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Sam Williams
The Art of Staying Dead
A secret prisoner holds the key to a thirty-year old crime.
Sam Williams was meant for great things, until a fatal misstep crashed his career. Trying to salvage the remnants is a path which leads him to the wrong place at the worst time - a high security prison in the middle of a riot, and face to face with a man the world believes is long dead.
Sam quickly learns someone is willing to do whatever it takes make sure things stay that way.
The truth to a decades old mystery might save Sam’s skin, but the clock is ticking and this time he knows any missteps won’t just be fatal to his career...
An Amazon US/UK Top 10 Bestseller in - Crime FictionInternational Mystery & Crime
Conspiracy
Thrillers
Legal Thrillers
Kidnapping
Financial Thriller
Political Thrillers & Suspense.
Get the gripping introduction to the Sam Williams thriller series today for just 0.99.
Read what Amazon customers are saying about The Art of Staying Dead...
"A brilliant read for thriller action readers.”
“Hames beautifully weaves it all together. Intelligent, well written, fascinating characters, a lovable protagonist.”
“Riveting book, I loved it. So well written, I was gripped all the way through and read it over a period of 24 hours.”
“What a fantastic story, and intricate web of deceit, confusion, revelation, and dark humour.”
“full of twist and turns”
"The suspense is perfectly timed and believable, the atmosphere and characterisation spot on.”
"A pacy thriller with a rich seam of laconic humour.”
“I am going straight to Amazon to buy more from this author which I have added to my must read list along with Connelly, Grisham, Child, Hayes and Nesbo.”
"Engaging, fast-paced and genuinely thrilling.”
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Sam Williams was meant for great things, until a fatal misstep crashed his career. Trying to salvage the remnants is a path which leads him to the wrong place at the worst time - a high security prison in the middle of a riot, and face to face with a man the world believes is long dead.
Sam quickly learns someone is willing to do whatever it takes make sure things stay that way.
The truth to a decades old mystery might save Sam’s skin, but the clock is ticking and this time he knows any missteps won’t just be fatal to his career...
An Amazon US/UK Top 10 Bestseller in - Crime FictionInternational Mystery & Crime
Conspiracy
Thrillers
Legal Thrillers
Kidnapping
Financial Thriller
Political Thrillers & Suspense.
Get the gripping introduction to the Sam Williams thriller series today for just 0.99.
Read what Amazon customers are saying about The Art of Staying Dead...
"A brilliant read for thriller action readers.”
“Hames beautifully weaves it all together. Intelligent, well written, fascinating characters, a lovable protagonist.”
“Riveting book, I loved it. So well written, I was gripped all the way through and read it over a period of 24 hours.”
“What a fantastic story, and intricate web of deceit, confusion, revelation, and dark humour.”
“full of twist and turns”
"The suspense is perfectly timed and believable, the atmosphere and characterisation spot on.”
"A pacy thriller with a rich seam of laconic humour.”
“I am going straight to Amazon to buy more from this author which I have added to my must read list along with Connelly, Grisham, Child, Hayes and Nesbo.”
"Engaging, fast-paced and genuinely thrilling.”
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- GenresFiction
317 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 21, 2015
The Art of Staying Dead is an action packed crime thriller.
Expect to encounter violence, murder, conspiracy and some very scary men that you won’t want to get on the wrong side of, in this very well written tale of terror.
The author has no problems throwing the reader straight into the thick of it, and had my mind cowering in the corner of a room in the middle of a prison riot, within minutes of starting to read this. I thought that was bad enough, but that is only the beginning of the fast-paced and thrilling action that will have you running for your life.
As this novel is written in first person, the reader really gets to know what Sam, a human rights lawyer is thinking and feeling. I felt his character was very authentic, and the first person aspect of this story, really dragged me into the centre of the action.
This story has a very gritty, masculine feel to it, so although, as a girl, I really enjoyed it, I do think it would really appeal to men, as there is nothing particularly ‘girly’ about it to put them off reading it.
My only reason for giving this 4 stars, instead of 5 stars, is that I’m not a huge fan of action. However, I suspect this novel will gain lots of well-deserved 5 star ratings from readers who do love their thrillers with a little more action than me.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book, via THE Book Club, in exchange for an honest review, and wish Joel the best of luck with the release of this book.
