what Molly has been in their lives. “Molly had a special connection to each of us” For John, “it seemed like Molly was the daughter he’d never had” and “Molly Black was like electricity – sometimes she lit up the world. Sometimes she electrocuted you.”
They remember how Molly had tried to talk to each of them over the last few weeks, but they didn’t spare her the time, so now they feel a little guilty about that. They also remember just how much Annabelle, of whom Molly reminds them so much, did for them when she was still alive.
Thinking back, they realise that, actually, they have always needed Molly just as much as she has needed them. Even if some of them think she is more a contagious mess than a lovable rogue to be humoured, they agree that Molly has to be found.
The Black family aren’t the only ones who want to know where Molly is: the Guards want to ask her what she might have seen when she was near where a young nurse, now missing, was last seen alive.
So when they get word, they put together an extraction team “of nothing but liabilities. The line-up was an irate aunt with a broken ankle, a vacuous vlogger who Bobby had actively avoided for twenty years, a heavily sedated uncle on the verge of a pro-terrorism diatribe, a nervous wreck who could only grasp concepts which existed as functions in Excel, and at the last minute –and the absolute pièce de résistance –they’d had to replace Mike, the one reliable member of the team, with a long-term alcoholic.”
Ryan’s cast of characters is a crazy family, made up of “new-aged hippies, religious nuts, alcoholics, former shoe salesmen, delinquent youths and Sudoku enthusiasts” who manage to endear themselves to the reader. Are they “nosy, judgemental and eccentric but ultimately great”? or “suffocating, overbearing people who pigeon-holed you”? Either way, quite a few of them are dealing with grief. And doing it the best way they can.
Ryan gives them wise words and insightful observations: “People who give out that much good energy, who are breezy and jovial and try their best to be happy and positive all the time, have a far greater capacity for getting hurt than those who put up a defence.” She often has a marvellous turn of phrase: “Mike called them the Botox Bettys. But Liam said they were more like the Schadenfreude Sheilas”. Funny, heart-warming and uplifting, this is a brilliant debut novel.
There’s Been A Little Incident is the first novel by Irish author Alice Ryan. The audio version is narrated by Simone Collins. When Molly Black’s Uncle John gathers the family together, some think it’s a bit premature. Molly has disappeared before, often requiring a dramatic extraction, and maybe she just wants to escape for a while. If so, who could blame her?
Crammed into John’s suburban Dublin house, in person or by Zoom, are Molly’s four uncles, her four aunts (not necessarily spouses of said uncles), her granny (mother of five of those present) and four cousins. John reports that B., Molly’s best friend since they were four, was left a note that “didn’t say where she was going, just that she loved us, but she had to run”.
When John stresses the urgency to find her, several remind him of earlier false alarms, but he is insistent, and assigns them tasks. While Molly has always been impulsive, B. is inclined to believe that his decision to move in with his new boyfriend has precipitated this. And he’d be right: fatherless since she was nine, motherless at nineteen, without B. as her constant companion, she feels there’s no one to whom she now belongs.
As the family searches for clues to her destination, some at first believing the whole exercise to be unnecessary, irritating and inconvenient, they begin to recall what Molly has been in their lives. “Molly had a special connection to each of us” For John, “it seemed like Molly was the daughter he’d never had” and “Molly Black was like electricity – sometimes she lit up the world. Sometimes she electrocuted you.”
They remember how Molly had tried to talk to each of them over the last few weeks, but they didn’t spare her the time, so now they feel a little guilty about that. They also remember just how much Annabelle, of whom Molly reminds them so much, did for them when she was still alive.
Thinking back, they realise that, actually, they have always needed Molly just as much as she has needed them. Even if some of them think she is more a contagious mess than a lovable rogue to be humoured, they agree that Molly has to be found.
The Black family aren’t the only ones who want to know where Molly is: the Guards want to ask her what she might have seen when she was near where a young nurse, now missing, was last seen alive.
