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Lost Innocence: The Accused
Michael, an artist charged with a crime he claims he didn’t commit, and John, a self-confessed heroin smuggler, are brought together in the primitive and over-crowded prison infamously known as the BANGKOK HILTON. Michael fights for his freedom, while John, resigned to his fate, wants only to regain his dignity. Michael's grandfather, a once brilliant lawyer, is brought out of retirement and flies to Bangkok to fight a case in a city where justice is bought and sold to the highest bidder and corruption is the oil that greases the wheels in the Land of Smiles.
Running out of time and unable to find the only witness, he searches for another way to succeed in what seems a hopeless case.
Meanwhile, in order to survive the most appalling conditions in jail, Michael and John must make the best of a dire situation as they wait for their separate fates to be decided. Will justice be served or will they see out the next ten years in that hell-hole of a prison?
Running out of time and unable to find the only witness, he searches for another way to succeed in what seems a hopeless case.
Meanwhile, in order to survive the most appalling conditions in jail, Michael and John must make the best of a dire situation as they wait for their separate fates to be decided. Will justice be served or will they see out the next ten years in that hell-hole of a prison?
- GenresMystery
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2014
5 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Simon Palmer
2 books41 followersSimon Palmer is a screen-play writer and author who currently resides in Bangkok. He spent months researching his debut novel and visiting the 'Bangkok Hilton' where he met Mitchell Blake, an Australian inmate who was serving a life sentence for smuggling drugs.
Mitchell advised Simon to dig deeper into the conditions of the prison and shared with him the darker sides of life inside the 'Bangkok Hilton.'
But this debut novel is not just a story of life inside the prison. It also shares experiences of what goes on in Bangkok; on the streets and the corruption of the Thai police.
Mitchell advised Simon to dig deeper into the conditions of the prison and shared with him the darker sides of life inside the 'Bangkok Hilton.'
But this debut novel is not just a story of life inside the prison. It also shares experiences of what goes on in Bangkok; on the streets and the corruption of the Thai police.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 1, 2014
I think a story based on such a controversial subject was both challenging and inspiring to write. The story outline came from a vivid dream and only when I started to write, did I realize how difficult it was.
Luckily for me the right people arrived at the right time and helped me on this journey. Only now when I see the reactions I've received do I fully understand what I've achieved here.
Thank to you all, you know who you are. I couldn't have taken this journey without you!
To those fellow authors and readers, I hope you have the time to check out my first book, find me on facebook or say hello right here. As a famous lyricist one said,
'It's wonderful to be here, It's certainly a thrill.......'
Now download the book, read it and message me when you're done.
Luckily for me the right people arrived at the right time and helped me on this journey. Only now when I see the reactions I've received do I fully understand what I've achieved here.
Thank to you all, you know who you are. I couldn't have taken this journey without you!
To those fellow authors and readers, I hope you have the time to check out my first book, find me on facebook or say hello right here. As a famous lyricist one said,
'It's wonderful to be here, It's certainly a thrill.......'
Now download the book, read it and message me when you're done.
September 17, 2014
Lost Innocence by Simon Palmer is a compelling suspense drama centered on an injustice done in a foreign courtroom and a father’s struggle to earn his son’s freedom. The conflict draws three generations together as Stan is forced to implore his own father out of retirement to join in the legal battle. Nigel is persuaded to leave the side of his wife Doris in hopes of freeing Michael, who is serving major time in what is derisively known as the Bangkok Hilton. The father and son team fly to Thailand where they recruit Pang, a taxicab driver who knows the Land of Smiles for what it truly is. Their detective work brings them closer to the truth, though time becomes a major factor for Michael in this well-crafted thriller.
The elements of irony and contrast are richly blended into Palmer’s narrative. The author captures the essence of the Oriental philosophy as the Thais prove to be both fatalistic and detached in matters of life and death. It clashes with the Europeans’ core values as they are appalled by the indigenous attitude of both the community and its legal system. The feeling is accentuated by Palmer’s use of first and third-person narrative, allowing us to see the inside of the prison through Michael’s eyes while placing us alongside Nigel as he seeks to penetrate the mysterious environment that threatens to overcome them all. We are also entranced by the odd fellowship between Michael and his fellow prisoner John. Michael has been falsely imprisoned while John is a convicted drug dealer. The novel pays tribute to prison epics such as Midnight Express as we hang on tight to find out whether justice prevails, or the crooked system is to claim another victim in the final reel.
For readers looking for a tightly-wound page-turner, Lost Innocence by Simon Palmer will keep you locked in with Michael Walker until Nigel finds a way to get you out.
The elements of irony and contrast are richly blended into Palmer’s narrative. The author captures the essence of the Oriental philosophy as the Thais prove to be both fatalistic and detached in matters of life and death. It clashes with the Europeans’ core values as they are appalled by the indigenous attitude of both the community and its legal system. The feeling is accentuated by Palmer’s use of first and third-person narrative, allowing us to see the inside of the prison through Michael’s eyes while placing us alongside Nigel as he seeks to penetrate the mysterious environment that threatens to overcome them all. We are also entranced by the odd fellowship between Michael and his fellow prisoner John. Michael has been falsely imprisoned while John is a convicted drug dealer. The novel pays tribute to prison epics such as Midnight Express as we hang on tight to find out whether justice prevails, or the crooked system is to claim another victim in the final reel.
For readers looking for a tightly-wound page-turner, Lost Innocence by Simon Palmer will keep you locked in with Michael Walker until Nigel finds a way to get you out.