June 8, 2015
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was debating whether to rate this book a 4* or a 5* read and decided that it did indeed deserve the full five stars as it was a great read. The storyline was captivating and although I would not have described it as my typical genre to read...it had all the right elements for me: it was thrilling, suspenseful and I found myself holding my breath in eager anticipation as to what would happen next! Only a few books have done that to me as of late so well done to the author on this one!
I loved the characters as well. There was something interesting about each and every one of them. They also each had a purpose in the storyline and I liked that...even if the mention was only brief...they were there for a reason. Sam Williams was my favourite and not because he was the main character. There was just something about him. Ordinary guy who gets mixed up in something he has no business being a part of. I also liked Mahoney. Badass criminal who helps Sam in his endeavour to put an end to all the madness that surrounds him. A surprising mix but works well.
So would I recommend this book? Absolutely! It ticked all the boxes for me and I will certainly be checking out more of Joel Hames' books in the future!
I was debating whether to rate this book a 4* or a 5* read and decided that it did indeed deserve the full five stars as it was a great read. The storyline was captivating and although I would not have described it as my typical genre to read...it had all the right elements for me: it was thrilling, suspenseful and I found myself holding my breath in eager anticipation as to what would happen next! Only a few books have done that to me as of late so well done to the author on this one!
I loved the characters as well. There was something interesting about each and every one of them. They also each had a purpose in the storyline and I liked that...even if the mention was only brief...they were there for a reason. Sam Williams was my favourite and not because he was the main character. There was just something about him. Ordinary guy who gets mixed up in something he has no business being a part of. I also liked Mahoney. Badass criminal who helps Sam in his endeavour to put an end to all the madness that surrounds him. A surprising mix but works well.
So would I recommend this book? Absolutely! It ticked all the boxes for me and I will certainly be checking out more of Joel Hames' books in the future!
May 8, 2015
Fast paced with a gritty edge this is the story of Sam Williams.
Once potentially hot shot lawyer to be who fell from grace rather spectacularly. Sam now has his own business if that's what you can call it, dealing with the lower end of society and things aren't going too well. A helping hand from an old friend and takes him to his worst nightmares.
Both chilling and fast paced this book really grabbed my attention very quickly. Very descriptive, sometimes maybe too descriptive but you get the whole picture here...great twists and turns. An excellent read
Once potentially hot shot lawyer to be who fell from grace rather spectacularly. Sam now has his own business if that's what you can call it, dealing with the lower end of society and things aren't going too well. A helping hand from an old friend and takes him to his worst nightmares.
Both chilling and fast paced this book really grabbed my attention very quickly. Very descriptive, sometimes maybe too descriptive but you get the whole picture here...great twists and turns. An excellent read
June 26, 2024
I couldn't engage myself with this book at all which is a shame as it's got some decent reviews.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters which can work in a book, but it didn't work for me at all in this book. I actually hated them so much I'd cross the street to avoid them.
The story line was far-fetched, I just couldn't relate to anything in this book I'm afraid to say.
Two stars.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters which can work in a book, but it didn't work for me at all in this book. I actually hated them so much I'd cross the street to avoid them.
The story line was far-fetched, I just couldn't relate to anything in this book I'm afraid to say.
Two stars.
January 31, 2016
This story starts with a visit made by lawyers, journalists and others, to a prison facility where the worst criminals are housed. While Sam, our protagonist, is there, a mass break-out occurs in which lives are lost. Sam has a gun pointed directly at him, just before he's lifted away to safety by helicopter. He describes the man, a black man with grey hair, but the authorities deny there ever was such a prisoner. The story takes off from here and leads us into some unexpected places.
I found this story to be a fact paced thriller which will delight the heart of those who love a conspiracy. It may not be, indeed one hopes it is not, entirely credible, but what a ride! A thoroughly enjoyable book.
I found this story to be a fact paced thriller which will delight the heart of those who love a conspiracy. It may not be, indeed one hopes it is not, entirely credible, but what a ride! A thoroughly enjoyable book.
January 10, 2016
Who'd have thought it - I like action thrillers, well this one at least.... The Art of Staying Dead by Joel Hames.
I loved the 'diamonds' storyline, the villains, the settings and most of all Sam. He was fabulously written (as are all the supporting cast) and he is the most unlikely, down to earth, underdog I've ever known to become a hero. His personal growth and self awareness is cleverly woven into the action adventure which is probably why the book grabbed me so much. Loved the ending and would so like to read more about the case he's taking on next .
