mainstream fiction (Something's Wrong, The Care Vortex, and Two Bridgwater Days) crime/thrillers (Sister Blister, Porlock Counterpoint, Marks, and Sick Ape: an everyday tale of terrorist folk) historical fiction (The Secret Report of Friar Otto) non-fiction (Vera & Eddy's War) science fiction (The End of Science Fiction, We Need Madmen, and John John. And the first 2 books - Balant: a beginning, and Happiness: a planet - of the quintet 'towards the unMaking of Heaven')
New! and available now....
from DPdotcom www.dpdotcom.com/somethingswrong.htm, and in both ebook and paperback, my very latest novel 'Something's Wrong'. "Lack of originality is certainly not a criticism one could level at Something's Wrong by Sam Smith. This is one of the most innovative novels I have read for some time. The form is that of a series of transcripts of tape recordings of someone who, as it becomes rapidly clear, has some serious mental health problems. This is a harrowing work, which raises some disturbing issues about mental health care generally, and care homes in particular. You feel yourself literally getting into the mind of the character, and caring about what happens to him - both rare attributes in novels these days. . . ." Guy Fraser-Sampson
signed copies (UK only) available from the author -
The Care Vortex: BeWrite Books http://www.bewrite.net/merchant2/4.00/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=B&Product_Code=1-904224-98-9&Category_Code=CLIT 'Now and then a book comes along that can never be forgotten, a book whose characters touch you deeply and remain in your memory. A story that shocks you into thinking about something you had never considered or completely changing your previous perceptions.The Care Vortex by Sam Smith is such a book.... The Care Vortex is fast paced, interesting and believable. The characters are all too human, people like you and I. Ordinary people trying to deal with unimaginable events. / Would I recommend this book? Yes, without reservation. It is not an easy book to read, because of the subject and the issues raised in it. When Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist he was criticised for using criminals and prostitutes, in writing about subjects that were considered taboo. Yet Oliver Twist is now regarded as a classic, not only an excellent story, but a book that changed attitudes and made people wake up and take notice. Perhaps one day the same thing will be said of The Care Vortex. / If you want to read a book that will lull you to sleep at night, this book is not for you. It is no Little Orphan Annie with pretty pig-tailed children and fairy tale endings. Those trapped in the Care Vortex are damaged, the details harrowing. But for all that, it is a story of heroism, of people reaching out to each other and trying to overcome what has been done.' Gillian Davis
"The Care Vortex is a vitally important book. It should be read by anyone who has responsibility for children and young adults, whether they be parents, teachers, care workers, police, administrators ... it's all too easy in environments of near-isolation - family homes, care institutions, schools - to sweep the truth (and the children) under the carpet." Neil Marr: author of 'Bullycide: Death at Playtime'
2 Bridgwater Days the penultimate slice of the novel has now been posted at Bibliophilia - http://www.bibliophilia.org/index.php?categoryid=14&p2_articleid=204 '.... a smooth read...' or so said BintArab
Balant: a beginning is the first in the 5 book series (paperback & e-book formats) towards the unMaking of Heaven http://theebooksale.com/ ' ...science fiction with a mainstream approach, satisfying Sci-Fi buffs but not alienating others.' Anthony Lund 'While many contemporary science fiction hide from planetary exploration and delve instead into quantum introspection, Smith delights us with this tale of discovery and survival. Yet for those intent on intellectual contemplation there are opportunities to engage with Pi when he approaches each conundrum with delightful logic and consequence prediction... This is more than hard scifi, Pi has to learn quickly the wiles of a spectrum of humanity... The wide scale of ideas, space and human emotions, even though for young adult takes this novel into a Robert Heinlein-for-teens sub-genre. Sam’s poetry background shines through the exquisite narrative. A page turner fit for any imaginative young adult’s bookshelf.' Geoff Nelder: the sffchronicles
for a signed copy
Happiness: a planet is the second of the 5 book series (paperback & e-book formats) towards the unMaking of Heaven http://theebooksale.com/
'Once again Sam Smith has taken me to a strange planet and made me care what happened to its population and indeed, its moon. A thoroughly recommended read to any science fiction fan and young reader of adventure, imagination and mystery.' Geoff Nelder
The End of Science Fiction: BeWrite Books http://www.bewrite.net/merchant2/4.00/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=B&Product_Code=1-904492-70-3&Category_Code=SF
The first edition (Jacobyte Books) was shortlisted for a 2001 SF Eppie. 'A murder mystery within a disaster novel, The End of Science Fiction is edgy and gripping. Written in present tense, the pace never lets up .... ' Ebony McKenna, Sharp Writer Review 'Smith pulls off his premise skillfully, nay, brilliantly. His prose is clear, smooth and spare. His dialogue reveals the characters' personalities. Even minor characters feel filled out and whole..... In a world of book reviews that overstate and overhype, one worries about excess praise, for fear that it will be dismissed. Here I am confounded -- there are no faults, no missed notes, no clumsy moves... I always give a writer the opportunity to build the world they are trying to create and if they succeed, the book works for me. In this case Smith succeeds magnificently.' Miles Archer, Inscriptions Magazine.
We Need Madmen: Skrev Press. winner of Skrev's 2004 SF competition http://www.skrevpress.com/first.html 'We Need Madmen is a truly fascinating, though brief, exploration of ideas; a deliberately leading and questioning book that may make you feel a little uncomfortable...' Stu Carter: Vector 'This is a short book that says a lot. I would have preferred a bit more background into Soper and the Camps, but this is still a gem of a story.' Paul Lappen: Dead Trees Review
John John: Turner Maxwell - http://www.turnermaxwellbooks.com/ - Was a chapter-a-week blog. Until Turner Maxwell converted it into a complete book. '....a fascinating and quirky read, very original in its storyline and ideas that will keep a reader turning the pages to the end.' Cameron Adams. Signed copies available from the author - smithsssj@aol.com And available now in multiple ebook formats from http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/7226
( mainstream fiction science fiction historical fiction non-fiction )
now in hardback! Sister Blister: Online Originals editions http://www.onlineoriginals.com/sistersy.html 'Reading Sam Smith's novel Sister Blister is akin to driving ninety miles an hour on ice... an entertaining and wonderfully readable book...' Zene magazine. 'Exquisite! Like the 'Blanced Rocks' of the American west - the entire mass perfectly concentrated on the last sentence.' Bob Faulkner
Sick Ape: an everyday tale of terrorist folk - BeWrite Books http://www.bewrite.net/merchant2/4.00/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=B&Product_Code=1-904492-15-0 Now released - 'by popular demand' - in paperback. To begin with an e-book only, it purports now to have been written by one 'Sam Smith' and not, as originally claimed, by Osama bin Jones.
'Having read this book, I'm amazed, it's brilliant. Sam Smith has a unique writing style which adds more flavour to the book and also grips you from the first page, you want to read more. / The storyline is interesting and raises a number of valid points about today's society, though not about terrorists as we usually perceive them, but normal men fighting back against the wrongs in their life. / Not only is this book witty and clever but also reflects a lot of problems we all meet in every day life.' Ruth Kent
Porlock Counterpoint: BeWrite Books http://www.bewrite.net/merchant2/4.00/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=B&Product_Code=1-904224-14-8 "Never have I read a crime story with more levels than this - above and below ground. You rush through the pages to reach the conclusion... but the conclusion is your own. Magnificent. What a storyteller, what an interrogator is Sam Smith..." Alistair Kinnon
"....When I started on Sam Smith’s Porlock Counterpoint, I soon forgot my own writing and the demands of work. And it was mainly Sam’s utterly engaging style of writing that prevented me from putting the book down. The use of galloping present tense, a collection of characters so real that it wasn’t long before I knew and sympathised with each and every one of them, and a fresh, almost innocent, take on drug smuggling, combined to make this a fast-moving read -- my favourite novel of 2002.... It’s good that the story is not told as a good-triumphing-over-evil theme and does not judge; it does not even ask the reader to judge – it just gets one completely involved. And there lies its success as a story. Film and television companies take note – it’s called PORLOCK COUNTERPOINT and it’s by Sam Smith and published by BeWrite Books!" Barry Ireland
"In .... Porlock Counterpoint, Sam Smith explores the reality of life, reminding the reader that men and women live not in a realm where existence is defined simply in black and white. Mr Smith ... demonstrates to the reader that more often than not, life is lived in sketchy shades of gray. .... Mr Smith has done a commendable job of addressing the tue nature of the race once again." Mike Broemmel
Marks: BeWrite Books http://www.bewrite.net/merchant2/4.00/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=B&Product_Code=1-904224-02-4 "...Sam Smith offers an in depth look into the life of a divorce detective trying to solve a case while dealing with life's little surprises along the way. "Marks" is about more than a fancy way of chalking the tires as a form of surveillance. It is a story about George Hawkins, hired to follow a case of adultery who finds himself witness to a hit and run, a possible suspect in a missing person's case, and on the trail of a possible spy. In the midst of all this George must keep himself alert and focused as the sudden disappearance of his long time live-in girlfriend propels him into self-doubt and onto the brink of depression. Unknowing if she is dead or alive, he tries to keep a grip on his instincts for his job rather than the emotions of the heart. The reader is hooked with strong realistic narration while taking you on a journey filled with puzzles and loopholes. You really feel you get to know the main character and feel for him at every twist.... ....Sam Smith has written an enjoyable story that unravels to a clean yet surprising story." Nancy Jackson: Dog-Eared Webzine "Sam Smith uses first person in superb narrative fashion to deliver an exceptional story. The mind of the main character is openly displayed, allowing other characters to be formed and fascinatingly observed. The addition of historical events weighs heavily on convictions and friendships, and gives insight into Japanese culture. MARKS is not just a mystery or espionage tale, but also an indication of what certain circumstances can do to individuals in true life situations..." Patricia Spork: eBook Reviews Weekly
( mainstream fiction crime/thrillers science fiction non-fiction )
The Secret Report of Friar Otto being a 21st century reinterpretation of The Report In Confidence On The Imprisonment & Execution Of William de Marisco & 16 Of His Followers: boho/bluechrome '...a beautifully written modern novel, utterly convincing in its evocation of the medieval world and mindset...' pulp.net
( mainstream fiction crime/thrillers historical fiction science fiction )
Vera & Eddy's War: BeWrite Books http://www.bewrite.net/merchant2/4.00/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=B&Product_Code=1-904224-97-0 "Any history buff will delight in the minute details that make up the daily lives ... and give one a thorough understanding of how they dealt with the hardships caused by war ... I recommend this book highly ... It is written with humour and compassion ... Enjoy the work of a very talented author." Anne K. Edwards
"Gritty and often brutally honest. Sam Smith tells it faithfully, the way Vera & Eddy told it. A book that shatters some of the rose-tinted myths about the British at war." Meirion Hughes
" ... And these horrors are described matter-of-factly and because of the lack of melodrama and histrionics they stand out so much starker. There is a lot of humor here and anecdotes you will never find in the standard books about the War. The Kafkaesque bureaucracy is hilarious and, more importantly, tragic considering that this is a documentary. This is the Second World War seen through the eyes of the regular people - those who died in droves. If you are going to read only one book about the ordinary people's experience of the War in your lifetime, let Vera and Eddy's War be the one." Timeless Tales http://timeless-tales.net/review.php?200212042
