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Smile Of The Stowaway
Smile Of The Stowaway is a crime novel set in Kent about an English couple (Anne & Bob) who are surprised to find a strange man climbing out from beneath their vehicle on their return from a French holiday.
Instead of handing him to the authorities, they provide the friendly stranger with shelter and find him a job on a farm. But then he is arrested by police and accused of murder. Could this man from 6,000 miles away be guilty of the horrific murder in an idyllic Kentish hamlet? Or is the real killer still at large?
Anne turns detective, battling against circumstantial evidence and police bungling, in an effort to uncover the truth.
Publication date: 1st December 2018. Publisher: The Conrad Press in Canterbury.
ON SALE NOW: Since December 10th 2018, Smile Of The Stowaway has been available to buy as a paperback book or eBook from Amazon UK, Waterstones and all established outlets. It can also be purchased from the publisher's website, www.theconradpress.com
Instead of handing him to the authorities, they provide the friendly stranger with shelter and find him a job on a farm. But then he is arrested by police and accused of murder. Could this man from 6,000 miles away be guilty of the horrific murder in an idyllic Kentish hamlet? Or is the real killer still at large?
Anne turns detective, battling against circumstantial evidence and police bungling, in an effort to uncover the truth.
Publication date: 1st December 2018. Publisher: The Conrad Press in Canterbury.
ON SALE NOW: Since December 10th 2018, Smile Of The Stowaway has been available to buy as a paperback book or eBook from Amazon UK, Waterstones and all established outlets. It can also be purchased from the publisher's website, www.theconradpress.com
- GenresMystery
281 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2018
12 people want to read
About the author
Tony Bassett
13 books32 followersTONY BASSETT is a former journalist who worked on regional and national newspapers in Britain for more than 40 years. He mainly reported on crime, show business, human interest and consumer topics. Now retired, he writes crime fiction.
Tony is best known for his series of novels set in the West Midlands featuring Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Roscoe, an experienced detective and family man, and his sergeant, law graduate and resourceful problem-solver Sunita Roy.
THE LATEST novel (Book 8) begins with a retired nurse escaping to her hotel room looking for peace after a rowdy birthday party in a Warwickshire town. But to her horror, through a window, she witnesses a brutal crime — a young woman being strangled in another part of the building.
Detective Sergeant Sunita Roy — visiting the hotel while attending a wedding — is first on the scene, and quickly realises this isn’t a random attack. The victim, glamorous social media star Candy Goodhope, was living a double life — and everyone close to her has something to hide.
When events take a further sinister turn, she and her boss, DCI Gavin Roscoe, are obliged to look back at past lives to find a motive for murder.
THE FIFTH book in the series, Heir To Murder, was judged first in the Mystery and Suspense (Police Procedurals) category in the American Fiction Awards in June 2024.
The other titles in the collection (all published by The Book Folks) are: Murder On Oxford Lane, The Crossbow Stalker, Murder Of A Doctor, Out for Revenge and It Never Rains.
Tony has in addition written a stand-alone thriller Seat 97, about a man shot dead at a London concert hall, which was published by The Book Folks, while two further works (the crime novel Smile Of The Stowaway and the spy novel The Lazarus Charter) were published by The Conrad Press.
Tony first developed a love of writing at the age of nine when he produced a junior school magazine. A few years later, his local vicar in Tunbridge Wells, Kent staged his play about the Biblical story of Naboth's Vineyard.
At Hull University, Tony was judged Time-Life Magazine student journalist of the year in 1971.
Tony, who has five grown-up children, is a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists. He lives in South-East London with his partner Lin.
*** A great value Kindle boxset collection of the first SEVEN books is now available under the title DETECTIVES ROY & ROSCOE MYSTERIES BOOKS 1 - 7.
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FX2HGSQX/
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX2HGSQX/
Tony is best known for his series of novels set in the West Midlands featuring Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Roscoe, an experienced detective and family man, and his sergeant, law graduate and resourceful problem-solver Sunita Roy.
THE LATEST novel (Book 8) begins with a retired nurse escaping to her hotel room looking for peace after a rowdy birthday party in a Warwickshire town. But to her horror, through a window, she witnesses a brutal crime — a young woman being strangled in another part of the building.
