Away With the Penguins, and its sequel Call of the Penguins, by Hazel Prior were such a delight that I leapt at the chance to read Life and Otter Miracles. While the former novels featured penguins, this charming novel features otters.

Nineteen year old Phoebe and her father, Al, have recently moved to rural Devon. Phoebe, who struggles with debilitating, chronic pain, rarely leaves the cottage, but on a short walk in the countryside, she and her dad stumble across a tiny baby otter who seems to be all alone. Concerned for the creature’s welfare, they take it to a nearby otter sanctuary, leading Phoebe to volunteer to help care for the cub, whom she names Coco.

This is such a lovely novel. Otters are captivating animals, cute and lively their playful natures elicit joy in their observers. In Life and Otter Miracles, Prior coins it “The Otter Effect”. Though it does nothing to lessen her pain, caring for Coco and working at the sanctuary gives Phoebe a sense of purpose, and encourages her to step out of her comfort zone.

Phoebe’s illness is a major element of the novel and Prior’s representation is thoughtful and realistic. She accurately describes the psychological toll the physical limitations extract, the way in which sufferers often try to minimise their pain for the comfort of others, and the impatience with which they are often treated, even by medical professionals. Luckily Phoebe has the unconditional support of her father, and their relationship is touching.

The benefits of friendship and community are two strong themes in the book. Phoebe’s role at the sanctuary introduces her to several locals, though it’s Christina, a local yoga instructor and artist about her father’s age, that she bonds most closely with. Fans of Prior’s novel Ellie and the Harp Maker may recognise Christina as Ellie’s best friend, and she and Dan also appear in this story.

Phoebe also distracts herself from her pain by gathering information about the people her father interacts with on his parcel delivery route. A fan of mysteries in particular Phoebe uses her deductive skills to find a missing cat, resolve a complaint about a damaged package, and learn a secret or two, but her biggest challenge comes when she suspects the otter sanctuary is being targeted by a saboteur.

Written with warmth and compassion Life and Otter Miracles is a cosy, pleasantly satisfying read. ( )