Faith Mortimer

This was a well-composed book and I can best describe it as an Agatha Christie-type murder mystery. Set in a sleepy, small Cypriot village, I half expected Hercule Poirot, Jane Marple or even Inspector Barnaby from Midsomer Murders to pop up at any time. The group of characters was well constructed, each of them well described, as was the setting for this thriller, so much so, I could almost feel the sultry heat of the Cypriot climate and even the sun’s rays bouncing off the white-washed walls – the author’s knowledge of Cyprus was certainly evident and used to advantage.

Each chapter had a pertinent quote from Macbeth in its title and I particularly liked the Dramatis Personae – I referred to it for at least 30% into the book. The characters were varied and interesting and whilst the suspects for the crimes each had compelling motives, you are kept guessing until the very end. It was a bit like a very nearly finished jigsaw and you can’t find the last piece. The end of this book was just like that – you reach the final page, but you feel slightly uneasy, because a crucial piece is missing – until you turn one more page ….and there it is. Brilliant.
… (más)

Having read Faith's The Assassins' Village which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was very keen to acquaint myself with another work by her. This did not disappoint.

Diana (a prominent author and newly pregnant) and Steve go on holiday to Malaysia where Diana spent time as a child. The owner (Miss Chalcot) of the hotel in which they are staying, is an admirer of Diana's work and asks her if she would kindly sift through some diaries and papers to gather information on some particular family events that occurred in the 50s and 60s, in this very hotel, to write a book with a view to 'putting right' some questionable details. Diana however, has some innate sleuthing skills and uncovers more than Miss Chalcot expected.

The story is told mostly via the diaries. I do not know if Faith herself actually spent time in Malaysia – but her knowledge and/or research into this country's history of the last 60 or 70 years ago is impeccable and provides a well-informed backdrop to the story. The story is perfectly conceived and you are never ahead of Diana as she unfolds the mysteries of the wealthy Chalcot family. All the characters are well portrayed and very credible; there are teenagers with new and raw emotions, parents who are mismatched and distant, charismatic local members of the family's staff and Diana and Steve are an amiable, likeable couple whose affection for each other is evident without being 'schmaltzy'.

Faith is certainly making her mark as a 'mystery' writer and I see Diana becoming the next 'Miss Marple', with her congenial husband Steve as her sidekick!

Diana and Steve are two characters featured in The Assassins' Village - reading it is not a prerequisite; Children is not a sequel. It stands alone perfectly and is just as enjoyable.

Well done, Faith, you have delighted your readers once again.
… (más)

I have said this twice before when reviewing Faith’s books, and I will say it again, because the compliment is warranted all the more. There is no doubt that Faith is well on the way to becoming the 21st century Agatha Christie. Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple will live on for many years; look out for Diana Rivers who will be making her name as a modern-day, fictional amateur sleuth. She appears in two of Faith’s books as well as this one and this is one more mystery for her to solve.

Pretty blonde nurses are going missing and being stalked in two hospitals – in London and in Southampton…..

Libby Hunter is a pretty blonde nursing sister working in a Southampton hospital – a perfect employment location to pursue her love of sailing. Not only does she get to sail in prestigious yacht races, but she can indulge her passion in the sport with her new yacht-owner boyfriend, Nigel, a prominent, successful, wealthy, good-looking and eligible surgeon. However, a head injury sustained during a race on Nigel’s boat gives Libby two dilemmas – temporary amnesia and an attraction to the helicopter rescue pilot who transports her to hospital for treatment.

As Libby’s memory gradually recovers, she becomes confused by Nigel’s behaviour and actions and by her feelings towards her hero pilot whose support is becoming invaluable. If that wasn’t enough, she is further unsettled by an intruder into her home one evening – worrying because nothing was stolen or disturbed…….in the meantime, the hospital stalker is stepping up a gear….or two….

This is a page-turner that keeps you on your toes. Why does Nigel keep disappearing to his London flat? Why is his ex-wife there? Why is Robert so supportive, yet mysterious, especially about the attractive woman and baby Libby sees him with? Why is the gentle, amateur dramatics aficionado, but uncommunicative hospital porter, Peter, so worried about Libby? What is troubling him about his sighting of the stalker? Each time you are led down a path of suspicion, you are diverted down another. If you think you are going to outwit this author, think again.

Faith is a very methodical and organised author. Her attention to detail is impeccable. Her knowledge and/or research of the sailing fraternity and amateur dramatics is detailed and faultless. Faith sets an immaculate scene and no stone is left unturned. She carefully makes each character believable and imaginable and the dialogue is natural and uncontrived. The result is a perfectly flowing, effortlessly readable and thoroughly enjoyable book.

This is the third of Faith’s books I have read and all I can say is, well done, very well done once again, Faith. Next please!… (más)

Isn’t it comforting to pick up a book by a favourite author and have confidence that you are going to enjoy their book? Faith is one such author. My confidence is always justified.

This was a departure from her other books I’ve read, which feature her glamorous amateur sleuth, Diana Rivers. This was quite, quite different and represents the diversity of talent Faith has.

The book is set partly in the present around a keen yachtsman and his wife, who fulfil a long-held desire to cross the Atlantic. This doesn’t end too well. While Richard contemplates the events of the unfortunate crossing in the following months, two women stumble into his life and reawaken memories of his own father, Billy, and his life during WW2 and with whom Richard shares a love of the sea. We then go back and follow Billy during the latter war years, who, after leaving the pretty little love of his life in the English countryside, finds himself in the relentlessly harsh, cruel, and despicable conditions of POW camps, making desperate and determined efforts to survive.

This is a story of romance, bravery, determination, survival, heartbreak and joy, all poignantly and convincingly conveyed. Richard’s compelling desire to discover the horror of his reticent father’s experiences bring with it regrets and touching recollections of his relationship with him. All perfectly blended, well balanced and served up with Faith’s usual clarity. There is a clue in the title—Book 1 indicates there’s a Book 2—and there’s a gentle little teaser to tempt you on.

I always seem to end my reviews on Faith’s books identically, but I have to say it once more. Another excellent book; well done again, Faith.… (más)