With a unique marketing concept from independent publisher Pedant Books, the cover of this debut novel perfectly portrays its title. Indeed, what does lie within? First there are the credits. Reflecting his Swedish, German and British heritage and his ever-changing mood, RA - as he likes to be known - wrote the chapters of this novel in Swedish, German, pigeon English and decent English (but not the Queen’s). In total, this required a full complement of seven translators; all are listed for their sterling work.
What Lies Within is a story based on RA’s own life as the perpetual victim of crime. We kick off with our protagonist, thirteen year old Evan Sumner, kidnapped from his expensive private school. His parents are faced with a ransom demand of 2m US$. They deliver – it’s small fry to parents in the shipping industry – and await the return of their son. However, instead of their son, they receive a further demand for another 5m US$. This continues on a weekly basis for varying amounts, until a total of 100m US$ is paid over and Evan returns home. Mr and Mrs Sumner hardly recognise their boy with his deeper voice and waist-length curly hair.
As each experience unfolds, it becomes obvious that time and time again, Evan/George and later Howard has been set up by the psychopath, The Similator. To survive, Evan/George/Howard needs to identify him and dispose of him.
Moving from Gothenburg to Singapore, the Bahamas, Japan, Africa, Russia, Slough and Milton Keynes, and coming in at a thumping 771 pages, this is a cracking thriller. Don’t miss it.
RA prefers to retain an air of mystery and will not be doing any publicity for the book. He expects the Sunday Times to try and locate and identify him, but he says he has this covered. His publisher notes that a short video presentation will be available on the net shortly, although RA’s face will be covered. I understand this is because he is not looking too good after years of cosmetic surgery. Today, RA is mainly at sea, pursuing his anti-pirate campaign, “Eradicate Piracy”, for which he hopes to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 after achieving his goal.
And yes, this is April Fool’s Day!
Hmm. I think this author also wrote a book about a Lirpa Loof about 20 years ago...?
Posted by: Chris | 02 April 2010 at 11:36
Thanks for the comments, both.
Posted by: crimeficreader | 01 April 2010 at 15:54
Haha! I love it.
Posted by: roger | 01 April 2010 at 10:12
Clever idea. And you can use it to write your shopping list on.
Posted by: Paul D. Brazill | 01 April 2010 at 08:40