Book Reviews
I KNOW I SAW HER BY E.D. THOMPSON / HACHETTE $32.99
Alison Payne is a struggling, part-time, teacher of English who lives, with her reclusive son Joe, in a down-at-heel house situated in quiet suburban Parnell Park. Not much seemingly happens in Parnell Park, and Alison, drifts along with the floe, apart from regular visits to see her mother in a care home. She and Joe observe their neighbours with some interest, especially the new ‘power’ couple, Kevin and Kim who have moved in opposite. On a trip to visit her sister in London, Alison thinks she spots Kim on a train coming from Gatwick Airport. ‘Not possible’, says Kevin, assuring Alison that Kim is on holiday in County Galway. With little else going in her humdrum life Alison’s interest is piqued, and she decides to investigate further. She becomes even more convinced that something is radically amiss when she sees a postcard, apparently posted by Kim from Galway, but which is affixed with a British stamp. Maybe there is a simple explanation to Kim’s disappearance. Perhaps, unknown to Kevin, Kim is having an illicit affair. Possibly Alison is a conspiracy theorist seeing dangers where there are none. But as she continues her investigation and meets Kim’s brother, Callum, Alison’s concern for Kim’s life intensifies as she plunges deeper in to a situation where things are not always as they seem and where too much curiosity may become fatal. Full of deception and surprises, intricately plotted with engaging characterization, Thompson has produced an immensely entertaining 74 | THE IRISH SCENE
read. It’s great to see crime fiction play out against a Northern Ireland background. A prolific author of short stories, Thompson moves the action along with snappy, incisive, dialogue and has nailed the expressions, nuances and idioms of the local patois. Thompson’s new novel is a rousing warning about the power of our choices, and where they might ultimately lead.– Reviewed by John Hagan
SWEET JIMMY BY BRYAN BROWN / ALLEN & UNWIN $29.99
Yes. It is indeed THAT Bryan Brown, laconic larrikin and star of a host of notable Australian movies including A Town like Alice, The Thorn Birds, Sweet Country, and my favourite, Breaker Morant. This is his debut novel which contains a collection of short stories with the first, Boys will be Killers, and the last, Sweet Jimmy, both connected. Revenge and retribution drive all seven tales featuring likeable and detestable criminals, corrupt and dedicated police, deserving and innocent victims. We follow swimming coach and Bondi
