Saturday 25 July 2009

Allan Mayer’s ‘Tasting the Wind...’ Murder, mystery and mayhem!




Allan Mayer's Tasting the Wind takes us into a realm far darker than many a fictional or true life horror story. Neglect, physical, sexual and mental abuse, torture, ridicule and murder. It is not a story set in World War 11 enemy prison camps. No, these are places that have existed since the 13th century, starting with Bethlem Royal Institution, commonly known as Bedlam.


The somewhat hapless, but extremely funny, sensitive and caring Martin Peach is thrown into what is hopefully the tail end of a very dark stain on British history following the breakup of his relationship. Two hundred miles from home, living with a couple of lovable 'oddballs', coping with integrating six institutionalised people with so called 'learning difficulties' into the community and ... tangled up in solving a murder that happened ten years previously.


I got very attached to the new occupants of 'the Bungalow', learning difficulties? It brings to mind one of my Granny's sayings, 'He's not as green as he's cabbage looking.' I don't know if it was Allan Mayer's intention, but he has shown through his writing that it is a very large proportion of the general population that has the learning difficulty.


Allan Mayer's portrayal of life in institutions and helping to forge new lives for his characters, is stunningly accurate and poignant. His skilful injection of humour and compassion coupled with a very clever murder mystery to solve, make this a thoroughly enjoyable and compelling read.

Allan is very generously giving half of his royalties to Derian House Childrens Hospice.


7 comments:

Cynde L. Hammond said...

Dear Gwenda,

Wow! My husband is probably going to be a tiny bit upset with you...because now, due to the amazing review that you have written of Allan Mayer's "Tasting of the Wind", I'm going to have to go out and buy one. It's all your fault.(LOL!) Great job, Gwenda.

If you get a minute, please visit my blog and read my interview with fantasy/fiction author, "Aylerion" and tell me what you think.

Also, don't miss out on your chance to win one of three FREE autographed copies of "Aylerion's" novel, "Daughter of New York". The CONTEST details and entry site are here.

Once again, great review, Gwenda!

Sincerely,
Cynde
Cynde's Got The Write Stuff

Gwenda, said...

Gosh,Cynde

I never expected to be congratulated on a review! Thank you very much. I am so pleased it made you want to buy it.

Allan has spent the last twenty years working in the profession and he and his wife are foster parents. I believe a percentage of his royalties go to charity.

I shall be following your blog. All the very best with your writing.

Gwenda

Gwenda, said...

Thank you for your nice words, anonymous.

Gwenda

Anonymous said...

This is my first post I'd like to congratulate you for such a terrific quality forum!
thought this would be a perfect way to introduce myself!

Sincerely,
Laurence Todd
if you're ever bored check out my site!
[url=http://www.partyopedia.com/articles/soccer-party-supplies.html]soccer Party Supplies[/url].

Anonymous said...

I wish not acquiesce in on it. I assume precise post. Particularly the title attracted me to review the intact story.

Anonymous said...

Good brief and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you as your information.

Anonymous said...

Amiable post and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you seeking your information.