Who Killed Patrick? By Syl Waters
Confession
Okay, full disclosure – I thought this book was going to give me a dilemma. I like to keep things positive (there’s enough bad stuff in the real world, without moaning online.)
And I wasn’t absolutely certain I was going to like Who Killed Patrick by Syl Waters.
So, why review it?
Well, it was marketed to me as being about Tarah, a young woman with a life is going nowhere. Not disinteresting.
At the drop of a hat, she decides to junk the UK and head to Fuerteventura to start a new adventure.
She soon starts a job managing a hotel complex. However, a dead guest threatens to pull apart her hoped-for dream life.
So: I like a bit of a crime, I like of bit of sun and it sounded OK.
There was some bit about Tarah’s pet guinea pig, Mr Bob, who apparently has a knack for sniffing out trouble and suspects foul play.
Not really keen on supernatural talking animals but I thought, what’s to lose?
Rapture!
I am pleased to say my misgivings were dispelled on the second page.
Any book where the frustrated protagonist can respond to a patronising boss asking her how to open an email attachment with, ‘I can open it as well if you want?’ I asked in my most pleasant would-you-like-me-to-suck-your-cock-while-doing-the-splits personal assistant voice,’ is a winner in my book.
Any book where the frustrated protagonist can respond to a patronising boss asking her how to open an email attachment with, ‘I can open it as well if you want?’ I asked in my most pleasant would-you-like-me-to-suck-your-cock-while-doing-the-splits personal assistant voice,’ is a winner in my book
Who Killed Patrick? continues in the same vein. It is a charming read with a delightful, well-intentioned central character wholly and realistically out of her depth.
Who among us can’t relate to a lead character who feels like there is, ‘Always too much month and not enough money’?
I also like the dashes of crudity which make Tarah a realistic heroine. When she meets one character she says, ‘‘Coochi cooo, who are yoooooo?’ He says in a I’m-talking-to-a-little-baby-in-a-very-silly-but-very-cute-voice-which-makes-women’s-hearts-melt-and-them-feel-slightly-moist-between-their-legs,’ which is just splendid.
Unconventional Detective
Likewise, one tires of amateur detectives wandering thorugh murder mysteries blithely immune to the stress and strains it would take on you. Not our Tarah.
I struggle to imagine Hercule Poirot in his climactic final get together of the suspects saying, ‘If I wasn’t going to have to go out and be the ring leader, I’d be laughing at this crazy scene. But as I have to be a part of this, I’m not. I’m shitting it. My stomach curls and I feel like my insides are about to explode into my pants. My intestines are twisting and cramping like they’re trying to perform a Trucker’s Hitch knot.’
I also appreciate Waters’ description of Fuerteventura, a place she makes sound like a sun soaked volcanic paradise – dead holiday maker and permanently sozzled ex-pat “locals” aside.
Mr Bob
I was prepared to dislike a talking guinea pig with a nose for trouble. But, again, I had misjudged the quality of the writing and the story telling.
For those who are concerned – worry not.
Mr Bob is a charmer and I look forward to encountering him again in future adventures. Or so I hope!
Pleasingly, you can see Mr Bob here: @mrbob.guineapig
Conclusion
Rarely have I been more pleased to be wrong about a book. Who Killed Patrick? by Syl Waters is a delightful read which zips by with charm and highly skilled writing. I can not wait for a sequel (please, please, please) and to read more of Waters’ work.
Highly recommended!
Purchase Links
UK –https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08BJ4RPTS/
US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BJ4RPTS/
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Author Bio – Most people know crazy cat ladies are a ‘thing’, but I’m a proud crazy guinea pig lady! I love fun in the sun and plenty of cocktails. My happy place is flip flops. I write stories to keep me company – my characters ensure I’m never lonely and always smiling (when I’m not tearing my hair out!)
Social Media Links –
Twitter: @waters_syl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syl.waters.54
PAJ Newman 