Customer Reviews

1 reviews

• Martin Read

  Local author Cliff Comber has just launched his first book – Running for his Lives – and it’s a cracker. Drawing on his considerable experience when he was a police officer, Cliff provides a great insight into police tactics at briefings and how detective work operates – the thinking, the suspicions, the deductions and the pursuit of justice. After scene-setting build up, a fast moving, tense page turner takes off with excellent dialogue and bandinage. Conversation is not always easy to write, but Cliff has nailed it. Principal character Dutch French was determined to rid himself of the nightmare memories of his childhood; orphaned as an infant when his father was killed in action, his mother’s subsequent suicide had a profound effect. Constant bullying and humiliation, combined with a disadvantaged lifestyle throughout his early years, caused his behaviour to deteriorate. However, all changed for the better when, following in his father’s footsteps, Dutch joined the Army, immediately enhancing his life. Due to an unusual but fortunate assignment, he meets and marries Melanie. During years of happy marriage and a long, distinguished military career, a number of near-death experiences fuel a conviction that he really did have nine lives. But, after using up some of these when surviving several life threatening incidents, he established a more peaceful existence. This, though was shattered when his wife is viciously assaulted and raped, triggering a series of fatal events, changing their lives forever.
  Running for his Lives is a very imaginative and completely authentic work. When did Cliff first have the idea? “About three and a half years ago!” Cliff tells the District Post, continuing: “And, I worked on it, developing the story during that time and the events described just clicked into place.” The book tests readers with moral issues – clearly Dutch French has strong principles, but the lust for revenge takes over: what can he do to avenge the wrongs suffered? Drastic, secretive, but clinical action is planned and executed - will he get away with it? Should crime be allowed to pay? And, what happens in the sudden, chilling denouement?
  After his excellent debut novel what more writing projects does Cliff Comber have – is there another thriller in the offing? Cliff says: “It was a big job getting Running for his Lives onto book shelves – but I do have an idea for a sequel, so I’d love to explore that possibility!” Meanwhile, Cliff’s book is available from Waterstones in Horsham – and from Amazon, who describe it as ‘An explosive story of love, myth and ultimate retribution’. And, Cliff will be at the Cootes Farm Summer Fayre at Horsham’s Merryfield Drive this Saturday, June 9th – 2-4pm when he will be pleased to sign copies of Run for his Lives.
  

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