Review by Pearl Akpan -- Shifting Sands by Barry Litherland
Posted: 14 Jul 2020, 09:44
[Following is a volunteer review of "Shifting Sands" by Barry Litherland.]
Barry Litherland’s Shifting Sands delivers a perfectly executed and thrilling mystery. It is indeed a superb book with no shortage of suspense and behind-the-scenes perpetration of evil. Philip Tyler, a journalist for a local newspaper, the Evening Post finds himself at cross roads after hearing Winston’s story. Despite the unpredictability that threads Winston personality, this particular story strikes a chord so firm it leaves an echo in Philip’s mind, an urge to discover the truth.
Every step to discovering this truth unfolds newer but connected bits of mystery which all make sense to Philip when he meets Wendy, another victim and the only person who holds the key to unlocking the mystery beneath Westleigh Hall. Stuck between his growing attraction for Wendy and the reoccurring threat to his life, Philip is faced with two choices: to back down or try his luck at exposing the dangerous scheme behind Westleigh Hall.
Shifting Sands is an interesting read. I appreciate the author’s attention towards carefully organizing the events and rising actions leading up to the climax of the book. His descriptive technique is impeccable and well-crafted to evoke raw sense and feeling of suspense and thrill throughout this book. The sense of carefreeness which the writer employs through the characters of Winston, Benny and Slattery creates a good balance with the fast paced rising actions and events that occurs almost successively in this book.
Notably, this book ends in a very reassuring note and I appreciate the technique employed in ending this thriller. Reason being that, there is no closed or absolute ending, rather, the writer leaves room for the reader to continue in their imagination and assume their personal most worthy ending. This book is exciting, fear gripping and very thrilling to read. It accurately captures the reader’s focus and holds on to it till the end. I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars as in my opinion, it has been exceptionally written and well edited.
Readers who enjoy mystery laced and suspense filled books would find this book very engaging and appreciate the overall organization of the plot. Nevertheless, I would not recommend this book to readers that are sensitive to violence and vulgarism which are employed in this book. I would also not recommend this book to children and minors due to the visible theme of violence and threat employed in this book.
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Shifting Sands
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Barry Litherland’s Shifting Sands delivers a perfectly executed and thrilling mystery. It is indeed a superb book with no shortage of suspense and behind-the-scenes perpetration of evil. Philip Tyler, a journalist for a local newspaper, the Evening Post finds himself at cross roads after hearing Winston’s story. Despite the unpredictability that threads Winston personality, this particular story strikes a chord so firm it leaves an echo in Philip’s mind, an urge to discover the truth.
Every step to discovering this truth unfolds newer but connected bits of mystery which all make sense to Philip when he meets Wendy, another victim and the only person who holds the key to unlocking the mystery beneath Westleigh Hall. Stuck between his growing attraction for Wendy and the reoccurring threat to his life, Philip is faced with two choices: to back down or try his luck at exposing the dangerous scheme behind Westleigh Hall.
Shifting Sands is an interesting read. I appreciate the author’s attention towards carefully organizing the events and rising actions leading up to the climax of the book. His descriptive technique is impeccable and well-crafted to evoke raw sense and feeling of suspense and thrill throughout this book. The sense of carefreeness which the writer employs through the characters of Winston, Benny and Slattery creates a good balance with the fast paced rising actions and events that occurs almost successively in this book.
Notably, this book ends in a very reassuring note and I appreciate the technique employed in ending this thriller. Reason being that, there is no closed or absolute ending, rather, the writer leaves room for the reader to continue in their imagination and assume their personal most worthy ending. This book is exciting, fear gripping and very thrilling to read. It accurately captures the reader’s focus and holds on to it till the end. I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars as in my opinion, it has been exceptionally written and well edited.
Readers who enjoy mystery laced and suspense filled books would find this book very engaging and appreciate the overall organization of the plot. Nevertheless, I would not recommend this book to readers that are sensitive to violence and vulgarism which are employed in this book. I would also not recommend this book to children and minors due to the visible theme of violence and threat employed in this book.
******
Shifting Sands
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon