This is the book I was most looking forward to reading. Book One, Curmudgeon Avenue (#1 The Terraced House Diaries) develops the characters, and tells the story in the style of "Well, it's like this now, and I'll tell you how it got that way later", which left me with lots of unanswered questions about Edna and Genevieve - although mostly about Genevieve!

Book Two, The Harold and Edith Adventures: Curmudgeon Avenue Book Two concentrates mainly on the lives of Harold and Edith, as you'd expect, but it also drops in snippets of information about Edna and Genevieve, leaving me anxious to get to Book Three, and hopefully find out what Genevieve is all about.

Throughout Books One and Two, I have quite taken against Edith's self-centred husband, Harold Goatshead, and her repugnant son, Ricky Ricketts, and hoped that a suitable fate awaited both in Book Three. I have also become deeply suspicious of Genevieve - the lady was hiding something, and I hoped that would be revealed soon, so that I could decide whether to love or loathe her. Edna and Edith, whilst chalk and cheese, both had their redeeming features, and I felt they deserved better than they were getting up to this point. Probably for all the wrong reasons, I am also rather fond of Patchouli and her daughters, Toonan and Wantha.

So now to Book Three!

Once again the cover is simple but enticing. The house, Number One Curmudgeon Avenue, continues to narrate the story, despite a lot of the action, this time, taking place in France.

The story is split between Edna and Genevieve's activities in France, and the domesticity of the occupants and visitors to Number One.

In this story we discover that Genevieve bears an uncanny resemblance to Joanna Lumley, and she (Genevieve, not Lumley) is on the run from her past. She and Edna are now in France, staying at Château Le Grincheaux, where their hosts are a Scottish couple, Diane and Jackson Bove.

There are several farcical moments concerning the Boves interactions with Edna and Genevieve. Like any other guesthouse proprietors, they are there to accommodate their guests, but not to be swamped by them. I smiled at the manner Diane firmly requested an anniversary gift to support Jackson's fib, and could imagine their brains ticking over when they thought Genevieve might have murdered Edna.

The more I learned about the self-serving Genevieve, the more I disliked her. Although I felt for Edna, I was glad when Genevieve was finally unmasked.

Back on Curmudgeon Avenue, Ricky Ricketts has a new, and very pregnant girlfriend, Gemma Hampsons. Gemma is the journalist who, in Book Two, covered the pub quiz where Harold proposed to Edith. She's a scheming little madam too, but Patchouli and Mrs Ali are onto her. And the lovesick Wantha is determined to get Ricky to come back to her.

New to Curmudgeon Avenue is the 'tall, handsome man who drives a well fancy car' who we now know to be Genevieve's adopted son, Matteo Dubois. He has bought Number Three, next door to Harold and Edith. He is having it renovated, and turned back into a shop by Ricky Rickets and his pal Harry. Matteo is aware that Mrs Ali owns 'the most popular shop in Whitefield' and that she is not pleased at the prospect of another shop competing for business in the area. Matteo has been giving the impression he will be opening a grocery store just to annoy Mrs Ali. He is in fact opening a delicatessen.

There are a few new characters and a number of threads to keep track of during this zany story, but it's worth it. Small Paul is quietly standing out as a bit of a hero.

Edna and Genevieve Escape from Curmudgeon Avenue did not end in the manner I had anticipated. The twist in this tale came out of nowhere, and left me gobsmacked.

At the end of the book there is the first chapter of Book Four, The Ghosts of Curmudgeon Avenue, which looks like being another roaring good read.

Whilst this book could be read as a standalone, I would advise readers to read the series in the order it was written, for the full background to the story and the characters. I now await Book Four...

Lovely easy to read feel good read. Gorgeous cover that drew me in. Nicely put story. Lovely sounding location. Lose yourself in this lovely book

Edna and Genevieve Escape from Curmudgeon Avenue is the third installment in the Curmudgeon Avenue series. I have read the first book and must say I skipped to this book as I received it as a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion and it is even better than I imagined. However, I am definitely going back to read book 2. So, before I proceed with my review, I want to urge you to go out and buy all three books. I am certain you will not regret your decision.

Alright now, as to this novel, it is funny, quirky and well-written with all of the ingredients needed for a great read. You can’t help but fall in love with Edna and Genevieve as they definitely command all your attention.

You find yourself cheering for Mr. Dubois as he finally causes a disturbance and for Edna and Genevieve as they have escaped to France. I definitely like their way of thinking - bread twice a day, plus cheese and wine - how can you go wrong?

From the beginning of the story I was laughing as they turn a rain storm into a delightful adventure. And, when the landlord finally arrives saying they should have escaped in a boat they think he is suggesting they take a bath, hysterical.

Laughter is not reserved only for Edna and Genevieve. You will laugh along with Harold, Edith, Wantha and Ricky. The characters are all quite enjoyable.

The end comes with an unexpected twist... as the saying goes... things happen in threes.

​I whole-hearted recommend this novel. I'll definitely be watching out for future installments.

I GIVE IT A 5 STAR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I haven’t read the preceding novels in the series, so it did take a little bit of working out as to who was who and the relationships between them, but it’s still an enjoyable read. More background info would just help get into the swing of things quicker.
Our lead characters, Edna and Genevieve, are a lively pair. Like all the people we meet in this madcap tumble they’re somewhat off-the-wall and quirky. They’re in France, and Genevieve immerses herself totally. Edna is less enthusiastic about the whole thing. Why they’re here becomes clearer as the story progresses. There are a few skeletons dancing in closets behind them.
Action is split between our duo in France, and England, where Harold, Edith, Wantha and Ricky are amongst the main dramatis personae. There’s comedy in their antics and machinations.
I found the novel a little rough round the edges in terms of presentation but the quirkiness suits the off-beat story and cast of characters. This cast includes the house in Curmudgeon Avenue itself, which doesn’t have much to say early on but takes on more importance as we read on.
All in all a lively, breathless and definitely unique story.

From the outside looking in, it was amusing how the author creatively invoked her own, stirring comments (in parentheses) within the storyline; it made for an entertaining read. Easily mesmerised by the goings-on with a cast of off-center characters, each one quirkier than the next, there was no end in sight to this  hilarious light-hearted romp. 

The main characters, Edna and Genevieve commanded the spotlight; they were well-drawn. It was unpredictable where their capers might lead them next. Hiding behind many ghosts in the closet, Genevieve had been running from a past that she preferred to remain buried. If not careful, eventually, it might all come crashing down on her. 

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive...GENEVIEVE!"

This well-written novel was not overloaded with multiple plots and made for an easy read. The ending occurred with a twist to end all twists. With both eyes wide open, it hit me like a freight train. 

My recommendation would be to guide the reader, first, to book number one of the series and proceed in order. You dare not miss out.