Detective Sergeant Sunita Roy — visiting the hotel while attending a wedding — is first on the scene, and quickly realises this isn’t a random attack. The victim, glamorous social media star Candy Goodhope, was living a double life — and everyone close to her has something to hide.
When events take a further sinister turn, she and her boss, DCI Gavin Roscoe, are obliged to look back at past lives to find a motive for murder.
THE FIFTH book in the series, Heir To Murder, was judged first in the Mystery and Suspense (Police Procedurals) category in the American Fiction Awards in June 2024.
The other titles in the collection (all published by The Book Folks) are: Murder On Oxford Lane, The Crossbow Stalker, Murder Of A Doctor, Out for Revenge and It Never Rains.
Tony has in addition written a stand-alone thriller Seat 97, about a man shot dead at a London concert hall, which was published by The Book Folks, while two further works (the crime novel Smile Of The Stowaway and the spy novel The Lazarus Charter) were published by The Conrad Press.
Tony first developed a love of writing at the age of nine when he produced a junior school magazine. A few years later, his local vicar in Tunbridge Wells, Kent staged his play about the Biblical story of Naboth's Vineyard.
At Hull University, Tony was judged Time-Life Magazine student journalist of the year in 1971.
Tony, who has five grown-up children, is a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists. He lives in South-East London with his partner Lin.
*** A great value Kindle boxset collection of the first SEVEN books is now available under the title DETECTIVES ROY & ROSCOE MYSTERIES BOOKS 1 - 7.
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FX2HGSQX/
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX2HGSQX/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 23, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Gossip travels through a school faster than a toupee flying off in a hurricane.
She’s known to the guys in Kent CID as “Jangling Janice.” DI Woods can’t stand her. He always says: “We don’t want that bloody Carslake woman here, jangling her bloody necklace and bracelets and cavorting round the court.”
Friends would have described Jennifer Campbell as a keen conversationalist; others might have used less kind words such as ‘gossipmonger’ or ‘blabbermouth.’
He gave us a smile that reminded me of his first smile when he emerged from beneath our motor-home. It began with a sparkle in his eyes, a wrinkling of his nose and then it spread across his face, ending with a widening of the mouth.
My Review:
I enjoyed the creative ingenuity of Mr. Bassett’s plot and storylines, the slowly unwinding nature of his tale kept me guessing while my fingers were tightly crossed that the gentle and hard-working underdog would be found truly innocent and wrongly accused. This debut author cleverly played upon the common tendencies of xenophobic society, racial profiling, basic Caucasian arrogance, and suspicion of the unfamiliar. This was an unusual read for me, I couldn’t seem to fit it into a single genre as it had a bit of everything including mystery, crime, infidelity, murder, human trafficking, the mono-focus of police investigations, poor prison conditions, immigration issues, clandestine military operations, dry humor, and amateur sleuthing. My main takeaways were to never underestimate or provoke an unemployed librarian.
I hit the mother lode for new additions to my Brit Word List with milometer – odometer; potholing – exploring caves; victuallers – licensed to sell alcohol; push bike – bicycle; tittle-tattle – gossip; squaddie – low ranking soldier in British army; keep cavey – be lookout; nous – common sense; and a dog’s breakfast – an untidy mess.
Gossip travels through a school faster than a toupee flying off in a hurricane.
She’s known to the guys in Kent CID as “Jangling Janice.” DI Woods can’t stand her. He always says: “We don’t want that bloody Carslake woman here, jangling her bloody necklace and bracelets and cavorting round the court.”
Friends would have described Jennifer Campbell as a keen conversationalist; others might have used less kind words such as ‘gossipmonger’ or ‘blabbermouth.’
He gave us a smile that reminded me of his first smile when he emerged from beneath our motor-home. It began with a sparkle in his eyes, a wrinkling of his nose and then it spread across his face, ending with a widening of the mouth.
My Review:
I enjoyed the creative ingenuity of Mr. Bassett’s plot and storylines, the slowly unwinding nature of his tale kept me guessing while my fingers were tightly crossed that the gentle and hard-working underdog would be found truly innocent and wrongly accused. This debut author cleverly played upon the common tendencies of xenophobic society, racial profiling, basic Caucasian arrogance, and suspicion of the unfamiliar. This was an unusual read for me, I couldn’t seem to fit it into a single genre as it had a bit of everything including mystery, crime, infidelity, murder, human trafficking, the mono-focus of police investigations, poor prison conditions, immigration issues, clandestine military operations, dry humor, and amateur sleuthing. My main takeaways were to never underestimate or provoke an unemployed librarian.
