Book Review: Madam Tulip by David Ahern

So I just finished a fun novel, the first in a new series by author David Ahern. David contacted me to ask if I’d take a look at his new book – Madam Tulip– in exchange for an honest review. I was happy to oblige – the book was an enjoyable read, peopled (mostly) by charming characters with an all-too-believable premise: a young actress, Derry O’Donnell, unable to pay the bills, decides to moonlight. It’s the moonlighting part that makes this a novel novel – you see, Derry decides to moonlight as a psychic. In and of itself, that doesn’t necessarily make for a unique idea – what does is the fact that Derry is actually psychic.

The book is a fun read – easy to get into, largely because Derry is a sweetheart and her challenges as a youngish actress (or, come to think of it, any youngish person in a non-9-5 career) trying to make her way are all too believable. She can’t pay the bills, can’t find enough work, can’t find a relationship… She’s pretty relatable – even to someone who is not exactly youngish anymore (teehee). Manic hijinx ensue – as one would expect. There’s not a ton of surprises in that regard – the book is not formulaic in feel, although it does tread comfortably worn ground. What keeps it from feeling tired is the fun infusion of psychic phenomena. That and the hilariously over-the-top Jacko, Derry’s father. He’s a hot mess in all the right ways to serve as a fun foil for her earnest (yet never shrill) attempts at do-gooder-ness.

It’s an enjoyable book. A few of the characters are straight-up stereotypes, especially the celebrities Derry encounters as Madam Tulip and her friend Bruce, an actor-cum-waiter she runs into at precisely the right time. They didn’t add as much color as I imagine the author hoped, mostly I found my eyes rolling at their antics and over-the-top personalities. Still, the book was a pleasant diversion from real life and I do look forward to seeing where Madam Tulip AND Derry find themselves next! If you’re looking for fun, light summer read at a great price this is a good way to go…

And if you want to keep up-to-date on the activities of David – and Madam Tulip – check out David’s website!