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A review by poppyjessica
Holding by Graham Norton
4.0
A few weeks ago, Graham Norton appeared on television talking about his life as a novelist which was a huge revelation to me. I should have known that this much beloved comic and TV personality had further strings to his bow even if I am slightly late to the reading party. I decided to start exploring Norton's literary works by reading his debut work 'Holding', a completely charming Irish murder mystery. The novel had an intriguing central storyline and was nicely paced to keep my interest, my mind coming up with countless explanations for bones being dug up on a building site.
The central characters are the main appeal of this book, particularly PJ Collins (not just because we share a nickname), the local Guard in the small Irish town of Duneen investigating the uncovered bodies. Norton spends his time with each character, fleshing out their histories and their complex involvement in the central mystery so I couldn't help but get emotionally invested in their lives. It is arguable that the cast of characters is slightly too large, switching every few pages, but the reader soon gets used to the frenetic changes in focus between the residents of this small town.
For the mystery itself, the revelations weren't wholly surprising but I enjoyed the conclusion and how it was gradually uncovered by PJ and his associates. Overall, if you are looking for an engaging murder mystery, exploring the inner lives and histories of small townsfolk, Norton has provided the perfect book for you.
The central characters are the main appeal of this book, particularly PJ Collins (not just because we share a nickname), the local Guard in the small Irish town of Duneen investigating the uncovered bodies. Norton spends his time with each character, fleshing out their histories and their complex involvement in the central mystery so I couldn't help but get emotionally invested in their lives. It is arguable that the cast of characters is slightly too large, switching every few pages, but the reader soon gets used to the frenetic changes in focus between the residents of this small town.
For the mystery itself, the revelations weren't wholly surprising but I enjoyed the conclusion and how it was gradually uncovered by PJ and his associates. Overall, if you are looking for an engaging murder mystery, exploring the inner lives and histories of small townsfolk, Norton has provided the perfect book for you.