Red/Black

Although it has a contemporary focus based on mental health and gambling, it won't date..Red Black This book is not my usual genre but having once started reading it its a real page turner . Beautifully written it keeps you guessing until the end.

There's reasons why people often gamble away life savings and in this case it's ever present in every morsel of this plot. This is a vivid and lively approach to a steadily growing problem in a world in which job wages are stagnant, living wages are obsolete, and many are having to work to death to try to make below poverty wages. In this case we have a wife, mother, and a secret gambler who has a family that's struck by a horrific tragedy. Sarah is our main character whose marriage to Graeme has seen better days. As we embark on this journey through time we sense trouble in paradise. Fifteen years ago Sarah had the unimaginable reality of losing her son Ben. The depression from that incident has caused a revolving set of depression and grief that refuels with gambling losses. Seb and Izzy her two children are present but not as engaged until dad enters the picture as a narcissist on a mission. His mission involves his own needs being fulfilled. As he strokes his own ego readers become engaged in another incident that sets the whole world ablaze. It's a insane ending that results in heightened awareness to the common belief system in everything happening for a reason. I love the back and forth tug and pull between the characters, the drama, the increasing tension with each flip of the page. An interesting premise, a thickening plot, a suspenseful ending leads this to a four star review.

A triple whammy, AA, GA and NA and that's just the doctors wife. This could oh so easily fallen of the rails. Addiction, is at best a minefield to write about. Every person is different, as is each addiction. It does well to incorporate the drugs and alcohol along side the gambling. Yes people have multiple addictions. Back to the story. For a debut novel, this is excellent. The characters and the plot are very strong. The casino's are well represented but only due to the narrative of what's going through the characters mind for bet placements. Army, a move to Germany, infidelity and a marriage breakdown. I could give you more, but this is one story you are going to have to read for yourself. Just remind yourself this one thing, "...the house always wins..."

Great and extremely tense sorry. Td really well with great relatable characters and I would highly recommend this.

Wow!!! I read this in one whole sitting!! This Book was great. It had an excellent pace, a strong plot and the characters had good depth and were interesting! It is an amazing read and I highly recommend it!