Sleepyhead (Paperback)

I spent Saturday reading 'SLEEPYHEAD' by Mark Billingham, well the Weather was rainy/cold and so it was perfect to curl up on the sofa and read. The book had sat on the TBR for some time, and I devoured it in two sittings. It is a difficult book to put down as you really get into the characters who are very interesting and very well rounded with flaws/faults etc. I wished it would not end, however Billingham has an economy with words that I wish other writers understood better.

The plot revolves around the search and apprehension of a 'weirdo' who is drugging young women, most of whom die, however Alison Willetts the only survivor is left in a 'Locked-in' state (paralysed but fully conscious/cognitive). The Investigator is DI Tom Thorne, with Dr Anne Coburn as the Doctor treating Willetts. Billingham has an entourage of Police folk which is handled really well, and echoes of stark and detailed research. I loved the side-character 'Kodak' and hope he returns in 'Scaredy Cat'. The medical stuff I found very realistic (I'm the son of a now retired Doctor) especially the Dr Jeremy Bishop character and his back-story was very intriguing. Tom Thorne's 'back-story' about 'Calvert' and his family I found extremely well written and quite moving, especially as it was kept 'off-stage' till near the end.

The story although marketed as 'Dark' is not without amusement, which Billingham pulls off deftly. There are some very funny lines, but these are moderated and pitched just write, so that the book doesn't become a parody. I also like some 'country music', and therefore found Billingham's reference's to Country Music a hoot, especially the play on the Kenny Roger's CD that Thorne is given as a present.

The North London setting is done perfectly, and as I spent some time around Camden/Highgate etc I found it echoed reality very well and reminded me of the places I used to visit. Billingham's ear for dialogue is very perceptive and funny. I know he's a comedian but it doesn't come over in the book, as the humour is quite subtle. I wonder if some of the 'Britishness' will be moderated for the US release? as I found some of the UK Baby-Boomer references very funny.

I would never have believed that SLEEPYHEAD was 'a first novel' as it is extremely professional. The only mild criticism I have is that I guessed the conclusion at about the 65% mark, but even then I was not sure as there were plenty of other possibilities. I suppose because of various clues I 'twigged' but I feel that Billingham kind of wanted you to know, but I don't wish to go into it, as it would be too much of a spoiler. I would not want to spoil a wonderful book for anyone.

I feel excited waiting for 'Scaredy Cat' as I like his style, which is sort of 'easy-going character intense drama'.

I would however warn you that it also has sharp teeth, for just when you think it might be a 'cosy' he does a 'Robinson' (as in Peter Robinson).

Highly recommended and my second book of 2002, which has left a 'tide-mark'.

Alberto