READERS' VERDICTS

SLEEPING WITH THE BLACKBIRDS
​


 "What an entrancing story. A real flight of fancy which will engage children in

the plot and, at the same time, increase their understanding of real human

relationships."

 Lovereading.co.uk


 "A delightful fairy story that deals sensitively and compellingly with modern-day

issues like homelessness, single mums and abusive parents."

George Layton, actor, author and screenwriter


"Wonderful images and thought-provoking scenes." 

Bramwell Tovey, composer and broadcaster


"Alex Pearl has written a tale that is heartening and funny with the appeal of a

Twain-like children's adventure." 

Len Baker, Suburb News


"The strength of the author's voice held me captivated long after turning the

last page. With the wit of JK Rowling, Alex Pearl has definitely earned his place

in the young adult fiction hall of fame."  

Lisa McCombs, Readers' Favorite 




THE CHAIR MAN
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 " 'The Chair Man' would make an excellent book club choice, stimulating

discussion and lively argument. It contains masses of detailed information,

selection from which can justify a wide range of interpretations. Many readers

will admire Hollinghurst. He is a good father, particularly to his daughter

Natasha, who considers him "the best frigging dad in the world", and he

possesses "in spades" the "primal need to feel and protect your own flesh and

blood." His son Ben thinks he "could always see the good in others." But that is

exactly how many terrorists are remembered by almost all who knew and loved

them.

"The nearest I ever got to a terrorist incident was in East London, when I heard

the IRA bomb go off in Docklands in 1996. I cannot predict my reaction were I to

be caught up personally in such events, but I hope I would not go the same way

as Michael Hollinghurst, the central figure in this entertaining and elaborately-

plotted novel. It is a gripping thriller that repays careful and close reading (and I

will certainly read it again)."

 Graham Smith, 2020


"More than a touch of John le Carré in this. All aspects of it are incredibly well

researched for a start - it truly feels like the author comes from the world of

espionage and knows what he's talking about. The plot juggles multiple characters

and storylines and moves along at a good rate. What I liked most probably isn't

something that would immediately jump out to a reader, but it's so English. Every

time I picked it up again, I was whisked away to the UK ca. 2005/2006 and it was very

welcome. I haven't lived there for 10 years now, but it gave me a strong desire to go

 home."

Grant Price, author of 'By the Feet of Men'


"I don't think people with disabilities are well represented in the thriller genre, which

The Chair Man goes a good way to addressing. The depiction of disability and the

trials the eponymous hero endures are well researched and convincing. He refuses to

let a life-changing tragedy alter his life, using it instead as a spur to drive him into

action. I'd be giving too much away by going into detail, but this is a fast-paced

revenge thriller with some fine action sequences. And whilst it's fully self-contained,

there's a hint of sequel at the end which could see this developing into a series. It's a

 sub-genre the world probably needs."

Chris Chalmers, author of 'Five to One', 'Light From Other Windows', 'Dinner At

The Happy Skeleton' and 'The Last Lemming'


"The story unfolds from all perspectives: terrorist, victim, colleagues, medics, security

personnel, friends, and family. It is to the author’s credit that he has attempted, with

great success it must be said, to comprehend and understand the motivations,

philosophies, and frustrations involved."

TR Robinson Publications