It is great to be invited to take part in the celebrations for the publication of 4 Riverside Close by Diana Wilkinson. Happy Publication Day!
When residents of a North London cul-de-sac enrol in a
seemingly innocent social network, they soon find themselves embroiled in a
murky web of sinister manipulation and murder.
From the outside Caroline and Jason Swinton have an idyllic
life. But when the cracks start to appear the residents of Riverside Close are
drawn into a dangerous game.
When Jason’s body is discovered in a house on the close,
everyone becomes a suspect.
Could his lovely wife be responsible for his murder?
Or do the neighbours have a motive for wanting him dead?
As the secret lives of those living on the Close are
gradually revealed, it becomes clear that someone is hiding something they will
stop at nothing to protect…
My Thoughts
One of the most surprising aspects of this story, having read the blurb, was how late in the book Jason's death occurred. Rather than it be the starting point, great care is taken to establish all the characters and show what has been happening. Motivations are established. As the reader, you are aware of double lives and lies which are told. Obsession and greed seem to fuel actions.
As a crime story, it has a flavour of classic crime sleuthing where amateur detectives, hiding behind their nondescript personae, observe and ferret out the truth. With secret lives and subterfuge, there is a gradual ratcheting up of the suspense. As the lives of the inhabitants of Riverside Close seem to become more and more connected, you can see the flaws in their characters which are ultimately their undoing. Seeing the story through different perspectives fuels the suspense. I can foresee further instalments for these sleuths to investigate.
In short: Life is a suburban cul-de-sac gets tense!
About the Author
Diana Wilkinson (nee Kennett) was born and bred in Belfast,
Northern Ireland, during the height of the civil unrest and moved to England after
graduating from Durham University with a degree in geography.
After a short spell in teaching, Diana spent most of her
working life in the business of tennis development. A former Irish
international player, Diana finally stepped off the tennis court to be- come a
full-time writer.
The inspiration for much of her work has come from the
ladies she coached over the years and from confidences shared over coffee.
In September, 2019, Diana signed a two book contract with
Bloodhound Books. 4 Riverside Close, her first psychological relationship
thriller, will be published on 30th March 2020 and the second, You Are Mine,
comes out on 1st June 2020.
Previously, Diana self-published Fifty Fifty (Too Young to
be Middle-Aged), an amusing account of what we can expect from life as we
approach middle age.
Thanks to Diana Wilkinson, and Heather Fitt of Bloodhound Books for a copy of the book and a place on the event.
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