Brian, the beleaguered landlord of Richard Roper’s new novel, The Disaster Loves You, has been struck down with a severe case of the seven-year itch. Only it hasn’t been seven years since he married the rich, alluring Lily, but since the morning he first woke up to find her gone.

What sounds like the start of a brooding, Harlan Coben-esque thriller turns out to be the jumping-off point for a cosy, comedic – if rather unconventional – rom-com. Convinced he’s stumbled across a Tripadvisor review written by his missing wife, Brian takes off on a mad dash around the UK in search of the elusive Lily.  Following in the adventurous reviewer’s footsteps, the shy, self-deprecating Brian braves everything from skydiving to white water rafting to pirate-themed pizzerias – all in an increasingly desperate bid to track her down. 

Teaming up with recently divorced New Zealander, Tess, he criss-crosses the country like the well-meaning, socially-awkward lovechild of Harold Fry and Eat, Pray, Love’s Elizabeth Gilbert. Managing to deftly subvert expectations at every turn, This Disaster Loves You is a poignant exploration of lost love and a rousing rally cry against the ennui of middle age.