The Mystery of Mercy Close (Walsh Family)

After learning a few months ago that Marian Keyes had battled depression, I totally got the fact that the subject played a major role in this book that I just finished. I absolutely love all of her books and especially the Walsh sisters series. Mercy Close is somewhat of a surprise, as the author does not specialize in mysteries, so keep that in mind if you find as I did, that you know fairly early-on the answer to the mystery. The whole mystery-thing is not the main point of the book. It provides the storyline in which you get to know Helen in-depth and realize that she's not the one-dimensional, seemingly emotion-less, wisecracking character we've glimpsed in past books. She has a depth of character and feeling that was satisfying to discover. Marian's past Walsh-sisters books have each dealt with rather dark/heavy issues (death/healing, infidelity/divorce, drug addiction, etc.) but I think the subject of depression is one that doesn't necessarily touch as many lives as the others. Perhaps learning in great detail what this illness is and what it's like to live with made the critics of this book feel a darkness to it that wasn't as prevalent in the other books. Don't worry though, Keyes' humor is still very much in evidence. If you're a fan of Marian's books, definitely give this one a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I have so much respect for her for wanting to educate her fans about depression. If there's a way for her to revisit the Walsh family under I-can't-imagine-what premise in the future, I'd be thrilled.

I loved the book. Marian Keyes is such a engaging writer. I felt her depression in the book. It was written to feel so real to the reader. I love all the Walsh characters and I loved the plot in this book. I read it over a 24hr period.

Well done to Marian again for her great books

I usually love Marian Keyes, but I found this "mystery" too wordy, too scattered, and quite depressing, I am usally a gentle person, but found myself wishing she would get on with it, and commit the suicide she kept discussing at great length! Supposedly the book was dealing with the subject of depression, well, I can get self help books for that, this was not as entertaining as M.K.'s other books, and makes me wonder if I would buy another? I like to identify with a character, this one I just wanted to shake and tell her to get real, which of couse was one of her complaints about people, the story seemed secondary to the endless self anaylisis.

I love British humor. I enjoy Downton Abbey, Miss Marple, and the like. This novel spent half of it just describing how the heroine had little money, and a cute boyfriend. Not very engrossing. The premise of a rocker gone missing from his boyband could have been great, just took too long to make it interesting, and the writing was only fair. Meh. not recommended even for a summer novel.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the main character, flawed as Helen was, I was rooting for her the whole time and for Wayne her missing case. The backdrop of a Boyzone type reunion gig was really enjoyable and of course Mammy Walsh as the main source of all things celeb. I found some of the scenes where Helen is struggling to cope with depression, very hard to read just because they were so real. Would recommend this to anyone. Well done Marian

I found this book slow and tedious. It was difficult to stay focused. I usually like the Walsh family but the character of Helen was hard to follow. I didn'the even finish it. I don't really care what has happened to poor Wayne.

I usually love Marian Keyes but this was hard going.Perhaps because I havent had a break down, but after reading this I know what to expect if I ever do as it went on and on about the characters state of mind,and it lacked her usual humour. The story line was boring boring boring,could not wait to finish it.

Although well-written in her normal style, I did not really enjoy this book as it lacked the normal humour of Marian's writing. I found this to be quite a "dark" book with the constant suicidal and depression thoughts etc. At least it ended up a happy ending, but I was disappointed.

After reading Sushi For Beginners and Rachel's Holiday, I was really expecting more from Marian Keyes. Unlike the afore-mentioned novels, The Mystery of Mercy Close is a rather nebulous ride that doesn't connect you with the heroine or romantic interest. The 'mystery' isn't even that mysterious. Was disappointed but will concede it was good enough for a poolside read.

Always loved Marian Keyes' books and this was so different to her normal books. As usual, you read a book by Marian and feel as though you're a character too. I really enjoyed this and I cried and laughed often at same time. Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to all - Five Stars.

Always interesting, this book follows Helen (the private detective) as she battles depression and searches for a missing rock star. The subtext as always is informative, the story both heartbreaking and uplifting. Very clever Ms Keyes. Another winner.

Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors and she inspired me to become an author myself. She is funny, witty, clever and I love her story lines. This book is good, containing all the Marian Keyes quirks we all love. This is not my favourite of hers but I still really enjoyed it and so glad we could read Helens story. Her boyfriend sounded gorgeous too :)

Sometimes a good laugh out loud usual Marian Keyes. I felt she went a bit too much into the depression and I found it didn't really add to the story. It was an easy read and I feel like I know all the Walsh family. Loved the descriptions of the neighbours on Mercy Close. Good On you Marian.

I was looking forward to Helens story and as usual Marian covers big issues in a comical way. I enjoyed the book but it did lack the charm that made the other books so great. A few laugh out loud moments - but not a book I would say YOU HAVE TO READ, which is what I have been like with her other books. Still worth readying being a Marian Keyes lover!

I love Marian Keyes, and have read all her books- this was my least favourite of her novels, but maybe Marians too deep in her comfort zone and her Irish-isms and repetitive humour are wearing thin. Saying that though, all her books are like a warm hug, you fly through them because you care about the characters, and theres always a good happy ending!

All Marian Keyes books have a deeper side, mixed in with humor and heart warming stories. I love them all - and this was no exception. I did wonder how she was going to make the youngest Walsh sister a likable character - but she managed it, whilst using her own challenges over the past few years. Fantastic - and I missed the characters immediately I had finished the book.

It's just not like "Watermelon", "Rachel's Holiday" and the other classics. They made me laugh out loud often, and this one made me smile once. Nuff said..
I read it on holiday, and it was ok. Just ok.

What can you say about Marion keyes. They are all just amazing books. This heroine has a mental health problem, the first tiem I've coem across that in a book. They are usually the bad guys or victims. So well done you Marion.
Read it. it will make you laugh and sigh and laugh and wonder as all hers do

i loved this book. The main character Helen was so funny. The story was hilarious. Although there was a serious element to it there was also some very funny moments. Very cleverly written by Marian. One of my favorite Marian Keyes books. Didnt want it to end

I liked Helen's character development within the family and the story line of personal and professional challenges.
A different storey line to other books by Keyes was great to read and enjoyable loved the twist at the end!
Would recommend to those who have enjoyed other books by this author.

I absolutley loved this book, I was able to relate a great deal with some of Helen's struggles...and I loved revisiting one of the funniest families in literature: The Walshes! If you love Marian Keyes, chances are you will love this book as well

Another great story book from Marian. Based on the central character Helen, i became Helen whilst reading this. Personally, there was a bit too much 'depression' in the middle of the book (i nearly forgot what i was reading and not in a good way). Anyhow, enjoyable and a good solid ending.

As always with Marian Keyes' work, a serious subject tackled in a fun read. No great "mystery"
but an empathetic tale of a group of old rockers attempting a comeback and the problems that bedevil them.

I read this book several months after reading Rachel's Holiday by the same author. I found patches of it very dull indeed. It contains very little of the witty quirkiness of Rachel's Holiday. It drags rather than bounces along.