September 2, 2014
A truly gritty, raw read on the terror and horrors of imprisonment in a different country with completely different laws.
This author knows how to write scenes that become complete pictures in your mind. I felt every creepy crawly slithering across the floor and up the characters limbs, I cringed at the terrible living and health conditions.
The characters were wrote in explicit detail and I could relate to them all. I felt the despair and utter fatigue in Michael as he fought to survive in such conditions. Michael is a honorable man and I commend him on his crusade to persevere the injustice of wrongful misdeeds.
I will continue on to see if these heroes will save the day and bring the downfall to the political corruption in this action packed story.
Thank You Simon Palmer!
This author knows how to write scenes that become complete pictures in your mind. I felt every creepy crawly slithering across the floor and up the characters limbs, I cringed at the terrible living and health conditions.
The characters were wrote in explicit detail and I could relate to them all. I felt the despair and utter fatigue in Michael as he fought to survive in such conditions. Michael is a honorable man and I commend him on his crusade to persevere the injustice of wrongful misdeeds.
I will continue on to see if these heroes will save the day and bring the downfall to the political corruption in this action packed story.
Thank You Simon Palmer!
September 19, 2014
This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be my last. This author really knows how to grab his reade’rs attention and hold it. I didn’t want to put the book down as I was completely caught up in the story and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. This is the only book I have ever read like this and the author has an excellent way of pulling you into the story and really feel for these characters. I just bought the 2nd part to this and I am so anxious to read it. I give this book 5 stars and can’t wait to read the next part. I highly recommend this book.
September 2, 2014
Michael Walker ,an artist in Thailand is being accused of a crime he didn't commit. This will take you on a crazy ride with a cliffhanger at the end! Looking forward to the second book !
October 13, 2014
I am always somewhat reluctant to review the first part of an intended series of books. Just as the story is incomplete, so must the review be incomplete and provisional. It is difficult to comment on the merits of a plot which is unfinished. This is the case here.
Lost Innocence is the first part of an adventure thriller set in Bangkok, Thailand. Michael is a young, budding artist, who travels to Thailand to sketch the working girls of Bangkok, before commencing studies at an art school in London. Before long he finds himself in trouble. He is arrested on trumped up charges for having raped and beaten an underage girl, and thrown into the notorious Bangkok ‘Hilton’. He is given the option to pay a substantial fine and be released, or remain in prison to fight the charges. He decides, on principle, to fight the charges. While in prison he befriends a convicted drug smuggler, John, who shows him the ropes.
Michael’s arrest precipitates a rescue mission, first by his father, Stan, and then by his grandfather, Nigel, a prominent and wealthy lawyer. Finally, a private detective, Harvey Goulding, is hired to help unravel the mess. Along with the intrigue and machinations as the drama unfolds, the author sketches the complex and not entirely harmonious relationships between the three generations of men.
Palmer does an excellent job of taking the reader inside the Thai prison and legal system. He also provides a convincing account of the Bangkok sex industry. The story is interesting, although I was never quite convinced by Michael’s determination to fight the charges rather than pay the fine, given the horrific conditions to which he is subjected. Neither his motivation—a rather vague sense of principle—nor his strength of character seemed to warrant this. The generational interactions are potentially interesting, but we are not given sufficient back story to understand the strained relationships, particularly between the father and grandfather. Neither of these men was particularly likeable. Their wives, left behind in England, play only a minor role and, again, we are not given enough background to understand these relationships. There are moments when the story morphs—perhaps not surprisingly, given the setting—into a kind of soft porn, which is well written if a little predictable.
The author makes the unwise decision to narrate Michael’s part of the narrative in the first person, and the rest from various third person points of view. The choice is strange because, after the early chapters, Michael plays very little part in the story. Locked up in prison, the capacity of this character to move the story along is very limited. It is true that Michael’s personal account of his arrest and his time in prison is very vivid, but I think this could have been achieved just as effectively with an intimate, third person narrative.
The introduction of the private detective into the story provides a lift, but comes rather late in the narrative. His Thai female assistant, Bo, is probably one of the most interesting characters, and certainly the only female character to be given more than a bit role.
There are times when the grammar, and particularly the punctuation, are rather poor here. And there is a moment that made me cringe when we are presented with a dreadful, caricatured German accent.
This is not a bad start to the series. I think it would have been reasonable in this first volume to expect more back story, particularly concerning the father and grandfather, which would have leant more credibility to the conflicts between them. It will be interesting to see where the author takes this in future. I give it three and a half stars, rounding it down to three where necessary.
Lost Innocence is the first part of an adventure thriller set in Bangkok, Thailand. Michael is a young, budding artist, who travels to Thailand to sketch the working girls of Bangkok, before commencing studies at an art school in London. Before long he finds himself in trouble. He is arrested on trumped up charges for having raped and beaten an underage girl, and thrown into the notorious Bangkok ‘Hilton’. He is given the option to pay a substantial fine and be released, or remain in prison to fight the charges. He decides, on principle, to fight the charges. While in prison he befriends a convicted drug smuggler, John, who shows him the ropes.
Michael’s arrest precipitates a rescue mission, first by his father, Stan, and then by his grandfather, Nigel, a prominent and wealthy lawyer. Finally, a private detective, Harvey Goulding, is hired to help unravel the mess. Along with the intrigue and machinations as the drama unfolds, the author sketches the complex and not entirely harmonious relationships between the three generations of men.
