Mark Hill (3)

I have just spent the last hour and half reading the last 100 pages, I could not put it down! I thought I had guessed whodunnit, but how naive I was to the incredible turn of events and twists to come - and what a 'drop the mic' ending! The Two O'Clock Boy is a slow burning story, which creeps up on you and mesmerises you, trapping you in its tangle of webs until it leaves you exhausted, but wanting more. There were moments in the book where I physically jolted in reaction to events; they were so unexpected and vivid. Mark's style is fast paced, and visually descriptive. The story runs like a movie, with a deep grittiness to the characters and setting that would be difficult to replicate on screen. I can see why it has been compared to the brilliant TV Series Luther, although personally this story has far more depth.

So why only a 4 star rating? I hear you ask. That's down to the editor in me I'm afraid (being as it is my day job). The high profile publisher of this incredible debut novel has done this author a disservice in the final proofreading of their novel. The minor, simple errors that should have been caught, weren't. And my threshold of allowing 5 in a trad published novel was pushed way beyond. I can only hope that someone does actually sort this out before the book goes into print next year. It mars what I would otherwise term a masterpiece.

Update: The publisher assured me that it would be proofed again before release of the print copy in April! Hooray!… (altro)

Sometimes it really baffles me how lesser novels will grab all the attention while superior novels, like The Two O'Clock Boy, lags far behind in notice. Though, maybe it's too early and the raves are just around the corner......

The Two O'Clock Boy is one helluva police procedural. It has a compelling story, good character development and all kinds of twists and turns.

It's a violent book, but one where the violence is not gratuitous (one aspect of terrible violence involving a despicable character named Gordon is effectively danced around; the reader should be able to pick up on what is not needlessly described in detail, which, to me, was a strength in the novel).

The story of the novel involves the investigation of a series of murders. The story is told in alternating points of view and flashbacks.

Recently promoted Flick Crowley is tasked as the lead investigator of the murders, with oversight by Ray Drake. Crowley quickly determines the path the investigation should take and must also wonder if Drake is purposely trying to derail the investigation and if so, why.

This is one of those books where revealing too much would be considered spoilers.

The last fifty pages or so was like driving on a pitch black, hair pin curving road.

Highly recommended for those that like gritty crime thrillers.
… (altro)