Book Review: Burning Secret by R J Lloyd

 Burning Secret - R J Lloyd

Warning – may contain spoilers

Author: R J Lloyd

Publisher: Matador

First published: 2022

Edition: Paperback

Pages: 419

Blurb: Burning Secret is a dramatic and compelling take of ambition, lies, and betrayal inspired by actual events.

Born in the slums of Bristol in 1844, Enoch Price seems destined for a life of poverty and hardship - but he’s determined not to accept his lot.

Enoch becomes a bare-knuckle fighter in London’s criminal underworld. But in a city where there’s no place for honest dealing, he is cheated by a cruel loan shark, leaving him penniless and facing imprisonment.

Undaunted, he escapes to a new life in America and embarks on a series of audacious exploits. But even as he helps shape history, Enoch is not content. Tormented by his past and the life he left behind, he soon becomes entangled in a web of lies and secrets.

Will he ever break free and find the happiness he craves?

History of my copy: I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review on behalf of Lola’s Book Tours.

Plot: For a while, it took me a long time to get into the plot of this book. It felt like there were never ending chapters where not a lot was going on, simply filling time. Then I remembered that the book was based on a true story, which made this make a little more sense. I found it quite difficult to understand Enoch's life in London, and felt that there could have explaining that. However, once in America, and definitely from the second half of the book onwards, the plot picks up and gets much more engaging.

Setting: Burning Secret focuses much more on the plot and characters than setting. The setting descriptions are adequate, but aren't the focus of the book. The only part of the setting that really stands out to me is the fire.

Characters: Enoch himself is a very intriguing character. Throughout the book you really start to see all these sides to him. However, apart from him, I find that not many of the other characters really stand out.

To read or not to read: Read. Although far from one of my favourite books, Burning Secret certainly makes for an interesting read, especially in the second half of the book. You really start to feel like you get an understanding of this man’s life.

Find my blog tour spot here featuring an interview with R J Lloyd and an excerpt