King of the Road

by Nigel Bartlett

David Kingsgrove is a man on a mission. An ordinary man - and an extraordinary mission. It is a mission that will turn him into someone he never thought he would be: the king of the road, the loner on the highway, the crusader for a sort of justice he has never before had to seek.

Andrew had been a regular visitor to David's home right up until the day he disappeared, walking out the front door to visit a neighbour. It doesn't take long for the police to decide that David - a single man in his thirties, living alone - is their suspect. Soon Andrew's parents will share that opinion. But David knows that he didn't take Andrew. Realising that the only way Andrew will be found is if he finds him - the police, after all, are fixated on David as their suspect and are not looking anywhere else - David turns to the one person who he knows will help him: Matty an ex-cop now his personal trainer, whose own son disappeared several years before.

David's crusade to find Andrew will also take him into his own dark heart - to do things he never thought he would have to do, and go places he has never wanted to go. And the choices David makes lead us all to ask: How far would I go to save someone I love? This is a compelling story that is almost impossible to stop reading - a hero's journey, of sorts, with a momentum that is breathtaking even while the subject matter is confronting.

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Book Club

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2015

About the author

Nigel Bartlett is a freelance writer and editor who has worked for many of the best-known publications in Australia.

He's a former deputy editor of GQ Australia and Inside Out magazines and has been a regular contributor to Belle and Sunday, the colour supplement for the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Herald Sun. In addition, he's freelanced for numerous other titles, ranging from Who to Sunday Life and Harper's Bazaar, as well as a number of high-profile websites. In 2012 he completed a research masters in creative writing at the University of Technology Sydney.

He lives in the inner-city suburb of Redfern.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start this with a disclaimer - this book was written by my uncle and therefore I was always going to be a little biased in my review.

This book touches on a 'hot topic' that sadly features heavily in our modern day society. For me, it is very close to work so it did take a long time to read as sometimes I just couldn't handle it and needed space. What this book does is attack the nitty gritty and challenges your fight or flight instinct. Our hero David / Davo does what we all hope and wish we would do if found in a similar situation to him.

The book has been pulled together in a pacey narrative that sends you on an emotional rollercoaster. If it offends or makes you feel uncomfortable, take a step back and wonder why this is. Bartlett brings reality to the forefront of fiction writing.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is a propulsive thriller that goes to some uncomfortable places, and yet you simply cannot stop reading (as fast as you can!). You are completely in the shoes of the protagonist David, feeling his desperation and his seemingly unprovable innocence. The writing is earthy and real: you can smell the sweat and taste the fear. The plot is fast, clever and well thought out, with a denouement that is not a little shocking. I hear Bartlett has a sequel in tow. Shut up and take my money!

[Robbie Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely what you'd call a "gripping" read. Bartlett builds the tension quickly and holds it throughout with clever plot twists and the sense that the clock keeps ticking. While the topic of child pornography is extremely sensitive it is handled in such a way that the threat is cleverly maintained without crossing any boundaries for the reader. The fact that David Kingsgrove is the most obvious suspect is fully believable, as is the scenario that even if he could get himself cleared it would be too late for his kidnapped nephew, Andrew. Another aspect of the novel I really appreciated was that David is an unlikely hero in that he is unprepared for life on the run (he's certainly not a Jack Reacher) so it's refreshing to stumble along with him and see him make mistakes along the way. It adds depth to his character. All I know is that by the end of the book I was hoping there would be a sequel. The book was tied up perfectly, but I'd be happy to journey with David Kingsgrove again.

[A Reader's Heaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

When David's 11-year-old nephew goes missing and he finds the finger pointed at him, he has no choice but to strike out on his own - an unlikely vigilante running away from the police and his own family, and running towards what he hopes desperately is the truth about Andrew's disappearance. David Kingsgrove is a man on a mission. An ordinary man - and an extraordinary mission. It is a mission that will turn him into someone he never thought he would be: the king of the road, the loner on the highway, the crusader for a sort of justice he has never before had to seek.
Andrew had been a regular visitor to David's home right up until the day he disappeared, walking out the front door to visit a neighbour. It doesn't take long for the police to decide that David - a single man in his thirties, living alone - is their suspect. Soon Andrew's parents will share that opinion. But David knows that he didn't take Andrew.
Realising that the only way Andrew will be found is if he finds him - the police, after all, are fixated on David as their suspect and are not looking anywhere else - David turns to the one person who he knows will help him: Matty an ex-cop now his personal trainer, whose own son disappeared several years before. David's crusade to find Andrew will also take him into his own dark heart - to do things he never thought he would have to do, and go places he has never wanted to go. And the choices David makes lead us all to ask: How far would I go to save someone I love?

