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The Guest House
How much would you pay to survive?
Mum-of-three Ronni Ashcroft had just pieced her life back together after her husband left. On a remote spur of the Scottish Highlands, she kept her successful guest house going and even met a new man, Bishop.
But it turned out that Bishop had secrets. He had shady connections and shadier plans to use the coastal town as a European gateway for drugs, guns – and something far worse. Now he's disappeared, and Ronnie wants answers.
Is he in trouble or simply ignoring her? Was she just his play-thing from the start? And, most importantly, is he dragging them both into something that neither of them will survive?
Mum-of-three Ronni Ashcroft had just pieced her life back together after her husband left. On a remote spur of the Scottish Highlands, she kept her successful guest house going and even met a new man, Bishop.
But it turned out that Bishop had secrets. He had shady connections and shadier plans to use the coastal town as a European gateway for drugs, guns – and something far worse. Now he's disappeared, and Ronnie wants answers.
Is he in trouble or simply ignoring her? Was she just his play-thing from the start? And, most importantly, is he dragging them both into something that neither of them will survive?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
21 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 16, 2021
David Mark is unstoppable, writing brilliant crime fiction again and again, at the core of which is the creation and development of wonderful offbeat characters, as can be seen in this, his latest atmospheric and gritty offering, set in Scotland on the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula. 35 year old Ronni Ashcroft, is mother to 3 children, Atticus and Poppy, screen junkies, and her youngest, the captivating Lilly, running a guest house, with a cleaner, Theresa, who refuses to be made redundant, she has thrown out her cheating husband, Callum. Despite being run ragged, she has acquired a kind of boyfriend, Bishop, although she struggles to give him the attention he wants. Ronni finds herself in a desperate battle for survival as she finds herself shockingly immersed in the brutal violence of South American drug cartels, crime lords, psychos, a sinister private local hospital, and the grim world of illegal organ transplants.
The star of this book for me is the extraordinary Nicholas Roe, a sick, broken down man, the walking dead, part devil, oozing of death, decay, smoke and corruption. A wonderfully atmospheric and riveting crime read, underpinned with a dark sense of humour, that I think will appeal to many crime and mystery readers. Many thanks to Head of Zeus, Aria and Aries, for an ARC.
The star of this book for me is the extraordinary Nicholas Roe, a sick, broken down man, the walking dead, part devil, oozing of death, decay, smoke and corruption. A wonderfully atmospheric and riveting crime read, underpinned with a dark sense of humour, that I think will appeal to many crime and mystery readers. Many thanks to Head of Zeus, Aria and Aries, for an ARC.
June 6, 2022
Wow! That was intense and brutal. This is only my second book by David Mark, and I am so glad I recently discovered him. Based on his two books I have read, he is a master of brutal crime novels infused with suspense, dread, violence and horror. There were times I wanted to close my eyes and turn away from some pages, but the story and characters were so compelling, I needed to learn the outcome. I found this book and 'Cages' to be exhilarating reads, but both were very different in tone and plotting. WARNING: I realize this book is not for everyone, but if you like very complex, grisly, and disturbing crime stories, this one is not to be missed. The plot ramps up near the end with breathtaking action, danger, and some surprising revelations.
The setting is atmospheric. The Guest House takes place on the shore of a remote Scottish peninsula jutting out into the cold Atlantic. Ronni struggles to maintain a guest house and care for her three children. She has kicked out her husband, believing he was having an affair with a younger 'skank.' She feels betrayed but still maintains some feelings towards him despite her anger. Her cleaning lady, Theresa, refuses to stop helping with household chores, although Ronni can no longer afford to pay her. Theresa entertains with local gossip, but her tendency to snoop could have dire consequences.
One of her few winter guests, Nicholas Rae, is a sick, shockingly broken-down man of cadaverous appearance. His presence scares her, and she can barely stand to look at his ghastly appearance, but she is touched by his tenderness towards her young toddler. He says he is there to find a hobby, such as bird watching, to fill his time before his death. He is an extraordinary man with secrets and an intriguing backstory.
Ronni has been thinking of deepening her relationship with her occasional boyfriend, Bishop, a newcomer to the area. Due to her inattentiveness, they have a falling out, and he walks away, dejected. They make plans to rendezvous on a remote road in the forest. She has decided to apologize and resume their relationship, although she knows almost nothing about Bishop. After waiting a long time in her car, she realizes she has been stood up. He is not answering her messages and is stunned when she sees evidence for his absence.
In such a remote area, what could go wrong? Well, plenty. There is a South American drug cartel offloading drugs and possibly worse cargo on the isolated shore. There are local gangsters with a diabolical, psychopathic crime boss. A sinister hospital is purported to be offering plastic surgery to the rich and famous. It secretly plans to offer illegal organ transplants. Where will they find the donors?
By the time Ronni realizes something malevolent is going on, her relationships have resulted in danger for herself and her family. She will do anything to protect her children but is oblivious to the source of the jeopardy and menace.
Heading a police investigation into the local crimes is a cold, ruthless, ambitious female officer feared by some of her colleagues. She reeks of entitlement with her expensive clothes and imperial bearing. She is working with several undercover officers, one being the mysterious Colin. His backstory is grim, and the author has created a fascinating character whom I hope we will meet again in warmer and more relaxing surroundings.
Recommended only to readers who are looking for a bleak, gritty, complicated crime story. If this type of plot appeals to you, this book is not to be missed.
The setting is atmospheric. The Guest House takes place on the shore of a remote Scottish peninsula jutting out into the cold Atlantic. Ronni struggles to maintain a guest house and care for her three children. She has kicked out her husband, believing he was having an affair with a younger 'skank.' She feels betrayed but still maintains some feelings towards him despite her anger. Her cleaning lady, Theresa, refuses to stop helping with household chores, although Ronni can no longer afford to pay her. Theresa entertains with local gossip, but her tendency to snoop could have dire consequences.
One of her few winter guests, Nicholas Rae, is a sick, shockingly broken-down man of cadaverous appearance. His presence scares her, and she can barely stand to look at his ghastly appearance, but she is touched by his tenderness towards her young toddler. He says he is there to find a hobby, such as bird watching, to fill his time before his death. He is an extraordinary man with secrets and an intriguing backstory.
