Handcuffs, Truncheon and a Polyester Thong

Book excerpt: First in the humorous, poignant and moving series featuring Mavis Upton, an ordinary single mum who dives headfirst into fighting crime. Meet Mavis Upton. As mummy to seven-year-old Ella, surrogate to far too many pets and with a failed marriage under her belt, Mavis knows she needs to make some life-changing decisions. It’s time to strike out into the world, to stand on her own two feet . . . to pursue a lifelong ambition to become a Police Officer. I mean, what could go wrong? Supported by her quirky, malapropism-suffering mum, Mavis throws herself into a world of uncertainty, self-discovery, fearless escapades, laughter, and extra-large knickers. And using her newly discovered investigative skills, she reluctantly embarks on a search to find her errant dad who was last seen years before, making off with her mum’s much needed coupon for a fabulous foam cup bra all the way from America. Series praise “Laugh out loud brilliance, so witty and cleverly written.” —Samantha Magson “Hilarious! It’s true, everyone needs Mavis in their life.” —Sherrie Hewson “Such a terrific read!” —Lorraine Kelly