I am undecided about this one. While it was great to get a new and refreshing "hero", I found the mystery to be somewhat overdone...

Firstly, though, let's talk about David. A single, unattached gay man is the hero of an Australian crime novel. How far we have come. I found this to be a most refreshing change and added some real depth and quality to the writing as the author couldn't follow the norms of these types of stories (solves the crime, gets the girl). So I really did feel a connection to David as a character as it all felt very genuine.

The use of Australian towns and landscape were also very good. There were times where I could smell the outback or feel the "Australian-ness" of the story seep through the pages.

However, for me, the story was just too much. It is like there is a checklist that says "These are 12 elements you may need for your thriller novel. Choose 3..." and the author has just gone, "Nah, I will have 'em all, thanks..." and, as a result, we ended up with everything including the kitchen sink. And then, if that wasn't enough, we get not one - not two - but three twists at the end. Two of which we could have done without.

Overall, a good story with an excellent MC and setting. Would recommend it because I can see why people REALY enjoyed it!


Paul
ARH

[Helena Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy oh boy was that a good book!! I may be ever so slightly biased reading my uncle's book but hands down I think I'd say the same thing anyway. The plot was gripping and even if it wasn't necessarily written with the intention- a great reminder on the importance of internet safety (and teaching your kids about it!) and not everything is as it seems. Twists in the plot left your heart broken and only wanting more to read- a sign of a good thriller!

The only reason it's 4 not 5 stars is because it hit my pet peeve when reading a book (sorry Nigel!) Very occasionally a few things were explained a bit too much (don't ask me for examples on this occasion). Perhaps it was for the benefit of an audience who wouldn't necessarily understand the ways of the modern world. However, in those circumstances it left no room for the reader to work out what was relevant which would have only benefited the mystery of the novel.

Overall though, I'm proud to say my uncle wrote this and I can't wait for the next one! (My friends better prepare for the recommendation).

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

KING OF THE ROAD is Sydney based author Nigel Bartlett's debut novel. Gritty, complicated and fast-paced it takes the reader into the uncomfortable world of abduction of young boys and paedophile rings. From the moment that young Andrew disappears from David Kingsgrove's home there's a sinking sense of despair. Firstly because of the police's obsession with Kingsgrove as the only suspect, and secondly because a young boy going missing like that instantly makes you think the absolute worse.

With only one friend prepared to believe in him, Kingsgrove is in a no win position, especially when his own family seem to suspect the worse. Going on the run could possibly telegraph guilt to others, but it seems to be the only way to find Andrew most importantly, and clear his name in the process.

Needless to say, the subject matter in this novel is going to worry some readers, and whilst there's nothing explicit or overt, it's impossible not to know what it is that cohorts of men like this do. Not helped by the sorts of character's that Kingsgrove eventually uncovers. It's sobering to think that people like this could really exist. It's even more sobering to think that the systems that they use to organise and communicate are so cleverly done.

The action centres around David Kingsgrove, and because his search for Andrew is a combination of Facebook investigation, and following every lead no matter how minor, he has to be a believable character. Not just believable, it's possible to have enormous sympathy for this man. A loving uncle, who incidental to his care and concern for his nephew is a gay man, he's resourceful, fit, brave and very determined. It's testament to his believability that at no stage is the reader left wondering how he could possibly be discovering things the police don't seem to be able to see. He also provides a very good lesson on how to hide in full view for quite a while which was most illuminating. But the best part about Kingsgrove is that determination. In the face of personal danger, confronted by some awful human beings, he stays true to the task of finding Andrew.

There are twists and turns in the search for Andrew that are going to surprise, there are some really awful people to be uncovered and some surprises in store, even when you think there can't possibly be any more. Whilst there's much about KING OF THE ROAD that's flat out a wild, tense, fast paced ride, there's also plenty of touching moments, and some glimpses of good, and some strong characters. An unusual book in many ways, KING OF THE ROAD is well worth reading, even if the subject matter is a no go zone for you.

http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admit it: I am biased. Now get over it. Because I would not have bought this unless written by my brother, and now I know that I would have missed out on a special new voice for this decade.
Nigel, it seems to me, puts the world of the Australian millenial on the map. It's a fresh perspective, a new vocabulary and an authentic culture. And for me, an Anglo-Saxon boomer with a somewhat jaded literary palette, it is a welcome new departure.
This is tension without artifice. Engagement without manipulation. Nigel takes his protagonist and worms him into your sympathy without one iota of exaggeration or superannuation. Davo Kingsgrove is an Everyman for today and empathy is available in bucketloads as his ultra-contemporary nightmare unfolds.
I DID put it down, but only to draw breath, and to afford myself the luxury of savouring a revelatory writing-style that warrants full attention.
Nice one, 'bro! When's the next one out?

