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The Story That Had No Beginning
Alicia Collinson poses a surprising question to her dinner
“Do you think lying is endemic in society today?”
They all have different answers based on their experiences, but what was the purpose of Alicia’s question?
She was separated from her twin brother, Tom, when they were eight. Tom graduated into a life of violence, while Alice found a life of fortune and wealth in her partner, Mary.
But when Mary unexpectedly passes away, a new person enters Alice's life - someone who seems to know every detail about her.
Soon, her past and present lives collide with life-changing consequences.
“Do you think lying is endemic in society today?”
They all have different answers based on their experiences, but what was the purpose of Alicia’s question?
She was separated from her twin brother, Tom, when they were eight. Tom graduated into a life of violence, while Alice found a life of fortune and wealth in her partner, Mary.
But when Mary unexpectedly passes away, a new person enters Alice's life - someone who seems to know every detail about her.
Soon, her past and present lives collide with life-changing consequences.
- GenresMystery
156 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2018
About the author
Daniel Kemp
10 books122 followersDaniel Kemp is now a member of The Society of Authors. His introduction to the world of espionage and mystery happened at an early age when his father was employed by the War Office in Whitehall, London, at the end of WWII. However, it wasn’t until after his father died that he showed any interest in anything other than himself!
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic accident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden. Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for five years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter with the tenth novel being a two-part ending to the Heirs and Descendants Series. A Covenant of Spies completed the four-book series alongside What Happened In Vienna, Jack? Once I Was A Soldier and A Widow's Son.
The Desolate Garden went on to become a bestselling novel in World and Russian Literature in 2017. The following year, in May 2018, his book What Happened In Vienna, Jack? was a number-one bestseller on four separate Amazon sites: America, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Although he primarily focuses on mystery murders involving spies, his varied life experiences showcase his depth of knowledge. He has written two novellas, "Why? A Complicated Love" and the intriguing "The Story That Had No Beginning."
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed employee of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daniel-Kemp/...
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic accident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden. Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for five years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter with the tenth novel being a two-part ending to the Heirs and Descendants Series. A Covenant of Spies completed the four-book series alongside What Happened In Vienna, Jack? Once I Was A Soldier and A Widow's Son.
The Desolate Garden went on to become a bestselling novel in World and Russian Literature in 2017. The following year, in May 2018, his book What Happened In Vienna, Jack? was a number-one bestseller on four separate Amazon sites: America, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Although he primarily focuses on mystery murders involving spies, his varied life experiences showcase his depth of knowledge. He has written two novellas, "Why? A Complicated Love" and the intriguing "The Story That Had No Beginning."
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed employee of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daniel-Kemp/...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 23, 2018
Twins, separated as children and raised in foster care, Tom lived and died in a life of violence while Alice found love and good fortune. When her partner dies, Alice will find herself caught up in a raging storm as the past collides head on with the present, forever changing her future.
Tom and Alice’s paths would cross again in life, but only Tom would know. Would that be the last time or just the last time in life? Two souls, born of the same blood, two divergent paths, but are they so different? They each took what they wanted, when they wanted and manipulated those around them. Were they victims of circumstance or puppeteers of life? We each relate to others in our own unique way, what one might call dishonest, another would say is meant to avoid confrontation or pain.
Intriguing and dark, THE STORY THAT HAD NO BEGINNING by Daniel Kemp certainly raises some interesting questions about humanity’s relationships. Are past relationships and interactions like ghosts to haunt us later in life?
A quick read that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking and well-told.
Publisher: Creativia; 1 edition (May 4, 2018)
Publication Date: May 4, 2018
Genre: Literary Fiction
Print Length: 158 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Tom and Alice’s paths would cross again in life, but only Tom would know. Would that be the last time or just the last time in life? Two souls, born of the same blood, two divergent paths, but are they so different? They each took what they wanted, when they wanted and manipulated those around them. Were they victims of circumstance or puppeteers of life? We each relate to others in our own unique way, what one might call dishonest, another would say is meant to avoid confrontation or pain.
Intriguing and dark, THE STORY THAT HAD NO BEGINNING by Daniel Kemp certainly raises some interesting questions about humanity’s relationships. Are past relationships and interactions like ghosts to haunt us later in life?
A quick read that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking and well-told.
