A Lark Ascending

Author John B. Campbell proved he could pen amazing stories filled with memorable characters and delicately expressed landscapes in A Walk To Paradise Gardens. Now he turns his attention to thrillers with A Lark Ascending, and once again becomes the master that many lesser writers should follow.

Once again we are brought right down to street level, this time in London’s East End during the 1920s. We see, hear, smell and experience the seedy boroughs of that place with a flair that seemingly could only come from someone who has experienced it. This time, instead of an epic love story, we are given the tale of a twelve year old boy trying to survive in a gritty world where people are actually trying to murder him. Malcolm Roberts is fast, street smart and clever, but also terribly outnumbered. The opening chase scene is worth the price of admission alone.

As always with a Campbell story, no detail is left untouched or un-researched. From the clothing to the dialog, it all seems authentic. This is a refreshing turn from most thrillers where action is the main focus and everything else is secondary. A Lark Ascending is exciting to read, but it also gets everything else right too. Like his other book, A Lark Ascending is far better than just about anything you will find on the shelves of bookstores today, and wholly deserves to be published. When it is, I predict it will become an instant classic.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

A Lark Ascending
In a word: magnificent! From the breathless, pounding chase scene that introduced me to Malcolm's world, I was hooked. Evocative descriptions - Malcolm's early encounter with the 'floater' had me gagging along with him, immaculate writing and characters so full of life they spring off the page. Some wonderful turns of phrase, too - 'the words [Captain Roberts'] sounded hollow, as if said by rote with emotion under wraps, as hidden as sodden feet in wet military boots.'
I bow down before the master!
Connie x
Streets Apart

Nigel, I honestly don’t feel qualified to review your writing. You are very talented and I feel this novel has cemented your ability as a major writer. It is well-crafted with believable characters and an eminently satisfying read. The setting and the plot could have been a challenge in other hands, but in yours it is a small but lovely masterpiece. I have sprinkled it with many stars and as soon as I free up some space it will be given a whirl on my bookshelf.

Dear readers, if you enjoy historical fiction but are tired of the lack of imagination or weak plots, I highly recommend this book. A highly satisfying, richly themed, multifaceted and topnotch story which is well worth reading.

John,
What a magnificent start to your book! Action packed and ready to go! I could feel the corpse when it brushed up against the boy and the pain when he fell. The pace is great for me and your characters are strong. Malcolm has my attention. I helped him jump into the water and could taste the nasty stuff too.
High ratings!
Sara Stinson
Finger Bones

Hi John,

I enjoyed reading the first three chapters of your book 'A Lark Ascending' and I think you have really captured the East End of London during the 1920's.

With your short, snappy sentences and fast pace the book is gripping from the start with Malcolm's hair-raising escape from a gang that results in him throwing himself into the Thames where he scrabbles to save his own life beside a corpse.

The dialogue is realistic and proper cockney, and the characters are well-drawn.

I liked the way Malcolm's father's hopes for him to become a soldier conflict with his own.

The amount of detail and the description of London is fascinating.

I look forward to reading some more.

High stars.

Carol Jefferies
(The Witch of Fleet Street)

Such an enjoyable book, I read further. The pace keeps up well as does the quality of writing . In Ch 9 the regret and longing are well shown leading to a tense cliff-hanger. All the chapters so far have a page turning end. On my shelf expecting and hoping to see it on the Editor's in May. Lara
A RELATIVE INVASION

As a lover of all things historical, I had A Lark Ascending WL to read
I read through the first four chapters and thoroughly enjoyed this. It is already high starred and no wonder. With little to critique, I can only give you my observations as I read.

A Lark Ascending is rich with historical points. A social commentary on the time, as well as a cracking good story line and plot.

Music, books, culture, language all vividly portrayed for the reader- pulling you back in time.

John B Campbell's knowledge of the geography and attention to detail is commendable. Thoroughly researched and authentic.
The quirks of the characters adding realism and depth, Malcolm, his father, Sid -This all makes for excellent reading.
Everything is named, even the companies of the ships at the docks. The East India Company, Eggert & Sons - what attention to detail. This makes it all feel so real - as if transported back in time.
Excellently crafted.
Educational as well as entertaining.
Very high stars

Sheena
The Popish Plot

So where are those Serbian belly dancers, Nigel? I've read all that you've posted. Please upload more. This is a quality read.
B

Fantastic, exciting first chapter! Great dialogue and a strong sense of setting.