Well written , great pace, great plot, great characters what's not to love - highly recommended 4.5 stars.
I loved the 'diamonds' storyline, the villains, the settings and most of all Sam. He was fabulously written (as are all the supporting cast) and he is the most unlikely, down to earth, underdog I've ever known to become a hero. His personal growth and self awareness is cleverly woven into the action adventure which is probably why the book grabbed me so much. Loved the ending and would so like to read more about the case he's taking on next .
Well written , great pace, great plot, great characters what's not to love - highly recommended 4.5 stars.
February 8, 2017
Not at all my usual read, but it's so good to step out of your comfort zone, and especially into this riveting, fast-paced thriller of a zone! I was hooked from the tense opening (being trapped in a small space terrifies me!) until the explosive (literally) climax. Sam Williams is a fully realised and likeable character in a whole lot of bother. A failing human rights lawyer, he's now mixed up with diamonds, cover-ups, and a whole lot of people who aren't what they seem. Peppered with humour, rich in honesty and brutally relentless, this is a real winner.
May 10, 2015
The Art of Staying Dead is jammed packed full of action right from the start. From the beginning the author just literally drops the reader into the heat of the moment which is where it all begins for human rights lawyer Sam Williams.
Sam's personal and work life probably couldn't get any lower than where it is but after a horrible event that takes place in a high security prison, Sam's world is totally thrown upside down.
Fans of action packed and fast paced thrillers will love this book. There is certainly one twist towards the end of the book which literally made my jaw drop open as was not expecting it. Word of warning though, kebabs being one of Sam's favourite foods, gets mentioned quite often and you may end up carving one by the end.
This is the first of Joel Hames books that I have read and I found his writing style quite different from other books I have read in the same genre which was quite refreshing, will certainly be looking out for more by him.
Many Thanks to The Book Club and the author for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sam's personal and work life probably couldn't get any lower than where it is but after a horrible event that takes place in a high security prison, Sam's world is totally thrown upside down.
Fans of action packed and fast paced thrillers will love this book. There is certainly one twist towards the end of the book which literally made my jaw drop open as was not expecting it. Word of warning though, kebabs being one of Sam's favourite foods, gets mentioned quite often and you may end up carving one by the end.
This is the first of Joel Hames books that I have read and I found his writing style quite different from other books I have read in the same genre which was quite refreshing, will certainly be looking out for more by him.
Many Thanks to The Book Club and the author for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2015
‘If I’d known what I’d set in motion, I’d have welcomed nothing with open arms.’ Sam Williams
Did dodgy human rights lawyer Sam Williams really see what he is told by everyone else he must have imagined? In spite of reassurances from everyone that he didn’t see a man with a gun outside the prison boundary following a riot in which people died and were injured, he isn’t convinced. Who was the black man with the grey hair and a gun staring pointedly at him as Sam was pulled into the helicopter, along with others fleeing the riot? Sam’s insistence that this was no figment of his imagination is hitting a raw nerve in some quarters, as he starts digging for the truth, and when his allegations of a cover-up hit the newspapers, things get worse than Sam could ever have imagined and he realises he should have heeded the warning ‘don’t get involved’.
If this was a film, I would have been shouting at the TV at this point, since we know that when someone is warned not to get involved and they do, it inevitably won’t end well, but then good films and novels aren’t born from people doing what logic dictates!! Good for us then, that Sam follows his heart and not his head.
This was a great read, although it started slowly and took time to get going; however, once it did, it was a real page-turner leaving the reader constantly wondering who were the heroes and who were the villains. Even Sam himself is unsure at times which side he’s helping, particularly in the case of the enigmatic Chima Nwosu, as the action switches to a little-known African country in which life is cheap and anyone is expendable. Expect twists and turns a-plenty as the plot unfolds........
Thank you to THE Book Club and to Joel Hames for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Follow my reviews at https://www.facebook.com/PrincessTami...
Did dodgy human rights lawyer Sam Williams really see what he is told by everyone else he must have imagined? In spite of reassurances from everyone that he didn’t see a man with a gun outside the prison boundary following a riot in which people died and were injured, he isn’t convinced. Who was the black man with the grey hair and a gun staring pointedly at him as Sam was pulled into the helicopter, along with others fleeing the riot? Sam’s insistence that this was no figment of his imagination is hitting a raw nerve in some quarters, as he starts digging for the truth, and when his allegations of a cover-up hit the newspapers, things get worse than Sam could ever have imagined and he realises he should have heeded the warning ‘don’t get involved’.
