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Point of Contact
Newcastle, England. People all over the city are bursting into flames without warning or explanation.
When the local police seek an expert in spontaneous human combustion, there is only one man to ex-firefighter Ian Fenwick, a man with a past as dark as his future.
Fenwick finds himself thrust into his most deadly investigation yet, pitching him against a crazed killer and mysterious entities known only as The Visitors.
Who is the all-powerful killer and what do they want?
Can Fenwick stop them before they make the whole world burn?
Point of Contact is the latest thriller from Richard Ayre, described as “An incredible read, full of action and horror.”
Reviews from the previous
“Strong characters and a gripping adventure. I could not put this book down. A brilliant piece of storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very final lines.”
“What Ayre has achieved beautifully with ‘Point of Contact’ is display the depth and strength of his talents as a writer by creating a world that belongs in both the horror and sci-fi genres.”
“What a storyteller Richard Ayre is! Highly recommended!”
“If like me you loved the work of the late James Herbert, then trust me, you’ll want to check out Richard Ayre. This man can write stories that’ll drag you in and keep you in the tale’s grasp until the very last page.” - Chris DLS Reviews
When the local police seek an expert in spontaneous human combustion, there is only one man to ex-firefighter Ian Fenwick, a man with a past as dark as his future.
Fenwick finds himself thrust into his most deadly investigation yet, pitching him against a crazed killer and mysterious entities known only as The Visitors.
Who is the all-powerful killer and what do they want?
Can Fenwick stop them before they make the whole world burn?
Point of Contact is the latest thriller from Richard Ayre, described as “An incredible read, full of action and horror.”
Reviews from the previous
“Strong characters and a gripping adventure. I could not put this book down. A brilliant piece of storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very final lines.”
“What Ayre has achieved beautifully with ‘Point of Contact’ is display the depth and strength of his talents as a writer by creating a world that belongs in both the horror and sci-fi genres.”
“What a storyteller Richard Ayre is! Highly recommended!”
“If like me you loved the work of the late James Herbert, then trust me, you’ll want to check out Richard Ayre. This man can write stories that’ll drag you in and keep you in the tale’s grasp until the very last page.” - Chris DLS Reviews
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2021
22 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Richard Ayre
12 books27 followersRichard Ayre was born in Northumberland too many years ago to remember, and teaches History for a living. His first novel was Minstrel's Bargain, and he has also written Point of Contact, a Sci-Fi chiller, and A Life Eternal, a speculative historical novel. He lives in the North East of England where he continues to write whenever he can. When not writing, or putting children on detention, he can be found pottering around the Northumberland landscape on his motorcycle, Tanya.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 14, 2021
Spontaneous combustion is a pretty incendiary plot driver. DuhDum Dum Dunz.. But seriously, it’s a really freaky thing. There isn’t much exact science on it and what there is, Ian Fenwick knows. Because of his years as a firefighter earlier in life, because of his subsequent years operating a fire safety company and, primarily, because that was the way his wife died and thus it became a subject Ian has studied and researched extensively over the years.
So when there’s a death that appears to be SHC, Ian gets asked to consult the police. Except that the details are all wrong. And soon the body count increases and all Ian, his newly found love interest pretty blonde, green eyed detective and the rest of the cops can do is try to figure out what’s going on.
Turns out it’s infinitely more sinister than a random freak occurrence. Turns out it’s all to do with a master conspiracy plan of global domination for and by the mysterious beings referred to as The Visitors.
And so this supernatural tinged procedural must reckon with forces they were never trained or prepared to taken on, forces most refuse to even believe in.
There’s plenty of suspense and mystery and even a surprise evildoer reveal for thriller fans and also loads of freakiness for supernatural fiction fans, not to mention oodles of action and puddles of gore for both.
The romance is laid on kinda heavily, but it’s just that kind of a book. It wants to give you a complicated and beaten up by life yet thoroughly likeable protagonist and it wants to give him something to live for…a sexy younger lady, to be specific.
But this isn’t to say the entire production is cheesy or trite. Au contraire, it’s actually quite well done. For an indie from an author I’ve never heard of, especially. It’s well written, well edited, well paced, exciting and, above all, fun, just pure fun to read. I’d dare say…fiery. And that’s it for me and puns with this one. Apologies to all (those weirdos who don't appreciate a fun pun).
Wait, wait, wait, one more...a blazing scorcher to get fired up about. Right? Right? Ok, really done now.
But yeah, a very entertaining read this was. Maybe too much action and gore for my liking toward the end, but overall good. I liked it. Recommended to genre fans. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
So when there’s a death that appears to be SHC, Ian gets asked to consult the police. Except that the details are all wrong. And soon the body count increases and all Ian, his newly found love interest pretty blonde, green eyed detective and the rest of the cops can do is try to figure out what’s going on.
Turns out it’s infinitely more sinister than a random freak occurrence. Turns out it’s all to do with a master conspiracy plan of global domination for and by the mysterious beings referred to as The Visitors.
And so this supernatural tinged procedural must reckon with forces they were never trained or prepared to taken on, forces most refuse to even believe in.
There’s plenty of suspense and mystery and even a surprise evildoer reveal for thriller fans and also loads of freakiness for supernatural fiction fans, not to mention oodles of action and puddles of gore for both.
The romance is laid on kinda heavily, but it’s just that kind of a book. It wants to give you a complicated and beaten up by life yet thoroughly likeable protagonist and it wants to give him something to live for…a sexy younger lady, to be specific.
But this isn’t to say the entire production is cheesy or trite. Au contraire, it’s actually quite well done. For an indie from an author I’ve never heard of, especially. It’s well written, well edited, well paced, exciting and, above all, fun, just pure fun to read. I’d dare say…fiery. And that’s it for me and puns with this one. Apologies to all (those weirdos who don't appreciate a fun pun).
Wait, wait, wait, one more...a blazing scorcher to get fired up about. Right? Right? Ok, really done now.
But yeah, a very entertaining read this was. Maybe too much action and gore for my liking toward the end, but overall good. I liked it. Recommended to genre fans. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
July 25, 2016
Fire investigator Ian Fenwick is brought in to explain a spate of odd deaths, where victims are reduced to nothing more than a pile of ashes. One of the first theories behind the fatalities is a freak case of spontaneous combustion (one of my personal favourites amongst obscure phenomena), but as the body count rises it becomes clear that there could be a more threatening force behind it.
The premise alone was enough to hook me in, let alone the fact that I was already a fan of Richard Ayre’s after reading his debut, ‘Minstrel’s Bargain.’ Whilst not as gory as his first offering, I found ‘Point of Contact’ to possess a greater chill factor, spurring me to want to read the next chapter until I found that I had raced through most of the book within the first couple of days. The pace doesn’t seem to let up, but the story remains fresh and gripped me through to the very end, with visions that would stay with me for a long while after finally being able to put it down.
What Ayre has achieved beautifully with ‘Point of Contact’ is display the depth and strength of his talents as a writer by creating a world that belongs in both the horror and sci-fi genres.
For anyone looking for a mould-breaking book, this is it. I expect Richard Ayre’s star to be on the rise in the not-too-distant future, starting with this truly brilliant release.
The premise alone was enough to hook me in, let alone the fact that I was already a fan of Richard Ayre’s after reading his debut, ‘Minstrel’s Bargain.’ Whilst not as gory as his first offering, I found ‘Point of Contact’ to possess a greater chill factor, spurring me to want to read the next chapter until I found that I had raced through most of the book within the first couple of days. The pace doesn’t seem to let up, but the story remains fresh and gripped me through to the very end, with visions that would stay with me for a long while after finally being able to put it down.
What Ayre has achieved beautifully with ‘Point of Contact’ is display the depth and strength of his talents as a writer by creating a world that belongs in both the horror and sci-fi genres.
For anyone looking for a mould-breaking book, this is it. I expect Richard Ayre’s star to be on the rise in the not-too-distant future, starting with this truly brilliant release.
July 22, 2016
Page one ,that's all it took. Page one reached out and held me transfixed until the very end. This story was excellent,William Ross had a gift,he could do incredible things with his mind. Unfortunately,with the help of beings he calls "The visitors ", all he manages to accomplish with his gift is pure destruction. I enjoyed this book very much,the supernatural aspects were a delight,added to that the characters, along with William,we have Ian Fenwick a fire investigator who unbeknownst to him is linked to William,Police woman Laura Goddard who helps with this very strange case (people are spontaneously combusting) and Louise,a teenager who holds the key to what is happening. Brilliant story and brilliant writing.
