Book Review: A Crooked Tree by Una Mannion

I recently finished reading A Crooked Tree and thought that this is a great coming-of-age story.

The main character 14 year-old  Libby Gallagher, lives with her mother Faye and four siblings, 17 year-old Marie, 16 year-old Thomas, Ellen, aged 12, and Beatrice who is 7 years old.

Their Irish father passed away not long ago and they are all still greatly affected by his loss. Even though he was divorced from Faye, the kids loved their dad and miss him a lot.

One night when they are returning to their suburban Pennsylvania home, a snide remark made by Ellen causes Faye to make the snap decision to leave her by the side of the road and get her to walk the remaining 5 miles home on her own. 

When Ellen doesn't return in a couple of hours, the siblings are all concerned. What happened to Ellen? Where could she be?
We slowly discover the events of the night through Libby's voice. It is clear that what happened that night sets the marker for a summer in the '80's with a lot of change. 

I read this book in a couple of days. I was drawn to the characters and story. It isn't a thriller, but it does have elements of mystery, secrets and lies involved. It's one to add to your reading pile for sure! 

A Crooked Tree is available now, RRP $27.99