The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Ilsa Evans

Shirley is contented with her life, even if a little too much wine helps. Of her three adult children, her favourite son, Daniel, is the least likeable and she makes excuses for his inconsiderate behaviour. That is, until he dumps his daughter, Avery, on her so he can date his new girlfriend. During bath time she notices bruising and a cigarette burn on the little four-year old. She decides to act.

Beth is the other grandmother. Her daughter, Cleo, is Avery’s mother. She is separated from Daniel and serving a four month prison sentence after several AVO violations. Beth visits her daughter regularly but is surprised when she learns Daniel has not taken Avery to visit Cleo for several weeks.

Shirley is often a bit of a ditherer but must choose between getting Daniel even more offside or putting Avery first.

The unusual action Shirley takes, with Avery and her 89 year old mother, Winnie, in tow, is to consult with Beth. Unusual because the two quite different grandmothers can’t tolerate each other. Yet, both grandmothers share a love for their granddaughter and are concerned for her wellbeing.

They agree the only solution is to take Avery away and stay in hiding until Cleo is released from prison. Beth’s dog, Harthacnut, joins the odd trio on their adventure.

This is where Beth’s organisational skills come in and before long they are disguised and on the run until Cleo is released from prison in six weeks.

Yes, the basis behind the story is child abuse but it is dealt with sensitivity and without graphic descriptions. It is the trigger for the main storyline.

Not only do they need to successfully stay hidden from the police, but they need to somehow get along for Avery’s sake who always remains the focus of their love.

During the initial stages of their confinement there is tension and discord between the two women, often added to by Winnie’s sharp retorts. Over time, as they open up more to each other, they begin to appreciate each other’s positive attributes and tolerate the negative ones. There are many humorous moments in the banter of all three.

89 year old Winnie is a lesson in not underestimating the elderly. Although the young members of her family consider her senile. She is wise and witty, sassy, and sneaky. She speaks her mind and is tech savvy.

The story is told through the point of view of the characters giving us more insight into their personalities and life experiences. It helps us to understand them better. Those we meet in this way includes the police, media, and other family members.

Every character is real, they may have faults, but they are true to characters we meet every day.

Two grannies, a great grandmother, a miniature schnauzer and 4 year old Avery on the run from police and the media. Shouldn’t be hard to find them – or is it?

The police issue an Amber Alert on Facebook and believe it will be resolved quickly but as time goes on they get frustrated at being outsmarted by two grannies.

Meanwhile the media, in particular a morning chat show, are having fun with the situation.

The underlining, and important, issues discussed within the story include women’s perspectives of life on a variety of topics.

However, these serious topics are skilfully intertwined with many humorous moments.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the adventure of the grannies.

As a 72 year old grandmother of a 4 year girl I could relate to the main characters, their faults and their attributes and can honestly say they are true characterisations.  Would I do the same ting under the circumstances? If I had the resources these ladies had – probably.

This is the first book I have read an Ilsa Evans book and will certainly be keeping a lookout for more.

Thank you to the publishes for pre-approving me for this book.

My rating 4*

 

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