Cold Skin
Author Steven Herrick has given us a superb crime story written in verse. Herrick uses the form in a special way as a novelist, paring down his language to create great effect in a few words.
Each “poem” is headed with the name of the character who’s voice we are hearing. Most important of these is Eddie Holding, but we also hear from his brother and father, as well as several other residents of the town. Some are decidedly creepy, including a teacher, giving us a few options to consider when a violent crime is dicovered - the murder of a teenage girl.
Set in a small Australian country town in the 1940s, we hear of tensions and secrets, bad behaviour and youthful hopes. We are also kept guessing for some time as to who the culprit could be. Highly recommended, especially for a quick read.
Other books by Steven Herrick which go well with Cold Skin are Lonesome Howl and By the River. Both are stories of country life, each with its own mysterious elements.
Reviewed by Mrs Thomson
