The Sleep Of The Dead
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
We seem to be enjoying a golden age of brilliantly written first novels: Tom Bradby's Shadow Dancer received a nosegay of rave reviews, all praising the assurance and skill of his writing. With The Sleep of the Dead, Bradby has overcome the inevitable second novel problem: this one is every bit as assured as its predecessor, and combines characterisation as astute as anything in literary fiction with the forcefully realised mechanics of the thriller novel.
Julia Havilland has had a troubled childhood. And when her father, Colonel Mitchell Havilland, dies in the Falklands in a mystifying act of heroism, Julia finds that her return from 15 years in China means that she must come to terms with the ghosts of the past. Living under the threat of an inquiry that will almost certainly end her career in military intelligence, Julia finds herself confronting the past again, with the image of her beloved father ever more present in her thoughts. Only by a painful and dangerous investigation, can she lay the ghosts of the past--and perhaps come to terms with the problems of the present. What makes this forcefully written piece such a commanding read is the multifaceted characterisation of Julia. But Bradby does not try to make us like her, and we are quickly involved with her plight as she tries to rend the veil of secrets that is destroying her life. This is a novel about the destructive effects of suspicion and betrayal on human existence (a superscription from Shakespeare makes this clear, although it is evident from the first chapter onwards), and the novel functions both as an exemplary psychological thriller and a novel of character. --Barry Forshaw --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
'Quite exceptional...Tom Bradby succeeds in creating real characters. Far too many novels take refuge in cliche and caricature - Bradby refuses to. The language, the tension, the fear - all are portrayed vividly and correctly...A taut, compelling story of love and torn loyalties' Daily Telegraph; 'A remarkable first novel...Bradby handles the tension with skill to produce a gripping tale' The Times; 'The best book on the northern conflict since Harry's Game...An excellent read on any level. It scores heavily as a thriller and as an accurate unblinking look at what is happening right now' Irish Independent
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This was the first novel by this author that I have read. Whilst it was entertaining enough, the plot was unrealistic and, in particular, the depth of the initial police enquiry was unbelievable. THis aspect of the novel, which formed the major plot, spoilt an otherwise enjoyable story.
2 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Shadow Dancer was so good that I was looking forward to the second Tom Bradby, but this wasn't up to it. It was slow and the characters didn't ever come alive for me. I hope Mr. Bradby gets back to form for No. 3.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2 reviews
Powerful novel
24 May 2011
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tom Bradby is a writer. Not just mystery or thriller or crime fiction, but a writer. His thick, multilayered books are a pure joy for a lover of literature. His novels are stand alone, separate, well-thought stories that grapple with the deeper meaning of the exausting game called life. His "heroes", if you even want to call them like that, are brave and insecure, principled and coniving. In short they are real human beings, a mix of all the good and the bad they can possibly be." The Sleep of the Dead" is a lecture on trauma and pain. We can run, but we cant hide, especially from ourselves and our demons.
3 of 6 people found the following review helpful
A Good Curl Up Book
30 Jun 2005
Format:Hardcover
Whilst not sit on the edge of your seat stuff this novel will certainly keep you engrossed. The novel provides for great visualisation whilst keeping you guessing to the end. A well thought out who dunnit incorporating psychological drama.
You will find this a great novel for a cosy curl up read.
You will find this a great novel for a cosy curl up read.
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