On my blog today I’m pleased to share my book review of Smile Of The Stowaway by Tony Bassett. Thank you to Rachel Gilbey, Conrad Press and the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great book as part of the blog tour.
About the book:
A married couple, a stranger from far away and a murder that rocks their lives.
Desperate to reach England, a bedraggled immigrant clings precariously beneath a couple’s motor home as they cross the Channel. Once holidaymakers Bob and Anne overcome their shock at his discovery and their initial reservations, they welcome the friendly stranger into their home in defiance of the law.
But their trust is stretched to the limit when the police accuse the smiling twenty-three-year-old of a gruesome murder. Could this man from six thousand miles away be guilty? Or is the real killer still out there?
Former national newspaper journalist Tony Bassett tells how Anne turns detective, battling against a mountain of circumstantial evidence and police bungling to discover the truth. This gripping first novel concerning a death in a remote Kentish country cottage is packed with mystery, suspense and occasional touches of humour.
About the author:
Tony Bassett, who was born in West Kent, grew up wanting to be a writer from the age of nine when he edited a school magazine.
After attending Hull University where he won a `Time-Life’ magazine student journalism award, he spent six years working a journalist in Sidcup, Worcester and Cardiff
before moving to Fleet Street. Tony spent 37 years working for the national press, mainly for the`Sunday People’ where he worked both for the newsdesk and the investigations department.
He helped cover the Jeremy Thorpe trial for the `Evening Standard’, broke the news in the `Sun’ of Bill Wyman’s plans to marry Mandy Smith and found evidence for the `Sunday People’ of Rod Stewart’s secret love child. On one occasion, while working for `The People’, he took an escaped gangster back to prison.
His first book, `Smile Of The Stowaway’, is one of four crime novels Tony has written over the past three years. He has five grown-up children and eleven grandchildren. He lives in South East London with his partner, Lin.
Social Media Links –
https://www.facebook.com/tonybassettauthor/
Twitter: @tonybassett1
Tony’s author website:
http://www.tonybassettauthor.com
My Review:
Smile Of The Stowaway captured my imagination from the very first page. What would you do if you found a man had stowed away under your motor home? Would you invite him in to your home? Or would you send him on his way? It’s a moral dilemma that I hope never to have to face, but I think I’d be more inclined towards Anne’s reaction than Bob’s, who decided to invite him in.
Bob and Anne have just returned from a trip abroad when they find a bedraggled immigrant clinging precariously to the bottom of their motor home. After the initial shock has worn off, Bob invites the friendly, smiling stranger into their home. Anne is at first a reluctant participant but soon comes round to the idea of allowing the man to stay.
But soon their trust is stretched to the limit when the police accuse Yusuf of a gruesome murder. Is the man they’ve grown to care about guilty? Or is the real killer still out there?
Our reluctant protagonist, Anne, finds herself turning detective as she tries to uncover the truth of what really happened at Lilac Cottage. What follows is a fascinating story that picks up pace as we move through the book, the intensity increasing with every page.
With twists and turns aplenty this is a book that kept me on my toes throughout. I had no idea how this thrilling story was going to end! It kept me guessing and had me gripped right up until the final page was turned.
Tony Bassett has written a book that’s not only a murder mystery but is also a character driven story that makes you think. I loved Bob and Anne, who were brought so vividly to life as they found themselves embroiled in Yusuf’s story.
Smile Of The Stowaway is a fascinating tale that’s full of mystery and suspense. With touches of humour sprinkled throughout to lighten what is sometimes a dark read, this is a book that I would recommend.
Smile Of The Stowaway by Tony Bassett is available to buy now:
Follow along with the blog tour to see what’s these other brilliant bloggers have to say:
Cal Turner Reviews 
Writer Tony Bassett says: Thank you so much for such a positive review.and for recommending my novel, Smile Of The Stowaway. While in the throes of writing it, I had no idea it would be so warmly received.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very welcome, Tony. Such a good read!
LikeLike