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Mint
It’s the summer of 1976, and after nine years in prison, James Minter is home to bury his mother.
A history of depression and a series of personal issues has seen her death ruled as suicide.
His refusal to accept that conclusion means he must confront his violent stepfather, deal with the gangster who wants his mother’s shop and, of course, face the family of the boy he killed.
But will his search for the truth in the claustrophobic atmosphere of a small seaside town, and the unpicking of the peculiar relationship his mother had with the Stonemason next door, put his own life in danger?
A history of depression and a series of personal issues has seen her death ruled as suicide.
His refusal to accept that conclusion means he must confront his violent stepfather, deal with the gangster who wants his mother’s shop and, of course, face the family of the boy he killed.
But will his search for the truth in the claustrophobic atmosphere of a small seaside town, and the unpicking of the peculiar relationship his mother had with the Stonemason next door, put his own life in danger?
- GenresFiction
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2021
378 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
S.R. Wilsher
9 books13 followersIt didn’t occur to me to write until I was twenty-two, prompted by reading a disappointing book by an author I’d previously liked. I wrote thirty pages of a story I abandoned because it didn’t work on any level. I moved on to a thriller about lost treasure in Central America; which I finished, but never showed to anyone. Two more went the way of the first, and I forgave the author.
After that I became more interested in people-centric stories. I also decided I needed to get some help with my writing, and studied for a degree with the OU. I chose Psychology partly because it was an easier sell to my family than Creative Writing. But mainly because it suited the changing tastes of my writing. When I look back, so many of my choices have been about my writing.
I’ve been writing all my adult life, but nine years ago I had a kidney transplant which interrupted my career, to everyone’s relief. It did mean my output increased, and I developed a work plan that sees me with two projects on the go at any one time. Although that has taken a hit in recent months as I’m currently renovating a house and getting to know my very new granddaughter.
I write for no other reason than I enjoy it deeply. I like the challenge of making a story work. I get a thrill from tinkering with the structure, of creating characters that I care about, and of manipulating a plot that unravels unpredictably, yet logically. I like to write myself into a corner and then see how I can escape. To me, writing is a puzzle I like to spend my time trying to solve.
After that I became more interested in people-centric stories. I also decided I needed to get some help with my writing, and studied for a degree with the OU. I chose Psychology partly because it was an easier sell to my family than Creative Writing. But mainly because it suited the changing tastes of my writing. When I look back, so many of my choices have been about my writing.
I’ve been writing all my adult life, but nine years ago I had a kidney transplant which interrupted my career, to everyone’s relief. It did mean my output increased, and I developed a work plan that sees me with two projects on the go at any one time. Although that has taken a hit in recent months as I’m currently renovating a house and getting to know my very new granddaughter.
I write for no other reason than I enjoy it deeply. I like the challenge of making a story work. I get a thrill from tinkering with the structure, of creating characters that I care about, and of manipulating a plot that unravels unpredictably, yet logically. I like to write myself into a corner and then see how I can escape. To me, writing is a puzzle I like to spend my time trying to solve.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 29, 2021
I was first introduced to the writing of S. R. Wilsher when he offered me the opportunity to read his novel, The Good Father. Set amidst the Bosnian conflict, I thought it was terrific and I felt the same about his subsequent novel, The Glass Diplomat set in Pinochet’s Chile.
In Mint, the setting is closer to home, namely a seaside town on the south coast of England to which James Minter, known to most as ‘Mint’, has returned on his release from prison in the wake of his mother’s death. (Although the town is not named, some of the locations mentioned identify it as Weymouth in Dorset.)
Rather than following a chronological structure, the book switches back and forth between different timelines, ranging from 1966 and the events that led to Mint’s conviction for manslaughter, to August 1976 and the days running up to and the weeks immediately after the death of his mother. A final chapter set ten years later acts as a kind of postscript.
The story is told from a number of points of view including Mint himself (in the first person), his former girlfriend Micky and, in the latter part of the book, Mint’s stepsister Lara. It adds up to quite a complex structure that requires some concentration on the part of the reader (although the changes in timeline and points of view are well signposted) but does contribute to the sense that you don’t know how things are going to play out or what is still to be revealed.
