Page Updated: 27/09/00
Jenny Roberts
Jenny Roberts
NeedlepointNeedlepoint
About the Author
Bibliography


British Pbk Original - Diva Books (2000)
Needlepoint
Cameron McGill is flawed yet strong and when her journalist sister, Carrie, dies in circumstances so out of character, she is forced to look beyond the line fed to her by the police. Unable to accept the advice of friends and colleagues, McGill decides that her sister deserves more than a dismissive shrug of the shoulders and the ‘shit happens’ attitude of officialdom. Her nightmare journey through the seedier side of cosmopolitan Amsterdam is a constant reminder that all is not as it seems. The individuals she meets along the way: the German Businesswoman with an agenda of her own; Hellen, a lesbian cop who irritates and then intrigues our heroine and the street people, the vulnerable and the young are all skilfully drawn. With a backdrop of squats, unhelpful officials and drug-induced danger that is never very far away, Needle Point delves into very murky waters indeed. An impressive debut… hugely believable characters and bright as a button prose.
‘ I have always loved Amsterdam and this excellent debut novel from Jenny Roberts (of Libertas!) reminded me why. Like the city itself, it is a tantalising mix of passions and excitement. Needle Point is full of underlying danger, interspersed with a tongue-in-cheek wit that spills onto the pages - and one of the best finales I have ever come across.’ Alma Fritchley (Chicken Run, Chicken Feed and Chicken Out)
‘A pacey, energetic thriller told in a crisp, direct style with an understanding of locations that gives a solid, authentic feel. Jenny Roberts avoids the usual stereotypes: none of the good guys are super good, whilst the bad guys are convincingly bad.’ Manda Scott (Hen’s Teeth, Night Mares and Stronger than Death)
‘...deserves to be read by more than a niche market. Cameron has the short hair and the big Harley-Davidson of a dyke the straight world would recognise. When she can’t get over her sister’s mysterious death in Amsterdam, she sets off to conduct her own investigation... this is an excellently paced, well-plotted thriller.’ The Guardian
‘... a fast moving tale of revenge and retribution.’ Time Out
‘...I read about three-quarters of the book without putting it down.... I found it completely enthralling.’ Amy Lamé (on BBC London Live)
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About The Author
Jenny Roberts was born in the Yorkshire seaside town of Bridlington, but has spent most of her adult life running a printing business in Harrogate and writing commercial copy for clients.
She now lives in York with her partner where she runs the Libertas! Bookshop, which she started in 1998 and splits her time between writing and selling books.
For relaxation, Jenny enjoys walking, gardening, reading and travel.
Needle Point is her debut novel.

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Bibliography
N.B. dates and publishers in dark red indicate British First Editions. Dates and publishers in black indicate recent reprints.

  • Needlepoint (Diva Books Pbk, 2000)

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