Sunday, February 24, 2013

Review: Hell to Pay


Hell to Pay
Hell to Pay by Matthew Hughes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



In this conclusion to Chesney Arnstruther's adventures, author Matthew Hughes take a more philosophical and darker turn to his tale of the autistic actuary turned crime fighter, who is added and abetted in his deeds of good by former Al Capone assistant-now-demon, Xaphan.

Hughes continues the concept God is writing a book and making up the plot as He goes. Along the way we are introduced to Biblical characters who have been written-out, and who have found themselves caught in an equivalent of a Groundhog's Day loop.

The humour that started with The Damned Busters diminishes greatly in this third book, and for some readers who are seeking a farcical romp may find this third instalment off-putting. For myself, I found the story quite intriguing, far more developed and rounded than the almost comic-book narrative of the first.

All things considered, a satisfying end to an intelligently written trilogy, from an author who deftly handles farce and wit.



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