‘Rant’ by Alfie Crow

Published by Moth,
19 April 2013.
ISBN: 978-1-901886-1

If you like picaresque crime novels, full of non-stop action and breathless exploits, then this book is definitely for you. The very unheroic 'hero' is out-of-work actor Mike Rant, a  fairly – let's face it – useless character, living in Newcastle, who receives a parcel containing loads of money and a coded letter. He realizes fairly quickly that the package was not intended for him but for an American guy who lives nearby.  Redelivering the parcel to its recipient leads Rant into a series of ever-escalating adventures, including bank-robbing, kidnappings, torture by London Eye, capture by Romanian criminals with a minimal grasp of English who are looking for a contract killer.  The CIA is involved but the comedy arises from the way in which everything Mike Rant touches turns immediately to criminal dross.

I couldn't possibly give the plot away: it's far too convoluted.  Enjoy!
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Reviewer: Susan Moody

Alfie Crow was born in Wallsend, Northumberland and now lives in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. He studied drama and English literature at Bangor University, and studied for a PhD in drama at Bristol University. Alfie won the Bridport prize in 2006 for his short story, Metal, and works as a performance poet.

Susan Moody was born in Oxford is the principal nom de plume  of Susan Elizabeth Donaldson, née Horwood, a British novelist best known for her suspense novels. She is a former Chairman of the Crime Writer's Association, served as World President of the International Association of Crime Writers, and was elected to the prestigious Detection Club. Susan Moody has given numerous courses on writing crime fiction and continues to teach creative writing in England, France, Australia, the USA and Denmark.  In addition to her many stand alone books, Susan has written two series, on featuring PI Penny Wanawake (seven books) and a series of six books featuring bridge player Cassie Swan.