It All Falls Down

Sheena Kamal's writing is as fearless as her protagonist, Nora Watts. It has a dynamite premise that reminded me of Michael Connelly's Blood Work, in which the hero is asked to solve the murder of the woman whose heart ended up in his chest. Kamal has an equally devious starting point . . . Kamal uses the conventions of the crime novel to cast a critical eye on Vancouver's societal dysfunction, racism and poverty * LINWOOD BARCLAY on Eyes Like Mine *
Private investigator Nora Watts is troubled to say the least. In Kamal's first novel, Eyes Like Mine, Nora searched for the missing daughter she had to give up for adoption when she was herself a teenager; whereas here, she attempts to uncover the secrets of her dead father's past. The search takes Nora from Vancouver to Detroit and via some very dark places along the way - but Nora's bone-dry, understated wit and casual fearlessness carry her, and us, through the novel with an irresistible momentum. Highly recommended * W. C. RYAN *
Sheena Kamal writes with urgency and authority. I read this book in huge gulps, and in Nora Watts, Kamal has created a fresh and compelling heroine that readers will love. Outstanding * ROD REYNOLDS *
Intricately plotted. A tense, taut thriller with a flawed, compelling heroine. I want to read more about Nora Watts * ANDREA CARTER *
A brave, unflinching heroine and brave, unflinching writing adds up to an extraordinary debut - highly recommended * LEE CHILD *
Utterly compelling, rich with voice and psychological insight, populated with heartbreakingly real characters, Eyes Like Mine will stay with you for a long, long time. Perhaps forever * JEFFERY DEAVER *
Suspenseful, atmospheric and often deeply moving . . . one of the most complicated and fascinating protagonists I've come across in a long time. I'd follow Nora Watts (and her dog) anywhere * ALISON GAYLIN *
A fresh and original character who grips the reader with her grit and courage. We're rooting for Nora Watts from the outset and I can't wait to read more of her story * SARAH WARD, Crimepieces *
A thoroughly compelling new series... a dark and powerful read * Mail on Sunday *
A heady blend of a familial mystery and drug-infused gang revenge. And Kamal certainly knows how to paint a vivid backdrop * Crime Review *
Nora retains a youthful freshness and frankness... flawed and very real, she'll make you root for her * Sunday Times Crime Club *
It All Falls Down is well written with strong tension and a good plot. Strong and uncompromising, it packs a really strong punch and is worth reading for that alone * Live and Deadly *
An intricately plotted and even paced mystery. Interwoven into the storyline are true to life events that add a compelling layer to this complex and fascinating story * Book Reviews by Kathy *
Kamal's affinity for the unusual, character-driven mystery excels in "It All Falls Down... A sense of sadness permeates the novel, from Kamal's gritty look at Detroit and unflinching look at Vancouver's neighborhoods to the flawed characters. Yet Kamal also injects a sense of hope and closure for Nora, and Whisper, and makes readers root for their future * Mail Online *
There are writers who tell you a story and then there are those that can transport you to the world they have created; telling a story so realistically that the reader feels like they're there in the thick of it. Kamal is in the latter category * Mystery Playground *
There are writers who tell you a story and then there are those that can transport you to the world they have created; telling a story so realistically that the reader feels like they're there in the thick of it. Kamal is in the latter category * Mystery Playground *
A great read featuring a really fresh and original heroine and a compelling storyline * Nudge Books *
Vivid and evocative * Nudge Books *
A lot of issues pop up in this novel - from gang crime to politics and everything in-between. It's not the kind of book I'm used to reading but I did enjoy it very much. In fact, I want more! * Silvia Reads *
I liked the author's writing style and that combined with the suspenseful plot and the intriguing characters made the story flow smoothly * Haja Reads *
Well written and well researched this is an old-fashioned thriller brought way up to date. A great read * Breakaway Reviewers *