By Wesley Thomas
An emotional opening that is extremely well written. Original and refreshing. We are swept into the drama and chaos of the shooting. From this moment on you are hooked. A rough, brutal but incredible opening that sets the stage for a fantastic story.
We are suddenly transported from Australia to Edinburgh when Daniel learns that his son has been found dead after an altercation at his workplace. Soon after hearing the news, Daniel boards a plane to identify the body believed to be his son. You can’t help but be drawn into his emotions, struggles and regrets as he travels thousands of miles.
Although Daniel initially flies to Edinburgh to confirm his son’s death, he eventually becomes entangled in a tangle of lies, drugs, criminals, conspiracy and violent murder. This novel reveals the underground drug trade, hidden crimes and the ingenuity of criminals. While the police do a great job, we soon discover that they have their own plans to solve the mystery.
This is by far one of the most powerful books I have ever read. This book forces you to realize how one event can affect your entire life. We are constantly on our toes and tense for Daniel and the other characters caught up in the murder. You will feel the heart-pounding suspense as you are drawn into a dark story filled with death, criminal activity and disaster. Rest assured, you will never look at Scotland or Ireland in the same light again, Brian has tainted it. It exploits the true meaning of the term “collateral damage”. Your blood will boil with hatred for the liar.
Brian is very smart in that he taps into a human need in this book: the need for answers. But as each page unfolds, the mystery becomes more sinister, with some creepy, eerie moments. This biological urge can become dangerous.
You get a real feel for the progression of a police investigation, the ups and downs, rather than the saccharine portrayal so often seen on TV and in the movies. It shows the true brutal side of police work and allows for a real sense of tension.
The depiction of the locations is very authentic as there are amazing descriptions throughout the book. This book required a lot of research. Research the culture of Ireland and Scotland, as well as the language, slang, and the hospitality of the locals.
Brian’s writing ensures that you don’t just listen to the story, you follow it and witness the characters break down and lose their cool. But you need to pay attention to this because a tiny missed detail can affect the entire story. The words and chapters are written perfectly, but you need to follow along to appreciate the sublimity of this novel.
Special mention has to go to the incredible car chase scene. It was thrilling the entire time and in my opinion, better than some of the car chases in movies.
The story ends with an explosive, bittersweet ending. All questions are answered, but we also get a glimpse of what the near future holds. There is a mix of good and bad news, and while lives have been lost, you still feel the happy afterglow of finishing the book, knowing that everything happens for a reason.
A brilliant book that hits the spot. If you like crime, drama, unsettling tension, thrills and excitement, great writing and unpredictable twists, this is the book for you!
Order yours here.
score: 4.5/5