I highly recommend this book!!!
I highly recommend this book!!!
September 23, 2021
A Gritty Horror and Action Classic.
I have been trying to categorise this gripping novel but it is difficult to do so accurately without doing the story an injustice. You know from the start there is a supernatural horror element, but there are elements of a crime thriller with shades of police procedural before more horror and action thriller kicks in hard to take you towards the climax and beyond.
The Newcastle setting feels authentic and gritty, certainly to this British native, and I’m sure transatlantic readers won’t have any problems with it. Just imagine a cold and rainy Detroit. For me it made the situations and the horror far more realistic. I’m going to make a comparison to some of James Herbert’s stories here and that’s no bad thing. Richard Ayre has managed to disturb me just as skilfully, and that’s with me being an adult now. Nice job sir.
I liked the plot and the supernatural element. I won’t say anything more other than it worked for me.
A story can stand or fall by its characters and the cast within this book are brought to life without being over described. The hero, Ian Fenwick, has demons in his past that are gradually revealed, along with how he is tied in to the plot. It is a nice twist that you’ll have to read the book to enjoy. In fact all the characters within the book are painted with just enough strokes of the pen to make them live in your imagination without over describing. Yeah okay, not many write with pen nowadays but ‘finger taps on keyboard’ isn’t as evocative.
I have already alluded to James Herbert but I’m going to make a leap here and say that fans of Stephen King should read this too. It might not be as visceral as Simon Clark but it’s not a million miles away. As I write this I realise if there is a genre I’d put this in it is horror – but it’s a British horror that packs an unexpected punch.
If this was a film it would not be a blockbuster ‘popcorn’ movie but one of those slow-burn classics that stick with you (ironic, considering the key premise!) A modern Hammer Horror? Now that would be perfect.
I have no problem in recommending this book to anyone who likes a gripping supernatural crime action thriller (combining a few elements there!) and very much look forward to Richard Ayre’s next horror thriller.
JM - June 2021
I have been trying to categorise this gripping novel but it is difficult to do so accurately without doing the story an injustice. You know from the start there is a supernatural horror element, but there are elements of a crime thriller with shades of police procedural before more horror and action thriller kicks in hard to take you towards the climax and beyond.
The Newcastle setting feels authentic and gritty, certainly to this British native, and I’m sure transatlantic readers won’t have any problems with it. Just imagine a cold and rainy Detroit. For me it made the situations and the horror far more realistic. I’m going to make a comparison to some of James Herbert’s stories here and that’s no bad thing. Richard Ayre has managed to disturb me just as skilfully, and that’s with me being an adult now. Nice job sir.
I liked the plot and the supernatural element. I won’t say anything more other than it worked for me.
A story can stand or fall by its characters and the cast within this book are brought to life without being over described. The hero, Ian Fenwick, has demons in his past that are gradually revealed, along with how he is tied in to the plot. It is a nice twist that you’ll have to read the book to enjoy. In fact all the characters within the book are painted with just enough strokes of the pen to make them live in your imagination without over describing. Yeah okay, not many write with pen nowadays but ‘finger taps on keyboard’ isn’t as evocative.
I have already alluded to James Herbert but I’m going to make a leap here and say that fans of Stephen King should read this too. It might not be as visceral as Simon Clark but it’s not a million miles away. As I write this I realise if there is a genre I’d put this in it is horror – but it’s a British horror that packs an unexpected punch.
If this was a film it would not be a blockbuster ‘popcorn’ movie but one of those slow-burn classics that stick with you (ironic, considering the key premise!) A modern Hammer Horror? Now that would be perfect.
I have no problem in recommending this book to anyone who likes a gripping supernatural crime action thriller (combining a few elements there!) and very much look forward to Richard Ayre’s next horror thriller.
JM - June 2021
September 27, 2021
Point of Contact by Richard Ayre is a highly recommended procedural/horror novel.
Ian Fenwick is an ex-fire fighter and fire investigator who is called by Laura Goddard, a detective at the police department in Newcastle, England, to help them with an unusual investigation. There has been a death that defies explanation and appears to be spontaneous human combustion (SHC). Fenwick is asked for his assistance because he has some personal experience with SHC. As other cases occur, what Goddard and Fenwick don't know is that there is a nefarious group behind the SHC cases. A group gathered by a mysterious man known as William is behind the deaths. He listens to otherworldly beings he calls the Visitors and has gathered people who have special abilities to help him eliminate the human race so the Visitors can retake the world.
The narrative follows the current investigation, a teenage girl who escaped from William and is trying to get to Fenwick to warn him about William's plans, and mysterious chapters from William's point-of-view. This helps increase suspense as the novel picks up speed. Point of Contact starts out resembling a police procedural but as the investigation unfolds the novel increasingly becomes a horror novel, as would be expected in most novels where SHC is a major plot point.
Fenwick is a fully realized, sympathetic character and you will be like him and support his efforts. Goddard is his romantic interest, although she is a great character in her own right. The mysterious William and the group of various minions and thugs who follow him are all odious characters. The plot moves quickly and the chapters will speed by as you race to see what will happen next.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Burning Chair Limited via Netgalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2021/0...
Ian Fenwick is an ex-fire fighter and fire investigator who is called by Laura Goddard, a detective at the police department in Newcastle, England, to help them with an unusual investigation. There has been a death that defies explanation and appears to be spontaneous human combustion (SHC). Fenwick is asked for his assistance because he has some personal experience with SHC. As other cases occur, what Goddard and Fenwick don't know is that there is a nefarious group behind the SHC cases. A group gathered by a mysterious man known as William is behind the deaths. He listens to otherworldly beings he calls the Visitors and has gathered people who have special abilities to help him eliminate the human race so the Visitors can retake the world.
The narrative follows the current investigation, a teenage girl who escaped from William and is trying to get to Fenwick to warn him about William's plans, and mysterious chapters from William's point-of-view. This helps increase suspense as the novel picks up speed. Point of Contact starts out resembling a police procedural but as the investigation unfolds the novel increasingly becomes a horror novel, as would be expected in most novels where SHC is a major plot point.
Fenwick is a fully realized, sympathetic character and you will be like him and support his efforts. Goddard is his romantic interest, although she is a great character in her own right. The mysterious William and the group of various minions and thugs who follow him are all odious characters. The plot moves quickly and the chapters will speed by as you race to see what will happen next.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Burning Chair Limited via Netgalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2021/0...
November 29, 2021
Oooh! This took me back.
It's 1986, Sunday afternoon, and I'm in my bedroom, gripped by one of those paperbacks with lurid cover illustrations of rats or slugs or bloody daggers, with the authors' name rendered in raised gold lettering. Downstairs, the plinky-plonky theme tune of Antiques Roadshow heralds the start of the Sunday evening ennui, but it matters not: I'm transported to a world of ravening crows or possessed dolls or masked serial killers. Def Leppard may or may not be playing in the background, competing with the Old Persons Telly wafting up the stairs (because, in their forties, my parents were absolutely ANCIENT. Obviously).
Point of Contact is much better than most of those screechily silly offerings (with the notable exception of Stephen King, master storyteller that he remains). But there is a direct lineage; I suspect Ayres' Sunday afternoons had much in common with my own. It's a tale of spontaneously combusting Geordies (there's an extra layer of enjoyment if, like me, you're a local) and the detective charged with getting to the bottom of it all. It's gripping, gory, compulsive and brilliantly written - definitely more akin to Mr King than some of his more cut-price counterparts. I loved every second of it.
I'm off to explore Richard Ayre's back catalogue - and stick some Def Leppard into the tape deck while I'm at it...
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's 1986, Sunday afternoon, and I'm in my bedroom, gripped by one of those paperbacks with lurid cover illustrations of rats or slugs or bloody daggers, with the authors' name rendered in raised gold lettering. Downstairs, the plinky-plonky theme tune of Antiques Roadshow heralds the start of the Sunday evening ennui, but it matters not: I'm transported to a world of ravening crows or possessed dolls or masked serial killers. Def Leppard may or may not be playing in the background, competing with the Old Persons Telly wafting up the stairs (because, in their forties, my parents were absolutely ANCIENT. Obviously).
Point of Contact is much better than most of those screechily silly offerings (with the notable exception of Stephen King, master storyteller that he remains). But there is a direct lineage; I suspect Ayres' Sunday afternoons had much in common with my own. It's a tale of spontaneously combusting Geordies (there's an extra layer of enjoyment if, like me, you're a local) and the detective charged with getting to the bottom of it all. It's gripping, gory, compulsive and brilliantly written - definitely more akin to Mr King than some of his more cut-price counterparts. I loved every second of it.
I'm off to explore Richard Ayre's back catalogue - and stick some Def Leppard into the tape deck while I'm at it...
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2023
A spooky, supernatural type crime procedural. I liked the pace, the characters and the psychic elements plus the Northern England setting was used well. The author credits James Herbert for inspiration and fans of the latter's writing will enjoy Point of Contact. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
August 24, 2021
Do You Believe
I believe.
Richard Ayre believes
If You read this book and walk away a non believer You have no imagination.😉
I believe.
Richard Ayre believes
If You read this book and walk away a non believer You have no imagination.😉
October 17, 2021
A fun, fast paced supernatural thriller that builds with apocalyptic threat, Point of Contact is reminiscent of classic James Herbert & Shaun Hutson.
September 15, 2016
Fantastic!! Gripping stuff, excellent plot. Filled with heart pounding action and suspense. Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) a fascinating topic. The descriptive scenes where people are dying are wickedly gory and brilliant. But is SHC killing these people or something else? That is the question that had me racing through the pages to find out.
Absolutely adored the characters Fenwick, Goddard, and Louise. Along with William, the man with the twisted mind. He possesses a special gift that he puts to use in very evil ways.
The satisfying ending wraps up things perfectly. But to my delight there was one more chapter, dated 2017 which gave me chills all over again and left me wondering what will happen in Fenwick’s future world. Maybe the author will tell us one day?
What a storyteller Richard Ayre is! Highly recommended!
Absolutely adored the characters Fenwick, Goddard, and Louise. Along with William, the man with the twisted mind. He possesses a special gift that he puts to use in very evil ways.
The satisfying ending wraps up things perfectly. But to my delight there was one more chapter, dated 2017 which gave me chills all over again and left me wondering what will happen in Fenwick’s future world. Maybe the author will tell us one day?
What a storyteller Richard Ayre is! Highly recommended!
March 18, 2025
Gritty Supernatural Thriller
Point of Contact by Richard Ayre has a brilliant cast of characters and although the point of view changes rapidly and frequently, there is never any doubt whose eyes you are seeing the story through.
I enjoyed the way we got to know the villain – slowly, deeply, and menacingly – without any idea who they were until the big reveal near the end of the novel.
The switch back and forth between time periods was done well, serving the story and happening at just the right places.
The end was excruciatingly exciting and brutal. This author obviously enjoys making their characters suffer. I did begin to wonder just how much more injury and misery Fenwick, Goddard, and Ellie could take.
All in all, a brilliant page-turner of a novel. Awesome.
Point of Contact by Richard Ayre has a brilliant cast of characters and although the point of view changes rapidly and frequently, there is never any doubt whose eyes you are seeing the story through.
I enjoyed the way we got to know the villain – slowly, deeply, and menacingly – without any idea who they were until the big reveal near the end of the novel.
The switch back and forth between time periods was done well, serving the story and happening at just the right places.
The end was excruciatingly exciting and brutal. This author obviously enjoys making their characters suffer. I did begin to wonder just how much more injury and misery Fenwick, Goddard, and Ellie could take.
All in all, a brilliant page-turner of a novel. Awesome.
June 2, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this Stephen King / Dean Koontz -like story about an ex-fireman battling his demons and a villain who seems to have mastered the power of spontaneous combustion.
It was extremely well written and the pace kept me going throughout.
I couldn't recommend more.
It was extremely well written and the pace kept me going throughout.
I couldn't recommend more.
Read
May 31, 2021What a page turner. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The short sections of each chapter give you just enough of the story to keep the suspense going till you teach the end.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews