Readers Write

Anki, in Sweden

I've just read Disordered Minds, and I particularly liked that you made Ms Gardener "old" and chubby. Thank you! I'm a bit chubby myself and I'm not getting any younger, so it feels good to read about her. I've read all your books, some of them in English. You always write about today's topics. I'm looking forward to reading your next book!

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Kay, in the UK

I have just been on to your web site - I didn't realise how popular your books are!!! I'm about halfway through Disordered Minds, up to the part where Jonathan and George are asking Miss Brent a few questions.

I find this book very interesting and can hardly put it down and the best thing of all is that it's set in Dorset, which is rather strange as I live in Weymouth and when it mentions Poundbury and surrounding areas it makes it all the more visual (living near these places).

I have to admit that I have'nt read a book for a while now, but now that my 6-month-old baby has an afternoon nap, it's the perfect time for reading. Sometimes I hope she sleeps for longer so I can finish the next chapter or two. If the rest of your books are as good as Disordered Minds (which I'm sure they are!), I will have plenty of reading to do!

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Mollie, in the UK

I have to say I am a great fan of your writing BUT....Disordered Minds just takes the cake...it is brilliant...it took me ages to read and to keep tabs on everyone...for me...the best you have written...prizewinning, no less! Thank you a million times for all your hard work and research!

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Jackie, in the UK

I have just read Disordered Minds whilst on holiday in Corfu - got sunburnt as I was so engrossed. I am not a great reader, but after reading Acid Row and seeing Disordered Minds on the bookshelf in a Greek shop I couldn't resist. A fantastic read - I will be buying the other books soon!

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David, in Brazil

Having just completed and been totally absorbed by Disordered Minds - I began to do a little research on the interenet. Hence the contact. As implied in the subject line - Brazil somehow enters into this note - because I have been reading your book whilst seated on the veranda of a mansion about 30 km north of Belo Horizonte in the province of Minas Gerais while torrential rain thundered down around me.

The book had great resonance with me as I'm originally from Hampshire, Southampton to be precise, and my wife is from West Wellow just outside Romsey though we now live in Ottawa, Canada. But I know a a tiny amount ( ie that it exists and is still not uncommon) about child abuse as my sister was an educational psychologist with the Hampshire County Council. "Was" because she went private after the Thatcher era.

I grew up in Southamton in the same era as the characters in your book- and I remember that it was as you describe it. But I also remember that the sixties era- though officially liberated- was a time in which much was unspoken. It was also an era in which there was great tension between adults who had no grasp of the changes taking place in society and teenagers who had grasped that things had changed, My sister was one of them and I remember the family rows, and family secrets.

I was discussing today with my Brazilian friends things which had improved in my lifetime - many things are worse such as the environment and terrorist violence on the one hand - but wine, cars, and openess and understanding about sexual issues have actually improved. As you will have gathered - I greatly enjoyed your book - I felt that its insights went way beyond mere entertainment. (back to top)

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Ken, in the US

I have never done this before, but I feel I must congratulate you on your books. I had not heard of you before I was given Disordered Minds as a present about 4 weeks ago, since then I have read another 5 of your fascinating stories.... Absolutely compelling... cannot put it down once I have started. Totally addicted!

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Amanda, in the UK

I am a great fan of your books and I am nearly finished Disordered Minds I have read, and have every book that you have written and I think you are a wonderful and extraordinary writer. I am a wife of a Huntington's sufferer and you have given me many hours of escapism reading your books and long may it continue. Do keep up the good work and thank you for the many hours of pleasure you have given me.

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Jamieson, in Canada

First off, I just have to say that I picked up the paperback copy of Disordered Minds on Friday and have been enthralled ever since. I always love your mysteries because, more so than in other mysteries, things are not what they seem. I even called in sick to work on Friday so I could sit out in the sun and enjoy your novel. It was a day well spent.

I have been a fan of your work since I read The Sculptress. After that, both my mother and I (she read the book after I did and was hooked as
well!) would wait at our local bookstore on the release date of your new book. We would have to be there early, as the bookstore always sold out!

Your mysteries are wonderful. They involve real people and situations and concern issues that affect everyone. I can't tell you how much I love your work. Words cannot describe. I read constantly (I always have a book with me where ever I go) but it is rare that a book fills me with intense excitement. Yours do.

I've read everything you've written so far (aside from The Tinder Box) and will continue to read whatever you write. My favourite of your novels, though, would have to be The Shape of Snakes (I've read it three times so far ) or Acid Row, though Disordered Minds is, thus far, a close second.

I just wanted to take the time to write you a note to tell you how much I enjoy your work and love your writing, in hopes that it will be a bright spot in your day. Thank you so much for the years of wonderful mysteries! I look forward to more!

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Marisa, in Italy

In Italy we have an expression: "Non ho parole"...I don't have any words...and that's exactly what I would like to say on this book! I don't have any words to describe the brilliance and marvellousness of this thriller.

In just two weeks I read 2 of Minette's books (Acid Row and this one)....I just can't put them down...I am a fan ever since The Ice House...I have all your books...please keep on writing!

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June, in the UK

Half-way through Disordered Minds and the ironing is on hold again...

Over the years you've generated phenomenal household neglect while I "just finish this chapter". It's the way you tell 'em - thank you. I've read all the others too, so would you mind putting that toolbox away before I have to start hunting for the Dyson? (back to top)

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