[Tracy Sargeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening story about the dangers of online predators targeting children. David’s nephew Andrew goes missing, and he has been set up as the main suspect, so he goes in search of Andrew and the truth.

[Klaus Mattes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sidney, 2010-er Jahre; Genre: Selbstjustiz-Thriller um einen Mann, der die pädophilen Entführer seines 11-jährigen Neffen jagt.

Australien. Zwar zeigt der Umschlag eine endlose Straße im hitzeflimmernden Outback, aber tatsächlich spielt das Buch in den westlichen Vorstädten Sidneys. Mel Gibson. Tatsächlich müsste es mit dem australischen Heroen des körperlichen Leidens, Mel Gibson, verfilmt werden, wenn er nicht zu alt wäre. Verfilmt wird das garantiert irgendwann noch. Am besten von Hollywood. Dr. Richard Kimble, oho! Genau, die guten alten Hitchcock-Muster vom Unschuldigen, den eine tapsige Polizei für den Täter hält und von einem Ort zum nächsten hetzt, während er sich bereits mit den Bösen angelegt hat. Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Keanu Reeves. So müsste es werden, wenn sie nicht zu alt wären!

Im Grunde ist das schon alle Kritik, die man gegen so ein Buch erheben kann. Es geht gleich vom Anfang an an bis zum mehrfach herausgezögerten und bei jedem Anlauf noch mehr aufgebauschten Ende um den allseits bekannten finster entschlossenen, maskulinen Hollywood-Jäger, als der sich ein Typ entpuppt, den man vorher nicht für voll genommen hatte. Ja, er ist sogar schwul, dennoch so taff! Solche Action-Kreuzzüge finde ich mit zwei Stunden Popcorn-Kino an sich besser abgehandelt als im etliche Hundert Seiten starken, gebundenen Buch. Zumal ich im Präsens erzählende Ich-Erzähler nicht mag. „Ich zünde eine Zigarette an. Mir fällt ein, dass ich das Rauchen aufgegeben habe.“ Habe ich jetzt so fantasiert, im Original geht es so:

Die Sonne brennt mir auf den Arm, den ich aus dem offenen Fenster halte. Die Straße erstreckt sich vor mir, und sie bringt mich überallhin, wo ich nur will. Leb wohl, David Kingsgrove. Ich bin Davo, der König der Straße.

David ist zurzeit Single. Sonst erfahren wir über sein schwules Leben absolut nie etwas. David arbeitet als Freier im Journalismus, er kennt sich einigermaßen gut mit Computern und im Internet aus. Irgendwie sind tausende Pornofotos mit neunjährigen Jungen auf seinem Macbook gestrandet. David kann sich das nicht erklären. Er löscht alles und nimmt sich vor, die Festplatte zu formatieren, sobald er alles andere ausgelagert hat. Davids Bruder hat einen 11-jährigen Sohn, der während einer seiner Besuche spurlos vor Davids Haustür verschwindet. Schnell wittern der Bruder und die Schwägerin sowie ein anderes Ehepaar, mit dessen Sohn der kleine Andrew viel Zeit verbracht hat, David könnte sich an dem Kind vergangen haben. Immerhin ist er schwul und hat keine Beziehung.

Zum Glück ist unser Mittdreißiger aber nicht nur Desk-Top-Malocher, sondern auch Langstreckenläufer mit Fitnessstudio-Abo. Zum Glück hat er ein nettes Verhältnis zu einem heterosexuellen Ex-Polizisten. All das wird er bitter nötig haben, denn die reguläre Polizeitruppe findet Andrew nicht, will aber David festnehmen, der ab jetzt auf der Flucht ist und seinen Verwandten nicht mehr trauen kann. Viele lange Straßenzüge wird er hinauf und hinunter rennen, Leute wird er halb tot schlagen, damit sie das Maul aufmachen, über Mauern klettern und Türen eintreten, Autos in Brand stecken, Autos stehlen, nachts im Wald auf der Ladepritsche schlafen, ein kleinen Jungen aus dem Set eines Pornofilms herausholen. Er wird halb tot geschlagen und gefangen genommen. Ich erinnerte an Mel Gibson nicht von ungefähr.

