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Bedlam Boy: The Forger & The Traitor

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An explosive revenge thriller from award winner Ian W. Sainsbury. Two short, punchy, action-packed episodes in each book.

They murdered his parents, shot him in the head, and left him to die. They should have made sure.

Twenty years after Tom Lewis watched his parents die, those responsible are being killed. One by one.

Gentle, brain-damaged Tom, a giant of a man who can barely speak, can’t be responsible for their deaths. Can he?

When Tom Lewis was shot, something new was created. Something unique. Something deadly. Something patient enough to plan revenge for twenty long years.
Meet Bedlam Boy

92 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2020

69 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Ian W. Sainsbury

28 books219 followers
Ian W Sainsbury is a musician, composer, writer, comedian and puppet wrangler (yes, that's a real job). Obviously, he doesn't know what to do when he grows up and - now that he's in his forties - he's resigned to the fact that he probably never will.

His first novel was published in 2016.

Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.

email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com

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Community Reviews

5 stars
109 (53%)
4 stars
57 (28%)
3 stars
30 (14%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
11 reviews
July 27, 2020
Bedlam Boy Bewitches

Ian has a style of writing that draws you into the characters, and Bedlam Boy doesn't disappoint. From the first paragraph, you are drawn in and he doesn't let you go. I believe that I am going to enjoy this series as much as Ian's first, the World Walker series. The hardest thing is putting the books down. If you haven't yet read any of this aspiring author's work, do yourself a favour a grab yourself a copy. I doubt you will be disappointed. I find it difficult to suggest an age range that the book would be suitable for, definitely adult, but I am an old sod whose first read was Green Eggs and Ham. I can certainly see a younger adult audience equally enjoying the work. I even put a Jack Reacher down to read this, after having a quick look at the first chapter
Profile Image for Pamela.
2,012 reviews95 followers
September 8, 2020
This wasn’t one of the worst books I’ve ever read—I did finish it. It would have perhaps made a decent short story, but as a book, nope. It started out ok, but by the mid point, I was sick of the stupid poem. By the three-quarters point, I was bored and just wanted it to end. A better title would have been Tedium Teddy.
Profile Image for Andrew Chapman.
Author 5 books32 followers
July 11, 2020
Just read it. It's great.

This book is going to be huge. Everybody is going to be taking about Tom Lewis and his Jekyll-and-Hyde inner killer, Bedlam Boy.

This is a story of revenge. Book one sets up what will be an exciting first two episodes of what will be a six episode series, over three books. Oh yes, Ian W. Sainsbury is going for a TV format in novel form, and it is genius. I wish I had thought of it.

It's like binge watching with words. After the first was episode done I had to keep reading.

It is masterfully written and unique. No spoilers here just a solid recommendation to give it a go.
1 review
July 14, 2020
Compelling fiction

An excellent introduction to the character of Bedlam Boy. Page turning prose about a schizophrenic character intent on vengeance on the people who killed his parents and changed his life forever. As described by the author is styled similar to a tv series. Waiting for the next instalments later this month, but still have the free spin off book to read. Likely in one sitting, like this book.
Profile Image for Tony Hinde.
2,153 reviews78 followers
July 27, 2020
Not for me.

I was hoping the central premise would be more interesting, instead, we have a standard murder/revenge thriller where the protagonist has a near-perfect disguise via his cognitively-disabled alter-ego.

It's Dr Jeckle & Mr Hyde, if neither personality were all that special. There's no synergy between Tom's two halves. Nothing from one elevates the other. So, we're left with a serviceable thriller... that's fine I guess.
Profile Image for One Last Petal Books.
187 reviews
July 15, 2020
Darkness has a name - Bedlam Boy

This first instalment of Bedlam Boy carries a heavy punch! Two complete short stories tell the tale of Tom Lewis and the death of his parents. Now someone is avenging them.
Ian Sainsbury does it again - pulling you along on a terrifying roller coaster ride.
Profile Image for Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads.
715 reviews43 followers
November 10, 2020
Ok read

I almost stopped and discarded this book in the first few chapters. It felt as though I had picked up a book in the middle of a story and knew non of the characters or background. I'm glad I pushed on. Everything does get explained and it turned into a nice morning read. Onto book 2
16 reviews
September 1, 2020
Great story!

This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I prefer shorter reads and this was a great one. I will definitely be reading the others in this serial.
Profile Image for Audrey Teo.
16 reviews
September 21, 2020
Fantastic story

He's scary and pitiful. What a confused guy. Bedlam Boy has got more layers than your average onion. Love it!
13 reviews
September 23, 2020
Gripping. Can't wait to start the next part of the series.

I love how the story moves. No padded exposition; no wast space. This is a series I'd like to see on Netflix.
Profile Image for Tom Loock.
688 reviews10 followers
September 29, 2020
Very much enjoyed the World Walker series, but this revenge fantasy is too dark for my taste (and yes, I am a fan of Joe Abercrombie, Mister Grimdark himself) because Sainsbury is ALL dark.
Profile Image for Emma Bunce.
98 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2020
Gripping

Good story around the main character.
Good level of violence and intrigue.
Vengeance at it's best.
Looking forward to the next 2 books
Profile Image for Kris diebold.
11 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2022
I'm here because one of my favorite authors, Caimh McDonnell, recommended the 2nd book in this series.
I really enjoyed this book. Look forward to reading the rest.
Profile Image for MatForum.
31 reviews
March 5, 2023
not for me (I didn't want to read some creepy story) but I really adored The World Walker Serie
78 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2020
Stunningly written

Absolutely brilliant from start to finish, I had to read in one session. It is like having a blockbuster mini-series but in written form. The characters are full bodied and some are like a fine wine and won't be enjoyed by all. As we have the characters we love to have and also hate to love.
Fast paced and superb writing come together to create a cracker of a tale. Would have given more stars but ran out. So stop dithering and buy it already.
420 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2022
The idea of writing in episodic style is interesting, but in reality not much different to what several other writers have done in the past without necessarily highlighting the fact.
This is a fairly typical revenge story, with the twist of a lead character with two very different personalities/skills. Quite how Bedlam Boy acquired his skills is not really clear. Reasonable amount of action and moved along quite quickly.
I found it OK but in no great hurry to move on.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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