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Who’s There? By Kerena Swan

Appearances can be deceptive…

Arnold Eastwood is thrilled when social services allocate him a flat all of his own. Independence hasn’t come easily to a young man with Downs Syndrome but now he has the chance to live free from his mum’s nagging, find a girlfriend, watch endless movies and make new friends.
Meanwhile a London drug gang is setting up a supply line in Arnold’s town. They’re looking for someone to deliver drugs for them and somewhere to set up a base of operations.
Soon Arnold and his flat are in the drug gang’s sights. Drawn into the dark underworld of crack cocaine and modern slavery, Arnold soon discovers that friends can in fact be deadly enemies.
The question is: can he break free?

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About the Author

Kerena Swan trained as a Social Worker and worked for Social Services for over 25 years. For the past 14 years she has owned and managed an ‘outstanding’ rated agency for children with disabilities.  Following serious illnesses she decided to fulfil her long-held ambition of writing a book and getting it published. ‘Dying to See You’, published by Bloodhound Books, was her debut novel.

After many years of writing professionally in the course of her work, Kerena has discovered the exhilaration and deep joy of writing fiction and can be found at all hours in front of her computer. Her second novel ‘Scared to Breathe’ is now available and her third book, ‘Who’s There?’ will be released on December 13th 2019.

Kerena lives with her family in a small village in Bedfordshire, UK and her books are set in the surrounding areas.

Drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience of the problematic world of social work and social studies, Kerena adds a unique angle to the domestic noir and crime genre.

If you would like to hear more about new releases, read Kerena’s blogs and download a free short-story – the prequel to Dying to See You – then visit here and join her mailing list.

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My Review

5 Stars

Arnold Eastwood wants to get out on his own and is overjoyed to get his own flat from the council. Of course his family worries for him because he is not in the best neighborhoods and he has Down Syndrome. But with his sister out of work and returning home and his mother slowly getting sicker Arnold starts to worry about being out on his own without someone there to help him.

We also learn of Chip, a young man that has become almost a son to a local drug dealer. The dealer gives Chip the change to branch out in the suburbs. Chip falls in with Saskia, Arnold’s neighbor and things quickly go from bad to worse when the drug dealer comes to stay and wraps Arnold up in his dealings.

Where do I even begin with this story?!? Arnold is one of those pure souls that you want to wrap up and keep his innocence safe. Of course someone is going to take advantage of that and had me biting my nails hoping that things would work out for Arnold.

I also felt for Chip and Saskia. Poor Chip was just looking for someone and although not the best person, the dealer did he best to “help” the boy. Saskia has her own demons and is trying to straighten her life up but gets sucking into the mess all the same.

This is a captivating read and one I strongly recommend checking out. I loved it and can’t wait to read more from Kerena Swan.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank Sarah at Book on the Bright Side for the opportunity to read and share this book.