LoveReading Says
One of our Books of the Year 2013.
From the author of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, a dark tale about a failing politician. Norman Stokoe has built his political career on getting himself noticed but not actually doing a lot. But as newly appointed Children’s Czar a case of two missing children forces him in to some form of action and this unfamilar state makes him question the politcial system that has made him. Dark humour and well observed characters make this a good read to become absorbed in.
Click here to find out about Theo, an eBook only novella by Paul Torday which introduces one of the characters from Light Shining in the Forest.
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Light Shining in the Forest a small number of Lovereading members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title - 'This was a beautifully written book mixing suspense with the supernatural.' Scroll down to read more reviews.
LoveReading
Find This Book In
Light Shining in the Forest Synopsis
Norman Stokoe has just been appointed Children's Czar by the new government. He sells his flat and moves up north to take up the position. However before his first salary cheque has even hit his bank account, new priorities are set for the government department for which he works. The Children's czar network is put on hold but it is too late to reverse the decision to employ Norman. So he is given a P.A. and a spacious office in a new business park on the banks of the Tyne. He settles down in his new leather chair behind his new desk, to wait for the green light to begin his mission. The green light never comes. What does happen is that two children go missing. As Children's Czar, surely this case should fall within his remit, but Norman has built a career on doing nothing, on stamping pieces of paper with 'send to the relevant department'. Now, faced with a campaigning journalist and a distraught mother, he is forced to become involved. The search will take him to dark places and will make him ask questions about the system he is supposed to uphold.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781780222240 |
| Publication date: |
10th October 2013 |
| Author: |
Paul Torday |
| Publisher: |
Phoenix (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd ) an imprint of Orion Publishing Co |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
368 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Thriller and Suspense
|
| Other Genres: |
|
| Recommendations: |
|
Paul Torday Press Reviews
We have asked a select number of members and browsers to review Light Shining in the Forest. You can read their reviews below.
Amanda Donovan - 'This gripping, dark read will stay with you for a long time after you have read the last line. It is sinister, supernatural and spiritual all at once.' Click here to read the full review.
Cyllene Griffiths - 'Well, it seems Paul Torday has created a new genre – mystery crime thriller horror with overtones of satirical dark humour. I honestly couldn’t put this book down - it had me reading late into the night!' Click here to read the full review.
Louise Woods - 'As the book gathered pace I found myself literally gasping...It challenges our perceptions of what we can see and touch, and is a book that will stay with me for a long time.' Click here to read the full review.
Jennifer Stewart - 'Disturbing but compelling, this novel combines fear, suspense and mystery superbly to create a wonderful read.' Click here to read the full review.
Sally Welham - 'This was a beautifully written book mixing suspense with the supernatural.' Click here to read the full review.
Kathy Howell - 'I would advise you to have no commitments when you begin to read this book as it is very hard to put down once you’ve started!' Click here to read the full review.
Ray Orgill - 'A dark and mysterious tale...Truly a thought provoking novel.' Click here to read the full review.
Manisha - 'This book is a mixture of crime mystery along with horror. After a slow start I couldn’t put the book down and actually finished it in a couple of days.' Click here to read the full review.
A.Tuckett - 'It took a bit of getting into but when the main characters were bought together I just had to finish reading the book, hoping for a happy ending.' Click here to read the full review.
Kate Pearce - ' It is obvious throughout the book that Theo is very special; worshipped by his mother, adored by his step-father...He drew me into the story and made me want to read to the end.' Click here to read the full review.
About Paul Torday
Paul Torday was our Guest Editor in April 2012 - click here - to see the books that inspired his writing.
Paul Torday was born in 1946 and read English Literature at Pembroke College, Oxford. He spent the next 30 years working in engineering and in industry, after which he scaled back his business responsibilities to fulfil a long-harboured ambition - to write. He burst on to the literary scene in 2006 with his first novel, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, an immediate bestseller that has been sold in 25 countries. Paul Torday died in 2013.
More About Paul Torday
