Review by valeriejane -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)

[Valerie Garske]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)" by Barry Litherland.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) is a thrilling crime novel by Barry Litherland. Arranged in a way where past meets present, there are two stories emerging and eventually, they overlap into a seamless storytelling experience. Consequences of childhood events create everlasting emotional ripples that this cast of friends continue to process decades later. If you enjoy a fast-paced dramatic mystery with a solid cast of characters, then you should read this book. Nonetheless, the protagonist has a proclivity for swearing and the abusive nature of childhood bullying is better suited to mature readers, as there are several disturbing and intense scenes.

It is in the pub when we first meet Phil and Wayne. Although they have been friends since they were kids, they really have nothing in common except their childhood. Wayne is obnoxious and Phil is ordinary. When Wayne gets mouthy, Phil tries to get Wayne to leave, before he causes a brawl. Apparently, this is a routine, which is often repeated. Consequently, when Wayne is accused of a crime, the police are certain Wayne is guilty and they have no motivation to look any further. Furthermore, a secret package is missing and there are powerful people who want it back. Phil is out of his element dealing with blackmailers, murders, criminals, and sketchy politicians. He has no idea who he can trust. With nothing but instinct to rely on, Phil is determined to prove Wayne’s innocence.

I enjoyed the quality of the writing, which surprised me because there was a significant amount of profanity. Having found no errors, I liked that this is a well-written and exceptionally well-edited book. The book is complex and the structure is well developed. I liked the ending because it was unpredictable and did not leave any loose ends. This a skillfully written novel where two stories merge into one.

It is not easy to like Wayne. Nevertheless, I soon learned not to judge Wayne so harshly and eventually admired his tenacity and loyalty. I did not like Tyrone, Wayne’s older brother. Tyrone was a teenage psychopath and much worse than any typical schoolyard bully. Although the author leaves much to the imagination, he describes both the physical and emotional pain Wayne endured as a child. It also disturbs his friends that Wayne is mistreated and as children, they are powerless to help. Indeed, the aspects of the abuse were unsettling. Nevertheless, if these childhood friends had not experienced such trauma and bullying, then they may not have forged the deep connection that ultimately empowers Phil to want to help Wayne and seek the truth.

From the first chapter, I was hooked. I loved how the author would plant seeds of curiosity and mention past events, without immediately explaining them. Once the story flips back to the past, we learn more of the story and it clarifies the aforementioned event. It is hard enough to tell a story from beginning to end and keep it interesting, but impressively, Mr. Litherland burns both ends of the candle effortlessly and creates a fantastic reading experience. Consequently, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
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[pageturner19]

I absolutely, one-hundred per cent agree with you that this is a superb and brilliant book! Barry Litherland is fantastic at keeping his readers engaged and entertained throughout his books. I never got bored once! If you haven't read any of his other books yet I highly recommend that you have a look at them. Fantastic review by the way!

[Valerie Garske]

Thank you for your positive response. I was surprised how the profanity served to help define the characters because typically I don't like it. I would love to read more of Mr. Litherland's work. If I could I would have rated this book a 5!

[PeterRabitt20]

Fro what you are saying about Wayne, I don't think I'd like him either. But, I probably still continue reading. Thanks for your enticing review!

[Valerie Garske]

Thank you for responding to my review. Definitely keep reading, I look forward to hearing what you think about Wayne.

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your interesting review. In our whole life, we only need one friend, a friend who will try their best to help us like Phil even when they have nothing to rely on.

[Valerie Garske]

Thank you for responding to my review. You are correct and a friend like Phil is rare indeed.