The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More

THE YEAR MRS. COOPER GOT OUT MORE: A Great Wharf Novel

by Meredith Marple

Living in a small town in Maine doesn’t keep you safe. The coastal tourist town of Great
Wharf, Maine, boasts a crime rate so low you might suspect someone’s lying. Nursing
long-simmering secrets, empty nester Mallory Cooper fears most everything. Careful to
keep the red wine handy and loath to leave the house, Mallory misses her happier
self—and so does her husband. To please him as well as deflect a nosy neighbor who’s
curious about a New Age gift shop, Mallory steps out to explore. A chance comment to
the vampy store owner seals the proprietor’s and others’ fates while Mallory chases her
own demons for an overdue showdown. With the courage to change, Mallory learns that
forgiveness, love, and friendships will help her overcome fears and scars.

Awards

FAPA President’s Award

(Florida Authors & Publishers Association)

FWA Royal Palm Literary Award

(Florida Writers Association)

Finalist for IAN Book of the Year in Women’s Fiction

(Independent Authors Network)

Praise For The Year Mrs. Cooper Got out More: A Great Wharf Novel

This book is replete with insights [weaving] into the quietly-compelling saga of one woman’s transition…It’s ultimately a murder mystery but there’s nothing ‘formula’ about it. The couple’s evolving life is just as compelling (and even more deeply explored) than the murder scene itself – and that’s what keeps its story line refreshing, compelling, and ultimately a winning standout from many genre peers.

– D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

[An] underlying current of malaise is stirring behind the closed doors of residents in the small and quaint Maine town of Great Wharf … Meredith Marple’s debut novel is reminiscent of Peyton Place minus the anticipated sordid secrets. Indeed, Marple’s tightly knit cast is shrouded in secrecy of one form or other. Yet her well- defined characters, for the most part, are made up of decent individuals at different stages in their lives–all holding on to unresolved issues … [A] fascinating and engaging read!

– Red City Review

I couldn’t put this book down. The mystery flowed smoothly and kept me curious. The story was addictive and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The author’s voice was pleasing and constant, and the polished prose stood out as stellar. This is one of my favorite reads this year. I strongly recommend it.

– Tina Gibbons, Readers’ Favorite

BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

1. What good things happened when Mallory Cooper got out more? What bad things happened? What things did Mallory have control over, and what things would have happened anyway?

2. What were other characters afraid of? Were the fears real?

3. How did different characters show courage?

4. A thematic thread throughout the book is the power of truth and lies in people’s lives. Which do you think, truth or lies, won out in this book? Which truths hurt, and which lies helped?

5. Many of the characters were looking for love. Some, like Jim Beall, didn’t know they were looking and felt off-balance when they found it. Dwight knew he was looking and had to decide where to find or re-create it. How did different characters look for and react to love?

6. Another theme could be the strength we gain from friends and loved ones if we let them help us grow. How did Dwight help Mallory and Richie? How did Mallory help Doris? What other relationships helped people to improve themselves?

7. Mallory hated gossip but sometimes participated in it despite herself. Does that happen to you?

8. Which character did you like/dislike the most? Why?

9. Have you ever been to the area of Maine that Great Wharf is set in, and did the author’s descriptions feel true to you? How might the story have differed in a different setting?

10. What scenes in particular have stayed in your mind since you finished reading?

11. Mallory was able to put her upset with her mother and history with her Uncle Bill on a back burner while raising her children and then holding down a job. When she had time on her hands, however, after the kids had left home and her job disappeared, she couldn’t ignore the pain inside anymore. Have you had old memories or experiences surprise you like that?