Buried – Mark Billingham

Mark Billingham brings us another story in the engaging and entertaining DI Tom Thorne series.  As with the previous stories, Billingham again pulls off an original tale.

In a nutshell: Luke Mullen is missing and presumed kidnapped.  But this case is different.  Luke is 16 years old, so he’s not the usual age for a kidnap case.  There’s been no ransom demand.  Luke is also the son of a now retired ex-DCI in the Metropolitan Police.  The obvious place to start is with a list of those who may have a grudge against ex-DCI Mullen.  The list is prepared, but then Thorne discovers that Mullen left out someone who was really most worthy of a place on it…

Thorne is loaned to another team to assist in this investigation, allowing us to see him, yet again, slipping into a new set of colleagues with the finesse of the surface of a cheese grater.   Holland also makes the move, which puts him in a fortuitous position to assist with another ongoing investigation…    (Another good plot in itself.)  Hendricks, the pathologist, finds his way back to Thorne’s flat and sofa, albeit temporarily.  (Love is never smooth, is it?)  He’s not the only visitor to Thorne’s flat in this book, but you’ll have to read it to find out more.

London is Thorne’s beat; it’s also Billingham’s.  Billingham is a confident and reliable purveyor of London today – how it really is beneath the surface and what the Met experiences on a day to day basis.

Page turning, but with plenty of substance and intrigue, if you love/like this series, Buried is unmissable.  If you are new to the Thorne series, I reckon you might just get captured and seek out the backlist.

Andrew Taylor – A Stain on the Silence

Andrew Taylor’s latest novel is one of psychological suspense.  More than that; it’s also a fascinating exploration into the minds of teenagers and the transition from child to adult.  Unlike his previous novels this one is firmly set in the present; the flashbacks or reminiscences being some twenty plus years ago.  Taylor’s perceptive eye on culture, the way we live and the nature of relationships is as keen and detailed in the contemporary setting as it is for the 1950s in his wonderful Lydmouth series.

This is a story about families and friends and secrets.  As the story unfolds, each secret revealed like a petal falling from a flower until finally we reach the core and the biggest secret of all and the impact it had on all concerned.

I started the book expecting a leisurely read but finished it in three sittings.  And oh to be a fly on the wall in Chipping Weston when the final secret’s out!

In a nutshell: James is happily enjoying his life but one day he receives a call from a woman he knew in his youth.  Lily tells him that she’s dying of cancer and that, as the result of their union twenty four years ago, James has a daughter.  Lily then asks for James’s assistance, as he is the only person who can help their daughter now.  Their pregnant daughter is on the run, fearing that the police are about to knock on her door to accuse her of murder…

A pacey read, we, like James, do not know whose story to trust.  And like James’s wife, we wonder just what James himself is hiding … altogether.  Many twists line the route to the final resolution and a brilliantly inspired ending.

Finally, how wonderful it was to be reading words I have not heard uttered for years.  As modern culture in the UK sees us moving ever more to convenience foods, this novel had me thinking that the same applies to the English language.  We used to treat it with respect; now it’s merely there for our convenience.  Taylor reminds us that it is also there to be savoured, should we accept the invitation.

A non-crime fiction diversion – Sean Thomas's "Millions of Women Are Waiting to Meet You: A Story of Life, Love and Internet Dating"

This is not a crime novel, before you read on…  But it is a good insightful read.  It’s not fiction, but a memoir.

As I’ve said before in a previous post, it was India Knight’s article in The Sunday Times that led me into buying this book.  (Knight’s a very grounded girlie in my mind.  I don’t always agree with her, but I can relate.  Along with the book section in the Review, her column is the reason I still buy The Sunday Times.) 

Knight said: "Sean Thomas’s candid memoir about his sexual adventures does women a service – by revealing what it is to be a 21st-century man".  That got me interested – where are we now? 

Here’s how the book came about, because that’s important to know for the proceedings:

The single Thomas was living in, and sharing, a very small flat in London, while working as a freelance journo.  His editor (at a mag he worked for) more than suggested he investigate the internet dating field.  Reluctantly, he succumbed to the request and took on the assignment – the promise that his dates would be "all expenses paid", helped.  And then came his enthusiasms for the internet dating world, as well as his appreciation of its downfalls and negatives.

Thomas isn’t just providing us with stories of his dating experience; he also imparts the emotions involved.  He is also very open in these memoirs. 

