The Rothko Room

by Russell Cruse

When Arthur killed Elvis, he thought he'd made the biggest mistake of his career. He wasn't even close. Having picked up the wrong man at the airport, Vanessa Aldridge can't imagine what her boss will say. However, when her passenger kills two men, steals the car and abandons her in the centre of Rome dressed only in her lingerie and high heels, she reckons she might be able to take a guess. In jail and out of a job, a visit from a consular official persuades her that the worst is over; and so it is, if you don't count being kidnapped and forced to cross the Alps on horseback. And she hasn't even met Arthur Shepherd yet. He's a cleaner working for Lambeth Council and his chief accountabilities include knifing, shooting, strangling or occasionally shoving under buses, various embarrassments to the nation. But killing isn't what it used to be. In the old days, enemies dressed badly and lived in Central Europe: nowadays, they're his line managers. So when a number of his colleagues find themselves on the sticky end of a variety of sharp, heavy or very high velocity bits of metal, Arthur, not unreasonably, thinks he might well be next. The Rothko Room is a tale of murder, music, fine art, tea and toilets.

328 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2013

Reviews

[Tracie Podger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read a portion of this book some time ago and found it to be one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's funny, well written and a must read. Highly recommended.

[Paul Trembling · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading this book, it might be useful to have an interest in crossword puzzles. A detailed knowledge of music would also come in handy, as well as some understanding of modern art. However, if you lack any of these things, don't despair. I have none of them, and still thoroughly enjoyed this story. The one thing that is essential is a sense of humour, because 'The Rothko Room' is a brilliantly executed exercise in (to put it politely) extracting the Michael. It's main target is the Spy Story genre, though the author does take a few well aimed shots at other targets as well, such as the Government, the British Establishment, Art, and so on. Like all good parodies, it works very well as a story, with all the elements of the classic spy thriller - the ruthless killers, the ultra secret organization, the complex and devious plot. But Cruse has laced it with a deliciously subtle and cunning humour so that every twist in the story brings with it another reason to grin, snigger, or even laugh out loud. I did have some small problems with it. In one or two places I lost track of the conversation and wasn't entirely sure who was saying what. But this was a very minor problem, and didn't spoil my enjoyment of one of the best books that I've read this year.

[Angelika Rust · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though filled with clearly defined, likable characters and thoroughly enjoyable, witty dialogue, this book for me lacked the certain something. I can only bow to the amount of research that must have gone into it, but I couldn't help wondering if less research might have been better, i.e. if, had the author spent less time on details, he might have spent more time on the plot.
Maybe one has to appreciate art, or be British, to be satisfied with the first half of the book. I find myself lacking in both respects, hence I chomped at the bit. I don't mind people dying, and the thought of a young woman standing in the middle of Rome in nothing but her underwear while the policemen do nothing but take pictures of her really made me laugh, but at some point one wants to know why things are happening, and if the first real indicator as to 'why' is given at precisely 50%, it's a bit late. As to the second half, that's a nice example of an old school spy story, spy vs. spy, one intelligence service against the other, turncoats, secrets and whatnot.
I'd probably have given it four stars all in all, had it not been for the editing.

[Moll French · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't have given this book any less than 5 stars.

It's so well written and packed full to the brim with action, that it leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. The research and detail that have gone into the making of this masterpiece, is nothing short of phenomenal.

I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed every written word.

If you're looking for a story that will suck you into the whirlwind, make you forget about the world outside and make you secretly hope you had a much cooler job, then this is the book for you.

I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Emily Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great spy thriller book. If you want something that is fast paced, witty and feels like James Bond, but without the misogyny and more interesting characters then this book is for you!