pa·ri·ah

1.an outcast.

2.any person or animal that is generally despised or avoided.

3.a member of a low caste in southern India and Burma.

Pariah by David Jackson

The word “Pariah” originates from the early 17th century: from Tamil paṛaiyar, plural of paṛaiyan ‘(hereditary) drummer’, from paṛai ‘a drum’ – after completing David Jackson’s magnificent and taut crime thriller in just two sittings I can categorically state that this book firmly belongs ensconced in the 21^st century.

“It’s a bad enough day for NYPD detective Callum Doyle when his cop partner is murdered. It’s about to get a hell of a lot worse . . .

When the dead man’s replacement is also brutally killed, suspicion falls on Doyle himself. Then he receives an anonymous message. This is just the beginning, it says. Anyone he gets close to will die – and that includes Doyle’s own family. The only way to keep them alive is to stay away. For good.

Doyle is desperate to find out who is responsible, but when his every move puts others in danger he is forced to back off. With the investigation getting nowhere and his isolation deepening, Doyle has to ask himself an uncomfortable question: just how low is he prepared to sink in order to get his life back?”

To coin a well-known phrase “it came out of left field” aptly describes my feelings when I finished reading David Jackson’s Pariah earlier today. It really was an unexpected crime thriller – a debut title no less!

There’s so much to enjoy and take away from this title – a believable and exciting plot, detectives who appear to be fallible yet determined to catch those responsible for the murders and a fluid narrative that doesn’t falter from beginning to end. Jackson takes the book to the streets – he doesn’t overcomplicate matters, he uses his words sparingly and together with a sound plot and crisp dialogue delivers a spellbinding and intelligent crime thriller.

Available to buy in paperback , Kindle or E-book from Amazon

Pariah is largely dialogue driven and along with the fluid third person narrative it works extremely well. The aforementioned dialogue is crisp aided by a wonderful humour throughout. The one-liners are there in abundance – I never tired of Jackson’s humour and I felt the witty banter gave me a glimpse into the author’s personality.

“It’s my animal magnetism. All the chicks love it.

“I think you’re underestimating your power. What I’m talking about is a destructive force. Enough to start people dropping like flies all around you.”

“Ah, you’re referring to my deodorant.” Doyle raises his arm “You wanna take a sniff?”!

As a leading man Callum Doyle is a wonderfully believable character. Facing overwhelming odds to clear his name and protect his family, Jackson could have been forgiven for making him bulletproof – but he doesn’t. He makes him human – sure he has his faults but together with a great personality, determination and an infectious dry humour the detective puts in an assured performance. He’s a likeable guy and whether he’s eating donuts in a diner or following leads from confidential informants he remains true to his craft.

The Kills – numerous and well thought out, all delivered and executed (I make no apologies!) to an exceptionally high standard. You never really know what to expect and I must confess one death had me physically flinching and shaking at its brutality – without giving anything away I promise you won’t see butchers in the same light again!

An intelligent novel, Pariah is a remarkable debut from David Jackson. In Callum Doyle, Jackson certainly has a protagonist well worth protecting – I for one can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. New York’s finest battle it out in this pulsating crime thriller.

Published by Pan Macmillan Pariah is available in paperback , Kindle or E-book from Amazon