May book club - The Colour of Bee Larkham's Murder

I have just finished this remarkable book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has to be one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I really felt for Jasper in his daily struggles. How awful must life be if you cannot recognise faces, even your own family? For a vulnerable youngster in school with all those individuals wearing the same uniform, it must be so stressful. Then to add to that the mystery of someone’s death, well, young Jasper coped so well, even if he sis get things muddled sometime. It kept me guessing right up to the last. Great book, which I would highly recommend. Very interested to see what subject the author rackles next!

Thank you so much for my book. I enjoy murder mystery novels, at first glance I was not sure what category this would be although the title was a bit of a give away. . It drew me in from the start,The size of the book was a bit off putting, I thought I would never get through it. How wrong I was! It took me less than a week to read it.I found it difficult to put down.I really felt part of Jasper's world. The story itself keeps you guessing all the way. The descriptions of Jasper's condition brought a whole new insight into this rare condition and gave a realistic picture of its impact on the families life. Very well written through out I would thoroughly recommend this book .

Can I ask Sarah, what prompted her to include these particular conditions into the story, they have such a profound effect on his life, How did she become aware of the condition initially?
You covered so many different areas in the story, the parakeets, court procedures, Autism etc., I read in your acknowledgements your thanks for all the help you received, but how did you know where to go to get this help?
Finally, when will your next novel be out?
Many thanks again, for a fantastic "most extraordinary
novel".

I took the book to our local book club which has survived the demolishing of our small library. I offered the book to anyone who would like to read it and guessed, as I described it, exactly who would ask first!
Again, many thanks for such an intriguing and thought provoking title!

Finished the book and thoroughly enjoyed every page sometimes funny , sad even a bit scary at times. I have worked with some autistic students in the past and appreciate how careful you have to be withthrow away comments which can cause so much misunderstanding.
This book covers many issues and really made me think whilst enjoying the story.
I am interested to know if the author has first hand experience of the issues in this book because of how well they are presented.
Looking forward to another book by Sarah.

Many thanks for my copy. Started it this week and am enjoying it. Immediate reaction is how strange it must be see things in colour and how frustrating life must be for both Jasper AND his Dad.

Thank you so much for my book too. I'm about a quarter of the way through and enjoying it very much. Not sure what I think about Jasper or his dad yet though. Is the dad protecting Jasper or himself? Did he do it? Is she even dead?

Thank you gransnet for this book which I very much enjoyed. I have been struggling to describe it's genre but I think I would say it's a mystery seen through the eyes of someone who sees things differently from most other people.
I was intrigued by what had happened to Bee and found myself at various times thinking Jasper has misunderstood everything, to he must be right to maybe there is another answer. The conclusion was satisfying and made complete sense.
I also learnt a lot from this book. I had no idea there were wild parakeets in the UK and was intrigued enough to research them.
I also enjoyed the challenge of trying to see things from a completely different perspective. I often struggle to recognise faces especially if if I see people out of context. But not to the extent Jasper does, that alone must make life very difficult. I had heard about people who see speech in colours but knew nothing about it, so reading Jasper's descriptions was a joy.
In conclusion I think this is a multi layered, griping book with interesting characters I wanted to know more about.
I would like to ask the author

1. what made her decide to give Jasper such a range of differences? (Autism, face blindness and seeing colours?)
2. Does she know anyone with these conditions, how much research did she have to do?
3. Bees story is interesting. Where did she get her inspiration from to develop her
4. Jasper describes his mother as also seeing colours. Is this a genetic condition?

Many thanks

I've met people who say apologetically that they can't remember faces. I'm assuming that most people with the condition have a less extreme version than Jasper. Hundreds of pupils in the same school uniform must be overwhelming, even terrifying to anyone with the condition.
The story is intriguing and the conclusion satisfying with all loose ends neatly gathered up. It has left me with more interest in parakeets and a wish that I could see Jasper's fictional artwork. It sounds so beautiful.
I was always intrigued by the names of the little square colours in my shiny black box of watercolour as a child. Now I need to know the history of each one, fascinating!

My question for the author is:
Have you met people with either or both of Jasper's conditions? Especially is there anyone among your family or close friends?

Thanks for sending me this book!
I am gripped already and have only just read two chapters.
Sarah Harris’s description of seeing people and feelings as colours is fascinating. I already feel for this 13 year old and his dad and how difficult life must be when no one understands how life is for someone who sees things differently.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this book as soon as I can .

Thanks for my copy which arrived yesterday.I’m looking forward to reading it.

Thanks too for my copy - just before I went to my local book club, and when they asked me what it was called, I couldn't say as had only looked at the cover!

Thank you for my copy, forgot to check my mail box yesterday. I too was confused becuse I have done a few competitions for book giveaways in magazines.
Look forward to reading it, thanks.

Thank you so much, as I too received a copy of the May book club book. I’m really looking forward to reading it.

I'd love to know what colour I am!

Many thanks! Thrilled to get this book and can't wait to read more of it. I've just read to page 32 and am really into it.
Reminiscent of Mark Haddon's 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' which impressed the whole family, so much so that we all went to the equally impressive play!

My copy arrived today too, thanks very much. I’m looking forward to reading it.

I have also received a copy, thank you! I look forward to reading it. It sounds very interesting

My copy also arrived today - thank you GN - looking forward to reading it.

many thanks for my copy of the above book - like someone else said I had to check to find out where it came from! maybe a compliments slip or something in with books would solve the problem. looking forward to reading this over the bank holiday weekend!

Hi
How to you get to be considered for a free book please?

Not just me a bit confused at first, then. ?
Arrived today, looking forward to starting it when I‘ve finished the one I’m reading at the moment.
Thank you, gransnet.

Thanks for my copy too. Another one confused by the front cover.

I received my copy today too and was rather confused as I thought it was the wrong book, or was not from GN, as the title is on the side of the book and something different on the front cover.
At least I succeeded this time! Must have done something right
I'll put my other book 'on hold' while I read this one.