Today's Read: The Coffin Road by Peter May
What
if you found yourself washed up on the beach of a northern island with
no memory of how you got there? Now what would you think if you heard
about a brutal murder and started wondering if you could be the killer? This is reality for a man who later calls himself Neal.
The first thing I am aware of is the taste of salt. It fills my mouth. Invasive. Pervasive. It dominates my being, smothering all other senses. Until the cold takes me. Sweeps me up and cradles me in its arms. Holding me so tightly I can't seem to move. Except for the shivering. A raging, uncontrollable shivering. And somewhere in my mind I know this is a good thing. My body trying to generate heat. If I wasn't shivering I would be dead.—Coffin Raod by Peter May (Quercus, 2016, p.1)
Quick Facts
- Setting: Outer Hebrides and other areas of Scotland; contemporary times
- Circumstances: Three converging story lines: (1) A man washes
up on the beach with holes in his memory and is trying to figure out
what happened, (2) a teenager doesn't believe her father's death was
suicide and begins to investigate, (3) a homicide detective attempts to
solve a murder on a remote island with a troubled past
- Genre, audience, themes: adult, mystery / thriller, environmental issues
- Characters: The man with the spotty memory and the people he meets on the Isle of Harris, including Sally, who claims to be his lover; Detective George Gunn and the people he meets in the Flannan Islands; Karen, a teenager in Edinburgh, her mother, and the people she encounters as she travels north
- Thoughts: I've enjoyed other novels by Peter May and this one, with its seemingly unrelated story lines, remote setting, and hint at deeper issues really called to me. I love the way the island of Harris is as much a character as the people. I've barely begun the novel, but I'm already hooked.
- Some things to know: Print sources and professional sites have already given Coffin Road starred reviews. This is a standalone novel, so you can start right here if you haven't yet read May. Be prepared to start planning your next vacation -- it will be a visit to the Outer Hebrides.
26 comments:
Ooh, I love your Quick Facts!
Definitely a novel that appeals to me. Sounds really good so I hope you'd love it.
They had this book as a giveaway on Goodreads and I'd hoped to have a chance at grabbing a copy. They wouldn't let me enter the contest as I don't have my birthday entered! That's because it's adult material, I guess.
Well, I will see if the library has it, I do want to read it, especially after reading your quick facts about the novel.
This sounds really good; I'd read more.
I love the teaser! I hope you enjoy! Stop by if you get a chance:
http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2016/10/teaser-tuesday-refuge-101816.html
Colletta
Interesting plotline - someone who thinks he may be a murderer (but isn't sure). Never seen that one before! I'll be interested to hear what you think!
This sounds like a book I would like. Great choice!
That is a brillant teaser, think this one is definitely going on my TBR pile.
Here is mine for Paris Mon Amour
:)
I've never read anything by Peter May, so I'm happy to hear this is a standalone. I'm intrigued!
I recently read one with a similar premise. Except it was a woman who washed up on the beach... I wonder how many stories we could find that start that way...
My teaser today is from a YA new release about bullying. A real page-turner. https://wp.me/p3Nz8P-XL
This sounds great. I love the intro!
Boy, does that sound good! I can't imagine what that would feel like.
What a great start!
I like that "claims to be his lover" bit. I'd keep reading for sure. Here's the link to my Tuesday intro and teaser: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-1i9
This definitely peaks my interest!
You have captured my interest with your excerpts and your "quick facts." Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
What a terrific opening! I love the author's description of the character's thoughts. I'd keep reading to find out why he's in that situation.
Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog today.
Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG
I like the writing in that first paragraph - so descriptive. I'd like to read more.
What an interesting concept! I hope that you enjoy it! :)
I really like the sound of this one! I have another of Peter May's books I keep meaning to read. I will have to give it a try and add this one to my wish list.
This sounds like a very good book! I'll have to check it out! Here is my teaser: http://booklovingmommy.blogspot.com/2016/10/teaser-tuesday-unsaid-by-aaron-blaylock.html
Sounds like a good read. I love that you share the facts with us.
I'm liking the sound of this one. It could be a good movie too.
My TT from Fear Of The Scarecrow
That seems delightfully creepy.
Yes! I've read this one and while I didn't love it quite as much as the Lewis Trilogy it was a mighty fine read.
I definitely have a weakness for books set in Scotland.
Sounds like my kind of book. Thanks for sharing.
sherry @ fundinmental My TT
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