Title: Cages by David Mark
Publisher: Severn House
Genre: Contemporary, Psychological, Suspense, Mystery
Length: 256 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A dark past. A terrifying secret. A deadly game is about to begin . . .
Washed-up author Rufus Orton needs money. It’s the main reason he takes the gig teaching creative writing to inmates at HMP Holderness. That, and the flattery of prison officer Annabeth Harris, who contacted him out of the blue and begged him to take the job.
Annabeth loves Rufus’ work. Genuinely. She loves being a prison officer too. But Annabeth is keeping a secret. Fifteen years ago she did something bad, and if it ever comes out, her new, perfect life will be destroyed.
HMP resident Griffin Cox has no black marks against his name. He claims he’s been wrongly convicted of the sex offence that put him in prison. He’s lying. He has a plan – and everything hinges on him securing a place in the classroom with Rufus and Annabeth. It’s only then that the game can begin . . .
Dark, twisted and gripping, CAGES is an addictive psychological thriller from a “master” of the genre (Kirkus Reviews). If you enjoy disturbing, charismatic criminals like Hannibal Lector and Patrick Bateman, you’ll love Griffin Cox.
Review:
Cages by David Mark is a riveting psychological thriller.
Prison Officer Annabeth Harris has worked hard to get where she is today. HMP Holderness has a dreadful reputation but she has high hopes for a successful creative writing class for the prisoners. Annabeth’s favorite author is Rufus Orton and she is thrilled when he agrees to teach the class. With a mix of prisoners attending, the first day of class is occasionally tense, but Orton and Annabeth manage to keep control. The most disruptive resident is Griffin Cox who is suspected of murdering several teens. As Rufus reads through the day’s assignments, he is surprised to find a paper written by Annabeth. She denies she is the author which raises a horrible thought. Who knows Annabeth’s darkest secret?
Annabeth’s life has not been easy but she and her teenage son Ethan are now happy in their small seaside town. She is a single mum who is quite close with her son. She enjoys her new career and while her future looks bright, Annabelle would rather avoid too much attention.
Rufus was at one time a hugely successful author with a bright future ahead of him. But in recent years, his books sales are down and his critics’ assessments are harsh. Now, his current novel is late and bills are overdue so he welcomes the opportunity to earn money on the side.
Griffin knows time is running out for him. So far, the police have no proof he has committed any crime except the one is in prison for. He has created an elaborate plan to ensure his freedom. Griffin is playing a serious game that could result in terrible consequences for Annabelle and Rufus.
Cages is an intricately plotted, edge of the seat thriller. The characters are deeply flawed but, with a few exceptions, they also have redeeming qualities. The storyline is clever and unfolds at a brisk pace. With a shocking plot twist, David Mark brings this suspense-laden thriller to a stunning conclusion.
