18 Days by Allen Miles

18 Days is a brave piece of writing. Allen Miles tackles some very dark subject that would decimate any family at what should be a happy time. This novella asks such questions as: How would we cope if the worst happened? What if you gave in to your weaknesses and revelled in your grief?

The author’s concise observations and darkly descriptive prose make the novella more than the sum of its parts. A dark journey exploring human nature and perhaps also the human condition. They say the devil is in the detail and it is the small things that will affect you when reading this novella. Your coffee will go cold. You’ll forget your bacon sandwich as Miles draws you into the heart of darkness. The only question is what awaits at the end. Redemption or oblivion? A five star read because I simply could not put this down until that question was answered.

Genre:  Literary Fiction
Publisher:  Byker Books
Format:  E-Book
Rating:  5/5

The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King

Fans of the Dark Tower series will enjoy this novel. Essentially three stories in one we see Roland, Eddie, Susannah, Jake and, of course, Oy the Billy Bumbler journeying the path of the beam towards Calla Bryn Sturgis. This sets it somewhere between Wizard and Glass and Wolves of the Call in the series. An approaching deadly storm called a Starkblast forces them to take shelter. Whilst sheltering Roland recounts a tale of old which is actually two tales in one.

If you, like me, have ached for more in King's epic Mid World setting of the Gunslinger series then you'll not be disappointed. There is more about the mysterious force known simply as ka. More blending of the futuristic and the ancient. King brings his mythologies to life and even the language gets inside your head. The dialogue of Mid World is an integral part of the allure of this series. We see a young Roland on his first task as a gunslinger. King crams so much into this novel that it can't possibly work, can it? Yes it can for he is the master of his art and for that we say thankee sai.

Genre:  Futuristic Western / Fantasy
Publisher:  Hodder
Format:  All Formats
Rating:  5/5

Just Like That by Les Edgerton

Being a Brit the toughest thing about reading Just Like That was understanding some of the slang used in the novel. However, it wasn't a major hurdle and once I'd gotten used to it things flowed a little faster for me. Just Like That is a pretty straightforward novel and comes across more like a biography. As Les points out in his forward 80% of it is based on fact so that is perhaps unsurprising. It’s exceptionally well written and whilst you understand that it’s at least part autobiographical you are entertained by the fiction of it too.

It was enlightening and depressing for me to discover how brutal the American penal system used to be and perhaps still is. Les gives us insight into the criminal mind and was brutally frank about the fears and problems inmates face on a daily basis. It's clear that society's problems run deeper than we all understand and no slick talking politician's tough stance on crime will ever provide an all encompassing solution.

I don't know if I should use the word "enjoy" in the context of the subject matter of this novel but the author's openness and ever present humour made the tough subject matter much easier to swallow. I've been lucky enough to chat to the author and I can tell you he's as open and candid as this book suggests. His humour is as disarming as it is in the novel. An excellent read that will remain with me every time I see a prison film. I'll be thinking It's NOT Just Like That.

Genre:  Crime
Publisher:  Stonegate Ink
Format:  E-book & Paperback
Rating:  5/5

Gabriel's Angel by Mark A. Radcliffe

Gabriel's Angel is an emotionally complex story.

Lead character Gabriel is frustrated and unfulfilled in his job. His relationship with his partner, Ellie, is marred by the fact that they cannot conceive. The frustrations of IVF and life make them something of a lost couple, unhappy and angry at their lot. An accident leads to Gabriel having to look closely at his life and his choices but is it too late to change things?

Radcliffe sets up similar scenarios with others characters at turning points in their lives. A deeply thoughtful novel about life, relationships, regret and the choices we must make in life. However, this is not some dry and philosophical work; Radcliffe injects humour at every turn. There is one scene that will have every man reading it wincing in pain and crossing their legs.

Along with the humour comes emotional intelligence and a great deal of humanity. This novel is wistful and melancholy in parts but never wallows in it. Gabriel's fall is essentially a tale about the human condition and the trials and tribulations we suffer.

A greatly enjoyable read that will leave you chuckling but at the same time reflective. More Mr. Radcliffe please!

Genre:  Literary Fiction

Publisher:  Bluemoose Books

Format:  E-Book & Paperback

Rating:  5/5

The Bastard Hand by Heath Lowrance

What can I say about this novel? If it had been written by Stephen King it would be probably already be lauded as a classic and he’d be sitting on a fat cheque for the film rights. As it is I bought it for free and frankly that’s criminal. Heath Lowrance has accomplished so much with this novel that it’s difficult to know where to start.