So when they get word, they put together an extraction team “of nothing but liabilities. The line-up was an irate aunt with a broken ankle, a vacuous vlogger who Bobby had actively avoided for twenty years, a heavily sedated uncle on the verge of a pro-terrorism diatribe, a nervous wreck who could only grasp concepts which existed as functions in Excel, and at the last minute –and the absolute pièce de résistance –they’d had to replace Mike, the one reliable member of the team, with a long-term alcoholic.”
Ryan’s cast of characters is a crazy family, made up of “new-aged hippies, religious nuts, alcoholics, former shoe salesmen, delinquent youths and Sudoku enthusiasts” who manage to endear themselves to the reader. Are they “nosy, judgemental and eccentric but ultimately great”? or “suffocating, overbearing people who pigeon-holed you”? Either way, quite a few of them are dealing with grief. And doing it the best way they can.
Ryan gives them wise words and insightful observations: “People who give out that much good energy, who are breezy and jovial and try their best to be happy and positive all the time, have a far greater capacity for getting hurt than those who put up a defence.” She often has a marvellous turn of phrase: “Mike called them the Botox Bettys. But Liam said they were more like the Schadenfreude Sheilas”. Funny, heart-warming and uplifting, this is a brilliant debut novel.
July 28, 2022
Molly, approaching her thirties, lives in London. She has many acquaintances but only one close friend B with whom she flat shares. B is about to move in with his boyfriend, sending the fragile Molly into a tailspin. When she disappears, not for the first time, her extended family in Dublin mobilise to see what can be done to locate her.
There’s been a little Bit of an Incident, the debut novel from Alice Ryan is a warm, tender, intelligent book. It seems that the published version will contain a family tree of the Blacks. I felt the loss of one in this early version as it was difficult to get to grips with all the aunts and uncles and cousins.
One by one – with the exception of Even-Stephen- whom I couldn’t get fitted in anywhere- the back-story of these characters is unveiled as the plans for finding Molly are hatched. Impossibly, the additive effect of all their quirks and issues is enormous. Their blundering about provides a result for the job in hand as well as benefits for each of the individual family members.
At times the books veers in and out of different genres, at times a touch Rom-Com and at others a much more considered study of loss and love.
This is a lovely read which I enjoyed enormously.
With thanks to Netgalley UK and Head of Zeus
There’s been a little Bit of an Incident, the debut novel from Alice Ryan is a warm, tender, intelligent book. It seems that the published version will contain a family tree of the Blacks. I felt the loss of one in this early version as it was difficult to get to grips with all the aunts and uncles and cousins.
One by one – with the exception of Even-Stephen- whom I couldn’t get fitted in anywhere- the back-story of these characters is unveiled as the plans for finding Molly are hatched. Impossibly, the additive effect of all their quirks and issues is enormous. Their blundering about provides a result for the job in hand as well as benefits for each of the individual family members.
At times the books veers in and out of different genres, at times a touch Rom-Com and at others a much more considered study of loss and love.
This is a lovely read which I enjoyed enormously.
With thanks to Netgalley UK and Head of Zeus
June 20, 2023
Molly Black is gone missing - or at least, she's packed her bags and left a note that she doesn't want to be found for a while but if the Black family are good at anything, it's finding Molly when she has one of her runaway moments. This is the story of a family who love each other beyond measure and will always be there for each other - even if sometimes this is a slightly over suffocating way. It's also a story about grief as Molly is dealing with the death of her parents and how that grief has stayed with her for years into adulthood and she's still dealing with it.
I listened to this on audiobook and just absolutely loved it. The Black family are brilliant with the variety of different characters from the leader of the pack Uncle John who could never have children but is actually a perfect father figure for all his nieces and nephews and he loves them fiercely, as well as Lady V who married into the family and is still figuring out all the oddities but also what makes the Blacks special. Then there's cousin Anna who has always been in Molly's shadow but is now realising just how much she loves her cousin and wants to find her.