Als Krimi funktioniert das herrlich, es ist verdammt gut geschrieben und entwickelt einen Spannungssog, der einen immer wieder zwingt, länger zu lesen, als man vorhatte. Ganz so toll ins Deutsche übersetzt ist es aber nicht: „überallhin, wo ich will“.

Unverständlich ist, warum Gmünder (der als lebende Einzelperson Ende 2015 schon zum zweiten Mal aus dem nach ihm benannten Unternehmen ausgeschieden war) diesen Roman unter dem Imprint „Albino“ ins Rennen schickte. „Albino“ war in den achtziger Jahren ein Gmünder ähnlicher, aber davon unabhängiger schwuler Bücher-Indie in Berlin. Zwar hatten sie auch ihre deftigen Krimis von Phil Andros, ansonsten setzten sie sich aber gerade gegenüber Gmünder mit einem elitären literarischen Anspruch ab. Sie wagten Erstübersetzungen von Alfred Chester, James Purdy, Jean Cocteau, Christopher Isherwood, Robin Maugham, die es selbstverständlich alle nie auf Sellerlisten schafften. Bis Ende der 2000-er Jahre, als der immer größer gewordene Konkurrent Finanzprobleme bekam, war das originale „Albino“ längst untergegangen. Ein paar seiner Bücher sowie die Namensrechte hatte Bruno Gmünder angekauft, sodass mittlerweile die mit literarischer Kunst liebäugelnde Buchreihe der Salzgeber Medien GmbH, an die das Gmünder-Unternehmen letztlich überging, den Namen „Albino“ wieder auf den Umschlägen vorzeigt. Dort haben jetzt auch die deutschen Übersetzungen der Bücher von Edmund White ihre Heimat gefunden. Aber 2012, als Whites „Jack Holmes“ erschien, lautete die Verlagsangabe „Gmünder“ und 2016, als dieser Thriller neu war, lautete sie „Albino“. Übrigens hatte in Australien das dortige Random House das Buch publiziert, während der deutsche Random-House-Eigentümer Bertelsmann in seinen vielen Reihen und Verlagen keinen Platz für Nigel Bartletts „König der Straße“ fand.

Es sollte festgehalten werden, dass es kein schwules Buch ist. In der Tat hat es ein Schwuler geschrieben und zumindest in Deutschland ist es von einem schwulen Verlag verlegt worden. Auch ist der Protagonist schwul, aber es passiert ihm im Verlauf der Handlung nichts Schwules, etwa, dass er sich frisch verlieben oder wenigstens eine Sauna besuchen würde. Vielmehr findet er pädophiles Material mit kleinen Jungen in seinem PC, das er löscht, das dennoch rekonstruiert werden kann. Dann agiert er als liebender Onkel: Er versucht seinen Neffen aus der Gewalt pädophiler Vergewaltiger zu befreien. Das funktioniert als Thriller prächtig und macht Spaß beim Lesen.

Glaubhaft ist natürlich einiges nicht. So, dass David, der nie was mit Polizeiarbeit zu tun gehabt hat, allerlei Theorien über das Verbrechen entwickelt, die sein Wissenstand gar nicht hergeben kann, die sich im weiteren Verlauf aber als genau richtig herausstellen. Nämlich: Andrew ist immer noch am Leben. Andrew wurde entführt, aber wohl noch nicht missbraucht. Es waren Männer, mehrere Männer. Sie sind pädophil, es ist kein normales Kidnapping. Die Polizei kann nichts ausrichten. Doch der sich von nun an Davo nennende David kann. Andrew ist weder in Perth noch Brisbane oder im Ausland, sondern immer noch im Bereich der Vorstädte von Sidney versteckt. Ja, selbst dass es was mit Andrews Hobby, Schwimmen, zu tun hat, sieht Davo klar vor sich.