Publisher: Creativia; 1 edition (May 4, 2018)
Publication Date: May 4, 2018
Genre: Literary Fiction
Print Length: 158 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 23, 2021
This book is an interesting and complex story about twins, Tom and Alice Collins, who enter the foster care system at a young age and are raised separately. The book starts with Alicia Collinson, aka Alice Collins, and her sophisticated boyfriend hosting two friends for a dinner party. Unknow to the dinner participants, the ghost of her brother Tom, known as Bobby Brown among his peer group, is also in attendance. It is obvious from the start that Alicia is a woman of good financial circumstances who mingles with the elite of London's society. It also becomes evident quite early on, that Tom's life has followed a very divergent path and he was a member of the mafia-styled criminal class.
The book follows the paths of the twins and how they come to end up in their different circumstances and lifestyles. Alicia is a well-know and talented photographer who owns her own home in London and has plenty of money. Tom has money, albeit ill gotten, but he dies the death of a criminal.
Tom is a conflicting character as he is a man involved in high class prostitution and other shady and illegal dealings. Despite being a seasoned criminal, his narration of the story reveals a different side to his character. One that questions the life he lived and celebrates the good fortune and success achieved by his sister.
Alice or Alicia has the great good luck to become the protegee of a wealthy single woman with no children who effectively adopts her and sets her on the road to success in her chosen field of photography. Unknown to the naïve Alicia, her benefactor isn't everything she appears to be and some of the people she socialises with are infamous for their continuous promiscuous behaviour with the same, or the opposite, sex. In a contrast to her brother, Tom, who is in the centre of the debaucherous lifestyles led by the wealthy upper classes of London, Alicia hovers around the edges, not realising what is right in front of her.
The author has an in-depth knowledge of the illicit behaviour of the British upper class and paints a detailed picture of how greed, selfishness and a complete disregard for the values and ethics of society lead to the downfall of people.
This book will make you question what success is all about and whether it leads to contentment as the stories of the many characters unfold. This is thought provoking tale as despite the huge difference in the siblings financial and social positions, both of them end up with money but neither of them have good reliable partners or simply and happy lives.
The book follows the paths of the twins and how they come to end up in their different circumstances and lifestyles. Alicia is a well-know and talented photographer who owns her own home in London and has plenty of money. Tom has money, albeit ill gotten, but he dies the death of a criminal.
Tom is a conflicting character as he is a man involved in high class prostitution and other shady and illegal dealings. Despite being a seasoned criminal, his narration of the story reveals a different side to his character. One that questions the life he lived and celebrates the good fortune and success achieved by his sister.
Alice or Alicia has the great good luck to become the protegee of a wealthy single woman with no children who effectively adopts her and sets her on the road to success in her chosen field of photography. Unknown to the naïve Alicia, her benefactor isn't everything she appears to be and some of the people she socialises with are infamous for their continuous promiscuous behaviour with the same, or the opposite, sex. In a contrast to her brother, Tom, who is in the centre of the debaucherous lifestyles led by the wealthy upper classes of London, Alicia hovers around the edges, not realising what is right in front of her.
The author has an in-depth knowledge of the illicit behaviour of the British upper class and paints a detailed picture of how greed, selfishness and a complete disregard for the values and ethics of society lead to the downfall of people.
This book will make you question what success is all about and whether it leads to contentment as the stories of the many characters unfold. This is thought provoking tale as despite the huge difference in the siblings financial and social positions, both of them end up with money but neither of them have good reliable partners or simply and happy lives.
June 15, 2018
Each ting in life has an affect on what comes after and shapes our world view. So when Alicia asks a question at a dinner party there is more to meets the eye, The question "Do you think lying is endemic in society today?" The answers have more to do with life than those present know. The author takes readers down an interesting road with this story. I have read several books by this author and always find the underlying story one worth delving into.
May 14, 2018
This is not only a very intriguing story but also a very thoughtful one, that makes you wonder about the way we relate with people in our lives. I really enjoyed the way the story unravels, and how the intrigue keeps you reading until the very end.
This is a great book, amazingly well-written and Alice is a very interesting and well-crafted character. A very recommended read.
This is a great book, amazingly well-written and Alice is a very interesting and well-crafted character. A very recommended read.