I think this book would be a wonderful wild movie like The Snapper showcasing Irish family life and mad characters you tend to find in a lot of extended families. I loved seeing a glimpse into all the character's lives, and all the ways everyone was intertwined with one another - and especially the effect of Molly's mother and her special ways, and why it's so sad she's no longer around to be with everyone but especially to help her daughter along her road in adulthood.
I listened to this on audiobook and just absolutely loved it. The Black family are brilliant with the variety of different characters from the leader of the pack Uncle John who could never have children but is actually a perfect father figure for all his nieces and nephews and he loves them fiercely, as well as Lady V who married into the family and is still figuring out all the oddities but also what makes the Blacks special. Then there's cousin Anna who has always been in Molly's shadow but is now realising just how much she loves her cousin and wants to find her.
I think this book would be a wonderful wild movie like The Snapper showcasing Irish family life and mad characters you tend to find in a lot of extended families. I loved seeing a glimpse into all the character's lives, and all the ways everyone was intertwined with one another - and especially the effect of Molly's mother and her special ways, and why it's so sad she's no longer around to be with everyone but especially to help her daughter along her road in adulthood.
November 27, 2022
This was magnificent. There were very strong Maeve Binchy vibes coming through with this one for me. The combination of wit, warmth, and sincerity was all too reminiscent of Binchy’s earlier iconic works, such as Circle of Friends and The Glass Lake. Billed as a story about grief, it is incredibly uplifting and was like a much-needed balm to my soul. This was a story about family and how the ties of family can stretch and flex, feel as though they’re on the verge of snapping, yet still maintain their hold.
Ryan writes with such warmth and natural humour and the way in which she crafted her story, the many perspectives and story threads all weaving together, made for a compelling and immersive read. Molly Black is the orphan of the family, and as such, she is now the responsibility of all, despite being an adult. None take this responsibility more seriously than John, who not only oversees the lives of his nieces and nephews, but also his brothers, sister, and sister-in-law. John and his wife Helen are childless, so assume the unofficial roles of parents to all, but it is Molly they have truly focussed on since the death of her mother when she was only eighteen. And besides, John is now retired, and he has to fill his days with something, so when he isn’t waging war with his vegan recycling fanatic neighbour, he micromanages the family.
Anne is the overlooked cousin, who feels inferior to Molly’s bright light, whose brother escaped to Australia several years ago and is only ever seen via zoom now, whose mother has been a religious fanatic ever since Anne’s father left the family, and who draws comfort from Excel spreadsheets and routines. Bobby is the golden boy of the family, a former rugby player who is weighed down by a grief of his own that sees him keeping himself removed from everyone, particularly his own mother. V is John’s sister-in-law, a former model, now mother of nineteen-year-old twins, Blur and Oasis (nicknames, of course, think pop music from about twenty years ago), a gym junkie with a broken ankle and a barely suppressed midlife crisis in the making. B is Molly’s best friend, a food vlogger riding a rising star who thinks he’s met his perfect man, but how does Molly fit into his new relationship. And then there’s Danny, the youngest of John’s brothers, the youngest uncle, who is battling demons so heavy, and who is also John’s cross to bear, or so he thinks. Alongside these family members are other aunts, uncles, and cousins, each with their own stories, both independent from their family as well as linked in.
This type of novel is my favourite kind, with its big cast, with everyone and their stories stitched together seamlessly, no thread left untucked. There’s Been a Little Incident is a cracking debut, life affirming and uplifting, it was an absolute joy to read from the first page up until the last. I’ll be waiting eagerly for whatever Alice Ryan writes next.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Ryan writes with such warmth and natural humour and the way in which she crafted her story, the many perspectives and story threads all weaving together, made for a compelling and immersive read. Molly Black is the orphan of the family, and as such, she is now the responsibility of all, despite being an adult. None take this responsibility more seriously than John, who not only oversees the lives of his nieces and nephews, but also his brothers, sister, and sister-in-law. John and his wife Helen are childless, so assume the unofficial roles of parents to all, but it is Molly they have truly focussed on since the death of her mother when she was only eighteen. And besides, John is now retired, and he has to fill his days with something, so when he isn’t waging war with his vegan recycling fanatic neighbour, he micromanages the family.