The story continues to unfold in the following chapters, and we learn more about the fascinating protagonist.

Have left you a message with a couple more comments.

A great read!

Annabel.

Excellent opening, literally hits the ground running. Believable characters, Malcolm appears a little neglected (due to his father's state of mind?) but is making his own way in the world and what an interesting down at heel world you portray.

I only read the first three chapters but already it is looking good. BACKED

I only have a moment to comment but I love the way you weave the language throughout your writing, making the dialogue a clear part of each character. The descriptions of London's East End and the rawness of the streets jump out and grab you by the throat. I can't wait to read more!
Kate Anderson
Hospital Hill: A Novel

Wow! This is like the chase scenes in a James Bond movie. Great start to this, and I like the story line. Malcolm looks like a character that will garner a lot of sympathy and fans. Very professionally written.
High marks.
MP

This is a very nice job! You are definitely blessed by God with scads of writing talent! Your characters are real and vivid. You can paint pictures with words that are as lovely as a Monet (although I would have to say your word pictures are more vivid than his paintings!) It looks like this one is going to be as blessed as your other book. I hope all goes well for you!
God bless!!!
Elizabeth Kathleen
"If Children are Cheaper by the Dozen, Can I Get a Discount on Six?"

I really enjoyed the description of Chinese Limehouse. I felt as if I'd seen it myself. Kudos on description. And you never go overboard with it. And then another action scene--breathless, again. Please upload more. Please?
I'm a fan.
Casta Diva Babe

This new book by John Campbell pulled me into the seedy London docks and I found myself holding my breath as Malcolm made his escape. This story will prove to be the best of John Campbell's literary offering to date..

I did enjoy reading the first chapters of this historical novel. I think a better title could be found but otherwise, lots of good writing with interesting characters.
Backed
Lara
A RELATIVE INVASION

Good way to open the novel, with a chase scene. It conveys the atmosphere of a dark, gritty, and dangerous environment. I could really feel Malcolm's fear; the pounding of his heart, lungs burning, running down streets and alleys on the wet cobblestones; the atmosphere and tension of the situation came through to me; all good stuff here, skillfully done. I hope to get back and read more of this.

Though drawn by the richness of characterization from the beginning, I found myself particularly identifying with Malcolm where Malcolm's attention to teacher Jones' lesson on "The Russian Steppes", has the boy wavering between sleep and semi-awareness, while longing for a fillip in the form of a lesson on the more wondrous "Genghis Khan or Marco Polo". We have an endearing portrayal of the boy's character, when we discover that, on almost losing the battle with consciousness, he inadvertently stirs the wrath of his teacher, Mister Jones, who ".. consider[s] daydreaming as offensive as sleeping," summoned the boy and "... reached for his paddle."

The author's integrity to detail in character portrayal was an aspect of the novel which most complemented the thoroughly intriguing plot development promised by the synopsis and, whether Malcolm is suffering gross ennui from Jones's lesson, or wanting to help the boy, Thaddeus - the latter laboring amongst folk beneath his outdated biblical name yet wanting to write about 'real' life - Malcolm still wants to help another soul.

Realistic dialogue, gets inside the linguistic register and vernacular of teenager as easily as adult - indeed, it does what Malcolm wanted to do in writing, with perception, about 'real' life.

Raymond Nickford

Chapter 16
So many exciting scenes, one upon another. And then, "Can you swim, Sid?" Your dry humor delights every time it surfaces--always judiciously. You understand balance. Love your work, sir.
Lil' Em

This story made me feel like I was across the pond about a century back in time. The cobblestone streets and smoke from the coal hovering above the city. It was a rougher existance back then, and I'm grateful for today!
And if life wasn't difficult enough, the thugs who would harm others or worse, are an ever present added danger.
Good job, Peter B.
"The Bible I Thought I Knew"

Very interesting story which unfolds beautifully in the first chapter.

I love the dialogue in which you capture the dialect well.

Well written in general. "As she maneuvered her bountiful curves." is wonderful :)I think you you got the e and u back to front though.

Lovely read 6 stars.

A Lark Ascending. Chapters 1 to 4 inc.

