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Debts and Druids
Bob wants to avoid financial ruin at any cost.
Tina wants to compete at the Regionals at any cost.
Sarah wants to hide her past at any cost.
Dick wants to find a new way of life at any cost.
But who will pay the highest cost?
Tina wants to compete at the Regionals at any cost.
Sarah wants to hide her past at any cost.
Dick wants to find a new way of life at any cost.
But who will pay the highest cost?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2012
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September 9, 2012
I received a copy of this book from the author for purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This story was one of those ‘out of the blue’ stories for me. I was expecting much different from the preface chapter, instead that tie-in to the survivors of the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland had a much different inclusion, near insidious, that was the backbone of the story progression. In a very ‘loose’ way, this is a mystery – but from the before it happens perspective: we see all that leads to the end of a character’s life rather than the reverse.
As three separate entities, the pairings would each have been a unique, if rather less predictable set of relationship stories. As the author has put the form together, the voices from the characters all wind together to create a very impactful and interesting story.
The story is significantly told in Bob’s and Sarah’s voices, with occasional perspectives from Duncan and Tina. The author managed to capture a tone with each person’s perspective that suited the characters, Bob’s voice ‘feels’ masculine and increasingly disjointed from drink and guilt and some odd fantasies. Sarah’s voice develops an increasingly strident and logical tone, even while displaying a coldness and revengeful edge based in her fears. Tina is always self-centered and spoiled, even when the reasoning behind her insecurities is revealed, I felt little sympathy for her: her selfish obsessions were evident and displayed in all of her interactions.
While I was expecting one end to the story – it turned on its heel and gave me another – with great facility, and the realization that it had to end that way. There are no easy answers with everyone living happily ever after; it is a story of survival and maintaining the ‘appearance’ of normalcy, at the cost of everything logical and reasonable, even lives.
I really did enjoy this story and the writer’s style. While written with a foothold in England, the situations and the setting could really be anywhere: where appearance is more valuable than reality and the need to appear successful and respectable is a factor in people’s thoughts. The author succeeded in creating a story that drew me in and redefined a mystery from the ‘before it happened’ side, making for an interesting read.
This story was one of those ‘out of the blue’ stories for me. I was expecting much different from the preface chapter, instead that tie-in to the survivors of the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland had a much different inclusion, near insidious, that was the backbone of the story progression. In a very ‘loose’ way, this is a mystery – but from the before it happens perspective: we see all that leads to the end of a character’s life rather than the reverse.
As three separate entities, the pairings would each have been a unique, if rather less predictable set of relationship stories. As the author has put the form together, the voices from the characters all wind together to create a very impactful and interesting story.
The story is significantly told in Bob’s and Sarah’s voices, with occasional perspectives from Duncan and Tina. The author managed to capture a tone with each person’s perspective that suited the characters, Bob’s voice ‘feels’ masculine and increasingly disjointed from drink and guilt and some odd fantasies. Sarah’s voice develops an increasingly strident and logical tone, even while displaying a coldness and revengeful edge based in her fears. Tina is always self-centered and spoiled, even when the reasoning behind her insecurities is revealed, I felt little sympathy for her: her selfish obsessions were evident and displayed in all of her interactions.
While I was expecting one end to the story – it turned on its heel and gave me another – with great facility, and the realization that it had to end that way. There are no easy answers with everyone living happily ever after; it is a story of survival and maintaining the ‘appearance’ of normalcy, at the cost of everything logical and reasonable, even lives.
I really did enjoy this story and the writer’s style. While written with a foothold in England, the situations and the setting could really be anywhere: where appearance is more valuable than reality and the need to appear successful and respectable is a factor in people’s thoughts. The author succeeded in creating a story that drew me in and redefined a mystery from the ‘before it happened’ side, making for an interesting read.
June 15, 2013
This was a very well-written utterly depressing book. It was a great depiction of what happens when a normal person becomes trapped in an overwhelming amount of debt, and what he does to fix it as opposed to coming clean. The main characters are extremely well developed, and the story moves at a very quick pace.
It follows the story of Bob, a man who has become indebted over a 100,000 pounds, and his wife Tina. Tina, a woman who is inattentive to to the things occurring in her home. She is obsessed with her horses and dressage training; and blissfully unaware that the lifestyle she is leading is about to be upturned. Bob has become extremely resentful as of late at the increasing cost of maintenance and vet bills his wife is racking up and begins to blame the Vet, Duncan, for taking advantage of his overanxious wife. A chance meeting one night at a restaurant between Bob and Tina, Duncan and his wife Sarah makes the tensions start to boil over. As you come to find out, Sarah also has a secret to keep, the fact that she is living her life under a false identity, having once been part of a gang in Ireland who did some pretty terrible things. When something terrible happened to her, she turned state's witness and took over a new life burying the past she thought for good. Bob however, due to his research, makes the connection between past and present and sees blackmailing her as his financial rescue; feeling justified due to how much money his wife had been paying them in vet bills. The story was layered and complex and it really shines a brilliant light on how desperation can make people act irrationally and so unlike what they strive to be. The lengths that Bob and Sarah go to to try and keep their secrets are incredibly intense.
The only thing I didn't really understand was the character of Dick, bob's friend who has embraced the life of a druid and given up his former wealth. He didn't add much to the main story, I guess except there as a contrast to Bob, who is a man consumed by greed.
I think this story was great, well worth a read, and makes you seriously think about the costs of our decisions in the long run verses the short run. And also what the potential price is for keeping secrets.
It follows the story of Bob, a man who has become indebted over a 100,000 pounds, and his wife Tina. Tina, a woman who is inattentive to to the things occurring in her home. She is obsessed with her horses and dressage training; and blissfully unaware that the lifestyle she is leading is about to be upturned. Bob has become extremely resentful as of late at the increasing cost of maintenance and vet bills his wife is racking up and begins to blame the Vet, Duncan, for taking advantage of his overanxious wife. A chance meeting one night at a restaurant between Bob and Tina, Duncan and his wife Sarah makes the tensions start to boil over. As you come to find out, Sarah also has a secret to keep, the fact that she is living her life under a false identity, having once been part of a gang in Ireland who did some pretty terrible things. When something terrible happened to her, she turned state's witness and took over a new life burying the past she thought for good. Bob however, due to his research, makes the connection between past and present and sees blackmailing her as his financial rescue; feeling justified due to how much money his wife had been paying them in vet bills. The story was layered and complex and it really shines a brilliant light on how desperation can make people act irrationally and so unlike what they strive to be. The lengths that Bob and Sarah go to to try and keep their secrets are incredibly intense.
The only thing I didn't really understand was the character of Dick, bob's friend who has embraced the life of a druid and given up his former wealth. He didn't add much to the main story, I guess except there as a contrast to Bob, who is a man consumed by greed.
I think this story was great, well worth a read, and makes you seriously think about the costs of our decisions in the long run verses the short run. And also what the potential price is for keeping secrets.
October 17, 2012
Debts and Druids by Diana J Febry
4 Stars
Sinking in debt, thanks to his wife’s overspending on her equestrian hobby, Bob finds something while researching for his thesis that might be able to provide the funds to get his head above water. Sarah knew it was only a matter of time before her past caught up with her and once she realised Bob was digging deep enough into things he had no business looking at, she needed to work on a plan to keep his findings hidden.
Neither the title nor the cover give anything away about this story or the type of book it is, and they don’t really do it justice either. Initially I was a little confused, each chapter was about someone new and it felt impossible to tie them all together, but after the first meeting between Sarah, Duncan, Tina and Bob, things started to fall into place. I wasn’t pulled in immediately but I did become curious, mostly about Sarah, I really needed to know her secret. I did lots of guessing about where the story was heading but did not expect the ending we were given.
Not quite everything was fully tied up, it would have been nice to get the reactions of other people to the out come, Sarah’s husband and children for instance. I would have liked to know what they thought about Sarah’s past life. We never did seem to find out what happened to Jo, did Dick seek his revenge or forgive her? And finally Dick, since he was banned from the house, why was he there that night of all nights? I wanted a couple more chapters of explanation and then I would have been fully satisfied.
Debts and Druids is an interesting and unique story, and Diana Febry managed to keep me turning the pages. I enjoyed the way she writes, it was easy and flowed well. I did find the odd typo but nothing major and certainly not enough to ruin the story.
Copy supplied for review.
4 Stars
Sinking in debt, thanks to his wife’s overspending on her equestrian hobby, Bob finds something while researching for his thesis that might be able to provide the funds to get his head above water. Sarah knew it was only a matter of time before her past caught up with her and once she realised Bob was digging deep enough into things he had no business looking at, she needed to work on a plan to keep his findings hidden.
Neither the title nor the cover give anything away about this story or the type of book it is, and they don’t really do it justice either. Initially I was a little confused, each chapter was about someone new and it felt impossible to tie them all together, but after the first meeting between Sarah, Duncan, Tina and Bob, things started to fall into place. I wasn’t pulled in immediately but I did become curious, mostly about Sarah, I really needed to know her secret. I did lots of guessing about where the story was heading but did not expect the ending we were given.
Not quite everything was fully tied up, it would have been nice to get the reactions of other people to the out come, Sarah’s husband and children for instance. I would have liked to know what they thought about Sarah’s past life. We never did seem to find out what happened to Jo, did Dick seek his revenge or forgive her? And finally Dick, since he was banned from the house, why was he there that night of all nights? I wanted a couple more chapters of explanation and then I would have been fully satisfied.
Debts and Druids is an interesting and unique story, and Diana Febry managed to keep me turning the pages. I enjoyed the way she writes, it was easy and flowed well. I did find the odd typo but nothing major and certainly not enough to ruin the story.
Copy supplied for review.
October 5, 2012
This is a remarkable social commentary with some choice moments that will really have you questioning human nature. Set in the West Country, Febry follows the lives of two families as they struggle with the stresses and strains of a life that they imposed on themselves. ‘Debts and Druids’ is quite a dark novel and focuses on the harsh realities of life that are often inescapable. It asks the question what is happiness, if you are never truly content with what you already have.
The financial crisis that faces Bob is just one example of the debt that each of the four characters must accept and correct. Tina uses her passion for horses to take control of her life, but knowingly overlooks the more urgent needs of her children. While Sarah, who realises the need to face up to her past and her true nature, hides behind lies, deception and violence. The two couples are brought together by universal problems, but are too caught up in their own worlds to realise how they can help each other. The characters take an odd place in the reader’s mind, as their actions are often damaging and yet they are described with sympathy. Should you sympathise with someone who knows they are doing wrong, or despise them because they don’t help themselves? Overall this is an interesting read and really gets you thinking.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
The financial crisis that faces Bob is just one example of the debt that each of the four characters must accept and correct. Tina uses her passion for horses to take control of her life, but knowingly overlooks the more urgent needs of her children. While Sarah, who realises the need to face up to her past and her true nature, hides behind lies, deception and violence. The two couples are brought together by universal problems, but are too caught up in their own worlds to realise how they can help each other. The characters take an odd place in the reader’s mind, as their actions are often damaging and yet they are described with sympathy. Should you sympathise with someone who knows they are doing wrong, or despise them because they don’t help themselves? Overall this is an interesting read and really gets you thinking.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
February 1, 2013
“Debts and Druids” by Diana J. Febry was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. In parts a crime story with a long stretching element of suspense – will they? won’t they? – and in parts a character study and social commentary this dark tale moves slowly but steadily from the solid and thorough build up to a long delayed climax of how the knot is going to be untied.
It follows a group of characters in the West Country: Lecturer Bob who is on the edge because of his accruing debts, which are connected to Dick, a former lawyer who has turned into a dubious Druid. His wife Tina has an obsession with horses. Then there is Sarah – or Fianna - a woman with a dark and dangerous past in Ireland.
Thanks to the amazing leg work at the beginning of the book the different characters are all well set up and give the author a lot of room to manoeuvre and so the story remains pleasantly unpredictable and gets the reader to turn the pages of this compelling story impatiently for the next turn or twist.
