Moonflower Murders: A Novel

Moonflower Murders uses the motif of cars in to reveal the traits and motivations of the characters who drive them. For instance, as soon as Susan Ryeland returns to London, she retrieves her MGB roadster from storage, which is significant on several levels. The classic convertible car is quintessentially British, echoing the locations she navigates during her investigation and signifying her eagerness to immerse herself in England after her time away in Greece. Meanwhile, the sporty style of the MGB and its bright red color reflect Susan’s independent spirit and sense of adventure. Susan has paid to keep the MGB in storage rather than selling it, suggesting her uncertainty about giving up her English life to move to Crete. Susan’s reunion with her car reminds her of her former identity as a single professional woman and renews her sense of agency. Meanwhile, Aiden MacNeil’s Range Rover is an identity statement that demonstrates his desire to be perceived as wealthy. This car is a status symbol typically associated with the British upper classes, and his vehicle is an indicator of the value Aiden places on the wealth and social status he acquired when he married