Secret Shelter Rob Gittins

Description

The sequel to Rob Gittins’ hard-hitting first crime thriller, Gimme Shelter (2013), based on the witness protection service. Secret Shelter continues the story of witness protection officer, Ros Gilet, as she attempts to solve the mystery of a copycat killing in the present which brings back characters from the past who should no longer exist.

Stori iasoer sy’n ddilyniant i Gimme Shelter (2013), ac sy’n parhau â hanes y swyddog gwarchod tystion Ros Gilet, wrth iddi geisio datrys dirgelwch llofruddiaeth yn y presennol sydd fel pe bai’n atgyfodi cymeriadau o’r gorffennol na ddylent fodoli.

If there’s one thing you can be sure of when it comes to Rob Gittins’s literary output, it is that he’s not afraid of a scintillating pace – and Secret Shelter is punctuated at 200 BPM from beginning to end.

Delving into the murky underworld of delicate police and criminal operations that even HBO would be afraid to touch, Gittins has created something truly special here, as disparate crime stories, shadowy figures and a complex web of terrifying truths (and even more troubling lies) crash together in a blend of mystery and intrigue.

All sounds good so far? It is, but there are three warnings to impart before you embark on the all-encompassing journey that is Secret Shelter:

– it’s time to temporarily give up on your spouses, friends and partners, because for the next few days you won’t be speaking to them! So impulsive is Gittins’s work that you’re unlikely to be able to take your head out of this book for more than a moment. Perhaps grab a few days off work and rent out a cottage…;

– this is NOT for those of a nervous disposition! From brazen ‘specialist’ rentboys to incredibly violent depictions of brutal violence, Secret Shelter covers the full expression of socially unacceptable acts as it draws one further into this psychological thriller. We can’t think of many taboos untouched;

– and finally, get yourself an incident room; because as this novel free wheels from start to end, the sheer volume of fascinating characters, mysterious surprises and downright bizarre occurrences will leave you somewhat breathless – and without a very clear head you might just struggle to keep up!

If there’s one slight criticism one could level at Gittins’s work, it’s that he’s not afraid of layering on some seriously thick descriptive prose, occasionally labouring his text with an extra metaphor or simile where the purist might argue it’s not really necessary. This does, however, ensure that the novel is awash with detail and colour, and amidst the sex clubs, incident rooms and oilrigs that this novel romps through, the full picture is always delivered, without fail.

Highly recommended for cheering up these miserable post-Christmas months, or indeed any other time of the year!

Jack Clothier