Lewis, der Nachbarsjunge, dem die Eltern jeden Kontakt verboten haben, sagt Davo, dass Andrew, gegen das Verbot seiner Elten, Facebook-Mitglied ist. Folgt daraus nicht, dass Kinder in Facebook von Pädophilen umgarnt werden und sollte sich Davo nicht mit einem Fakeprofil als Opfer anbieten? Bei Facebook kümmert sich David nur um die Profile von 13-Jährigen, Unter diesem Alter lässt Facebook keine rein, also geben Kinder sich für 13 aus. Er lernt ein Mädchen kennen. Die kann es nicht sein. (Denn wie 10-jährige Jungen sich nie für 15 ausgeben, um zugelassen zu werden, sondern nur für 13, geben sie sich nie für Mädchen aus, sondern nur für Jungs. Und Pädophile, die hinter Jungs her sind, geben sich nicht für Mädchen aus, weil Kinder sich gleichgeschlechtlich orientieren. Äh, ja?)

ich fragte mich dann, wie echt das sein kann, dass ein Klüngel seriös (und heterosexuell) wirkender Vorstadtmänner sich zusammenschließt, um reihum einen zehn- bis zwölfjährigen Jungen auszukundschaften, dem als Nächstes ein anderer Mann dieser Runde sich als 13-jähriger Facebookfreund nähert, woraufhin irgendwann wieder andere Typen aus dem Verein zugreifen und das Kind ins Geheimgefängnis entführen, wo Filme gedreht werden, die mittels Liveschaltungen im Internet global verkauft werden. Bis zu diesem Buch hatte ich mir Pädophile eher als Täter gedacht, gegen die die Opfer nichts ausrichten können, weil sie Papa, Mama, Onkel, Tante, Vereinstrainer, Priester sind. Oder die Opfer als Straßenjungen in Regionen dieser Erde, wo extreme soziale Ungleichheit und Beamtenkorruption an der Tagesordnung sind.
Vielleicht sollte man im Blick behalten, dass es kein Aufklärungsbuch ist, sondern eine Art Actionhero-Film auf Papier.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read; I look forward to more from Nigel Bartlett. While it is based around a sensitive subject and deals with the abduction of a young boy and what I imagine is every parent's worst nightmare, I think that's part of what makes it such a fantastic thriller. These sort of things do happen in the world, and involve those who appear to be "normal" adults who have jobs, families, neighbours, etc. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. This book also touches on the importance of knowing what your child is doing online (because every child will find a way to be online and on websites they may be too young for), and who they are talking to.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite good but a bit drawn out will look for this author again

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A confronting topic, but very well written. A gripping tale that takes you along for an incredible ride. I look forward to more books from this contemporary Aussie author.

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gritty and at times complicated, it takes the reader into the uncomfortable world of abduction of young boys and paedophile rings...

[Graeme Aitken · Rating 3 out of 5]

David is a freelance journalist living in Sydney. He's gay, single, and is close to his family, especially his eleven-year-old nephew Andrew. He gives Andrew's parents some respite by having his nephew to stay regularly. But one weekend, while Andrew is in David's care, he disappears. It soon becomes apparent that David is the police's prime suspect in his nephew's disappearance. His guilt is compounded by the mysterious stache of child porn images that have surfaced on his laptop. David didn't download them but who will believe him? His lawyer is skeptical about his chances, his family are turning against him, and so David makes the rash decision to go on the run and try to find out who snatched his nephew. He quickly discovers that Andrew had a secret Facebook account and this discovery provides leads into his nephew's abduction. This novel grips the reader from the first chapter and doesn't let up as David draws closer to the whereabouts or fate of his nephew. Fans of crime fiction will relish this unconventional investigation, while for gay readers this is a complex portrait of an unlikely hero/action man who happens to be gay. When the climax finally comes, there is more than one twist to jolt the reader. If you are after a page-turning read, 'King of the Road' is absolutely perfect.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When David Kingsgrove's 11 year old nephew Andrew goes missing police suspicion falls on him, a gay, unattached man. His fear is that the police will spend all their energies searching for evidence against him rather than looking for Andrew. Andrew's only hope is for David to avoid the police and find him.

Apart from the child pornography angle this plot has been done many times before but never as well as this. The child sexual abuse theme almost finished me and I almost abandoned the book but a review assured me that there were lines that weren't crossed (thank you Robbie) and I was relieved to find that the focus of the novel was on David and his detecting. It is exciting and believable and uses the Sydney and New South Wales setting beautifully. I really felt we were in NSW country towns and Wollemi National Park and Penrith.

The twists and turns continue to the end. I'm not sure that the last two twists were needed. I would have been just as satisfied without them. But the writer's background as a journalist has given him such a good sense of pacing and plot development and background credibility.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an edge of your seat thriller and suspense story about the confronting topic of child abduction.

David is babysitting his 11 year old nephew Andrew when he goes missing. David becomes the main person of interest the Police are investigating, so if the Police are only looking for him, David decides to hits the streets of Sydney to find his nephew himself and prove his innocent as well.

