Synopsis:
Ruthless, stubborn and loyal.
Zenka is a Hungarian pole-dancer with a dark past.
When cranky London mob boss, Jack Murray, saves her life she vows to become his guardian angel – whether he likes it or not. Happily, she now has easy access to pistols, knuckle-dusters, and shotguns.
Jack learns he has a son, Nicholas, a community nurse with a heart of gold. Problem is, Nicholas is a wimp.
Zenka takes charge. Using her feminine wiles and gangland contacts, she aims to turn Nicholas into a son any self-respecting crime boss would be proud of. And she succeeds!
Nicholas transforms from pussycat to mad dog, falls in love with Zenka, and finds out where the bodies are buried – because he buries them. He’s learning fast that sometimes you have to kill or be killed.
As his life becomes more terrifying, questions have to be asked:
How do you tell a crime boss you don’t want to be his son?
And is Zenka really who she says she is?
My Review:
I confess, I would not ordinarily be drawn to ZENKA based on the front cover. However, I am so thankful I was offered the opportunity to read this latest offering from the brilliant Alison Brodie.
There really is something for everyone in this fast-paced, action-packed novel. It is a rollercoaster of intrigue and excitement. One minute you will be laughing hysterically at the dark comedy, which suits my sense of humour completely. In the next moment the mystery and tension will have you gripped with suspense.
The eclectic characters are fully formed, endearing and creatively written. Zenka herself, with her amusingly unique dialect, is a force to be reckoned with. Hell, I’d love to spend a day with her – it would be an adventure to remember!
With twists and turns aplenty, an unpredictable plot and even an appropriate injection of romance, ZENKA is a must read.
It is unique, cleverly crafted and refreshing, with a thoroughly entertaining blend of elements. Personally I would love to see this cinematic story adapted for the big screen!
I’d like to thank the lovely Alison Brodie for providing me with a copy of ZENKA in exchange for an honest review.
ZENKA is available to buy NOW!
Connect with Alison Brodie:
About the author:
Alison Brodie is a Scot, with French Huguenot ancestors on her mother’s side.
She is a writer and animal rights activist.
Her books have been published in hardback and paperback by Hodder & Stoughton (UK), Heyne (Germany) and Unieboek (Holland).
Alison is now a self-publisher. Here are some editorial reviews for her recent books:
BRAKE FAILURE: “Masterpiece of humor” – Midwest Book Review
THE DOUBLE: “Proof of her genius in writing fiction” – San Francisco Book Review.
Thank you, Carrie, for this wonderful review of “ZENKA”. I am truly thrilled you enjoyed it. This is my first “foray” into crime and violence. And I don’t know if I will be writing in this genre again, although Zenka demands I write a sequel (well, she would, wouldn’t she?). xx
Pleasure m’dear!
I’ve got to say, it would be a great shame if you didn’t explore this genre again, as you clearly have such a natural flair for it.
And yes, I agree – Zenka does demand a sequel!