The Secret Anatomy of Candles
From the moment I started reading this carefully crafted novel I was hooked. The interweaving of medical dilemmas and human drama makes for a compelling read and I was eager to find out what happened to the main protagonists. Smith evokes the majestic setting of Durham so beautifully that I could clearly imagine myself walking down the same streets and across the same bridges. A fantastic debut novel!
Dr Sarah Price, Durham University Libraries
Jasper Candle is a man of secrets and contradictions. He leads us through the winding streets of Durham City as he discovers some terrible truths about himself and those he encounters. Smith has cleverly created a winning combination of mystery and drama in this excellent debut. I devoured this novel at one sitting. A book full of North Eastern promise!
Diane Cockburn, author of ‘Electric Mermaid’ and ‘Under Surveillance’
This intriguing book follows Jasper Candle's troubled life through a series of mysteries, mingling the world of litigation, medical dramas and family dilemmas into an addictive read. With the help of his colleague and friend Lazlo, he unearths some unpalatable truths, which challenges his previously held beliefs about every aspect of his life. This novel is interesting, accessible and an enjoyable read.
Valerie Loh, London School of Journalism (tutor and author)
Huber's Tattoo
Huber’s Tattoo is a vastly better thriller than most of those we see. Smith creates excellent atmosphere and tension, especially in the later chapters. Huber’s Tattoo stands out from among the many thrillers and crime novels which we have seen over the years, not only for the quality of the writing, but for the clever treatment of the troubling theme at its heart. Author Quentin Smith explores both the effects upon those directly involved in the Nazi Lebensborn programme and the much later consequences of this attempt to create a ‘Master Race’. Together, these make for a compelling story as the British detective, an unwitting child of the programme, becomes obsessed with unravelling his own past, while the vividly written historical content shows how a young German doctor, having begun upon his task with enthusiasm and commitment to the Fatherland, comes to struggle both professionally and personally with ethical doubts created by the sometimes horrific results of the experiment. Absorbing stuff!
Hilary Johnson MA PhD (Hilary Johnson Authors Advisory Service)
16mm of Innocence
Truly accomplished and compelling - rich on so many levels - an important testimony to the barbarism / atrocities of the concentration camps, man's inhumanity to man, yet made so very palatable. 16mm of Innocence is an absolute must for all ages - for future generations - a very exciting read. Astonishing expertise at weaving historic fact into a personal thriller that shocks and moves as the story unravels.
Kenteas Brine (producer of Who's Your Monkey - Berlin Film Festival Award winner)
I felt totally immersed in this intriguing story. Quentin Smith's writing always has an endearing charm, despite dealing with harsh realities and dark topics. He portrays his world in pin sharp detail, bringing it vividly to life around you. His characters live, their mannerisms and quirks defined with painterly precision. It was a pleasure to lose myself in the strange and hostile west African town of Luderitz.
The story, with its shocking revelations and captivating twists, had me hooked.
Antony Wootten (author of A Tiger Too Many)
Sweet Bergamasque
A very good theme and a thoroughly enjoyable read that gathers pace delightfully.
Sebastian Payne (Master of Wine)
Sweet Bergamasque reads perfectly (and) reminded me of anecdotes and characters my parents - who lived in France (during) the "occupation"- would tell me when I was a child. To the point that I offered it as a Christmas gift to my son who has an auntie and cousins who live in Saint Emilion and work on a vineyard.
Dr Jacques Poltronieri
