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Bad Signs
A superb thriller from the acclaimed author of A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS.
Orphaned by an act of senseless violence that took their mother from them, half-brothers Clarence Luckman and Elliott Danziger have been raised in state institutions, unaware of any world outside. But their lives take a sudden turn when they are seized as hostages by a convicted killer en route to death row.
Earl Sheridan is a psychopath of the worst kind, but he has the potential to change the boys’ lives for ever. As the trio set off on a frenetic escape from the law through California and Texas, the two brothers must come to terms with the ever-growing tide of violence that follows in their wake – something that forces them to make a choice about their lives, and their relationship to one another.
Orphaned by an act of senseless violence that took their mother from them, half-brothers Clarence Luckman and Elliott Danziger have been raised in state institutions, unaware of any world outside. But their lives take a sudden turn when they are seized as hostages by a convicted killer en route to death row.
Earl Sheridan is a psychopath of the worst kind, but he has the potential to change the boys’ lives for ever. As the trio set off on a frenetic escape from the law through California and Texas, the two brothers must come to terms with the ever-growing tide of violence that follows in their wake – something that forces them to make a choice about their lives, and their relationship to one another.
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Reviews
Will your fingernails ever grow back? Now, that is good writing. This is a stellar work of fiction that deserves to be on everyone's reading list. Loved it.
With this novel, Ellory has joined the stars of modern genre literature. It is a classic.
He's one of the great British thriller writers of his generation.
Ellory has a talent for making the detestable captivating. An intricate fictional dance whicn he pulls off expertly.
Violent imagery, real pathos and a dark, dark humour. Without doubt, Bad Signs is Ellory's most disturbing book, and one that will haunt the reader
One of the most interesting crime novelists working today. He sets his novels in the US and seems to change his style of writing from book to book - always to excellent effect.
When you close the book, you won't forget the two boys Digger and Clay, and the journey that was their undoing, and the grinning face of Earl Sheridan. Without doubt, BAD SIGNS is Ellory's most disturbing book, and one that will haunt the reader.
Ellory's the real deal, giving us another horrific chunk of small-town American violence, neglect and psychopathy. Institutionalised half brothers Clarence and Elliott have a startling choice to make when they are kidnapped by a convicted serial killer ****
Though [Ellory's] books always provide a wild and giddy ride, there is more to them than thrills, chills and spills. Bad Signs is rich, complex and nuanced, with many psychological undercurrents. It's edge-of-the-seat entertainment.
Ellory has been compared to Mario Puzo, James Ellory and Stephen King. All descriptions are accurate, but they fail to define Ellory's unique style. He is a very special writer.
Set in an utterly convincing 1960s rural America, this is a jaw droppingly good thriller by British writer Roger Ellory.
Ellory has a lovely prose style that allows his story to glide on, as events both rivet and repel. [An] excellent action thriller.
Set in the 1960s, the content may be dark and unforgiving but it is a beautifully and poetically planned tale that reveals itself layer by layer.