I’d never heard of Lesley Crewe but she is now my latest favourite Canadian author! I thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age father-daughter story set in Montreal in the 60’s. It’s funny, surprising, down-to-earth, and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the touching, heartfelt story that has a light-hearted feel and a bit of gutsy irreverent sass thrown in to keep things lively. She balances humour and sadness really well.
Audrey is a character you can’t stop rooting for. She is a lot of things: articulate, disarming, forthright, and because she considers herself an amateur spy, she is nosy! But the biggest mystery Audrey needs to solve, is why she doesn’t have a mother and what happened to her. No one will tell her anything, and she intends to find out the truth for herself!
Funny story about how I came to read this latest book by the author. You might recognise the trajectory. Everyone had been talking about her earlier novel called The Spoon Stealer. which I had purchased on my Kindle just before a trip to Europe. Somehow I never got to it on the plane (too many movies). Then when I got back home I went to the library to pick up some holds and noticed Nosy Parker sitting on the new and notable shelf!
I do plan to read more by this author (probably starting with the one I bought already). Most of her books are set in Cape Breton where she lives; this one is set in the Montreal of her childhood.
Joanne's Reading Blog 
I wish more people knew about this author. She is an incredible story teller. I’m surprised that you have not read The Spoon Stealers. I just finished Kin and was so sorry to say goodbye to the characters. A wonderful author.
I too can’t believe this author never came across my radar until recently! Her characters are so fun to get to know. I look forward to catching up with her backlist for sure!
Thanks for introducing Lesley Crewe to us. Really enjoyed Nosy Parker, the first 3/4’s of Kin, after which I found it sad and had trouble keeping the characters straight. I’m really enjoying The Spoon Stealers. Great characters! 😊
I’m so glad to hear about your enjoyment of Lesley Crewe, Jackie! I couldn’t believe I had never heard of her before. I hope to read The Spoon Stealers soon. Interesting comment about Kin, I’ll keep that in mind. I hope to read all of her books at some point.
I loved Kin (you do have to keep the characters straight), but so good!! Since my last reply here, I have read Beloved and I loved it as well.
That’s good to know! It’s so delicious having an author who has lots of books in the backlist to enjoy!
I really enjoyed Nosey Parker and found the main character a little “je ne sais crois” ( I don’t quite know) – engaging and unpretentious. In addition the description of the local Montreal scene was extremely fun and true to my own recollection of having grown up there. I did find the end of the story a bit too quick and summarized after the lovely detail of the first part. However still very worth reading.
On to the next Lesly Crewe – The Spoon Stealer. Thanks for the recommendation, Joanne.
Thanks for your thoughts Karen! How fun that you found the Montreal setting recognisable! That is always such a treat in reading. And Crewe’s characters are so refreshing and different and fun! Oh, you’re in for a treat with The Spoon Stealer! Enjoy!