The Misadventures of Callie Compton by Alyson Root is an engaging romantic adventure that takes readers on a European journey with many twists and turns.
On her eighteenth birthday, Callie Compton discovers that her grandmother is the UK’s most prolific crime boss. Despite being groomed to take over for her nan, Callie bides her time, saves her money, steals her grandmother’s little black book containing all of her nefarious comrades, and runs for her life.
Daisy Simpson knew from the age of sixteen that Callie’s grandmother was a terrible person, just like her own dad. She regrets not telling Callie before she left for university and wishes she could find her. Callie was her best friend and biggest supporter because being born Deaf into a family like hers wasn’t easy.
Using skills she’s not at liberty to discuss, Daisy tracks Callie to Sweden where they’re reunited after a decade, and they set out to bring down Callie’s nan, who appropriately calls herself Queen B.
Callie and Daisy then take off on a journey to find the evidence to bring down Queen B, where they navigate their feelings towards one another, and deal with several jilted women from Callie’s past, flooded caves, and a raging bull. Will all of these obstacles be overcome and will Callie and Daisy be able to do what they set out to do?
Writing
Callie Compton immediately grabbed my attention from the first page where she set about making me aware of her history with her mob boss grandmother, and how she skipped out six years ago and has been on the run ever since.
When chapter two rolled around I was anticipating the news of how Callie managed to escape a tail in Sweden, however, it was Daisy’s turn to explain how and why she went about trying to find her best friend, Callie. I have to say, Daisy’s sleuthing skills are quite remarkable!
Chapters throughout the book are told from Callie and Daisy’s points of view and are incredibly well-written with each woman’s clear voice. The honesty and humor surrounding their misadventures kept me riveted and I honestly felt like I was sitting having a cocktail with friends. Callie’s naming of all things inanimate makes her all the more endearing! Plus their travels throughout Europe are exquisitely detailed with so many laughable and heartwarming moments.
Narration
Alyson Root’s writing of The Misadventures of Callie Compton is brilliant, I’ve read it several times since its release, but Megan Elliot’s narration elevates this story to a whole new level. The dual points of view are perfectly conveyed and I found myself hanging on Elliot’s every word despite knowing what was coming. Elliot captures the humor and sarcasm that runs through their story and I found myself chuckling out loud multiple times.
I didn’t think it was possible to love Daisey and Callie more but hearing their voices and listening to them tell me their tale was an amazing experience. Their self-depreciation, honesty, and humor are essential elements that are woven into the narration. I could hear in their voices how deeply their feelings for one another are as well as their tumultuous emotions surrounding their misadventures throughout Europe.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Alyson Root has created a fun, suspenseful, and entertaining tale that I could not put down! Callie and Daisy both have traumatic pasts. Callie was raised by her mob boss grandmother with no scruples. Daisy, born Deaf was written off by her deadbeat father and made to feel insignificant. Meeting as children, Callie and Daisy became one another’s support systems for years until Daisy went to university and Callie later flees from her Nan’s clutches.
The dynamics between Callie and Daisy are incredible! They’ve been apart for ten years, but when Daisy uses her incredible sleuthing skills and catches up with Callie, it was like they never missed a beat, picking up right where they left off with their friendship. The situation they find themselves in is messy yet they each bring unique talents that they combine to get the evidence they need to bring Callie’s grandma down. The ins and outs of their growing romance add another layer to this tale with honesty and vulnerability playing a major role.
The unpredictability of their misadventures is one of the best aspects of this book. Never knowing what or who was coming next kept me engaged and hanging on Alyson Root’s every word. The supporting characters Chris, Derek, and Meryl are a bonus that adds a wonderfully supportive layer to the overall story and proves how important of a role found family plays in people’s lives.
Heads Up
Familial trauma for several characters in this book could be a trigger for some readers.
The Conclusion
The Misadventures of Callie Compton is a must-read journey that combines suspense, humor, mystery, and intrigue with heartwarming moments, dynamic characters, and a swoon-worthy romance. The epic plot twists bring an unpredictability that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. Alyson Root has done a magnificent job creating this one-of-a-kind story which I highly recommend!
I look forward to hearing more performances by Megan Elliott in the future because of her talent in narrating this tale.
Excerpt from The Misadventures of Callie Compton by Alyson Root
It’s definitely going to sound like I’m trying to rap the theme song to Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The song kind of fits, though, so… This is the story all about how my life got flipped and turned upside down. I’d like to take a minute so just sit right there (or you know, stand) and I’ll tell you how I became a 28-year-old woman on the run from her 72-year-old crime boss Nan! Okay, not the same as Mr. Smith, but infinitely more interesting.
The reason I have decided to start a written record of what has happened and what is happening is that I’m pretty sure I’m going to die soon. Dramatic, I hear you say. Maybe, maybe not, but I have been on the run long enough to know that when my Spidey sense is tingling, I should listen. Right now, my Spidey sense is doing a flamenco dance with castanets through my body. The hairs on the back of my neck are at attention and that, my friends, is worrying. That hasn’t happened ever, not in the whole six years I’ve been running.
I should probably back up a bit first. Why are you on the run, Callie? Good question, thanks for asking. Cast your mind back to the days of headbands, scrunchies, tube tops, and chained wallets. That’s right, I’m referring to the 90s, actually ‘98 to be precise. Now picture an eight-year-old Callie, red pigtails, mucky dungarees, drawing unintelligible pictures—because I have zero artistic ability—in the dining room of a typical English cottage. Can you see me? Good.
Okay, now the story starts to head down a dark path (sorry). There I am happy as a pig in shit giving Van Gogh—on his craziest day—a run for his money when in pops good old Nan. Betty Compton, of Crosby Ravensworth in Yorkshire. 52, hair styled like Queen Elizabeth II (God rest her soul), sporting comfy old lady slacks and a nice fitted blouse. Church attendee, avid knitter, and host of several village clubs and committees—the woman has been an old lady since her 40s.
Anyway, Nan wastes no time dropping into the chair next to me and telling me that my mum—who works for the family business—is dead. Just like that. “Callie, love, your mum is dead.” What the hell do you say to that? Oh, cheers, Nan. Thanks for letting me know! She gave no more explanation. She just dropped the bomb and left me to it.
My mum was often absent. She was constantly traveling for work, but that didn’t stop my world from crumbling when I found out she was gone for good. Nan gave me two whole days to grieve before she swooped in and began her work.
Obviously, as an eight-year-old, I didn’t know she was grooming me for a life of crime. The days she spent playing dress-up were the best days of my life. Every day without fail, Nan would set up imaginary scenarios and have me play a multitude of different characters, it was awesome.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 979-8851901119
Publisher: Indie Author
Narrator: Megan Elliott
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