Anne is the overlooked cousin, who feels inferior to Molly’s bright light, whose brother escaped to Australia several years ago and is only ever seen via zoom now, whose mother has been a religious fanatic ever since Anne’s father left the family, and who draws comfort from Excel spreadsheets and routines. Bobby is the golden boy of the family, a former rugby player who is weighed down by a grief of his own that sees him keeping himself removed from everyone, particularly his own mother. V is John’s sister-in-law, a former model, now mother of nineteen-year-old twins, Blur and Oasis (nicknames, of course, think pop music from about twenty years ago), a gym junkie with a broken ankle and a barely suppressed midlife crisis in the making. B is Molly’s best friend, a food vlogger riding a rising star who thinks he’s met his perfect man, but how does Molly fit into his new relationship. And then there’s Danny, the youngest of John’s brothers, the youngest uncle, who is battling demons so heavy, and who is also John’s cross to bear, or so he thinks. Alongside these family members are other aunts, uncles, and cousins, each with their own stories, both independent from their family as well as linked in.
This type of novel is my favourite kind, with its big cast, with everyone and their stories stitched together seamlessly, no thread left untucked. There’s Been a Little Incident is a cracking debut, life affirming and uplifting, it was an absolute joy to read from the first page up until the last. I’ll be waiting eagerly for whatever Alice Ryan writes next.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
September 22, 2022
This is a family story about the Blacks. A colourful, engaging, warm and loving bunch who are in so many ways thoroughly entertaining. The author has mastered writing about complex deep issues with such poignancy that I needed to dry my eyes on more than one occasion.
What happens when Molly, who has lost both of her parents disappears?
The Black family headed by John (my favourite character) hold an emergency meeting armed with flipcharts and markers and strategic plans to find her and in the process find themselves and each other. Deep, funny, uplifting, beautiful. 5 Stars.
What happens when Molly, who has lost both of her parents disappears?
The Black family headed by John (my favourite character) hold an emergency meeting armed with flipcharts and markers and strategic plans to find her and in the process find themselves and each other. Deep, funny, uplifting, beautiful. 5 Stars.
August 19, 2023
This book was BRILLIANT 🤩
It is rare a book gets me laughing but by the end of chapter one I was giggling away and had a huge grin on my face! The language used in multiple situations depicted what was happening so well you couldn’t help but laugh.
A lot of characters. It took a while to get to know them all, with such a vast array of personalities. However, despite the large number of characters, Alice Ryan did a great job at making it clear whose POV you were reading and even included a (funny) family tree at the beginning.
The premise of the book seems fairly simple - Molly Black is always on the run, not from anybody but her own grief after her parents dying. However, this story is so much more than that. Each and every character is carrying their own burdens which we find out along the way as they come together to search for Molly.
I suppose it is a novel about grief, family connections and it is heartfelt but also very very funny. I have also particularly enjoying books from Irish (North and South) authors lately and this one fitted that criteria nicely.
It is rare a book gets me laughing but by the end of chapter one I was giggling away and had a huge grin on my face! The language used in multiple situations depicted what was happening so well you couldn’t help but laugh.
A lot of characters. It took a while to get to know them all, with such a vast array of personalities. However, despite the large number of characters, Alice Ryan did a great job at making it clear whose POV you were reading and even included a (funny) family tree at the beginning.
The premise of the book seems fairly simple - Molly Black is always on the run, not from anybody but her own grief after her parents dying. However, this story is so much more than that. Each and every character is carrying their own burdens which we find out along the way as they come together to search for Molly.
I suppose it is a novel about grief, family connections and it is heartfelt but also very very funny. I have also particularly enjoying books from Irish (North and South) authors lately and this one fitted that criteria nicely.
September 14, 2022
A fantastic debut that will have you in tears laughing or crying (depending on the antics of the Black family)-one of the most Irish families that I’ve ever come across!