Palmer does an excellent job of taking the reader inside the Thai prison and legal system. He also provides a convincing account of the Bangkok sex industry. The story is interesting, although I was never quite convinced by Michael’s determination to fight the charges rather than pay the fine, given the horrific conditions to which he is subjected. Neither his motivation—a rather vague sense of principle—nor his strength of character seemed to warrant this. The generational interactions are potentially interesting, but we are not given sufficient back story to understand the strained relationships, particularly between the father and grandfather. Neither of these men was particularly likeable. Their wives, left behind in England, play only a minor role and, again, we are not given enough background to understand these relationships. There are moments when the story morphs—perhaps not surprisingly, given the setting—into a kind of soft porn, which is well written if a little predictable.
The author makes the unwise decision to narrate Michael’s part of the narrative in the first person, and the rest from various third person points of view. The choice is strange because, after the early chapters, Michael plays very little part in the story. Locked up in prison, the capacity of this character to move the story along is very limited. It is true that Michael’s personal account of his arrest and his time in prison is very vivid, but I think this could have been achieved just as effectively with an intimate, third person narrative.
The introduction of the private detective into the story provides a lift, but comes rather late in the narrative. His Thai female assistant, Bo, is probably one of the most interesting characters, and certainly the only female character to be given more than a bit role.
There are times when the grammar, and particularly the punctuation, are rather poor here. And there is a moment that made me cringe when we are presented with a dreadful, caricatured German accent.
This is not a bad start to the series. I think it would have been reasonable in this first volume to expect more back story, particularly concerning the father and grandfather, which would have leant more credibility to the conflicts between them. It will be interesting to see where the author takes this in future. I give it three and a half stars, rounding it down to three where necessary.
August 15, 2014
http://www.hmcwriter.com/palmerbookre...
Simon Palmer’s Lost Innocence, The Accused, is the first thriller I’ve read in a while, and it’s one of my favourite genres. I’m glad this was the one I picked up, to throw me back into the mix. What a great read! Lost Innocence begins with Michael Walker, an artist, who finds himself in a Thai prison. There he meets John, a lifer, who knows a thing or two about the corrupt system they find themselves in. Michael makes a few friends along the way, and a few enemies, too. He is a strong, likeable character. Stan, his father, however, is far more difficult to like. After attempting a rescue, he seems to need rescuing himself, ALL the time. Cue the very awesome grandfather/hard arse, Nigel. Thank goodness for him. Without his intelligence and quick wit, everyone would be pretty much screwed.
Several other memorable characters emerge through the story, weaving a complex web of crime, struggle, desperation, and corruption. Palmer brings the hellish experience of a Thai prison to life in such a vivid way that it stays with you. The nepotism and exploitation in the system comes to life, and it’s scary. It’s obvious Palmer knows Thailand, and so for those who have been or lived there, the setting won’t disappoint. For those like me who have never been there, it serves as a serious warning.
Simon Palmer also writes screen plays, and it shows. His ability to ensnare the scenes through prose is evident through-out this book. Although sometimes it reads like a script, I enjoyed the pace. Tag lines and actions would have been put to good use in places, as I was sometimes uncertain of the speaker. The book has a highly sexualised tone. This made me slightly uncomfortable at times, however the sex industry in Thailand is prominent, and there’s no escaping it.
Palmer switches POV well, and even changes from first to third person which can sometimes be jarring. In this case, it’s not.
Lost Innocence would definitely make a great movie, and I look forward to the next instalment.
A highly recommended read.
Simon Palmer’s Lost Innocence, The Accused, is the first thriller I’ve read in a while, and it’s one of my favourite genres. I’m glad this was the one I picked up, to throw me back into the mix. What a great read! Lost Innocence begins with Michael Walker, an artist, who finds himself in a Thai prison. There he meets John, a lifer, who knows a thing or two about the corrupt system they find themselves in. Michael makes a few friends along the way, and a few enemies, too. He is a strong, likeable character. Stan, his father, however, is far more difficult to like. After attempting a rescue, he seems to need rescuing himself, ALL the time. Cue the very awesome grandfather/hard arse, Nigel. Thank goodness for him. Without his intelligence and quick wit, everyone would be pretty much screwed.
Several other memorable characters emerge through the story, weaving a complex web of crime, struggle, desperation, and corruption. Palmer brings the hellish experience of a Thai prison to life in such a vivid way that it stays with you. The nepotism and exploitation in the system comes to life, and it’s scary. It’s obvious Palmer knows Thailand, and so for those who have been or lived there, the setting won’t disappoint. For those like me who have never been there, it serves as a serious warning.
Simon Palmer also writes screen plays, and it shows. His ability to ensnare the scenes through prose is evident through-out this book. Although sometimes it reads like a script, I enjoyed the pace. Tag lines and actions would have been put to good use in places, as I was sometimes uncertain of the speaker. The book has a highly sexualised tone. This made me slightly uncomfortable at times, however the sex industry in Thailand is prominent, and there’s no escaping it.
Palmer switches POV well, and even changes from first to third person which can sometimes be jarring. In this case, it’s not.
Lost Innocence would definitely make a great movie, and I look forward to the next instalment.
A highly recommended read.
January 2, 2015
3.5* full review to follow
Lost Innocence is the first part of a story set in Thailand. We join Michael in a Bangkok prison. From reading Lost Innocence I have certainly been given a lasting idea of the lives these inmates endured within the prison.
We learn that Michael is there due to a claim that he has raped and beaten an underage Thai girl. Michael says that he was only sketching the girl, and he remembers her leading him to his bed where he fell asleep without touching the girl.