Ronni has been thinking of deepening her relationship with her occasional boyfriend, Bishop, a newcomer to the area. Due to her inattentiveness, they have a falling out, and he walks away, dejected. They make plans to rendezvous on a remote road in the forest. She has decided to apologize and resume their relationship, although she knows almost nothing about Bishop. After waiting a long time in her car, she realizes she has been stood up. He is not answering her messages and is stunned when she sees evidence for his absence.
In such a remote area, what could go wrong? Well, plenty. There is a South American drug cartel offloading drugs and possibly worse cargo on the isolated shore. There are local gangsters with a diabolical, psychopathic crime boss. A sinister hospital is purported to be offering plastic surgery to the rich and famous. It secretly plans to offer illegal organ transplants. Where will they find the donors?
By the time Ronni realizes something malevolent is going on, her relationships have resulted in danger for herself and her family. She will do anything to protect her children but is oblivious to the source of the jeopardy and menace.
Heading a police investigation into the local crimes is a cold, ruthless, ambitious female officer feared by some of her colleagues. She reeks of entitlement with her expensive clothes and imperial bearing. She is working with several undercover officers, one being the mysterious Colin. His backstory is grim, and the author has created a fascinating character whom I hope we will meet again in warmer and more relaxing surroundings.
Recommended only to readers who are looking for a bleak, gritty, complicated crime story. If this type of plot appeals to you, this book is not to be missed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
Ronnie Ashcroft lives on a remote Scottish peninsula which overlooks Mull and Coll. She runs a guesthouse and currently has one very odd guest, the cadaverous Nicholas Roe. Her marriage to Callum is over and she’s met Bishop. Is he going to be good for her or ......??? Ronnie partly narrates.
This is a really good thriller which grabs the attention from the intriguing and puzzling start. Ronnie is a brilliant character, I hope the author uses her in future books. She’s clever, resourceful, brave and funny! Lilly her youngest child is edibly adorable and funny too. The interesting character of Mr Roe deserves a mention too as his backstory adds a fascinating element to the storytelling. The setting is marvellous, I always home in on novels with a wild Scottish background and promptly get the map out! This is a clever multilayered thriller, it’s well written, lively, engaging and has a good fast paced plot. It’s easy to read with good descriptions with characters depicted vividly and succinctly. It’s dark in places but the humour of Ronni ( which does diminish somewhat with the gritty unfolding drama) provides a balance of light and shade. Very shady in places as it turns out. There’s everything you expect from a thriller, plot twists, fear, tension, ruthless individuals with a penchant for violence, dilemmas and very illicit operations of several varieties. All the plot threads connect well and build to a tense conclusion.
Overall, an easy to read, enjoyable and compelling thriller. I’m keen to read more from David Mark.
With thanks to Aria and Aries, Head of Zeus for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.
This is a really good thriller which grabs the attention from the intriguing and puzzling start. Ronnie is a brilliant character, I hope the author uses her in future books. She’s clever, resourceful, brave and funny! Lilly her youngest child is edibly adorable and funny too. The interesting character of Mr Roe deserves a mention too as his backstory adds a fascinating element to the storytelling. The setting is marvellous, I always home in on novels with a wild Scottish background and promptly get the map out! This is a clever multilayered thriller, it’s well written, lively, engaging and has a good fast paced plot. It’s easy to read with good descriptions with characters depicted vividly and succinctly. It’s dark in places but the humour of Ronni ( which does diminish somewhat with the gritty unfolding drama) provides a balance of light and shade. Very shady in places as it turns out. There’s everything you expect from a thriller, plot twists, fear, tension, ruthless individuals with a penchant for violence, dilemmas and very illicit operations of several varieties. All the plot threads connect well and build to a tense conclusion.
Overall, an easy to read, enjoyable and compelling thriller. I’m keen to read more from David Mark.
With thanks to Aria and Aries, Head of Zeus for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.
March 19, 2021
Got to say the author’s descriptions of smells and bodies and smells from bodies are legend, ( and teeth! ) for the story they are on point and very realistic
The story....well it’s got the basis for a great tale but then as it gets deeper into itself it seems to forget there is a reader alongside and although hate to admit it it all got too confusing, there are goodies who are baddies who are really goodies and vice versa, all trying to con each other and outwit one another to get to their respective goals
The ‘Guest House’ does have a role in it all, as does the owner but it’s not the bones of the story, far from it and is like a base for all that is actually ‘going on’
I was left at the end not knowing really who was good and who was bad and who won/was defeated
The opening chapter is superb and very dark and a ‘ewwwww yuk’ scary and Theresa the village gossip is wonderful in her role, the descriptions of the desolate area of Scotland the book is set in are great
Very mixed feelings on the book and if I was the author I would consider making it all a bit less complex as like said above the base of the story is there and good enough without all the added unnecessary distractions
2.5 Stars
5/10
The story....well it’s got the basis for a great tale but then as it gets deeper into itself it seems to forget there is a reader alongside and although hate to admit it it all got too confusing, there are goodies who are baddies who are really goodies and vice versa, all trying to con each other and outwit one another to get to their respective goals
The ‘Guest House’ does have a role in it all, as does the owner but it’s not the bones of the story, far from it and is like a base for all that is actually ‘going on’
I was left at the end not knowing really who was good and who was bad and who won/was defeated
The opening chapter is superb and very dark and a ‘ewwwww yuk’ scary and Theresa the village gossip is wonderful in her role, the descriptions of the desolate area of Scotland the book is set in are great
Very mixed feelings on the book and if I was the author I would consider making it all a bit less complex as like said above the base of the story is there and good enough without all the added unnecessary distractions
2.5 Stars
5/10
April 18, 2021
Ever since reading my first David Mark book, I've been a huge fan. That is why I try and read all of his books, preferably in order.
So, after reading The Guest House, with its huge surprise at the end, and reading so many reviews here on GR where the reviewer wonders why this book has a title that doesn't seem to have to do much with what's happening: here is the solution. No, it's not a spoiler. I was looking to buy some David Mark titles that are missing from my collection, and I found that The Guest House was published under another title last year. It’s even on GR but there are only 7 reviews. I must admit that I’m surprised about that because The Guest House/Blood Money is the start of a new series with a very interesting main character, Mr Nicholas Roe.
