Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #29373 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 496 pages

Synopsis
After the slaughter of his girlfriend by an unknown assassin, Nicholas Newman wants only to start afresh. However, when a link is made between killings across Europe, he reluctantly agrees to help the police again. When attempts are made on his life, he realizes his nightmare has only just begun.

Customer Reviews

A little known gem
I am greatly surprised to see that no customer reviews exist for this superior thriller. The Amethysts is the first in, what is now, a trilogy of books with the same protagonist - Nicholas Newman. What seperates this book from others in its genre is not the tight, ingenious plotting and tense narrative, but the character of Nicholas himself. He is such an honest and well seen character, that he makes most other thriller protagonists seem totally one dimensional. Whilst this is certainly a 'commercial' novel, it is more in the class of John Fowles or Ian McEwan than any other contemporary thriller writer I can think of. The follow ups - Pearl and At Ruby's are equally good, and I would urge any fans of good writing to read them. I can't wait for a next installment, if that is on the cards. I am equally amazed that a film hasn't yet been made of this great book. If I had the money I would buy up the rights myself. An immensely enjoyable read!

A captivating and chilling read...
This book describes Nazi-era events with such conviction that you have to remind yourself that they didn't really happen. A murder mystery which unwinds into the past, this is the kind of book that keeps you up into the late hours because you simply cannot put it down. I find it amazing that Delaney hasn't received the acclaim he deserves for this fine novel.

The most harrowing book I've ever read
Never before have I cried when reading a book. Some of the images conjoured up by Delaney struck both fear and helplessness into my head whilst at the same time, I felt disgrace for being part of a race which allowed such atrocities to take place.

I say this because much of the content of the book is not merely fiction - Delaney captures the realities of the Nazi regime in a simple yet graphic way and does not allow the reader to relax or feel at ease with the nature of the events he writes about.

The Amethysts was a book I will never forget and one which should be read to remind us of the atrocities of the past.

5 stars for a remarkable yet harrowing book.