What is your opinion?
Note from a rival competitor
"I like the story, I like the characters and I very much like the writing style; you have a way of building up the excitement with your words alone, ie paragraphing, and using one sentence now and then between paragraphs that signal a clear change in dynamic to the previous paragraph. The protagonist is likable and 'human', in that she battles with cultural diversity daily. This brings in an element of empathy to an otherwise difficult story to relate to; that of a detective. For who can really say that they relate to such a situation, unless they are in fact detectives themselves? The 'bad guy' is described to such an extent that he is not pigeon-holed into that stereotypical antagonist category that most villains seem to end up in, yet he is unique and 'dark' enough to be taken seriously, very seriously. Grammatically, there are minimal hiccups, which I'm sure you will correct before it's completion, but otherwise I find no problems with your story. I have not read the first book, but will most certainly make the effort. 'The Bluebell Informant', however, manages to stand strong on its own, and I would recommend it to anyone who is fan of thriller and mystery. Gripping stuff."
Five star
"From the man drinking alone you grabbed my attention and made me wonder what was going on. I've only read the first chapter but if I had time I would read more. Great sense of being in the bar watching and listening. It reminded me of a bar in Leith. The change of pace with the detective sergeant was good and I could feel her annoyance at being called on her time off. Been there and done that. Does she have a choice of course not. You speak/write with authority about the world you are depicting which indicates great rearch or knowledge. If I can find the time I'll get back to this and read more. Good luck with this."
Intriguing
"I really just love your writing style in this story. It captures little details and character quirks as well as painting with broad strokes that illuminate the story. I really liked the beginning scene in the bar. The character who seems to be the antagonist came across as slick and quite hate-able. I also enjoyed the interaction between the detective and her husband. I've only read the first couple chapters, but those had me quite intrigued. Everything about this felt very clean and flowing, and it didn't distract from what was going on. This was a really good beginning, and I'd like to read more. Thank you for posting this on the site. Keep writing! :D"
A story that keeps you guessing
"Really enjoyed this. A good solid thriller, with a mystery slowly unravelling. Giving out information bit by bit, enough to keep you guessing, and with a good dose of action. I liked the descriptions, for example - watching drops of water going down the back, into the towel. Good pacing and setting the mood. Also quite enjoyed the chase scene, though at one point it briefly felt like it went from one character's point of view to another too quickly. But it was probably just how I read it. Apart from a few typos, my only issue was just a little bit of repetition in descriptions in the later chapters. But I appreciate it's a work in progress, so I know you're still tweaking it. And in chapter five there were a couple of instances where you called Harris - Baker, which confused me at first. By the way, is Sux really a surname? Wow... :) Overall, you have a very intriguing start to a novella going here, great work!"
The Bluebell Informant
"Great prose, love the writing style. Has me hooked, and leaves me with a host of questions...wanting more....really enjoyed what I have read.... I enjoyed the play of characters, and descriptions are vivid enough that I can visualize what is really happening."
