Review of Nile Sleeper

[That Reviewer]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Nile Sleeper" by Rolf Richardson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Ben Drover can be said to be going through a mild case of midlife crisis. Forced to resign from his prestigious job as a detective with the metropolitan police because of his role in an embarrassing sex scandal, he has to settle for the ignominy of the less than perfect position of a security expert with Wander World, a tourist agency. There's almost nothing to do there other than boring desk work. So, when the chance comes to partake in some outfield detective work, he grabs it wholeheartedly. Little does he know he is about to embark on a journey laced with intrigue and suspense.

Nile Sleeper is an espionage classic set during the turmoil in the Middle East in the nineteen seventies and eighties. It showcases the rich culture of the Arab world and its people while maintaining the fast pace you will be accustomed to in any action-filled novel.

The characters in the book are well developed. Each of them has a story, and the author does commendably well to spread out their background stories across the book as opposed to the regular habit of spitting it all out at the start of the book. I love how one keeps wondering what Tom means when he says he is a civil servant. The conversations between the characters are spot on, short, straight to the point, and in some cases tinged with a fair share of humor. It is also lovely to see that there are no stereotypical "terrorist bad guys" in the book. Rolf Richardson goes out of his way to humanize both sides in this piece, and I commend him for that. When using actual historical material as part of the source data, it's not easy to stay true to the details of an event without unwittingly taking sides. On a personal note, I am impressed with the toned-down presence of obscenities in a book such as this. I honestly did not expect it.

Action novel followers will appreciate this book. The storyline maintains a fast pace that keeps stepping up as you move between chapters. Romance genre aficionados will also enjoy this book as the complicated love triangle between Ben, Sophie, and Nick unravels ever so slowly.

For a novel set when espionage and terrorism were the order of the day, Rolf Richardson is careful not to overload his readers with the standard bombs, blood, and guns line one will expect to see here. The pace is acceptably fast, and the storyline has a smooth sequence. The errors in the book are minimal. Nile Sleeper deserves 4 out of 4 stars, as there is nothing negative to say.

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Nile Sleeper
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[Vivian Stones]

Midlife crises is not an easy thing to pass through. I'm glad Ben was able to pull through. I enjoyed reading your very honest review. Thank you!

[Walter R]

This seems like quite an intriguing storyline. Would definitely love to add this to my shelf. Great review.

[Mbenma Esther 080]

Reading about the Arabs gives me new knowledge of their lifestyles. Thanks for the review

[Aisha Yakub]

Seems like all the elements that make up a great book are present in this read. Great review.

[Blessing Odii]

I would love to find out what would become of Ben Drover. Interesting review.

[Pauls_]

Indeed, the storyline has a smooth sequence. I would check it out as it contains action. Nice review.

[Umesh Bhatt]

Seems to be a book full of suspense and detective activities. Thanks for a nice review.

[Kehinde Hussein]

Certainly, the mystery and suspense this book portrays seems very promising. I'd love to read this. Absolutely captivating!