Michael's options are slim, he can pay a substantial amount of money to be released or he can stay in prison and await a trial. Michael chooses to stay in prison and fight the charges; which leads to his father and grandfather coming out to Thailand too.
Can they prove Michael's innocence?
This is my first book by Simon that I've read and the first on this subject. After talking to Simon on Facebook I was intrigued and decided to try it. I have enjoyed reading something so different. The book was full of details and this helped me to picture the scenes in my own head.
Simon has done a grand job of transporting me into the heart of this story. I can honestly say that I felt as though I was experiencing the hell of prison with Michael.
Michael's father; Stan, and Grandfather; Nigel, appear to have a strained relationship but I'm unsure why; maybe this needs a little bit of a back-story; unless its in part 2.
There is also some swapping between first and third person narrative which doesn't quite work for me personally, especially as the first person tends to be Michael who is stuck in prison, so isn't the main character all the way through.
Simon has paid attention to detail throughout and his descriptions of some events are detailed and in-depth. Aside from my uncertainty over Stan and Nigel's relationship and the first/third person narrative, this is a good book and a really good place to start.
I have enjoyed reading Lost Innocence and I will read the next installment to see how things pan out for Michael.
Lost Innocence is the first part of a story set in Thailand. We join Michael in a Bangkok prison. From reading Lost Innocence I have certainly been given a lasting idea of the lives these inmates endured within the prison.
We learn that Michael is there due to a claim that he has raped and beaten an underage Thai girl. Michael says that he was only sketching the girl, and he remembers her leading him to his bed where he fell asleep without touching the girl.
Michael's options are slim, he can pay a substantial amount of money to be released or he can stay in prison and await a trial. Michael chooses to stay in prison and fight the charges; which leads to his father and grandfather coming out to Thailand too.
Can they prove Michael's innocence?
This is my first book by Simon that I've read and the first on this subject. After talking to Simon on Facebook I was intrigued and decided to try it. I have enjoyed reading something so different. The book was full of details and this helped me to picture the scenes in my own head.
Simon has done a grand job of transporting me into the heart of this story. I can honestly say that I felt as though I was experiencing the hell of prison with Michael.
Michael's father; Stan, and Grandfather; Nigel, appear to have a strained relationship but I'm unsure why; maybe this needs a little bit of a back-story; unless its in part 2.
There is also some swapping between first and third person narrative which doesn't quite work for me personally, especially as the first person tends to be Michael who is stuck in prison, so isn't the main character all the way through.
Simon has paid attention to detail throughout and his descriptions of some events are detailed and in-depth. Aside from my uncertainty over Stan and Nigel's relationship and the first/third person narrative, this is a good book and a really good place to start.
I have enjoyed reading Lost Innocence and I will read the next installment to see how things pan out for Michael.
February 2, 2015
Great story
Very well written book. Pulls you right in and makes you feel like your there in the story itself watching the characters scenes play out like a movie.
Very interesting how Simon Palmer wrote this book . Does describing Thiland as from what I know exactly as it is. I'd guess he's been there or really did his research.
As for the story. Michael a artist who is just there to draw the girls (all working girls of course). Is set up because he's American well English in this case and they know has money. I'm suspecting the police captain sent her from what's written in the story, he's taken to a thai prison with filthy conditions , food , bugs, no bed cause they sleep on Matt's anyways but he has non. No proper bathing. He is determined to see this thru be cause he's not guilty of the crime, which in my opinion you just pay and get the bell out as soon as possible or or end up having a extended stay in the filthy prison system and probably forgotten about forever. I think he's being stupid but that's his choice
After finding out his dad and grandfather are hurt and in the hospital he's changed his mind and wants to pay but us it too late? The more paperwork the harder to get out so it seems.As the books coming to a close a lot goes wrong.not like it hasn't from the beginning anyways. The PI his grandfather hideous shot , documents go missing. Is Micheal now stuck for a extended stay I'd us his grandfather going to really go to war against the police chief ? It's a losing battle I think.
This book is very good , not long , cliffhanger ending of course. So I'm sure if you read it you'll want to read look #2 immediately.
It's very good and real.
I recommend it highly if you know anything about how these things works in these countries or don't it's a great and worth reading. It's more real then fiction. But it us ficction all book.
Very well written book. Pulls you right in and makes you feel like your there in the story itself watching the characters scenes play out like a movie.
Very interesting how Simon Palmer wrote this book . Does describing Thiland as from what I know exactly as it is. I'd guess he's been there or really did his research.
As for the story. Michael a artist who is just there to draw the girls (all working girls of course). Is set up because he's American well English in this case and they know has money. I'm suspecting the police captain sent her from what's written in the story, he's taken to a thai prison with filthy conditions , food , bugs, no bed cause they sleep on Matt's anyways but he has non. No proper bathing. He is determined to see this thru be cause he's not guilty of the crime, which in my opinion you just pay and get the bell out as soon as possible or or end up having a extended stay in the filthy prison system and probably forgotten about forever. I think he's being stupid but that's his choice
After finding out his dad and grandfather are hurt and in the hospital he's changed his mind and wants to pay but us it too late? The more paperwork the harder to get out so it seems.As the books coming to a close a lot goes wrong.not like it hasn't from the beginning anyways. The PI his grandfather hideous shot , documents go missing. Is Micheal now stuck for a extended stay I'd us his grandfather going to really go to war against the police chief ? It's a losing battle I think.
This book is very good , not long , cliffhanger ending of course. So I'm sure if you read it you'll want to read look #2 immediately.
