SHUFFLE

by Sam McColl

This is an alternate cover edition for B017T02ROA

From the very first page, Shuffle flings us ruthlessly into the heart of the Gillespie household and the heat knocks us for six. We meet Nathan, a Bill Nighy feel-alike and Phoebe, his wife, whose red hair and boyish charm make her look more like a sister to Jade, than a mother.

Rural life was all very well, but Edinburgh offers a fresh start. Nathan’s new job lets him spend more time with the kids, and Phoebe has enrolled as a mature student at Edinburgh University – catching up on her lost youth, which, she insists, she spent immersed in nappies and ferrying Jade back and forth to her friends.

But Phoebe’s new start segues into new affair, this time with fellow student, Ryan, an addict from Edinburgh’s sink estate in Niddrie. He’s spent the last two years getting clean, losing his dreads, creating a new identity.

We see how it is through the eyes of fifteen year old Jade, full of angst, angry tears and juvenile hate – along with so much real love for her devoted, if weak, father. And then there’s Josh, her six year old brother, brimming with bright childishness, until he starts stealing at school and hiding his favourite toys at the back of his wardrobe

Shuffle is a psychological drama that picks apart the fragile balance of power between parents and between parents and children. It’s a story about the hold our pasts have on our present and despite being unable to turn darkness into light, it is page by page a story of illumination.

Superficially commonplace, yet too complex for happy endings Shuffle leaves us in no doubt that seeking them is a necessary part of being human.

365 pages, ebook

First published October 16, 2016

Reviews

[Hannah Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to summarize Shuffle in one brief line, it'd probably be the following: this is a book about messed-up people who only get more messed-up as the story progresses. The two most compelling characters, in my eyes, are Phoebe, a victim of incest and sexual abuse and her daughter Jade, the teenager who is tackling adult responsibilities as she commits to taking care of her wayward mother.

Bottom line: a good read for people who like character-driven novels with lots of in-depth self-analysis, and who can handle sensitive subjects such as sexual abuse, drugs, violence, death and loss.

[Nuée Ardente · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly gripping drama of a family living in Scotland. Excellent characters and story line, I literally couldn't put it down. Can't wait for Sam's next book to come out!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book considering I had not read anything else from this author or had a specific recommendation to read the book. I was just looking for a novel that had elements of drama/thriller and seemed like it might have an interesting storyline at a great price. Overall, this novel didn’t disappoint. The characters were interesting and readable, the pacing was intense and exciting throughout and the storyline itself was interesting and enjoyable. The opening prologue was very intriguing and starts the novel with a bang, and I really liked how the novel tells the story through the eyes of several characters. This book is quite dark and intense, so if you don’t enjoy reading novels which deal with themes of a confronting nature then this is probably not for you. But, if you are looking for a novel with is not too tame, has a good level of drama and intensity then this is a decent read that is worth the low purchase price.

[Fulluri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very intense, dramatic read which was surprisingly good. You always take a risk when buying literature from an author you have never read before, but I am happy I took a risk on this book, as the low purchase price of the novel is well worth the money to get a novel which was a good read. The story deals with some quite dysfunctional people and themes, but this gives the novel a lot of intensity and impact and keeps you interested in reading to the end. The writing is good and I found the novel easy to read, despite its “heavy” content at times. Overall, I recommend this novel to readers who are looking to take a chance on something new at a great price and get a good read out of it.

[Pinchoos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad I took a chance on buying this novel as it turned out to be a good read in the end. I love stories which are not bland and which have characters that are reflective of the type of personalities and individuals you meet in real life, not these perfect, sterile characters which so many modern novels utilise to act out stories which are also too perfect, with perfect endings. The narrative of this story was intense and strong in nature, but I appreciated that the author did not shy away from giving readers a story which deals with a lot of confronting themes and character emotion. If you enjoy stories full of drama, real life emotion, strong themes and a fast pace then this is a novel you should consider reading.

[Mjuhbudo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a novel for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy stories with a lot of intensity, drama and interesting characters with forceful stories then this could be a great read for you. I really liked how the chapters focused on a range of characters as that gave different perspectives to the story and helped keep you interested to the end. The pacing of the novel is very high and intense at times, and there is always plenty of action going on, so you never feel bored with the story. The characters are pretty dysfunctional and not especially likable people, but you do get invested in their stories and viewpoints. This novel is a worthy read and I would read more from this author.

[Vanessa Ravencroft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I too read the book and it was an intense read, the sexual abuse and its effects felt very authentic and managed to affect me emotionally.
It was at certain passages a little long winded and the narrative seemed to slow to a crawl, but it was an overall good read and found a place on my permanent bookshelf

[Simon Copland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really exciting thriller based in Edinburgh. Sam McColl's writing is engaging and action packed. The story was a little slow at the start but really picked up to the end and I was on the edge of my seat. A really enjoyable read!

[Nuée Ardente · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly gripping drama of a family living in Scotland. Excellent characters and story line, I literally couldn't put it down. Can't wait for Sam's next book to come out!