June 22, 2018
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
"Alicia Collinson and her partner, Sir Giles Milton QC have a dinner party to host in the Chelsea home they share, but they are unaware of an extra guest; the ghost of Alicia's dead twin brother. Alicia poses a surprising question to Sir Giles and their guests:---“Do you think lying is endemic in society today?”
They all have different answers based on their experiences, but what was the purpose of her question and how did her brother die?"
That was the blurb for the book when I chose to read it. It was somewhat misleading. Firstly, there are no actual ghosts. The book is narrated by the dead brother, but in more of an omniscient way than of an actual spiritual presence. And there's no interaction between him and the dinner party.
Second, the dinner party bookends the story, but doesn't have much to do with the action. So if you are expecting the story of a dinner party interupted by ghostly activity and trapping and/or punishing the guests, you will be disappointed.
However, if you like crime and scandal and intrigue, you should give it a try. It has the parallel stories of the two twins, one in high society, one a thug, whose lives intersect in many ways, even if they never meet.
I should mention the part that bugged me most, because I'm sure it will bother others as well. As I said, the narrator is the dead brother, a street thug, which is fine. The problem was he didn't really sound like one. The narration used sophisticated language and vocabulary that didn't fit with the character, and didn't even match his dialogue from when he was alive. Some people might prefer that type of language in their narration, and generally I wouldn't want a book written entirely like a thug. But it gave me a bit of a problem with suspension of disbelief.
"Alicia Collinson and her partner, Sir Giles Milton QC have a dinner party to host in the Chelsea home they share, but they are unaware of an extra guest; the ghost of Alicia's dead twin brother. Alicia poses a surprising question to Sir Giles and their guests:---“Do you think lying is endemic in society today?”
They all have different answers based on their experiences, but what was the purpose of her question and how did her brother die?"
That was the blurb for the book when I chose to read it. It was somewhat misleading. Firstly, there are no actual ghosts. The book is narrated by the dead brother, but in more of an omniscient way than of an actual spiritual presence. And there's no interaction between him and the dinner party.
Second, the dinner party bookends the story, but doesn't have much to do with the action. So if you are expecting the story of a dinner party interupted by ghostly activity and trapping and/or punishing the guests, you will be disappointed.
However, if you like crime and scandal and intrigue, you should give it a try. It has the parallel stories of the two twins, one in high society, one a thug, whose lives intersect in many ways, even if they never meet.
I should mention the part that bugged me most, because I'm sure it will bother others as well. As I said, the narrator is the dead brother, a street thug, which is fine. The problem was he didn't really sound like one. The narration used sophisticated language and vocabulary that didn't fit with the character, and didn't even match his dialogue from when he was alive. Some people might prefer that type of language in their narration, and generally I wouldn't want a book written entirely like a thug. But it gave me a bit of a problem with suspension of disbelief.
November 5, 2018
This story is introduced by Tom Collins. He tells the readers about how he and his twin sister Alice were taken into two different foster homes when they were eight, as well as about the dinner party, hosted by Alicia Collinson - his sister.
With "The Story That Had No Beginning", Daniel Kemp presents us with a pretty unusual combination of contemporary fiction and mystery. The story is told by Tom's ghost sometimes in a quite philosophical way. The first chapters may seem a little complicated, due to a multitude of characters, as you learn more about them, the better you get a clear picture. The book comprises interesting turns and has a good flow. Daniel Kemp lets a ghost tell the stories of his sister and of himself, enriching the plotline with surprising insights and food for thought. I was drawn into the story after a few chapters - when I had a basic knowledge of the relevant characters. I could then easily envision the characters and locations. I had a good time reading "The Story That Hand No Beginning". It is a quite enjoyable read.
This is for you if you like contemporary fiction combined with mystery, surprises, and food for thought.
With "The Story That Had No Beginning", Daniel Kemp presents us with a pretty unusual combination of contemporary fiction and mystery. The story is told by Tom's ghost sometimes in a quite philosophical way. The first chapters may seem a little complicated, due to a multitude of characters, as you learn more about them, the better you get a clear picture. The book comprises interesting turns and has a good flow. Daniel Kemp lets a ghost tell the stories of his sister and of himself, enriching the plotline with surprising insights and food for thought. I was drawn into the story after a few chapters - when I had a basic knowledge of the relevant characters. I could then easily envision the characters and locations. I had a good time reading "The Story That Hand No Beginning". It is a quite enjoyable read.