An author who can write such a quality story does not need any comments from me. Brilliant opening chapters - on the way to the ED, no doubt at all. Good luck with the review.
6 stars, onto watchlist and will back shortly. Janet

Janet/Helen
The Stranger In My Life

John,

I came across your book and after reading the first chapter I was compelled to have my Dad take a read (he was born in Battersea in the 1930s!). I have not had the pleasure of reading your previous stories but this is a very well written thriller. It transports me to the place but moves quickly along the story line. Just the sort of book I love to read! I love books that depict real life and authentic is important to me and A Lark Ascending is certainly that. I hope I get time to read more and wish you much success with the book.

David
Drug Money

Woke up this morning and was delighted to sink into the first two chapters...As I expected, this is a colorful and bold read with vivid descriptions and enticing character portrayals. I loved following Malcolm as he made his way down the dark alleys of London, out in to the piers and later into a Jewish quarter and speakeasy-feel coffee shop. I especially appreciate the way you integrate so many different elements into a neat, British backdrop- from the street thugs to the Captain, to Joe , to Sid and his Dad, I really enjoyed the diversity of the area as reflected in your writing. I'm excited to read on as this is an exciting story with an appealing main character.. now, for a moment of nitpicking. It kind of bothered me that you used the phrase " a chill ran down his spine." Normally, that cliche wouldn't bother me, but being that your writing is so superb and original down to every last detail, that sentence stuck out to me. Perfectly polished, loved it, backed and six stars.

This is my first read on 'authonomy' as a newbie, and I'm really hooked on it. I've been coming and going between working on my own projects... When I'm not reading it, I'm thinking about reading it! It's really hooked me in. I'm a stickler for details too, a plot hole or poor research can turn a book into a door stop for me, this work is immaculate. I'm only into the first few chapters but I'm really enjoying the experience. Thumbs up from me!

I was captivated by the opening scene of young Malcolm fleeing through the slums. I pictured a tale of a young orphan being caught up in the darker levels of London society. Then the twist! I really enjoyed the change where he was actually sent on a sort of training mission by his father. It utterly astonished me, and made me much more interested in the plight of of the boy. Why would a father do this to his son? Readers are dying to know!

I'm sure everyone here can sing the praises of the descriptive passages that show the seedy setting. My only issue is the gaps between scenes and chapters. It seems to jump around at too quick of a pace for me personally. Between chapters I often had to stop and piece together where exactly Malcolm was. Also, the scene where he may or not be dreaming was confusing. It seemed like a dream, but then it was his father? I thought maybe it was another one of his tests, or was the father experiencing some form of PTSD? I think a little clarification would be wonderful. If that's part of the mystery, maybe later on in the novel?

Aside from that, I loved it! Backed and starred!

Marissa P
Our Fathers

I echo the sentiment about your work: You proved your worth with Walk to Paradise Garden. A lovely book. Now, this one amazes me--how you can create such a different world in so breathless a fashion. I will make room on my shelf for Lark Ascending as soon as I can.
B

Mr. Campbell, You have the ability to dramatize a seedy world with the most beautiful writing. I love your prose and am very sympathetic toward your character Malcolm.
Best wishes,
Em

An outstanding read with magnetic pull. Well-paced. I want more of this.
B

I have now read all 15 chapters and would have been happy to keep reading. This is a wonderful story. I have already commented, just popped back to give six stars. Best wishes, Olive.

As always, this is a rivotting opening. I can smell the stench of the allies, waterfront and streets. Malcom grabbing him just in time.
Some of the dialog is unfamilliar to me, yet it did not distract me from reading on. You are indeeda great story teller! Well done!
Red
Illusions of Comfort

A very clever story and so many moods which you have cleverly included into the prose so well. The whole experience felt so old on one hand but yet so refreshing on the other. You have opened up so many emotions for the reader to keep them hooked which s also very clever. I loved this so much and will be scoring big stars. So well done.
Sean Connolly. British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) Please consider me for a read or Watch List wont you? Happy New Year. Sean

This story is written about an era which I find captivating. John has an amazing ability to suck you back in time in the first few paragraphs. We can feel Malcolms fear and panic immediately. As expected Johns beautiful descriptive writing and wonderful characters make a big impression that will linger in your mind long after you shut down your computer. That is the reason, as Stark predicts, A Lark Ascending will become a classic and why it has my full backing.

Just tell me when the paperback is available. I want it. Marj.

This is lovely; I'm right there, running. Atmospheric, historically accurate (as far as I can tell) and on my watchlist. Will read more when I can, but it will be soon because this starts so well, it looks too good to miss!
Andrea
The De Amerley Affair

John,

Unusually I read two chapters 5 and 9.
They are both beautifully written, delicately brushed with sensitivity and love.

