Red Light and Bell

Red Light and Bell picks up the criminal career of Stanislav Novak where Bandwagon, Richard Cobourne’s first novel, left off. Ideally the books should be read in order, but they can also be enjoyed as stand-alones. Cobourne is skilled at providing his readers with subtle updates of the plot and personalities, so there is no need to flick back through the pages to check up on details.

The action centres on the comeback tour of Martha, a singer who was a major celebrity before she fell victim to drink and drugs. She is adored by her loyal fans, so she only needs a promoter with deep pockets to return her to the pinnacle of success. Novak steps up, but the money he stakes on Martha does not come from his own pockets. He is the frontman for villains who want to use the tour to extend their smuggling empires. At the end of Bandwagon Novak’s fate hangs in the balance, and the first chapters of Red Light and Bell set off a whole new chain of exciting events.

Cobourne, who has a successful career on the technical and production side of show business, makes use of his experience and celebrity contacts in writing his novels. All his characters are realistic and convincing. I especially liked journalist Danny Owen and PR Daisy de Villiers, because in spite of their expertise in hard-nosed industries, they are honest and caring human beings. Entertaining minor characters such as Sheila the caterer give the story a lighter side. For techies Cobourne’s books are a feast, because they take the reader backstage in top ranking venues like the O2 in London. Personally, I was hooked by details of the brands favoured by the ultra-wealthy. I had no idea it was possible to buy a £500 fountain pen.

I very much enjoyed both Red Light and Bell and Bandwagon.