A lot of people will love it for its great setting in the UK West Country and the background, I loved it for the edgy characters and the skilled portrayal of their thoughts and inner conflicts.
Febry is a talented writer with a great gift for creating individuals that readers can relate to and care about.
It follows a group of characters in the West Country: Lecturer Bob who is on the edge because of his accruing debts, which are connected to Dick, a former lawyer who has turned into a dubious Druid. His wife Tina has an obsession with horses. Then there is Sarah – or Fianna - a woman with a dark and dangerous past in Ireland.
Thanks to the amazing leg work at the beginning of the book the different characters are all well set up and give the author a lot of room to manoeuvre and so the story remains pleasantly unpredictable and gets the reader to turn the pages of this compelling story impatiently for the next turn or twist.
A lot of people will love it for its great setting in the UK West Country and the background, I loved it for the edgy characters and the skilled portrayal of their thoughts and inner conflicts.
Febry is a talented writer with a great gift for creating individuals that readers can relate to and care about.
April 16, 2014
Bob is a college lecturer in a smallish university. He is blessed with a loving wife and two teenagers. But Bob has some serious money problems, problems that he has kept hidden from his family, for fear of looking like a failure in their eyes. It doesn't help any that the little wifey is horse-obsessed, keeps two of them, and has gotten into dressage, all of which is a huge drain on the family resources.
Bob's best friend is Richard "Call me Dick", who has left his lucrative lawyer profession and his family to become a druid priest. He begins to grow his air long, sports a beard, then sandals, and finally the traditional robes. People look at him funny.
And then there is Sarah who is soooooo not what she seems, and what she seems is a lovely, calm, perfect wife and mother. She is wife to the vet, Duncan, whom Bob hates because of the astronomical vet bills for those damn horses of his wife.
It is a funny, light-hearted look at the trials and tribs of financial difficulties and horse obsession. But slowly, slowly, subtly, it grows a bit less light-hearted, becomes darker, and you find you are no longer chuckling to yourself as you read. It becomes a tale of just how far people are willing to go to preserve their image. It comes to an ending you never saw coming.
Bob's best friend is Richard "Call me Dick", who has left his lucrative lawyer profession and his family to become a druid priest. He begins to grow his air long, sports a beard, then sandals, and finally the traditional robes. People look at him funny.
And then there is Sarah who is soooooo not what she seems, and what she seems is a lovely, calm, perfect wife and mother. She is wife to the vet, Duncan, whom Bob hates because of the astronomical vet bills for those damn horses of his wife.
It is a funny, light-hearted look at the trials and tribs of financial difficulties and horse obsession. But slowly, slowly, subtly, it grows a bit less light-hearted, becomes darker, and you find you are no longer chuckling to yourself as you read. It becomes a tale of just how far people are willing to go to preserve their image. It comes to an ending you never saw coming.
November 8, 2012
The first half of Debts and Druids, I felt confused. I was jumping around and all over the place. But about half way through things finally started to piece together.
It is quite an interesting story - Bob's wife has a bit of a nasty habit about overspending and Sarah has a hidden past. The author kept me turning the pages, after all, the tale is quite interesting and worth the time to check the book out. That being said, there were a lot of loose ends in the end and I didn't feel completely satisfied with the ending.
It is a quite a good storyline. I just felt there needed to be a bit more in the end. I won't give much away because I don't want to include spoilers, but there is a big burning question in the end that I wanted answered and it was not. However, the author's writing style and the tone of the characters kept me engrossed in the storyline and wanting more. I rate this a 3.
Written by Kati for Bex 'n' Books
Disclosure: This book was received for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
It is quite an interesting story - Bob's wife has a bit of a nasty habit about overspending and Sarah has a hidden past. The author kept me turning the pages, after all, the tale is quite interesting and worth the time to check the book out. That being said, there were a lot of loose ends in the end and I didn't feel completely satisfied with the ending.
It is a quite a good storyline. I just felt there needed to be a bit more in the end. I won't give much away because I don't want to include spoilers, but there is a big burning question in the end that I wanted answered and it was not. However, the author's writing style and the tone of the characters kept me engrossed in the storyline and wanting more. I rate this a 3.
Written by Kati for Bex 'n' Books
Disclosure: This book was received for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2012
The first half of Debts and Druids, I felt confused. I was jumping around and all over the place. But about half way through things finally started to piece together.
It is quite an interesting story - Bob's wife has a bit of a nasty habit about overspending and Sarah has a hidden past. The author kept me turning the pages, after all, the tale is quite interesting and worth the time to check the book out. That being said, there were a lot of loose ends in the end and I didn't feel completely satisfied with the ending.
It is a quite a good storyline. I just felt there needed to be a bit more in the end. I won't give much away because I don't want to include spoilers, but there is a big burning question in the end that I wanted answered and it was not. However, the author's writing style and the tone of the characters kept me engrossed in the storyline and wanting more. I rate this a 3. This review was for Bex and Books.
It is quite an interesting story - Bob's wife has a bit of a nasty habit about overspending and Sarah has a hidden past. The author kept me turning the pages, after all, the tale is quite interesting and worth the time to check the book out. That being said, there were a lot of loose ends in the end and I didn't feel completely satisfied with the ending.
It is a quite a good storyline. I just felt there needed to be a bit more in the end. I won't give much away because I don't want to include spoilers, but there is a big burning question in the end that I wanted answered and it was not. However, the author's writing style and the tone of the characters kept me engrossed in the storyline and wanting more. I rate this a 3. This review was for Bex and Books.
December 5, 2016
SURPRISED
I was surprised when I checked the date of publication, as I see it is one of this author’s earlier works, because it is by far my favourite and I’ve read several of her books. This is not in her usual genre of cops solving murder cases, but a man driven to despair by being deeply in debt and planning something he would never normally contemplate. Two couples are features, and in both marriages there are deeply buried secrets. Slowly, the author reveals the back story and we see the rebirth of one character as it reverts back – and no, I’m not giving any spoilers here. I loved the use of language in this book, the flow of the words and the descriptions. Just enough for the reader to visualize but never too long to bore. I think this is by far her best book, highly recommended.
I was surprised when I checked the date of publication, as I see it is one of this author’s earlier works, because it is by far my favourite and I’ve read several of her books. This is not in her usual genre of cops solving murder cases, but a man driven to despair by being deeply in debt and planning something he would never normally contemplate. Two couples are features, and in both marriages there are deeply buried secrets. Slowly, the author reveals the back story and we see the rebirth of one character as it reverts back – and no, I’m not giving any spoilers here. I loved the use of language in this book, the flow of the words and the descriptions. Just enough for the reader to visualize but never too long to bore. I think this is by far her best book, highly recommended.
January 28, 2019
I’ve been a longtime fan of Ms. Febry and always anticipate every new release of hers with excitement. I don’t know how she does it, but her mysteries always draw me in from the very first page, and once I start reading, I can’t put the story down. Same happened with “Debts and Druids.” Two seemingly perfect, well-to-do couples, two grave secrets hidden from each spouse - and one of those secrets will eventually lead to disaster. Bob is struggling with increasingly growing debt situation which spirals out of the control day by day with the help of his wife’s thoughtless spending; Sarah is struggling to maintain a facade of a perfect mother and wife, hoping that her past would never catch up with her. However, certain skeletons just don't wish to be hidden in the closets and so, the ultimate conflict starts to unravel…
I always enjoy the fascinating way in which Ms. Febry spins her mysteries, but “Debts and Druids” was interesting for another reason: her deep study of human psychology and the ultimate question - how far one can go once cornered? A brilliantly written story, as always. Five very well deserved stars.
I always enjoy the fascinating way in which Ms. Febry spins her mysteries, but “Debts and Druids” was interesting for another reason: her deep study of human psychology and the ultimate question - how far one can go once cornered? A brilliantly written story, as always. Five very well deserved stars.
