Description
Book SynopsisA superb thriller from the acclaimed author of A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS.
Orphaned by an act of senseless violence that took their mother from them, half-brothers Clarence Luckman and Elliott Danziger have been raised in state institutions, unaware of any world outside. But their lives take a sudden turn when they are seized as hostages by a convicted killer en route to death row.
Earl Sheridan is a psychopath of the worst kind, but he has the potential to change the boys'' lives for ever. As the trio set off on a frenetic escape from the law through California and Texas, the two brothers must come to terms with the ever-growing tide of violence that follows in their wake - something that forces them to make a choice about their lives, and their relationship to one another.
Trade ReviewSet in the 1960s, the content may be dark and unforgiving but it is a beautifully and poetically planned tale that reveals itself layer by layer. * CANDIS *
Though [Ellory's] books always provide a wild and giddy ride, there is more to them than thrills, chills and spills. Bad Signs is rich, complex and nuanced, with many psychological undercurrents. It's edge-of-the-seat entertainment. -- Lorne Jackson * BIRMINGHAM POST *
He's one of the great British thriller writers of his generation. -- Alex Gordon * PETERBOROUGH EVENING TELEGRAPH *
Set in an utterly convincing 1960s rural America, this is a jaw droppingly good thriller by British writer Roger Ellory. * IRISH INDEPENDENT *
Ellory's the real deal, giving us another horrific chunk of small-town American violence, neglect and psychopathy. Institutionalised half brothers Clarence and Elliott have a startling choice to make when they are kidnapped by a convicted serial killer **** -- Henry Sutton * DAILY MIRROR *
Violent imagery, real pathos and a dark, dark humour. Without doubt,
Bad Signs is Ellory's most disturbing book, and one that will haunt the reader -- Ali Karim * SHOTS *
One of the most interesting crime novelists working today. He sets his novels in the US and seems to change his style of writing from book to book - always to excellent effect. * THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN *
With this novel, Ellory has joined the stars of modern genre literature. It is a classic. * THE WEST AUSTRALIAN *
Will your fingernails ever grow back? Now, that is good writing. This is a stellar work of fiction that deserves to be on everyone's reading list. Loved it. * SHOTS *
Ellory has been compared to Mario Puzo, James Ellory and Stephen King. All descriptions are accurate, but they fail to define Ellory's unique style. He is a very special writer.
* CRIMEZINE *
Ellory has a talent for making the detestable captivating. An intricate fictional dance whicn he pulls off expertly. * KIRKUS *
Ellory has a lovely prose style that allows his story to glide on, as events both rivet and repel. [An] excellent action thriller. * GLOBE & MAIL *
It's a cliche to praise a crime novel for its adroit marshalling of suspense, but there is no choice here * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *
