SOLD is the first crime fiction book by Australian author, Blair Denholm. On Queensland’s Gold Coast it’s hot, really hot. Maybe nice for the tourists, but it’s not helping Gary Braswell sell cars. Usually Southport Euro Motors best salesman, he’s in a sales slump. This is a problem, as he owes his bookie, Jocko Mackenzie, a packet. And Jocko’s enforcer, Bradley Jones (newly released after serving time for rape) would like to persuade payment by getting up close and personal with Gary’s wife, Maddie.

Lavish purchases by a Russian businessman get him out of that spot in the nick of time. And when Gary throws in car sales for real estate (he thinks this is a step up), that same Russian helps his sales figures along with more purchases. But Jocko and Bradley aren’t finished with him yet. Gary enlists his best mate, Jeff Foss to come up with a strategy to help him wriggle out of the bookie’s dangerous plans and keep Maddie safe.

Denholm’s protagonist doesn’t inspire respect. He remains shallow throughout and his best mate Foss sums Gary up succinctly: “You’re a drunk and a gambler who always loses. The only good thing about you is your loyalty, and even that’s questionable when you’re p*ssed. Which is often. You’re a worthless excuse for a man.” Despite the danger he puts his wife in, and the promises he makes, he lacks willpower: he displays only token resistance before succumbing to temptation involving alcohol, gambling, sex and drugs.

Not only does he lack strength of character, but Gary’s intelligence is also in question. Perhaps he doesn’t believe the maxim “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” As the story progresses and things take a decidedly dark turn, the standard of Gary’s behaviour sinks lower and lower, so that any empathy the reader might have had for him dries up. Does Gary get what he deserves?

Denholm captures the feel of Gold Coast with consummate ease and his dialogue is spot on. The cover warns the reader about the sex (it’s explicit) and the drugs. Copious use of expletives probably goes hand in hand with those, although the body count is higher than one might expect in real estate. The humour is crazy and very black. Exploding birds and itching nether regions are a quirky addition to this dark and gritty read.
With thanks to the author and Clan Destine Press for this copy to read and review.