‘The Apples of Sodom’ by Carol Westron

Published by Pentangle Press,
19 June 2026.
ISBN: 978-1-91755502-9 (PB) 

The Apples of Sodom is set in England during the deadly heatwave that defined the summer of 1976.  The novel is narrated by twenty-two-year-old Mel Blume who is attending a book launch with her father Gabe, himself a celebrated author.  Mel’s mother died when she was quite young and Gabe brought up his only child alone, so it’s not surprising that he can be protective, sometimes overprotective, of her.  Gabe recently split from his American publisher, and this prompted the Blumes to return to England after living in the USA for twelve years.  British literary agents are keen to sign the best-selling author and Mel notices that her father is attracting more attention than the unfortunate writer whose book is being promoted.  When she is approached by a pushy guest, Daphne Undershaw, who requests a personal introduction to her father, we get a glimpse of Mel’s integrity and composure as she politely, but firmly, declines.  Her confidence quickly evaporates, though, when she realises that she is being watched by an attractive stranger who is walking towards her.  When she discovers that he is Ben Undershaw, Daphne’s son, it doesn’t stop Mel falling for him and it seems that the feeling is mutual.  

 

They leave the literary crowd to attend a nearby open-air concert where they discover that they have a good deal in common.  Both were brought up by single parents, both want to break free from their current situations and feel stifled by their respective families, and both share a love of art and creativity.  Then Mel discovers something about Ben that leaves her feeling exploited and betrayed.  It’s the first of several happenings that spell danger not only to their nascent relationship, but to Mel herself.  When Ben goes missing Mel is determined to discover the truth, whatever dark secrets she may uncover and despite the risk to herself.

 

Mel’s first-person present tense narrative speaks directly to the reader, and she proves to be a witty, endearing and trustworthy storyteller.  Seeing events unfold through Mel’s perspective enhances a superb plot that has both pace and tension.  The action takes place during a memorable period of extreme weather which perfectly complements the pressure that builds up as the story unfolds.  It captures that dangerous, crucial period during which a young person develops into a fully-fledged adult.  It is fascinating to see how Mel navigates this and the impact events have on her.  The characters Mel meets during the novel are all interesting, though not all as likeable as the narrator.

 

In The Apples of Sodom Carol Westron has produced a captivating novel that explores complexities in relationships between friends, families and lovers.  She exposes the power of relationships to harm and heal, dishearten and encourage, confine and release.   

A moving, mysterious and thoroughly enjoyable tale that I highly recommend.
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Reviewer: Dot Marshall-Gent

Carol Westron is a Golden Age expert who has written many articles on the subject and given papers at several conferences. She is the author of several series: contemporary detective stories and police procedurals, comedy crime and Victorian Murder Mysteries. Her most recent publications are Paddling in the Dead Sea and Delivering Lazarus, books 2 and 3 of the Galmouth Mysteries, the series which began with
The Fragility of Poppies.

 www.carolwestron.com  

Dot Marshall-Gent worked in the emergency services for twenty years first as a police officer, then as a paramedic and finally as a fire control officer before graduating from King’s College, London as a teacher of English in her mid-forties.  She completed a M.A. in Special and Inclusive Education at the Institute of Education, London and now teaches part-time and writes mainly about educational issues.  Dot sings jazz and country music and plays guitar, banjo and piano as well as being addicted to reading mystery and crime fiction.