Helen's family is falling apart. Her husband, Nick, has been in a coma for the last two years, most of which she has spent talking to him in hospital in the hope of a response. But, looking back, she can't remember how many years ago it was that he stopped talking to her. Her daughter, Lisa, has her own issues, and, suddenly alone, Helen turns to other relatives: the ones who are dead and gone. Straightaway she finds herself floundering in a colourful and confusing new world of friends, secrets, enemies, crime and family history enthusiasts. Larger-than-life Latisha takes her under her wing down at the archives and she finds herself drinking Americanos and watching the sinister Marcus Edwards who, in turn, has an unnerving obsession with the fox woman. Her own family skeletons start to rattle loudly as secrets emerge from beyond the grave, and her nearest and dearest also spring surprises. You'll never guess what, Nick - she finds herself commenting, as she surveys the new landscape of her life. The Colour of Grass by Nia Williams is a beautifully and sensitively observed story about families, past and present, and life's unexpected connections.

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