Spoiler Discussion (May 2019) Value Read - Death of an Asylum Seeker by A.P. Martin

[Erunyauve]

David wrote: "One of the things that I felt "duped by" if you like with this book was at the end.
You had read the book working out who may have done it and the stealing of funds had led to who I thought may hav..."

I actually wasn't horribly surprised - I did have a feeling that Juliet was somehow involved. My issue with the ending is that we have this sort of manic first-person narrative through Sam the entire book, and then he goes dark at the end. All we have is Juliet's (much too lengthy and repetitive) letter and Olivia's observations.

So, he's put in for a transfer? I suppose that's the end of the series, unless he changes his mind (which, of course, happens). But, it seemed a rather cold ending for the book.

[G.J.]

I think Julia did give out tiny clues to her troubled background... she said she had a sort of breakdown after Uni, and never settled back home again. She also once said to Sam she never thought she would be able to walk out late at night and I think.. though not sure, she once said to him she didnt think she would find a relationship with a man.. maybe very small hints, but they do add up to a young woman with a troubled past ...
We also know the Prof who was murdered had a guilty past with “inappropriate moves” with students.
But, having said all that, I can understand how some may not like the ending. The beauty of books, we all respond to them in different ways.

[G.J.]

I am surprised that nobody has mentioned the fact that what looked like a series of murders by a serial killer ended up having three different killers ! The first two I thought were quite clever..

[Erunyauve]

Whitstable was rather interesting - he genuinely wanted to do the right thing, but caring for his mother gave him such tunnel vision that he went quite mad in the end.

[G.J.]

Erunyauve wrote: "Whitstable was rather interesting - he genuinely wanted to do the right thing, but caring for his mother gave him such tunnel vision that he went quite mad in the end."

Yes, interesting topic, assisted suicide, not an easy one to tackle !

[Beth]

I liked this one overall but agree that the ending was disappointing

I did not see the link to Juliet so for me, that was a surprise. But it seemed that the story wound down quickly in the last 1% of the book!

[Beth]

And I am not sure why the series is billed as a Snow & Clavell mystery ... really Olivia’s part in the mystery solving was all of one page!