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The Desolate Garden
Only months before the murder of Lord Elliot Paterson, and his youngest son Edward, an address in Leningrad is discovered hidden in the ledgers of the family's Bank in Westminster, dating back to the 1930's. There is a spy in the family, but on whose side? His eldest son Harry is recruited into the British Secret Service to uncover the traitor. The Desolate Garden is a twisting tale of deceit and intrigue with Harry, and an attractive girl from the Home Office, desperately trying to unravel the mystery, before anyone else meets the same fate.
312 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
205 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kemp
10 books122 followersDaniel Kemp is now a member of The Society of Authors. His introduction to the world of espionage and mystery happened at an early age when his father was employed by the War Office in Whitehall, London, at the end of WWII. However, it wasn’t until after his father died that he showed any interest in anything other than himself!
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic accident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden. Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for five years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter with the tenth novel being a two-part ending to the Heirs and Descendants Series. A Covenant of Spies completed the four-book series alongside What Happened In Vienna, Jack? Once I Was A Soldier and A Widow's Son.
The Desolate Garden went on to become a bestselling novel in World and Russian Literature in 2017. The following year, in May 2018, his book What Happened In Vienna, Jack? was a number-one bestseller on four separate Amazon sites: America, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Although he primarily focuses on mystery murders involving spies, his varied life experiences showcase his depth of knowledge. He has written two novellas, "Why? A Complicated Love" and the intriguing "The Story That Had No Beginning."
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed employee of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daniel-Kemp/...
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic accident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden. Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for five years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter with the tenth novel being a two-part ending to the Heirs and Descendants Series. A Covenant of Spies completed the four-book series alongside What Happened In Vienna, Jack? Once I Was A Soldier and A Widow's Son.
The Desolate Garden went on to become a bestselling novel in World and Russian Literature in 2017. The following year, in May 2018, his book What Happened In Vienna, Jack? was a number-one bestseller on four separate Amazon sites: America, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Although he primarily focuses on mystery murders involving spies, his varied life experiences showcase his depth of knowledge. He has written two novellas, "Why? A Complicated Love" and the intriguing "The Story That Had No Beginning."
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed employee of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daniel-Kemp/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 2, 2018
A Great Mystery
I'm usually good at figuring out who did what but Mr. Kemp had me completely stumped. I actually screamed when the killer was revealed. Good show, Mr. Kemp. Good show.
I'm usually good at figuring out who did what but Mr. Kemp had me completely stumped. I actually screamed when the killer was revealed. Good show, Mr. Kemp. Good show.
March 14, 2019
I read this story up to 33% and then had to convince myself that espionage stories are just not for me. When I was at school we read The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan and I was totally lost with the plot and didn't understand the story at all. I'm afraid it was the same with this story; I couldn't keep tags on the twists and turns.
Despite this I'm giving The Desolate Garden four stars as it was well written and the fact I didn't understand the plot is my problem. Perhaps if it's ever made into a film, I might enjoy the story more. Although I doubt it; I'm not a fan of the Bond movies.
Since I only read a third, I'm not sure if the story moves away from Harry and Judith's perspective. It seemed that everything was about Judith questioning Harry about his experiences in Russia and Harry relating his adventures. There were some humorous dialogue between the pair, but there seemed to be a lot of telling and very little showing.
Recommended for those who like spy stories.
Despite this I'm giving The Desolate Garden four stars as it was well written and the fact I didn't understand the plot is my problem. Perhaps if it's ever made into a film, I might enjoy the story more. Although I doubt it; I'm not a fan of the Bond movies.
Since I only read a third, I'm not sure if the story moves away from Harry and Judith's perspective. It seemed that everything was about Judith questioning Harry about his experiences in Russia and Harry relating his adventures. There were some humorous dialogue between the pair, but there seemed to be a lot of telling and very little showing.
Recommended for those who like spy stories.
October 5, 2020
It’s a thriller, it’s a murder mystery...it’s a tale of lies, spies, espionage and dark, disturbing family secrets; secrets that go back decades. I’m talking about Daniel Kemp’s masterpiece, The Desolate Garden.
Harry Paterson’s father, Lord Paterson has been murdered. The police have ascertained when, and how, but no one knows why...money? Could be, the Paterson family are extremely wealthy.
Daniel Kemp writes in a very visual way; he provokes the reader’s imagination. I can see the opening scene as a piece of theatre. The stage is dimly lit, almost dark. A piano, just one soft note at a time, picks out a sinister child’s nursery rhyme..maybe Three Blind Mice or Oranges and Lemons.
The effect of the combination of darkness, light, shade and sound sets an ambivalent atmosphere of uncertainty for the viewer. The written scene will have a similar affect on the reader. We are drawn into the beginning of a narrative which we know took skill and courage from the writer.
Lighting gradually presents a man, seated at a small table. He picks up a glass of whisky from the table, stares into it, then sips. The piano stops. A woman’s voice calls out to him..”tell me a joke”...as she speaks, the light falls on her, she is very beautiful. He responds to her.. “come and join me.”
It’s a pivotal moment; this meeting of Harry Paterson and Judith Meadows drives the narrative.
The amount of research that has gone into The Desolate Garden is phenomenal. The writer leads us back to the actions of Harry Paterson’s Great-Grandfather, Maudlin Paterson during the 1936-1939 Spanish Civil War. His actions precipitate events that are yet to come. The reader won’t need an extensive knowledge about that conflict, but an illegitimate child is born and without him there would be no story.
Daniel Kemp’s knowledge of the Cold War is extensive. I’m of the same generation as he...I grew up knowing about the Iron Curtain, and, as Russia was then, the USSR. I don’t recall there being a lot on News reports about how, if at all, we got any information about life in the USSR, but I remember reports about the Cuban missile crisis.
The Cold War was a state of geopolitical tension after World War II between powers in the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its satellite states) and powers in the Western Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others).
Rewind to early morning on Tuesday 16 October 1962, John F. Kennedy's national security assistant, McGeorge Bundy, brought to the President's bedroom some high-altitude photographs taken from U-2 planes flying over Cuba. They showed Soviet soldiers hurriedly and secretly setting up nuclear-armed missiles.
At its closest distance, Communist Cuba is just 103 miles from Florida...too close for comfort.
For some time previously the Soviets had openly been sending weaponry to Cuba, including surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles (SAMs). To deflect any criticism about this from the Republicans, who were busy campaigning for the November congressional elections, Kennedy had said he would not protest about such defensive weaponry being installed in Cuba, but warned that if the Soviets ever introduced offensive weapons, 'the gravest issues would arise.'
