A. L. Gastrell.

Sweetness Of Revenge.

First question - if this is a review of another author, why does it have its own page on the StephensonHolt.com site? Well, this novel was written by me Stephenson Holt but didn't fit in with any of my other books so I decided on a pen-name. I figured if J K Rowling could do it, us little guys could also do it. Hope you don't mind and hope you enjoy the ride to the surprising end of this novel.

On Twitter X I asked the question "Why a pen-name" with a direction to this page and got a reply that A L Gastrell had a sing-song ring to it and that's why it was chosen.

My reply to that follower was that in the UK we have an electrical company called AO and their sing-song slogan was A-O-Let's Go and the tune was in my head when I came up with A-L Gastrell.

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George King, a private detective working in London, is on a downward spiral. His wife kicked him out of the family home when he was asked to leave the Metropolitan Police by mutual consent, his apartment-come-office is an old insurance office area over a Chinese restaurant, and the women that used to love his physique and his love-making prowess, have all deserted him.

He throws everything into detection and what he calls his gizmos, pieces of equipment that gain him information that he would have required a warrant for if he’d still been a police officer.

What looks like a simple proof-for-divorce case turns out to be more complicated, involves the police and an old colleague, DCI Bradley Mellors, and also introduces him to a woman DI Gloria Mayhew that he believes he doesn’t know, but she knows him.

The various adventures start and see murder attempts, a narcissistic husband the involvement of drugs through Spain towards the UK, the taming of what used to be the bad boy, and someone who wants to find the “Sweetness Of Revenge.”

14 Reviews.

Bill22

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeps you guessing until the very end.

Reviewed in Australia on 4 February 2024

In a riveting tale that keeps you guessing until the very end, this book delivers an electrifying narrative that will leave you breathless. Just when you think you've unravelled the enigma, the author skillfully pulls the rug from beneath your feet, leaving you astounded by the sheer brilliance of the twist. But that's not all - the culmination is nothing short of genius, as the author masterfully weaves together clues that finally unveil the intricate puzzle that has captivated readers from the start.

Amidst the intrigue and suspense, the tender romance between George and Gloria adds a delightful layer of sweetness to the story. Their dynamic, fraught with passion and vulnerability, tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression. And let's not forget the irresistible charm of the playboy, outwitted by the indomitable spirit of a sassy woman. It's a narrative trope that never fails to enthrall, and in the hands of this author, it shines with renewed brilliance.

For those who relish a mystery populated by flawed yet compelling characters, intertwined with themes of romance and clandestine affairs, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be swept away on a journey of intrigue, emotion, and unexpected revelations that will leave you utterly spellbound.