Readers Write


Lloyd, in the UK

First of all I did not know if I was reading a case study or a novel - it would fit into either category...until George Gardener came on the scene.

I am a qualified psychologist and was amazed by the professional way you describe the psyche of your characters and in particular the victim's profile.

I picked up your book to read on the beach yesterday and my wife said "Keep it in the car for our next trip out"; however, I find that I cannot put the book down... Your books will certainly find a lot of space on my bookshelf.

***

Jamie, in the UK

I have just finished reading your book, Disordered Minds. It is the first book by yourself that I have read.

The storyline kept me going and and I would like to thank you for introducing me to your books with Disordered Minds.

I have just bought The Sculptress and I can't wait to read it!! I am looking forward to many more late nights with your books!

***

Björn, in Sweden

Thank you so very much for your latest book, Disordered Minds. I've read all of your books, but this one is probably the very best from your pen...Thank you so very much for many pleasant hours in your company, and I'm looking forward to your next title.

***

Laura, in the US

I do read a lot but confess that I had never heard of you nor your books  until recently. For years I have derived much pleasure from certain authors and musicians and have never bothered to write and tell them how much I appreciate their work. Laziness, I suppose. So, with the miracle of email, I just want you to know how much I enjoy your stories. Thank you for sharing your creative mind with the public - namely, me!

***

Helen, in Canada

Just finished this 'can't put it down' latest novel. Wow!!!!

Have subscribed to your newsletter and read your bio and am in awe of your accomplishments.

First time ever I heard your name was after the T.V. movie of The Sculptress, which I thought was gripping to say the least. I will now search for the other novels I haven't read!!

***

John, in the UK

I do read a lot but confess that I had never heard of you nor your books until I won from ClassicFm your back collection, of which I have now read the first three books and can't put you down at the moment as I'm now reading The Dark Room.

I found The Scold's Bridle very moving and up to date as well as the other two that I have read so far namely The Ice House and The Sculptress very intense and just couldn't wait to read the next chapter.

I have now fallen in to the charm of your writings and I'm just writing to say many thanks on some great thoughts so keep it up.

***

Kwan, in Malaysia

I just discovered your web site and feel I must write to say how much I enjoy your books! The first one I read was The Shape of Snakes and I was just thrown by your style and the way the story was told. Since then, I've managed to collect and read all your books, with the latest, Disordered Minds just started two nights ago.

I find each of your books so different from each other. And I especially like the way every book deals with an issue, social or otherwise. It's not just straightforward crime solving; there are always so many layers and revelation after revelation later, I sigh with contentment and loathe it when the last page is reached. (back to top)

***

Yvonne, in the UK

I just discovered your web site and feel I must write to say how much I enjoy your books! The first one I read was The Shape of Snakes and I was just thrown by your style and the way the story was told. Since then, I've managed to collect and read all your books, with the latest, Disordered Minds just started two nights ago.

I find each of your books so different from each other. And I especially like the way every book deals with an issue, social or otherwise. It's not just straightforward crime solving; there are always so many layers and revelation after revelation later, I sigh with contentment and loathe it when the last page is reached.

***

Mandy, in Scotland

Thanks for a really brilliant Christmas read!!! Your book was top of my Christmas list and didn't disappoint! Dad can't wait to get his hands on it (he bought it for me, not my husband who is hopeless!) Sadly, as with all good books, I couldn't put it down...and it was finished all too quickly!!

I love crime books, most of the ones I read are by American authors, Harlan Coben, Michael Connelly, etc... so it's refreshing to have books by a British author that are even better!

***

Jane, in Australia
I've just finished reading Disordered Minds and I LOVED it. I couldn't put it down, everything in the story was so compelling. I'm going to have to reread it so that I can concentrate on the writing this time, rather than the story, but I just wanted to say it really moved me...

...I'm sure that it makes for a satisfying moment to have heroes and villains playing out parts of goodie and baddie, with the goodie triumphing and the baddie getting what they deserve. I know I've felt that thrill of satisfaction as may emotions are manipulated by a run of the mill movie or page turner, but how much more satisfactory to be asked to used my brain and think about issues deeper than the superficial.

You have done this in all of your good books (especially The Scold's Bridle) but Disordered Minds really resonates with me. I can identify with the time period and the feelings of alienation and dysfunctional families so easily. Of course, it brings up huge sympathy for all the adolescents in the story, but you keep us on an even keel by reminding us that we bear our own responsibilities for the way we act and continue to act in reaction to our surroundings...

...I'm sure most people (say) this, but it's the truth: I have sometimes felt I would like to write to an author to thank them for writing a book which has moved me, but this is the first time I have done so. Congratulations on a wonderful book that I will be re-reading shortly.

***

Rhian, in the UK

I've been reading your books since 1993. I finished Disordered Minds recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've sent a 5-star review to Amazon and I hope this is the first of many for you! I'm sure it will be; the book is excellent and so very hard to put down. Also it's so very disappointing to finish one of your books, knowing there's a wait of at least a year for a new one! (back to top)

***

Morvyn, in the UK

Where do I start? I cannot remember reading multiple books by the same author and enjoying every one of them (I didn't want Acid Row to end!!!).

I first heard of you via the TV version of The Dark Room, which starred my favourite actress Dervla Kirwan but then forgot until I saw a book in my local library and hired it out!

I want to thank you for writing such superb stories. I have to resist the temptation to read them all quickly in every spare minute I've got because I want them to last and know that there is always another one waiting around the corner.

***

Jukka, in Finland

I have just finished Disordered Minds (in English) and just had to rush to this machine and congratulate you: In it you have created yet another winner!

I am truly amazed of the quality of the books you have been releasing in the past 11 or 12 years. They are all stuff made in heaven, pure magic, and this one will join the others to be frequently visited. You are the greatest writer I know and I will be looking forward to the next one, whenever that may be coming out.

***

Valerie, in the UK

I have just finished reading Disordered Minds, which my husband had got me for Christmas. I found it to be one of those books you can't put down, I like the way you feel you are there with the would-be writers who want to prove young Stamp innocent. You start to work out in your own mind who it could be and why, but of course the real killer...does not come to mind, because you do not see why that person would do it until the end.

This is the first of your books I have read, and I can honestly say I will be getting another one soon and so catch-up on the nine that you have already brought out. This will solve my husband's Christmas and birthday problems for a while, and if you keep bringing them out (which I hope you do), we will both be very happy!

***

Michael, in the UK

Wow, what a good book! I haven't yet finished it. I don't want to! Very few authors have me so enthralled that I don't want the book to end.

As well as the obvious suspense, this book (similarly to your others) looks at character growth and what people can learn from others. For instance, who would have thought that Jonathan suffered from low confidence during his opening scenes? Why would someone like Jonathan learn and develop from George?

Your writing tone brings your reader with you almost as if one is reading non-fiction. I have actually developed an ambition to be a writer and hope that I learn the craft well enough to have a unique style. My fear is unconsciously copying you! (back to top)