The book - When Angels Lie - is cleverly constructed and moves at a very good pace. There was urgency, on my part, to read on and on.

Paul, the narrator, worries about his sexuality and his role within the rural community. At times he does not seem aware of problems that he is creating. In that sense he is weak but it is a necessary part of the plot for him to overcome his daemons. His lover is undemanding. Paul reaches his own destiny. The situation faced by the two Church of England priests will resonate as current and real.

Subsidiary characters play their part: angelic Angela with doubtful parentage, stereotype bigots and the amazing Rita. The latter, it must be confessed, portrays a strand of Christianity beyond my understanding.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book and look forward to further work from Richard Gray.

Book Review: When Angels Lie...

Author: Richard L Gray...

Published by: Magpies Nest Publishing...

Reviewed by Jean Cowgill...