Readers of Martin Cooper's debut novel need to be on their mettle, as flashback frequently sits side-by-side with live action.

Occasionally I found myself briefly unsure of which time zone I was in, and I imagined the voice of the author over my shoulder chiding: "Oh, do keep up."

So Cooper teases us, but he also delights us with consistently fine turns of phrase. Scenes early on at a country auction, a funeral and a rock festival are expertly painted vignettes. The music theme weaves effortlessly through the narrative.

I've seen it said elsewhere that Cold Hillside has a little too much description. Me? I can't get enough. If a room smells of damp newspapers, is lit by a single, energy-saving bulb wrapped in a parchment shade and there's a Lowry print over the mantelpiece, I want to know about it - it puts me at the scene.

As Simon Coltraine gradually uncovers the murky path taken by his late brother, the pace quickens to an agreeable climax with one or two of the obligatory twists, and no loose end left untied.

If the phrase `page-turner' remains relevant with Kindle, this novel is one.