Real voices. Honest praise. Discover why readers love Sue Robertson Danells’ novels.
Amazon Customer
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I have just finished reading this recently published novel “Bittersweet”. I found it compelling from beginning to end and didn’t want to put it down. The characters are believable, interesting and very relatable, the storyline strong and well written. It explores the devastating effect family secrets can have on an individual and the trauma they can create. I can thoroughly recommend this book and look forward to more from Sue Robertson Danells.
Deborah Watts
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‘The Long Game’ is a great new novel by Sue Robertson Danells, the first of a trilogy of books featuring DI Maggie Dent. It is so refreshing to read about a strong investigating female lead in a genre generally dominated by male characters.
The characters, especially that of Maggie are realistic and sympathetically drawn. The author shows a high level of emotional literacy in her characterisation, as well as the willingness to raise contentious but relevant social issues throughout.
During the investigation Maggie is challenged almost beyond endurance when her latest case finds herself and her team struggle tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice.
When a close family member is involved in the case, Maggie is forced to step away from her DI role and hand over the reigns to her old nemesis and rival who creates unimaginable levels of stress to Maggie as well as turmoil to her loyal team.
There are many twists and turns, red herrings and obstructions in The Long Game and if you are a reader who enjoys crime thrillers, with a dose of social injustice and a strong female lead the this is the book for you. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Ann Perdew
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Five To Love August Spotlight Author
This month I’m starting off by shining the spotlight on a masterful murder mystery. As a longtime fan of British mysteries, I absolutely fell in love with Sue Robertson Danells’ The Long Game.
5 Suspense Stars For This One!!!
Told in 3rd person through multiple points of view.
This book is like watching one of the literary suspense masters at work. The tension builds slowly in this contemporary whodunit as the reader follows the crimes and investigation through the eyes of multiple key players. The narrative is developed with CSI precision to detail.
I love the little vignettes, glimpses of the daily lives and thought processes of the various characters involved as the mystery unfolds. The way the author has chosen to include the killer in her cast of players is nothing short of brilliant. Witnessing the happenings through his eyes, understanding his motivations, adds an unexpected depth to the tale.
The author has also created interesting relevant characters, each with their own unique personalities, lives, and issues. She has pieced together a very believable ensemble cast whose stories flow seamlessly into one another while addressing the difficult topics of grief, loss, class divisions, and societal inequities.
It is a brilliantly written novel with unexpected twists and turns that kept me gripping the edge of my seat until the very end. I will 100% be reading the next DI Dent novel in the series.
William Bailey
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Alfred’s faith and doubt are treated with care and realism. This isn’t a preachy book, it’s an honest one, and I loved that about it.
Verified Review
The Plot in Brief: Alfred ‘Freddie’ Tyler has a difficult birth that leaves him with an hypoxic brain injury. He has trouble learning and suffers from epileptic seizures. Both hinder his progress but he perseveres, determined to make something of himself. He travels to Canada to start a new life only to return to England where his life takes a dark turn.
The Characters: The book opens with an intimate portrayal of the Tyler family, Freddie’s parents, siblings and extended family. They are a close-knit loving family living in Brighton in the 1860s. Freddie is the focus of the story which is told in tender detail. We learn about Freddie’s frequent failures and few successes even as his family rallies around him, offering support. When Freddie sails for Canada he meets William, an upper-class man who befriends him. Together they make a life in Manitoba where Freddie falls in love and becomes engaged to be married. His fiancé, Eleanor, is just a brief blip in this book, which I found strange. I also thought there could have been a bit more tension, everyone seems so loving and supportive, there’s only a cranky Grandmother to stir the pot.
The History: I thoroughly enjoyed the historical setting for the book, especially the domestic details of the 1800s. Life was not easy but there were many moments of happiness. The description of the ship and the passage to Canada was also interesting. Life in Canada was equally harsh, especially for two bachelor men trying to start a farm from scratch. The details seemed accurate and well researched.
The Writing: The book is written in present tense which is not always easy to pull off but the writer did a great job. The narrative POV flips between multiple first person and third person, sometimes midchapter which I found distracting. There were some punctuation issues that although did not distract from the story were found throughout the book.
Overall: I enjoyed the story of Freddie Tyler, he is definitely a sympathetic character. I was a little bit disappointed at the ending but to explain why would give away the story.
Recommendation: I think anyone who enjoys good historical fiction will appreciate this novel.
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