If this was a film, I would have been shouting at the TV at this point, since we know that when someone is warned not to get involved and they do, it inevitably won’t end well, but then good films and novels aren’t born from people doing what logic dictates!! Good for us then, that Sam follows his heart and not his head.
This was a great read, although it started slowly and took time to get going; however, once it did, it was a real page-turner leaving the reader constantly wondering who were the heroes and who were the villains. Even Sam himself is unsure at times which side he’s helping, particularly in the case of the enigmatic Chima Nwosu, as the action switches to a little-known African country in which life is cheap and anyone is expendable. Expect twists and turns a-plenty as the plot unfolds........
Thank you to THE Book Club and to Joel Hames for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Follow my reviews at https://www.facebook.com/PrincessTami...
January 1, 2016
You often hear of riots in prisons but how much of the actual riot makes it to the media or is it just what the prison wants you to hear?
Sam Williams is a human rights lawyer and he goes to a prison as part of a formal visitation by members of the legal profession and the media. Is it coincidence there is a blackout and siege on that particular day?
As the riot kicked off, part of the delegation get stuck in the security room watching what they can see through the security cameras. My brain went into overdrive thinking there must be someone in the visiting group in cahoots with the ringleader of the disruption.
Finally the party are rescued and ushered out to helicopters but as he climbs up, Sam sees a man with a gun, a man in a prisoner uniform.
Is Sam going mad and imagining things when he saw the man with the gun or is he becoming part of something big? The media and others from the prison visit think the latter but Sam is sticking to his guns, knowing what he saw.
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book. I'm not normally one for the more action thriller but The Art of Staying Dead kept my attention and dared me to keep going. It's not a book you can skim read as you miss key information. I can picture it being made into a film with its intriguing storyline.
It's an excellent international conspiracy novel. Thank you THE Book Club and Joel Hames for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Sam Williams is a human rights lawyer and he goes to a prison as part of a formal visitation by members of the legal profession and the media. Is it coincidence there is a blackout and siege on that particular day?
As the riot kicked off, part of the delegation get stuck in the security room watching what they can see through the security cameras. My brain went into overdrive thinking there must be someone in the visiting group in cahoots with the ringleader of the disruption.
Finally the party are rescued and ushered out to helicopters but as he climbs up, Sam sees a man with a gun, a man in a prisoner uniform.
Is Sam going mad and imagining things when he saw the man with the gun or is he becoming part of something big? The media and others from the prison visit think the latter but Sam is sticking to his guns, knowing what he saw.
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book. I'm not normally one for the more action thriller but The Art of Staying Dead kept my attention and dared me to keep going. It's not a book you can skim read as you miss key information. I can picture it being made into a film with its intriguing storyline.
It's an excellent international conspiracy novel. Thank you THE Book Club and Joel Hames for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2015
Sam Williams could have been a hot shot lawyer until his career went pear shaped. Now, he's trudging through life with a fear of commitment and taking cases from the dregs of society - whatever he can find to make some money. But this changes when an incident in a high security prison throws his life into turmoil.
The Art of Staying Dead is a well-planned thriller full of conspiracy, politics, murder and violence. The highly descriptive plot sucks you straight into the action from the first page. After the first chapter, the plot then slows down and the story gradually unfolds, leading to several twists and a satisfying conclusion.
Since the book is written in the first person, you get right into Sam's thoughts and feelings, which makes the story come alive. Unlike other protagonists in books with a similar theme, Sam isn't a natural action hero. He can be pretty clueless and disorganised at times, and his thoughts generally run away with him. This means that the writing can be a little wordy in places, but it fits in well with his character.
If you enjoy action thrillers, with political intrigue and a slightly more masculine feel, then this is an ideal book for you.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Art of Staying Dead is a well-planned thriller full of conspiracy, politics, murder and violence. The highly descriptive plot sucks you straight into the action from the first page. After the first chapter, the plot then slows down and the story gradually unfolds, leading to several twists and a satisfying conclusion.
Since the book is written in the first person, you get right into Sam's thoughts and feelings, which makes the story come alive. Unlike other protagonists in books with a similar theme, Sam isn't a natural action hero. He can be pretty clueless and disorganised at times, and his thoughts generally run away with him. This means that the writing can be a little wordy in places, but it fits in well with his character.
