Fraser’s Line is a well written novel by Monica Carly that focuses on the way in which death can affect a family especially when, as in Fraser’s case, it results in previously unsuspected deceits and betrayals being exposed. Fraser’s Line examines the effects of these revelations which come as such a shock to Fraser, but not, it seems to his younger daughter, Joanna, who obviously bears a grudge - or is it that she knows a dreadful secret? Then there’s Fraser’s elderly mother who keeps hinting that there are things she must tell him before it’s too late. She has never spoken about the true identity of the father who died when Fraser was a young child, and there are other things if she can only get her confused mind to focus clearly. Fraser can hardly turn for comfort to his older daughter, Sarah, as she is so caught up with running her home and business that both her husband and her six year old twins must live their lives within the confines of her tight schedules.

The story is well told without wasted words and the plot is neatly built with writing that is confident and a joy to read. The pacing is just right with lots of tension. Perhaps some of the adult characters lack subtlety - Fraser being slightly too gullible - but the grandchildren are endearing, bringing a smile to the reader’s face. Some readers may find the plot resolution too contrived, but the accident which draws all the family together, motivating them to reassess their values and priorities, is movingly described.

Fraser’s Line is an easy and gripping book to read and would make a good choice to take on holiday.