I hit the mother lode for new additions to my Brit Word List with milometer – odometer; potholing – exploring caves; victuallers – licensed to sell alcohol; push bike – bicycle; tittle-tattle – gossip; squaddie – low ranking soldier in British army; keep cavey – be lookout; nous – common sense; and a dog’s breakfast – an untidy mess.
July 19, 2019
I love a murder mystery and I was kept guessing through to the very end on who the murderer was, I was certainly page turning to find out what would happen next!
Read my full review here
http://darkreads.blog/2019/07/18/blog...
Read my full review here
http://darkreads.blog/2019/07/18/blog...
February 18, 2019
I kind of expected this book to be a psychological thriller. Yet, it was more than that. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster about perception. I was so invested in all of the characters. I am not always a fan of first person narrative stories but I enjoyed it this time. Plus, it really worked. Bob did a good job of narrating the story and providing good insight into his and his wife's life with Yusuf.
The person I could relate to the most was Anne. The way she felt when she first met Yusuf and then how her relationship blossomed between her and him is how I would have reacted. First with reservation and even some anger towards my husband for allowing a stranger to stay. Than slowly forming a friendship. I like Anne was in disbelief that Yusuf could be considered a murder suspect.
Yet, the way the author wrote the story with little details given about Yusuf allows me the reader to form some doubts as to if Yusuf could be a killer. If you look at past history; there have been many killers that were the silent type. Mr. Bassett weaves a great story filled with multifaceted characters that will tug at your emotions.
The person I could relate to the most was Anne. The way she felt when she first met Yusuf and then how her relationship blossomed between her and him is how I would have reacted. First with reservation and even some anger towards my husband for allowing a stranger to stay. Than slowly forming a friendship. I like Anne was in disbelief that Yusuf could be considered a murder suspect.
Yet, the way the author wrote the story with little details given about Yusuf allows me the reader to form some doubts as to if Yusuf could be a killer. If you look at past history; there have been many killers that were the silent type. Mr. Bassett weaves a great story filled with multifaceted characters that will tug at your emotions.
July 14, 2019
Nice cosy crime read. More on the tour.
July 22, 2019
A thought-provoking beginning...what would you do if an asylum seeker appeared on your drive after stowing away under your motor-home after returning from France? For Bob and Anne, it's a reality as Yusuf Osman makes his unexpected appearance on their driveway.
I always enjoy fictional books which challenge the reader's mind and this is such a novel. It provokes you into thinking about the decisions Bob and Anne make and whether in a similar situation you would do the same as them. There's a fine line between doing what your head tells you what you should do against what a compassionate heart wants. In this case, compassion wins only for it to backfire, but does it?
Told from Bob's point of view he gives a different perspective to the dilemma he and his wife encounter after deciding to aid the foreign stowaway. I fully related to Anne's concerns about how their assisting Yusuf could impact their safety. Additionally, how it changes the dynamics of their relationship too. Yet, it's Yusuf's murder charge, plunging his life into chaos which overshadows everything else as they begin to seek out the truth to prove his innocence.
The author has written an even-paced crime novel, set against a delightful rural setting of the fictional villages of Chasehurst and Chivingden, Kent. The narrative is relevant by today's standards by portraying a realistic scenario. When neighbour Stephen Rigden's dies mysteriously it's not surprising an outsider like Yusuf would be a 'man of interest' to the investigation. After all, trying to pin the blame on an illegal alien is just too easy, right? Wrong in this time but it isn't long before a shocking murder occurs. With circumstantial evidence stacked against him, is the man who risked his life fleeing Eritrea capable of such a crime?
Many twists and turns keep the readers focused on the intriguing narrative, and like any 'who's done it,' the revealing of the villain brings a satisfying and poignant conclusion leaving the reader wondering 'what now' for the smiling stowaway?
