‘REVENGE’ BY NIGEL MAY

 

Full disclosure: I know Nigel May—well, sort of. We’ve been cyber friends way before the man ever became a best-selling author. But—and there’s a big but here—that scarcely omits the fact that he’s one kick-ass writer. Of all the current authors on the market focusing on escapist fiction I’d say he’s probably the closest thing to a Jackie Collins-type of a read. His latest REVENGE (Bookouture) is no different. Set mostly in the haute-cuisine society of St Tropez the novel goes back and forth in time to highlight the many scruples of its lead characters. 

From the renowned hunky chef with a secret agenda behind the opening of his latest exclusive restaurant, to the rival ex-girl group stars who are still at each other’s throats despite fame and misfortune, not to mention the noted if highly severe food critic who has more than a chip on his shoulder… All have something to hide and will do anything to keep it that way. Add a dose of an in-the-closet lesbian publisher who has a crush on one of her celebrated client, and a bad boy who likes nothing better than sharing girlfriends with his chef sibling then you get a pretty good idea what’s in store. 

Even after five well-received novels May has not lost his touch. His narrative still crackles with dedication, and his plot twists are as fun if not better than before (like that shocking ending, for instance—totally unexpected). Moreover, the man is such a finely-tuned craftsman that many characters from his previous novels pop in to spice things up (that is, if you are attentive enough). This is addictive reading with a capital A. You’ll either come out of REVENGE satiated or completely flushed for having had such a wonderful time despite yourself. Either way it is a win-win situation.

 

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin