Review: Impressive mystery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2014
I highly recommend this debut novel to anyone who likes a surprising mystery, suspense and an intelligent consideration of why people behave and think the way they do. It was an excellent fast paced read with clever twists that kept me guessing to the end.The book is split into three parts.The first is mystery and romance. Mark, a co-owner of a book shop falls in love with a beautiful new customer. From the outset it is clear there is something very unusual about Rachel. As the relationship develops her contradictions and lies intensify. She is nave and terrified by the nightmares that haunt her each night but genuinely in love. Through skilful writing, Martin creates in Rachel a believable sense of innocence and vulnerability which is out of sync with many of her actions and thoughts. At times Rachel appears full of childlike wonder at others a deeply disturbed woman prowling her backyard with a handgun. I was scratching my head, trying to fathom the contradictions when part one ended, with one friend dead and Mark and Rachel in mortal danger.The second part starts with Rachel as a ten year old girl. I don't want to ruin the surprise for other readers but this section provides a logical explanation for the contradictions. I will say it is not quite the cliché you may be expecting and it shows Martin has a deep understanding of the flaws and strengths of human nature and the behaviour that conditions us.The third section returns to the present and is full of suspense. With a greater understanding of the situation I was willing Mark and Rachel to beat the odds and do more than survive.The only possible way this could be improved would have been a little more about Donovan's past.Impressive.