John Dean – Crime Writer

The first reviews and ratings have been posted for Malcolm Beadle’s remarkable debut novella Koki and the feedback given on Amazon has seen the book receive five five star ratings, all five stars, the highest mark available.

The novella, which tells the story of a Vietnam War sniper who paints his face as a clown before he goes hunting his VietCong victims in the steamy jungles of Vietnam, is available in ebook Kindle and paperback format on the retailers’ website to be found at www.amazon.co.uk  The reviews can be found on the same page.

The book has taken more than twenty years to come to fruition and reviewer Tom Benson, an author who helped Malcolm to develop his idea, said in his review: “The hero of this story is no ordinary sniper. Through superb imagery, this author helps you to absorb the jungle environment. In graphic detail, he relates a believable darker side to a war of attrition that cost thousands of lives.”

John Dean, another author who has supported Malcolm, said in his review: “There’s a real claustrophobic feel to the novella and the storytelling style is pared down, allowing the narrative to move with pace and not waste words. Mix a fast-moving plot, a compelling main character you are unlikely to forget and a powerful sense of place – the three main pillars of storytelling – as Malcolm takes the reader deep into the Vietnam forest and you have a remarkable debut novella”

Fellow crime writer Jake Howard said in his review: “A gritty, no-holds-barred  story of the brutality of war, love, revenge and a few surprises thrown in along the way. Very readable and thoroughly enjoyed it. Would definitely read this author again.”