I started this novel with not much information. I thought the title referenced a legal appeal, and there is one on deck here, but it also references an appeal for money in a fundraising campaign for a child with cancer. A couple of junior attorneys are tasked with looking back at the epistolary record of a case (emails, letters, texts, etc) and determine if there is an argument for a legal appeal. But at the heart of the story is an insular theater group in a suburban English town (think Midsomer Murders) and the lengths they’ll all go to get what they want for the play and for the money. As things ramp up someone becomes suspicious of just how the money being raised - it's a lot - is being used. But is there actually corruption happening? Or is their suspicion just paranoia and revenge? You'll have to read to find out.
Epistolary novels are hit or miss for me, but this one had me from the first few pages. And though it faltered a bit at the end, I marveled at the way the author revealed her characters through their own correspondence. The petty competitions between cast members, the slights given to someone who's just a bit too eager? It reminded me of Big Little Lies and the thrill I found in reading that. If you're looking for a read for a late summer vacation, this is it.