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| Publication date 11th January 2018 I received a copy of this book via Netgalley from publisher Random House UK/Vintage Publishing in exchange for an honest review |
How Do You Solve Your Own Murder?
Everyone believes Alex is in a coma, unlikely to ever wake up. As his family debate withdrawing life support, and his friends talk about how his girlfriend Bea needs to move on, he can only listen.
But Alex soon begins to suspect that the accident that put him here wasn’t really an accident. Even worse, the perpetrator is still out there and Alex is not the only one in danger.
As he goes over a series of clues from his past, Alex must use his remaining senses to solve the mystery of who tried to kill him, and try to protect those he loves, before they decide to let him go.
A stunning edge-of-your-seat debut novel with an unforgettable narrator.
Written from the perspective of Alex, a young man who is in a locked-in state following a climbing accident this book expertly relates the changing emotions he feels over several months as he lies in his hospital bed unable to move, see or speak. During this time we hear of the visits he receives from medical professionals, friends and family - and others who he cannot place. His senses are on full alert and he comes to recognise his visitors from the fragrances they wear, the sounds of the different shoes they wear and the voices of the nursing staff who tend to him - some more kindly than others. He hears the conversations they have as they sit and talk about his condition and how life is continuing without him actively taking part.
One person who visits him causes him concern, as he cannot place their voice or scent in order to identify them. Are they a doctor or some other type of clinician? Alex cannot decide. Things take a further sinister turn when visitors start discussing the police investigation into the fall which put Alex here in the first place - but how can Alex let anyone know what he has heard when he cannot even move his eyes let alone talk? As far as the doctors and the tests have shown Alex is unresponsive.
The discomfort of day to day nursing care are very well written and the feelings of hope and despair which Alex goes through over the months are understandable and credible. I have to admit that I missed a vital piece of information in the story as I was reading and had a major moment where things clicked into place towards the end as things drew towards their conclusion.
The closing scenes were sensitively written and I felt suited Alex perfectly.
It is hard to believe that this is the author's debut novel and I will be looking out for her as a rising star in the coming months.
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