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Mumsnet debut fiction club: Paula Daly and Just What Kind of Mother are You?

59 replies

RachelMumsnet · 17/03/2014 14:14

Last month we launched Mumsnet Introduces... our new feature on debut authors. This week we're introducing Paula Daly and her debut Just What Kind of Mother Are you?

Paula's debut novel plays to your very worst fears as a mother - a friend's child going missing on your watch. Paula takes the reader on a psychological journey through the relationship of the two affected mothers and their circle of friends.

We ran a giveaway last year when the book first came out in hardback and most mumsnetters were gripped. As one mnetter said "Due to chronic sleep deprivation & limited time (2 yr old & 6 month old) I have struggled to read more than a magazine recently but I read this book in a couple of days". Another said "This should be called 'Mumsnet - The Novel', right down to the mention of Greggs, it's as if the author had read lots and lots of threads on MN and then incorporated them into story".

If you fancy giving it a go, apply for a free copy and come back to this thread and let us know what you think or post up a review. Next week we'll be linking to Paula Daly's debut author tips from this thread.

Mumsnet debut fiction club: Paula Daly and Just What Kind of Mother are You?
OP posts:
500internalerror · 06/04/2014 17:31

I'm half way now - the bit with bluey - and really enjoying it. It's easy to read. I can't really associate with any of the characters - I expected one to be something like me given that its a book about parents - but that's not a problem in this instance. I wouldn't say it's unputdownable , but its well written & at no point have I been bored :)

RaisinGirls · 06/04/2014 17:23

Just spent a lovely weekend doing pretty much nothing but reading this book. I enjoyed it, it kept me hooked all weekend and I didn't find any of the twists obvious either.

Like others have said, I found Joanne an interesting character and would like to read more novels with her in and see how her character progresses.

Thanks for the freebie - if the idea is to introduce us to new authors who will then buy other novels they have written, then its worked... as Im off to download her next novel on my kindle.

SarahAndFuck · 06/04/2014 11:21

I've finished the book and posted my review Smile

I enjoyed the book and found it to be a very quick, easy read and I would like to read more with Joanne, the detective.

500internalerror · 05/04/2014 23:53

I think I'm going to enjoy this, because I need a gripping but easy read at the moment!

I wasn't impressed with the first few dozen pages, but its starting to pick up pace now :)

SuperScribbler · 05/04/2014 17:45

My copy arrived yesterday. It will becread as soon as I've finished the Poisonwood Bible. Quite excited.

SarahAndFuck · 05/04/2014 12:10

I'm about 150 pages in and really enjoying it.

I was surprised at how far in I was so quickly because I only started it very late last night, but it's been a very good read so far and I haven't wanted to put it down.

GoingToBedfordshire · 04/04/2014 21:44

Thanks for my copy, just getting started now.

RaisinGirls · 04/04/2014 12:21

My copy arrived today, thank-you!! Really looking forward to settling down and reading it over the weekend. although had forgotten I had applied for the free copy and was rather perplexed when it arrived without a note and thought someone was trying to send a 9 month pregnant lady a message Grin

DuchessofMalfi · 03/04/2014 17:30

My copy arrived today. Thank you MN. Will be saving it for my holiday read next week :)

frazzledbutcalm · 03/04/2014 14:27
Smile
frazzledbutcalm · 03/04/2014 14:27

My copy arrived today... THANK YOU MUMSNET!! [SMILE]

SarahAndFuck · 03/04/2014 12:57

My copy arrived today, I will be starting it later. Thanks again Smile

DuchessofMalfi · 27/03/2014 21:23

I got an email too. Will be my holiday read Smile Smile Smile Smile

StealthPolarBear · 27/03/2014 21:19

Anyone who didn't get one want me to send a copy with one previous careful (ish) owner?

SarahAndFuck · 27/03/2014 21:08

Thank you very much, very excited to be getting a copy of the book. Can't wait to read it Smile

frazzledbutcalm · 27/03/2014 19:45

I've had an email saying I've been selected to receive a free copy! I'm so excited! Blush

AliceMumsnet · 25/03/2014 11:12

This book giveaway is now closed. We will notify those who have been selected to receive a free copy via email. We would love to hear your thoughts so please feel free to discuss the book on this thread. Also, read Paula's advice to budding novelists in her debut author tips.

StealthPolarBear · 23/03/2014 20:20

One of the things I found odd btw was about her son - he'd not lost any baby teeth and they were worn down to nubs. Does that really happen?? Ds has most of his and afaik they look the same as they always did!

Cantdothisagain · 23/03/2014 19:50

As a post script, I found the main character very convincing and again I love the references to contemporary culture and parenting etc - and I was utterly gripped - but less keen on this one....

Cantdothisagain · 23/03/2014 19:48

Just read the new one - was so gripping read it all today. But it was very unlikely. And a bit miserable tbh as the admittedly evil friend who steals the main characters husband is portrayed as entirely to blame, whilst he is excused because his wife had been too busy to give him enough blowjobs. That's not a spoiler by the way - happens v early on. I didn't like this as much as the first- like the writing style but think this could have been developed better.

StealthPolarBear · 23/03/2014 14:08

And if anyone wants onw and doesnt get a freebie let me know, happy to post mine for costof postage.

StealthPolarBear · 23/03/2014 14:08

Just read this (boight yesterday and finished this morning) amd really enjoyed it.
Also liked the detective and she was in the short story so hopwfully she will be a permanent fixture.

LordPalmerston · 23/03/2014 14:01

is this a shitty chick lit book though?

Feenie · 23/03/2014 13:58

Ooh, thanks cantdothisagain, I didn't know there was a new one.

RaisinGirls · 23/03/2014 10:03

Applied for a copy. Hope I get one, as I am on the look out for books to read on my maternity leave!