No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done

In this daring metafictional mystery, poet and novelist Hannah (The Last Death of the Year) introduces readers to the Lambert family, residents of the tiny English town of Swaffham Tilney. Sally and Mark are enjoying a quiet afternoon with their children, Ree and Toby, and their much-loved Welsh Terrier, Champ, when a policeman arrives at their door. The local constabulary is investigating a complaint that Champ bit a neighbor’s daughter, stoking Sally’s fears that the pup could be euthanized. After the officer departs, Sally realizes the only way to protect the family is for the family to go on the lam. Much of the action is told through a manuscript of unknown origin that’s left near the garage of detective Connor Chantree, and recounts the Lamberts’ lively adventure on the run. The manuscript’s version of events—which involves the aid of a dog-loving billionaire and the eventual deaths of three human victims—leaves readers to piece together who might have written the book and what their agenda might be. Head-spinning as the setup sounds, Hannah pulls it off with ease. It’s a witty and entertaining ride. Agent: Kimberly Witherspoon, InkWell Management. (Jan.)