This British novel is the first Robin Ballantyne story and Sampson´s debut as a writer of fiction.
"I am about to pull the curtains and shut out the weather when, at the margin of my vision, a woman falls out of the sky. I do not see how it began. All I see is that she falls, feet first but tipping forward, arms stretched out as if to break her fall, her clothes as chaotically twisted and tossed as the rain, and the weight of her body carrying her down through the currents of air straight to the earth like an anchor."
Robin hears a heated argument, and shortly after, a woman falls past her window and hits the street below. Robin is the single mother of the baby twins Hannah and William, but after this shocking experience, the renewed contact with the buzzing media world makes her yearn for her career as a journalist.
Soon after Robin´s ex-boyfriend Adam, the twins´ biological father, is killed by a hit-and-run driver - in Robin´s car. The police appear on her doorstep, and in the course of a few days it is apparent that the title applies to Robin as well as to her late neighbour.
Though I don´t really regard the everything-whirling-out-of-control plot as very plausible, this was a well-written and exciting story that I sped through in one day. Furthermore, Robin Ballantine is an intelligent and interesting character I am looking forward to meeting again.
I bought the book myself, and it may not take long until I grab the second volume which is ready on that TBR.
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12 kommentarer:
I really like this series, particularly the way that, after the first couple of books, it shifts to China.
Sounds like Robin has a lot going on -- two deaths, twins, and getting caught up in the investigation. Since you liked it well enough to look forward to the second book, I'll have to add this to my wish list.
Dorte - Thanks for this excellent review. It does take a deft hand to make the "everything spinning out of control" plot work. I'm glad Sampson did, and I'll look forward to seeing what you think of the next one :-).
Maxine: yes, I know you like it, and I am sure I´ll also like the next volumes.
Beth: I mainly mentioned the whirlwind plot to tell my readers what to expect. With a good writer and compelling characters, I am able to ignore what I regard as a minor flaw.
Margot: Sampson was good at making me forget that I didn´t quite believe her plot :)
Sounds like I'll be out of breath while I read this book, but read it I will.
Can't remember when I finished a book in a day. It must be smashing.
Barbara: I think you´d like it - and Robin Ballantyne.
Patti: it wasn´t my book of the year, but I´d give it four stars for plot and protagonist.
Good review! Maybe there is a bit much going on for this character's life to seem realistic, but I have known people for whom "when it rains, it pours". Sounds like it makes for an exciting story!
Kelly: thank you. It was, and I think you´d like the main character.
Wow! this sounds really good. I'm going to write it down and go look for it.
Jan Morrison
Nice. Another to add to my reading list.
Jan & Clarissa: I think you´ll enjoy this one.
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