If you enjoy action thrillers, with political intrigue and a slightly more masculine feel, then this is an ideal book for you.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2015
This is an incredibly fast paced action thriller that had me on the edge of my seat right from the start of the story, which is a prison break/riot that our hero Sam Williams found himself in the middle of during a visit to a high security prison. It then finds this somewhat dead beat ex human rights lawyer, who is struggling to find even the most low life criminal clients, on the run for his life. When he decides that the only way to get his life back is to try and solve the problem himself, he lands up in an impoverished, war torn African country. A phrase that haunted me throughout the book was “children with the faces of men” which describes these awful wars so well.
I particularly loved the way all the loose end were tied together at the end of the book.
I can highly recommend this exciting book and would like to thanks the author Joel Hames for the opportunity to read this ARC that I received through THE Book Club.
I particularly loved the way all the loose end were tied together at the end of the book.
I can highly recommend this exciting book and would like to thanks the author Joel Hames for the opportunity to read this ARC that I received through THE Book Club.
May 8, 2015
An absolute whirlwind of tension, explosive action and wit, The Art of Staying Dead gets the heart racing from the first page and doesn’t let up until it’s over. Sam Williams, a down-at-heel human rights lawyer who has lost sight of the values he started with, is a fascinating hero: alternately terrified and brave, useless and brilliant, witty, selfish, and always self-aware, we’re swept into his world just as it starts to collapse around him. The Art of Staying Dead is a genuine “couldn’t put it down” thriller, and I can’t wait to read the next one.
May 9, 2015
This is a fantastic page turner. I was gripped right from the start and finished it in 3 days - could not put it down. Joel Hames handles plot, suspense, humour and fear with aplomb and always with his unique style and turn of phrase. Highly recommended.
June 17, 2015
Wow! Intelligent, well-written and gripping story that took me on a journey I didn't want to end. A real page-turner, full of heart-stopping twists and turns.
August 25, 2021
Fast paced, lots of things going on, lots of action, but I just didn't really enjoy this, I didn’t enjoy the London part so much, the Africa part was much more interesting and engaging, even though I just couldn't get into Sam’s character, but at least he has a sense of humour, or any of the other characters as it so happens.
Written in first person Sam and his thoughts are your thoughts, which were plentiful. Sure the storyline was a little far fetched, but this is a novel, so it really doesn't matter.
The positive parts to the book was the Africa bit, at least once it got going, it was much more interesting, that is, of course if you can actually get that far, and the ending was ok.
The best part of this is the narrator, he has a very nice voice and does the comedy side of the book very well bringing it to life and that is the reason for the 3 stars rather than less. I might have given up with this book if it hadn't been for the narrator.
This book has earned 3 stars.
Written in first person Sam and his thoughts are your thoughts, which were plentiful. Sure the storyline was a little far fetched, but this is a novel, so it really doesn't matter.
The positive parts to the book was the Africa bit, at least once it got going, it was much more interesting, that is, of course if you can actually get that far, and the ending was ok.
The best part of this is the narrator, he has a very nice voice and does the comedy side of the book very well bringing it to life and that is the reason for the 3 stars rather than less. I might have given up with this book if it hadn't been for the narrator.
This book has earned 3 stars.
September 19, 2021
Absolutely loved this book, probably my favourite Audible book so far. Really fast-paced gritty thriller with great characterisation and a believable plot with no yawning holes! Really enjoyed the narration which gave a heightened sense of tension.
May 24, 2015
The Art of Staying Dead and Living Through it.
The book starts with an explosive scene that leaves us in the dark ... literally. The tension builds as seemingly unconnected facts and events begin to fall into place. The book takes us to inhospitable foreign shores where unscrupulous men and rebel leaders hold the choice of life and death in their hands.
The pace of the novel is fairly constant and it doesn’t disappoint. It is a relaxed, personable read. Sam Williams is an easy character to relate to for most of us. Perhaps even a little self-deprecating, but viewing the world through his eyes allows us to be a little vicarious. It allows us believe that we too could be extraordinary given the right circumstances. It’s all diamonds, dictators, and near-death experiences.
Joel Hames could turn Sam Williams into an interesting series. I’m hoping he does ....
The book starts with an explosive scene that leaves us in the dark ... literally. The tension builds as seemingly unconnected facts and events begin to fall into place. The book takes us to inhospitable foreign shores where unscrupulous men and rebel leaders hold the choice of life and death in their hands.