Charlie Wesley is an escapee from a mental institution and he’s drifting across the States with little goal or purpose. When he gets mugged it’s the start of a chain of events. The following day he meets the charismatic Reverend Phineas Childe. The two become friends and Charlie travels with the preacher to the town of Cuba Landing.

Lowrance tells the tale from Charlie’s perspective. We soon discover that all is not well in the rotten town of Cuba Landing. The observations Lowrance makes are often witty but it is clear that this is going to be a tale darkness and corruption. There are so many plot elements cunningly woven into this novel that sometimes you skip past them and then BAM you’re hit in the face by a revelation.  There are twists and turns but you NEVER lose track of what is going on. Here lies Lowrance’s skill. He weaves such a complex tale but it’s so easy to follow.

The characters are vividly drawn in three dimensions. Charlie as the hero of the novel is amoral and at times downright nasty. The Reverend is charismatic and you can’t help but like the old rogue even though his heart is as black as a politician’s heart. There’s also a dose of small town politics and it’s obvious the Mayor has secrets of his. Add in a supernatural element into the mix and you have a masterpiece of a novel that will appeal to broad range of readers. This novel is the literary equivalent of a perfectly written and melancholy Nick Cave or Leonard Cohen track. Flawless and brilliant.

Genre: Crime/Supernatural
Publisher:  New Pulp Press
Format:  E-Book & Paperback
Rating: 5/5

The Van by Roddy Doyle

Roddy Doyle is best known for being the author of The Commitments which was made into a smash hit film. When I started reading The Van I expected the same kind of larger than life characters as The Commitments and I wasn't disappointed.

Jimmy Senior is unemployed and depressed. He spends his time with his granddaughter trying to fill the endless days. He tries his best to make light of his situation but his anger often gets the better of him.

This is where we find ourselves at the start of the novel. Doyle injects humour into everyday situations whilst at the same time showing us some ordinary Irish folk having a very rough time of it.

When Jimmy Senior's friend Brendan, known to all as Bimbo, is made redundant Jimmy's mood is lifted as he gets to have some company to fill the long and lonely days. When Bimbo's redundancy cheque arrives Bimbo has an idea and the two friends embarked on an unlikely business venture.

The story isn't the fastest moving and it's a story about people rather than events. Doyle's comic touch livens things up nicely and I found myself laughing out loud often when reading it. There's a melancholy to it but this seems to blend nicely with the humour. A tale ultimately about a friendship between men that was a fantastic read. My one criticism is that the ending petered out a little and could have been better developed.

Genre:  Humour

Format:  All

Rating: 4/5

Bang Bang You're Dead by Nick Quantrill

Nick Quantrill is best known for his Joe Geraghty novels. Private investigator novels which are set in his hometown of Hull. However, he is also a prolific short story writer who has appeared in Byker Books Radgepacket series, kindle anthology True Brit Grit and the acclaimed Mammoth Book of Best British Crime among many others.

Edgy publisher Byker Books new best of British collection is bringing some home grown talent from the cream of the Bri Grit pack and Quantrill brings us his novella Bang Bang, You’re Dead. Rather than novels these novellas are shorter reads aiming to pack a punch in fewer pages.

Quantrill's novels are intelligent, well researched and carefully considered. Bang Bang, You're Dead is more in your face and raw than his usual work. It's closer to Irvine Welsh or Ray Banks in its dark and violent style. The author displays his usual affection for the city but pulls no punches when it comes to showing us the seedier side. His knowledge of Hull’s geography is an asset to the story helping to create a realistic and believable setting. I think that some of the Hull spirit creeps into his main character, Sam, and the city seems to be a character sitting over his shoulder as the plot unfolds.

Fresh out of prison Sam is determined to make a fresh start in life but the chance to make a quick buck proves too alluring and he soon finds himself in trouble up to his neck.

With wisecracking characters and a fast paced narrative I found this to be a very enjoyable read that I raced through. Easy to read in a day a good novella will leave you satisfied and yet hungry for more. Quantrill achieves this with a well rounded action packed plot. A great short read.

Genre:  Crime
Publisher:  Byker Books
Format:  E-Book
Rating: 5/5