Initially the focus is on strained personal relationships, damaged individuals and families torn apart by tragedy. However, in the final third of the book, the mystery element comes to the fore as Lara embarks upon her own enquiries into the death of their mother and into other equally disturbing events, both recent and in the past. Frustrated by the police’s unwillingness to investigate, Lara is left to confront the individual she believes responsible, finding herself “on a path she can’t turn back from”. The truth, when it is revealed, is not necessarily surprising given what has gone before but is shocking and chilling nonetheless.
Full of tension and drama, Mint is another skilfully constructed story from the pen of S. R. Wilsher.
In Mint, the setting is closer to home, namely a seaside town on the south coast of England to which James Minter, known to most as ‘Mint’, has returned on his release from prison in the wake of his mother’s death. (Although the town is not named, some of the locations mentioned identify it as Weymouth in Dorset.)
Rather than following a chronological structure, the book switches back and forth between different timelines, ranging from 1966 and the events that led to Mint’s conviction for manslaughter, to August 1976 and the days running up to and the weeks immediately after the death of his mother. A final chapter set ten years later acts as a kind of postscript.
The story is told from a number of points of view including Mint himself (in the first person), his former girlfriend Micky and, in the latter part of the book, Mint’s stepsister Lara. It adds up to quite a complex structure that requires some concentration on the part of the reader (although the changes in timeline and points of view are well signposted) but does contribute to the sense that you don’t know how things are going to play out or what is still to be revealed.
Initially the focus is on strained personal relationships, damaged individuals and families torn apart by tragedy. However, in the final third of the book, the mystery element comes to the fore as Lara embarks upon her own enquiries into the death of their mother and into other equally disturbing events, both recent and in the past. Frustrated by the police’s unwillingness to investigate, Lara is left to confront the individual she believes responsible, finding herself “on a path she can’t turn back from”. The truth, when it is revealed, is not necessarily surprising given what has gone before but is shocking and chilling nonetheless.
Full of tension and drama, Mint is another skilfully constructed story from the pen of S. R. Wilsher.
February 1, 2021
Whenever I read a book, there is a quote, theme, catch-phrase, or emotion that defines the story for me and stays with me long after the ending. In the case of Mint, it’s one word… toxic.
Small towns are famous for their gossips and troublemakers, but the author has populated this small English seaside town with so many horrid characters, I wondered why anyone would want to live there.
While his life was defined and directed by toxicity, James Philip Andrew “Mint” Minter is a likable and sympathetic character. I also liked his mother, Abigail Hudson, who adored her son almost as much as the father he shared a name and birth-date with. However, Mint’s father died before his birth, and it’s Abi’s desire to move on and the bad choices she makes, that change the direction of Mint’s life.
After spending nine years in prison, Mint returns to the town he hates not to the loving arms of his mom, but to view her body in a morgue, her death ruled a suicide. But he knew Abi better than anyone and knows she would never take her life. Mint’s determined to find the truth about Abi’s death even if it means facing down George, his abusive bully of a stepfather, and Micky, the woman he once loved whose betrayal sent him to prison. He also needs to find Lara, his sixteen-year-old half-sister who’s been missing since their mother’s body was found.
The story is told in two main timelines: the history and events leading up to Mint’s incarceration and his release nearly a decade later. There are also several points of view throughout the story and I found them neither excessive nor confusing. Each voice pulled me deeper into the story and also proved there’s at least one whack-job serial killer loose in town.
Deftly written, Mint is both poignant and heartbreaking, and caustic and brutal. The unique ending is twisty and satisfying, but it’s events two-thirds into the story that ripped my heart out. I didn’t see it coming and I wasn’t ready. However, in a weird way, it made me smile and give a silent nod to the author. I was set up! HA!
This is my first read by S.R. Wilsher but it won’t be the last.
Enjoy!
Small towns are famous for their gossips and troublemakers, but the author has populated this small English seaside town with so many horrid characters, I wondered why anyone would want to live there.
While his life was defined and directed by toxicity, James Philip Andrew “Mint” Minter is a likable and sympathetic character. I also liked his mother, Abigail Hudson, who adored her son almost as much as the father he shared a name and birth-date with. However, Mint’s father died before his birth, and it’s Abi’s desire to move on and the bad choices she makes, that change the direction of Mint’s life.
After spending nine years in prison, Mint returns to the town he hates not to the loving arms of his mom, but to view her body in a morgue, her death ruled a suicide. But he knew Abi better than anyone and knows she would never take her life. Mint’s determined to find the truth about Abi’s death even if it means facing down George, his abusive bully of a stepfather, and Micky, the woman he once loved whose betrayal sent him to prison. He also needs to find Lara, his sixteen-year-old half-sister who’s been missing since their mother’s body was found.
The story is told in two main timelines: the history and events leading up to Mint’s incarceration and his release nearly a decade later. There are also several points of view throughout the story and I found them neither excessive nor confusing. Each voice pulled me deeper into the story and also proved there’s at least one whack-job serial killer loose in town.
Deftly written, Mint is both poignant and heartbreaking, and caustic and brutal. The unique ending is twisty and satisfying, but it’s events two-thirds into the story that ripped my heart out. I didn’t see it coming and I wasn’t ready. However, in a weird way, it made me smile and give a silent nod to the author. I was set up! HA!
This is my first read by S.R. Wilsher but it won’t be the last.
Enjoy!
January 31, 2021
Thank you so much to @rachelrandomresources for a #giftedcopy of this amazing book.
We meet James minter or (mint) as he's called who has just been released from prison after 9 years for murdering his girlfriend's brother.
He has returned as his mother has died and he has come to help sort that out but he does not believe that his mother abi would of killed herself. Then her neighbour is killed and things definetley do not add up.
We meet his useless stepfather George and his stepbrother Sam who is turning into his stepfather and his stepsister Lara.
The tragedy does not end at 2 deaths mint has disappeared and Lara sets out to find out how her mother died and her neighbour Alan green and where mint had disappeared too and she feels there is something odd about the neighbours daughter Beth but she's not sure what.
This is a truly fantastic read I felt for mint so much and Lara and could not put this book down. I'm glad the ending happened how it did.
I would so recommend this book. Can not wait to read the other books.
We meet James minter or (mint) as he's called who has just been released from prison after 9 years for murdering his girlfriend's brother.
He has returned as his mother has died and he has come to help sort that out but he does not believe that his mother abi would of killed herself. Then her neighbour is killed and things definetley do not add up.
We meet his useless stepfather George and his stepbrother Sam who is turning into his stepfather and his stepsister Lara.
The tragedy does not end at 2 deaths mint has disappeared and Lara sets out to find out how her mother died and her neighbour Alan green and where mint had disappeared too and she feels there is something odd about the neighbours daughter Beth but she's not sure what.
This is a truly fantastic read I felt for mint so much and Lara and could not put this book down. I'm glad the ending happened how it did.
I would so recommend this book. Can not wait to read the other books.
January 31, 2021
If I had seen this book on a bookshelf in a shop I would probably have overlooked it due to the cover not grabbing me at first glance. However when I was invited to be part of the tour the synopsis was one I thought I would enjoy.
This is the first book I've read by this author so wasn't too sure what to expect. Initially I found the writing style quite unique to what I'm used to, and the first part of the storyline seemed to move along slowly for me, whilst I got to grips with it. But I stuck with it and I'm really glad I did. The storyline moved backwards and forwards between different timelines from 1966 to 1976 and is told from different points of view, Mint's, his step sister Laura's and Mint's former girlfriend Mickey. The chapters are short which I think helped to keep my attention and focus. I was genuinely surprised by how engrossed I became in the plot. I particularly enjoyed the ending.
This is the first book I've read by this author so wasn't too sure what to expect. Initially I found the writing style quite unique to what I'm used to, and the first part of the storyline seemed to move along slowly for me, whilst I got to grips with it. But I stuck with it and I'm really glad I did. The storyline moved backwards and forwards between different timelines from 1966 to 1976 and is told from different points of view, Mint's, his step sister Laura's and Mint's former girlfriend Mickey. The chapters are short which I think helped to keep my attention and focus. I was genuinely surprised by how engrossed I became in the plot. I particularly enjoyed the ending.
January 27, 2021
James Mint has been in prison for the last 9 years for killing his girlfriend’s brother, Jackey. Mint has now come back home to his small seaside town to bury his mother, Abi, who allegedly committed suicide. Through the story’s multiple timelines and voices we learn that Abi’s husband, George (who is just rotten), wants Abi to sell her sewing store because George owes money to a less than above board guy, Terry Freeman. Mint doesn’t think Abi would have killed herself and has to try to maneuver around a town that doesn’t forget.
Once I started this book and got to about 1/4 of the way in, it was so good I was speed reading. This book not only held mysteries with twists and turns but also had many complex relationships that added depth to the plot. The use of multiple voices to tell the story was my favorite part of this book. I also loved the multiple timelines that wove the backstory of everyone together. I don’t want to create any spoilers but there are a three parts to this book and let me just say Mint isn’t the only person investigating something. I would have NEVER guessed the ending!!
I highly recommend this read!! This is my favorite thriller read this month!!
Thank you @rachelsrandomresources and the author for a copy to read and honestly review
Once I started this book and got to about 1/4 of the way in, it was so good I was speed reading. This book not only held mysteries with twists and turns but also had many complex relationships that added depth to the plot. The use of multiple voices to tell the story was my favorite part of this book. I also loved the multiple timelines that wove the backstory of everyone together. I don’t want to create any spoilers but there are a three parts to this book and let me just say Mint isn’t the only person investigating something. I would have NEVER guessed the ending!!
I highly recommend this read!! This is my favorite thriller read this month!!
Thank you @rachelsrandomresources and the author for a copy to read and honestly review
January 29, 2021
After spending nine years in prison for killing his girlfriends brother, James “Mint” Minter comes home to bury his mother, Abi, whose death is ruled as a suicide. Mint, however doesnt believe this, especially when he finds out her scumbag husband wanted her to sell her sewing shop to pay of his debts to a very unscrupulous character. Told through alternating chapters and timelines, we get to see the story through multiple viewpoints. This was a very engrossing story although it does have a slow start. But stick with it, once it gets going you wont be able to put it down. Small town crime story/mysteries are fun to read because while everyone knows everyone, things aren’t always what you think they are are there can still be some surprises, which this book had. I give this 3.75 out of 5 stars and thank Rachel’s Random Resources and author SR Wilsher for the review copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Please follow my blog or Instagram for more reviews.
February 2, 2021
[3.5]
This was my first book by S.R. Wilsher, but I actually really liked his writing style. It's different from what I'm used to, but it was interesting. The cover is what drew my attention in first, but the synopsis convinced me I had to read this book. It was a slow start, but once you get into it, it's hard to put down.
The book switches between different timelines, which can be a bit confusing if you forget to check the date for each chapter. It switches between a few character perspectives, including Mint, his ex-girlfriend, and family. The chapters were short, which helped hold my attention throughout the book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources. This did not influence my opinion in any way.
This was my first book by S.R. Wilsher, but I actually really liked his writing style. It's different from what I'm used to, but it was interesting. The cover is what drew my attention in first, but the synopsis convinced me I had to read this book. It was a slow start, but once you get into it, it's hard to put down.
The book switches between different timelines, which can be a bit confusing if you forget to check the date for each chapter. It switches between a few character perspectives, including Mint, his ex-girlfriend, and family. The chapters were short, which helped hold my attention throughout the book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources. This did not influence my opinion in any way.
April 30, 2022
curious
This is a strange story about some of the neediest characters I have ever encountered. It’s not a bad story. It’s just that I find it hard to imagine so many dysfunctional people in one small area. It’s also odd that they wouldn’t lock their doors even when they thought there was a killer free. Just saying
This is a strange story about some of the neediest characters I have ever encountered. It’s not a bad story. It’s just that I find it hard to imagine so many dysfunctional people in one small area. It’s also odd that they wouldn’t lock their doors even when they thought there was a killer free. Just saying
July 13, 2022
Mint
I found this story a bit slow and depressing.
The rightful conclusion a long time coming and left yet another innocent child traumatised.
The ending should have given resolution to the reader but the characters the reader liked were all dead. The Kingpin behind the thugs and extortion still rained supreme.
The family who lied were never held to account.
I found this story a bit slow and depressing.
The rightful conclusion a long time coming and left yet another innocent child traumatised.
The ending should have given resolution to the reader but the characters the reader liked were all dead. The Kingpin behind the thugs and extortion still rained supreme.
The family who lied were never held to account.
May 28, 2022
Mint
While the story is interesting, it jumps back and forth in time so much that it is not just hard to follow, but it got to the point that I did not care about the characters, but wanted the back and forth to end.
While the story is interesting, it jumps back and forth in time so much that it is not just hard to follow, but it got to the point that I did not care about the characters, but wanted the back and forth to end.
June 11, 2024
Bit of a slow burner to start off with but I'm glad I persevered. I didn't see the ending coming or the penultimate ending - no spoilers!
I'd like to read more from this author. I liked how the writing showed the story from different characters viewpoints and thought it was well written.
I'd like to read more from this author. I liked how the writing showed the story from different characters viewpoints and thought it was well written.
February 2, 2021
Full review here: https://bookmarkthat.co.uk/mint-s-r-w...
Although I believe this is marketed as a thriller, I’d put it much more within the crime fiction genre. If we’re calling it a thriller, I’d take my rating down a star.
I found this to be an intelligent read, especially as it is consistently making you look in different directions and providing a shocker at the end – the author is playing the reader into believing different things.
A great “cozy crime” fiction.
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
Although I believe this is marketed as a thriller, I’d put it much more within the crime fiction genre. If we’re calling it a thriller, I’d take my rating down a star.
I found this to be an intelligent read, especially as it is consistently making you look in different directions and providing a shocker at the end – the author is playing the reader into believing different things.
A great “cozy crime” fiction.
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2021
What at first read like a 4 began to crawl toward 2 halfway in. 2.5
June 14, 2021
Interesting whodunit
Picture of a troubled, English, seaside, small town family. Mother's death puts things in motion. British father and three offspring carry the story forward.
Picture of a troubled, English, seaside, small town family. Mother's death puts things in motion. British father and three offspring carry the story forward.
March 11, 2022
Boy here’s an unlucky guy, really unlucky. A crazy gal, really crazy and a story about stick-to-itiveness. Plenty of woe to go around.
June 18, 2022
Sadness can be overcome
This is a story from one sadness to another. It seems that sadness will never end and that evil will succeed. Then comes the ending of this dark story.
This is a story from one sadness to another. It seems that sadness will never end and that evil will succeed. Then comes the ending of this dark story.
June 29, 2023
Slightly different than I expected but a great read.
February 6, 2021
This follows the story of James Minter ‘Mint’ who has just been released from prison after 9 years. His mother has committed suicide and he has returned to his home town. He refuses to believe that his mother has committed suicide and believes someone else is to blame. He starts his own investigation including in to his violent stepfather and the local gangster. The further into his investigation he goes the more he discovers.
This took a while to get in to as the chapters swapped between a few time zones and a few characters but once I got more in to it I found I quite liked this format and the jumping backwards and forwards. I thought this was quite a slow burn, and I am in to more fast paced thrillers but I still quite enjoyed it. I didn’t guess the twist and there were a few surprises along the way.
This took a while to get in to as the chapters swapped between a few time zones and a few characters but once I got more in to it I found I quite liked this format and the jumping backwards and forwards. I thought this was quite a slow burn, and I am in to more fast paced thrillers but I still quite enjoyed it. I didn’t guess the twist and there were a few surprises along the way.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews