I was interested to read this book by a new author.The context of the events is carefully described and the characters explored in some detail.In this respect it seems to me that the male characters are more accurately portrayed than the females.Some of the reactions of the young girl are in my opinion a little far fetched.
The suspense is built up as the hunt goes on and the conclusion in the old water mill is difficult to predict.It seems that a sequel might be expected.
In general the book is suited to a teenage market as suggested by the author,but adults too will gain some pleasure from this first novel.

Sam Barnes'first novel is written for the older teenage market and is packed with action from the word go. A natural accident precipitates a fast chain of events which follow at breakneck speed culminating in a climax both expected and enigmatic.
It is refreshing to read a first novel where the author is not afraid to experiment.The main plot is interspersed with small stories about the characters' lives and dreams which gives depth to the plot making the reader wait.
A real success for me was the development of the young boy Will. He changes in the course of the story as he deals with his parent's divorce,his mother's death,a car crash and an encounter with a homicidal man.
The ending in particular is written with panache and style and I think the author is at his best when recounting direct action. It would sound good read aloud or adapted as a film.
Sam Barnes writes with authority and has the ability to sustain pace.He does not allow the reader to doze off!
At the recent Hay-on-Wye Literary festival John Mullen,literary critic for The Guardian spoke about the importance of choosing the right title and cover for a novel if one is to maximise sales. Also the first and last lines are crucial.In this case I think the opening lines are not good whereas the closing lines are brilliant.I wondered what significance the title "Silent Wandering"has as Will and Rosies' wanderings are anything but silent.Also where is that mountain on the cover because it doesn't look like Scotland...of couse I could be wrong.
Ir would have been nice to have a few biographical details about Mr. Barnes inside the book.
All in all I thought this was a splendid first attempt at writing an action packed book and I look forward to hearing about the next one.Well done Sam!
Lynn E.Rathbone

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I felt that the plot was strong and the writing style clear and appealing. Most of the characters were well drawn and I was interested in what happend to them. There were a small number of spelling and grammactical errors which was a shame. My biggest gripe was the ending which I must say was deeply unsatisfying to the reader. I would be interested to know why Sam chose to end the book in this way. Not wishing end negatively I would applaud Sam for achieving something that I couldn't in a million years. I look forward to the next one.

This is a fast paced and gripping tale, written with confidence, there are some mistakes in the text, but these do not detract from the overall work. Sam Barnes writes in a clear no nonsense style and has a natural talent for story telling and drama, this book would make the basis of a brilliant film script*, especially with an expanded and improved ending.

* I can see Johnny Depp as Greg!

Martyn. 04-06-07

I read this in a day, and this guy should seek a proper publisher - this book really deserves a wider audience. Only let down for me was the ending - I don't want to spoil it for other readers, but the ending was abrupt and left too many unanswered questions. Give up the day job Sam and get yourself around the publishers.

downloaded this and devoured it. bought hard copy for my wife as a present. she hasn't put it down and i can hardly get a word out of her. great wordsmith, great promise, more to come - i hope.
Paul R