This week, Jeff Popple reviews three entertaining books about murder, gambling and funeral crashers. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon & Harlan Coben

Century, $34.99

Harlan Coben‘s celebrity collaboration with Reese Witherspoon is an enjoyable, fast-paced read. Featuring Coben’s signature twists and turns, Gone Before Goodbye tells the tale of disgraced former military surgeon Maggie McCabe, who reluctantly accepts a job to secretly operate on a reclusive millionaire. When things go awry, Maggie finds herself on the run and desperate to find out what happened to her patient. This is a typically enjoyable tale by Coben, with plenty of unexpected detours and the occasional dash of violence. With Christmas quickly approaching, Gone Before Goodbye would make for a great present and a fun beach read. 

Hooked by Quentin Beresford

Newsouth, $39.99

The recent Melbourne Cup betting splurge has once again put the Australian propensity for gambling under the spotlight. According to Quentin Beresford’s well-researched and compelling Hooked, Australians lose around $32 billion on legal forms of gambling each year. It is a horrific number and is the largest per head gambling loss in the world. As one commentator noted: “Want to bet how bad Australians are at gambling?’ Beresford’s readable Hooked explores how gambling expanded from a highly restricted recreational activity to a mega industry with the help of a cast of questionable characters, political subterfuge and corporate greed. A fascinating, thought-provoking book.

The Funeral Crashers by Joanna Nell

Hachette, $32.99

Over the course of her first five books, Joanna Nell has demonstrated a flair for charming plots and sympathetic senior characters.  It is a pattern that she continues with The Funeral Crashers. Subtitled ‘A story of four or more funerals and at least one wedding’, it is an engaging novel about two ageing people who find new purpose when they become funeral crashers. Through their desire to give everyone a proper send-off, they uncover secrets and encounter some interesting characters, including a cat called Shirley Temple. Brightly written with smart, snappy dialogue and some nice servings of humour, this is a pleasant ‘feel good’ read.