A thoroughly interesting and engaging mystery that slowly but surely gathers pace until it fairly rockets along. When Graham spots an unexpected face at a hotel, he believes his past has come to pay a visit. His reporting skills come to the fore as he begins to investigate but events quickly turn from a friendly to deadly game. This was my first book by Paul Trembling, and as I read there were suggestions of a previous story, yet this felt like a complete and standalone tale. I later discovered that his previous novel Local Artist features Graham’s wife Sandra, ahhh, that explains those snippets of information! You can certainly start as I did, with Local Legend, though I do now want to find out what happened in Sandra’s tale. Paul Trembling is a former Crime Scene Investigator, and his knowledge ensures an authentic read. The family bond and relationship sits beautifully alongside the mystery elements. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter work really well and introduce the continuing story beautifully. With a cracking storyline and an ending that had me visiting the edge of my seat, Local Legend becomes a fast-paced, high octane ride.
It was him, Graham was sure of it. He might not have seen him for years, but no one forgets their oldest friend's face. But as much as he tries to get Adi Varney's attention through the window, the local football legend stares straight through him. Why had Adi ignored him, and why had Graham seen him in the company of an American businessman reputed to be involved with the Mafia? Graham begins asking around. He visits the Sports Centre Adi founded and quickly learns that the charity is on the verge of closing down. A firm of lawyers is trying to take it over and a name is mentioned - Rocco Lonza - the same business man Graham saw with Adi. Convinced that something is very wrong Graham is determined to work out what has happened to his friend and quickly discovers Adi is in well over his head. Will he be able to save his friend's life again, like he did when they were kids, or will the local star finally be snuffed out?
Paul Trembling was born in England in 1957 and has been making up stories for as long as he can remember. Whilst following a varied career path - seamen, storeman, janitor, missionary, administrator and most recently, Crime Scene Investigator - he continues to dream up plots, characters, and scenes. Some became sketches, some short stories, some novels. Most are still waiting for their chance to get out of his head! Paul's Lion Fiction titles include: Local Poet, Local Artist, and Local Legend.