The book includes: short and often very funny stories of his dates; recollections from his earlier love life and a consideration of its impact on his then current status and thoughts; his analysis of on-line preamble and why it might result in no date at all; his recount of the risks he experienced when becoming addicted to "on-line porn" (his description); and his stated and eventual surprise at meeting the "woman for him" as a result of his research.  There’s also his user friendly translation guide to on-line profiles, as written by women – e.g. if she says "I’m right wing", she really means "You’d better earn more than me".  (I loved that one.)

Men might find this book a useful and practical guide should they wish to embark on internet dating.  Women will also find it that, but much more too – it provides great insight into modern man’s psyche.

Now, all we need is the women’s version to complement this.  But I still don’t think it would put Relate out of business.  If he says "I’m right wing" he really means "I’m looking for a domestic drudge and I particularly need someone to do my laundry".  Just guessing…

Pig Island – Mo Hayder

Pig Island is Mo Hayder’s fourth novel.  For those who have read all four, there’s something that’s said with certainty now: Hayder goes to places that other authors don’t go.

A running theme with Tokyo her previous novel, Hayder is not afraid to introduce quirky, oddball, or severely damaged characters that live on the periphery of society for whatever reason.

In Pig Island we have a whole community living on the periphery.  All members arrived on Pig Island because they followed their leader and a secretive religious island community was established.  But when journo Joe Oakes arrives there to prepare for an article, he finds that the community is estranged from its leader, Pastor Malachi Dove.

Oaksey is a born sceptic and he’s also specialised in exposing supernatural hoaxes.  He and Dove also have a bit of a history. You could say that Dove was the catalyst for Oaksey’s scepticism and specialism…

What follows is a gripping and page turning read where question after question is raised and "the unspeakable things people can do to each other" unfold.

To say any more would destroy the surprises in the plot, of which there are many.

There are things we know about in life but have been lucky enough not to experience.  There are things so rare that only the minority of us is aware of their occurrence; the rest of us plough through life in happy ignorance.  Hayder taps into both and brings us the normally "unspeakable", such is her niche and skill.

The characters are very well drawn as they are so rounded.  Initially I found it hard to determine if I had any sympathy or liking for Oaksey or his wife, Lexie; humans are never and neither should they be perfect.  By the end of the book, Hayder made sure where I’d find my loyalties.

If the thought of  the "supernatural" or "secretive religious community" puts you off this novel, don’t let it.  This is essentially a book about human relationships and how they can cause extreme harm.  One thing I can promise you, should you choose to read this novel – you won’t expect what’s coming. 

Finally, one small gripe from me.  I finished the novel wanting to read it again, wondering if I’d missed something, as I wasn’t sure of the "motivation"…  Luckily one reading friend had "inferred" and another thought she had it "on the nail".  Both imparted their thoughts, for which I’m grateful as I don’t have the time to re-read it right now.  It’s one of very few books that I’d like to re-read though, and not just because I think I missed something along the way.

With Pig Island, Hayder goes from strength from strength.  I won’t even try and imagine what she’ll come up with next.  I think the corners of Hayder’s mind are hinged onto the periphery of society.  I know not what is out there.  Hayder makes it her goal to take us there, inform us and entertain us as she does that.

"If you enjoy author X, then you’ll like Mo Hayder" – I don’t think you’ll find this banner on a Hayder novel.  She’s unique.  That’s what made me buy Pig Island after appreciating Birdman and The Treatment, but not liking Tokyo too much.  Hayder’s writing career is a mystery trip in itself.

If you love not knowing what’s around the corner, this book is for you.  If you’ve loved Hayder’s books to date, or the majority of them, this book is for you.

John Sandford's Broken Prey

Sandford’s Broken Prey is the usual extremely smooth mix of excellent and fast paced writing; good characterisation; great dialogue; excellent plotting and a satisfying read when it comes to the ongoing life of Lucas Davenport and those around him (which some of us have grown to love over the years).

Davenport is investigating a serial killer here and that’s something in which he has plenty of experience to offer.  He does it well, both in the mind and in the chase.  Happily married Davenport is also out on a limb slightly as his new wife, Weather, and his child are in London, where Weather is taking the opportunity to pursue her medical career with fervour.

Adding to the disconcerting environment is the fact that trusted long term buddy and side kick  Sloan is having doubts about carrying on in his detective role.  Sloan wants something else in his life and a different and better life for him.  He’s just realised it and he’s even making the moves to make it happen.  And he has his eyes on a certain property…

Sandford meets his ususal high standard for this series and surpasses it in some ways.  There’s more of the mental agitation of mid-life in this book -  and so there should be!  Sandford admitted at the Harrogate Festival last year that Davenport was a fictional character creation according to a menu of what was appropriate to be successful.  Davenport started out as a bit unusual and brilliant.  He’s still brilliant, but now he’s embedded in the domestic mire and that makes him far lass than unusual. 

