Tom's Daughters

When the death of science fiction writer Patrick Gilwind coincides eerily with that of Grace Wilding’s estranged father, Tom, it doesn’t take her long to establish that Tom and Patrick are the one and same man.

Tom left his family more than two decades earlier in mysterious circumstances which his wife Cynthia has consistently refused to discuss. Grace has always hoped that her father will get in touch and longs to discover the truth behind his sudden departure from their lives. Her sister Laura, however, wants nothing to do with a man who can leave his family without a backward glance.

Tom’s death means reconciliation with her father is no longer possible but Grace can at least attend his funeral in the quiet village where he died. Laura declines to go with her, but she is accompanied by Dan, bookshop owner and Gilwind fan. A trip to her father’s cottage reveals that Tom’s life was more complex and more heartbreaking than Grace could ever have imagined. As she starts to probe more deeply she uncovers the story of man who lived in his own fiction – and a tale of two sisters that has its parallel in the current generation...