One Scottish woman’s anonymous, quiet life, cleaning the London homes of the rich, is being systematically destroyed by two hapless teens. It leads to deceit, betrayal and death. The rebellious daughter of one of her clients begins a cascade of illicit activities, and our endearing protagonist, whom we meet in her jail cell, has to contemplate her ruined future. But did she lead a double life? Did she commit murder? Did she steal priceless art? Will the people she cleans for betray her or can she find community and support as she faces imprisonment and national vilification at the hands of a ruthless newspaper editor?

This story is filled with dark humour and dysfunctional family drama where everyone believes they know what’s best for everyone else.

''Intriguing from the off…such a brilliant story' – Cheshire Prize 2024

Joan Ingram was born in the upstairs bedroom of a council house, in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands. A tiny village, nestled in a snowy mountain valley. Her very first teacher focused on caring for animals and painting stones down by the River Spey.

Joan’s childhood move to Glenrothes, a sprawling mining town in Fife, jolted her existence. Now expected to sit in a classroom, Joan’s abilities were far behind her peers. She was excluded and put in a “Remedial” programme for reading and writing. Painfully embarrassed, Joan swore she would learn to write and never stop.

Over the years, Joan has inhabited many different roles: political TV journalist, BBC comedy writer, an entrepreneur educated at Harvard Business School, and a campaigner who received an O.B.E.

This story is an ode to all the people who have found belonging in new communities, and a tribute to Miss Renfrew, that first teacher, who taught happiness.