Much as I’d like to see Davenport go on and on, from book to book; he’s been through so much.  He now has the opportunity of some domestic bliss with Weather and his child, and that is clearly a crunch.

I suspect that Davenport will not be with us much longer.  I hope that Sandford chooses to take him out with a bang, but not to kill him.   A man that once such a free spirit, who is now embroiled in so much politics and with the promise of a quieter life at his age – yes, let’s be honest here! – must surely want to retire?

Davenport is one of the best fictional creations when it comes to police detectives.  All his stories, from the pen of Sandford are the best examples you can have of how to make a police procedural investigation into a damn good page turning thriller.  I just wonder how long this fictional man has?  Settling down does not make such good fictional reading, especially when your colleagues of old are tempted by life anew in pastures green…

Personally, I’d like to see Davenport retired soon.  And NOT through his own death or those of his family.  Retirement after a damn good and high profile case with a lot of challenge for our man would suit me.  A tip from Dexter and Morse would be good – just don’t kill him please Mr S!

Sandford does not only write the Davenport series, he also writes stand alones and another series,"Kidd".  Sadly, Sandford recently felt the need to explain himself and provide background for the writing of his stand alone novel "Dead Watch".

He added one small paragraph at the end, in relation to the resurgence of his wife’s cancer.  I have some idea of how he feels and how his wife feels.  I won’t be so presumptious as to say "I know how you feel" – I don’t.  My best friend suffered cancer, so, as a best friend, I have some idea.  That’s my limit, but I know that part.  I wish all the very best to John Sandford and his family.  May he write more and keep us entertained,  when he has/needs a break from pursuing all that matters to him – those closest to him and his family.

But in the mean time, all the very best to John Sandford and his family, and all the very best for more of John Sandford’s well toned writing, when it comes!

But for now, Broken Prey is a good read, an exemplary read if in the genre.  Davenport is still king of the detectives.  Ignore all this at your peril!

Simon Beckett's The Chemistry of Death

With The Chemistry of Death author Simon Beckett has found himself on the shortlist for the Duncan Lawrie Dagger Award (formerly known as the CWA’s Gold Dagger for Fiction).

In The Chemistry of Death, it is no coincidence that Dr David Hunter seeks out an isolated Norfolk village and a local GP practice as his refuge.  Formerly a high profile forensic anthropologist assisting the police with their cases, he suffered a major trauma and his change of career and move to the countryside is his way of getting over it.  But, the mutilated body of a young woman is found near the village.  Like Hunter, the woman was an outsider who had chosen to settle in the area.

It is not long before the local police become aware of just who Hunter is and his history and they call on him for assistance; something he is reluctant to give as he seeks a new life.  Another woman then disappears and the local community falls into a storm of distrust, back biting and fear.

This was the stage where the book ratcheted up the gears for me as Beckett does so well in describing the members of the local community and exposing us to the impact of their irrational fears.  (Another good example and reminder from crime fiction of why we have the police and why vigilantism is not a good thing.)  Hunter, good local doc that he is, is not immune to the fears of the locals and their attacks.

I found the plot a tad predictable but this was mitigated by one twist that I did not see coming at all.

This book’s a good read and it brings the working world of the forensic anthropologist to the UK.  (Formerly, only seen through the eyes of Kathy Reichs’s character Temperance Brennan.)  Beckett’s inspiration for this novel came from his work a journalist when he covered "The Body Farm" in the US.  He spent some time there and learnt a lot about the science and chemistry of decompostion.  This is very present in his novel, but it is not gratuitous or too frequent and neither does is read like "Look at all this studying I’ve done".  It adds to our understanding and helps seal the clues.

The summer’s coming, (we have only today to remind us here in the UK), so the holidays will soon be upon us.  If you’re planning a trip to Norfolk, it might be better to read the book when you return…

The Chemistry of Death doesn’t have the pace of an American forensic thriller, but that’s simply because the Brits do it differently.  Both have a place and can sit alongside one another quite happily.  Beckett’s work here is remarkably good and sits alongside some other well respected names in the nominations for the Duncan Lawrie Dagger.  These include: Ann Cleeves for Raven Black; Thomas H. Cook for Red Leaves;  Frances Fyfield for Safer Than Houses; Bill James for Wolves of Memory and Laura Wilson for A Thousand Lies.