For 14 days during that October of 1962, the world held its breath as President John F. Kennedy and Party Leader Nikita Khrushchev tried to reach a compromise and avoid nuclear war.
By the third day the President publicly announced the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba, and ordered a blockade to prevent the introduction of further missiles, further to this, he demanded that the Soviets withdraw the missiles already there. (Both for legal reasons and for resonance with Franklin Roosevelt's 'Quarantine Address' of 1937, the term 'quarantine' was substituted for 'blockade'.)
If Khrushchev did not capitulate within a day or two, a US air attack on Cuba would follow, followed by an invasion.
After a long period of tense negotiations, an agreement was reached between U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev. Publicly, the Soviets would dismantle their offensive weapons in Cuba and return them to the Soviet Union, subject to U.N. verification, in exchange for a U.S. public declaration and agreement to avoid invading Cuba again.
In relation to Daniel Kemp’s The Desolate Garden, it seems to me pertinent that I add these paragraphs about the Cuban Crisis and the stamp of the Cold War on Europe. It illustrates what dangerous times we lived in...and still live in, bearing in mind what happened three weeks ago in the sleepy town of Salisbury UK.
Countries are always interested, intrigued and alarmed by what other countries are doing. Maybe espionage has always existed..agents, double agents. I was too young, at the time, to understand about the so called Cambridge Five, the young men lured into spying for the USSR, but I’ve read about them since. The West had spies within the USSR, spying for us and it is against this backdrop that The Desolate Garden is thrown into relief.
Daniel Kemp’s book illustrates one family member, long since passed, embroiled in a vortex of politics, power, espionage and money laundering.
There’s a shattering betrayal too with an ending that I didn’t see coming and totally blew me away.
Before coming to The Desolate Garden, the only book I’d read in this genre was John le Carré’s Tinker, Tailor, Solder, Spy. Daniel Kemp’s book equals that superb spy thriller, in fact The Desolate Garden easily supersedes it.
Harry Paterson’s father, Lord Paterson has been murdered. The police have ascertained when, and how, but no one knows why...money? Could be, the Paterson family are extremely wealthy.
Daniel Kemp writes in a very visual way; he provokes the reader’s imagination. I can see the opening scene as a piece of theatre. The stage is dimly lit, almost dark. A piano, just one soft note at a time, picks out a sinister child’s nursery rhyme..maybe Three Blind Mice or Oranges and Lemons.
The effect of the combination of darkness, light, shade and sound sets an ambivalent atmosphere of uncertainty for the viewer. The written scene will have a similar affect on the reader. We are drawn into the beginning of a narrative which we know took skill and courage from the writer.
Lighting gradually presents a man, seated at a small table. He picks up a glass of whisky from the table, stares into it, then sips. The piano stops. A woman’s voice calls out to him..”tell me a joke”...as she speaks, the light falls on her, she is very beautiful. He responds to her.. “come and join me.”
It’s a pivotal moment; this meeting of Harry Paterson and Judith Meadows drives the narrative.
The amount of research that has gone into The Desolate Garden is phenomenal. The writer leads us back to the actions of Harry Paterson’s Great-Grandfather, Maudlin Paterson during the 1936-1939 Spanish Civil War. His actions precipitate events that are yet to come. The reader won’t need an extensive knowledge about that conflict, but an illegitimate child is born and without him there would be no story.
Daniel Kemp’s knowledge of the Cold War is extensive. I’m of the same generation as he...I grew up knowing about the Iron Curtain, and, as Russia was then, the USSR. I don’t recall there being a lot on News reports about how, if at all, we got any information about life in the USSR, but I remember reports about the Cuban missile crisis.
The Cold War was a state of geopolitical tension after World War II between powers in the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its satellite states) and powers in the Western Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others).
Rewind to early morning on Tuesday 16 October 1962, John F. Kennedy's national security assistant, McGeorge Bundy, brought to the President's bedroom some high-altitude photographs taken from U-2 planes flying over Cuba. They showed Soviet soldiers hurriedly and secretly setting up nuclear-armed missiles.
At its closest distance, Communist Cuba is just 103 miles from Florida...too close for comfort.
For some time previously the Soviets had openly been sending weaponry to Cuba, including surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles (SAMs). To deflect any criticism about this from the Republicans, who were busy campaigning for the November congressional elections, Kennedy had said he would not protest about such defensive weaponry being installed in Cuba, but warned that if the Soviets ever introduced offensive weapons, 'the gravest issues would arise.'
For 14 days during that October of 1962, the world held its breath as President John F. Kennedy and Party Leader Nikita Khrushchev tried to reach a compromise and avoid nuclear war.
By the third day the President publicly announced the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba, and ordered a blockade to prevent the introduction of further missiles, further to this, he demanded that the Soviets withdraw the missiles already there. (Both for legal reasons and for resonance with Franklin Roosevelt's 'Quarantine Address' of 1937, the term 'quarantine' was substituted for 'blockade'.)
If Khrushchev did not capitulate within a day or two, a US air attack on Cuba would follow, followed by an invasion.
After a long period of tense negotiations, an agreement was reached between U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev. Publicly, the Soviets would dismantle their offensive weapons in Cuba and return them to the Soviet Union, subject to U.N. verification, in exchange for a U.S. public declaration and agreement to avoid invading Cuba again.
In relation to Daniel Kemp’s The Desolate Garden, it seems to me pertinent that I add these paragraphs about the Cuban Crisis and the stamp of the Cold War on Europe. It illustrates what dangerous times we lived in...and still live in, bearing in mind what happened three weeks ago in the sleepy town of Salisbury UK.
Countries are always interested, intrigued and alarmed by what other countries are doing. Maybe espionage has always existed..agents, double agents. I was too young, at the time, to understand about the so called Cambridge Five, the young men lured into spying for the USSR, but I’ve read about them since. The West had spies within the USSR, spying for us and it is against this backdrop that The Desolate Garden is thrown into relief.
Daniel Kemp’s book illustrates one family member, long since passed, embroiled in a vortex of politics, power, espionage and money laundering.
There’s a shattering betrayal too with an ending that I didn’t see coming and totally blew me away.
Before coming to The Desolate Garden, the only book I’d read in this genre was John le Carré’s Tinker, Tailor, Solder, Spy. Daniel Kemp’s book equals that superb spy thriller, in fact The Desolate Garden easily supersedes it.
