Meet Margaret Small: 75, plain spoken, Whitstable native and a Cilla Black super fan. Shortly after the death of her idol, Margaret begins receiving sums of money in the post, signed simply 'C'.
She is convinced it must be Cilla, but how can it be? To solve the mystery of her benefactor Margaret must go back in her memories almost 70 years, to the time when she was 'vanished' to a long-stay institution for children with learning disabilities.
An absorbing and page-turning mystery with a dual timeline, The Vanishing of Margaret Small takes readers into a fascinating past, and introduces an unforgettable literary heroine. Neil is a graduate of the Faber Academy 'Writing a Novel' course, taught by Esther Freud and Tim Lott. Originally from Northern Ireland, he now lives in the seaside town of Whitstable in Kent. Neil, who has a Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Kent at Canterbury, began his career working in health journalism and, for many years, worked as part of the PR team for UK learning disability charity Mencap. He currently teaches English part-time at a secondary school in Kent. An uplifting and page-turning mystery with a dual timeline Author is based in Whitstable (Kent), United Kingdom. Perfect for fans of Libby Page and Gail Honeyman. 'Compelling and authentic...Margaret's story is quiet but her voice is mighty.' 'Margaret is the most original and memorable character I have come across in years - she's completely unforgettable...one of those stories that sits heavy in your heart long after you've finished reading it. An absolute joy.' 'A beautiful story of human spirit and its power to thrive against the odds. I'm so glad that I read it and got to meet Margaret.' 'A fantastic, feel-good story...rich in nostalgia and a joy to read. A book that will keep you smiling long after you finish.' 'Beautifully observed and poignant. An outstanding debut.' 'A captivating and charming story. Margaret will warm the cockles of your heart.' 'Calling all fans of uplit! A tender, thought-provoking and totally gripping novel from a wonderful storyteller deserves to be a huge hit!' 'This an evocative, endearing, entertaining and thoroughly delicious character portrait and a terrific first novel.'