Molly Black has gone missing. B, her best friend, thinks it’s because he’s moving in with his boyfriend. Molly has always been flighty ever since her parents died. Huddled together in the Dublin suburbs, Molly’s eccentric but fiercely loyal family are trying to figure out where she’s gone. With Uncle John at the helm, he’s determined not to lose anyone again.
Told in the third person by various members of the family, each one of the characters are well developed by the author. They are quirky and I think we can all say we have a relation like Uncle John or one of the eccentric aunts hidden away in our own families. Alice’s protagonists are so well written and relatable, their actions and statements will make you cringe and laugh in equal measure! Family is everything to the Black’s, they stick together through thick and thin.
Exploring big issues like alcoholism, mental health and grief, Alice handles these superbly. Beautifully written, this debut will be a big hit with both Irish and international readers. Humorous and heart-warming, There’s Been A Little Incident is a compelling read. I can’t wait to see what Alice writes next!
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the arc.
Molly Black has gone missing. B, her best friend, thinks it’s because he’s moving in with his boyfriend. Molly has always been flighty ever since her parents died. Huddled together in the Dublin suburbs, Molly’s eccentric but fiercely loyal family are trying to figure out where she’s gone. With Uncle John at the helm, he’s determined not to lose anyone again.
Told in the third person by various members of the family, each one of the characters are well developed by the author. They are quirky and I think we can all say we have a relation like Uncle John or one of the eccentric aunts hidden away in our own families. Alice’s protagonists are so well written and relatable, their actions and statements will make you cringe and laugh in equal measure! Family is everything to the Black’s, they stick together through thick and thin.
Exploring big issues like alcoholism, mental health and grief, Alice handles these superbly. Beautifully written, this debut will be a big hit with both Irish and international readers. Humorous and heart-warming, There’s Been A Little Incident is a compelling read. I can’t wait to see what Alice writes next!
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the arc.
August 28, 2022
A family who cares and looks out for each other when one of them goes missing.
A lot of characters so be prepared but oh such a delightful read.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
A lot of characters so be prepared but oh such a delightful read.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
September 12, 2022
It’s my stop on the #booktour for this absolute gem of a debut today, and expect to hear A LOT about this one from me because I just loved it! You may have already seen me banging on about it in my stories because the minute I finished it I just wanted everyone to read it - it really is so very special ❤️
With a huge cast of big-hearted, hilarious characters, this is one of the best inter-generational family stories I’ve ever read and I was genuinely quite bereft when I could no longer hang out with the Black family. They’re dysfunctional and a bit bonkers for sure, but also the warmest, funniest, most selfless and loving literary family you’ll find, and just an utter joy to spend time with - I pretty much spent the whole novel moving between crying and laughing, which is about the biggest compliment I can give a novel.
But aside from the humour, emotion, and even a little mystery at the heart of this novel, it touches on so many relatable subjects in a fresh new way - including loss, grief, addiction, sexuality, friendship and finding out who you really are. Molly was kind of the central focus who brought everyone together, and I absolutely adored her, and my heart broke for her as we learnt more about the incredible parents she lost. I loved the witty diary entries from her mother Annabelle which were totally mad and I might have to have a go for my kid 🤣
This is a big story that spans lots of timelines and characters, but it never feels confusing because each character has such a unique voice and experience. I genuinely just felt so lifted and warmed by this novel, and it depicts exactly the kind of family I wish I had - it’s honestly just pure joy and I can’t recommend it enough! Easy peasy five stars.
With a huge cast of big-hearted, hilarious characters, this is one of the best inter-generational family stories I’ve ever read and I was genuinely quite bereft when I could no longer hang out with the Black family. They’re dysfunctional and a bit bonkers for sure, but also the warmest, funniest, most selfless and loving literary family you’ll find, and just an utter joy to spend time with - I pretty much spent the whole novel moving between crying and laughing, which is about the biggest compliment I can give a novel.