This was a fast paced suspense novel about a crime involving young children that just makes your heart ache. It's quite confrontational some of the parts of the story with crimes against children and I think some readers may find it a difficult subject to read.

But this is such a brilliantly written thriller, I was flicking the e-reader pages so fast it couldn't keep up. There was always something happening to keep your interest and it never stuck on the same topic for too long.

I recommend this book to suspense and thriller fans and even to parents with young kids if you live by the words that knowledge is power.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This an ARC that I received from Net Galley early in 2015 and so I'm feeling a bit guilty that I didn't tackle it before.

In many cases the police work on the premise that the perpetrator of the crime is often a member of the family. In the case of the disappearance of his nephew Andrew, David Kingsgrove is a very likely suspect, and this seems to mean that their resources don't focus on others. David knows that he himself is innocent and so he starts looking for clues about what Andrew did when nobody was looking. He discovers that Andrew has a FaceBook account. At the same time he discovers thousands of child pornography pictures on his own computer. When the police take his computer, he knows it will be no time at all before they find them too. So he hits the road to find Andrew himself, and triggers a man-hunt by the police who believe that he has just confirmed his guilt.

A thought provoking novel, drawing together plot-lines relating to paedophilia and social media. Set in Sydney.

[Alistair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick preamble Fellow Reader: reading in bed, my eyes inevitably begin to close, but I don't want to sleep because I only had 26 pages (I counted) to finish. But I HAD to know, so I turned the light back on and raced to the end. And it was worth it.
King of the Road is a first novel and it delivers in spades. David, mid-thirties, lives alone and minds his nephew, 11 year old Andrew once a month to give his parents a break. During one stay-over Andrew disappears and David becomes a suspect after the police search his flat and computer. Realising finding Andrew is his only option, and with the help of his ex-cop friend Matty, David goes on the lam. One of the impressive aspects of Bartlett's novel is the imagination he deploys to place David in situations and places that makes one wonder "Where is he going with this, and how will he extracate David?" This is a real nail-biter.
Three and a half stars.

[John Bartlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Kingsgrove (Davo) is an unlikely hero in this disturbing journey into the heartland of child pornography.
Bartlett is a master at balancing all the plot details, especially the convolutions of IT. And yet it all balances out quite well and believably.
Once or twice perhaps I felt I was being asked to believe what might not be believable but in the end I was convinced to go along for the ride.
And this is quite a ride, with plenty of mental acrobatics as well as lots of biffo and convoluted storyline.
In the end it's good to see a gay character just being a character like anybody else and there's nothing particularly memorable about his being gay. No self angst in sight. he should be a hero of Mardi Gras.

[Kevin Klehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read mystery novels, but took this one on because I attended a reading by the author and loved his style.

Plus I'm writing this review a good six months after finishing the novel, but from memory the more I read, the more I was hooked, and by a third in I couldn't put it down.

And the best part about this novel is that the plot twists are truly twists that you didn't suspect.

Sorry this is such a scant review, as I really should have wrote my thoughts down straight after reading, but I do recommend this one.

[P.M. Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to have read a very early portion of this book many years ago. So, when I was asked if I'd like to read the final manuscript with a viewing to providing a 'blurb' I was equally flattered and thrilled.

This is an example of just how good crime fiction can be. Fabulous Sydney setting, a plot that leaps from the headlines and a hero who embodies courage and heart.

Read it. Tell your friends.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but wonderfully done and almost unable to put it down. The subject matter is disturbing, although as we all know, very real. However, nothing is described graphically, leaving it more to your imagination.

It also highlights the prejudice that certain people in the world are held in, while others are held up as being upstanding law abiding normal citizens, who turn out the be the worlds worst.

Well done for a debut novel.

[Rachael Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense almost uncomfortable read. I read it in stops and starts and never before going to bed. I felt as if I was right there experiencing everything that David was. 'King of he Road' was part of a book club read for me and won't forget it anytime soon. Thought provoking!

[Rikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting themes, handled well but could have been explored further.
Worth a read despite stupid title, worse cover.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, gripping story.

[Danielle Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will become a

[Lauren Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, it will keep you guessing the whole way along. A well written book that touches on a vary confrontational issue in society.

[Julie Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was certainly a thrilling read from start to finish by a great aussie writer. It is very creepy to know that this kind of behaviour goes on, and I was so glad David got his nephew back!!!

[Sanch Writes · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review: http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/...