Book Review: The Meanest Flood

Reviewed By: Donna M - RAM

[5 stars]

The Meanest Flood Amazon US PB Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB
John Baker
Class/Genre: Mystery
Series: Sam Turner # 6
Orion; £10.99

Sam Turner is on a job in Nottingham, tracking down an errant wife for a client back in York. While he's there, a woman called Kitty Turner is murdered. Coincidence? Or sleight of hand? Kitty was one of Sam's ex-wives and, of course, Sam comes under suspicion for her murder. Subsequent events make Sam realise that he himself is the real target. Now all he has to do is work out why, and by whom. From the very start of the book, the reader knows that the killer is a magician - a master of illusion and trickery, smoke and mirrors. His greatest illusion is now underway. Kitty Turner's death is simply a means to an end - it's Sam he's really after.

The Meanest Flood of the title is both literal and metaphorical. As the flood waters threaten to engulf York, Sam is forced to face a tidal wave of memories that he'd much rather keep at bay. Sam's life becomes a nightmare as he tries to stay one step ahead of a killer who is as invisible as he is unfathomable. The only thing Sam knows is where the murderer will strike next.

The Sam Turner series just gets better and better. As in the previous five books, the characterisation is wonderful. Sam and his friends and colleagues have grown so much since the first book in the series (Poet In The Gutter). The relationships in this book are special - friendship, loyalty, honesty and trust really matter in a world which can be cold and unfeeling. John Baker writes with great skill and sensitivity. Chills and warmth go hand in hand as the tension is lightened by welcome touches of humour. This is a series with heart and soul, which has the ability to stay in my mind long after I've finished reading and which makes me glad I'm a crime fiction fan.

Donna M - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Donna M - RAM

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