"Unapologetically written with stark uncompromising realism..."

• ASIN: ‎ B0C2MZ737L
• Publisher: ‎ Copywrite, Ink.; 1st edition (August 21, 2023)
• Publication date: ‎ August 21, 2023
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 327 pages
• Genre: Psychological Thrillers

The BookViral Review:

Unapologetically written with stark uncompromising realism, ‘Third Wheel’ is the life story of many but the dream only of those who are living it.

Fourteen-year-old Brady is ‘in’. In a neighbourhood where alcohol and drugs are what makes the world go round, it’s not a bad position to be in. However, the arrival of a new and cocky kid of the block, Alex, spells disaster. At first merely an irritation, things become more sinister as Alex flies in the face of honour among thieves, putting his own gang, and any others who cross his path, in mortal danger.

However, Brady unwittingly earns a favour from the ‘big boys’ when he comes to the aid of a damsel in distress. It is this chivalrous action that with a little manipulation, diverts already deadly consequences from unravelling further and opens a chink of light and hope in the desperate lives of young men and women caught in a spiral of crime and addiction.

With his punchy fast-moving delivery, Richard. R. Becker echoes the covert chaotic lives of his characters, with character development and use of dialogue so accomplished you could be forgiven for believing you’re reading a memoir. Intertwining family and romance into his novel serves to enhance and flesh out his protagonist, who is in himself a juxtaposition of strength and frailty, and of criminality and sensitivity. Add the irresistible, tantalisingly present Cheryl to the mix and Brady is caught between child and adult as he negotiates his own complicated morality.

Keeping the plot compact in locality and his cast tight adds to the inescapable aura of the novel, as Becker builds the claustrophobic nature of gang existence expertly, with inevitable tragedy waiting in the wings as his players scramble to protect themselves from the inevitable consequences of their actions.

However, where less experienced writers would become bogged down in graphic interchanges, Becker cleverly focuses inwardly towards the thoughts, feelings and emotions of his cast, which results in a more mature and thought-provoking read.

Accomplished and convincing, ‘Third Wheel’ proves a superb debut novel and is highly recommended.