August 14, 2017
Have been a fan of Febry's work for a long time and realised that I'd missed this one when going through her back catalogue. The story is engaging from the start and the book opens with several different couples all in their own worlds. As it progresses you start to see where the couples intersect. It's a delightful tale of debt and the worries that come with that as well as some druids thrown in for good measure. I loved it. Great story telling and a brilliant book! Check out her work you won't be disappointed!
September 3, 2018
In Debts & Druids, Diana Febry does an excellent job showing how one can easily fall into a self-obsessed universe and forget about everything that really matters. Despite the dark topic, there are many funny moments throughout the novel and the characters are well developed. With a number of twists and turns along the way, Debts & Druids is an enjoyable read.
March 24, 2019
Debts & Druids: A family drama is so well written that it was easy to get lost in the pages. Albeit, Diana J. Febry's story telling makes it easy for any reader to become immersed in the worlds she has developed. 'Come in. The kettle is on!' Is how I feel when I open her books. Classic 5 Star Read!!!
October 15, 2022
Debts and Druids
Entertaining!! The druids of the title were superfluous to the plot, but we're amusing. I was sorry when I realised I'd come to the last page.
I'm off to download some titles from Ms Febry..........
Entertaining!! The druids of the title were superfluous to the plot, but we're amusing. I was sorry when I realised I'd come to the last page.
I'm off to download some titles from Ms Febry..........
June 28, 2021
Family matters with twists
Excellent delineation of the response of individual family members to their respective life situations that are reasonable for them but quite quirky!
Excellent delineation of the response of individual family members to their respective life situations that are reasonable for them but quite quirky!
November 27, 2013
Bob finds himself sinking in debt due to his wife over spending on her Equestrian hobby. While doing research for his thesis Bob finds something that might provide the funds for him to get his head above water. Sarah knew eventually her past would catch up to her and once she realized Bob was digging deep into things he had no right to, she knew she needed to find a way to keep his findings hidden. Set in the West Country the story follows the lives of two families as they struggle with everyday stresses that they placed on themselves. A dark novel that focuses on the harsh realities of life. Tina uses her passion for horses to take control of her life but overlooks the needs of her children. Sarah realizes she needs to face up to her past but she hides behind deception , lies , and violence. But
they are to caught up in their own problems to realize they can help each other. This book really got me thinking. Should you sympatise wit someone when they know what they are doing is wrong? Or just realize they need to help themselves? I look forward to reading more books by Diana J.Febry
they are to caught up in their own problems to realize they can help each other. This book really got me thinking. Should you sympatise wit someone when they know what they are doing is wrong? Or just realize they need to help themselves? I look forward to reading more books by Diana J.Febry
February 15, 2016
At times the book is a look at the stresses and strain of middle class marriages, and at times a dark psychological thriller. The basic plots lines are good and as we follow the lives of the couples, interesting questions that affect almost all of us are raised. It’s very much a novel of our times.
Not only does the author have a good grasp on the niceties of English society, but she has a good understanding of the dynamics of the family. The story is about some pretty dysfunctional families but we see how all of them somehow manage to bumble on with their lives. In fact, we watch them struggling to maintain family normality with a morbid curiosity, particularly when things begin to fall apart.
The author writes with an easy fluidity, and the characterisation of almost every player is good. Though having said that, I’m not sure that the central character really adds up. Somehow I didn’t feel his actions were a product of his character, and vice-versa.
An very interesting read nonetheless.
Not only does the author have a good grasp on the niceties of English society, but she has a good understanding of the dynamics of the family. The story is about some pretty dysfunctional families but we see how all of them somehow manage to bumble on with their lives. In fact, we watch them struggling to maintain family normality with a morbid curiosity, particularly when things begin to fall apart.
The author writes with an easy fluidity, and the characterisation of almost every player is good. Though having said that, I’m not sure that the central character really adds up. Somehow I didn’t feel his actions were a product of his character, and vice-versa.
An very interesting read nonetheless.
January 16, 2014
I wouldn't normally read about such depressing characters, but the writing did really draw me in with all the seemingly random connections among these various desperate people. Each seemed convinced that the other had such a great life. If only they could get it together and be like so-and-so, their life would be perfect. But they all had secret fears, debts, longings, and past mistakes that they were desperate to keep buried.