September 3, 2012
The Desolate Garden
By Danny Kemp
Reviewed by R. Murry
“Me, being the irrepressible confident soul that I am, I figuratively dived into the ruck and went searching for the ball.” is a quote of the Honourable Harry Paterson at the beginning of this character driven suspense who-done-it novel. And it wasn’t the butler who did it, as in many an English murder novel alludes to. As you can see by the spelling of honorable, I had to use an Oxford dictionary to read this book. Just kidding, the story was well written that any non-Englishman could follow without trouble.
For those Americans, like myself, “Diving into the ruck,” is a rugby term meaning getting down and dirty, taking the ball and running with it, which Harry attempts to do in the investigation into the murder of his father. But he is side tracked by his chauvinistic ways.
The other main character in this novel interwoven with killings, espionage, money laundering, family linages, etc. is Judith Meadows. She is the unlikely government investigator brought into solving the main crime, which turns into unraveling a book of crimes that crisscrosses international boundaries. So it may seem.
Who is the instigator of the crime? That is what Judy and H. are spending their brain power on trying to figure out. They become familiar in their communications to the point that H. thinks he is falling in love. Mr. Kemp’s dialog between these two leads one to believe that we have a love story in the making. His characters fit well together – their wit and sarcasm have you expecting a marriage in the making.
Things are more complicated in Mr. Kemps tales of the haves against the have-nots in politics, money, power, and greed. You have to be quick of mind to follow the plot and all the intriguing individuals that make up this journey through a world of decadence and corruption. The effort is well worth spent.
The novel ends with a surprise that not even Lord Harry Peterson or Judith Meadows would have conjured up. The enemy is closer than you think.
Superb writing and suspense building are the reason I give The Desolate Garden a Five Star rating. Purchase at: Amazon.com
By Danny Kemp
Reviewed by R. Murry
“Me, being the irrepressible confident soul that I am, I figuratively dived into the ruck and went searching for the ball.” is a quote of the Honourable Harry Paterson at the beginning of this character driven suspense who-done-it novel. And it wasn’t the butler who did it, as in many an English murder novel alludes to. As you can see by the spelling of honorable, I had to use an Oxford dictionary to read this book. Just kidding, the story was well written that any non-Englishman could follow without trouble.
For those Americans, like myself, “Diving into the ruck,” is a rugby term meaning getting down and dirty, taking the ball and running with it, which Harry attempts to do in the investigation into the murder of his father. But he is side tracked by his chauvinistic ways.
The other main character in this novel interwoven with killings, espionage, money laundering, family linages, etc. is Judith Meadows. She is the unlikely government investigator brought into solving the main crime, which turns into unraveling a book of crimes that crisscrosses international boundaries. So it may seem.
Who is the instigator of the crime? That is what Judy and H. are spending their brain power on trying to figure out. They become familiar in their communications to the point that H. thinks he is falling in love. Mr. Kemp’s dialog between these two leads one to believe that we have a love story in the making. His characters fit well together – their wit and sarcasm have you expecting a marriage in the making.
Things are more complicated in Mr. Kemps tales of the haves against the have-nots in politics, money, power, and greed. You have to be quick of mind to follow the plot and all the intriguing individuals that make up this journey through a world of decadence and corruption. The effort is well worth spent.
The novel ends with a surprise that not even Lord Harry Peterson or Judith Meadows would have conjured up. The enemy is closer than you think.
Superb writing and suspense building are the reason I give The Desolate Garden a Five Star rating. Purchase at: Amazon.com
November 20, 2018
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!
Is there a traitor in the family? Lord Harry Paterson is about to be thrust into a world of spies, political and financial machinations when the deaths of his father and brother come under investigation. Working with the British Secret Service, Harry will discover international and family skeletons buried in history, but he never imagined the twisted truth or how close the enemy would get.
Daniel Kemp’s THE DESOLATE GARDEN has it all, mystery, history, murder, espionage and even a hint of romance. Dry humor, keen wit and a suspenseful journey to finding the truth, Mr. Kemp’s signature style comes through once again in this riveting and gritty tale.
Suspense readers who like their stories to keep them knee-deep in intrigue without easy answers are going to be mesmerized from start to finish. Wonderfully drawn characters, rich in personality and depth, brilliant storytelling and dark, dark secrets...what's not to like?
Publisher: Creativia; 2 edition (September 23, 2017)
Publication Date: September 23, 2017
Genre: Mystery | Thriller
Print Length: 334 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Is there a traitor in the family? Lord Harry Paterson is about to be thrust into a world of spies, political and financial machinations when the deaths of his father and brother come under investigation. Working with the British Secret Service, Harry will discover international and family skeletons buried in history, but he never imagined the twisted truth or how close the enemy would get.
Daniel Kemp’s THE DESOLATE GARDEN has it all, mystery, history, murder, espionage and even a hint of romance. Dry humor, keen wit and a suspenseful journey to finding the truth, Mr. Kemp’s signature style comes through once again in this riveting and gritty tale.
Suspense readers who like their stories to keep them knee-deep in intrigue without easy answers are going to be mesmerized from start to finish. Wonderfully drawn characters, rich in personality and depth, brilliant storytelling and dark, dark secrets...what's not to like?
Publisher: Creativia; 2 edition (September 23, 2017)
Publication Date: September 23, 2017
Genre: Mystery | Thriller
Print Length: 334 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 23, 2012
I'm a facebook friend of Danny Kemp's. Knowing somebody in 'real' life is of course different, but I've seen enough of Danny to know that I like him, I respect him, and that I and wish him well with this intelligent book (some of which went over my head!) Danny richly deserves his success.
I have one significant caveat regarding the text however, and I hope I don't upset Danny in saying it. Towards the end of the narrative a theme upon homosexuality and a link to spying comes in. It's set up beforehand, but not in a big or clumsy way.
But this homosexuality is depicted in an unnatractive - even ugly - light and given that it has a link to the factual situation of more openness re sexuality and politics in the late nineties, I believe Danny could have been more mindful.
I couldn't help but ask if it was Danny's viewpoint coming through, or that of the characters. So for this reason I'm lowering the five stars that I would have given, to four stars.
Danny I look forward to seeing the forthcoming film of A Desolate Garden, and congratulations again on a book that is memorable for many good reasons - very well drawn characters for example! - and which demands thought on behalf of the reader.
