Charlie is a cocaine distributor living in a run-down London overspill, but when he discovers his top dealer shot to death, Charlie must find the killer and a way out, whilst losing the tail of Detective Jack Cloud in order to flee the country with his lover and a clear conscience.
‘Poisoned Saints’ is the first book of a three part series that is filled just the right amount of death, danger and romance. This is a book that keeps you awake at night; begging you to turn just one more page due to it’s fast paced and gripping nature which leaves you frustrated with intrigue. ‘Poisoned Saints’ follows the life of a hardened drug dealer after his friend and cocaine distributor is shot dead and leaves him to take the fall. As Charlie Paccadillo is the last person to speak to the victim, DI Jack Cloud pinpoints him as the number one suspect and works at nothing to see the killer behind bars. Mixed with drugs, gangsters and a love interest that is related to his deadliest rivals, ‘Poisoned Saints’ makes for an interesting read as we see Charlie collapse into a cloud of despair as his life becomes a race against time in order to uncover who the real killer is.
The story and characters were brought to life through Coulter’s detailed writing; it’s real world relevance and realism takes the reader to the dangerous streets of London and allows them to hear the gruff voices of those that reside there. Charlie’s characterisation interested me in particular as Coulter developed him in such a way that I couldn’t help but like him with his vulnerable aspects and witty quips despite him being a dangerous gangster. Coulter writes with I thought that the plot was particularly well thought out with it’s twists and turns constantly leaving the reader guessing and musing over who the killer might be. The ending left me in a state of shell shock and annoyance due to the fact that the revelation was a huge slap in the face that I certainly didn’t see coming!
‘Poisoned Saints’ is an enjoyable, past faced thriller that I would recommend to all young adults and adults alike who enjoy a gritty, crime novel read that will leave them shocked and wanting more. I will certainly be reading more of Mr. Coulters work!
The Life Of A Bookworm 