The pace of the novel is fairly constant and it doesn’t disappoint. It is a relaxed, personable read. Sam Williams is an easy character to relate to for most of us. Perhaps even a little self-deprecating, but viewing the world through his eyes allows us to be a little vicarious. It allows us believe that we too could be extraordinary given the right circumstances. It’s all diamonds, dictators, and near-death experiences.
Joel Hames could turn Sam Williams into an interesting series. I’m hoping he does ....
June 1, 2015
First novel I've finished on kindle (rather than paperback), and first novel I've written a review of on goodreads (rather than just star-rated). That has to tell you something. This was compulsively readable. Fast-paced, engaging, and genuinely thrilling, I rattled through it as it took me on a crazy journey from London to Oxford to Africa.
What always helps when you want to get immersed in a thriller was that I could really empathise with the main character Sam. The author does a great job of balancing those areas where Sam regrets compromises he's made along the way, but also how when thrust in to life-or-death situations he still maintains a sense of right and wrong and there are limits to the compromises he'll make. It makes him a very human central character, doing his best to get by same as any of us. Already looking forward to the next one.
What always helps when you want to get immersed in a thriller was that I could really empathise with the main character Sam. The author does a great job of balancing those areas where Sam regrets compromises he's made along the way, but also how when thrust in to life-or-death situations he still maintains a sense of right and wrong and there are limits to the compromises he'll make. It makes him a very human central character, doing his best to get by same as any of us. Already looking forward to the next one.
January 12, 2016
I love a good thriller and the Art of Staying Dead is one of the best I’ve read for a while. The pacing is flawless, with the conspiracy revealed layer by layer, plus there are plenty of action scenes to grip the reader. All the characters are well-drawn, and the greed and lust for power of the bad guys is portrayed with chilling realism. However, star of the show is Sam Williams, failed human rights lawyer and reluctant hero par excellence, with his engaging combination of naivety, foolhardiness, and realism. Sam’s first person narration, filled with sardonic and sometimes self-deprecating humour, works very well, and I was easily able to empathise with him in his struggle to expose the truth together with his confusion along the way. All in all a cracking read and I’m now looking forward eagerly to the sequel.
June 17, 2015
If you enjoy a fast paced thriller then this novel is definitely for you. In fact at the beginning I had to reread certain sections because it was so fast.
Sam Williams is a disillusioned human rights lawyer who hasn't always done the right thing to get the result he wants. He is part of a group of people attending a prison when things go drastically wrong, he witnesses events that no one believes happened and his life changes dramatically.
Like Sam, I had no idea who he could trust all the way through. The final third of the novel was very intimidating especially when it was revealed what the bad guys were really interested in.
An author to look out for, I will be reading the previous novel very soon.
Thanks to THE book club and the author for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sam Williams is a disillusioned human rights lawyer who hasn't always done the right thing to get the result he wants. He is part of a group of people attending a prison when things go drastically wrong, he witnesses events that no one believes happened and his life changes dramatically.
Like Sam, I had no idea who he could trust all the way through. The final third of the novel was very intimidating especially when it was revealed what the bad guys were really interested in.
An author to look out for, I will be reading the previous novel very soon.
Thanks to THE book club and the author for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2015
I was volunteered to review this book through The Book Club even though it is not the normal type of book I would go for.
Sam Williams, an almost disgraced lawyer, finds himself in a prison riot and then the victim of a non too pleasant newspaper article. One way or another he quickly becomes embroiled in intrigue, violence, death and in pastures foreign.
It is a gripping story full of adventure and I am in awe of the author as it is very involved and a real twisty thriller.
I think a man would particularly enjoy the twists and turns and intrigue but for me it was a little too involved and left me wanting to skip a few pages here and there.
It was a well written book one which is definitely worth recommending.
Sam Williams, an almost disgraced lawyer, finds himself in a prison riot and then the victim of a non too pleasant newspaper article. One way or another he quickly becomes embroiled in intrigue, violence, death and in pastures foreign.
It is a gripping story full of adventure and I am in awe of the author as it is very involved and a real twisty thriller.
I think a man would particularly enjoy the twists and turns and intrigue but for me it was a little too involved and left me wanting to skip a few pages here and there.
It was a well written book one which is definitely worth recommending.
