Getaway

Simon Ellice #5

by Rod Humphris

"First you save my life, then you bring me here..."

Suzana Chesterfield, recently rescued from a gang of slave-traders by Simon Ellice, has come sailing with him to try to work out what to do with her life. And perhaps to find out whether the handsome, selfish, bastard should be part of it. They drop anchor in a perfect bay of pink granite rocks, glittering sand and azure water on the island of Cavello, in the Lavezzi Archipellago between Corsica and Sardinia, and are welcomed into to the warm southern hospitality of Andria Acquaviv and his family, who have the villa in the next bay.

Susie's heart is touched by Lesia, the little girl who plays with her dog in the sand and Lucia, her unhappy, widowed mother, who without a husband or a son, is reduced to serving the family. She wants to help them, help the little girl to find a wider world and Lucia to break free from family bonds and find independence. Can she? Dare she interfere? And if she does, will the deceptively relaxed and easy-going man she's with, back her?

Si, who knows exactly what kind of 'businessman' Andria is, is enjoying the company of the men and watching the holiday-makers come and go, and one boat in particular...

... and wondering if what he sees, which no one else sees, means what he thinks it means; that death is coming as swiftly and surely as the sun nears the sea.

128 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2021

About the author

In his office you will find Rod typing, flanked by two enormous dogs, and surrounded by the ephemera he has collected on his travels.

“I always read. Since I can remember. First Asterix, then Willard Price, then Conan Doyle, then everything else. I've had a paperback jammed into my back pocket most days of my life. I remember wanting to write a book when I was about 12 and wanting to put everything into it”

“I've read every kind of book, but the ones I love most are stories of adventure, so that's what I write. I've put thousands of hours into learning to do it well. It's taken me a long time, but I've developed my own voice and my own style. I spend so much time with Si, my main character, that he seems as real to me as anyone I know. In some cases, more so. I'm happiest and most productive when travelling about in my battered old truck with a canoe on top and a dog in the back.”

Winner of N. N. Light Best Fiction Award 2016

Reviews

[Paul Bk]

Will we see a different side to Simon Ellice in Getaway, can a leopard change its spots?
The beautiful island of Cavello in the Lavezzi Archipelago is where Si brings Susie Chesterfield. A much needed break after the nightmare they've been through, (see-Bloodstock, Si Ellice no.4). Susie needs to decide how to get her life back on track, is Si part of that future?
If this island wasn't sandwiched between Corsica and Sardinia it would be a romantic haven. As it is this is a dangerous part of the world to begin a romance.
Susie forms an attachment to a young girl, Lesia. She and her mother are trapped by the family of their dead father/husband. Susie is tempted to help them escape the family clutches but that will lead to all kinds of trouble.
Si knows this is no ordinary family and violence is already brewing, even before Susie interferes.
For this family blood is blood and some things have been sorted the same way for generations. To won't end well...
Another fast paced adventure for the all action man just looking for a quiet time sailing the Mediterranean with a beautiful woman in tow.
Beautifully illustrated and 100% fun. A tonic for tough times.

[Lynn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to catch up with Si Ellice again and I was pleasantly surprised to find that he had stuck around with Susie who he rescued in Bloodstock. They find themselves in Corsica which is beautifully described and somewhere I long to visit, so this was a nice escape read too. I loved the dialogue between Susie and Si - so easy and uncontrived.

Seems like this time he may have got himself caught up with the Corsican mafia. As with the previous books the action is written smoothly and is easy on the eye to read. Usually I would get a little nervous when the bad guys turn up. But knowing Si of old, I knew he could handle himself whilst remaining a gentleman. So I settled down for how he would go about it and I wasn't disappointed.

Can't wait to read more...

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been lucky enough to read this in ARC form. I have read all of Rod Humphris previous books in this series. 'Getaway' is a novella similar to the first book in the series.
It begins very quietly and in an unassuming way. As I read I was thinking, hmm this isn't Simon's type of scene. I shouldn't have worried...the trouble starts and ends in murder.  
I started reading it one evening and finished it that same night. I loved it! As a character I have liked him from book one and 'Getaway' just shows that Simon really can't go anywhere...I am sure he could find trouble in a church that one! I really do hope Rod Humphris has a full size novel coming soon, I think Simon's story needs to carry on!!
Thank you to Tatiana at Rat's Tales and Rod Humphris for allowing me to read 'Getaway'. I am highly honoured!

[nicola mckenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and Anne from randomthings for my copy of this book in return for my own honest review.

Getaway is a short novelle at only 84 pages long i had this read in one sitting,this is book 4 of the Simon Ellice series, it can be read as a standalone but i would recommend reading the other books first as this would give you a much clearer picture of who the characters are and the plot of the books.

Getaway is a very fast paced story, there are no chapters in this book but dont let that put you of reading it. the author has done great work with ther plot.

[Shelagh Wadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the other books in the series Simon Ellice I found Si and Susie’s trip to Cavallo beach on the yacht named Polly very different to Si’s previous adventures.

The Acquaviv family were more than just interesting they fascinated me and I enjoyed reading about their wonderful Corsican hospitality which was generous and inclusive when Si and Susie visited them.

If Si had not gone back for Mimi they would not have known that the whole family had been brutally murdered, including sadly Avina who was heavily pregnant. Did Lucia betray the family or was she warned to get away and if so why? Was Susie aware that Lucia was using them to get herself and Lesia away not just from her family but from the planned attack. I am also intrigued to know why the mysterious blonde woman on the large yacht didn’t show herself, is she someone from Si’s past?? So many questions!!!!!!

Thank you Rod and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read Getaway.

[Sam | Sambooka23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was quite happy when this popped it’s way through my door, a small, light read I was thinking. Well, didn’t Rod throw in a few twists, turns and drama at the end? I mean, how did I deal with that, you ask?

I didn’t! I was thinking it would be an easy read, I read it in the one sitting but at the end I was devastated. I wanted more. I wanted to know what happened, who did what and the consequences. I didn’t think I’d enjoy this as much as I did but the ending did captivate me and left me wanting more.

Thanks so much Rod for a copy of your book, the cover is lovely and enticing, and thank you to Anne Cater for allowing me a slot on your tour.

[Di Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella conveys so much in such a short space. Rod Humphris covers gender-based roles, relationships and different cultural perspectives all surrounded in an atmospheric thriller. As always, Simon Ellice is an engaging protagonist; all the characters are so real and relatable. This is a perfect way to escape for a short while and immerse yourself in an intriguing encounter. And the wonderful drawings by Laura Molnar just add to the experience. If I could give more than five stars, I would. My thanks to the Pigeonhole and Rod for the experience of reading with them.

[Catherine Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure with the wonderful Si Ellis. He is a fantastic character and I look forward to reach g more in the future. I loved the setting for this story, perfect escapism. Thank you Pigeonhole and Rod for this fantastic opportunity.

[Alfred Nobile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review on the blog tour

[Gail Wylde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5⭐️read from Rod Humphris. I’m now ready for another full length tale of Simon Ellice hopefully soon.
Thanks Pigeonhole and Rod for this great but very short read.

[Gina Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novelette which was my first adventure with this character. Looking forward to reading more ad out him.

[Laura Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great short story staring Simon Ellice. This time based on Corsica. Nice quick read, with a bit of a twist at the end.
With thanks to the Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity.