Synopsis/blurb…..
DREAM LAND, Konstantin’s first 48 hours in Margate.
Neither will be the same again.
From the author of best-selling THE FIX, comes
an introduction to Konstantin Boryakov, the enigmatic tramp who claims to be
ex-KGB and in hiding. A man with a dark past and a darker future.
Konstantin has just arrived in the UK, Margate to
be specific, having escaped persecution by the authorities in his own country.
The second he steps out of a car he gets into trouble, targeted by local
villain Dave the Rave. But Dave chose the wrong man to pick a fight with…
Another new to me author and another shortish blast of
some UK grit. We have an interesting setting – Margate, a coastal town; tired and past it’s sell by date.
Interesting for me personally, as my wife and her family used to spend their
summer holidays there during the late 60’s and 70’s. I went with her for a
break there in the 80’s – nostalgia rules, ok; and the year before last as well
for a night. We won’t be returning – sad really.
Konstantin
is
a bit of a mystery. Intriguing and capable, but as yet Nixon only gives us snippets about the Russian with a troubled history. In his fiery dealings with some
local dead-beats, Konstantin proves himself
more than able to handle the low-life scum and he exhibits a kind heart to
boot. What exactly is going on with his daughter? Hopefully I will find out in
future installments.
Definitely a character I’m going to get better acquainted
with in the future. Nixon has a few
more novellas featuring the Russian
that precede his full-length novel The
Fix.
Plastic
Fantastic and Fat Gary
are next up before The Fix. How
could anyone pass up the chance to read something titled Fat Gary?
All of his stuff is readily available over on Amazon –
well worth a look in my opinion.
4 from 5
Keith Nixon’s website/blog is here.
Bought on Amazon UK recently
Col - The Margate setting does sound nicely-drawn. I know exactly the sort of place it must be; been to a few myself. And the story sounds like a nice bit of noir, too. Glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteMargot thanks. Looking forward to more by Keith.
DeleteWell Col, here's another one for my "want to read" list. It's interesting that most of what you spotlight has such striking cover art (like this one). "Fat Gary" is a great book and character name. Reminds me of the movie "Snatch" with "Bullet Tooth Tony" and "Boris the Blade".
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're tempted Glen. You've a better memory than me regarding Snatch and the characters! Fat Gary cracks me up, not least because I work with a Gary and can't picture him being called anything other than FG now!
DeleteYour titles and character names are certainly A1 at the moment, though again that's probably as far as it will go for me. But I can see this would be right up your street.
ReplyDeleteCheers Moira, look out more of the same, as I want to get a couple of the others read also!
DeleteCol, this sounds like another racy thriller. I assume novels like these have more dialogue and less description of people and places.
ReplyDeleteHmm... I don't think he neglects the setting, as it was one of the best features for me, particularly with my wife's connection to the town. He's a skilled writer and I'd say the balance in the writing is about right.
DeleteI was trying to resist but I admit you have me intrigued. Will have to wait and see if Glen tries these or not.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Glen tries and enjoys, then it will be your turn!
DeleteGlen has purchased it, so there is a good chance I will try it too.
Delete;-)
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