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Desire Path
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date
Jun 28 2026
| Archive Date
Sep 14 2026
Description
One Scottish woman’s anonymous, quiet life, cleaning the London homes of the rich, is being systematically destroyed by two hapless teens. It leads to deceit, betrayal and death. The rebellious daughter of one of her clients begins a cascade of illicit activities, and our endearing protagonist, whom we meet in her jail cell, has to contemplate her ruined future. But did she lead a double life? Did she commit murder? Did she steal priceless art? Will the people she cleans for betray her or can she find community and support as she faces imprisonment and national vilification at the hands of a ruthless newspaper editor?
This story is filled with dark humour and dysfunctional family drama where everyone believes they know what’s best for everyone else.
''Intriguing from the off…such a brilliant story' – Cheshire Prize 2024
One Scottish woman’s anonymous, quiet life, cleaning the London homes of the rich, is being systematically destroyed by two hapless teens. It leads to deceit, betrayal and death. The rebellious...
Description
One Scottish woman’s anonymous, quiet life, cleaning the London homes of the rich, is being systematically destroyed by two hapless teens. It leads to deceit, betrayal and death. The rebellious daughter of one of her clients begins a cascade of illicit activities, and our endearing protagonist, whom we meet in her jail cell, has to contemplate her ruined future. But did she lead a double life? Did she commit murder? Did she steal priceless art? Will the people she cleans for betray her or can she find community and support as she faces imprisonment and national vilification at the hands of a ruthless newspaper editor?
This story is filled with dark humour and dysfunctional family drama where everyone believes they know what’s best for everyone else.
''Intriguing from the off…such a brilliant story' – Cheshire Prize 2024
A Note From the Publisher
Joan Ingram was born in the upstairs bedroom of a council house, in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands. A tiny village, nestled in a snowy mountain valley. Her very first teacher focused on caring for animals and painting stones down by the River Spey.
Joan’s childhood move to Glenrothes, a sprawling mining town in Fife, jolted her existence. Now expected to sit in a classroom, Joan’s abilities were far behind her peers. She was excluded and put in a “Remedial” programme for reading and writing. Painfully embarrassed, Joan swore she would learn to write and never stop.
Over the years, Joan has inhabited many different roles: political TV journalist, BBC comedy writer, an entrepreneur educated at Harvard Business School, and a campaigner who received an O.B.E.
This story is an ode to all the people who have found belonging in new communities, and a tribute to Miss Renfrew, that first teacher, who taught happiness.
Joan Ingram was born in the upstairs bedroom of a council house, in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands. A tiny village, nestled in a snowy mountain valley. Her very first teacher focused on caring...
A Note From the Publisher
Joan Ingram was born in the upstairs bedroom of a council house, in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands. A tiny village, nestled in a snowy mountain valley. Her very first teacher focused on caring for animals and painting stones down by the River Spey.
Joan’s childhood move to Glenrothes, a sprawling mining town in Fife, jolted her existence. Now expected to sit in a classroom, Joan’s abilities were far behind her peers. She was excluded and put in a “Remedial” programme for reading and writing. Painfully embarrassed, Joan swore she would learn to write and never stop.
Over the years, Joan has inhabited many different roles: political TV journalist, BBC comedy writer, an entrepreneur educated at Harvard Business School, and a campaigner who received an O.B.E.
This story is an ode to all the people who have found belonging in new communities, and a tribute to Miss Renfrew, that first teacher, who taught happiness.
Available Editions
| EDITION |
Ebook |
| ISBN |
9781806347971 |
| PRICE |
£4.99 (GBP)
|
| PAGES |
264
|
Available on NetGalley
NetGalley Reader
(EPUB)
NetGalley Shelf App
(EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Send to Kobo (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)
Available to Buy
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Kobo
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Additional Information
Available Editions
| EDITION |
Ebook |
| ISBN |
9781806347971 |
| PRICE |
£4.99 (GBP)
|
| PAGES |
264
|
Available on NetGalley
NetGalley Reader
(EPUB)
NetGalley Shelf App
(EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Send to Kobo (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)
Available to Buy
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Kobo
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Average rating from 4 members
Featured Reviews
Farah G, Reviewer
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
A woman from Scotland makes a living cleaning homes of wealthy Londoners, but finds herself caught up in the antics of a pair of teenagers - leading to her subsequent incarceration!
The reader is left pondering what she will do next and whether her privileged employers (or anyone else) will list a finger to help - or hinder - her...
An interesting read with well drawn characters, multiple twists, and more than a touch of dark humor, this gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
Reviewer 2104327
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
There’s something quietly compelling about Desire Path. I liked the way it explores people, choices, and the unexpected directions life can take. It’s more reflective than plot-heavy, but the emotional side kept me invested.
At first I was more invested in what would eventually land our cleaning lady in the jail, but surprisingly as more time passed o was pulled in by the character and her emotions. It needed up being a very enjoyable read. I will keeping a keen eye on Joan Ingram and their works!!!
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Featured Reviews
Farah G, Reviewer
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
A woman from Scotland makes a living cleaning homes of wealthy Londoners, but finds herself caught up in the antics of a pair of teenagers - leading to her subsequent incarceration!
The reader is left pondering what she will do next and whether her privileged employers (or anyone else) will list a finger to help - or hinder - her...
An interesting read with well drawn characters, multiple twists, and more than a touch of dark humor, this gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
Reviewer 2104327
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
There’s something quietly compelling about Desire Path. I liked the way it explores people, choices, and the unexpected directions life can take. It’s more reflective than plot-heavy, but the emotional side kept me invested.
At first I was more invested in what would eventually land our cleaning lady in the jail, but surprisingly as more time passed o was pulled in by the character and her emotions. It needed up being a very enjoyable read. I will keeping a keen eye on Joan Ingram and their works!!!
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
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