The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
Fiction
2026
Narrated by Marin Ireland
Finished on August 27, 2026
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
An ambitious young woman insinuates herself into a tight-knit social set, shaking up friendships and marriages in a small seaside town. A frothy novel of love, money, sex, and friendship.
When Caroline Lash arrives in Greenhead, Massachusetts, she falls head-over-heels for Van Whittaker, a fleece-wearing, litter-collecting, kayak enthusiast with long, floppy hair and the personality of a Border collie. Born and raised in this picturesque coastal village, Van runs with the same crowd he did as a kid: His ex-girlfriend, Bailey, a beautiful girl who attracts men like moths to a flame; Augusta, old money, horsey, and snobbish; and Fran, surrounded by brothers and sons, too fed up with boys to ever consider marrying one.
Together, the group runs wild through the marshes, beaches, and bars of Greenhead, drinking on houseboats, spending long afternoons sunbathing with their children, and playing games the way they always have. But when Bailey discovers that she is pregnant with Van’s baby, the delicate balance of the group’s friendship is thrown off. Soon Caroline is cast out of the circle and what she does next—in a potent mix of fury and heartbreak—exposes long-held secrets and works the entire town of Greenhead into a lather. Dazzlingly funny, sexy, and as juicy as it is astute, The Shampoo Effect is a story of late-night parties, early mornings with small children, the dawn of midlife, and a group of old friends finally growing up despite all their best efforts to the contrary.
I seem to be reading a few "beach reads" this summer. Like Dolly All the Time, The Shampoo Effect was entertaining and very good on audio. Marin Ireland is a favorite narrator, so I was pretty sure I'd enjoy this audiobook. I wasn't disappointed! Told from four perspectives, it wasn't difficult to keep track of the main characters and their significant others. This is certainly not great literature, and most of the characters behave as if they're still partying in college (and are very cliquish), so I'm not sure why I enjoyed the book so much. I probably wouldn't have gotten very far had I read the print edition. I'd like to give Jackson's debut novel (Pineapple Street) a read and see how it compares.
Sounds like a good beach kind of read ... I'm on the audio wait list for it ... I like Marin Ireland as a narrator too ... and I heard the author interviewed ... she's like director of fiction at Knopf .... and seems to know a thing or two about middle age folks behaving badly ... lol.
ReplyDeleteSusan, it's a decent beach read, especially with Marin Ireland as the narrator. Interesting that Jenny Jackson is involved with fiction at Knopf. The literary world is definitely part of the story. I'll look for the author's interview.
DeleteAs you know, I read the print edition. I wonder if I should have gone for the audio. I liked it, but didn't LOVE it. I agree. The characters needed to grow up.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I really think the audio must have been better than the print edition since it's somewhat trite and fluffy. Not sure if that's accurate. Hard to describe this book! It's kind of like the show thirtysomething only with less mature characters.
DeleteHmmm...don't think I'm in the mood for this now, but I'm also trying to think if I have listened to anything narrated by Marin Ireland. Will have to check. Glad you enjoyed it! Have a good week, Les!
ReplyDeleteKay, I don't think this is your cuppa, but you never know! ;) Hope you have a good week, too. Behind with my email to you, but I'll get one out eventually.
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