Wrong Place, Wrong Time

To write a review of this book is very difficult without mentioning a point made in almost every paragraph. I have studied English Literature and read countless books and have never quite read anything as perfect as this piece of work.
I read this in one sitting. My expression changed a hundred times as I read each page. This is a rollercoaster ride (ouch-cliché overload) and regardless of how sheltered a life you may have had, this book is for anyone with a pulse. It is almost impossible to imagine that the poem to Jessica and Dave’s thoughts had been written by the same person.
Uncle Peter is described perfectly; ‘one of the pub good guys who stands his round’. It is not everyone who could cleverly describe the abuse as horrifying yet allow the sufferer to admit to a feeling of physical pleasure. Few authors are brave enough to tackle the subject and fewer still have the talent to describe it so perfectly. His mother’s reaction is so credible. Many succumb to the temptation to ‘Hollywood’ this type of situation when the reality is more likely to be as you described. I particularly liked the way he continued to see the shoes by his bed. (By the way, ‘diesel dick’ will forevermore be a condition that will pop into my head and make me roar with laughter –priceless description.)
This is, I feel a story of contrasts that work perfectly together. For example, on page 9 we are suddenly plunged from despicable letching into a beautifully poetic description of the aging Jean Luc and his wife. Within a second I felt almost physically slapped with Dave describing the sad bent figure as ‘another boring old frog half doing his jobs’ and I have to admit it made me laugh with both shock and humour.
The ending left me with my jaw hanging open!

When Joshua Lane described this book as a ‘punch in the gut’ he was absolutely right. It is truly brilliant and anyone who honestly loves literature, in any form should see it as their duty to promote this work.
I do not write harsh reviews because I simply cannot bear to read bad work. Sorry, I know that is not the attitude and I am working on this! Neither do I believe in the swapsy-complimentary situation –In fact, having read this I am embarrassed by my own scribbling and now see it as the sentimental ramblings of someone who should be on HRT!
Only Criticism –it should be longer. Now stop reading this and write something else- quickly!

Mat
As you know I have read WPWT in it's entirety a while ago but I just remembered I didn't post my comments up here which was a little remiss of me.
Wrong Place Wrong Time is one of those rare books I have found myself happily going back to and every time I have its even more captivating than the last; you have such a strong evocative style and this book is equally powerful in its storyline, the defining of characters, and the language. Josh Lane said it right when he said its a real punch in the gut; and it's more shocking for the way that you take us on the highs of the Jessica -James relationship (LOVE the romance scene chap 7!!), as well as the lows....
I love your incidental characters and, small part as they are, they add an extra dimension to the central story giving the reader a glimpse into the monotony/dissatisfaction of other peoples lives.
I love also that this story doesn't span a long period of time; feels like that adds to the horror.
Your overall style is masterful, your language is beautiful and all in this is an utterly compelling and most brilliant read (and re read and re read and re read.....)
I love it.
Bananashoney

Jaysus Mat – I think I’m gonna be sick. “Wrong Place, Wrong Time” is a real punch in the gut. To appreciate just what a visceral, unflinching and provocative piece of writing this is, you really need to read to the very last word. It will take an event of geological proportions to dislodge this one from my shelf.

That’s the gut reaction. From a technical perspective...

Themes: Love, death, fate and evil – there’s an abundance of brain food here. In tackling the topic of paedophilia, you leave yourself wide open to getting ripped to shreds – there is no more emotive topic and the line between realism and voyeurism is incredibly thin. You walk it with masterful balance and control – very brave stuff.
Characters: The principals are plausible, detailed and consistent. In the case of Dave, although he is utterly repulsive, he retains a sliver of humanity, which means that he can’t be dismissed as a cartoon villain.
Narrative: The story clips along at a well-judged paced: not so fast that important detail falls through the cracks, but not so slowly that your reader grows weary. (A small caveat being that, in the latter end, the expression of feelings between James and Jessica is maybe a tad repetitive).
Dialogue: For the most part, the dialogue is believable and natural. I think that, in the vicinity of chapter 10, James sounds ever-so-slightly stilted in places. (By the way, as a Dubliner, I was relieved by the restraint you exercise with his dialect).
If I have one criticism of note, I would have to say that it’s the synopsis (I would rather suck my eyeballs out with a bendy straw than write a synopsis, but it’s gotta be done) – I feel that it doesn’t do the book justice and may not entice as many readers as your remarkable story deserves.

In summary - you’ve wrecked my head with this one Mat – good on yer!

This is absolutely breathtaking. I love your style of writing, taking us back and forth between the two apparently separate stories, slowly building your characters and steering them steadily and subtly towards the climax.

Normally I'm very leery of POV changes in mid-passage, but we're in the hands of a master storyteller here. You set the rule very early on that this is the way you're going to be telling your story, and it works brilliantly. The little vignettes we get, as we peep briefly into the minds of the minor and incidental characters, help bring the story to life and build empathy for Jessica, James and even Dave, making the final dénouement all the more impactful.

My only quibble is with Dave's accent. I wasn't sure what it was supposed to be and - disagreeing here with one of the other commenters below - I don't think it added anything to the character.

This is a tale that will stay with me and that I would probably want to read again. Superb. On my shelf.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

Hi Mat, Your writing shouts to be read, your characters live off the page, the beat of the book is strong, back and forth, back and forth, we want to know, the narrative pull is strong, you pull us into their private moments and we explore them as people, dark and light and strive to understand them, brilliant stuff, if there was time I would read to the end and would definitely buy this book, best wishes and good luck - Andrew W.

Mat - In short, I love it.

You have a really unique style here. There is not a lot of warning when we switch back and forth between characters in chapters. Ordinarily, I would think that this would lead to confusion, but you have done it skillfully here and it adds to the pace of the writing. It's very well done.

I love your metaphors. There are so many I almost miss the next one as my mind is still wrapping itself around the previous. It's extremely impressive and easily one of the best examples I've seen on authonomy to date.

It feels like you really have an understanding of where your reader's mind is and where it's going. At the exact point that I thought "Ok, it's time to give us some more of Jessica and stop introducing new characters - we've had enough," you gave me chapter four. It was so accurate to what I wanted to read next, it was almost creepy!

You do a great job of giving us subtle insight into the character's mindsets. An example is when Jessica gives her husband ten seconds to let go of her hand. In that one sentence you told us so much about how she was feeling and her frustration with the situation and herself. It really is brilliant writing.

The only thing that really stood out in my mind as a mistake is the children. The two year old Elizabeth and three year old Daniel are not just way beyond their abilities as toddlers, but are so far-fetched it's jarring in the mind of the reader. I have a two and a half year old daughter right now, and although I obviously believe she is the smartest girl in the whole world, it would have been absolutely impossible for her to form the sentence, "I'm Elizabeth, and I'm nearly two!" six months ago. I have my doubts that she could even form taht sentence now. And Daniel understanding that he is being made fun of at almost three years old strikes me as insight that is far beyond his years as well.

Other than that, it's a great story and I would love to read more.

-Katy
The Promenade

Really good read, I found I couldnt put it down, its a fantastic look at how lives colide. Your writing and descriptions are almost flawless. Lovely stuff.

hi matt liked and backed your book hope you will take a look at mine and back it cheers arnold

Wow, this is really, really good. You have a great "voice" and you deploy well for both your main characters. You drew me in instantly, and I must know what happens to these people. Very well done. I'm giving you a host of stars, and will watch list for now, as I recently rejiggered my shelf. Hope you'll take a look at Animal Cracker and consider backing and starring.
Best,
andi

This is marvelous writing. I fell right straight into the pages head first of course and I am only stopping to comment before returning for more. You have a remarkable sense of sarcastic humour and the ability to get it into the written word simply through thoughts and descriptions. Thios one is on my shelf no doubt - starred as well. Henry

To everyone who just discovered this thrilling work - you can now purchase the book under its published title, "So Shall Ye Reap" (Revenge Ink, 2010) on Amazon.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/So-Shall-Reap-Mat-Jackson/dp/0956511902/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293920513&sr=1-1

Complete with no less than ELEVEN five-star reviews! You won't be disappointed with this book =)

L. Anne Carrington
"The Cruiserweight" (Night Publishing, 2010)
"Kerrigan's Legacy" (coming in 2011)

I'm reading the book all of it...now! And i'm loving it. every bit of it. the language is real, the feelings are tumbling out of everywhere the characters are real...i think this is really good. :)

Hi, i would just like to say that i had put you on my watchlist, and am about to begin reading the book properly...i liked what little i read...and i think you are pretty good as a writer. I wish you all the best. I also would love for you to read my books- i would love feedback coming from you...
regards. Nagwa :)

This is the sort of book I like to read without any interruptions. Backed
Lara
Good for Him

Strong characters, economical writing. Backed
Lara
Good for Him

Dave and Jessica are two very different people. In Dave we are shown the harsh cruelty of adult bullying on a small defenceless child resulting in a lack of self esteem. Jessica is bored with the mundaineness of her life till she claps eyes on the lovely Irish widow. It’s bound to happen; she will succumb to the fantasy of his charms and reap the consequences. I found this an easy and enjoyable read. You hooked me in very quickly. I would pick this off the shelf and buy it. It’s a book that has much to offer and I can happily report that having read the first three chapters, my curiosity wants me to know more.


Wilma1
Knowing Liam Riley – please take a moment to take a look.

Matt,

I notice you have a publishing deal, I am backing because I like your work.
Even more so, because I appreciate the message in your bio. I haven't been around here too long
and I like the honest information, which seems devoid of an agenda.

I wish you best of luck!
Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

Dear Mat
What a book cover and also long pitch.....
I loved some of your phraseology. this book has some shocking moments for me but that is art and literature and you seem to have a great skill with words that take your reader ( me) to different emotions you have an honesty also in your work congrats.
Having already commented and backed your book i wont say anything else but as I cannot find the backing I will back it again just to make sure.....so
BACKED for sure by me
the VERY best of luck
If you have not already , please comment on my book and BACK it if not that is OK also
Denise
The Letter

I thought this was brave and compelling. I would read avidly if the book was in my hands.
Backed
Lara
Good for Him

Mat, I looked at your first two chapters. You've nailed down the distinct voices and narrative style quite well. Nothing to nitpick in these two sections.

Good job overall. Happy to back this.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

This is a good story: two everyday people suddenly discovering their lives are about to change. Love the accent in the dialogue. Like your writing style as well; it's crisp and clear and keeps this always moving forward. I'm adding this to my shelf.Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Congratulations! I can see why this is published! I love the voice and dialogue so far. Well done. I backed anyway for good measure evn though you don't need it.

Liz
The Cheech Room

You've been in my friends for ages. So I naturally assumed we'd already done a swap read. Turned out we hadn't so i'm redressing that balance. Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a story told with a very entertaining voice. The spelling you use really emphasises the character and I found this a nice touch. Dialogue is definitely a strong point for you. Happy to back you.

David
Bailey of the Saints

nicely writtenxx

Hullo Mat. those kind 'blue' eyes, rather than brown, I think. Interesting way of going from one scene to another and back. Very good. already shelved and backed. Please take a look at my book if you have not and thanks for that.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

Backed.

Jesse - Savant

http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=14062

You write taut.

I like it.

It's tight and tense. Yet it's also turgid.

Your word choices and your rhythms are like jabs. They poke. They snap. They push the plot forward.

Yeah. I like it.

Mark R. Trost “Post Marked”

Looks like you're on your way up to a well deserved spot for a great thriller. Everything else has been said.

sue sohn

I like this. The way you portey your characters, the dialogue, everything is excellent. You need to sell this. Backed with pleasure!

Very interesting! I have only read the first chapter, but I love the way you show what brought your 2 characters to that moment of conflict. I could feel Dave's anger. His anger goes so far back, it seems that it might end up being the beginning of some mental illness. I can't wait to read the rest.

I know you don't need the backing, with a contract and all but I was impressed with your writing and also your critiques on other posts. Congrats and Happy New Year!
RaeAnne

Hey Mat!

I was a little uncertain as I first began to read, but it didn't take long for you to completely capture my attention. Even your pitch is incredible. I especially loved "chapter 2." How perfectly you describe every aspect of your story. We feel how tormented and torn Jessica is as she meets and soon falls for the Irish man. Very wonderfully written. One of my favorite things is your very unique terms, things like "chocolate schoolgirl" and "Red wine courage." They add a uniqueness and a flavor that a lot of stories lack.

So congrats on a book well written. I wish you the best with your novel. Backed with much enthusiasm!

Warmest Regards,
Alexis A. Hunter
(The Five Staffs of Meledari)

I just read the first chapter and I think it's awesome! I love the dialogue and the hint of darkness the comes along with it! I am backing and coming back to later today for more!

Missy
Mark of Eternity

I love it, it reminds me (oddly) of the book Animosity. Great story telling- backed!

Brittany
My Last Notes

ok.... no tit for tat... but still liked this very much...

good luck with it outside authonomy. May you find the right place and right time.

BACKED

I couldn't stop reading your book. I've gotten to the end & feel off-balance. Your book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. I really don't know how to comment. I'm still getting my bearings. This book is beautifully written, yet intense and dark, yet light and romantic, yet . . . I don't know how to say. Any publisher should be lucky to find this book.
Rosalind Barden
American Witch

Happy to back your writing. No point in commenting as you are no longer active but it is really good.
John

Your ability to voice all the complexities and the random aggravation a person encounter in the day just before starting horrid working conditions, and then confronted by the worst possible vile customer is awesome!

Once someone told me that anyone can learn to write—to write very well…But those who write well and understand the human experience and can put it down on paper triumphs. You my friend triumphs

Best of luck my friend.

Scott
The Esrevinu Chronicles/Secrets of the Elephant Rocks

Mat - i've been meaning to read your book since I joined Authonomy and I finally got there. It is really good and I've backed it, but i can't add any more comments as it's made me need to rush off to rewrite my opening chapter - damn! Anyway, you don't need my comments. Tacitus

Whoa ! and you look like such a nice guy ...great evil dwells within you , my friend , and i AM digging it .i am compelled by the Voices to back you .really first-rate stuff-Greg Ryan - UNDERCOVER MESSIAH

Hi Mat,

Thanks for inviting me to be part of your friendship group.

I apologize for not having read WRONG TIME, WRONG PLACE earlier, but I was traveling for business, and wanted to wait until I could give your book the attention it deserves.

I'm glad I waited until I could read the whole book, because I found it excellently executed. The atmosphere and the plot of two separate people's lives intertwining reminded me a bit of Patricia Highsmith's STRANGERS ON THE TRAIN, which for me is a masterpiece, so please take this as the highest praise I can give you.

I'm happy o add your book to my shelf.

If you have time to review my novel, A TASTE OF VOODOO, I would appreciate receiving your comments.

Best wishes,
Douglas Braverman

hi mat, fantastic writing and I'm not worthy to comment. It sounds perfect to me. Here my feelings about the book : Alpha male, yet fully aware of a woman's mindscape. Great sensitivity in creating sensuality without resorting to cheap (the best I've read recently). For a moment I thought you were American because of the 'titbit' spelling, but the train to Colchester put me straight. I thoroughly enjoyed the start and shall read more. On WL and destined for shelf.

Mat-just added you to my friends list look forward to reading WPWT soon.i need to spend some quality time on the dark side.regards-Greg Ryan-UNDERCOVER MESSIAH

jUST FINISHED CHAPTER TWO. i AM WORKING MY WAY THROUGH YOUR WORK SLOWLY. yOUR WRITING IS GREAT AND YOU KEEP ME WANTING TO READ MORE. uNFORTUNATELY AFTER A DAY OUT IN THE FIELD i AM TOO KNACKERED. wILL READ MORE TOMORROW AND HOPRFULLY GIVE A BETTER CRITIQUE.

sORRY FOR THE CAPS.

I have read your first chapter and was completely engrossed in it. God it brought back an awful memory of being made to stand in front of the class accused of doing something I hadn't done. I remembered the hatred I felt for the teacher and the real sense of injustice it instilled in me.

Your writing flows well and keeps the reader involved. I will read a chapter a day if you don't mind.

Wow. Chapter One sure had me riveted! Wish I had time for the rest of it. This is great, very convincing dialogue. It made me empathize with Dave, but worry that he's at the end of his rope and hope that he avoids interaction with people for the rest of the day. I'm impressed. It's Backed.

Hello

I will get round to reading a chapter of your book a day. I am quite slow but I read your spiel on your book and it looks like something that will be of interest to me. I will get back to you.

Well written, interesting characters, each chapter ending with a page turner - this is a book which has everything it needs to be successful in its genre. On top of that, there is the depth of character exploration which makes it stand out from the crowd. We feel for Dave's hurt as a child bullied by his teacher, so we come to his later development with at least some willingness to understand him. Jessica's attempt to fight off the attraction she feels for James, rather than jump straight into an adulterous relationship with him, again sows the seeds of understanding and sympathy for her. So much is happening in this book. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

To write a review of this book is very difficult without mentioning a point made in almost every paragraph. I have studied English Literature and read countless books and have never quite read anything as perfect as this piece of work.
I read this in one sitting. My expression changed a hundred times as I read each page. This is a rollercoaster ride (ouch-cliché overload) and regardless of how sheltered a life you may have had, this book is for anyone with a pulse. It is almost impossible to imagine that the poem to Jessica and Dave’s thoughts had been written by the same person.
Uncle Peter is described perfectly; ‘one of the pub good guys who stands his round’. It is not everyone who could cleverly describe the abuse as horrifying yet allow the sufferer to admit to a feeling of physical pleasure. Few authors are brave enough to tackle the subject and fewer still have the talent to describe it so perfectly. His mother’s reaction is so credible. Many succumb to the temptation to ‘Hollywood’ this type of situation when the reality is more likely to be as you described. I particularly liked the way he continued to see the shoes by his bed. (By the way, ‘diesel dick’ will forevermore be a condition that will pop into my head and make me roar with laughter –priceless description.)
This is, I feel a story of contrasts that work perfectly together. For example, on page 9 we are suddenly plunged from despicable letching into a beautifully poetic description of the aging Jean Luc and his wife. Within a second I felt almost physically slapped with Dave describing the sad bent figure as ‘another boring old frog half doing his jobs’ and I have to admit it made me laugh with both shock and humour.
The ending left me with my jaw hanging open!

When Joshua Lane described this book as a ‘punch in the gut’ he was absolutely right. It is truly brilliant and anyone who honestly loves literature, in any form should see it as their duty to promote this work.
I do not write harsh reviews because I simply cannot bear to read bad work. Sorry, I know that is not the attitude and I am working on this! Neither do I believe in the swapsy-complimentary situation –In fact, having read this I am embarrassed by my own scribbling and now see it as the sentimental ramblings of someone who should be on HRT!
Only Criticism –it should be longer. Now stop reading this and write something else- quickly!

I looked at the first 5 chapters and liked them. As soon as I have chance I want to see how things end up.

I looked at the first 5 chapters and liked them. As soon as I have chance I want to see how things end up.

I was reeling from the wonderfully harsh and vibrant first chapter when dropped into a world of idyllic country side in the first paragraph of the second. I cannot wait to really get stuck in to this book! I love your writing style and like stories that do not smother the real world in lace and honey. Definitely one for my bookshelf and I will post a proper review when I get a chance to finish reading it.

Ok... First chapter - I'm hooked! What a great way you have of using past humiliation from school, (which we have all experienced to some degree) to give us insight into that character's psyche! I can't wait to continue reading!

On my shelf!
David :)

Ok... First chapter - I'm hooked! What a great way you have of using past humiliation from school, (which we have all experienced to some degree) to give us insight into that character's psyche! I can't wait to continue reading!

On my shelf!
David :)

Chapter 2

I struggle with the very deliberate narrative, Mat, the way it switches perspectives and goes back in time. That's just me, though. The writing itself is sublime and I can see the adult melodrama being quite engrossing. It's just that I get impatient sometimes and find myself reaching for the XBOX controller. This happens to me with a lot of books, so don't take it personally. I fear I'm not the one for your story, but since I took the time to read it I figured I may as well drop a note telling you why I'm dropping out, rather than simply dropping out.

Carry on. All the best.

Cheers

John