Review of All Body Bags and No Knickers

[Keerti Yadav]

[Following is a volunteer review of "All Body Bags and No Knickers" by Shawe Ruckus.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Readers are thrown into a grim, heart-pounding thriller that combines dark humor and extreme tension in Shawe Ruckus's All Body Bags and No Knickers. The story tracks newlyweds Catherine Roxborough and Chance Yang as they go from London to China for their honeymoon, which swiftly devolves into a terrifying mystery after they discover three dead bodies close to their beachfront getaway. Catherine soon realizes that her new husband might be hiding more than she could have ever imagined, as what starts out as a peaceful vacation quickly turns into a risky search for answers. You won't be able to put the narrative down because of its unpredictable turns.


Ruckus is a master at evoking a visceral atmosphere with rich words that vividly depict China's verdant surroundings as well as the shady side of society. Because they are imperfect and multifaceted, the characters' troubles feel real. Without holding back, the author delves into the darker sides of human nature, creating a narrative that is as much about identity and internal strife as it is about cracking the main mystery.


The unvarnished and genuine writing style complements the ideas of the book nicely. The humor that Ruckus brings in is just right to lighten the mood without taking away from the overall intensity. The characters are given more depth by the sardonic tone, particularly in their frequently humorous exchanges with one another. The graphic content and its rawness, however, might not be appropriate for all readers. Those who prefer lighter fare may find the depiction of violence and the explicit nature of several scenes disconcerting.


I was captivated by the novel's rich plotlines and speed, even with its gruesome violence. Ruckus elevates the narrative above mere suspense by skillfully fusing cultural allusions with the developing mystery. I saw no mistakes in the book's editing, which makes for a better reading experience overall. All Body Bags and No Knickers is a gripping book that lives up to its intriguing and suspenseful claims. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars if you like dark, thought-provoking thrillers with a hint of irony. It's a well-written story that will stick with you long beyond the last page, even though it's not for the faint of heart.

******
All Body Bags and No Knickers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon