TimTutor

Recently, I decided to wade through a series of popular ‘page-turners’ to see what made them work (and sell millions of copies). First up is ‘Personal’, from the ‘Jack Reacher’ series of novels by Lee Child.

Reacher is ostensibly recruited to track down and neutralise an unknown sniper who is planning a hit on the London G5 conference.This sniper could be one of five candidates, at least one of whom has a serious grudge against Reacher.

It’s certainly very readable, if grisly in places. The story stays interesting through its varied pacing and plot twists, which tend to be teased and hinted at. I didn’t need to go back and re-read to check my understanding, unlike some of the unreliably narrated thrillers like ‘Gone Girl’ or ‘The Girl on the Train’. The author has plenty of fun with the conventions of the genre, weaving in and out of parody in places.

Where Lee Child really succeeds is in making the reader (or me, at least) feel as if they have some insight into secret service operations. He is also a master of fast-paced action scenes, and the end-of-chapter cliffhanger. Personal is narrated through Reacher himself, revealing much about the uncompromising way he sees the world. Interestingly for budding writers, Child changes from first person to third person narration between books in the series, depending on the sort of story he wants to tell. ‘Personal’ is very cleverly structured to ramp up the tension and provide some surprises along the way.

All in all, this is well worth reading if you think you would enjoy an intelligently written conspiracy thriller with the odd philosophical aside. It’s very entertaining, and there is a lot to learn here about keeping your reader gripped for many pages at a time. If you enjoy it, there are another twenty-two in the series to keep you busy!

National Poetry Day today - plenty of poetry and food for thought here!

National Poetry Day National Poetry Day is taking place on 28th September 2017. Celebrations will take place across the UK on this year's theme of 'freedom'.

A great programme at the Birmingham Literature festival this year, from old school big hitters to newer voices, across a huge range of literary forms, subjects and event formats.

Take a look at the programme if you haven’t seen it yet - something for everyone, I reckon.

Birmingham Literature Festival | 3rd-13th October 2019 Autumn at Birmingham Literature Festival: inspiring conversations, writing and debate.

I’m just finishing off Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials series before the BBC adaptation starts on 3rd November. What brilliant books! A gripping story, terrific characters and a mindbending mix of fantasy, science, religion and multiple universes, all casting some really interesting reflections on our own world. Recommended for any adventurous reader, with repeat doses as necessary. You’ll get something different out of it every time. Start with Northern Lights, then The Subtle Knife and Amber Spyglass to finish.