But aside from the humour, emotion, and even a little mystery at the heart of this novel, it touches on so many relatable subjects in a fresh new way - including loss, grief, addiction, sexuality, friendship and finding out who you really are. Molly was kind of the central focus who brought everyone together, and I absolutely adored her, and my heart broke for her as we learnt more about the incredible parents she lost. I loved the witty diary entries from her mother Annabelle which were totally mad and I might have to have a go for my kid 🤣
This is a big story that spans lots of timelines and characters, but it never feels confusing because each character has such a unique voice and experience. I genuinely just felt so lifted and warmed by this novel, and it depicts exactly the kind of family I wish I had - it’s honestly just pure joy and I can’t recommend it enough! Easy peasy five stars.
September 8, 2022
There’s Been a Little Incident* by Alice Ryan is a great Irish debut. Molly Black is missing again and her family are at odds as to whether, at 30, she needs to be found. However, Uncle John sees a pattern in Molly’s behaviour that is eerily familiar. The characters in this book are incredibly warm and real. Reminded me of early Marian Keyes.
June 23, 2022
FROM THE COVER-
'There's been a little incident...'
Molly Black has disappeared. She's been a bit flighty since her parents died (sure, hadn't she run off with a tree surgeon that time?) but this time, or so says her hastily written leaving note, she's gone for good.
That's why the whole Black clan – from Granny perched on the printer all the way through to Killian on Zoom from Sydney – is huddled together in the back room of Uncle John's semi-D in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do.
Cousin Bobby's having a hard enough time of it as it is, convincing his family he's happy single and childless. Lady V reckons this is all much too much fuss over a thirty year old. And Uncle Danny knows all too well how it feels to be lost with no one trying to find you.
But Uncle John is determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises.
I really enjoyed this book. It has early Marian Keyes vibes witty, funny, heartwarming with a deeper undertone . Ryan captures the quirks of family perfectly, each individual character is unique, well written and developed beautifully as the novel progresses. Told in the third person we hear from a number of family members giving insight to the disappearance of Molly. The book examines grief in all it’s guises in a identifiable true to life way told in way that is full of warmth, wisdom and humour. This great debut novel I look forward to the writers next outing if it is anything like this am all in.
'There's been a little incident...'
Molly Black has disappeared. She's been a bit flighty since her parents died (sure, hadn't she run off with a tree surgeon that time?) but this time, or so says her hastily written leaving note, she's gone for good.
That's why the whole Black clan – from Granny perched on the printer all the way through to Killian on Zoom from Sydney – is huddled together in the back room of Uncle John's semi-D in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do.
Cousin Bobby's having a hard enough time of it as it is, convincing his family he's happy single and childless. Lady V reckons this is all much too much fuss over a thirty year old. And Uncle Danny knows all too well how it feels to be lost with no one trying to find you.
But Uncle John is determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises.
I really enjoyed this book. It has early Marian Keyes vibes witty, funny, heartwarming with a deeper undertone . Ryan captures the quirks of family perfectly, each individual character is unique, well written and developed beautifully as the novel progresses. Told in the third person we hear from a number of family members giving insight to the disappearance of Molly. The book examines grief in all it’s guises in a identifiable true to life way told in way that is full of warmth, wisdom and humour. This great debut novel I look forward to the writers next outing if it is anything like this am all in.
September 29, 2022
Molly Black comes from a big Irish family. After travelling with her best friend, known as B, the duo decide to settle in London. B becomes involved with Jeff, and Molly decides to take herself off someplace, encouraged by Jeff. Her family back home in Ireland are worried, even though they know that Molly has done a disappearing act before and endeavour to track her down.
This story contains a big cast, and it took a while to get everyone straight in my mind. It's written with warmth and wit and this is a tale of loss and grief that manages not to be melancholic. It takes the reader on a journey that reveals the vagaries of families and is a delightful, poignant debut. I intend to pick up Alice Ryan's next offering.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Head of Zeus, Apollo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This story contains a big cast, and it took a while to get everyone straight in my mind. It's written with warmth and wit and this is a tale of loss and grief that manages not to be melancholic. It takes the reader on a journey that reveals the vagaries of families and is a delightful, poignant debut. I intend to pick up Alice Ryan's next offering.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Head of Zeus, Apollo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 25, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book. My fastest read in a very long time! Well done Alice!