I do not have to tell you more about the story in The Guest House, because other reviewers done that already. I can tell you that this is a ‘David Mark book for advanced readers’. I cannot recommend to read this book as your first try with his books. David Marks writing style is not an easy one and sometimes it seems as people do random things, especially when the story is told with flashbacks. If you are willing to try, however, you are rewarded with an unique experiment, because The Guest House has ties to the Aector McAvoy series in a very unexpected way. Nicholas Roe is nothing like McAvoy which is good because why would anyone write different series where the main character is exactly the same? Nicholas Roe is quite something else. And under al the running around, misunderstandings, strange conversations and violence, there is a very real and harrowing story.
I really do hope to see a second book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley for the digital review copy.
So, after reading The Guest House, with its huge surprise at the end, and reading so many reviews here on GR where the reviewer wonders why this book has a title that doesn't seem to have to do much with what's happening: here is the solution. No, it's not a spoiler. I was looking to buy some David Mark titles that are missing from my collection, and I found that The Guest House was published under another title last year. It’s even on GR but there are only 7 reviews. I must admit that I’m surprised about that because The Guest House/Blood Money is the start of a new series with a very interesting main character, Mr Nicholas Roe.
I do not have to tell you more about the story in The Guest House, because other reviewers done that already. I can tell you that this is a ‘David Mark book for advanced readers’. I cannot recommend to read this book as your first try with his books. David Marks writing style is not an easy one and sometimes it seems as people do random things, especially when the story is told with flashbacks. If you are willing to try, however, you are rewarded with an unique experiment, because The Guest House has ties to the Aector McAvoy series in a very unexpected way. Nicholas Roe is nothing like McAvoy which is good because why would anyone write different series where the main character is exactly the same? Nicholas Roe is quite something else. And under al the running around, misunderstandings, strange conversations and violence, there is a very real and harrowing story.
I really do hope to see a second book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley for the digital review copy.
December 30, 2021
“How much would you pay to survive?”
This is only the second David Mark book I have read, both of which have undergone re-publishing after title changes and both reportedly the first in their respective new series, although as yet there are no signs of #2 on the horizon, which is a shame because they were both so darned good!
I am totally in tune with David’s brutal style of writing and the lugubrious characters he creates, who are just begging to be hated by everyone. The thriller junkie half of me is convinced that “Nicholas Roe” would work really well as an adaptation for a television series, whilst my nicer, kinder side thinks that his style of action might just be a little too dark and complicated to squeeze into an hour long programming schedule.
So, typically I try to assign four distinct segments to my ideal thriller reading experience: a storyline which hits the ground running and grabs my attention; a plot which moves along a fair pace without too many ‘flat’ spots; an ending that neatly ties up all the loose ends; oh! and I don’t really like my main protagonist to have got themselves killed off! – This one ticks just about all those boxes, although I was a nervous wreck by the time I closed the final page, as how close you can come to getting yourself killed and still live to tell the tale, is a very moot point.
The chapters were relatively short, succinct and well signposted, although there was quite a bit of backwards and forwards in time zones, so I did need to be on my toes with keeping track of who was who, as names were not always used and even if they had been, I could never have been sure if it was a genuine name or an alias. However once the twisted plot began to unravel somewhat, all became much more clear and easy to piece together, although those red herrings and twists just kept coming. So if I was confused, just spare a thought for poor Ronnie, probably the only person who was actually the ‘real deal’, unless you count three young children and the village gossip, who definitely got more than she bargained for!
Some lovely descriptive narrative definitely set a truly visual sense of time and place, with real locations that I could check out on the map, adding an authenticity to the entire storyline. A Scottish coastal area, which despite is alluring tranquillity and rugged beauty for much of the time, can turn in the blink of an eye, into the wild, stormy maelstrom which dominates the period of this story, making the place as ruthless and unforgiving as the characters who are temporarily calling it their own. Boats navigating its churning waters with their illicit cargo and human sacrifice. Guest lodges which are isolated places offering solitude and anonymity for those who want to stay below the radar. A castle undergoing ‘renovation’ although despite speculation, nobody quite knows into what and it’s probably just as well they don’t!
A gripping and disturbing, covert police and NCA operation, meant that the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, was in very short supply for most of the time. Officers were so deeply undercover as to be almost unrecognisable to their own mothers and I had a list of characters to whom I had assigned ‘guilty’ or ‘innocent’ labels, just to try and get things straight in my own mind – You have no idea how many times those labels got swapped around, with the innocent becoming guilty, the guilty becoming innocent and just about every permutation in between. I’m certainly pleased this wasn’t a game of ‘Cluedo’, because I would have been out after the first round of guessing!
This compelling, powerful and truly multi-layered story, is well structured, highly textured, extremely intense and with no holds barred in the violence game, although it is completely in sync with the ruthless nature of the perpetrators and in no way gratuitous. You don’t take risks in such a high stakes endeavour, which has extensive and fatal penalties should you get caught by the authorities, or fail your masters, without being prepared to defend yourself to the hilt at the first signs of trouble.
David has created a well drawn and developed, dour, duplicitous and highly manipulative cast of characters you can’t help but dislike, even though they might try to wheedle their way under your skin and appeal to your better nature. It’s as though they suck all the air out of a room when they are near, leaving you feeling claustrophobic and gasping for breath. Even Ronni and Callum’s three young children know that something isn’t right with the new family scenario they have been presented with, so there are no joyous moments to break the tension and definitely no reasons to invest in, relate to, or empathise with any of them. I know that this is the beginning of a new series for Nicholas Roe, so he is meant to be the star of the show, although whether he will live to solve another case is anyone’s guess. I’m sure that it’s only the sticky nicotine tar from his chain smoking which is holding body and soul together like a glue! However for me, Ronni was the stand-out character and it may be that we have not seen the last of her, such a good impression did she make on Roe’s superior officer. She was feeling quite vulnerable and displayed a very complex jigsaw of human emotions, although she was just about the only person who started out totally innocent of any crime. Once she had worked out that Roe and Bishop, the new man in her life were not quite who they purported to be, she finds herself getting drawn into their web of lies and deceit. However when plans go wrong and Ronni finds herself at the mercy of a very unsavoury gang, who treat torture like a favourite pastime, she fights like a lioness, against all the odds, in an effort to get back to her children and protect them from harm.
I’m not sure if there is just a glimmer of hope that Ronni and Callum might in some way be reunited, as although he was duped and coerced by the police, he was very far from being an innocent party to events. It still remains to see if his shattered body and mind will heal and recover and whether Ronni can ever forgive him for bringing trouble to their family door. Perhaps she will discover a new personal strength to take her on her journey alone with her children. I can’t wait to find out if Ronni’s ‘Guest House’ takes on a whole new meaning in the future!!
To connect with the author and check out my featured extracts from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
This is only the second David Mark book I have read, both of which have undergone re-publishing after title changes and both reportedly the first in their respective new series, although as yet there are no signs of #2 on the horizon, which is a shame because they were both so darned good!
I am totally in tune with David’s brutal style of writing and the lugubrious characters he creates, who are just begging to be hated by everyone. The thriller junkie half of me is convinced that “Nicholas Roe” would work really well as an adaptation for a television series, whilst my nicer, kinder side thinks that his style of action might just be a little too dark and complicated to squeeze into an hour long programming schedule.
So, typically I try to assign four distinct segments to my ideal thriller reading experience: a storyline which hits the ground running and grabs my attention; a plot which moves along a fair pace without too many ‘flat’ spots; an ending that neatly ties up all the loose ends; oh! and I don’t really like my main protagonist to have got themselves killed off! – This one ticks just about all those boxes, although I was a nervous wreck by the time I closed the final page, as how close you can come to getting yourself killed and still live to tell the tale, is a very moot point.
The chapters were relatively short, succinct and well signposted, although there was quite a bit of backwards and forwards in time zones, so I did need to be on my toes with keeping track of who was who, as names were not always used and even if they had been, I could never have been sure if it was a genuine name or an alias. However once the twisted plot began to unravel somewhat, all became much more clear and easy to piece together, although those red herrings and twists just kept coming. So if I was confused, just spare a thought for poor Ronnie, probably the only person who was actually the ‘real deal’, unless you count three young children and the village gossip, who definitely got more than she bargained for!
Some lovely descriptive narrative definitely set a truly visual sense of time and place, with real locations that I could check out on the map, adding an authenticity to the entire storyline. A Scottish coastal area, which despite is alluring tranquillity and rugged beauty for much of the time, can turn in the blink of an eye, into the wild, stormy maelstrom which dominates the period of this story, making the place as ruthless and unforgiving as the characters who are temporarily calling it their own. Boats navigating its churning waters with their illicit cargo and human sacrifice. Guest lodges which are isolated places offering solitude and anonymity for those who want to stay below the radar. A castle undergoing ‘renovation’ although despite speculation, nobody quite knows into what and it’s probably just as well they don’t!
A gripping and disturbing, covert police and NCA operation, meant that the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, was in very short supply for most of the time. Officers were so deeply undercover as to be almost unrecognisable to their own mothers and I had a list of characters to whom I had assigned ‘guilty’ or ‘innocent’ labels, just to try and get things straight in my own mind – You have no idea how many times those labels got swapped around, with the innocent becoming guilty, the guilty becoming innocent and just about every permutation in between. I’m certainly pleased this wasn’t a game of ‘Cluedo’, because I would have been out after the first round of guessing!
This compelling, powerful and truly multi-layered story, is well structured, highly textured, extremely intense and with no holds barred in the violence game, although it is completely in sync with the ruthless nature of the perpetrators and in no way gratuitous. You don’t take risks in such a high stakes endeavour, which has extensive and fatal penalties should you get caught by the authorities, or fail your masters, without being prepared to defend yourself to the hilt at the first signs of trouble.
David has created a well drawn and developed, dour, duplicitous and highly manipulative cast of characters you can’t help but dislike, even though they might try to wheedle their way under your skin and appeal to your better nature. It’s as though they suck all the air out of a room when they are near, leaving you feeling claustrophobic and gasping for breath. Even Ronni and Callum’s three young children know that something isn’t right with the new family scenario they have been presented with, so there are no joyous moments to break the tension and definitely no reasons to invest in, relate to, or empathise with any of them. I know that this is the beginning of a new series for Nicholas Roe, so he is meant to be the star of the show, although whether he will live to solve another case is anyone’s guess. I’m sure that it’s only the sticky nicotine tar from his chain smoking which is holding body and soul together like a glue! However for me, Ronni was the stand-out character and it may be that we have not seen the last of her, such a good impression did she make on Roe’s superior officer. She was feeling quite vulnerable and displayed a very complex jigsaw of human emotions, although she was just about the only person who started out totally innocent of any crime. Once she had worked out that Roe and Bishop, the new man in her life were not quite who they purported to be, she finds herself getting drawn into their web of lies and deceit. However when plans go wrong and Ronni finds herself at the mercy of a very unsavoury gang, who treat torture like a favourite pastime, she fights like a lioness, against all the odds, in an effort to get back to her children and protect them from harm.
I’m not sure if there is just a glimmer of hope that Ronni and Callum might in some way be reunited, as although he was duped and coerced by the police, he was very far from being an innocent party to events. It still remains to see if his shattered body and mind will heal and recover and whether Ronni can ever forgive him for bringing trouble to their family door. Perhaps she will discover a new personal strength to take her on her journey alone with her children. I can’t wait to find out if Ronni’s ‘Guest House’ takes on a whole new meaning in the future!!
To connect with the author and check out my featured extracts from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
April 1, 2021
Ronnie Ashcroft. mother of three, separated from her husband, owns and runs a guest house.
One of the guests is a man, who is literally dying. He seems to be a nice man, but he does act strangely from time to time. Snooping, she finds pictures of her husband with his new girlfriend. How does this man know her husband? Why does he have pictures of him?
She's been seeing a new man, Bishop, but it's going nowhere. She's discovered that he has ties to a drug ring .. and who knows what else. When he disappears from her life, she learns that he supposedly has been murdered.
Seems like no one is who they say they are ... they all have secrets .... even the police.
This is a complex plot, mysterious from the beginning. Drugs, gun smuggling, and what is the big house on the hill hiding? Characters are deftly drawn, and I admit, I didn't like most of them .. just what the author was shooting for, I'm sure. This is pure David Mark.
Many thanks to the author / Aria & Aries Pubishers / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 16, 2021
This book was not what I expected, and isn't the type of book I normally read. That being said, I thought it was OK. It centers on Ronni, whose raising 3 kids alone and renting out 3 guest houses on her property after her husband leaves her for another woman. Turns out nothing is as it seems and pretty much everyone around her, including the guest in one of her guest houses, has secret intentions. This ended up being a book about organized crime, including drug trafficking and something even more sinister that I won't ruin for you.
This was a fast paced read, but really was more about crime than it was about Ronni and a potentially shady houseguest. There were interspersed chapters involving characters that we did not know, but are introduced to us as the book goes on. It was rather confusing to keep the characters straight in these seemingly unconnected flashbacks, but it did all make sense once it all came together. Ronni herself was a likeable character and a powerful adversary to these seasoned criminals who underestimated her.
Overall, enjoyable read but not really my genre, nor what I expected when I picked up the book. If you like mysteries in this genre, I think you'd really enjoy the book. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fast paced read, but really was more about crime than it was about Ronni and a potentially shady houseguest. There were interspersed chapters involving characters that we did not know, but are introduced to us as the book goes on. It was rather confusing to keep the characters straight in these seemingly unconnected flashbacks, but it did all make sense once it all came together. Ronni herself was a likeable character and a powerful adversary to these seasoned criminals who underestimated her.
Overall, enjoyable read but not really my genre, nor what I expected when I picked up the book. If you like mysteries in this genre, I think you'd really enjoy the book. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2021
The Guest House will be published 4/1/2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author, David Mark. I can assure you it will not be my last!
This story is about a woman putting her and her children's lives together after her husband leaves her.
This is an awesome psychological read, I highly recommend it!
I give this 5 stars.
I was given this arc from #NetGalley for my honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author, David Mark. I can assure you it will not be my last!
This story is about a woman putting her and her children's lives together after her husband leaves her.
This is an awesome psychological read, I highly recommend it!
I give this 5 stars.
I was given this arc from #NetGalley for my honest review.
April 3, 2023
3 stars. Properly spooky and atmospheric, and the writing is engrossing. It takes a lot more concentration than it looks though, I thought the author could have been a bit more helpful with the timelines - there was so much jumping around that I got confused in several parts. Full review to follow.
September 14, 2023
I did enjoy the book however it was a little confusing for me and the ending just really wasn't for me
July 30, 2021
I really didn't care for this one at all. The plot was quite boring and I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. The author started most chapters with very vague 'I/he/she' so you couldn't tell who it was referring to until a page or two later when a name would finally be mentioned. There is no suspense at all because the entire plot is explained in a conversation by the police about halfway through, so nothing that happens afterwards is unexpected. Most of the action happens right at the end, and there's the classic trope where
The author describes things well.. but a little too well. I don't think I could physically stand another description of a person rotting from the inside out or their skin or their teeth (especially the descriptions of the teeth!). I could definitely picture the characters but it made me feel ill, and it seemed like the only way the author could successfully describe people was by saying they are rotting/dying/disgusting/repulsive, so he just ran with that and applied it to several characters.
Overall, the premise of this book isn't bad, but I just didn't enjoy how it was executed. I definitely should have stopped reading after the first couple of chapters, but unfortunately I was on a long train journey with nothing else to read so I had to keep going with it.
The author describes things well.. but a little too well. I don't think I could physically stand another description of a person rotting from the inside out or their skin or their teeth (especially the descriptions of the teeth!). I could definitely picture the characters but it made me feel ill, and it seemed like the only way the author could successfully describe people was by saying they are rotting/dying/disgusting/repulsive, so he just ran with that and applied it to several characters.
Overall, the premise of this book isn't bad, but I just didn't enjoy how it was executed. I definitely should have stopped reading after the first couple of chapters, but unfortunately I was on a long train journey with nothing else to read so I had to keep going with it.
April 18, 2021
Rating: 5/5 stars.
‘The Guest House” is a heart-stopping crime thriller by author David Mark. I was instantly hooked from the prologue and could not put this book down. Right away, the author paints a vivid setting by using intense descriptions that set my imagination on fire. There is an initial jaw-dropping twist that actually got me up out of my seat. I pumped my fist and shouted “What a way to start a book!” It just got better from there.
The author weaves together a cool cast of characters, that are each so unique and fleshed out. It was super exciting seeing how all their stories tied together, especially when some characters were not all they initially seemed. Something surprising about the book was how scary it actually was in some chapters, with a main plot point of the novel being a common horror theme. The author masterfully counterpoints this horror feel with humour, mostly from the protagonist as she deals with her very relatable and real-life struggles.
Overall, I fully enjoyed this novel. It is one of my favourites that I have read this year so far, and I cannot wait to check out the author’s other novels.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*
‘The Guest House” is a heart-stopping crime thriller by author David Mark. I was instantly hooked from the prologue and could not put this book down. Right away, the author paints a vivid setting by using intense descriptions that set my imagination on fire. There is an initial jaw-dropping twist that actually got me up out of my seat. I pumped my fist and shouted “What a way to start a book!” It just got better from there.
The author weaves together a cool cast of characters, that are each so unique and fleshed out. It was super exciting seeing how all their stories tied together, especially when some characters were not all they initially seemed. Something surprising about the book was how scary it actually was in some chapters, with a main plot point of the novel being a common horror theme. The author masterfully counterpoints this horror feel with humour, mostly from the protagonist as she deals with her very relatable and real-life struggles.
Overall, I fully enjoyed this novel. It is one of my favourites that I have read this year so far, and I cannot wait to check out the author’s other novels.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*
March 1, 2021
“Things are not always what they seem” is a perfect subtitle for The Guest House, a suspenseful thriller by David Mark. Ronni Ashcroft is a single mother, raising three children on her own after her husband Callum had an affair. She’s managed to hold on to the family business, three vacation rentals (the guest houses) on her property in a remote part of the Scottish Coast and even has a new boyfriend, Bishop.
We know from the prologue that there is drug smuggling in this isolated area and that South American cartels are involved. It’s not a simple process and Ronni finds herself in the middle of a convoluted plan. Somehow she and her family are in terrible danger and will be until she can understand who her are her friends and, more importantly, who are her enemies.
The Guest House is a compelling thriller with vivid characters: Ronni, who tries to stay one step ahead of trouble, Nicholas Roe, a mysterious guest, Theresa, the cleaner and many others. The complicated plot adds to the mystery and slowly builds tension and suspense. David Mark left room for a sequel and I hope he’s writing it. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aria & Aries and David Mark for this ARC.
We know from the prologue that there is drug smuggling in this isolated area and that South American cartels are involved. It’s not a simple process and Ronni finds herself in the middle of a convoluted plan. Somehow she and her family are in terrible danger and will be until she can understand who her are her friends and, more importantly, who are her enemies.
The Guest House is a compelling thriller with vivid characters: Ronni, who tries to stay one step ahead of trouble, Nicholas Roe, a mysterious guest, Theresa, the cleaner and many others. The complicated plot adds to the mystery and slowly builds tension and suspense. David Mark left room for a sequel and I hope he’s writing it. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aria & Aries and David Mark for this ARC.
April 16, 2021
This is the first book by David Mark.
I found this story to be well-written and fast-paced, but not so fast that it seems rushed. It was very easy to read and quite the page turner.
This book is described as a thriller, but has a bit of a crime fiction edge to it as well.
I really enjoyed the author’s descriptions of the Scottish Highlands – it was almost like I travelled there without ever leaving my couch.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves thrillers/crime fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aria & Aries and David Mark for the opportunity to review this ARC. This review and all opinions are my own.
I found this story to be well-written and fast-paced, but not so fast that it seems rushed. It was very easy to read and quite the page turner.
This book is described as a thriller, but has a bit of a crime fiction edge to it as well.
I really enjoyed the author’s descriptions of the Scottish Highlands – it was almost like I travelled there without ever leaving my couch.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves thrillers/crime fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aria & Aries and David Mark for the opportunity to review this ARC. This review and all opinions are my own.
April 19, 2021
David Mark's latest brings murder and mayhem to a remote part of Scotland as group of major villains sets up a so-called private hospital. Dragged into their plans are a woman running a guest house, her errant husband, an ice-queen of a DCI and the most unlikely hero I've come across in a long time. The plot twists, characters and tension, wrapped up in terrific prose, lead to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended. (spoilers avoided)
November 29, 2022
Really struggled with this one. Why do authors have to keep jumping forwards and backwards in time? I'm sure most readers would appreciate the events written in chronological order.
November 29, 2021
*Thank you to NetGalley, David Mark, and Head of Zeus for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Previously published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
“..when you mess with somebody’s fingers or toes, you mess with their whole being. Don’t get me wrong, when you slash a fucker’s mouth you know you’re messing them up for life, but if you hurt somebody’s fingers or feet, you know that even years from now, when they’re trying to tie their laces on a cold morning, they’ll look back at the mistakes they made and wish it had all been so very different…”
David Mark loves flawed characters; disfigured, down on their luck men with an alcohol problem who always rise above. This is my second book by this brilliant author, and it was amazing. Mark writes crime fiction and wonderful, interesting characters who prove more and more endearing. Set in Scotland on the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula, Ronni Ashcroft is a 35-year-old mother to three children, Lilly, Atticus and Poppy, all with unique personalities. She is running a guest house by herself after finding out her husband is cheating on her. She has fired her cleaner Theresa, a character in her own right, who still shows up every day to clean, despite being fired many months ago. Through all of this chaos, Ronni has a potential boyfriend – a drifter called Bishop. When Bishop disappears and the police come to question her, Ronni finds herself caught up in a battle to save herself and her children from the dark world of illegal organ transplants, crime lords, and evildoers.
Nicholas Roe is currently a houseguest of Ronni’s. Similar to Rowan Blake from Into The Woods, he is an alcoholic in a bad way. We never find out what he is dying from, but he is quite literally the walking dead. This marvelous character is sick, broken down and oozing of death, decay, and deception. R A wonderfully atmospheric and riveting crime read, underpinned with a dark sense of humor, that I think will appeal to many crime and mystery readers. David Mark’s descriptions of odors, teeth, skin color are on point and the reader can almost smell these characters. The Guest House is a great story but can get confusing. As one reader put it, the good are bad, but the bad can be good, too. But when they are all trying to outdo each other, the reader can get lost. All the characters have these enormous personalities, which can sometimes be hard to follow.
The Guest House is a dark book. It takes place in a desolate area of the world, in which the majority of the time is dark and very grey. It can be graphic with torture and death, and the darkness only adds to that theme. Some readers may suggest making it less complex, but the complexity makes this story work so well.
Previously published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
“..when you mess with somebody’s fingers or toes, you mess with their whole being. Don’t get me wrong, when you slash a fucker’s mouth you know you’re messing them up for life, but if you hurt somebody’s fingers or feet, you know that even years from now, when they’re trying to tie their laces on a cold morning, they’ll look back at the mistakes they made and wish it had all been so very different…”
David Mark loves flawed characters; disfigured, down on their luck men with an alcohol problem who always rise above. This is my second book by this brilliant author, and it was amazing. Mark writes crime fiction and wonderful, interesting characters who prove more and more endearing. Set in Scotland on the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula, Ronni Ashcroft is a 35-year-old mother to three children, Lilly, Atticus and Poppy, all with unique personalities. She is running a guest house by herself after finding out her husband is cheating on her. She has fired her cleaner Theresa, a character in her own right, who still shows up every day to clean, despite being fired many months ago. Through all of this chaos, Ronni has a potential boyfriend – a drifter called Bishop. When Bishop disappears and the police come to question her, Ronni finds herself caught up in a battle to save herself and her children from the dark world of illegal organ transplants, crime lords, and evildoers.
Nicholas Roe is currently a houseguest of Ronni’s. Similar to Rowan Blake from Into The Woods, he is an alcoholic in a bad way. We never find out what he is dying from, but he is quite literally the walking dead. This marvelous character is sick, broken down and oozing of death, decay, and deception. R A wonderfully atmospheric and riveting crime read, underpinned with a dark sense of humor, that I think will appeal to many crime and mystery readers. David Mark’s descriptions of odors, teeth, skin color are on point and the reader can almost smell these characters. The Guest House is a great story but can get confusing. As one reader put it, the good are bad, but the bad can be good, too. But when they are all trying to outdo each other, the reader can get lost. All the characters have these enormous personalities, which can sometimes be hard to follow.
The Guest House is a dark book. It takes place in a desolate area of the world, in which the majority of the time is dark and very grey. It can be graphic with torture and death, and the darkness only adds to that theme. Some readers may suggest making it less complex, but the complexity makes this story work so well.
March 16, 2021
Ronni is piecing her life back together after her husband left her and their three children. She runs a successful guesthouse and has even tentatively started dating Bishop, an enigmatic and rather complex man. With secrets. But are these secrets harmful to her. Things get strained when he disappears and this escalates when the police make a discovery. Are the rumours about him and his side-lines true? It's all getting a bit strange - can it have anything to do with Ronni's one guest - the rather intriguing Nicholas Roe?
Less is more going into this book. It is important that you discover certain things in the right places for maximum impact. Even though there will be things that you'll just have to sit with for a while until they are explained. All a bit shady to be honest and with twists and turns aplenty along the way, you'll be spinning around all the way through to the finale when all the threads finally come together. Although, that said, I never thought we were going there!
It's fast paced and as there is no extra padding or waffle, the story gets on with itself very well indeed. The characters are well drawn and all act their parts well. I really loved Ronni, how she has picked herself up, how she gets on with things, how she stares life in the face with her own inimitable humour! I was quite sad to have to part with her at the end. Both cos I had really bonded with her and also as I feel she has more to give as a character.
All in all, a fast placed, well plotted story that held my attention nicely all the way through, leaving me wholly satisfied at the end. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Less is more going into this book. It is important that you discover certain things in the right places for maximum impact. Even though there will be things that you'll just have to sit with for a while until they are explained. All a bit shady to be honest and with twists and turns aplenty along the way, you'll be spinning around all the way through to the finale when all the threads finally come together. Although, that said, I never thought we were going there!
It's fast paced and as there is no extra padding or waffle, the story gets on with itself very well indeed. The characters are well drawn and all act their parts well. I really loved Ronni, how she has picked herself up, how she gets on with things, how she stares life in the face with her own inimitable humour! I was quite sad to have to part with her at the end. Both cos I had really bonded with her and also as I feel she has more to give as a character.
All in all, a fast placed, well plotted story that held my attention nicely all the way through, leaving me wholly satisfied at the end. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 26, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up—The Guest House by David Mark starts with a spurned wife trying to care for her three young kids while her cheating husband Callum, hunkers down with his side lover. Ronnie, the wife & lead protagonist, is left to run a small Bed & Breakfast type retreat while raising her three small children after the hubs left. Life is normal except for her marriage. But then everything takes a really bad turn when an older estate in the area is purchased and becomes something sinister. You have to pay attention because there are so many characters and it’s hard to determine who is good and who bad. I started taking notes to keep up. These are people who don’t play nice and I felt so bad for the young wife in her attempt to keep up with a situation that was highly out of her control. A good story and a different take on a unique criminal element. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 If you like a thriller set in Scotland with a crazy cast of characters, then this is your book. Mr. Roe stood out as truly one of the most peculiar characters I’ve read about for some time. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC but my review and thoughts are my own without bias. #thriller #bodyparts #iseedeadpeople #gangsters #crazycops #scotland @netgalley #davidmark #netgalley#theguesthouse
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March 25, 2021
Thank you Head of Zeus and Netgalley for approving me for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Ronni, a mother of 3 who is renting out guest houses on her property. Ronni finds out that her husband left her for another woman and kicks him out, resulting in her taking care of her children alone. However, everything is not what it seems and everyone Ronni knows has secrets.
This is the first book I've read by this author, so I didn't know what to expect. It was a very quick-paced read, which I really enjoyed. I was under the impression that this was a thriller, but it felt more like a fictional crime story to me. There is more to this story than what the synopsis covers, which is a little misleading. I think the plot was very unique and had great potential, but some of the details of the characters got a little confusing.
Overall, this book was intriguing and I found myself struggling to put it down (despite the confusion at times). I enjoyed the quick pace of this book, as some thrillers can be difficult to get into. I am planning on read some more of David Mark's work, as I did find myself enjoying this piece.
This book follows Ronni, a mother of 3 who is renting out guest houses on her property. Ronni finds out that her husband left her for another woman and kicks him out, resulting in her taking care of her children alone. However, everything is not what it seems and everyone Ronni knows has secrets.
This is the first book I've read by this author, so I didn't know what to expect. It was a very quick-paced read, which I really enjoyed. I was under the impression that this was a thriller, but it felt more like a fictional crime story to me. There is more to this story than what the synopsis covers, which is a little misleading. I think the plot was very unique and had great potential, but some of the details of the characters got a little confusing.
Overall, this book was intriguing and I found myself struggling to put it down (despite the confusion at times). I enjoyed the quick pace of this book, as some thrillers can be difficult to get into. I am planning on read some more of David Mark's work, as I did find myself enjoying this piece.
April 22, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the eARC.
Wow, David Mark has done it again! He has officially become my favorite male author - every standalone book (I think I've read them all now) is unique, gripping and unputdownable. His writing is just about perfect and his characters fascinating.
In this read, set in Scotland, mother of three, Ronnie, has kicked her husband out for cheating and has met a possible suitor in the enigmatic Bishop (who sports gold teeth). Whether he's good for her is yet to be determined...
My favorite character was Nicholas Roe, one of her house guests. Skeleton-like, ash colored, fetid breath with loose, bloody teeth and all, he's one of the most appealing characters I've read - marvellous!
Drugs and body parts for sale have also brought the police and a government agency to this coast of Scotland and poor Ronnie becomes a hapless
victim caught in between the warring factions. I tried to read slowly to savor this book, but that was impossible, it's superb and I can't recommend it highly enough! 5+++ stars
Wow, David Mark has done it again! He has officially become my favorite male author - every standalone book (I think I've read them all now) is unique, gripping and unputdownable. His writing is just about perfect and his characters fascinating.
In this read, set in Scotland, mother of three, Ronnie, has kicked her husband out for cheating and has met a possible suitor in the enigmatic Bishop (who sports gold teeth). Whether he's good for her is yet to be determined...
My favorite character was Nicholas Roe, one of her house guests. Skeleton-like, ash colored, fetid breath with loose, bloody teeth and all, he's one of the most appealing characters I've read - marvellous!
Drugs and body parts for sale have also brought the police and a government agency to this coast of Scotland and poor Ronnie becomes a hapless
victim caught in between the warring factions. I tried to read slowly to savor this book, but that was impossible, it's superb and I can't recommend it highly enough! 5+++ stars
December 20, 2022
DNF. 1.5 stars rounded up.
I just could not get into this despite the rave reviews.
I was expecting creepy/spooky crimes to be happening in a guest house. But none of them do. The guest house is simply a place that the main female character owns and some of the important characters happen to be staying in. So I found the title quite puzzling and misleading. There was also abit of time spent trying to figure out which characters were interacting, especially at the beginning of the chapters, because it always began with a “he” or “she” or dialogues with no clues given as to who were talking.
The book is split into 3 sections, and by the end of the first section – we weren’t really anywhere near knowing any of the key characters related to the crime and there wasn’t much movement in the plot as well. That’s usually a sign that the plot won’t be developed at the right pace. I was also really bored a couple of chapters in – another sign to not continue.
I just could not get into this despite the rave reviews.
I was expecting creepy/spooky crimes to be happening in a guest house. But none of them do. The guest house is simply a place that the main female character owns and some of the important characters happen to be staying in. So I found the title quite puzzling and misleading. There was also abit of time spent trying to figure out which characters were interacting, especially at the beginning of the chapters, because it always began with a “he” or “she” or dialogues with no clues given as to who were talking.
The book is split into 3 sections, and by the end of the first section – we weren’t really anywhere near knowing any of the key characters related to the crime and there wasn’t much movement in the plot as well. That’s usually a sign that the plot won’t be developed at the right pace. I was also really bored a couple of chapters in – another sign to not continue.
April 12, 2021
Unfortunately this just didn't grip me at all. I was all set for a good mystery but in the end I found myself skimming bits to get through what felt like a bit of a slog. I've read more than my fair share of crime novels in the past but I'm not a fan of when authors throw everything at it. And this one had it all – mobsters, drugs, even black market organ donors.
There's a whole lot going on and for some people that will totally be their thing. It definitely does ramp up once it gets going and you could read it in one sitting easily. So if you're a crime novel fan who's looking for their next quick page turner, it's worth a go. There's plenty to get your teeth into, but be warned that it's fairly dark. Otherwise it wouldn't be quite at the top of my recommendations pile. Nevertheless thanks to Aria & Aries for the ARC!
There's a whole lot going on and for some people that will totally be their thing. It definitely does ramp up once it gets going and you could read it in one sitting easily. So if you're a crime novel fan who's looking for their next quick page turner, it's worth a go. There's plenty to get your teeth into, but be warned that it's fairly dark. Otherwise it wouldn't be quite at the top of my recommendations pile. Nevertheless thanks to Aria & Aries for the ARC!
April 5, 2022
The blurb of this book caught my attention and the book jumped into my basket they have a thing for doing that.this was a really great thriller that held my attention from the first line to the very last page.this was a very intriguing and puzzling start.Ronni is a brilliant character she's strong,clever, resourceful,funny and brave her young daughter lily is adorable and funny.the setting is beautiful it makes me feel like I'm walking along with Ronni and her children.i really felt sorry and sad that Ronni got trapped in the wrong crowd this made me quite emotional in places but I absolutely adored this book and looking forward to reading more by David Mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2021
Ronni and her three children are estranged from their husband/father. She realizes that she will need a job as money begins to trickle out.
Aside from three young children, Ronni has a boyfriend - Bishop. He begins to show semi -violent tendencies.
I had a bit of hesitation about this read. Although great scenic images and characterization, it took me a while to get into this book. However, once I DID sit down and read for awhile I was pleasantly surprised!
RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to Head of Zeus Ltd./Aries/Aria for a very good read!
Aside from three young children, Ronni has a boyfriend - Bishop. He begins to show semi -violent tendencies.
I had a bit of hesitation about this read. Although great scenic images and characterization, it took me a while to get into this book. However, once I DID sit down and read for awhile I was pleasantly surprised!
RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to Head of Zeus Ltd./Aries/Aria for a very good read!
March 22, 2021
This is a well written and very dark thriller, filled with so many and different characters. Set in Scotland, full of good guys and bad guys and hard to tell who is who at times. There was plenty mystery and violence, with gangsters and drug smugglers in abundance and the writing is very descriptive. Having said that, I enjoyed the read, the vivid descriptions and the exciting twist at the end. Another good read from David Mark, which I would recommend to lovers of thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
May 21, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this author, and my last. I could not follow the storyline at all. I kept checking the reviews to see what I was missing, apparently a lot.
The beginning of the book is about a submarine of some sort that the writer says is not a sub with 4 people on it with drugs. Next it jumps to a woman running an inn of some sort far from nowhere in Scotland. She threw her husband out after finding pictures of him with another woman. And then there's a bunch of odd people staying at her inn.
I failed to see what others have enjoyed about this book.
The beginning of the book is about a submarine of some sort that the writer says is not a sub with 4 people on it with drugs. Next it jumps to a woman running an inn of some sort far from nowhere in Scotland. She threw her husband out after finding pictures of him with another woman. And then there's a bunch of odd people staying at her inn.
I failed to see what others have enjoyed about this book.
November 25, 2023
This was kind of confusing throughout. I’m trying to decide if the confusion came from the authors writing style or the story itself. However, it was a mildly entertaining story.
I enjoyed Mr Roe’s character and Ronni’s as well, but that was pretty much it. Everyone else in the story just seemed to be thrown in there randomly. I was confused, like I said, throughout most of the story, so I’m thinking this was supposed to be a crime thriller, which aren’t my favorite.
Again, it was an ok story, very quick but very confusing.
February 28, 2021
If you enjoy reading about Scotland, undercover police, drug smuggling, selling of body parts, gangland murders, violence & innocent people being dragged into all of this, this is the book for you. It grabbed me from the prologue, with such descriptive writing that led you in to wanting more. Great book, highly recommended.
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