Ruth Hogan is very good at creating good, engaging characters, and with Madame Burova I felt she's succeeded in that again. Imelda herself is great - interesting and funny, and I really wanted to know what had happened to her in her past. But also, the little side-character storylines are very good. I especially liked Treasure's story, and Clive, and I would have loved more of Imelda's mum and dad.
There's a real warmth to the story. It's just what's needed for pandemic reading matter, and although sometimes the plot has to reach a little to resolve, you forgive it because it's done so charmingly.
I enjoyed the Brighton setting, and the jumps between the 1970's and the present day work well. The story really drew me in, and I looked forward to reading more each night.

I absolutely loved it!
The plot is full of twists and turns and although the readers might have their ideas about what is coming there are still some unexpected turns.
The timeline alternates between now and the 70's Britain. It was interesting and sad to find out about racism and sexism so present in the 70's society.
The set is also unusual and interesting: a holiday park where many of the characters are entertainers, and the Brighton pier where Madame Burova has her booth.
The story has a motley crew of characters, which makes it really enjoyable. I loved Imelda aka Madame Burova. I don't think I have ever read a story with a palmist and clairvoyant as a heroine before.
I also loved the rich tapestry of human relationships depicted in the story.
All in all: I think Ruth Hogan is one of the very talented authors who can tell an enjoyable story that captures the reader so I will always look out for her next works.

You know when you’re sat in front of a gooey pie and you know that eating it will make you sick but you eat it anyway? And apart from feeling sick, a part of you is quite satisfied of having savoured it? That about sums up my feelings for Madame Burova, clairvoyant, palmist, tarot reader at Brighton Pier. The secrets her clients leave with her are sacred, but she is planning to retire and some of those secrets cannot be kept hidden indefinitely.
The plot is rather improbable, the “twists” come with highlighter pen. The characters are formulaic: an overdressed haughty person is a nasty one, one that likes dogs obviously is nice.
And still, the jumble of timelines and the cast of many, the Pier community and allegiances somehow work together and create quite a mesmerising mix.

4-5 stars.

There are two central characters in this multilayered latest novel from the talented Ruth Hogan. The first is obviously Madame (Imelda) Burova, Tarot reader, palmist, clairvoyant and keeper of secrets since 1972 when she took over dukkering from her Romany mother Shunty Mae on Brighton’s beach front. The second is Billie who discovers in adulthood on the death of her much loved parents that she is a ‘foundling’. The story is told between 1972 and now as we eventually learn the truth about Billie’s parentage.

This novel takes a little more getting into than usual with this author, mainly because there are a lot of characters. However, once you establish who is who were off and it’s a very enjoyable ride. There’s a lot going on in the storytelling but the threads come together extremely well as it reaches a lovely conclusion. There are quite a lot of themes, such as love between Imelda and Cillian Byrne the Wall of Death rider at Larkin’s Holiday Camp where they meet. There’s racism in the 197O’s directed at adorable mixed race Treasure and his treatment at school makes your blood boil especially as he is such a kind boy. There’s the casual sexually inappropriate advances of the predatory and far too handsy manager at Larkin’s. The mystery of Billie is central to the storyline and brings all the themes together extremely well. I love how Billie finds herself and her voice through this journey of self discovery. There’s a brilliant scene in a railway carriage where you realise the hidden depth of her personality and I love the humour of this encounter - there’s always plenty of clever humour peppering a Ruth Hogan novel. There’s a fantastic mix of characters from bitchy self centred Vivienne to adorable Henry the pianist. What can I say about Madame Burova except that she utterly fabulous and I fell under her spell immediately. One of the authors greatest strengths in her novels is her ability to craft wonderfully colourful and memorable characters. Even the peripheral ones such as Clive the ‘MI5 agent’ are extremely well depicted. I must mention the dogs too, who wouldn’t want to steal the divine Dasha the Borzoi in the 70’s or Mabel in the present day. They feel almost human and I love how they interpret their owners mood so accurately!

Overall, I really enjoyed this once I’d established the cast of characters. I love the connections from the past to the present and how it all plays out. I love the outcome and it’s one I wholeheartedly approve of!! I hope some of the characters will feature again in the wonderful Brighton setting.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to John Murray Press for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.

An enjoyable and easy read. The story is about Billie and her search for her biological parents and tarot card reader, Imelda, who had found her as an abondoned baby. It unfolds by going between then (1970s) and now and a few slightly eccentric characters met along the way.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. #MadameBurova #RuthHogan

A highly entertaining read. Perfect diversion from a global pandemic. A pleasurable, feel good offering once again from this author.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have liked everything this author has written and this was no exception. Great storyline, great characters. A thoroughly enjoyable read which will have you hooked from the beginning

An intriguing read based around Billie, who was adopted as a baby after being abandoned. She meets Madame Burova who has clues to her parentage.

Familiar themes from this author but a good read overall.

Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.