Edna’s Death Café by Angelena Boden
As in life, death is not without its agenda. This is something seventy-nine year old Edna Reid finds out when her partner, Ted, suddenly dies.
To cope with her loss, she sets up a Death Cafe to break down the taboo around death and to encourage other members of the community to discuss it openly. Over tea and cake, the participants hide their fears behind a veil of dark humour.
Religious fanaticism clashes with Victorian spiritualism as Edna’s meetings trigger lively conversations on the fragility of life, anxiety over dying, cost of funerals, and making sure long-lost greedy relatives don’t benefit from inheritances.
Soon, a series of events begin to unfold which threaten to undermine Edna’s livelihood and the Death Cafe meetings. These events just happen to coincide with the arrival of a mysterious stranger into the village.
Who is she and why is she so hostile to Edna?
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About the Author
Angelena Boden has spent thirty- five years as an international training consultant, specialising in behavioural management and conflict resolution. She trained in Transactional Analysis, the psychology of communication and behaviour, her preferred tool for counselling and coaching.
She originates from the Peak District but has spent a life time travelling and living in places as far apart as Vancouver, Dubai, Paris, Seville and Iran. Now semi-retired in Great Malvern, she writes every morning, walks the hills and paints landscapes every afternoon and fits family and reading in between.
She is the author of two traditionally published novels and many articles and blogs.
Her most recent novel, Edna’s Death Cafe is published as an e-book by Matador.
Angelena is keen to meet readers, old and new, and is available for book talks, events, and always chatting over a cuppa (within 60 miles of Worcester).
My Review
5 Stars
Edna Reid is 79 and has just lost her partner Ted. She is having a hard time with her new title of widow and decides to start The Death Café held evenings in the Happy Oatcake Café. The entire purpose is to discuss the taboo topics of death, everything from the costs to regrets. But then it seems someone has it out for Edna and is going out of their way to make her life difficult. There are break in at the café, a new person in the little town, and Ted’s own estranged daughter.
There are some odd things happening and it looks like Martine Shaw, the Canadian outsider may have some dealings with them. But we can’t leave out the estranged daughter and possible local trouble makers. There is so much more than what we see on the surface, just like in real life when someone dies.
I loved the concept of the Death Café. The whole idea of a group of people sitting down and discussing death is an amazing idea and I honestly think something that has possibilities in the real world. I admit that I ended up getting wrapped up in this part of the book more than anything. It made me think about when I lost both of my parents.
This is a great cozy mystery in an amazing setting. I loved this book and how it proceeded. I really hope that there will be a second book. There is room for a potential sequel and I know that I would be right there to get my grubby little hands on a copy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I would like to thank Book On The Bright Side Publicity & Promo for the opportunity to read and share this book.
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