Ms. Demeanor

Elinor Lipman

‘A joyride…a clap back to sexism and a celebration of guiltless pleasure’ New York Times

FINALIST: Thurber Prize

Jane Morgan is a prominent and accomplished lawyer. At least she was – until her nosy neighbour got involved. After being spotted in the throes of some midnight passion on the rooftop of her Manhattan building, Jane loses everything: her career, her social life and the freedom to leave her apartment.

To make matters worse, the elderly neighbour who reported her, and whom she has come to loathe, winds up dead from an apparent poisoning. In a last act of vengeance, the woman leaves behind a note implicating Jane as suspect number one.

With the help of her twin sister, a fellow resident plus a reticent criminal named Perry with whom Jane strikes up a friendship, both gastronomic and intimate, Jane just may be able to clear her name, restart her career and find love – if she can ever leave the house again!

‘Ms. Demeanor is a complete and utter delight. Of course it is. What Elinor Lipman novel isn’t?’ Richard Russo

‘I love the wit, lightness of touch, dry, wry humour and optimism of Elinor Lipman’s writing’ Marian Keyes

‘Elinor Lipman is such a wonderfully witty writer that you can forgive the sometimes improbable plot turns. A sparklingly entertaining caper’ Jewish Chronicle

‘I never miss one of Elinor Lipman’s funny, delightful novels’ Judy Blume

‘Elinor Lipman is one of my favourite comic novelists: social satire, Jewish wit, pin-sharp on love, mistakes and age. Pure bliss’ Amanda Craig

Paperback: 304pp

Published: Lightning (September 2023)

ISBN: 9781785633829