August 12, 2025
So good and such a fun variety of characters, so annoyed at myself for taking 2 months to read it, I definitely feel it needs a re-read
May 24, 2023
Well I think this has to be one of the most wonderful books I've ever read!
Poignant, funny, uplifting, heartwarming, beautifully written.
I loved every single letter, word, sentence etc.
Poignant, funny, uplifting, heartwarming, beautifully written.
I loved every single letter, word, sentence etc.
August 30, 2022
Initially I struggled with the wide cast of characters in the Black family and the numerous jumps between timelines in the first section of this debut novel. I believe that in the finished version of the novel there will be a family tree which will be a great help. However, I did eventually get to grips with everyone and thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Molly , a wild child is approaching her 30’s but has never reconciled herself to the death of her parents and when it all gets too much for her she runs away only to be ‘rescued’ by the rest of her extended family. The Black family are a diverse cast of characters all with their personnel back story. Molly is not the only woman to disappear that evening and the parallel story of Sheena was gripping with quite a twist. I warmed to this dysfunctional family and it’s myriad characters over the course of the novel. A book of love and loss, grief and acceptance but above all of family. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
July 7, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the premise of the book. I felt that the plot had a lot of potential and the character outlines in the synopsis aligned well to their portrayals in the book. Anne and Lady V were standout characters for me, and I particularly enjoyed V's character development; I found myself looking forward to her chapters. The Black family are weird and wonderful, and many readers may find their own families reflected in them.
The underlying themes of grief and family healing were lovely. I thought they were approached very well, and I enjoyed seeing how other characters dealt with the deaths of their loved ones. Again, Lady V was a particular standout here.
I was very interested in the book and was really looking forward to reading it. However once I started, I found it took me a while to get into the story. The writing felt clunky at times, particularly with the additional Sheena Griffith storyline. I felt this wasn't needed as the book was very character driven and would have liked to have seen more perspectives of other family members. I felt that the Sheena story would have been better as a separate spin-off novel involving the characters mentioned here.
As well as this, none of the plot points felt particularly shocking. I did gasp when we found out who was involved in Sheena's death, but that was about it. The discovery of Molly came much earlier than expected in the book, and therefore I was expecting there to be another twist in the story, but alas, there was not.
All in all, an enjoyable book with well written themes and characters, but downfalls on the plot points and "shock factor".
3 stars
I enjoyed the premise of the book. I felt that the plot had a lot of potential and the character outlines in the synopsis aligned well to their portrayals in the book. Anne and Lady V were standout characters for me, and I particularly enjoyed V's character development; I found myself looking forward to her chapters. The Black family are weird and wonderful, and many readers may find their own families reflected in them.
The underlying themes of grief and family healing were lovely. I thought they were approached very well, and I enjoyed seeing how other characters dealt with the deaths of their loved ones. Again, Lady V was a particular standout here.
I was very interested in the book and was really looking forward to reading it. However once I started, I found it took me a while to get into the story. The writing felt clunky at times, particularly with the additional Sheena Griffith storyline. I felt this wasn't needed as the book was very character driven and would have liked to have seen more perspectives of other family members. I felt that the Sheena story would have been better as a separate spin-off novel involving the characters mentioned here.
As well as this, none of the plot points felt particularly shocking. I did gasp when we found out who was involved in Sheena's death, but that was about it. The discovery of Molly came much earlier than expected in the book, and therefore I was expecting there to be another twist in the story, but alas, there was not.
All in all, an enjoyable book with well written themes and characters, but downfalls on the plot points and "shock factor".
3 stars
October 25, 2022
Loved it, well done Alice! Such a heartwarming book that i didn’t want to end
December 14, 2022
This story had so much to say, and I just loved it all. First and foremost it’s a story about family, and no matter how dysfunctional it might be or how annoying, in the best sense they provide a soft place to fall.
