WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE

By Nicholas Coleridge

reviewed by Mike Crowl

Too often, the blurbs on book covers seem to come from reviewers who are far too easily satisfied, and the book turns out to be a disappointment. Not so with Nicholas Coleridge's latest novel. In this case I'm in total agreement with the blurbs!

There are 450 pages of sustained and entertaining writing; an ongoing mystery with twists and turns in every direction; a great variety of distinguishable characters (including a hero who is obstinately determined to solve the murders one minute, and overwhelmed by his own failures the next), and a detailed background of top quality magazine publishing amongst wealthy (and often absurd) high society.

Sure, the plot is full of co-incidences, but Mr Coleridge has the ability to make us enjoy them without being niggled by them. And whenever Kit Preston, the hero and narrator, does something that most of us would avoid like the plague, he justifies himself with the most endearing way, saying in effect, "I can't tell you why I did this…"

Pacy, polished and exciting; an acidly smart thriller; a riveting and well-informed read; sharp, vivid and insightful. All quotes from the cover, and all correct!

Published in paperback by Orion, 1997

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