This is for you if you like contemporary fiction combined with mystery, surprises, and food for thought.
June 20, 2018
Intriguing and Challenging
Mr. Kemp is a writer, no question there. The Story That Had No Beginning is told from the unique perspective of the dearly deceased twin brother of Alicia Collinson, nee Alice Collins. I found the very structure of Mr. Kemp's writing style enjoyable and interesting.
I won't be sharing any spoilers. That's not my reviewing style. What I will say is I wasn't sure I would finish the book after a couple of chapters. There are a lot of intertwined characters and convoluted relationships that overlap and intersect in the most unexpected ways.
I am definitely pleased I continued. It isn't the easiest to read, and you may have to flip back as I did when you miss a connection or clue. The ending, not only didn't disappoint, it excelled in its convoluted way just as the story and characters did.
Read it. How's that for a deep and well thought out recommendation?!
Mr. Kemp is a writer, no question there. The Story That Had No Beginning is told from the unique perspective of the dearly deceased twin brother of Alicia Collinson, nee Alice Collins. I found the very structure of Mr. Kemp's writing style enjoyable and interesting.
I won't be sharing any spoilers. That's not my reviewing style. What I will say is I wasn't sure I would finish the book after a couple of chapters. There are a lot of intertwined characters and convoluted relationships that overlap and intersect in the most unexpected ways.
I am definitely pleased I continued. It isn't the easiest to read, and you may have to flip back as I did when you miss a connection or clue. The ending, not only didn't disappoint, it excelled in its convoluted way just as the story and characters did.
Read it. How's that for a deep and well thought out recommendation?!
July 2, 2018
Daniel Kemp
The Story That Had No Beginning
This book is artfully and beautifully written. The story really doesn't have a beginning because it starts at the end, and Mr Kemp has well and truly mastered the art of segueing back and forward in the tale of the two main characters. The story centres around Tom, or Bobby Brown to his peers, who is already dead, and his twin sister Alice, or Alicia in her newly reinvented life. it traces the way their lives have travelled in two opposite directions, even though their paths often cross inadvertently through their separate social contacts. The plot twists and turns, moves forwards and back in time, and introduces new characters as others meet untimely demises. This is underground London at its finest, and the story is told in alarming detail. The research is extensive and anyone who has lived in the city will identify with the streets and places mentioned. I had no pre-conceived ideas about this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mr Kemp is a masterful story teller and I can't wait to see what he delivers next! A thoroughly deserved five stars.
The Story That Had No Beginning
This book is artfully and beautifully written. The story really doesn't have a beginning because it starts at the end, and Mr Kemp has well and truly mastered the art of segueing back and forward in the tale of the two main characters. The story centres around Tom, or Bobby Brown to his peers, who is already dead, and his twin sister Alice, or Alicia in her newly reinvented life. it traces the way their lives have travelled in two opposite directions, even though their paths often cross inadvertently through their separate social contacts. The plot twists and turns, moves forwards and back in time, and introduces new characters as others meet untimely demises. This is underground London at its finest, and the story is told in alarming detail. The research is extensive and anyone who has lived in the city will identify with the streets and places mentioned. I had no pre-conceived ideas about this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mr Kemp is a masterful story teller and I can't wait to see what he delivers next! A thoroughly deserved five stars.
February 12, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I will not provide spoilers in my review.
The book is not always an easy read, but well worth the effort. It is truly important to focus on the details throughout the book. The questions invoked by the characters and situations open up to some great twists and turns.
I am looking forward to reading additional works by Daniel Kemp.
I will not provide spoilers in my review.
The book is not always an easy read, but well worth the effort. It is truly important to focus on the details throughout the book. The questions invoked by the characters and situations open up to some great twists and turns.
I am looking forward to reading additional works by Daniel Kemp.
