Publisher: Michael Joseph
Release date: 25 July 2024
Back cover blurb: Ray might be about to die. But he’s sure as hell not going quietly . . . Former policeman Ray ‘Sugar’ Leonard is no stranger to bad breaks. But even Walter White never had to open up and share his feelings with a bunch of misfits like Ray’s chemotherapy group: a giant God-bothering Welsh bouncer, a sharp-suited wannabe Wolf of Wall Street, and a misanthropic, potty-mouthed little old lady. Compared to that lot, getting mugged on his way home from the clinic was almost a relief. But Ray is not your average victim. And when his training kicks in and his would-be attacker winds up dead, he wonders, who else might be equally deserving of such summary justice? After all, he’s got cancer, what’s he got to lose? Then Ray lets slip his new philosophy to the group and it soon becomes clear that he’s not the only one with murder in mind . . .
I've been looking forward to the release of this novel since hearing the author himself talk about it last year at an event publicising his previous novel (Call Time - if you haven't read it yet, please do!). Terminally Kill is a brilliantly funny novel with some dark humour, and really great characters.
Ray 'Sugar' Leonard has cancer. Chemotherapy sessions mandatory. He doesn't want to engage with the others in his sessions at first, just wants to go to the hospital, have the treatment and leave again. But the bunch of misfits that he finds himself with don't exactly understand the art of silence and are keen to make friends.
In the room there's Gog, a scary looking, softly spoken Welsh bouncer, young Luke, sharp suited (and mouthed), who wants to be everyone's best mate, and Rose, a small elderly lady with the pottiest mouth you ever heard!
Ray is slowly won over by their individual 'charm' and starts confiding in them things he's never told anyone else. This is reciprocated by the others. With each of them being sworn to secrecy. A 'what's said in chemo, stays in chemo'... type scenario.
Ray is what you might describe as a seasoned professional. Ex-Military and a retired Police detective, Ray has seen his fair share of violence and unjust behaviour. When he is attacked in an alley, he doesn't hesitate to fight back, not realising he still had it in him.
Ray is dying, and realises he has nothing to lose by teaching his scum bag attacker a lesson. That said, he didn't quite mean to end his life... but he's seen enough crime scenes to know how to cover one up. And begins to wonder if he couldn't use his 'skills' to take a little justice and revenge back for himself, before his life on this earth ends.
I don't want to spoil anything, but I absolutely loved this, and some of the twists towards the end of the novel were so clever! I can't wait to read the next offering from Mr. Jones.
Terminally Kill is available now via Amazon online and all good book shops.
Thank You to the publishers who approved my request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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