It's very good and real.
I recommend it highly if you know anything about how these things works in these countries or don't it's a great and worth reading. It's more real then fiction. But it us ficction all book.
August 7, 2014
I can only say WOW . Your work is fantastic. Easy to read which makes it easy to get lost in . The way you depict how the Thai prison system works really makes you want to believe that it's not real , knowing how harsh it is , whether your Thai or a farang . But I now know it's true which leaves me with a horrible feeling in my stomach . Can't wait to read more and hope that Michael is released , probably not sadly . Fingers crossed .
What a riveting book . I really can't believe this is your first novel . The flow of the words really brings you into the story as a possible silent character . You somehow make it all come alive , as if I've been there and seen how corrupt the Thai justice system can be . You have a real sense of compassion for Michael who has to struggle with possible life in a Thai prison and those of the people around him who try everything under the sun to help get him out.
Again I really can't believe for a first novel how well written it was and how it captured you and pulled you into the streets of Thailand .
Excellent work , very well done . It was a privilege to read . Thank you
Can't wait to read more . Thank you once again for letting me read your outstanding work .
For a first time author your work is exceptional .
What a riveting book . I really can't believe this is your first novel . The flow of the words really brings you into the story as a possible silent character . You somehow make it all come alive , as if I've been there and seen how corrupt the Thai justice system can be . You have a real sense of compassion for Michael who has to struggle with possible life in a Thai prison and those of the people around him who try everything under the sun to help get him out.
Again I really can't believe for a first novel how well written it was and how it captured you and pulled you into the streets of Thailand .
Excellent work , very well done . It was a privilege to read . Thank you
Can't wait to read more . Thank you once again for letting me read your outstanding work .
For a first time author your work is exceptional .
October 7, 2014
*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
Wow! this was a amazing piece of work! Simon Palmer takes raw realism to a whole new level with this book! it was gritty and at times hard read as you didn't want the characters to have to deal with such horrific things.
I don't usually read books like this one but found myself intrigued by the story and not being able to put it down once I started reading it. Simon Palmer knows how to hook on to his audience and to leave them hanging till the very end and beyond!
the horrific life of the Bangkok prison will give me nightmares for days to come! the ending was amazing and I can't wait to find out what happens next! everyone has done so much for Michael and I would hate to see it all go up in smoke.
there seemed to be bad guys were ever you turned which was amazing, you couldn't trust anyone. which if you were a villain is awesome! however if you were one of the good guys totally sucked! Palmer did a amazing job with this and it made it seem like there really was no where to turn.
if you are a sucker for thrillers and crime this is the book for you! trust me you will not be able to put it down!
Wow! this was a amazing piece of work! Simon Palmer takes raw realism to a whole new level with this book! it was gritty and at times hard read as you didn't want the characters to have to deal with such horrific things.
I don't usually read books like this one but found myself intrigued by the story and not being able to put it down once I started reading it. Simon Palmer knows how to hook on to his audience and to leave them hanging till the very end and beyond!
the horrific life of the Bangkok prison will give me nightmares for days to come! the ending was amazing and I can't wait to find out what happens next! everyone has done so much for Michael and I would hate to see it all go up in smoke.
there seemed to be bad guys were ever you turned which was amazing, you couldn't trust anyone. which if you were a villain is awesome! however if you were one of the good guys totally sucked! Palmer did a amazing job with this and it made it seem like there really was no where to turn.
if you are a sucker for thrillers and crime this is the book for you! trust me you will not be able to put it down!
December 16, 2014
4 Stars
Not a great time to read a story about the corrupt justice system in Thailand and how easy it is for foreigners to get framed in a con act for money, my daughter is travelling to Thailand in a couple of weeks………This book has really put my fears at rest…..in fact she needs to read this book before she leaves!!!
This is one of the ‘better written’ novels I have read, great description with depth and feeling, I could almost smell that Thai prison…gag. My anger grew at the injustice thrust upon Michael but I was also frustrated at his refusal to take the easy way out, it could have all been over for him, why didn’t he just pay the money and fight about it later? Well if he had we wouldn’t have had a story then would we!
Lost innocence is a fast paced book that had me engrossed from start to finish, it painted a believable picture of the horrors inmates face, in what must be the worlds most barbaric prison system. It put me in mind of a film I watched some time ago called Brokedown Palace, which followed a similar story line, I think Lost Innocence would also make a great movie.
Copy supplied for review
March 11, 2015
Simon Palmer's novel Lost Innocence: The Accused (Part One) takes the reader through a young man's journey from trying to capture an artistic snapshot of the working girls in Thailand to being framed for rape and consequently tossed in a Thai prison. Drawing upon his mental and spiritual reserve, and with the help of a new friend inside the prison walls, he is able to hold it together and wait for his family to rescue him. An adventure ensues, spiraling down into the Thai underground night life with intrigue, sex, unexpected turns and a bit of farce. The story line is well-crafted and fast-paced, as there is a race against time and the soul-sucking effects of the unsavory prison conditions to free an innocent young man caught in a hellish predicament. The writing is engaging, vivid, imaginative, smooth and raw; painting an authentic picture of the place, people, character players, and the complexity of human scenarios. I look forward to reading Part Two of this series, and I commend the author for his research and the ability to effectively weave a story demonstrating the strength in family and principles in a foreign place where the rules are bent.
November 2, 2014
A modern mystery based in Bangkok with harrowing scenario's that although are based in a fiction novel could still be true.
