The No-Show

by Beth O’Leary

Quercus

How is it possible for one man to stand up three different women on one day?  And how is it possible that you really do care about him?!  Sometimes you just need a sweet, undemanding read to take your mind off things.  If you enjoyed Beth O’Leary’s first book, The Flat Share do give the The No-Show a go!

8.52 a.m. Siobhan is looking forward to her breakfast date with Joseph. She was surprised when he suggested it – she normally sees him late at night in her hotel room. Breakfast on Valentine’s Day surely means something … so where is he?

2.43 p.m. Miranda’s hoping that a Valentine’s Day lunch with Carter will be the perfect way to celebrate her new job. It’s a fresh start and a sign that her life is falling into place: she’s been dating Carter for five months now and things are getting serious. But why hasn’t he shown up?

6.30 p.m. Joseph Carter agreed to be Jane’s fake boyfriend at an engagement party. They’ve not known each other long but their friendship is fast becoming the brightest part of her new life in Winchester. Joseph promised to save Jane tonight. But he’s not here…

Meet Joseph Carter. That is, if you can find him.

O’Leary may not fit neatly into any of the usual categories, but she excels at what she does, which is to blend love and the darker realities of living – experiences like domestic violence and harassment— with humor and narrative experimentation. – npr

A superb rom-com with a heart wrenching twist – Daily Express

O’Leary’s wit, charm and heart are on full, fantastic display in this cosy, surprising and deeply satisfying novel. I couldn’t possibly love it more – Emily Henry

Beth O’Leary crafts novels with such wit, heart and truth. The No-Show is an ingenious, heartwarming and romantic story with great depths amid the humour and lightness – Sophie Kinsella