From a young age, Melinda McConnolly faced constant bullying and cruelty, both in her personal and professional life. Despite the hardships, she found the strength to persevere, eventually becoming a successful Member of Parliament in New Zealand. But even as she rose through the ranks, the spectre of her past continued to haunt her.When Melinda unexpectedly becomes the Speaker of the House, she finally has the power to stand up to her tormentors and fight back against the culture of bullying that has plagued her for so long. Along the way, she uncovers long-buried secrets about her own family history, and must confront the very people who have caused her so much pain. With the help of a few trusted allies, Melinda sets out to prove that even the most downtrodden can rise up and make a difference.The Tangled Web is an inspiring story of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Author Judith Kendall weaves a compelling tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever been made to feel powerless or alone.

Judith Kendall grew up in Wellington, New Zealand. She attended a business college for one year. Judith followed a career in administration. She has a genuine passion for helping people. She operated a grocery and dairy business, and also managed her own sub-contracting business. Her interest in politics developed while she worked at the New Zealand Parliament. Judith stood as a political candidate in the 2020 general election. She now lives in Townsville, Australia, with her husband and son.

Customer Reviews

5.0

7 reviews

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In Judith Kendall’s The Tangled Web, railway payroll officer James McConnolly leaves Adelaide in December 1912 carrying the Christmas wages for the South Australian Railways, but never reaches his first delivery stop. His disappearance leaves his wife, Lizbeth, to rebuild her life in New Zealand while their son, Patrick, grows up in the shadow of a father accused of vanishing with a thousand pounds. As Patrick reaches adulthood, the unanswered case continues to shape every major turn in the family’s life, passing from one generation to the next. Decades later, Patrick’s daughter, Melinda, is drawn into the old mystery when new information points back to the day James went missing. Her search spans family history, official records, and old suspicions, as the question of what happened in 1912 returns. Judith Kendall’s The Tangled Web takes its title from the century long entanglement created when James vanishes. The novel is a sweeping family saga, showing us a young Patrick being uprooted to rural New Zealand, but welcomed by a prominent local who arranges violin lessons that shape Patrick’s adult life, and then a steadiness in Melinda, when she is elected Speaker of Parliament. Lizbeth is actually the most fascinating character to me, and I love how she builds an independent livelihood by managing a successful tea room in the township of Matawai, unwavering in her determination. The period details are spectacular, from the gaslit world of 1912 Adelaide to the formal interiors of New Zealand’s Parliament at the close of the twentieth century. With prose that sings and an immersive story, readers who enjoy intergenerational historical fiction, family mysteries, and mostly female-centered literary fiction will adore this book. Very highly recommended.
Diane

intrigue by this book from the begining.I liked the way the storyline and the characters developed.Well done to the author a great first effort.I am looking forward to the next book
Zoe Arthur

I enjoyed reading this novel and it is the perfect travel companion. Enjoyable storyline that is intriguing following a family of resilient women who overcome adversity to come out stronger with each passing generation. The multiple storyline’s keeps the story interesting. For a first novel I am excited to see what Judith writes next.
woody

An absolutely awesome book, with lots of amazing things in it to make the reader really interested, and excited about the rest of the book. However It's a bit crowded, like to much detail in certain parts, but overall it was incredible. So that's why I'm giving it a five out of five , thanks for the book it was amazing .
Robyn

This is a very well-structured book and story line, which moves through several decades of time and covers several genres The strong defining message of this book is self-belief and confidence, a thing that is sadly lacking in our current world. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists, turns and intrigue. Judith, as a first-time author has presented a book, she can be very proud of. The cover front and back is an absolute gem. A resounding 5/5 stars for this book.
Geoff

Very excellent balanced piece of literature. From the first chapter the story is a mix of intrigue, mystery, action with plenty of twists and turns, to keep the reader interested. Expect the unexpected here. This rollicking tale is very Australian in nature but ends up in another country. But still keeps its intrigue complete with a little romance. Plenty here to keep the most avid reader going. Hard to put down - ultimate anti bullying novel
Teagan

Incredible story telling ability. The author had me hooked from the beginning. The whole book was packed full of adventure from start to finish. Would recommend to fans of all genres as it has a bit of everything. 100% would recommend putting this masterpiece on your 'to read' lists.