Review by Pearl Akpan -- Shifting Sands by Barry Litherland

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Pearl Akpan
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Review by Pearl Akpan -- Shifting Sands by Barry Litherland

Post by Pearl Akpan »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Shifting Sands" by Barry Litherland.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Barry Litherland’s Shifting Sands delivers a perfectly executed and thrilling mystery. It is indeed a superb book with no shortage of suspense and behind-the-scenes perpetration of evil. Philip Tyler, a journalist for a local newspaper, the Evening Post finds himself at cross roads after hearing Winston’s story. Despite the unpredictability that threads Winston personality, this particular story strikes a chord so firm it leaves an echo in Philip’s mind, an urge to discover the truth.

Every step to discovering this truth unfolds newer but connected bits of mystery which all make sense to Philip when he meets Wendy, another victim and the only person who holds the key to unlocking the mystery beneath Westleigh Hall. Stuck between his growing attraction for Wendy and the reoccurring threat to his life, Philip is faced with two choices: to back down or try his luck at exposing the dangerous scheme behind Westleigh Hall.

Shifting Sands is an interesting read. I appreciate the author’s attention towards carefully organizing the events and rising actions leading up to the climax of the book. His descriptive technique is impeccable and well-crafted to evoke raw sense and feeling of suspense and thrill throughout this book. The sense of carefreeness which the writer employs through the characters of Winston, Benny and Slattery creates a good balance with the fast paced rising actions and events that occurs almost successively in this book.

Notably, this book ends in a very reassuring note and I appreciate the technique employed in ending this thriller. Reason being that, there is no closed or absolute ending, rather, the writer leaves room for the reader to continue in their imagination and assume their personal most worthy ending. This book is exciting, fear gripping and very thrilling to read. It accurately captures the reader’s focus and holds on to it till the end. I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars as in my opinion, it has been exceptionally written and well edited.

Readers who enjoy mystery laced and suspense filled books would find this book very engaging and appreciate the overall organization of the plot. Nevertheless, I would not recommend this book to readers that are sensitive to violence and vulgarism which are employed in this book. I would also not recommend this book to children and minors due to the visible theme of violence and threat employed in this book.

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Shifting Sands
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Damis Seres Rodriguez
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Post by Damis Seres Rodriguez »

This sounds like the kind of book I would love to read. Amazing review!
Teele
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Post by Teele »

. I appreciate the author’s attention towards carefully organizing the events and rising actions leading up to the climax of the book
A very useful skill. Great review.
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Pearl Akpan
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Post by Pearl Akpan »

damis wrote: 29 Jul 2020, 13:27 This sounds like the kind of book I would love to read. Amazing review!
It is and it’d be totally worth it, I promise.
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Pearl Akpan
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Post by Pearl Akpan »

Teele wrote: 30 Jul 2020, 19:38
. I appreciate the author’s attention towards carefully organizing the events and rising actions leading up to the climax of the book
A very useful skill. Great review.
I couldn’t agree less. Thank you!
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Connie Otwani
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Post by Connie Otwani »

there is no closed or absolute ending, rather, the writer leaves room for the reader to continue in their imagination and assume their personal most worthy ending.
Sometimes this can be unsatisfactory but looks like this author got it right. The book sounds gripping and exciting. Great review!
There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island!
-Walt Disney
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Pearl Akpan
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Post by Pearl Akpan »

Cotwani wrote: 22 Aug 2020, 06:37
there is no closed or absolute ending, rather, the writer leaves room for the reader to continue in their imagination and assume their personal most worthy ending.
Sometimes this can be unsatisfactory but looks like this author got it right. The book sounds gripping and exciting. Great review!
I totally agree with you. I loved that it was more open than unsatisfactory. Thank you so much
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Justine Ocsebio
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Post by Justine Ocsebio »

This sounds like the kind of book that would keep you at the edge of your seat. Thanks for this incredible review!
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Pearl Akpan
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Post by Pearl Akpan »

lavenderbooks20 wrote: 29 Aug 2020, 06:54 This sounds like the kind of book that would keep you at the edge of your seat. Thanks for this incredible review!
Thank you for stopping by!
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viczboy16
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Post by viczboy16 »

Sounds like an interesting read. I find books with mystery laced with suspense fascinating, look forward to reading this.
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SweetSourSalty AndSpicy
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Post by SweetSourSalty AndSpicy »

No closed or absolute ending. Is it a hint of a sequel? Thanks for the review.
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