When a woman came from behind and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to find this person smiling and talking to me. I knew the face but couldn’t quite place her at the time.
“You are Mark Rice, the author?” Yes, I confessed I was.
“Well, I bought your book from Castle Delights cafe in the Summer …..
I held my breath
“…..and I couldn’t put it down.”
I heaved a sigh of relief and returned her smile with interest. As a writer, you are never quite sure which way the feedback goes. Particularly this book. It tells the story from the perspective of a murderer who keeps a diary to record an unforgettable cruise. I knew I was making it hard for myself to expect readers to warm to a character who goes about killing pensioners and behaving badly. Hopefully, my writing illustrates that no one is all bad and anti-social behaviour is not the sole prerogative of the young.
“Yes,” she went on “I was thinking of booking a cruise but having read your book, well, frankly, I’m having second thoughts! I loved it and kept turning the page to see what happened next, will he get away with it and walk off the shop or end up in handcuffs and prison.”
“Are you writing a sequel?” She looked at me with more than a little anticipation.
“I have another book that’s presently a work in progress so all going well you will be able to pick it up in the cafe next summer” I replied. She seemed pleased with the reply and moved away through the packed lounge. My wife squeezed my arm encouragingly. Positive feedback is the nicest thing a writer can get and I’m so grateful to that lady.
“I do hope more people get to read this book,” my wife said before sipping on her piping hot coffee.
So if you have ever wondered what passengers do on long cruises with many days at sea do read this book.
If you enjoy reading about visits to the Carribean islands, Chichen Itza, the USA, the Azores, and parts of South America, read this book.
If you want to be amused, informed and scared (a little) then read this book!