Review by PollysReview -- Shifting Sands
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PollysReview
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Review by PollysReview -- Shifting Sands
[Following is a volunteer review of "Shifting Sands" by Barry Litherland.]
Philip Tyler, a newspaper journalist, wonders why a naked man would be walking down a country lane at 2 a.m. calling out for someone named Bunny. At least, that is what his often dramatic and unsavory friend, Winston, says that he observed.
Phil is a self-described ordinary guy, not a risk-taker, or even a hero, but nevertheless he is an investigative journalist. Nudged by his editor and accompanied by Winston, he drives to the country lane and starts asking questions. Starting with the first inquiry, he sets off a chain of events that become intriguing and dangerous, rapidly motivating him to rescue a beautiful young woman and pen a breaking story for his editor. To summarize the book in more detail could waver on becoming a spoiler; nonetheless, the ending culminates in an all-out mission to keep himself and his friends alive and firmly planted in reality.
The author, Barry Litherland, has subtitled his work as “A Mystery Thriller” and indeed, it is. However, Shifting Sands is as humorous at times, as it is disturbing and complex. Mr. Litherland surely must have had as much fun writing this book as I had reading it, because I would chuckle aloud at the bantering between characters and the rambling thoughts of the main character. His ability to interject humor into the books serious life and death situations is what I liked the most about the book. However, make no mistake; it is very much a suspenseful story.
Readers should know that the book is written in the first person narrative style and in British English. Being an American English word lover, I find British slang to be refreshing and interesting, even if I did have to look up a few expressions! The readability of this novel is pure joy, as it is fast paced and the characters well developed and appealing. The author also has a fine ability to bring settings into the minds-eye. Readers will “see” a spooky institution with secret laboratories, a promenade in a small seaside town and be able to envision the characters and the homes where they reside. The novel also has a sprinkling of romance without explicit scenarios, an interesting relationship between two old school friends that are nothing alike and a glimpse into the world of virtual reality.
I rate this book as a 4 out of 4 stars. The editing was excellent and I only found a few typos. I cannot think of anything that I disliked about the plot or the authors writing style, which is mostly conversational without lengthy hyperbole. I recommend this book for those who like a quick and entertaining read that builds in plot complexity to an unexpected finale.
******
Shifting Sands
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Philip Tyler, a newspaper journalist, wonders why a naked man would be walking down a country lane at 2 a.m. calling out for someone named Bunny. At least, that is what his often dramatic and unsavory friend, Winston, says that he observed.
Phil is a self-described ordinary guy, not a risk-taker, or even a hero, but nevertheless he is an investigative journalist. Nudged by his editor and accompanied by Winston, he drives to the country lane and starts asking questions. Starting with the first inquiry, he sets off a chain of events that become intriguing and dangerous, rapidly motivating him to rescue a beautiful young woman and pen a breaking story for his editor. To summarize the book in more detail could waver on becoming a spoiler; nonetheless, the ending culminates in an all-out mission to keep himself and his friends alive and firmly planted in reality.
The author, Barry Litherland, has subtitled his work as “A Mystery Thriller” and indeed, it is. However, Shifting Sands is as humorous at times, as it is disturbing and complex. Mr. Litherland surely must have had as much fun writing this book as I had reading it, because I would chuckle aloud at the bantering between characters and the rambling thoughts of the main character. His ability to interject humor into the books serious life and death situations is what I liked the most about the book. However, make no mistake; it is very much a suspenseful story.
Readers should know that the book is written in the first person narrative style and in British English. Being an American English word lover, I find British slang to be refreshing and interesting, even if I did have to look up a few expressions! The readability of this novel is pure joy, as it is fast paced and the characters well developed and appealing. The author also has a fine ability to bring settings into the minds-eye. Readers will “see” a spooky institution with secret laboratories, a promenade in a small seaside town and be able to envision the characters and the homes where they reside. The novel also has a sprinkling of romance without explicit scenarios, an interesting relationship between two old school friends that are nothing alike and a glimpse into the world of virtual reality.
I rate this book as a 4 out of 4 stars. The editing was excellent and I only found a few typos. I cannot think of anything that I disliked about the plot or the authors writing style, which is mostly conversational without lengthy hyperbole. I recommend this book for those who like a quick and entertaining read that builds in plot complexity to an unexpected finale.
******
Shifting Sands
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: McDowell by William H. Coles
