Crime and Thrillers
A Practical Arrangement is a life-affirming, bitter-sweet tale of an ordinary family life uncontrollably descending into despair, crime and impossible choices. A sobering narrative for our times of unrealistic and unattainable life expectations.
When a nurturing boss leaves the biotech company Andy works for, he is left struggling with his jealous peers and the fear of onrushing redundancy. With finances stretched and a growing family to support, Andy is pushed to breaking point.
Sneaking some samples of an untested depression medication into his bag one evening after work, Andy hopes the drug will help him to turn his life around. Instead, Andy falls into an abusive and life-changing affair with the headstrong paradox that is Janey Robins who trades her body for Andy’s intoxicating drug. A practical arrangement riven with self-interest and mutual deceit. But it is not only Janey who is interested in the drug as the police close in on the source of a life-threatening new drug which has suddenly appeared on the streets.
Will Andy be able to turn things around, or have the choices he has made ruin his family life and career beyond redemption?
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Something different, an interesting read. Not what I expected from the start. Really good read, I was gripped from the first chapter to the end.
Couldn't put it down! If you like crime with a bit of science thrown in then this is the book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. A bit different from the rest and a surprising twist at the end.
An intriguing and unusual book of how people react under pressure and the life choices they choose. A novel of broken relationships, unmet aspirations, hedonism and the fear and shame of being involved in serious crime. Lots of twists and turns and very much a bittersweet tale. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy storylines that are a bit different as well as those who are interested in science and medicine.
This was a good book. I liked how unique the story was. I certainly haven't read many books like this one. It was really interesting in places. I enjoyed the majority of the book it just needed tightening in places. I also would have liked to experience more emotions from reading it or a change in the atmosphere created. These issues are mine. They are likely down to my tastes. If you love medical drama around drug development, then you should give this book a go or at least try a sample to see if this book is your next 5 star read.
I read lots of debut novels and am always excited to come across new writers with raw talent who then go on to find successful literary careers. Verity Trevethan's debut is one of those books that sparked excitement as I read it. This is a book about neighbours in middle class suburbia, full of all the jealousy and competitiveness that is rife in these situations. I loved the characters despite (or perhaps because of) their deceitful traits. There's suspense, innuendo, lust and deliciously black humour throughout. There are also carefully structured character arcs and lessons are learned about what is really important in life and love. A beautifully written bitter-sweet story.