Frances Book cover

Frances – A Crime Novel carefully discusses the issues around euthanasia and was published on 11th August 2016 in both English and German. It is available as both an e-Book and in a printed version through Amazon. You can preview the first few pages of the eBook on Amazon with Look inside. Search for Frances J.F Clayton.

Story Synopsis: It was a loving family, or so it seemed on the surface. Mary had lived a good long life, but had she deserved to die? Marion didn’t care about that. She wanted to catch the killer and bring them to justice and it would suit her just fine if it was Fiona. There was something uncomfortably annoying about this case and she wanted it closed as soon as possible.

And what did Frances have to do with it? And did she actually care about that.

 

Book Reviews

Here are a few of the things that have been said about the story so far.

Overview
It is discovered an old lady who has suffered a massive stroke and is lying helpless in bed has been murdered. Those involved in investigating her murder begin an exploration of the nature of aging, the importance of family histories, of the moral and social implications of choosing to live and discovering what is important. And just how far we may go to support those we love.
 C. Campbell
Review
The premise of this story seems like a normal murder mystery but it uncovers thoughts and issues around, our right to die with dignity, society’s attitudes to the elderly and aging as well as tolerance and acceptance of others who are different.  Marion is a complex character and  the author has  made me both dislike a character intensely then at the same time feel empathy with them and their interactions with the both the suspects and wider cast members .
C. Campbell
Review
“A superb crime novel from debutant author J.F. Clayton.  As the story unfolds, she cleverly touches the sensitive subject of Euthanasia from various points of view, whilst accurately painting a picture of everyday life, with all its cracks and flaws, and displaying a deep understanding of human nature at its best and worst.  Who killed Mary….and who the heck is Frances?”
Denise Humphrey
Review
It’s not often that one comes across a book with characters so deep and complex and at the same time so real.
This first book of J. F. Clayton requires attention to the details and by the end it will make you doubt what is right or wrong.
Highly recommended!
Maria Koletti
Review
Frances is a suspenseful crime novel which is both enjoyable as a murder mystery and as a way to evoke deeper thoughts on elder care, euthanasia, justice, and more. The focus in the novel is on the complex family dynamics and the usual tensions bubbling beneath the surface of every seemingly happy family keep you entertained and guessing to the end. J.F Clayton does a wonderful job showing a group of people united in grief but torn apart by the knowledge that someone among them could well be a murderer. All in all, a very entertaining read, which I have been recommending to everyone I know!
Rebecca Campbell