Michael is young, creative and living the dream in Bangkok following his love of art by using the local working girls for his models. He's built a portfolio and reputation with the girls until one night ends badly and he's caught in a sting set up by a corrupt cop.
Stan gets the call from his son and instantly flys out to help him and pay off the cop but gets caught up in the fun of the City.
Nigel should be home resting but fearing for his grandsons safety he follows Stan knowing that his solution to the problem won't be Michaels wish.
The scene and location were easy to envision with the descriptions and Nigel really brought the book to life.
None of the men were saints and all took advantage of what was there but it made it realistic rather than seedy.
Having read this story and hearing that the Author researched it by living there it makes it seem plausable and realistic. Slightly puts me off ever travelling there but very engrossing.
Michael is young, creative and living the dream in Bangkok following his love of art by using the local working girls for his models. He's built a portfolio and reputation with the girls until one night ends badly and he's caught in a sting set up by a corrupt cop.
Stan gets the call from his son and instantly flys out to help him and pay off the cop but gets caught up in the fun of the City.
Nigel should be home resting but fearing for his grandsons safety he follows Stan knowing that his solution to the problem won't be Michaels wish.
The scene and location were easy to envision with the descriptions and Nigel really brought the book to life.
None of the men were saints and all took advantage of what was there but it made it realistic rather than seedy.
Having read this story and hearing that the Author researched it by living there it makes it seem plausable and realistic. Slightly puts me off ever travelling there but very engrossing.
November 5, 2014
Wow. This was a very intense and sometimes disturbing story about an artist that ends up in a prison in Bangkok wrongly accused.
The book starts out with Michael, an artist newly arrived in Thailand. He starts paying bar girls to come to his apartment so he can sketch them. Suddenly, he finds himself in a horrible Bangkok prison fighting for survival. Instead of paying off the crooked cops and judges he decides that he wants to fight the charges against him.
That brings his grandfather and father into the mix. They come to Bangkok with high hopes of rescuing Michael from the false accusations and quickly realize that nothing is what it seems. Corruption and danger are all around them and they find themselves in as much danger as Michael.
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The friendship Michael finds while in prison was very interesting and helped make me feel more for him as a character. The whole story was very riveting and somewhat alarming. The writing is superb and I would recommend this to anyone.
The book starts out with Michael, an artist newly arrived in Thailand. He starts paying bar girls to come to his apartment so he can sketch them. Suddenly, he finds himself in a horrible Bangkok prison fighting for survival. Instead of paying off the crooked cops and judges he decides that he wants to fight the charges against him.
That brings his grandfather and father into the mix. They come to Bangkok with high hopes of rescuing Michael from the false accusations and quickly realize that nothing is what it seems. Corruption and danger are all around them and they find themselves in as much danger as Michael.
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The friendship Michael finds while in prison was very interesting and helped make me feel more for him as a character. The whole story was very riveting and somewhat alarming. The writing is superb and I would recommend this to anyone.
December 3, 2014
Lost Innocence by Simon Palmer.
Absolutely Fantastic, gripping from start to finish. This Author is one to certainly watch out for.
The story of an Innocent man! Michael is locked up for something he didn't do, scared, but too full of self pride to give in to the corruption concealed within the Thai prison system. He not only has to deal with facing the possibility of years in this prison, but he also has to deal with the deviants from within this hellhole. His passion for drawing the woman of the night leads him into a world he wasn't expecting, as he set out to follow his dream. Temptation, passion, love, intrigue, fear, this book has it all.
Pulling at his families heart strings, Michael draws his father and grandfather into the story to help fight his corner in the bent prison system, this only jeopardises themselves.
Your there from start to finish, I can't wait to read your next instalment Simon in this exciting story. I won't give it all away...
A Must Read! 5 Excellent Stars.
Absolutely Fantastic, gripping from start to finish. This Author is one to certainly watch out for.
The story of an Innocent man! Michael is locked up for something he didn't do, scared, but too full of self pride to give in to the corruption concealed within the Thai prison system. He not only has to deal with facing the possibility of years in this prison, but he also has to deal with the deviants from within this hellhole. His passion for drawing the woman of the night leads him into a world he wasn't expecting, as he set out to follow his dream. Temptation, passion, love, intrigue, fear, this book has it all.
Pulling at his families heart strings, Michael draws his father and grandfather into the story to help fight his corner in the bent prison system, this only jeopardises themselves.
Your there from start to finish, I can't wait to read your next instalment Simon in this exciting story. I won't give it all away...
A Must Read! 5 Excellent Stars.
August 29, 2014
I have to say for a book out of my usual genre, this one kept me hooked from the first page.
Michael is in Thailand to flex his artistic muscles and draw whomever he finds. That lands him in the middle of being accused of a crime he didn't commit. What helped this story take off, is that I have heard of some of the things that go on in Thailand and have seen shows about the "Bangkok Hilton", that is one scary place and Mr. Palmer did a fantastic job of describing how a place looked and what people looked like so I got a very clear image of each person in the book.
When Michael refuses to take a pay off deal, he meets John. John is from Australia and charged with drug smuggling. The two form a strange bond over being in prison.
When people arrive to help Michael out, they learn that he is not prepared to take the easy route.
Frustration, concern, the surprising touching moments in the book just wrapped it all up in an awesome little package for me!
I cannot wait for part 2!
Michael is in Thailand to flex his artistic muscles and draw whomever he finds. That lands him in the middle of being accused of a crime he didn't commit. What helped this story take off, is that I have heard of some of the things that go on in Thailand and have seen shows about the "Bangkok Hilton", that is one scary place and Mr. Palmer did a fantastic job of describing how a place looked and what people looked like so I got a very clear image of each person in the book.
When Michael refuses to take a pay off deal, he meets John. John is from Australia and charged with drug smuggling. The two form a strange bond over being in prison.
When people arrive to help Michael out, they learn that he is not prepared to take the easy route.
Frustration, concern, the surprising touching moments in the book just wrapped it all up in an awesome little package for me!
I cannot wait for part 2!
September 17, 2014
Reading this book took me out of my comfort zone a little as I'm not really a reader of the Thriller gene but let me tell you it didn't dissapoint. It deals with serious matters ( although there was one part that really made me giggle out loud) but with the knowledge the author puts into the book you can really feel the emotions the lead character Michael is going through it also gives you an insight into what foreigner's go through on a daily basis whist serving time in the Thai prisons. Michael is a very stubborn character and whilst I can see his point of view by not wanting to plead guilty to a crime he didn't commit so he can be released he also needs to be aware of what his family are going through. This book does end with a bit of a cliffehanger but book 2 is already available and believe me you will want to jump straight in. A great debut book by new author Simon Palmer definitely worth 5* if not more.
October 7, 2014
Once I started "Lost Innocence: The Accused" it was hard to stop reading it. It takes you through a world that most of us will never experience, the seedy prostitution world of Bangkok and the corruption that is their everyday life. Michael is an artist accused of raping an underage girl, he claims he's innocent but they throw him in prison anyway. What he endures while waiting for trial in unbelievable! His family comes to get him out, but through law enforcement corruption they struggle to make it happen.
This isn't one of my normal reads, but I'm glad I read it. It's well written and the characters are believable, as are the things that take place. I felt that I was a part of Michael's story and am hoping that it all works out. This is a cliffhanger so you won't get the ending until book two, but however this book was free and well worth paying for the ending.
18+ Due to sexual situations
This isn't one of my normal reads, but I'm glad I read it. It's well written and the characters are believable, as are the things that take place. I felt that I was a part of Michael's story and am hoping that it all works out. This is a cliffhanger so you won't get the ending until book two, but however this book was free and well worth paying for the ending.
18+ Due to sexual situations
August 10, 2014
Lost innocence is addictive reading. Like a bottle of good Chilean Red once she is corked she must be consumed. At once. From the neck. In my case, over an eight hour period I read the complete novel. A thrilling eight hours of addictive page turning I came to understand that Palmer is a master story-teller. Not on a sentence level but over the whole book. What we have is a prison thriller with characters fully fleshed out and realized. Palmer who was trained as a method actor, gets inside his character's skin. He lives their lives and tells their stories. The novel is dialogue heavy, the plot a beautiful train-wreak of disaster after disaster that one cannot help but watch, digest and keep turning those pages. Lost Innocence is a page-turner. Brilliant stuff from a rare talent.
We await the next book with baited breath.
October 5, 2014
I found both parts of the book to be very intriguing. I've heard tales of foreign prisons, but I must say Simon Palmer really make it come to life with his style of descriptive writing. Much to my chagrin, I could feel myself there with the darkness, the smells, the insects, but I stopped myself at the cruelty of the guards and other inmates for my own peace of mind!
I found The Accused - Part 1 to be quite a cliff-hanger so I strongly advise you get both parts of Book One and be ready to move quickly from one to the next.
I give Simon Palmer and Lost Innocence: The Accused - Part 1 and Breaking Point - Part 2 four steaming cups of coffee and urge you to find out how awesome Simon is as a writer! Keep watch for his upcoming release which I am so looking forward to.
~ Patricia, Room With Books ~ © Oct 5, 2014
I found The Accused - Part 1 to be quite a cliff-hanger so I strongly advise you get both parts of Book One and be ready to move quickly from one to the next.
I give Simon Palmer and Lost Innocence: The Accused - Part 1 and Breaking Point - Part 2 four steaming cups of coffee and urge you to find out how awesome Simon is as a writer! Keep watch for his upcoming release which I am so looking forward to.
~ Patricia, Room With Books ~ © Oct 5, 2014
August 12, 2014
This is one excellent start to an intense and quickly progressing adventure about a young man, Michael, who finds himself stuck in a Thai prison. Despite the bleak nature of his predicament, he learns his options quickly and how to survive on the inside, while the race to free him progresses on the outside.
The development of the characters, intertwined with the action-packed story line, is what makes this story very fun to read. With each step along the way, another plot twist is lurking and more intriguing events occur. While Michael is the main character, he is very young and still learning about life, and there are plenty of fascinating people and shocking situations that shape him along the way.
This is a definite must read! I look forward to more!
The development of the characters, intertwined with the action-packed story line, is what makes this story very fun to read. With each step along the way, another plot twist is lurking and more intriguing events occur. While Michael is the main character, he is very young and still learning about life, and there are plenty of fascinating people and shocking situations that shape him along the way.
This is a definite must read! I look forward to more!
October 23, 2014
Michael only wanted to practice his art in the exotic land of Thailand, but he is accused of a crime he didn't commit by a corrupt police captain and a frightened underaged Thai girl. Thrown in the infamous Bangkok Hilton, Michael meats a self confessed heroin smuggler. Michael's grandfather, Nigel a brilliant retired lawyer flies from London to Bangkok to help his grandson. Pulling together a small team, he finds him taking on the corruption of the legal system.
Lost Innocence: The Accused is a fascinating tale from the distant land of Thailand. Simon Palmer brings us to the exotic Southeast Asian country. It is an intriguing tale even though there is a problem of with the author switching back and forth between first and third person when using Michael's point of view.
Lost Innocence: The Accused is a fascinating tale from the distant land of Thailand. Simon Palmer brings us to the exotic Southeast Asian country. It is an intriguing tale even though there is a problem of with the author switching back and forth between first and third person when using Michael's point of view.
October 3, 2014
Bangkok Hilton Noir
Lost Innocence is a well crafted and gritty prison drama. The author expertly portrays an often harrowing existence within the walls through the eyes of his main character Michael, an artist, who has been imprisoned in the Bangkok Hilton. Michael is a youngish, somewhat green, but quickly learns the ropes and how to survive and the 'art' of managing his new environment. He is helped on that none too pleasant journey by another prisoner, John, who has been a “Hilton” resident for some time. Palmer draws this relationship well. Actually, I’m not much for prison dramas, but this writer is talented and the story developed into much more. I highly recommend this page-turner and look forward to more efforts from Simon Palmer.
Lost Innocence is a well crafted and gritty prison drama. The author expertly portrays an often harrowing existence within the walls through the eyes of his main character Michael, an artist, who has been imprisoned in the Bangkok Hilton. Michael is a youngish, somewhat green, but quickly learns the ropes and how to survive and the 'art' of managing his new environment. He is helped on that none too pleasant journey by another prisoner, John, who has been a “Hilton” resident for some time. Palmer draws this relationship well. Actually, I’m not much for prison dramas, but this writer is talented and the story developed into much more. I highly recommend this page-turner and look forward to more efforts from Simon Palmer.
September 17, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Simon Palmer gives us an intense story about a young man, Michael, who is charged with a crime that he didn't commit. John is a heroin smuggler and they both meet in the "Bangkok Hilton".
Michael's grandfather is brought in to fight the case. But with a city where justice can be bought and sold it becomes a struggle. While in prison he undergoes many atrocities.
This is a must read with many twists and turns. You will not be able to put it down until you finish reading it.
I look forward to reading more from Simon Palmer. I gave it 5 stars but it deserves 10+. I highly recommend it to all.
Simon Palmer gives us an intense story about a young man, Michael, who is charged with a crime that he didn't commit. John is a heroin smuggler and they both meet in the "Bangkok Hilton".
Michael's grandfather is brought in to fight the case. But with a city where justice can be bought and sold it becomes a struggle. While in prison he undergoes many atrocities.
This is a must read with many twists and turns. You will not be able to put it down until you finish reading it.
I look forward to reading more from Simon Palmer. I gave it 5 stars but it deserves 10+. I highly recommend it to all.
January 3, 2015
This is the first part of a series and about 100 pages in length. It is the story of a young man put into prison in Thailand, his experiences in prison, his family’s efforts to get him out and leaves the reader hanging waiting to find out what will happen to a man who is “good” but who has been “scammed” into the situation he finds himself in.
The writing was okay but I have to say that Michael, his father and grandfather along with the PI they employed seemed rather easily tempted by the women in Thailand and that sort of put me off. I wish the author all the best as he continues with this series.
The writing was okay but I have to say that Michael, his father and grandfather along with the PI they employed seemed rather easily tempted by the women in Thailand and that sort of put me off. I wish the author all the best as he continues with this series.
November 4, 2015
A raw and riveting read from start to finish while set in exotic Thailand with it's seedy and dangerous side allures the reader while driving home the reality of poverty and crime there. Michael's situation connects emotionally while admiration is gained by his sense of justice. A complimenting array of characters with just the right amount of back stories, make them vivid and very real in the readers mind. A thread of wit is occasionally injected to my surprise and delight. An over all great read!
4.5 stars
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2014
This has been on my TBR pile for a few weeks now and I am glad I finally opened it; once I did I couldn't put it down! From the opening we are treated to a very vivid picture of Michael Walker's predicament. I must say it made me cringe even more so than when I watch television or movies and have the images in front of me - Palmer does an excellent job of being descriptive, yet without being too wordy. As a result the book was fast-paced and full of action, drama - even some humor. The only drawback was that it had to end - but luckily there's more (Book 2). I highly recommend this read!
October 1, 2014
Until Lost Innocence I had never read a Political Thriller. Now I have to ask myself why I waited so long! Simon Palmer's skill as a writer to keep the reader entertained, intrigued and dare I say excited....yeah you know what I mean, is amazing! I was enthralled with the characters in this book, even if I wanted to pull one or two off to the side for a finger waging WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? speech a time or two. I am anxious to see what becomes not only of Michael but all the characters that have been introduced in book 1. Well done Mr. Palmer.
October 16, 2014
This story has everything a reader could want. I forgot where I was, or what I was supposed to be doing, because I was totally absorbed in the plot, and the characters.
Simon Palmer's Lost Innocence took me into the Bangkok Hilton, Thailand's notorious jail. I could smell fear, both in the jail and on the streets of Bangkok. It excites and terrifies. I have read parts 1 & 2 'The Accused' and 'Breaking Point,' so I this review applies to both and I will use it for both.
Can't wait for the next one.
Simon Palmer's Lost Innocence took me into the Bangkok Hilton, Thailand's notorious jail. I could smell fear, both in the jail and on the streets of Bangkok. It excites and terrifies. I have read parts 1 & 2 'The Accused' and 'Breaking Point,' so I this review applies to both and I will use it for both.
Can't wait for the next one.
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