The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox

Title: The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox

Author: Claire Gradidge

Genre: Historical

Publisher: Zaffre

Published Date: 2019

Book Length: 369

Format Read: Paperback

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: April 1941, Romsey, England. Josephine 'Jo' Fox hasn't set foot in Romsey in over twenty years. As an illegitimate child, her family - headed by her controlling grandfather - found her an embarrassment. Now, she wants to return to what was once her home and uncover the secret of her parentage. Who was her father and why would her mother never talk about him? Jo arrives the day after the Luftwaffe have bombed the town. The local pub has been completely destroyed and rescue teams are searching for the remains of the seven people known to have been in the pub at the time the bomb hit. They are shocked, however, to uncover eight bodies instead. The eighth, unidentified, body is that of a teenage girl, who no one in the town claims to know. Who is she, how did she get there, but most importantly - who killed her? Teaming up with local coroner and old friend, Bram Nash, Jo sets out to establish the identity of the girl and solve the riddle of her death. In doing so, she also uncovers her own personal mystery. Everyone has secrets - some are just more deadly than others . . .

My Thoughts: The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox by Claire Gradidge is a historical novel set in the 1940s, and I was completely drawn into its world.

The story has a steady pace, with well-developed and believable characters. Jo Fox, the main protagonist, is feisty, determined, and relentless in her search for the truth. I loved how strong-willed she was, refusing to be brushed aside despite the obstacles in her way.

Claire Gradidge’s writing flows so naturally that it’s hard to believe this is her debut novel. The historical setting feels authentic without ever overwhelming the story, and the mystery at the heart of the book kept me turning the pages.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It’s a gripping mix of historical fiction and mystery, with a protagonist I was rooting for from start to finish. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author!