Review by Mstrtim -- Shifting Sands by Barry Litherland

[Timothy Rucinski]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Shifting Sands" by Barry Litherland.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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A few months ago, I picked up a book called Shifting Sands by Barry Litherland. I read a few pages, got hooked on it immediately, and realized that I'd eventually have to read the whole book. Well, I did. It's a fabulous mystery complete with memorable characters, quaint settings, a fast-paced narrative, and lots of well-placed humor.

Over coffee with his friend, Winston, newsman Philip Tyler finds out about a naked man seen wandering the streets of Sefton-on-Sea in the middle of the night calling out for “Bunny.” Upon further investigation, all clues about the unclothed man point to Westleigh Hall. An old British manor house, Westleigh Hall, was recently converted into a hospital designed explicitly for the private treatment of celebrity clientele. Phil concludes that the strange man is most likely a patient. However, discovering that the hospital has yet to open, Philip wonders, why then, was a naked man meandering through the nearby streets. He sets out on his investigation with Winston; his powerhouse editor, Liz; and former policeman, Slattery. One exciting scene tumbles onto the next, making the book very difficult to put down.

Litherland has a beautiful writing style that brings his quirky yet believable characters to light. Despite feeling that he has a craven soul and routinely exhibiting a modicum of self-deprecation, Phil nevertheless throws himself into danger as he attempts to unweave Westleigh Hall's mystery. Liz is a take-charge editor, quick to knock down her employees' self-esteem when necessary. However, Liz turns out to be a true friend and partner to Phil when ownership fires them from the newspaper, and they continue the investigation into Westleigh Hall without support. Winston is a bit of a big-mouthed hustler but a true friend to Phil when the going gets tough. And ex-policeman Slattery is a slovenly drunk who rises to the occasion when most needed.

The author brings the quaintness of Sefton to life on the page, and, as readers, we get a good sense of the pubs, hotels, restaurants, and street life. I most enjoyed the book's dialogue, which is rich and believable. Despite the perverse activities that drive the story, the humor and witty banter are welcome additions. For example, when Phil is patronized while telephoning the real estate agents that handled the Westleigh Hall sale, he describes them as being "…very polite, like saccharine on a cyanide capsule." Lines like these flow throughout Shifting Sands, and I often found myself laughing out loud.

In addition to the intrepid newshounds’ activities, Litherland also raises some fascinating concepts, specifically those addressing the influence of power and money over the government and the ethics of altering personalities and thought processes to establish a non-violent equilibrium in society.

There is a bit of profanity in the book and some mild sex, but nothing offensive to most casual readers, although it wouldn’t be appropriate for minors. I assume that the book was professionally edited as I found only minor errors. There was absolutely nothing that I disliked about this terrific novel.

Shifting Sands is a fabulous page-turner for a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I am happy to award a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. It’s a fast read and a lot of fun. Those who enjoy a good mystery, and anyone with an appreciation for solid character development, should find Shifting Sands wonderfully entertaining.

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Shifting Sands
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[Ann Ogochukwu]

I also read the sample of this book a few months ago! Like you, I was intrigued, but I never got to complete the book. You impressive review has fanned my interest once again.

[Jasy95]

Thanks for the great and thorough review! I think this sounds like an awesome book. I've been looking for something with the type of humor that you described, so maybe I'll give it a read.

[Timothy Rucinski]

Thanks for the great and thorough review! I think this sounds like an awesome book. I've been looking for something with the type of humor that you described, so maybe I'll give it a read.

Hey, thanks much. A friend of mine just picked it up, started reading, and then didn't get to sleep until she finished it. It's a terrific page-turner.

[maggi3]

I haven’t read a great mystery in a while. This sounds like a great book to get back into the genre! Thanks for your thorough review!

[Timothy Rucinski]

I haven’t read a great mystery in a while. This sounds like a great book to get back into the genre! Thanks for your thorough review!

You are most welcome Jeannie.