Living Is A Problem by Doug Johnstone BLOG TOUR #LivingIsAProblem @doug_johnstone @OrendaBooks #TheSkelfs #BookReview

 

The Skelf women are back on an even keel after everything they've been through. But when a funeral they're conducting is attacked by a drone, Jenny fears they're in the middle of an Edinburgh gangland vendetta.

At the same time, Yana, a Ukrainian member of the refugee choir that plays with Dorothy's band, has gone missing. Searching for her leads Dorothy into strange and ominous territory.

And Brodie, the newest member of the extended Skelf family, comes to Hannah with a case: Something or someone has been disturbing the grave of his stillborn son.

Everything is changing for the Skelfs … Dorothy's boyfriend Thomas is suffering PTSD after previous violent trauma, Jenny and Archie are becoming close, and Hannah's case leads her to consider the curious concept of panpsychism, which brings new danger … while ghosts from the family's past return to threaten their very lives.

Funny, shocking and profound, Living Is A Problem is the highly anticipated sixth instalment of the unforgettable Skelfs series – shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Novel and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Book of the Year – where life and death become intertwined more than ever before…

Living Is A Problem by Doug Johnstone is published on 12 September 2024 by Orenda Books and is book six in the Skelfs series. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review as part of this Blog Tour. 

I cannot put into words just how much joy the Skelfs series has brought to me. Five years ago Doug Johnstone introduced us to the women of the Skelf family in the first book; A Dark Matter, and every year since then, we have been treated to more from this incredible and unusual group of women. This has to be one of the best crime fiction series ever written. 

Living Is A Problem opens at a funeral, as most of the books do. This is a huge funeral for a member of a well known Edinburgh family, but it doesn't end well. The events of the day lead to investigations by the Skelf that will ultimately find them in more danger. 

Dorothy, her daughter Jenny, and granddaughter Hannah are the Skelfs. They run a business that is a combination of Undertakers and Private Investigators; may seem strange, but so often the two businesses are linked. Over the series, Jenny has had what can only be described as a pretty shit time, but in this book she's beginning to find herself. Settling down with Archie and contemplating her life so far. Her daughter Hannah is happily married to her wife Indy, and tentatively exploring the world of panpsychism. It is Dorothy who appears to have changed a little. Usually the strong, fearless, head of the family, in this story she appears to be thinking more of her past, and her current age and maybe limited future. 

Once again this is a multi layered and complex story, with threads ranging from gangster in-fighting, the the plight of refugees in the city, to the terrible effects of grief that has been long stored and never talked about. Johnstone deals with each issue with compassion and sensitivity, including relevant social issues into his story, exploring the most terrible things that humans can do to each other, but also shining a light on family, on love, on supportive communities and the need to ensure that justice is done.

The reader is taken through the streets of Edinburgh, visiting those areas that tourists never see. The areas where everyday people live their lives. The places that are not all fresh paint and fancy eating places. It is the reality of the setting that really creates such depth and authenticity to the novel. 

There's a lot going on. The Skelf family and those closest to them are thrown curve balls that would totally fell a lesser family. Dorothy has a lot to contend with especially, seeing the man who brought her happiness after widowhood decline so far is painful, for her, and for the reader.  Seeing Jenny's new found happiness is something of a surprise, but it's so good to see a softer side to her after years of toughness and suffering. 

Once again, I have been totally transfixed when reading about my all time favourite Edinburgh family. Their troubles are vast, but their sense of honour is bigger. Another amazing addition to this wonderful series. Highly recommended. 

Doug Johnstone is the author of seventeen novels, many of which have been bestsellers. 

The Space Between Us was chosen for BBC Two’s Between the Covers, while Black Hearts was shortlisted for and The Big Chill was longlisted for Theakston Crime Novel of the Year. 

Three of his books – A Dark Matter, Breakers and The Jump – have been shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize. 

Doug has taught creative writing or been writer in residence at universities, schools, writing retreats, festivals, prisons and a funeral home. 

He’s also been an arts journalist for 25 years. 

He is a songwriter and musician with six albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of crime writers. 

He’s also co-founder of the Scotland Writers Football Club and lives in Edinburgh with his family.

www.dougjohnstone.com

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Instagram @writerdougj