James Polkinghorn

 

Praise for Liquid Shades of Blue

"Smart, sophisticated slow-burn suspense that builds to a final scene you won't expect­—don't miss this." — Lee Child, New York Times best-selling author of No Plan B

"LIQUID SHADES OF BLUE is a ride on the lethal waves of corruption and murder in a place that shimmers like diamonds in the sun.  James Polkinghorn knows these South Florida courtrooms and waterways like the back of his hand.  This one sticks to you like the humidity of a summer night in Key West." – Michael Connelly, New York Times best-selling author.
 
"Rarely are debut novels this original, taut, and polished. LIQUID SHADES OF BLUE is an intoxicating cocktail of equal parts John Grisham, Miami Vice, and Ernest Hemingway, served stiff and chilled.  Like a dead body.  Hollywood, take notice." – Larry Loftis, New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Spy.

"All the more impressive when considering that "Liquid Shades of Blue" is author James Polkinghorn's first novel, this psychological suspense thriller of a read will hold a special appeal for readers with an interest in carefully crafted amateur sleuth stories that come with more unexpected plot twists and turns than an Oklahoma tornado. Original, fascinating, memorable, "Liquid Shades of Blue" is highly recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections and is available for personal reading lists in a digital book format.” – Midwest Book Review

“This was an interesting mystery. ... There is a minor bit of action but the novel is primarily about Jack and his relationships. Jack does a lot of breast-beating and soul-searching. The mystery holds enough complexity to maintain your interest.” – Pick of the Literate

“The title and the character-building worked for me.” – Lori's Book Loft

"Liquid Shades of Blue by James Polkinghorn is a great first mystery novel. I look forward to more from this author." – The Mystery Site

"There is enough action for readers to admit that, yes, this is a thriller of some kind, even if it’s not the kind of thing Grisham, Steele, or Connelly might write. It goes beyond the thriller formula to get at core beliefs." –  English Plus Language Blog

"I was sent a review copy for potential blurb, and it was so good I had to write TWO blurbs for it! In short, this is the best debut novel I've ever read. The characters are well-developed, the story is tight, and the writing is sublime. You'll be hearing James Polkinghorn's name soon." – Larry Loftis, New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Spy.

“A good debut thriller novel from author James Polkington, with twists and turns, and an ending you don’t expect.”  – Red Carpet Crash

"Polkinghorn knew where his plot was headed and he purposefully headed that way." – Cyber Librarian

"Part legal thriller, part family drama – but all corruption and secrets. Set in the heat of Key West, this one sizzles!” – Subakka Stuff

"Even though it is a small book and an easy read, it is packed with action and is destined to become a classic. With interesting characters and beautiful prose, Liquid Shades of Blue is this year’s beach read and is recommended for readers who enjoy a good mystery novel. It is perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Harlan Coben." –  SA Examiner

"A good debut thriller novel from author James Polkington, with twists and turns, and an ending you don’t expect." – Red Carpet Crash

"Overall, this is a great, fun, short read perfect for a bit of escapism and perhaps a degree of catharsis. Maybe not a Dr. office read, and arguably not really a beach read either, yet perfect for one of those languid hot humid Southern summer nights. Particularly if you happen to be *in* South Florida at the time, and likely particularly with a good cigar in one hand while sipping a fine Old Fashioned. Damn, now *I* need to read this book again in that manner. ???? Very much recommended." – Book Anon

"Liquid Shades of Blue is worth a read" – Mostly Mysteries

"a tale of intrigue, deceit, coercion, the essence of being human --- one person's endeavor to bring justice to the justice system." – Book Reporter

"Liquid Shades of Blue isn't your normal murder mystery. It's a complex story of a fractured family and the tragedies that follow them. The hero is a relatable guy who embarks on a search to discover the truth about his mother's apparent suicide. From the first pages, I was hooked on Jack Girard's search. This book was un-put-downable." – Thonie Hevron

".. recommended for those who like family dramas with a bit of mystery, and quirky characters with interesting motivations. While it may have been a little less-exciting in the middle, the ending made it worth it." – Books I Think You Should Read

“James Polkinghorn has written a fast-paced thriller of a man coming to terms with his family and life. Don’t let its brevity fool you; Liquid Shades of Blue is a deep journey into an active conscience.” – A Girl and Her Reviews

“Liquid Shades of Blue” leads to a satisfyingly dark denouement. Readers will want to visit Jack’s Hideaway, which sounds like a fun bar, but is, alas, fictional." – South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"The plot is solid and the characters engaging enough to make you want to know how it ends. I’d be curious to see what the author publishes next.” – Long and Short Reviews

"There are several little twists in the plot as it briskly reaches the final denouement, and you will want to find out the answers Jack is seeking." – She Treads Softly

"One thing for sure you will enjoy every minutes trying to figure out what Jack Girard, the protagonist, is up to. My attention was held so captivate in his searches for the truth behind his brother, and his mother suicides that I didn’t see the time past... “Liquid Shade of Blue” is a great first mystery novel. I will be looking forward to more from James Polkinghorn." – Toni Osborne

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