Review: Mary's Prayer

Stephen Larkin is a tabloid journalist for a London rag not unlike the Mirror or the Sun, but worse--think a more gossipy Weekly World News. He's bitter, cynical, and very pissed off when he gets his latest assignment--to cover the funeral of a drug dealer in Grimley, a small town near Newcastle. Grimley was the town Larkin grew up in, and vowed never to return to. Even though he's still not overly comfortable with London, he wants nothing more to do with Newcastle. But fate has other plans. Especially upon his arrival, when he meets up with an old girlfriend, Charlotte. Knowing his background, she implores him to find out the truth behind her friend Mary's death--the cops say suicide, but things don't really add up.

Soon Larkin is launched into a world of betrayal, corruption, drug-running, and some incredibly brutal violence. There's one scene in particular which had me practically gagging, as I could feel the agony and pain Larkin suffers at the hands of one particularly nasty dude. But for all the relentlessly dark moments, there's some very funny bits, especially involving Andy, the photographer who's also sent to cover the funeral, who is just so flummoxed when he's out of his London environs.

So why did I love the book? Several reasons. First and foremost, Larkin. He's bitter, cynical, all that, but most of all he's longing for a sense of place, and soon realizes that after all the horrible things that occur, there's a possibility for a real home in Newcastle. He's got a streak of nobility that he doesn't want but it serves him well. Second, the writing. Waites goes from violence to romance to humor to pathos with ease. The book really comes together well and it's amazing that this is a first novel, the voice is so strong and assured. Finally, all the supporting characters, from Andy and Charlotte, to Mary, the impetus for everything that happens. No matter how small the role they play, it's an important one and each person introduced has some degree of individuality.

And with two more Larkin books awaiting me plus another one due to be released in April, I'm a happy girl indeed.

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

Book Review: Mary's Prayer