As things turned dark, and blackmail and murder seemed the only way out, I was kept guessing as to how it would all play out. The only problem was the conclusion was too rushed and there was no resolution for any of the story lines other than the main character. Even then, there was a way-too-convenient plot device at the end. After sticking with the developing story for so long, I just wasn't satisfied with the ending.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As things turned dark, and blackmail and murder seemed the only way out, I was kept guessing as to how it would all play out. The only problem was the conclusion was too rushed and there was no resolution for any of the story lines other than the main character. Even then, there was a way-too-convenient plot device at the end. After sticking with the developing story for so long, I just wasn't satisfied with the ending.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2016
This book is a fascinating look at how people really are behind the facade they build to hide from the world for all sorts of reasons. On the one hand, there is Bob, who has a great job at a university but who is drowning in debt caused by his beloved wife's obsession with her horses. On the other, there is Dick, who was once a highly successful lawyer, who gave it all up to become a new age druid type who naively believes all he is told by his new friends. And then there is Sarah, a seemingly happy housewife with an adoring husband and children who has it all, or does she? When her skeleton is pried from the cupboard the lives of all three are disrupted in ways they could never have imagined.
I found the story gripping to the point where I had a problem putting the book down. The characters were very well developed and there was a lot of interesting details about their lives. I had no idea how this would end and this is something else I adore.
I found the story gripping to the point where I had a problem putting the book down. The characters were very well developed and there was a lot of interesting details about their lives. I had no idea how this would end and this is something else I adore.
March 17, 2014
I really enjoyed this drama which explored dark secrets, a dangerous past and what desperation can drive people to. I’m a slow reader but also an impatient one, so I often get tempted to jump to the last pages of a book to see how it ends. However, what I liked best about Debts and Druids was that I was unable to guess what was going to happen next all the way through and I was so engaged in the story I needed to know how it all panned out – without cheating! Unpredictable, with plenty of twists and turns and I still had questions when it had finished (maybe a sequel?) I won't go into detail about this as I don't want to give anything about the plot away. Intriguing characters and I liked the touches of humour, too. A real page turner!
July 1, 2016
Who doesn't fantasize about how to make more money, especially if they're struggling with the bills? this novel takes that struggle and turns it into a suspenseful tale of competing motives.
For those that expect happy endings, this is not your book. However, for those that don’t like to predict the ending, this is the PERFECT book. It is filled with distinct characters, motivations, and entwined plot twists that make even the very end a surprise. I loved the slice-of-life turned suspense feel of the story. The pace was good. It combined several aspects that I am fond of, including England and Druids, even if the latter was peripheral to the main story.
For those that expect happy endings, this is not your book. However, for those that don’t like to predict the ending, this is the PERFECT book. It is filled with distinct characters, motivations, and entwined plot twists that make even the very end a surprise. I loved the slice-of-life turned suspense feel of the story. The pace was good. It combined several aspects that I am fond of, including England and Druids, even if the latter was peripheral to the main story.
May 19, 2014
This review is from: Debts And Druids (Kindle Edition)
REVIEW BY ROBERT K. SWISHER JR.
HAVING AT ONE TIME BEEN A HORSE PERSON WITH CHILDREN INTO DRESSAGE. I KNOW HOW EXPENSIVE IT IS. I WOULD LIKE TOM HAVE THE NONEY I TOSSED AWAY ON SADDLES AND LESSONS AND THOSE CUTE LITTLE OUTFITS. IF I DID I WOULD NOT BE WORKING NOW. WHAT DEADS WILL WE DO WHEN THE MONEY RUNS OUT? THIS BOOK LOOKS DEEP INTO THE QUESTION. IS ALL WHAT IT SEEMS? MAYBE IN TRUTH WE ARE ALL NOTHING BUT BEASTS - ONLY EMBRACING THE IDEA OF HUMANITY WHEN LIFE IS GOOD. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK ABOUT LIFE. MYSELF, I LIKE THE TRUTH.
January 19, 2013
Review coming soon
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