June 3, 2018
Two children, twins, a boy and a girl, Tom and Alice Collins, are orphaned and sent to a foster home. At the age of eight they are separated and travel different paths to adulthood, never again crossing paths. Well, no, Tom, in adulthood sees Alice from far off and endeavors to catch her but fails and Alice never sees him.. Tom spends his life in the underbelly of the human race, doing a few turns in jail between trying his 'get rich quick' schemes, otherwise known as theft, pilfering and the art of picking pockets. Alice, on the other hand finds her good luck charm in her early twenties when she meets a woman who is lonely and looking for a companion. A very rich woman who can give her anything she wants. Of course, by now Alice has changed her name to Alicia Collinson to distance herself from Tom's disgraceful behavior. It goes along this way, Tom as a crook and Alice, no, Alicia becoming well known to the 'people who matter' and making a name, and some fame, for herself in her chosen field of photography. But where does this story begin? When they were born, when they were separated, when they were in their twenties and almost met again, or right at this point when they are close and associating with some of the same people? And how different are they really? She the naive young girl and he a hardened thug. You'll have to start at the beginning of the book to find out and you will enjoy the story along the way. This book was gifted to me but this review is all mine. I believe you will like the tale of this book enormously.
May 26, 2018
Challenging Who Done It
The Story With No Beginning is about orphaned twins Alice and Tom Collins who grow up in the system. The book is told in the first person. Tom starts the narrative by informing the reader he is dead because he was shot and deserved to be. He shares now he is dead he can only look backward and cannot see anything in the future.
This book is not an easy read. There are a lot of characters, a lot of plots and a lot of subplots. I found I really needed to concentrate to keep up with the story. That being said, it's a really good book with an in-depth storyline that will keep you guessing. I am usually pretty good at figuring out how a book is going to end but this one was a complete surprise.
The character development was excellent. There are no grey areas with these characters. You'll really like some and totally dislike others. The main characters, Alice and Tom are estranged and about as different as twins could possibly be, or so you're led to believe.
I would recommend this book. It's rare to find a story this complex with so many characters who overlap. The only drawback is the amount of concentration needed to keep so many characters and plots straight. If you are looking for something that is easy to read this book is not for you. If you are looking for something to challenge you then this is the book to do it. You will never see the ending coming.
The Story With No Beginning is about orphaned twins Alice and Tom Collins who grow up in the system. The book is told in the first person. Tom starts the narrative by informing the reader he is dead because he was shot and deserved to be. He shares now he is dead he can only look backward and cannot see anything in the future.
This book is not an easy read. There are a lot of characters, a lot of plots and a lot of subplots. I found I really needed to concentrate to keep up with the story. That being said, it's a really good book with an in-depth storyline that will keep you guessing. I am usually pretty good at figuring out how a book is going to end but this one was a complete surprise.
The character development was excellent. There are no grey areas with these characters. You'll really like some and totally dislike others. The main characters, Alice and Tom are estranged and about as different as twins could possibly be, or so you're led to believe.
I would recommend this book. It's rare to find a story this complex with so many characters who overlap. The only drawback is the amount of concentration needed to keep so many characters and plots straight. If you are looking for something that is easy to read this book is not for you. If you are looking for something to challenge you then this is the book to do it. You will never see the ending coming.
June 5, 2018
The Story That Had No Beginning by Daniel Kemp
Alice and Tom are twins born into a terrible family situation. At a young age they are put into foster homes and then lead separate lives. Alice by a chance of fate is taken under the wing of a woman who gives Alice an opportunity at a new life as an artist or photographer. Tom is not so fortunate, using his fists to earn his way through life. This is the story of their lives. A second novel for Daniel Kemp, it is a little rough in Tom’s life as he chooses to live in a seedier type of life surrounded by thugs and lowlife. Alice is surrounded by much nicer people.
I was given this book but the review is my own.
Alice and Tom are twins born into a terrible family situation. At a young age they are put into foster homes and then lead separate lives. Alice by a chance of fate is taken under the wing of a woman who gives Alice an opportunity at a new life as an artist or photographer. Tom is not so fortunate, using his fists to earn his way through life. This is the story of their lives. A second novel for Daniel Kemp, it is a little rough in Tom’s life as he chooses to live in a seedier type of life surrounded by thugs and lowlife. Alice is surrounded by much nicer people.
I was given this book but the review is my own.
August 10, 2018
This book isn't a quick beach read. Many characters, many relationships, so I found I was going back to reread and make sure I knew who this person now speaking was. This isn't my first book from this author, and I've immensely enjoyed the ones I have read. Still, I was sure there was at least some characters I admired in this story. Then, maybe one. Then two, and then, well, I realized the author's background as a policeman came through. Still, I do recommend this book, Not one to finish in an evening, but well worth reading. And thinking about, long after.