When all is said and done, A Desolate Garden is a most rewarding read. Maybe I'm being too precious about what in terms of the narrative is a relatively minor theme, but my respect for myself means that I have to be honest. Upon consideration,I think Danny Kemp's more than big enough to respect this.
I have one significant caveat regarding the text however, and I hope I don't upset Danny in saying it. Towards the end of the narrative a theme upon homosexuality and a link to spying comes in. It's set up beforehand, but not in a big or clumsy way.
But this homosexuality is depicted in an unnatractive - even ugly - light and given that it has a link to the factual situation of more openness re sexuality and politics in the late nineties, I believe Danny could have been more mindful.
I couldn't help but ask if it was Danny's viewpoint coming through, or that of the characters. So for this reason I'm lowering the five stars that I would have given, to four stars.
Danny I look forward to seeing the forthcoming film of A Desolate Garden, and congratulations again on a book that is memorable for many good reasons - very well drawn characters for example! - and which demands thought on behalf of the reader.
When all is said and done, A Desolate Garden is a most rewarding read. Maybe I'm being too precious about what in terms of the narrative is a relatively minor theme, but my respect for myself means that I have to be honest. Upon consideration,I think Danny Kemp's more than big enough to respect this.
April 3, 2013
The murder of Lord Elliot Paterson and his youngest son Edward; the discovery of a Leningrad address hidden in the ledgers of the family bank. Are these events connected? It would seem so.
In an effort to unearth the traitor, Harry, Lord Elliot’s eldest son, is set up by a gorgeous young woman and roped into the British Secret Service. As family secrets are unveiled, Harry is drawn further and further into a tangled and violent web.
Plenty of twists and turns in this spy novel, which, I might add, reads more like non-fiction than your run-of-the-mill spy story.
Danny Kemp has blended factual and fictional events and people involved in espionage in the 1950s so well, that if not for him being too young to have been so, the reader wonders if he himself was once part of this scene. Thought provoking.
February 1, 2018
Sitting down with this book is like a stroll through history. It all begins when Lord Harry Paterson meets Judith Meadows and is thrust into a mystery thriller involving his late father Lord Elliot Paterson.Readers will find espionage, adventure and mystery winding through the story of a man and his past all started with a look at a ledger that doesn't quite seem on the up and up. The author does a great job telling a credible story with great characters. This is a great novel to sit down with in front of a cozy fire and lose yourself in the story.
July 22, 2012
This is a British spy novel in the best sense of the word. We are taken through several generations of the Paterson family and their personal involvement in the world of espionage. The book is a thriller and keeps you wondering until the ending. Mr. Kemp also shares his sense of humor which keeps the story moving.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this novel.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this novel.
November 14, 2012
No wonder Desolate Garden was picked by a film producer! The plot is deep, fascinating and unpredictable, and the characters engaging and well drawn. It was not just luck; Mr Kemp had a well presented novel which the astute producer fully recognised and snapped up. Well done Mr. Kemp and I really hope that Desolate Garden gets the recognition it definitely deserves.
June 19, 2012
I loved the story and it was very well written so I was compelled to read on.
November 2, 2019
Harry Paterson's father, Lord Elliot Paterson, has been murdered and the British Secret Service are investigating the mysterious circumstances of his death. Under the guise of keeping him safe during the investigation, Harry is coerced into teaming up with a younger woman named Judith Meadows who is tasked with delving into his past and relationships with his father in order to uncover any potential leads or clues to his death. Harry reluctantly enters into this arrangement, but does not initially reveal to Judith his knowledge of certain unorthodox payments that are recorded in the ledgers of the family business, a bank that finances unusual projects by the royal family and members of government and other aristocratic families.
As the two start working together, initially working at cross-purposes, but gradually become more tolerant, and finally fond, of each other, they become steeped in a world of deception and lies by Harry's grandfather, Lord Maudlin Paterson, whose sexual indiscretions have resulted in links between his unsuspecting English descendants and descendants living behind the "iron curtain" in Russia during the period of the cold war.
For me there were four very noteworthy aspects of this book, as follows:
1. This book is beautifully written in the most descriptive and vivid language, but is not laborious or long-winded. The entire story is subtlety compared to the life cycle of a garden and each chapter heading links up with this underlying theme. As your read this book, the cleverness and applicability of this metaphor to the story becomes more and more apparent;
2. The amount of research that has gone into this story, and the authors amazing knowledge of historical events concerning the period of history spanning the Spanish Civil War, the events leading up to the rise of communism in the USSR and the Cold War, is inspiring and I definitely finished this book with a far more comprehensive understanding of politics and social tensions during this time than when I started;
3. The authors characterisation of the main characters, Harry and Judith, as well as all of the lessor characters is very well done leaving the reader not only feeling deeply for their internal conflicts and emotional confusion, but also really getting into their heads and starting to think just like they do. I think this is an excellent writing skill that I don't come across that often, particularly in modern books; and
4. A fast paced and action packed story that keeps the reader flipping pages and results in a real sense of sadness when the plot finally unravels and the book ends.
I listened to the audio book of The Desolate Garden, narrated by William Merryn Hill and was impressed by how well matched the reading style and voice of the narrator was with this particular book. That is not always the case with audio books and I find that a mismatched narrator can ruin a good story for me. In this case, listening to the audio book was a bonus and increased my enjoyment of this great story.
As the two start working together, initially working at cross-purposes, but gradually become more tolerant, and finally fond, of each other, they become steeped in a world of deception and lies by Harry's grandfather, Lord Maudlin Paterson, whose sexual indiscretions have resulted in links between his unsuspecting English descendants and descendants living behind the "iron curtain" in Russia during the period of the cold war.
For me there were four very noteworthy aspects of this book, as follows:
1. This book is beautifully written in the most descriptive and vivid language, but is not laborious or long-winded. The entire story is subtlety compared to the life cycle of a garden and each chapter heading links up with this underlying theme. As your read this book, the cleverness and applicability of this metaphor to the story becomes more and more apparent;
2. The amount of research that has gone into this story, and the authors amazing knowledge of historical events concerning the period of history spanning the Spanish Civil War, the events leading up to the rise of communism in the USSR and the Cold War, is inspiring and I definitely finished this book with a far more comprehensive understanding of politics and social tensions during this time than when I started;
3. The authors characterisation of the main characters, Harry and Judith, as well as all of the lessor characters is very well done leaving the reader not only feeling deeply for their internal conflicts and emotional confusion, but also really getting into their heads and starting to think just like they do. I think this is an excellent writing skill that I don't come across that often, particularly in modern books; and
4. A fast paced and action packed story that keeps the reader flipping pages and results in a real sense of sadness when the plot finally unravels and the book ends.