Molly, at 30, lost her parents (the last when she was 20). She’s been running ever since to try and stay ahead of the grief. Her various aunts/uncles/cousins/friends panic when she goes missing…again. They track her down in Thailand and see that she’s moving toward healing.
We get alternating chapters from the family members highlighting themselves and their relationship with Molly and the other relatives. We see their various issues as well (perfectionism, death of other loved ones, anxiety, alcoholism, etc.).
What I love most about this story (and there was a lot) is getting to know each family member so intimately. And even those who have been lost and are not even physically present (Molly’s parents) are seen so clearly and vividly, I sometimes forgot they weren’t there.
Hilarious, heartbreaking, inspiring and insightful…oh so good. Recommended.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing the free early arc for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
Molly, at 30, lost her parents (the last when she was 20). She’s been running ever since to try and stay ahead of the grief. Her various aunts/uncles/cousins/friends panic when she goes missing…again. They track her down in Thailand and see that she’s moving toward healing.
We get alternating chapters from the family members highlighting themselves and their relationship with Molly and the other relatives. We see their various issues as well (perfectionism, death of other loved ones, anxiety, alcoholism, etc.).
What I love most about this story (and there was a lot) is getting to know each family member so intimately. And even those who have been lost and are not even physically present (Molly’s parents) are seen so clearly and vividly, I sometimes forgot they weren’t there.
Hilarious, heartbreaking, inspiring and insightful…oh so good. Recommended.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing the free early arc for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
July 27, 2022
A warm, witty, sharp, life-affirming novel. If you're like me and you reach for some old friends like Marian Keyes, David Nicholls or Nora Ephron in times of need, you'll love this.
The core of the book is the Black family, brought to life as a jumble of personalities, conversations, limbs and hearts. I loved how this was done - it felt like the family dynamics Richard Curtis captures so perfectly. I really felt the (uncomfortably familiar!) tension that's in all great, close families - the love, support, fun, levity on the surface, (the idea of the ‘perfect’ family from the outside), but the dark waters underneath, the old resentments, strife, struggles, missed connections, the ‘you-always-do-this’-es. It felt very real, with some brilliantly crafted characters.
I read it as a book about loss in lots of different forms and magnitudes, but also about re-birth and evolution. It ultimately felt like a call to hope and resilience. I laughed out loud in lots of places, but also found myself crying at some of the quietly devastating sucker-punch moments. Enjoy!
The core of the book is the Black family, brought to life as a jumble of personalities, conversations, limbs and hearts. I loved how this was done - it felt like the family dynamics Richard Curtis captures so perfectly. I really felt the (uncomfortably familiar!) tension that's in all great, close families - the love, support, fun, levity on the surface, (the idea of the ‘perfect’ family from the outside), but the dark waters underneath, the old resentments, strife, struggles, missed connections, the ‘you-always-do-this’-es. It felt very real, with some brilliantly crafted characters.
I read it as a book about loss in lots of different forms and magnitudes, but also about re-birth and evolution. It ultimately felt like a call to hope and resilience. I laughed out loud in lots of places, but also found myself crying at some of the quietly devastating sucker-punch moments. Enjoy!
July 12, 2022
Alice Ryan’s debut novel is like being dropped into a large family gathering. At first the reader is bewildered by the sheer number of characters but like any family each member robustly demands to be heard. The work broadly follows the disappearance of a beloved family member and the subsequent search for her. I touched lightly on death and bereavement but ultimately on the healing power of family.
Initially my focus was on trying to place each character within the family structure, then I just allowed each chapter to reveal itself. The book is quite hilarious in its descriptions of family interaction. I could see this as a great novel for a book club as it brings up so many life issues.
Initially my focus was on trying to place each character within the family structure, then I just allowed each chapter to reveal itself. The book is quite hilarious in its descriptions of family interaction. I could see this as a great novel for a book club as it brings up so many life issues.
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