Book review stop! Today I’m delighted to be the host for Tow Away Zone, a contemporary novel written by C. Towndrow.
First thing first, let me thank Rachel and the publisher, Valericain Press, for providing me with an e-copy of this book. Much obliged *hat tip*
MEET THE BOOK
When a travelling salesman finds a town that’s not on the map, he must choose between romance and a long-held promise of untold riches.
Beckman Spiers is a grey man in a grey world—and he’s happy with that.
After 12 years of routine and grind, he’s again fighting to become Number One Salesman of the Year. Legend has it, Number Ones get so rich, they never work again. With a week to go, Beckman is gaining on his nemesis, smooth-talking Tyler Quittle.
When a chance blowout on a deserted Arizona highway leaves Beckman stranded, the mysterious Saul arrives, and tows him to the strange neon-lit town of Sunrise. Here, he meets the glamorous Lolita Milan and his fortunes change.
Yet, Sunrise’s small-town charms conceal secrets, and his world becomes one of private investigators and backstabbing business deals.
What will he have to do to reach Number One? And what will he do if he wins the race?
In this comedic, stylistic, and mysterious story, meet the most unique characters and get pulled into the colourful world of Sunrise.
Contemporary
Publication date: 19/10/19
Purchase links
READ MY REVIEW
Cover: The gecko is so cute! My version has the gecko, at least.
I’m a little bit puzzled here. Why? Because Tow Away Zone is a brilliant book and at the same time, it makes my radar blip.
First of all, Towndrow has an amazing grasp of his prose. It’s funny, it’s witty, it’s hilarious in places and it’s also quite serious if need be. I have to say I’m blown away by it. The actual length of this book is correct, but I wouldn’t have minded a few pages more, just to enjoy the cleverness.
The story itself is peculiar, but in a good way. I’ll admit I didn’t much care for the love story because, let’s face it, I seldom do. Still, it’s an interesting addition to the plot, as it gives it depth and it’s a chance for Beckman to grow. He’s got a great, great voice and the cast of characters work well with him. Some are to die for—Earl, Mr. Malvolio, Tyler—and some are less spotlight-stealing.
However, there are a few issues that puzzle me. A lot. One is about the subplots left hanging; another is about an American character using a British English word throughout the entire book (colour, really?) and regular American English for everything else (trunk and hood stay as they’re supposed to be). Last but not least, the POV is fixed on Beckman until the 73% mark, then it shifts to Miss Broomhead and Randall. I mean, why?
3 stars on GR.
MEET THE AUTHOR
I’ve been a multi-genre author since 1991.
My favourite work to date is 2019’s Tow Away Zone, a quirky American small-town romantic black comedy. It’s been well-received by readers, with 5* reviews on Amazon.
In 2020 I published the sequel – Go Away Zone. In 2021 I’m completing the trilogy.
My sci-fi journey started with space opera “Scared Ground” being available on Kindle in 2012.
In 2018 I published my 2nd sci-fi novel – Imperfect Isolation – which embraces robotics, asteroid mining and a snowy drive in an 80-year-old Porsche 911.
The sequel, Reprisals, followed in 2019. In early 2021 I released the 3rd instalment, Trip Hazard.
I’m currently editing a reflective Western. It explores prejudice against the deaf community and the Native Americans, as a man struggles to reconnect with his lost son and come to terms with his own failings.
I’ve written a collection of offbeat humorous stories and vignettes in the style of early Woody Allen prose. The Real Jamie Oliver and Other Stories is basically a window into my nonsensical side.
I also write pantomime & stage drama scripts. I’ve had 8 works performed and reached a total audience of over 5000 to date.
Social Media Links –
US: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B0092KZ17Q
UK: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0092KZ17Q
https://allauthor.com/author/christowndrow/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15130376.Chris_Towndrow
https://www.facebook.com/ChrisTowndrowAuthor
Giveaway to Win 3 x Hardback copies of Tow Away Zone (Open INT)
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Bookshelves & Teacups 