I listened to the audio book of The Desolate Garden, narrated by William Merryn Hill and was impressed by how well matched the reading style and voice of the narrator was with this particular book. That is not always the case with audio books and I find that a mismatched narrator can ruin a good story for me. In this case, listening to the audio book was a bonus and increased my enjoyment of this great story.
October 30, 2017
The Desolate Garden
By Danny Kemp
Reviewed by R. Murry
“Me, being the irrepressible confident soul that I am, I figuratively dived into the ruck and went searching for the ball.” is a quote of the Honourable Harry Paterson at the beginning of this character-driven suspense who-done-it novel. Moreover, it was not the butler who did it, as in many an English murder story alludes. As you can see by the spelling of honorable, I had to use an Oxford dictionary to read this book. Just kidding, the story is written that any non-Englishman could follow without trouble.
For those Americans, like myself, “Diving into the ruck,” is a rugby term meaning getting down and dirty, taking the ball and running with it, which Harry attempts to do in the investigation into the murder of his father. However, he is sidetracked by his chauvinistic ways.
The other main character in this novel interwoven with killings, espionage, money laundering, family lineages, is Judith Meadows. She is the unlikely government investigator brought in to solve the main crime, which turns into unraveling a book of offenses that crisscrosses international boundaries. So it may seem.
Who is the instigator of the crime? That is what Judy and H. are spending their brain power on trying to figure out. They become familiar with their communications to the point that H. thinks he is falling in love. Mr. Kemp’s dialog between these two leads one to believe that we have a love story in the making. His characters fit well together – their wit and sarcasm have you expecting a marriage in the making.
Things are more complicated in Mr. Kemp’s tales of the haves against the have-nots in politics, money, power, and greed. You have to be quick of mind to follow the plot and all the intriguing individuals that make up this journey through a world of decadence and corruption. The effort is well worth spent.
The novel ends with a surprise that not even Lord Harry Peterson or Judith Meadows would have conjured up. The enemy is closer than you think.
Superb writing and suspense building are the reason I give The Desolate Garden a Five Star rating. Purchase at:
Any of the thirty-nine internet sites listed here.
By Danny Kemp
Reviewed by R. Murry
“Me, being the irrepressible confident soul that I am, I figuratively dived into the ruck and went searching for the ball.” is a quote of the Honourable Harry Paterson at the beginning of this character-driven suspense who-done-it novel. Moreover, it was not the butler who did it, as in many an English murder story alludes. As you can see by the spelling of honorable, I had to use an Oxford dictionary to read this book. Just kidding, the story is written that any non-Englishman could follow without trouble.
For those Americans, like myself, “Diving into the ruck,” is a rugby term meaning getting down and dirty, taking the ball and running with it, which Harry attempts to do in the investigation into the murder of his father. However, he is sidetracked by his chauvinistic ways.
The other main character in this novel interwoven with killings, espionage, money laundering, family lineages, is Judith Meadows. She is the unlikely government investigator brought in to solve the main crime, which turns into unraveling a book of offenses that crisscrosses international boundaries. So it may seem.
Who is the instigator of the crime? That is what Judy and H. are spending their brain power on trying to figure out. They become familiar with their communications to the point that H. thinks he is falling in love. Mr. Kemp’s dialog between these two leads one to believe that we have a love story in the making. His characters fit well together – their wit and sarcasm have you expecting a marriage in the making.
Things are more complicated in Mr. Kemp’s tales of the haves against the have-nots in politics, money, power, and greed. You have to be quick of mind to follow the plot and all the intriguing individuals that make up this journey through a world of decadence and corruption. The effort is well worth spent.
The novel ends with a surprise that not even Lord Harry Peterson or Judith Meadows would have conjured up. The enemy is closer than you think.
Superb writing and suspense building are the reason I give The Desolate Garden a Five Star rating. Purchase at:
Any of the thirty-nine internet sites listed here.
December 20, 2017
I have always been a fan of ‘spy’ novels and thoroughly enjoyed this one. Whilst I noted editorial errors, this did not detract from my enjoyment of this complicated, but interesting story. In this case, complicated is good, as it best describes the plot. So, try to keep up, you’ll be glad you did. For those who do not understand much about the ‘cold war’, this may help you in your education. I’m off to download the authors next book now. Thanks, Mr Kemp.
November 7, 2017
Learned much to understand today's political environment
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October 10, 2022
A very twisty tale. Didn't see the end coming at all. Well written and paced.
December 8, 2017
A new author for me. Not really used to his writing style. Will need to try another book to get used to it. A lot of background on the protagonist. A lot of information not really needed to tell the story. A lot of British English slang.
January 31, 2014
The Desolate Garden by Danny Kemp Includes Surprisingly Touching Love Interests
The great thing about being a ‘Brit’ writer is growing up in the class conscious environment that is Great Britain and having access to worlds peopled by characters representing their social class. Danny Kemp’s, The Desolate Garden, succeeds on many counts.
First and foremost, the stream-of-consciousness kind of inner monologue of the protagonist, Harry Paterson, peels away onion skin layers of character development for the reader in the style of the great John Le Carre. The book presents a long historical past populated by a cast including Maudlin, the Brit-to-the-bone patriarch in the early part of the century, striving to keep capitalism and Great Britain safe.
As the owner of a private bank, the end of World War Two and the arrival of a peculiar brand of socialism in England, Maudlin decides to protect his bank’s capital by turning its finances over to the spy agency, SIS, then forming out the coals of war. His goal is multifarious. As an Earl, representing his class, his goals become England’s goals, but he has had some bad experiences with bureaucrats and decides to wage a private anti-communist war, and uses his bank to finance it.
Mixed into this complex history is the Earl’s inability to keep it in his proverbial pants and the sire and mother of his amorous efforts needs protection, muddying his altruism.
Throw in oblique references to Blunt and Philby and I think any spy fiction reader today knows the kind of beautifully twisted plot he will be rewarded with by choosing to read The Desolate Garden.
Cutting to the quick of Harry Patterson’s lovely love affair at the end of the book, surprised and completed the Le Carre tradition of stabbing the nice guy in the book.