***review copy received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
I always enjoy fictional books which challenge the reader's mind and this is such a novel. It provokes you into thinking about the decisions Bob and Anne make and whether in a similar situation you would do the same as them. There's a fine line between doing what your head tells you what you should do against what a compassionate heart wants. In this case, compassion wins only for it to backfire, but does it?
Told from Bob's point of view he gives a different perspective to the dilemma he and his wife encounter after deciding to aid the foreign stowaway. I fully related to Anne's concerns about how their assisting Yusuf could impact their safety. Additionally, how it changes the dynamics of their relationship too. Yet, it's Yusuf's murder charge, plunging his life into chaos which overshadows everything else as they begin to seek out the truth to prove his innocence.
The author has written an even-paced crime novel, set against a delightful rural setting of the fictional villages of Chasehurst and Chivingden, Kent. The narrative is relevant by today's standards by portraying a realistic scenario. When neighbour Stephen Rigden's dies mysteriously it's not surprising an outsider like Yusuf would be a 'man of interest' to the investigation. After all, trying to pin the blame on an illegal alien is just too easy, right? Wrong in this time but it isn't long before a shocking murder occurs. With circumstantial evidence stacked against him, is the man who risked his life fleeing Eritrea capable of such a crime?
Many twists and turns keep the readers focused on the intriguing narrative, and like any 'who's done it,' the revealing of the villain brings a satisfying and poignant conclusion leaving the reader wondering 'what now' for the smiling stowaway?
***review copy received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
July 18, 2019
When I first dove into this book I was expecting it to be a Thriller read, fast paced with twists and turns, a variety of Characters and a “who did it” type of theme.
This was that bit more, with the range of Characters I expected, but being done in a very different way. We have a couple, and then a stranger who is invited to stay. For myself, i would be furious if my partner invited someone we didn’t know into our home, I would want to help and probably find somewhere, but I don’t think I would be happy having a total stranger there.
For that reason, Annes attitude is completely understandable, and very realistic. I can imagine myself acting much the same way, wariness and annoyance initially, and then befriending the individual. All of this makes for an interesting read into their relationship dynamics, the inner struggles with what is going on in their home. Any relationship will change with a new person introduced to the scene, and the Author does a wonderful job of considering and recreating the emotions that go alongside.
And then add in the did he or didn’t he element. Did this person commit murder? And the ride trying to figure it out is brilliantly crafted, keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you wondering and guessing from the get go. I found myself changing my mind constantly!
Overall, a strong story that’s just that bit different, some memorable characters and an engaging storyline!
This was that bit more, with the range of Characters I expected, but being done in a very different way. We have a couple, and then a stranger who is invited to stay. For myself, i would be furious if my partner invited someone we didn’t know into our home, I would want to help and probably find somewhere, but I don’t think I would be happy having a total stranger there.
For that reason, Annes attitude is completely understandable, and very realistic. I can imagine myself acting much the same way, wariness and annoyance initially, and then befriending the individual. All of this makes for an interesting read into their relationship dynamics, the inner struggles with what is going on in their home. Any relationship will change with a new person introduced to the scene, and the Author does a wonderful job of considering and recreating the emotions that go alongside.
And then add in the did he or didn’t he element. Did this person commit murder? And the ride trying to figure it out is brilliantly crafted, keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you wondering and guessing from the get go. I found myself changing my mind constantly!
Overall, a strong story that’s just that bit different, some memorable characters and an engaging storyline!
June 19, 2019
What would you do if an illegal immigrant turned up on your doorstep? Would you help or would you turn them away? If you dd help, would you be doing it because it’s the right thing to do, or would you do it to take some sort of self-satisfaction from helping? Would you be trusting and let them into your home or would you be frightened and lock yourself and your valuables away? What would you do if your neighbour is later robed? Or turned up dead, seemingly murdered? Would you still trust your original instincts, or would your suspicions fall upon this outsider?
The first novel from author Tony Bassett asks some important questions of the reader. It investigates the doubts, the uncomfortableness of this situation and the strain keeping such a secret would have on a relationship, especially when everyone involved has slightly different opinions.
Seemingly the easiest choice in the world, when did it become dangerous to help someone? In this modern world, where the treatment of immigrants by the West is under serious analysis as nation after nation turns away from helping the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, this novel dares’ to ask the uncomfortable question…what would YOU DO?
