Fantastic story from start to finish. Another great book from this talented writer.
It's been a while since I've enjoyed reading an author's words quite as much as I did Robert Turvil's, and I mean that quite literally. Perhaps he doted over every sentence like a master craftsman, or maybe he's just a natural wordsmith, but either way, the style of writing was such that I regularly found myself having to reread certain passages as I went, just because they were too damn good to leave behind. Turvil could probably pen a how-to on the construction of box-girder bridges and somehow make it a fun read, but be assured, his talents aren't limited to wordplay. The Devil's Charity is a first-rate story from beginning to end, peopled with a cast of wonderfully quirky and entirely unpredictable characters, and it's the kind of book that stays with you long after the reading's done.
You'll get no spoilers here, but this book recently underwent a title change, and I encourage you NOT to look into it. My only regret in reading The Devil's Charity is that I bought this book under its original title, which was rather a large spoiler in itself. Still, even though I knew more about the destination than I would have liked, there were so many twists and turns along the way that I never knew quite where we were, and whenever I thought that I knew what might be lurking around the next bend, not only was I wrong on every count, but more often than not, the road simply disappeared entirely.
And even now that I've read it and know every inch of the journey, I know that I'll be reading this book again. LIke a succulent meal, Turvil's writing is something to be savoured, again and again.
I was so hooked. I didn't know who to trust! Certainly not Charity though. With each passing chapter, I smiled, shrieked, and hid behind the cover. This book is thoughtful and surprising. I thoroughly recommend. More please, Robert
I also bought Robert's shorter stories too. Very good: 7½ short stories you'll want to read: Crime - Betrayal - Murder - Love