With conversation at a minimum your narrative is superb, full of wonderful descriptions.

Chapter 5 was very touching and very surprising. I was expecting the father to be as we hear they all were, silent and un-feeling, prepared to let his son go and not see him for weeks, but to my amazement the cab is stopped and the father gives the resolute young man a heartfelt hug - wonderful

Chapter 9 was different and similar. This engendered feelings of hope and fear with mood setting suspense and chill. It was a wonderful hook at the end of the chapter - the bed made up, but where is the father?

This is writing of the finest kind. It is destined for my shelf when space is available.

Best wishes
Warrick
"Sleeping With God"

Very well written and captiviting reading. Hope to return soon for a read. Ihave added you to my watchlist and will back the book at the end of the month. Meanwhile, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your previous advice. Combined with a number of others who have commented on my book. I have made significant changes to the book in the last three weeks.

Wishing you a great day

The Raven
The Buena Fortuna

Hi, there – this is your return review from AudreyB. I am often accompanied on my reviews by my English teacher alter-ego, The Grammar Hag. If I say anything you don’t like, it was probably her idea.

Well, I’m a sucker for British slum-dwellers of the 1920’s, because my dad was one. He lived in Glasgow. And I’ve only recently finished watching all of Upstairs, Downstairs, so I’m up on London doings in the same timeframe.

So my first question—would there be garbage underfoot? The photos I’ve seen of Glasgow in this timeframe are debris-free. Garbage is a function of our conspicuous consumption, which was definitely not in full swing in the inter-war years.

I suspect you can do better than a cat for the first line. What about wee Mally’s sneeze? That seems like a more exciting place to begin. But what do I know?

Mally speaks like a very calm adult when he tells his dad about his escapades. It seems like he’d be more breathless and excited, talking in spurts. And I realize Mally isn’t a slum-dweller when the maid says good-night. Nice description of their fall from posh to somewhat pitiful. But I’m a little unclear on his dad’s social status (which is my own fault, being American and all.)

You’ve got Sid as “a year of two older” in Ch. 2.

I thought Ashkenazi ended with an I? Or is that one of those US/UK things?

Because this takes place in another time, I’d love to know a bit more about what the boys are wearing. I wondered about Mally’s shoes in the first scene, and I am curious to know if Malcolm and Sid are attired differently. I was particularly curious when the boys went to Fleet Street, and I wondered how their attire marked them in this environment.

Would Malcolm, at twelve, really know the word propitious??

“I’d like to have a goat.” That really tickled me. Sid is funny.

I’m amazed that the doctor gets called when Malcolm’s father has his, er, episode. But this switch of scenery to Aunt Jane’s is fascinating, and I expect it to lead to further encounters with the thugs who chased Malcolm in Chapter 1. All we get of Auntie is her appearance. What could Malcolm tell us of her personality at this point? What could Wendell add?

Oooh, and it does…but not in the way I expected. You are keeping this mighty interesting.

In Ch. 7 Malcolm reflects on his relationship with his father, and when he does so, I realize we haven’t heard much of what’s going on in his mind so far. I think I’d like to have more of that, because his suspicions and his interpretation of events will surely play a huge role in this narrative. I see that we do get more of his thoughts in Ch. 8 & 9.

This is very readable and interesting…but I have the feeling it’s an early-ish draft, that you haven’t quite frosted the cake yet. I didn’t feel quite as connected to Malcolm as I might have felt, like I wasn’t quite seeing this story through his eyes yet. But I’ve just skimmed your previous reviews, and suspect this may be a personal problem. You’ve got rave reviews from some of our best writers!

Best of luck reaching the desk again!

~AudreyB
Forgiveness Fits

This is the second book I've read in as many weeks that has reminded me of Harry Bowling and his cockney sagas. His were heavy on the old cockney dialect too. Authentic enough, and they sold well. So hopefully, you could be the next to make it work for ya.
I'll have to read more of this when I get the time. I think my old Mum would enjoy it, too, she was born in Cable Street.
I'll give it a shelf space for now.
Good luck with it, John.
Sue

This is amazing--the setting, the characters, the dialogue; I just have trouble believing that the boy is twelve. Good writing; I'll have to think about this.

Chapter 9-15
I'm completely hooked now and can't wait to read what happens next.
I love seeing everything from Malcolm's perspective. He notices things that a lot of adults wouldn't notice and yet misses some things that only adults would pick up on. My heart was aching for him when they went to visit his father. That scene was so juicy with emotion and awkwardness. It was wonderful. I like keeping the focus on one character.