But buried inside this convoluted and rambling tale hides a gem. Mister Kemp is a master of feminine psychology. His woman, Judith, reads like a woman author’s star. Harry’s jilted love appears to define the man, just as Judith’s walking out on H., as she has affectionately called him, in her grand ‘finale’ makes surprisingly perfect emotional sense. The Desolate Garden by Danny Kemp includes surprisingly touching love interests that distinguish him from the look-a-likes.
The slow build up of repartee, laced with both sexual and day-to-day innuendo leaves Harry broken by the sheer weight of his cleverness. A great read that could have been a touch less cerebral at times. It is not surprising Mister Kemp has a 30 million movie deal in the works.
The great thing about being a ‘Brit’ writer is growing up in the class conscious environment that is Great Britain and having access to worlds peopled by characters representing their social class. Danny Kemp’s, The Desolate Garden, succeeds on many counts.
First and foremost, the stream-of-consciousness kind of inner monologue of the protagonist, Harry Paterson, peels away onion skin layers of character development for the reader in the style of the great John Le Carre. The book presents a long historical past populated by a cast including Maudlin, the Brit-to-the-bone patriarch in the early part of the century, striving to keep capitalism and Great Britain safe.
As the owner of a private bank, the end of World War Two and the arrival of a peculiar brand of socialism in England, Maudlin decides to protect his bank’s capital by turning its finances over to the spy agency, SIS, then forming out the coals of war. His goal is multifarious. As an Earl, representing his class, his goals become England’s goals, but he has had some bad experiences with bureaucrats and decides to wage a private anti-communist war, and uses his bank to finance it.
Mixed into this complex history is the Earl’s inability to keep it in his proverbial pants and the sire and mother of his amorous efforts needs protection, muddying his altruism.
Throw in oblique references to Blunt and Philby and I think any spy fiction reader today knows the kind of beautifully twisted plot he will be rewarded with by choosing to read The Desolate Garden.
Cutting to the quick of Harry Patterson’s lovely love affair at the end of the book, surprised and completed the Le Carre tradition of stabbing the nice guy in the book.
But buried inside this convoluted and rambling tale hides a gem. Mister Kemp is a master of feminine psychology. His woman, Judith, reads like a woman author’s star. Harry’s jilted love appears to define the man, just as Judith’s walking out on H., as she has affectionately called him, in her grand ‘finale’ makes surprisingly perfect emotional sense. The Desolate Garden by Danny Kemp includes surprisingly touching love interests that distinguish him from the look-a-likes.
The slow build up of repartee, laced with both sexual and day-to-day innuendo leaves Harry broken by the sheer weight of his cleverness. A great read that could have been a touch less cerebral at times. It is not surprising Mister Kemp has a 30 million movie deal in the works.
January 11, 2013
I would be fascinated to read a biography about Danny Kemp himself! Since his novel THE DESOLATE GARDEN is being FILMED this year, that is a possibility if it's a big success! (which we all believe it will be!)
How much this author must have seen and heard, experienced by the age of 63, as a Metropolitan Police officer who somehow ended up being arrested (and freed) for attempted murder. More recently (to present) spending his time behind the wheel in London as a taxi driver, the stories he could write, real or imagined would be priceless.
I can't wait to read his NEXT novel! This one blew me away! It was sexy, funny, serious, an espionage spy thriller, with surprising twists and turns, packed with that quick wit and wry humor that belongs so uniquely to this author! His story and writing skills have been compared to other greats, but I for one only see his distinctive style and I am now one of his admirers!
If he ever decides to give up writing he could become a professional photographer. You should check out his blog and look through his photos. They are incredible and each one paints a thousand words!
How much this author must have seen and heard, experienced by the age of 63, as a Metropolitan Police officer who somehow ended up being arrested (and freed) for attempted murder. More recently (to present) spending his time behind the wheel in London as a taxi driver, the stories he could write, real or imagined would be priceless.
I can't wait to read his NEXT novel! This one blew me away! It was sexy, funny, serious, an espionage spy thriller, with surprising twists and turns, packed with that quick wit and wry humor that belongs so uniquely to this author! His story and writing skills have been compared to other greats, but I for one only see his distinctive style and I am now one of his admirers!
If he ever decides to give up writing he could become a professional photographer. You should check out his blog and look through his photos. They are incredible and each one paints a thousand words!
January 22, 2015
I love this book, it was like embarking on a journey, accompanied by the Author who took me by the hand and said, "sit here and watch". As each page unfolded vivid images walked slowly by and sometimes I could feel their breath on my face. While each character introduced themselves, I found myself repeating the pronunciation of their names. Little things intrigue me as well. I could smell the air, the booze lol, oh that scene was amazing. Oh I blushed a little but smiled too at the naughty treasures held within the pages and loved that elbow in my side that smiled and said...See.....
As each page unfolded, I felt I was simply watching another scene play out. You see the Author was speaking just to me and the scene was directed for me alone. I do look forward to watching Desolate Garden one day when the movie hits the streets. I most definitely will find my seat in that theater and yes I will say, I recommend you indulge yourself and commit to a wonderful and most enjoyable
read.
As each page unfolded, I felt I was simply watching another scene play out. You see the Author was speaking just to me and the scene was directed for me alone. I do look forward to watching Desolate Garden one day when the movie hits the streets. I most definitely will find my seat in that theater and yes I will say, I recommend you indulge yourself and commit to a wonderful and most enjoyable
read.
October 8, 2012
The Desolate Garden is a well-written, well-constructed spy novel about a complex multi-generational tale of espionage and murder. The suspense slowly builds, reaching a climax in the penultimate chapter with a neat denouement. From the very first page the author reveals, layer by layer, the rich characters of the two main protagonists as their relationship develops and the underlying sexual tension between them mounts.
I enjoyed the languid language and the sedate manner in which the plot unfolds, as well as the frequent deft touches of humour, although on a few occasions, in my opinion, the circuitous prose obscured the author’s meaning. I would also have welcomed an occasional change in pace. That said, this book is an excellent first novel and the last two paragraphs, in particular, are nothing short of magical.
Hurry up, Danny Kemp, I want to read your next book!
I enjoyed the languid language and the sedate manner in which the plot unfolds, as well as the frequent deft touches of humour, although on a few occasions, in my opinion, the circuitous prose obscured the author’s meaning. I would also have welcomed an occasional change in pace. That said, this book is an excellent first novel and the last two paragraphs, in particular, are nothing short of magical.
Hurry up, Danny Kemp, I want to read your next book!
