Marvin's Reviews > The Docks

The Docks is a brief novella that has enough action and backstabbing for a full novel. It feels like a throwback to the days of Dashiell Hammett and Mickey Spillane which is a big compliment. Those guys knew how to mix character development and action together and so does V. H. Folland. The plot? Harry knows he is not the most honest person on the docks. In fact, his living depends on being a thief. Yet when his partner for an insurance job crosses the line, Harry ends up killing him but saving the lives of others. The whole mess results in Harry needing to find out the truth about what went down before he ends up in deeper trouble or dead. This all works because Polland writes the character of Harry as being realistically crooked but with honor, not an easy thing to do. You have to like Harry for this story to work and I really liked Harry...even though I would never loan him a fiver. Does all turn out well? I'm not saying but I wouldn't bet against a sequel.