The Frog And The Scorpion - Steevan Glover

I picked this book up and was intrigued with the jacket info....the three top lines at the back of the book say "What would you do for love......What would you do for a friend...What would you do for money".

This is Steevan Glover's debut novel, and my does it pack a punch! I had no expectations and started the book on Wednesday (finished in 2 days). Maybe I was expecting the standard crime type book where there is a serial killer on the loose, or there is a lead detective waiting in the wings to solve an old crime. This however was a complete and utter change from the `norm' for me.

We meet Adam who work in the financial advising area and leads a pretty normal life. He is friends with a former Marine Jake who now owns and runs a few bars and a Security firm set up in Winchester. Out of the blue Adam's ex girlfriend turns up at the door with a sob story. Not only has she left him high and dry in the past but she also broke his heart. However, when Mellissa turns up on his doorstep with a bagful of money and her latest woes, Adam agrees to help her one last time.

Barry Hunt is a gangster who has worked the scene for over 20 years, however as he gets older he finds it harder to keep up with the times. He has his sidekick Mickey and they control a portion of London but pay their dues to the main man Mr G. Mr G has been ruling over London for a while now and once crossed he will make an example of whoever was brave enough to try.

When two villains turn up on Adam's doorstep asking after Mellissa and the money Adam finds himself in a sticky situation. Luckily for him, his friend Jake helps him out of the situation and before they know it they are mistaken for underworld players. Adam and Jake decide to run with this theory everybody has made, as it seems to be the only thing keeping them alive. Before long not only are they involved in some serious underworld business but they are putting themselves up for the part too. Drug deals, professional hits and war are just a few of the things they end up involved in, will they make it out the other side alive?

I must say I was truly shocked at just how great this book was. The writing was fantastic, not too complicated and the characters were easy to fall in line with. The storyline was one that I have never seen done before and made for a great read. It didn't get too complicated but had me wondering just what part everybody was playing in what ultimately ended up being an extremely messy situation. There were some fantastic twists and the ending threw me completely. I was also amazed that there was humour present in some parts without detracting from the feeling of violence. The chapter involving Mrs Warriner in her garden had me chuckling! I am sincerely looking forward to book 2 and hope that it is as good as, if not better, than this one. Fantastic and highly recommended.