January 22, 2013
I found Desolate Garden well written. The contents and characters were well described, with twists and turns throughout the story. Two of the characters Lord Harry Paterson is trying to find the murderer of his father and Judy Meadows an investigator is helping Harry to unravel the pieces of information they have uncovered. The story is full of suspence it keeps you wanting to know more, with each page you turn.
I feel Mr D Kemp must have a good background to write with such depth. He has certainly brought each of his characters to life. I hope that when the story is made into a film, they don’t miss out any of the best bits in his book. Thank you!
I feel Mr D Kemp must have a good background to write with such depth. He has certainly brought each of his characters to life. I hope that when the story is made into a film, they don’t miss out any of the best bits in his book. Thank you!
February 5, 2013
Tried very hard with this one; I wanted to like it and there were passages I liked very much but that was it, passages. After nearly 100 pages I put it down thinking I needed to take a rest from it. I may or may not pick it up again.
August 11, 2019
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Desolate Garden
Subtitle:
Author: Daniel Kemp
Genre: Spy
Part of a series? No
Order in series: N/A
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book tells the complicated and entangled story of one family. Previously unknown family ties become known to Harry Paterson as he tries to find out who murdered his father and brother. Will he be able to find out who did it before more of his family members meet the same fate?
What I liked about the book:
I liked the suspense and the tension within the book.
What I didn’t like about the book:
Unfortunately, there were several points where the sentences were unclear due to missing words or wrong tenses. This did not take away of the quality of the book but only made it slightly more difficult to read.
My favourite bits in the book:
Where the woven mysteries of this family became untangled.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I believe this is a stand-alone book. This author has, however, written several other books.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is not dissimilar in the other book of his hand I have read, Why A Complicated Love, even if the story is completely different.
Recommendation:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like Spy novels this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Only months before the murder of Lord Elliot Paterson, and his youngest son Edward, an address in Leningrad is discovered hidden in the ledgers of the family's Bank in Westminster, dating back to the 1930's. There is a spy in the family, but on whose side? His eldest son Harry is recruited into the British Secret Service to uncover the traitor. The Desolate Garden is a twisting tale of deceit and intrigue with Harry, and an attractive girl from the Home Office, desperately trying to unravel the mystery, before anyone else meets the same fate.
About the Author:
Daniel Kemp’s introduction to the world of espionage and mystery happened at an early age when his father was employed by the War Office in Whitehall, London, at the end of WWII. However, it wasn’t until after his father died that he showed any interest in anything other than himself!
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic accident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden. Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for five years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All seven of his novels are now published by Creativia with the seventh—The Widow’s Son, completing a three book series alongside: What Happened In Vienna, Jack? and Once I Was A Soldier. Under the Creativia publishing banner, The Desolate Garden went on to become a bestselling novel in World and Russian Literature in 2017. The following year, in May 2018, his book What Happened In Vienna, Jack? was a number one bestseller on four separate Amazon sites: America, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Although it's true to say that he mainly concentrates on what he knows most about; murders laced by the mystery involving spies, his diverse experience of life shows in the short stories he writes, namely: Why? A Complicated Love, and the intriguing story titled The Story That Had No Beginning.
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed employee of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising that first novel of his.
He continues to write novels, poetry and the occasional quote; this one is taken from the beginning of Once I Was A Soldier
There is no morality to be found in evil. But to recognise that which is truly evil one must forget the rules of morality.
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daniel-Kemp/...
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Desolate Garden
Subtitle:
Author: Daniel Kemp
Genre: Spy
Part of a series? No
Order in series: N/A
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book tells the complicated and entangled story of one family. Previously unknown family ties become known to Harry Paterson as he tries to find out who murdered his father and brother. Will he be able to find out who did it before more of his family members meet the same fate?
What I liked about the book:
I liked the suspense and the tension within the book.
What I didn’t like about the book:
Unfortunately, there were several points where the sentences were unclear due to missing words or wrong tenses. This did not take away of the quality of the book but only made it slightly more difficult to read.
My favourite bits in the book:
Where the woven mysteries of this family became untangled.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I believe this is a stand-alone book. This author has, however, written several other books.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is not dissimilar in the other book of his hand I have read, Why A Complicated Love, even if the story is completely different.
Recommendation:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like Spy novels this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Only months before the murder of Lord Elliot Paterson, and his youngest son Edward, an address in Leningrad is discovered hidden in the ledgers of the family's Bank in Westminster, dating back to the 1930's. There is a spy in the family, but on whose side? His eldest son Harry is recruited into the British Secret Service to uncover the traitor. The Desolate Garden is a twisting tale of deceit and intrigue with Harry, and an attractive girl from the Home Office, desperately trying to unravel the mystery, before anyone else meets the same fate.
About the Author:
Daniel Kemp’s introduction to the world of espionage and mystery happened at an early age when his father was employed by the War Office in Whitehall, London, at the end of WWII. However, it wasn’t until after his father died that he showed any interest in anything other than himself!
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic accident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden. Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for five years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All seven of his novels are now published by Creativia with the seventh—The Widow’s Son, completing a three book series alongside: What Happened In Vienna, Jack? and Once I Was A Soldier. Under the Creativia publishing banner, The Desolate Garden went on to become a bestselling novel in World and Russian Literature in 2017. The following year, in May 2018, his book What Happened In Vienna, Jack? was a number one bestseller on four separate Amazon sites: America, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Although it's true to say that he mainly concentrates on what he knows most about; murders laced by the mystery involving spies, his diverse experience of life shows in the short stories he writes, namely: Why? A Complicated Love, and the intriguing story titled The Story That Had No Beginning.
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed employee of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising that first novel of his.
He continues to write novels, poetry and the occasional quote; this one is taken from the beginning of Once I Was A Soldier
There is no morality to be found in evil. But to recognise that which is truly evil one must forget the rules of morality.
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daniel-Kemp/...
August 17, 2019
I bought the book just after it was published and then by one stroke of luck win it during a competition at the beginning of the year. It is then that it landed on my TBR list.
I will admit it is tedious to read this story as it keeps on keeping on for long end at a time. This is not a normal spy story accompanied with action and mayhem along the way. This is a cosy story told from the perspective of a son who just lost his father and then brother at an unknown killer's hand. Through the telling, you got to know all the secrets of the Patterson family while he and his interrogator were sipping a glass of wine. You read correctly, no interrogation in a deep dungeon or creepy cell. Nope right smack in front of a toasting fire with a dog at the feet... well, you get the picture.
