Sympathy for the Devil

by Howard Marks

When Detective Catrin Price returns to Cardiff after 12 years of self-imposed exile she is determined to lay to rest the ghosts of her unhappy past. Then her ex-boyfriend Rhys, once a promising young policeman but now a washed-up junkie, is found dead on one of her first nights on patrol. The official verdict is an accidental overdose, but Cat is convinced that there is something more to his death, something that will explain why the man who saved her life was so unwilling to save his own. Rhys had always been haunted by the mysterious disappearance of Owen Face, the troubled lead singer of rock band Seerland, who was last seen at a notorious suicide spot. No body was ever found and when Cat joins forces with one of Rhys' former colleagues, now a wealthy business man obsessed with all things Seerland-related, they begin to wonder whether the rumours that Face is still alive may be true. But when Cat is stalked by a meancing figure with a striking resemblance to a serial rapist Rhys famously put away, she begins to realise her life may also be in danger.

Genres: Crime

544 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Howard Marks (born Dennis Howard Marks) was a Welsh author, former teacher and drug smuggler who achieved notoriety as an international cannabis smuggler through high-profile court cases, supposed connections with groups such as the CIA, the IRA, MI6, and the Mafia, and his eventual conviction at the hands of the American Drug Enforcement Administration. At the height of his drug career, he was said to have controlled 10% of the world's hashish trade.

Marks attended Balliol College, Oxford between 1964 and 1967 to study Natural Science, with a Physics (B.A., Oxon). Among his friends at Balliol was the epidemiologist Julian Peto, and the journalist Lynn Barber. After this he studied Physics (Grad. Inst P.) at the University of London (1967 to 1968). Then, he went back to Balliol, Oxford (1968 to 1969) to study History and Philosophy of Science (Dip. H.Ph. Sc.) and then he went on to the University of Sussex (1969 to 1970) to study Philosophy of Science.

Following his release from prison, Marks published a best-selling autobiography, Mr Nice (Secker and Warburg, 1996), which has been translated into many languages. In addition to Mr Nice, he compiled an anthology called The Howard Marks Book of Dope Stories (Vintage, 2001) and more recently a follow-on from his autobiography; Señor Nice: Straight Life From Wales to South America. Señor Nice differs from his previous book as drugs are not central to the story and, while autobiographical, the book is more Marks' own exploration of his ancestor, the pirate Sir Henry Morgan. His ex-wife Judy Marks has also written her autobiography of their life together entitled "Mr Nice and Mrs Marks" published by Ebury Press, 2006.

He is also the subject of a biopic starring Rhys Ifans as Marks entitled Mr Nice, named after his autobiography of the same name. Chloë Sevigny plays the role of his wife Judy. The film was released in October 2010.

Marks was a campaigner for the legalisation of cannabis and tours the world with a one-man show. Marks recorded the song 'Grow More Weed' with the UK dub punk band P.A.I.N.
Within the world of music, Marks has managed the Welsh rock band the Super Furry Animals for a period of time in the late 1990s. He also co-recorded a song 'Three men in a boat' with his long time friend Lee Harris. The record was later remixed by River Styx (Musician, rap poet) and released on the album 'Angel Headed Hip Hop' on Genepool/Universal Ltd.

Marks stood for election to UK Parliament in 1997, on the single issue of the legalization of cannabis. He contested four seats at once: Norwich South (against future Home Secretary Charles Clarke), Norwich North, Neath and Southampton Test. The average vote was over 1%. This led to the formation of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance (LCA) by Alun Buffry in 1999.

From 1999 to 2000 he was the honorary rector of Glasgow Caledonian University.

On 25 January 2015, it was announced that Marks had inoperable colorectal cancer.He died of the disease on 10 April 2016, at the age of 70.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought for my daughter because of the location, and unaware of the notoriety of the author until more than halfway through. Quite enjoyed, and it would have definitely rated three stars had the ending been a bit less of a Boy's Own muddled incoherent chase at the end. I do find these super-woman high-kick previously damaged maverick cops a bit tedious, but have to admit they can make for a good story if nothing else. Not that there was much wrong with the writing of this.-

[Barbs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Zu verwirrend, an den Haaren herbeigezogen.

[Ivana Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started off really good, but rapidly went downhill. The main villain is ridiculously obvious, and the final resolution doesn't make much sense. All a bit disappointing, honestly.

[Anke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een standaard thriller, maar met plezier gelezen.

[Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst reading this I found it impossible not to male comparisons with the girl with the dragon tattoo during the first 150 pages or so, and whilst the similarities are there with regards to the protagonist and the start of the story it goes off in a very different direction.

Loosely based around the disappearence of Richie Manic the story starts with a female police officer who is hired by a wealthy media tycoon to help investigate a rock star who has a vanished. It is set in rural Wales and is fast paced and interesting to read.

I look forward to the next book by Howard Marks whether its fiction or based on his own adventures.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didnt know what to expect from this book, as this is the 1st of this kind from Marks. I must say I had really high hopes as his biographies are so interesting & I became a fan after reading them. I personally found it a bit hard going, it is very dark, entering the world of the cults/drugs. Lots of twists, turns & suspense. I am sure many people will enjoy this crime/thriller. I am not going to give up though & I will read the next when it comes out. Maybe it was just the type of story that I wasnt that keen on.

[Bizzy Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that this book is set in Cardiff as I was able to trace all the routes Cat walked. It kept me glued whilst reading but has been mostly forgotten now I've finished it. A good read for the moment, but don't expect it to make a lasting impact. If you're into crime thrillers deeply, you'll recognise the typical pattern of the narrative - very Tom Knox, in terms of timeline very predictable. Doesn't break the mould but is a comfortable read. You know what you're getting.

[Embla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-crafted esoteric thriller partly revolving around the mysterious disappearance of a rockstar, whose body is never found, around the Severn bridge area... Manics fan alert! Yes, that event is clearly inspired by Richey Edwards. But that is about all there is to it, as we soon delve in a world of hallucinogens and ancient cults, which is the actual core of the book. A good pace and style make this a pretty good read, but the final chapter could've been more organic.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry not my cup of tea at all, even though I do love a good thriller now and then. I found it impossible to empathize with the hero and the storyline seemed downright implausible and impossible to take seriously.

[Jayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Love Howard marks but found this book boring and have to be honest i stopped reading it half way.

[Andi Jarrett-johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very original twist and very spooky and strange. Cult leaders mixed up with hoakey clinics in the middle of rural wales.