I also love the way you are weaving together the Limehouse mystery with what's going on in Malcolm's personal life. It give just the right pacing to the growing mystery.

Really terrific stuff. Can't wait for more.

Thank you, Joe. It's always nice to cross paths with you here. I'd chosen to write this story through the point of view of Malcolm. So, the pace is dictated by his experience directly. In his state, he would not have seen the floater before diving in; nor would he later be able to gage where it came from. Paradise Garden is a saga, which initially seems like a love story. A Lark Ascending is a thriller, so, that accounts for the different feel and pace. I really appreciate your time and attention. Best wishes. John

John,

I've read through the first chapter and I felt it wasn't as good as Paradise Garden, and its not surprising since that was so good. It felt to me that you were writing in a more hasty manner. Things seemed to move too fast for me to get a grip on anything - in fact I felt the story should have started with Malcolm jumping in the river. And even there the speed at which you were writing left me confused at times - I had to re-read the bit where the "floater" appeared several times trying to see where it came from, what was it and when did it appear. But there was no reference in the narrative to it before then and it was presented in a way which made em think it should be there.

It seemed to me to be the bare bones of something and missed the detail and psychology that your other one had. I couldn't feel at home in it. And I'm sorry to take a negative view, but I'm sure you would prefer honesty. I mean I can see a good story, certainly the pitch is enticing, and I did like the relationship between Malcolm and Joe which you displayed very well without really doing anything - I'm envious in your skill at doing that, because I always find I have to spell things out. I'm sure that you'll iron these things out - I'm not sure how progressed this is to a finished draft.

Joe

John,

I've read through the first chapter and I felt it wasn't as good as Paradise Garden, and its not surprising since that was so good. It felt to me that you were writing in a more hasty manner. Things seemed to move too fast for me to get a grip on anything - in fact I felt the story should have started with Malcolm jumping in the river. And even there the speed at which you were writing left me confused at times - I had to re-read the bit where the "floater" appeared several times trying to see where it came from, what was it and when did it appear. But there was no reference in the narrative to it before then and it was presented in a way which made em think it should be there.

It seemed to me to be the bare bones of something and missed the detail and psychology that your other one had. I couldn't feel at home in it. And I'm sorry to take a negative view, but I'm sure you would prefer honesty. I mean I can see a good story, certainly the pitch is enticing, and I did like the relationship between Malcolm and Joe which you displayed very well without really doing anything - I'm envious in your skill at doing that, because I always find I have to spell things out. I'm sure that you'll iron these things out - I'm not sure how progressed this is to a finished draft.

Joe

The Lark Ascending. I wonder at the point of the title - as yet unrevealed?

Ch.1. A beginning which immediately reminds me of your mastery of description: "Its sudden scream of complaint from underfoot sliced the evening air." (You dont really need the 'through'). What could be better than that?
But then you go clumsy with those 'hadnt's and would have's. Easily remedied.
But I'm not going to bother with any more nits - if I can help it.

Ch.2. You paint a totally believable picture of Malcolm's East London world, and I am becoming acquainted with the characters, one by one, in pleasant leisurely fashion.

Ch.3. A gret picture of schoolboy boredom. Then more of atmospheric London, smells and all. And you sure know how to string a plot together.

Ch.4. I'm mystified here. Is the end part a dream - or what? Oh - with hindsight, was he 'abducted by his father? Perhaps you should clarify more.

Ch.5. Very dramatic. I think I'm beginning to understand and appreciate the choppy chapters, in keeping with a young boy's reaction to his experiences.

Ch 6-7. An excellent description of Wendell and his surrounds. This is your forte. And the odours you introduce add spice and authenticity. Then a little mystery. I have a feeling you could expand and embellish these chapters more - round off the characters and create even more atmosphere around them.
I wonder why he half-expected to see a hole eaten through his torse?
Your depiction of the bewilderment of youth is masterful.
"The youngster's eyes were Asian yet he seemed like any other English lad soiled with poverty." Telling words.
I think you mean he wished Side were here.

Ch. 8-12. What's an alyssum? You are drawing me ever deeper into your story, with your wonderful descriptive passages and the tweaks in your plot.

Ch.13. There's an annoying gap in the plot in the chapter before they go off to the assylum.