An unfolding story beginning far back as early 1900 to the present day. Mingled with generations of transgressions, money disappearing, infidelity and much more to catch a killer.
The author's writing is immaculate which draws you in immediately but I found it at times just too much mellow-like and would put down the book to do something exciting... lol. Otherwise, a well-planned plot with interesting characters and hopefully Harry will find some love. Once again, thanks for the gift Danny.
I will admit it is tedious to read this story as it keeps on keeping on for long end at a time. This is not a normal spy story accompanied with action and mayhem along the way. This is a cosy story told from the perspective of a son who just lost his father and then brother at an unknown killer's hand. Through the telling, you got to know all the secrets of the Patterson family while he and his interrogator were sipping a glass of wine. You read correctly, no interrogation in a deep dungeon or creepy cell. Nope right smack in front of a toasting fire with a dog at the feet... well, you get the picture.
An unfolding story beginning far back as early 1900 to the present day. Mingled with generations of transgressions, money disappearing, infidelity and much more to catch a killer.
The author's writing is immaculate which draws you in immediately but I found it at times just too much mellow-like and would put down the book to do something exciting... lol. Otherwise, a well-planned plot with interesting characters and hopefully Harry will find some love. Once again, thanks for the gift Danny.
November 16, 2019
This is a well-written but exceedingly complex book. Set in the world of espionage, international intrigue, and political manipulations, it follows an investigation by Harry Patterson into the murders of his father and brother. Judith Meadows has been assigned to aid him, and the two of them make quite a pair. Their testy relationship adds some flavor to an otherwise cerebral read.
What do I mean by that? Between sections of expertly written dialog, the book is expository, relaying multiple family histories and the political machinations of individuals and countries on the world stage, primarily the espionage between England and the Soviet Union.
The research is impressive. I can’t say that enough. So is the tangled plot and eventual reveal. There are a lot of secrets. There are also a lot of characters, and it’s important to keep them straight. Pay attention as it’s easy to get lost.
For readers interested in fast-paced James Bond-style action, this book may not be for you since there is no action at all. For readers who love realistic espionage, historical fiction, or a deep dive into 20th-century English-Soviet behind-the-scenes manipulations, this book may be the perfect read.
What do I mean by that? Between sections of expertly written dialog, the book is expository, relaying multiple family histories and the political machinations of individuals and countries on the world stage, primarily the espionage between England and the Soviet Union.
The research is impressive. I can’t say that enough. So is the tangled plot and eventual reveal. There are a lot of secrets. There are also a lot of characters, and it’s important to keep them straight. Pay attention as it’s easy to get lost.
For readers interested in fast-paced James Bond-style action, this book may not be for you since there is no action at all. For readers who love realistic espionage, historical fiction, or a deep dive into 20th-century English-Soviet behind-the-scenes manipulations, this book may be the perfect read.
May 25, 2024
"The Desolate Garden" by Daniel Kemp is a gripping tale of espionage and family secrets. The story begins with the murder of Lord Elliot Paterson and his youngest son, Edward. Shortly before their deaths, an address in Leningrad dating back to the 1930s is found hidden in the family's Westminster bank ledgers. This discovery hints at a spy within the family, but their allegiance is unknown.
Harry, Lord Paterson’s eldest son, is recruited by the British Secret Service to uncover the traitor. Alongside an intriguing and attractive Home Office agent, Harry delves into a web of deceit and betrayal. The duo must race against time to solve the mystery before more lives are lost.
Kemp masterfully weaves a twisting narrative filled with suspense, historical intrigue, and complex characters. The plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with each revelation adding depth to the mystery. "The Desolate Garden" is a compelling read for fans of espionage thrillers and those who enjoy a well-crafted tale of intrigue.
Harry, Lord Paterson’s eldest son, is recruited by the British Secret Service to uncover the traitor. Alongside an intriguing and attractive Home Office agent, Harry delves into a web of deceit and betrayal. The duo must race against time to solve the mystery before more lives are lost.
Kemp masterfully weaves a twisting narrative filled with suspense, historical intrigue, and complex characters. The plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with each revelation adding depth to the mystery. "The Desolate Garden" is a compelling read for fans of espionage thrillers and those who enjoy a well-crafted tale of intrigue.
December 1, 2018
This book was supposed to be made into a movie, and I do hope that occurs, because it would be a movie that you would want to watch again and again. It's also a book you want to read again so you can pick up what you missed the first time through. This author has his own particular way he writes, and I can see some people might get annoyed, but I like his style.
This is a murder mystery, a spy thriller, as well as a huge amount of information about what occurs before the Russian revolution, after, governments around the world and how they affect a few families through all those years to the present. All very interesting to me. Harry was my favorite character.
But who was the killer? Why kill?
I never figured it out, never saw what was coming. So yes, I will read it again. I highly recommend this book.
This is a murder mystery, a spy thriller, as well as a huge amount of information about what occurs before the Russian revolution, after, governments around the world and how they affect a few families through all those years to the present. All very interesting to me. Harry was my favorite character.
But who was the killer? Why kill?
I never figured it out, never saw what was coming. So yes, I will read it again. I highly recommend this book.
December 14, 2017
2.0 out of 5 stars Too slow for my taste.
December 13, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I could not get by 60 pages before I started to skim then after a hundred I gave up. Maybe it was too 'English' for me or maybe I never found myself caring about the characters except for hoping something would happen. Discussions jumping back and forth through history became boring. I read for entertainment and found none here.
December 13, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I could not get by 60 pages before I started to skim then after a hundred I gave up. Maybe it was too 'English' for me or maybe I never found myself caring about the characters except for hoping something would happen. Discussions jumping back and forth through history became boring. I read for entertainment and found none here.
July 18, 2019
Absent bridges
I like to have at least a small bridge when the story makes switches. This one makes a lot. I am not good at jigsaw puzzels. It took me pages and chapters to find a bridge to many new threads of new stories. I stayed with the book because it is well written. The author might want to find a way to correct some spelling--not much but enough to distract. Thank you for a new style of story telling for me.
I like to have at least a small bridge when the story makes switches. This one makes a lot. I am not good at jigsaw puzzels. It took me pages and chapters to find a bridge to many new threads of new stories. I stayed with the book because it is well written. The author might want to find a way to correct some spelling--not much but enough to distract. Thank you for a new style of story telling for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews