Review of Haighs Flat
Posted: 04 Nov 2022, 09:59
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Haighs Flat" by Colin Williams.]
Imagine having a beast-like creature with the similitude of a dinosaur as a pet. Isn't that suicidal, if not genocidal? Lennard Smythe has a beast locked up in one of the chambers of the mine he manages at the Inland Valley. One of his workers mistakenly releases it. Four months later, bushwalkers and sight-seers like Joshua Morgan and Raelene Clarke are nowhere to be found. It turns out that this is the least of the many disappearances recorded in the small suburb of Haighs Flat. The villagers know something but are scared to spew it out. Could it be that Lennard is the right-hand man to some wicked fellow disguised as an investor? Why do they fight tooth and nail to erase traces of anyone knowing their secrets? How true is the rumor of the existence of a bunyip? Colin Williams exposes the corrupt lifestyles of cops while educating his readers on the "prehistoric mythological animal" of Australia in his book, Haighs Flat.
As I read through, my eye opened to the discovery that wherever there's hypocrisy, corruption is surely lurking around the corner. Sergeant Jim Sloane, Sergeant Paul Hodges, and Lennard Smythe are top of the suburb's list of corrupt cops. The author creates an aura of authenticity that allows the reader to relate to the actions of these characters as they carry out the evil desires of some heartless 'influential figures' at the top. I realized that corruption runs from the top tier of government down to the grassroots, as seen in the list of active and passive contributors to the bunyip saga that Sloane discloses. A councilor, a mayor, and even a member of the state parliament, amongst others, had their hands soiled. There's hardly any nation today that doesn't have a tale of corruption. Corruption is like a wildfire that burns its victims without mercy.
I particularly love how the author clarifies the difference between being merely religious and spiritual. He hits the nail on the tangent when he explains some truths about Christianity. It is a religion that is not about putting up pious countenances and carrying out ritual activities; rather, it has a lot to do with having a close walk with God. George is my favorite character. I admire his versatility and learned mind. He is not a "religious nut," as Jack and Sloane opine.
I disliked nothing about the book, but I would have loved to know about the main brains behind the rearing of those monstrous beasts since 1984 and their reasons for such. I also would have loved to know what eventually happened in Sara's relationship with Bryan.
Although there were minimal errors, I couldn't agree more that the book was professionally edited. The book is rich with figurative expressions and superb plot structure. Hence, I'd rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Everyone should read this book, but I'll recommend it to those with a warped idea of who God is. The book would also appeal to those who love crime fiction involving corps.
******
Haighs Flat
View: on Bookshelves
Imagine having a beast-like creature with the similitude of a dinosaur as a pet. Isn't that suicidal, if not genocidal? Lennard Smythe has a beast locked up in one of the chambers of the mine he manages at the Inland Valley. One of his workers mistakenly releases it. Four months later, bushwalkers and sight-seers like Joshua Morgan and Raelene Clarke are nowhere to be found. It turns out that this is the least of the many disappearances recorded in the small suburb of Haighs Flat. The villagers know something but are scared to spew it out. Could it be that Lennard is the right-hand man to some wicked fellow disguised as an investor? Why do they fight tooth and nail to erase traces of anyone knowing their secrets? How true is the rumor of the existence of a bunyip? Colin Williams exposes the corrupt lifestyles of cops while educating his readers on the "prehistoric mythological animal" of Australia in his book, Haighs Flat.
As I read through, my eye opened to the discovery that wherever there's hypocrisy, corruption is surely lurking around the corner. Sergeant Jim Sloane, Sergeant Paul Hodges, and Lennard Smythe are top of the suburb's list of corrupt cops. The author creates an aura of authenticity that allows the reader to relate to the actions of these characters as they carry out the evil desires of some heartless 'influential figures' at the top. I realized that corruption runs from the top tier of government down to the grassroots, as seen in the list of active and passive contributors to the bunyip saga that Sloane discloses. A councilor, a mayor, and even a member of the state parliament, amongst others, had their hands soiled. There's hardly any nation today that doesn't have a tale of corruption. Corruption is like a wildfire that burns its victims without mercy.
I particularly love how the author clarifies the difference between being merely religious and spiritual. He hits the nail on the tangent when he explains some truths about Christianity. It is a religion that is not about putting up pious countenances and carrying out ritual activities; rather, it has a lot to do with having a close walk with God. George is my favorite character. I admire his versatility and learned mind. He is not a "religious nut," as Jack and Sloane opine.
I disliked nothing about the book, but I would have loved to know about the main brains behind the rearing of those monstrous beasts since 1984 and their reasons for such. I also would have loved to know what eventually happened in Sara's relationship with Bryan.
Although there were minimal errors, I couldn't agree more that the book was professionally edited. The book is rich with figurative expressions and superb plot structure. Hence, I'd rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Everyone should read this book, but I'll recommend it to those with a warped idea of who God is. The book would also appeal to those who love crime fiction involving corps.
******
Haighs Flat
View: on Bookshelves