Wink Murder

“Wink Murder” – an intriguing title just begging to be read. Picking up the book I wasn’t sure what to expect given Wink Murder is Ali Knight’s debut novel – no expectations, no pressure!

I purposely opted not to read the press copy that accompanied the book, relying solely on the book cover and title to hook me in. Have no fear; Wink Murder isn’t a weak reference to some kinky murder or Doctor Who’s “whatever you do don’t blink” episode – I’d like to say it’s a simple case of murder but when is murder ever simple?

As Jennifer Anniston once said in her L’Oreal commercials “here comes the science bit”:

“Kate Forman has an enviable life: a loving family and a perfect husband, Paul. But one night she finds Paul drunk and covered in blood, mumbling about having killed something – or someone.

When a young and attractive woman who works for Paul is found murdered, Kate’s suspicions about what he has really done send her on an increasingly desperate search for the truth that threatens to smash her carefully constructed life.

Doing the right thing should seem obvious, but as the lies multiply, the truth is not as straightforward as it seems; how well do you know the person you’re married to?”

Wink Murder is one of those books where, for the first half at least, I wasn’t quite sure where it was taking me. It’s all rather frenetic and told in the first person narrative, it made me question Kate’s sanity on numerous occasions! A complex narrative, you have to have your wits about you as the story unfolds in dramatic fashion.

A game for any number of players of any age. Players sit in a circle or round a table. One player is given the role of detective and leaves the room. The remaining players nominate a murderer and the detective returns.

The murderer tries to kill as many people as possible by making eye contact and winking at them. Players that are winked at feign death and are out of the game. The detective tries to discover who the murderer is – the detective has three attempts to name the killer.

Kate is an intriguing individual – is she sane, is she clever, is she deluded, unhinged, angry … I could go on – the author had me guessing right to the very end – complex she most certainly is. Brilliantly written, I did find parts uncomfortable to read – mostly due to Kate appearing to change persona at the drop of a hat – this is by no means a negative, it adds another dimension to the story and certainly keeps you on your toes!

Ali’s narrative flows with and an unhindered ease – at times edgy, sometimes punchy, the narrative is strong and delivered with a temerarious attitude but this appears to soften a little, in my eyes at least, during the second half of the novel – I’m certain this is down to how Kate develops as a character.

Relationships are questioned – on numerous occasions – with Kate, the principle character, struggling to come to terms with her husband’s bloodied late night return. This one event sets up a domino effect that appears, at times, to unhinge Kate often coming across as a loose canon but her wild interaction with Paul’s ex-wife is inspired!

Story and character development is absorbing and well thought out, the twists and turns help keep the story moving along nicely. Knight adding a few red herrings along the way and they are by no means obvious. I found myself catching a breath on a couple of occasions – both as it happened centred around Kate and the dark – go figure. The ending is powerful and unexpected, Knight tying up all the loose ends with a great deal of aplomb and guile.

Wink once, Wink twice, Wink Murder! A well-crafted and arresting debut.

Published by Hodder “Wink Murder” is available to buy from The Book Depository.