If the book was only about this it would be an important book, but there is also a murder to solve, people smugglers to negotiate and drug dealers to side-step, making Smile of the Stowaway a surprising ride.
The first novel from author Tony Bassett asks some important questions of the reader. It investigates the doubts, the uncomfortableness of this situation and the strain keeping such a secret would have on a relationship, especially when everyone involved has slightly different opinions.
Seemingly the easiest choice in the world, when did it become dangerous to help someone? In this modern world, where the treatment of immigrants by the West is under serious analysis as nation after nation turns away from helping the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, this novel dares’ to ask the uncomfortable question…what would YOU DO?
If the book was only about this it would be an important book, but there is also a murder to solve, people smugglers to negotiate and drug dealers to side-step, making Smile of the Stowaway a surprising ride.
July 19, 2019
What a story! This one took me through a bunch of emotions. I was so invested in this story, and particularly in the characters. Smile of the Stowaway is written in first person, and it really helped me get to know the characters. If you’ve read my reviews, I love character-driven novels!
This is a debut novel, and I am blown away by Tony Bassett’s abilities. This novel really makes you think and puts you right into this story and questions you on whether you would react the same way as the characters. It is so thought-provoking and emotional. I really felt immersed in the story and felt the pressure of deciding what I would do in the situation.
On top of all that, there’s a murder to solve and it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the twists and turns, I loved the descriptions. I really loved everything about this novel. I highly recommend checking it out. It takes you on a journey you aren’t expecting! Fantastic debut!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
This is a debut novel, and I am blown away by Tony Bassett’s abilities. This novel really makes you think and puts you right into this story and questions you on whether you would react the same way as the characters. It is so thought-provoking and emotional. I really felt immersed in the story and felt the pressure of deciding what I would do in the situation.
On top of all that, there’s a murder to solve and it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the twists and turns, I loved the descriptions. I really loved everything about this novel. I highly recommend checking it out. It takes you on a journey you aren’t expecting! Fantastic debut!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
December 16, 2018
This is a great example of an author who has taken the classic 'who's done it?' formula and brought a relevant and contemporary twist to it. The plot twists keep you guessing until the very end, from the first page I was hooked and read this book in a matter of days using most spare moments. The author has clearly researched his subject matter and locations as the descriptions are thorough and engaging, I like that the events take place not in a sprawling fictional metropolis but a very local area of Kent. I also enjoyed the succinct writing style in that there is enough description to get a sense of space and drama without dwelling on unnecessary details, this also adds the sense of pace throughout. This is a great read and I'll be looking out for more books from this author.
July 24, 2019
What would you do if you accidentally brought a refugee into the country? This is the dilemma facing Bob and Anne when they find Yusuf standing on their driveway. With twists and turns their trust is put to the test when he is accused of committing a terrible crime, and they race against time to uncover the truth that the police seemingly missed. Tony Bassett provides a well paced, good story line that pulls you in and the light conversational exchange between characters makes this novel an easy read. The main characters are consistent and through the choices they make audience perspectives are confounded. Minor characters are woven through the narrative nicely and side stories are dealt with well, adding interest and depth to the novel.
March 12, 2019
I love a good 'who dun it' and this was a good one. Even though I have never been to the UK there was so much description in the locations I felt like I was there. I feel like maybe I need to check my passport for a UK stamp. The author did a great job spinning this mysterious crime story into an enthralling book. I couldn't put it down.
July 18, 2019
“Smile of the Stowaway” is a well-paced, enjoyable story of immigration, crime and uncovering the truth. If you’re a fan of British crime fiction, give this book a go – it’s 4 stars from me!
My full review is on my blog: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
My full review is on my blog: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
January 14, 2019
This brilliant new crime novel was so enthralling I read it in two days! I loved the characters and the plot. Will be recommending it to all my friends.
February 15, 2022
Excellent read for a first book.Found the storyline topical and very well constructed.
The ending was quite a surprise.Looking forward to more books from the new author.
The ending was quite a surprise.Looking forward to more books from the new author.
December 8, 2018
A well constructed storyline about a very topical subject, particularly as I visited Calais recently and witnessed many immigrants wishing to enter the UK. Couldn't put the book down and stayed up late to finish it. Am very much looking forward to (hopefully) a sequel. Have to say brilliant for a first book from this new author.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews