A Different Sight

by Alan Denham

Its nice to have a talent – something you are good at, some special skill. Louise is a magician – the pick-a-card, produce a rabbit out of a hat, burn some flash paper, tear up and restore a banknote variety. But she also has some extra skills – and those involve a different kind of magic. It’s not powerful magic. She can’t conjure money out of thin air, she can’t wave a wand and turn her enemies into frogs. But she sees what is happening around her from a different perspective. Even if it’s the other side of a locked door. Or behind a brick wall. Or inside a building several hundred yards away. It’s a useful talent, quite an advantage over normal humans – but how will she use it? It gets more complicated when she meets an old schoolfriend who is working on becoming a master criminal – and then acquires a boyfriend who is a policeman.

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2021

About the author

I used to be a junior school teacher. Then I moved into adult education and became (among other things) a university tutor.
There used to be more about me available on the website - but I had a falling out with my co-author and we no longer have a website! When there is a new one, the URL will be posted here.
And I did an interview for 1000worlds - somewhere down this page.

Now I am retired I spend my time writing or indulging my other main hobby - carving wood. Those details are at https://www.coquetdalearts.co.uk/alan...

Reviews

[Paul Trembling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Central to this short but engaging story is the interesting idea of a part-time stage magician (Louise) also having a real extra-normal power - actual magic? Without giving any spoilers, her power is strong enough to give her a real advantage in some situations, and to give her act a bit of a boost: but it's not so powerful as to dominate the story. The author has clearly given some thought to working out the exact extent of her power and it's possible uses, and it meshes smoothly with the story as a whole.

However, the real story is about how her special ability brings Louise to the notice of some criminal elements, and how she balances that against her own conscience and other relationships.

To me it falls a little short of a full five stars since I felt that the mystery element could have been more developed. There was potential here for a longer and perhaps deeper story. However, for all that it was still an enjoyable read, with some clever ideas, smooth writing and a neatly resolved plot.

[Sasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fell Short

Louise has great powers. The opening of the book was great. Loved the intro story. This book is written in first person. The author goes on to tell you many things, instead of allowing you to feel it. A good example is the romance. There were no descriptions to sink your teeth into for either one. Then at the end of the book, I got whiplash from the sudden change in one of the romantic interests personality. There was a foundation to do a lot with the plot, but it just fell short. Not a keeper.