January 23, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
" it is the fantasy that is the truth. "
Twins Alice and Tom Collins were separated aged eight when their parents died, and grew up unaware of each other, each becoming known by different names and forging very different lives. Alice, now Alicia, is loved and embraced as a surrogate daughter by a prosperous banker, Mary, with no children of her own, and she assists Alicia's rise and fame as a sought after photographer. Tom, however, gleefully choses the criminal route, eventually working for Mr.Henry, club owner and crime boss, adopting the new name of Bobby Brown. It is Tom, or rather his ghost, who tells the story, moving backwards and forwards in time as he relates the events leading up to, and including, the dinner party at which his sister, her partner and two others are in attendance and considering the recent killings, including that of Tom himself.
Although relatively short, The Story that had no Beginning, is not an easy read. It demands concentration with it's numerous characters and movement through place and time. And again, who is actually telling the truth? Most everyone lies to some extent and for some reason: this book is a bit like peeling layers from an onion with eyes right shut. Actions, even ones quite slight, can have future consequences. Or past ones! This book is not easy, and all the better for it. Superbly written, it is worth a second visit to pick up on nuances missed first time round.
Characterisation is good. These people have a basic reality. And the narrator, Magnus Carlzon, gives a fine performance both giving gently individual voice to each protagonist (though on occasion his Irish accent felt questionable ) as well as reading with good pace, inflection and clarity. He certainly enhances the telling of the story.Sent
My thanks to the rights holder of The Story that had No Beginning, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. I struggled with the opening chapters but, fortunately, persisted. This was an unusual and excellent read in both form and content which I would recommend to anyone, not only those who enjoy the murder mystery or thriller genres but also those who like to ponder philosophical questions like the quirks of fate and chance and the nature of truth and lies. This is a book to which i will return for a second read quite soon, and I look forward to reading more by author, Daniel Kemp.
" it is the fantasy that is the truth. "
Twins Alice and Tom Collins were separated aged eight when their parents died, and grew up unaware of each other, each becoming known by different names and forging very different lives. Alice, now Alicia, is loved and embraced as a surrogate daughter by a prosperous banker, Mary, with no children of her own, and she assists Alicia's rise and fame as a sought after photographer. Tom, however, gleefully choses the criminal route, eventually working for Mr.Henry, club owner and crime boss, adopting the new name of Bobby Brown. It is Tom, or rather his ghost, who tells the story, moving backwards and forwards in time as he relates the events leading up to, and including, the dinner party at which his sister, her partner and two others are in attendance and considering the recent killings, including that of Tom himself.
Although relatively short, The Story that had no Beginning, is not an easy read. It demands concentration with it's numerous characters and movement through place and time. And again, who is actually telling the truth? Most everyone lies to some extent and for some reason: this book is a bit like peeling layers from an onion with eyes right shut. Actions, even ones quite slight, can have future consequences. Or past ones! This book is not easy, and all the better for it. Superbly written, it is worth a second visit to pick up on nuances missed first time round.
Characterisation is good. These people have a basic reality. And the narrator, Magnus Carlzon, gives a fine performance both giving gently individual voice to each protagonist (though on occasion his Irish accent felt questionable ) as well as reading with good pace, inflection and clarity. He certainly enhances the telling of the story.Sent
My thanks to the rights holder of The Story that had No Beginning, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. I struggled with the opening chapters but, fortunately, persisted. This was an unusual and excellent read in both form and content which I would recommend to anyone, not only those who enjoy the murder mystery or thriller genres but also those who like to ponder philosophical questions like the quirks of fate and chance and the nature of truth and lies. This is a book to which i will return for a second read quite soon, and I look forward to reading more by author, Daniel Kemp.
August 10, 2020
audible:This was brilliant in spots.In other places I was rather confused.A set of twins are seperated after their parents die.They never see each other again. The girl is befriended by a wealthy woman when she turns eighteen.The twists and turns make a good story,but I lost the plot several times. Magnus Carssen was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
July 2, 2019
It's the story of twins, boy and girl, separated as children, and the different paths they took in adulthood, told in the perspective of the brother. It took me a minute to get into the story but, once I did, I found it to be interesting. It kept my attention although it is not the kind of book I usually read, I stuck with it and I liked it. I was very surprised by the ending. Good book.
January 27, 2019
Lots of dinner talk among people I couldn't keep straight. Subject matter didn't appeal to me so I didn't finish reading the book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews