An Invisible Tattoo

When a last collection of songs by British musical icon, James Bennett, is discovered in an old Somerset house, rumours about his mysterious death during a wild midsummer party more than fifty years ago begin to swirl again. An accident? Suicide? Or murder?

The only person still alive who knows what happened is frail but indomitable Ruth Henderson. She now lives in a Sydney apartment, but back in 1972 she was staying in Somerset with her closest friend, Adela McMahon, who was married to James.

From very different backgrounds, Ruth and Adela became inseparable while growing up in an isolated New South Wales rural town. And they longed to escape. Adela fled first, to the bright lights and hectic whirl of swinging London, where she soon met James. But all was not as gilded as it seemed. Ruth was a witness to her beloved friend's tempestuous and troubling relationship - and she was by Adela's side the night James died.

Journalists are clamouring to hear Ruth's story. Of them all, Ruth chooses young and ambitious Kate Griffin, who will do anything to boost her career. But as the past and the present begin to collide, an unexpected friendship grows between the two women and deciding what really matters proves life changing for them both.

Moving between contemporary Australia and England in 1972, and between the worlds of Ruth and Kate, this compelling novel explores the inextinguishable power and joy of friendship.

PRAISE FOR THE HOUSEKEEPER:
"...a rip-roaring story of shocking betrayal and childhood trauma" Lisa Jewell
"Gorgeous writing, wonderful characterization, immersive atmosphere and a final twist that I did not see coming!" Kate Moretti
"Mesmerizing suspense" Publishers Weekly
"Highly anticipated ... nuanced and nail-biting" Good Housekeeping

'Suellen Dainty deftly transforms her literary novel into a gripping mystery, social exposé and moral dilemma ... With feminist themes and meticulous prose, An Invisible Tattoo will resonate with readers of Carol Lefevre, Mette Jakobsen and Vanessa McCausland.' Joy Lawn, Books+Publishing


'Superb. Deep. Women-centric. ... Beyond the beautifully told story of two women at vastly different stages of life, this is a tale of friendship, growth, betrayal, and love. I cried happy tears, and this is a book that will stay with me for a long time. I wholeheartedly recommend this.' Poppy, NetGalley

'A beautiful exploration of friendship, identity, independence and the long shadow of trauma, with a thoughtful nod to Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own. ... A lovely story that will stay with you.' Lisa, Better Reading

'This is such a wonderful book. The way it's written right down to the layout of chapters and prose is just stunning. It's a book that will have you feeling many many things up and down!' Kate, NetGalley

'The mystery keeps you turning the pages, and the book cover perfectly complements the story's tone. A thoroughly enjoyable read - I give it 5 stars!' Sharron, Better Reading

'A superbly told story about women and the relationships that shape them ... compelling, emotional and explored important themes without shying away from difficult subjects.' Kylie, Better Reading

'Great characters, an intriguing story and a little bit of a surprise ending. ... Sex, drugs, rock and roll but also friendship, love and hope.' Victoria, Better Reading

'Absolutely loved it.' Andrea, Goodreads

Suellen Dainty worked as a newspaper journalist in Sydney before moving to London and becoming a TV producer, a ghost writer and a non-fiction author. She then turned her hand to fiction. Her first novel, After Everything, was published in 2014, followed by The Housekeeper in 2017. Suellen lived in London and Somerset for thirty years and has now returned to her hometown, Sydney.

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