Angel Rock by
Darren Williams
hbk out May 02
Published by HarperCollins
at £12.99
Darren Williams is a relatively new writer – this is his second novel but it has the
fluency and skill one would associate with a more experienced author. Set in
Australia in 1969, in the small town of the title, it is as much a coming of age novel as
it is a crime story. In the sweltering summer heat Tom Ferry, "almost thirteen years
old and still simple hearted" and his small brother get lost on the walk home. Ten
days later Tom returns alone and exhausted, unable to remember his ordeal in the
bush. Soon after, Darcy Steele, a teenage girl from the town, is found dead in
Sydney. Gibson, a policeman from the big city comes to Angel Rock looking for the
reason behind Darcy's death, a death which echoes tragic events in his own past.
Williams' prose is poetic and rich with images you want to savour even as the
narrative draws you on. Tragedy looms large in the story and the suspense builds as
the small town is torn apart by loss. Many people, including Tom and Gibson, have
to come to terms with the traumas they have suffered. Williams also demonstrates
how kindness and goodness and love are to be valued and he creates such empathy
with the characters that we are moved to tears on occasion. A gem.
Manchester Evening News 3.5.03
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries set on the mean streets of Manchester)
