Blog Tour - Into the River by Mark Brandi

About The Book:

WINNER OF THE CRIME WRITERS' ASSOCIATION DEBUT DAGGER

WINNER OF THE 2018 INDIE DEBUT FICTION AWARD

Publisher - Legend Press

Release date - 01/03/2019

Growing up in a small country town, Ben and Fab spend their days playing cricket, wanting a pair of Nike Air Maxes and not talking about how Fab's dad hits him, or how the sudden death of Ben's next-door neighbour unsettled him. Almost teenagers, they already know some things are better left unsaid.

Then a newcomer arrived. Fab reckoned he was a secret agent and he and Ben staked him out. He looked strong. Maybe even stronger than Fab's dad. Neither realised the shadow this man would cast over both their lives.

Twenty years later, Fab is going nowhere but hoping for somewhere better. Then a body is found in the river, and Fab can't ignore the past any more.

My Thoughts:

This is a short book, coming in at under 250 pages, and as such we are thrust right into the story from the outset.

As we know from the blurb, Ben and Fab are young boys and I should add some trigger warnings for graphic language as well as the dark themes that are explored in the plot (no spoilers, I promise) The language is used to give a realistic feel to their relationships and how they're trying to figure out the world as they grow up.

The plot is split into different parts as we're taken forwards and backwards through time through their story. I really enjoy when that is used as a tool in books and done well, which this is. I found this novel captivating, creepy and extremely well-paced, as well as being so well written to put you into the minds of these children.

In parts, the plot is gruesome, vulgar and heart breaking but this is pivotal in taking us as the reader through the narrative. If you liked Tin Man by Sarah Winman - one of my favourite reads of 2018 - I suggest you give this a go. It has similar themes of friendship and, while I found it difficult to read in places, I was completely drawn in and found it incredibly powerful.

I'm very lucky to have been sent a proof copy of this from the publisher, and I'm so excited to be part of the blog tour for the UK release. It's a darkly enticing read that is worthy of it's award winning status.