Scarecrow

The twists in here are exceptional – none of this cliché stuff – and you’ll be impressed at how such a complex novel can be both easy to read yet challenging on the mind. Pritchard really gets into the minds of his characters and the physiological aspect of this book is very disturbing; probably because there are people out there that really are as disturbed as some of these characters. I can’t recommend this enough. If you’re looking for a great plot, engaging characters, fast pace and a completely different read to the norm, then make sure you get it on your Christmas list – you won’t be disappointed.

-- Steph Roundsmith * Mean Streets: The Home of Crime Fiction *

A nail-biting murder mystery with a distinct European flavor, steady pacing that leads to an exciting finish, and characters with depth and humor.

-- Tammy Sparks * Books, Bones and Buffy *

I have no idea of whether this is the authors debut novel, but I’m guessing it may well be. If so, I stand and applaud him. I will also find his author page and sign up for notifications of when his next book will be released as I don’t want to miss it. He is that good folks.

-- Russ Thompson * Hellnotes *

What first impressed me about Scarecrow are the lengths Pritchard goes to when immersing the reader in life beneath the Spanish sun. Write what you know is clearly on show here as we get a true sense of the frustrated journalist, how the British react to life abroad and the quarrels between those wishing simply to settle and make home and the convoluted twists of the Spanish governmental system. Pritchard paints the scene so vividly, the true joy of this book isn’t the murder mystery element, but the setting and the life surrounding it. Spain should be a place of sun, sea, sex and sangria, but Pritchard lifts up and exposes the grim underbelly of life in Almeria. From the criminal element that thrive and deceive in the climate, the wandering unfortunates that immigrate illegally with a want for a better life and the inept, often corrupt governments that will just as happily take money from ex-pats and then crush their dreams with as much glee. This melting pot provides us with a dangerous though beautiful setting.

-- Nathan Robinson * Snakebite Horror *

A very enjoyable tale of murder and mayhem and piercingly accurate in its portrayal of Brits abroad, in this case, Spain. Hero Danny is one of the ex-pats. He works for a local paper in Almeria and has an instinct for a good story. But his nose regularly leads him into trouble, as does his dodgy relationship with his boss – and his mum. It makes him very human but the killer is something else: a twisted weirdo with an eye for torture and a knack of making useful friends. Well worth a read.

-- Peter Thornton * The S