Trouble in Paradise: Read Our Review of Little Nothings by Julie Mayhew

Liv Travers never knew real friendship until she met fellow mums Beth and Binnie. The three women become inseparable as they muddle through early parenthood together.

Then along comes Ange… Ambitious, wealthy and somehow able to do it all.

Under Ange’s guiding presence, the group finds new vigour and fresh aspirations – bigger houses, better schools, dinners at exclusive restaurants. But Liv can’t keep up and is increasingly edged out.

When the four families take a three-week trip to a luxurious holiday resort, Liv seizes the opportunity to reclaim her place at the heart of the group, only to discover the true, devastating cost of a friendship with Ange…

Given how much rain we’ve had recently, the idea of being transported to the Greek Islands, even via the pages of a book, was too much to resist. And what a worthwhile trip that was. Little Nothings is a gripping read that perfectly balances edge-of-your-seat tension with gossipy fun, all set on Corfu.

Liv, a compelling protagonist that you inevitably feel deeply for, has yearned for female friendship. After meeting at a playgroup, she finally feels like she has a friendship group where she belongs, with Beth and Binnie. But then Ange arrives, and her alpha personality completely changes the dynamic. When Ange suggests a family trip to a luxury resort, Liv agrees to go, despite her and husband Pete not really being able to afford it.

Set over the course of this single, life-changing trip to a Greek island paradise, Little Nothings is a sly, suspenseful novel about female bonds turned toxic, and the desperate ends one woman will go to keep her friends close – and her enemy closer.

All four female characters are complicated and well-drawn. It’s easy to see why Ange is such a force. Early on, there’s a scene where Liv was considering cutting her hair short, and it was Ange’s ability to listen, and then confirm how short hair would suit her, that had Liv at the hairdresser the next day. Ange is anything but one-dimensional; she’s a woman who gets what she wants by giving others what they need, usually attention. Her character arc in this makes for great reading, and as the novel progresses, the tension rises. It’s a one-sitting read, at times uncomfortable but always entertaining. And the twist at the end – which I won’t ruin for you here ­– is as disturbing as they come.

Little Nothings has all the ingredients for a great weekend read, particularly when you’re yearning for some sun. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Louise Candlish.

Buy a copy of Little Nothings here.