Belinda Bauer has released a new novel titled Exit. The front cover of the book says: “It was never supposed to be murder” …. and that’s what it’s all about.
Felix Pink is an old man who has lost his beloved wife and young son, both to terminal illnesses, and feels his loneliness strongly.
When he learns about a company called the Exiteers who assist terminally ill people on their way to depart this world, he feels that this is something that he could do to “make a difference”.
However, one job goes horribly wrong and it shouldn’t have. The correct instructions, the necessary signed approval and the right house but there are two sick old men in that house and the wrong one is helped on his way.
When this is discovered Felix flees for his life out of a back door, having told his young female assistant to run in a different direction as she is new at the job and he doesn’t want her to be involved. Unfortunately, he forgets his briefcase behind so it is eventually picked up by the police.
His boss tells him he mustn’t report his actions or suspicions to the police but Felix, who determinedly follows advice from the spirit of his late wife, decides to make his own investigation.
The story carries along on two paths – Felix’s and the police’s. One of the detectives involved has a gambling problem and this impacts on his investigations.
From its intriguing opening to its final poignant scene, this is a must read. In fact, do yourself a favour and read it again – you’ll pick up lovely nuances you might have missed. Delightfully ironic moments bring an immediate smile and the descriptions of characters are excellent.
Exit is published by Bantam Press. ISBN: 9781787630963 – Caroline Smart
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