On the HahaFiction shelf
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
Tanner Quimby needs somewhere to live, so she takes a job looking after 84-year-old Louise Wilt. Louise would prefer to be left alone. Then she turns up at Tanner’s door at one in the morning with a bag packed, and suddenly Tanner has a reason to wonder why her employer looks so much like a suspect in an old jewel heist.
From the publisher’s blurb
“this story full of tremendous heart, humor, and wit”Read the full description at Berkley
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What makes it funny?
As far as Louise is concerned, she can do the crossword and pour her afternoon vodka, so there’s little for a live-in helper to do. Tanner expects plenty of time for video games. The arrangement looks agreeable to them both right up until Louise needs help leaving town.
The comedy at work
The person who was hired to keep Louise safe is soon taking her cues from Louise. Oakley keeps the FBI’s search in view as the women get to know one another, so what looks like a disappearance from outside can read very differently from the car.
Try this if…
The jewel heist gives the story a mystery to follow, but the main company is two people several decades apart who had no intention of becoming friends. The book gives their changing relationship as much attention as the getaway.
More funny crime caper
Sources & further reading
- Berkley: book description
Publisher
- Kirkus Reviews: book review
Review
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