May 26, 2015
Wow, this is a 5 star action thriller! I'm not usually a fan of 'action' thrillers, but this book has changed my mind. It's a roller coaster read with lots of twists and turns. It's full of action, it never lets up, and tells of political upheaval and corruption in the higher echelons of society.
Sam is on a chase to save his own life, and his career. He's a likeable character. He has made mistakes in his career, but has paid dearly, but has determination to make things right. There's a romantic element in the story, but doesn't dominate the book.
This is one of my favourite books this year, and I look forward to reading more from Joel hames.
Sam is on a chase to save his own life, and his career. He's a likeable character. He has made mistakes in his career, but has paid dearly, but has determination to make things right. There's a romantic element in the story, but doesn't dominate the book.
This is one of my favourite books this year, and I look forward to reading more from Joel hames.
July 3, 2015
Is it really too much to ask for a great thriller with a strong plot, original and intelligent, with great characters, flawed, likeable, detestable, human, with and some nice chewy thematic elements? All delivered via taut, lean and witty prose... Y'know, something with real personality, the sort of book you can just tear any page from and be guaranteed insightful, entertaining, evocative prose, respectful of its reader, diligently simmered down so that the tale is sharp, tangy and tasty?
Apparently not.
The Art of Staying Dead is a 5 star treat.
- John Bowen is the author of 'Where the Dead Walk' and 'Vessel'. You can find him here on GoodReads, and his published work at Amazon.
Apparently not.
The Art of Staying Dead is a 5 star treat.
- John Bowen is the author of 'Where the Dead Walk' and 'Vessel'. You can find him here on GoodReads, and his published work at Amazon.
December 17, 2015
I received an ARC forom TBC for an honest review
A great start to the book with Sam Williams as the main character.
It is full of plot and not sure where the story is taking you.
Sam sees something that no one else has.
No one believes him. Sam is a likeable character, with great humour.
There is a nice love interest without it taking over the story.
This book took some concentration to read with the plot developments, but flowed extremely well and I would read more from this author.I wouldn't mind seeing more of Sam...
A great start to the book with Sam Williams as the main character.
It is full of plot and not sure where the story is taking you.
Sam sees something that no one else has.
No one believes him. Sam is a likeable character, with great humour.
There is a nice love interest without it taking over the story.
This book took some concentration to read with the plot developments, but flowed extremely well and I would read more from this author.I wouldn't mind seeing more of Sam...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2016
This book is action packed from the start. The first chapter sees Sam Williams involved in a prison riot, which he manages to get out of.
He then encounters resistance to his recollection of events. The situation spirals out of control and his whole life is turned upside down as he's caught up in the aftermath.
As well as a superb story, the voice of Sam is clear and distinctive, adding a layer of wise-cracking fun to the whole novel.
Read this now, it's a brilliant journey and Sam is a wonderful companion.
He then encounters resistance to his recollection of events. The situation spirals out of control and his whole life is turned upside down as he's caught up in the aftermath.
As well as a superb story, the voice of Sam is clear and distinctive, adding a layer of wise-cracking fun to the whole novel.
Read this now, it's a brilliant journey and Sam is a wonderful companion.
May 25, 2015
OMG, what a jaw-dropping opening!
From page one the action is non-stop. You are plummeted from place to place and action to action at a tremendous pace. Joel Hames certainly knows how to build up the tension.
He must have researched the political situation in Africa in some depth.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'll certainly look out for others.
I highly recommend this book and would like to thank THE Book Club for my copy.
From page one the action is non-stop. You are plummeted from place to place and action to action at a tremendous pace. Joel Hames certainly knows how to build up the tension.
He must have researched the political situation in Africa in some depth.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'll certainly look out for others.
I highly recommend this book and would like to thank THE Book Club for my copy.
May 26, 2015
Fantastic. A non-stop thriller that gets your heart racing from page 1 and doesn't let up until the end, The Art of Staying Dead gives the reader a set of fascinating, believable characters and a clever plot with plenty of twists and turns on the way. Fans of Kernick, Child or Grisham will not be disappointed.
May 26, 2015
Really honoured to have received an ARC from THE book club for an honest review. This book is s real page turner from the start and by you grow to love Sam Williams. This is a great thriller and I will be buying Banker Town and can't wait for more from this author.
January 17, 2016
This was a great read. An explosive, gripping opening chapter that sets a frantic pace that barely subsides throughout the book. If you enjoy fast-paced crime thrillers then definitely give this a go.
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