Scorpion: A tense mystery thriller as desperate players struggle to keep themselves safe while others seek restoration at any cost. Can a person really change their nature?

by Taylen Calder

“ A scorpion, who cannot swim, asks a fox to carry it across a rising river that will soon engulf a small island. The fox hesitates, afraid of being stung, but the scorpion argues that if it did that, they would both drown. The fox considers this argument sensible and agrees to the request, but midway across the river the scorpion stings the fox anyway, dooming them both. The dying fox asks why it was stung despite knowing the consequence, to which the scorpion ‘I couldn’t help it. It’s in my nature.’ ” ~ Traditional Fable Embittered social worker Carrie Metcalf faces poverty and homelessness after suddenly losing her local authority job following accusations of assaulting a child, her soon-to-be ex-husband's young son. Determined to wreak revenge on those she believes have wronged her, Carrie seeks restoration of her former lifestyle ... and doesn't care who gets hurt as she strives to do so. Frequently outrageous and acerbic, Scorpion chronicles Carrie's plan to ruin Clynton Laurent, who she blames for her downfall, as he battles his own inner demons, unsure how far he should go to save someone’s life if it places his own freedom and the future of others at risk. Secrets are exposed and true natures revealed, guiding some to safety but others into darkness as Carrie's fraud, deception and treachery threaten Laurent’s very existence. Will love and friendship endure or shatter as lives are changed forever in this gritty, but often humorous and heart-warming, coming of age drama? Whilst Scorpion is a stand-alone urban mystery crime thriller, it will be of particular interest to readers of Forces at Work and No Place for Scion? by the same author as it draws many of the characters' journeys to a close.

336 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2023

Reviews

[Duncan Ifource · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this author by accident when a friend recommended the novel ‘The Lighthouse Project’ to me which I found, funny, insightful and ultimately very emotionally satisfying. As such, I read ‘Forces at Work’ then the follow up ‘No Place for Scion?’ and have just finished this Scorpion, which, although a stand alone novel, completes the Moorton trilogy.

One of the things I like about the author’s style is, as a reader, you never know where the story is going. Full of quirky and memorable characters who often behave outrageously creating hand over mouth moments and sprinkled with language some may find off-putting, the author blends compelling storylines with truly emotional moments and characters you hope and believe in.

I would guess the writing style isn’t to everyone’s taste, but if you’re prepared for a rollercoaster journey within a true to life urban story where even as a reader you become part of the deception, you’ll enjoy this.

[Mandy Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read this final book in the Moorton 'trilogy' last year but wanted to re-read all three before commenting and, as ever, life got in the way. I would guess this third book is better suited to those who have got to know the main characters in the first books 'Forces at Work' and 'No Place for Scion' as it develops and concludes the journeys of the main characters with humour, pathos and occasional OMG moments as the mystery is unveiled.

The author tends to avoid 'she said', 'he said' tags so occasionally had to re-read some paragraphs to fully understand who was saying what so hovered between a 4 or 5 star rating but opted for 5 star as overall it was a well crafted story arc over three separate volumes best read, in my opinion, as a trilogy as the life of the main protagonist unfolds. Won't give a spoiler as to what happens in the end but, if there was a stand alone follow up, I would be reading it.