Ch.14. Love that inconsequential ending 'Can you swim, Sid?@
Ch.15. Love the detail of the disjointed buildings, giving the impression of a bend.
Ch.16. I think you mean Malcolm had to rein in an inner drive.

Your work is full of gems, and I've enjoyed every bit of it.
Needs some editing and refining of course, but you've produced another great story, John.

Jane.

A Lark Ascending by John B. Campbell
Excellent opener. It grabs the reader in and holds their interest to see what is happening.
Everything that happens to the boy is well portrayed and shown in great creativity. I could smell the stench of the alleyway and feel the nasty garbage as he ran.
You have written a creative piece here.
Good work.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

Hi Nigel,
When I read a book I always look out for attention to detail, research, characters ..... namely the finer things and of course the prose. I know the area well, Stepney, Limehouse and thereabouts. I once had to spend some time on a photo assignment trying to find and shoot places and buildings that still looked like bygone days and then convert them to sepia to show how little had changed.
A Lark Ascending captures all this and I hope this goes all the way as "Paradise" did (that is still one of the best books of all time on Authonomy).
John-Paul ("In Violet")

I love it! Love it, love it! Oh, by the way, this is a Club Agatha Critique...
All I can say is, don't change a thing. The scenes are rich, the humor gentle, the suspense and storyline intriguing, and the characters endearing. I loved Walk to Paradise Garden, but I think I am enjoying A Lark Ascending even more. Six stars!
JagoBella

John, I'm only half way but already I'm very impressed by The Lark Ascending. I think you have a great hook - the novel opens with a thrilling chase scene and the pace of the story never lets up. The dialogue is very impressive and the vocabulary and dialect is spot on; it's never too exaggerated, which is a annoyance I find in many historical pieces.

Did you do much research for the piece? The use of place/street names are spot on and create a sense of assurance for the reader. One small critique I would make is very minor - you reference the 'Metropolitan Police', but I'd just make it 'Police'; though it's factually correct, it just feels slightly forced.

Look forward to reading on!

John,
This is an interesting book. It is a very engaging, although old fashioned, ambiance-filled mystery with a Tin-Tin-like adolescent as main character. The writing is very strong and it is an enjoyable read.
I read everything you posted.
Hook and plot- The floater makes a good hook, even though it seems to have little to do with the plot. Still, it is a very gripping description that captured my attention. The bullies and Joe were good ambiance, and the crazy father helped round out the interest for the hook.
The plot felt just a wee bit forced to me, as indeed it is- Malcolm, unsatisfied with living with a shell-shocked father goes off to try to uncover a murderous plot. And then there is his aunt, who also happens to be involved in something shady. All this is just a bit too convenient. And yet, it is charming in an old fashioned kind of way. The issue, I feel, is how such an old fashioned presentation will do in a modern marketplace.
I also found some of the chapter transitions surprising and choppy, while others were very smooth. I mentioned to you earlier that I found the transition between Malcolm's father falling down the stairs to the following chapter a bit surprising, as I expected a bit of conversation and planning before he got sent away. Some of the other transitions were also a bit choppy for me, and chapter 8 in particular seemed a bit out of place, being so very short and not really moving the plot forward. I would recommend reconsidering some of these transitions. You may want the abruptness, but if so, some of the chapters that are not abrupt feel at odds.
Character development- I feel like I am reading the very few pages of a long book, and that character development is being doled out slowly. Malcolm is still a bit of an enigma to me. Sometimes he seems mature beyond his years,  sometimes a bit sheltered. If possible, Sid is even more of an enigma, and at this point his aunt and Wendell are as well. This is not necessarily a bad thing because this book is a bit a mystery, but the lack of clear characters early on does leave me feeling a little adrift. 
I think I would want just a bit more introspection and character development with Malcolm at this point in order to have a better sense of who he is and in order to be more firmly anchored. His feelings about his situation are a bit opaque to me, almost as though he is not allowing himself to feel the situation that is surrounding him. This may be your intention, and, again, as the book progresses the unfolding of this could be a wonderful driver, but in this section I feel  a bit empty without it.
Ambiance- I think is fabulous. You have the foggy, slightly off, seedy ambiance going really well. From the scene in the river to the chinese restaurant to the asylum to the little garden, you really describe and transport the reader extremely well.
All in all I think that this is a book I would read more of but a bit of strengthening of the CD would help keep me more interested. I also feel that you should be a bit clearer about some of the chapter transitions. Again, both these comments could be rendered void by how the book progresses, so take them at their worth.
Best of luck with it,
Maeve

John Campbell simply can't be stopped! What an awesome imagination this gifted and talented man has.

