An Invisible Tattoo is a mystery novel, but author Suellen Dainty’s main preoccupation seems to be with exploring the bonds and holds of friendship. I found it an absorbing and warm novel which contains a surprising amount of hope, given some of the darker aspects of the plot.
The novel follows a familiar structure. In contemporary Australia, Ruth is telling her story to journalist Kate. The novel moves between the present and the 1970s, in which much of Ruth’s story took place – at least, the parts Kate is interested in.
Ruth is the only person still alive who knows what really happened when music star James Bennett died after a wild party in his country home. With the discovery and imminent release of his final, long lost album, journalists are clamouring to talk to Ruth. She decides to talk to Kate only, but when it comes down to it, finds herself reluctant to share the critical details.
So Kate listens as Ruth tells of her friendship with James’ wife, Adela, and the events that formed them both and cemented their friendship. As she tries to coax Ruth towards James’ death, Kate finds herself developing a bond with the older woman.
The novel uses the mystery of James’ death as a focus, withholding critical information from the reader as well as Kate for as long as possible. It’s obvious pretty early that the official story is probably untrue, but it’s not clear at all what the real truth is. This isn’t a particularly tricky mystery, but it felt credible, and I believed the ultimate reveal.
More importantly, Ruth is reflecting on her lifelong friendship with Adela. How they helped each other, how they might sometimes have damaged each other, and the costs and benefits of such a long, close friendship between two very different people.
As I said, I found this very absorbing and thoroughly enjoyed it. There’s nothing very new here, but Dainty tells her story well and with a lot of empathy for the characters. Even the less admirable characters are very understandable and drawn with a vividness that makes them memorable.
This is a novel that will be enjoyed by readers looking for something thoughtful or those more interested in character or relationships than in action. This is a novel that feels quiet, despite the sometimes frenetic 1970s timeline. It tells a good story, and ends on a very satisfying note.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading An Invisible Tattoo by Suellen Dainty. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing that joy.
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, across all genres. There’s not much I won’t at least try. I’ve been an enthusiastic book reviewer for years. I particularly enjoy discovering writers new to me, and sharing good writing with others.
My career has included time spent writing and editing technical documents, but it’s fiction that really moves me. I’ve reviewed for a number of different outlets over the years, and have been a judge in literary competitions.
I’m now raising little bookworms of my own, which brings a whole new kind of joy to sharing books.
More of my reviews can be found on my review blog www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog .
I enjoyed reading “An Invisible Tattoo” by Suellen Dainty.
It’s the story of Ruth and her friend Adela who go to England. Adela marries James Bennett who us a singer songwriter struggling to write new songs. They live in a world of sex drugs and rock and roll until James dies on the night of a party.
Now Ruth is old and living in Australia again she’s interviewed by Kate,a journalist trying to get to the mystery of James death and the new songs that have been found.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Echo Publishing for my copy of this wonderful book to read and review.
I loved how it was written and the whole story. It was set in London and Sydney. The author’s description of the settings was perfect.
Ruth Henderson lived with a secret from 1972 for many years. Kate Griffin, a budding journalist, wants Ruth’s story to set to her career in motion.
Ruth trusts Kate but will Kate sell her out?
Although there is darkness in the book, it is a beautiful story about friendship. Also that doing the right thing, despite the consequences, will give you peace.
I would highly recommend this book.
An Invisible Tattoo by Suellen Dainty is the story of a young journalist, Kate, delving into the memories of older woman Ruth, as to the unanswered questions surrounding the death of musician James Bennett in the 1970s. Ruth is the only person still living who was there at the time of James’ death and holds the memories and truth. Kate is keen to get advance her career with a great story at the same time being respectful of Ruth and trying to gain her trust. This story easily moves between the 1970s and current day, and the characters are very believable. I found this book a bit of a slow read, halfway through the book and Kate is lamenting that she hasn’t gained a lot of information from Ruth; as the reader I felt the same. However, things speed up in the second half and all the pieces fall together. I nice read for a quiet afternoon. I am grateful to the author Suellen Dainty, Echo Publishing and Beauty & Lace Book Club for the opportunity to read this novel.
‘An Invisible Tattoo’ by Suellen Dainty explores the bonds of friendship formed in childhood that withstand many life altering events.
Ruth Henderson is nearing the end of her life and the only one who is still alive that was present at a wild party the night talented British musician James Bennett died, Bennett was also her best friend Adela’s husband.
More than 50 years have past, but the past is dragged up again when a collection of Bennett’s unrealsed songs are found in the house he once lived.
Journalists are like voltures to Ruth all wanting her story, she has no desire to talk to any of them until young Kate Griffin’s request piques her interest, young and ambitious she’s looking to advance her career.
A friendship forms between the two and they become to enjoy each other’s company, so much so it has Kate questioning not only where her loyalties lie in writting this story but where her present life is heading.
Skipping between the past and present it’s a predictable plot, there’s no big surprises but it’s well written and keeps you interested and turning the pages for more of the story.
I quite enjoyed reading this book, thanks Beuty and Lace and Echo publishing for the copy to read and review.
Thank you Beauty and Lace for he offer to review An Invisible Tattoo by Suellen Dainty.
The novel is set in England and Australia from the 1970’s to today. It is a story of Ruth Henderson encompassing from when she was youthful in Australia to her 20’s in England and her elderly years in Australia. Kate Griffin an upcoming journalist is interested in interviewing Kate about her time in Somerset in 1972, especially about the night when singer James Bennet died at a party.
I found the novel especially the first half a bit slow but still enjoyed it. I found it was a story of friendship.