By Paul Tomkins.
Hopefully the wheels will start moving on the TTT revamp soon. I am relying on other people having the time to help with it, as I’m obviously not a web developer.
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Official Launch
Today is the ‘official’ retail launch date for The Girl on the Pier, although its release was brought forward to before Christmas on amazon.co.uk, and the ebook has been available on most platforms since November. However, as of today all retailers have the option of stocking the title (and hopefully they’ll do just that!).
The book has received some excellent reviews. Last week the trade bible The Bookseller called it a “Classy psychological thriller […] The atmospheric setting – on, and around Brighton’s ruined West Pier – is part of the appeal.”
As a result of the novel I have been featured as one of The Hive’s four Rising Writers (January 2015).
The novel has also been chosen by Lovewriting as its featured Mystery Thriller title of the month.
The reviews on Goodreads have been excellent, with only one of the 18 so far from someone who has read my football writing (the rest were from NetGalley, the service that allows registered reviewers to access prerelease ebooks).
Some snippets from the reviews:
“Excellent character driven suspenseful tale that will leave your mouth hanging open.” bloggabook.com
“I was absolutely swimming in heavenly prose. A great story which I predict will be found on bestseller lists in the near future.” 52bookminimum
“There were a few points in the story where I wondered where the plot was going, but honestly didn’t really care as I continued to be swept up in the life of this vividly created character. For me, this is one of those books that you simply to do not want to end as you find yourself becoming more and more invested in the story and the characters. This book was remarkable, and this author is one that I will be keeping any eye on for any future novels!” Rachel, Goodreads and Reading Rachel blog, using NetGalley.
“Reflective, atmospheric, and written in gorgeous prose The Girl on the Pier is a literary thriller about ghosts from the past, art, disappointment, obsessive love, and the slippery nature of memory […] It’s common in reviews, especially nowadays and by marketeers, to liken books to others, but I can’t do that with this novel because it isn’t quite like anything I’ve read before. And this is a very good thing.” Laura Wilkinson, author.
“This book is a breathtaking psychological thriller that plays with the imagination of the reader […] The Girl on the Pier is very intelligently written book that I recommend to anyone who enjoys an interesting and original story.” Zita K, Goodreads, using NetGalley.
“Highly readable and suspenseful. An amazing achievement from a first time novelist. Recommend for those who like introspective psychological novels.” Diane S, Goodreads, using NetGalley.
“[…] excellent novel. Over halfway in, I still couldn’t decide the genre or the timeline (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that). If it must be classified, I would consider it a literary mystery. The unexpected concluding plot twist left me breathless at 3 in the morning. I highly recommend it (actually, I already have).” Kim S, Goodreads, using NetGalley.
“Paul Tomkins’ The Girl on the Pier is fascinating—the plot takes all sorts of twists and turns, and Tomkins provides so much interesting detail, particularly around Patrick’s career, and the steps he takes in his work. And Patrick is an intriguing character, one who demonstrates how powerful memory can be, and how moldable memories are. It’s tremendously intriguing and different, and you can’t say that about every book you read. Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.” It’s Either Sadness or Euphoria… Blog
“This debut novel is rather gripping. Edge of your seat and thought provoking all wrapped in one. Great story.” Mauoijenn, Goodreads, using NetGalley.
“This is a book which definitely merits a subsequent reading for greater pleasure in the narrative nuances which only become more apparent with retrospective appreciation. It is a commendable debut novel and I look forward to more writing by Paul Tomkins.” Mary Ellen, Amazon review.
“Patrick Clement is a failed artist – not creative enough – and a failed medical student – not academic enough – and finds himself working as a forensic artist rebuilding the faces of the missing from their skulls. The book spans several decades from the 1970s to the current day and sometimes its not obvious which era you are in when the chapters start. That said I really enjoyed the book. Patrick is a bit of a tortured soul and the story that builds throughout the book is compelling. A classic suspense thriller. I will definitely be looking out for other fiction books by Paul Tomkins.” By ‘Net’ on Goodreads. Supplied by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
“‘The Girl on the Pier’ is haunting with twists and turns in a story that at times confuses yet fascinates the reader. What initially seems simple is far from it. This book is extremely well written. The author’s words and descriptions are fully intended to paint a very vivid yet incomplete picture with ‘unfinished business and ongoing consequences.’ Brilliant!” Lance W. Anderson, working in education, via NetGalley. 5 out of 5 stars.
Click here for the various ways you can buy the novel.