As was indicated by the also talented John Breeden (Stark Silvercoin), we feel this newest story as we read. That is the thing that really gets me about Campbell's words...how they are always the right thing, at the right time. Never too much, always just enough to both characterize his players and depict his scenes.

In 'A Walk to Paradise Garden' Campbell demonstrated his vast knowledge of history and his ability to bring it to life in the written word. Here he switches gears and demonstrates his versatility, his true craftiness of stepping into another arena and performing just as well if not.. (I dare say) ...better!

It is unfortunate that I have not had more time to read more offerings here on the site of recent. This I admit, is the only one in weeks. I didn;t plan on reading everything as I only saw John's new work and had to check it out. I read it all in one sitting, starting late last night and staying up with my coffee until I was finished.

From the very beginning Campbell reels the reader in. It's textbook 'what you are supposed to do 101' here. Malcomb discovers a corpse. By the time this takes place we are already getting to know him at a pace that is spot on. The story that follows is woven carefully with mystery, action and excitement. Campbell paces the writing to always provide an end of chapter incentive to begin anew. The detail is incredible in his scene depictions as he thinks of ways to describe things I would never begin to think of.

Hats off to John Campbell for this first rate work. Once again he has demonstrated a unique ability to tell a story, combined with rare ingenuity, class and wordsmithing. Authonomites would be wise to read this offering in order to get the full benefit from being a part of the community. It simply does not get any better than John B. Campbell, a name I am convinced will one day grace the shelves of supermarket book shelves right alongside the likes of John Grisham, James Patterson and Clancey.

E M Delaney

One Wrong Turn
The Write In
Miracle In The Swamp
The Virus

Great book so far. I am putting on my shelf and giving a very good rating. Hope to comment in the future.

Club Agatha, Ch. 1-2

John, I am enjoying this immensely. I can't wait for the luxury of time to read more, and go back to check out your first book, too, which I missed. You have created a very likable little Malcolm and thrown him right into the frying pan. Personally, I would skip every plot-heavy book short on character; it never ceases to amaze me how many authors only offer us twists and turns with no relief from darkness. But you have managed to face that same grim landscape through the eyes of an insatiably curious innocent, and the contrast could not be more striking.

Two teeny critiques:

Ch. 1: when the boy is running, he seems to fall, unable to get up. But suddenly he is rounding a corner. Confusing, a bit.
Ch. 2: “Excuse me, sir,” Annie said, her voice, though timid, bisected the air between father and son." bisecting? Or a period after "said"?

Great, great job. Ilook forward to a clear space on my shelf.

Catherine Morgan
Nickel Ridge

Author John B. Campbell proved he could pen amazing stories filled with memorable characters and delicately expressed landscapes in A Walk To Paradise Gardens. Now he turns his attention to thrillers with A Lark Ascending, and once again becomes the master that many lesser writers should follow.

Once again we are brought right down to street level, this time in London’s East End during the 1920s. We see, hear, smell and experience the seedy boroughs of that place with a flair that seemingly could only come from someone who has experienced it. This time, instead of an epic love story, we are given the tale of a twelve year old boy trying to survive in a gritty world where people are actually trying to murder him. Malcolm Roberts is fast, street smart and clever, but also terribly outnumbered. The opening chase scene is worth the price of admission alone.

As always with a Campbell story, no detail is left untouched or un-researched. From the clothing to the dialog, it all seems authentic. This is a refreshing turn from most thrillers where action is the main focus and everything else is secondary. A Lark Ascending is exciting to read, but it also gets everything else right too. Like his other book, A Lark Ascending is far better than just about anything you will find on the shelves of bookstores today, and wholly deserves to be published. When it is, I predict it will become an instant classic.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Dear Nigel, I've just read your downloaded chapters which Ireally enjoyed. You're an excellent storyteller. You're desriptive writing is great at invoking atmosphere and the suspense created at the end of each chapter tempts the reader on. I loved some of your details as when you describe the two pigeons replicating the movements of the two jewish men. Then again 'his fretful nerves escape his body and scarper about Soho like a skeletal sinewy puppet.' Lovely! That is six stars and backing from me and good luck for the future.
Kind Regards, Pamela Crabtree.
'The Severed Cord.'