Wednesday 2 September 2015

NICK TRIPLOW - THE DEBT (2013)


Synopsis/blurb….

 ‘I look into his eyes, hoping to see a glimpse of Dave Price in there. But Dave Price has gone so fuck him and fuck his family.’

Jacqui’s ready for closing time at her south London launderette when Terry Price, wayward son of her old mate, local villain Dave Price, dumps a battered sports bag on the counter. 

Something needs cleaning and Terry’s calling in a favour, but Jacqui’s not about to put herself on the line for a debt she doesn’t owe.

Another new British author and a taster with this piece of short fiction which was acquired a year or two ago over on Amazon. It’s not there now.

A bit of bother in a launderette, with the Jack-the-lad son of neighbourhood villain, Terry Price assuming familial privileges, once offered to his father as his birth right. Our formidable and feisty washer-woman Jacqui sets him straight and in so doing, Triplow gives us a bit of Sarf London villainy and history, with a cameo from Charlie Richardson.
(For more on The Richardson Gang click here.)

Great tale, chilling but matter of fact. History, setting, character and resolution.

4 from 5

Along with the short, there’s the two opening chapters to Nick’s novel Frank’s Wild Years. A promising start to something that’s been sat on my kindle for a couple of years!

Nick Triplow has his website/blog here. There’s links to other short fiction from him on his website. 

He's also authored non-fiction, including the intriguing account of a fishing communities' women - The Women They Left Behind.

Worth checking out, before deciding whether to plunge into FWY.


Amazon purchase in 2013

8 comments:

  1. Oh, now that's an interesting premise, Col! And I like it when an author can use everyday 'normal' (is there such a thing?) people and situations to build tension. Makes a nice contrast to the actual unsettling impact of a story.

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    1. It was a really enjoyable story Margot, nice blend of real characters into his fiction, even if they were just on the periphery.

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  2. Col, I'm easily lured by short fiction and there's so much good stuff in the market, I'd well to steer clear of them, though I read a couple of them recently.

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    1. Well worth looking this one up Prashant. Go on - you know you want to!

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  3. Oh the glamour of a setting in a launderette! Call me a maybe...

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  4. I will wait to hear more about this author when you read more of his works.

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    1. Ok no problem - I ought to read Frank's Wild Years soon then!

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