Title: Pressure Head
Author: J.L. Merrow
Cover Artist: Kanaxa
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Buy Link: Pressure Head
Genre: M/M contemporary romance
Length: Novel
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
A guest review by Jenre
Summary review: A marvellous mystery story with a very engaging narrator.
THE BLURB
Some secrets are better left hidden.
To most of the world, Tom Paretski is just a plumber with a cheeky attitude and a dodgy hip, souvenir of a schoolboy accident. The local police keep his number on file for a different reason—his sixth sense for finding hidden things.
When he’s called in to help locate the body of a missing woman up on Nomansland Common, he unexpectedly encounters someone who resurrects a host of complicated emotions. Phil Morrison, Tom’s old school crush, now a private investigator working the same case. And the former bully partly responsible for Tom’s injury.
The shocks keep coming. Phil is now openly gay, and shows unmistakable signs of interest. Tom’s attraction to the big, blond investigator hasn’t changed—in fact, he’s even more desirable all grown up. But is Phil’s interest genuine, or does he only want to use Tom’s talent?
As the pile of complicated evidence surrounding the woman’s murder grows higher, so does the heat between Tom and Phil. But opening himself to this degree exposes Tom’s heart in a way he’s not sure he’s ready for…while the murderer’s trigger finger is getting increasingly twitchy.
THE REVIEW
I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of J.L. Merrow’s books. She has this ability to blend humour with drama, great characters and a vivid setting to great effect. Pressure Head is a perfect example of this and shows that this author is at the top of her game with this writing lark.
At first glance this story seems like a typical mystery. There’s a dead girl, several shady suspects and the pairing of a dour PI and a plucky plumber, who have a less than happy past with each other, to solve the mystery. However, there’s a twist in the plotting. Tom, the first person narrator and aforementioned plumber, has a gift. He can find things which have been hidden or lost, but only if there’s a strong emotion attached to the object or person. This means that he’s called upon on a semi-regular basis by the St Albans constabulary. As the book begins, Tom is asked to search for a missing woman and finds her dead body in a clump of bushes. Hanging around the police search team is Phil, a PI hired by the dead woman’s family to investigate her disappearance, who also bullied Tom at school. Tom is surprised and very bitter that his school life was ruined by a homophobic bully who turned out to be gay, and even more surprised when Phil wants him to help find the killer.
One of things I most liked about the book was the character of Tom. He reminded me very much of a little dog, like a Terrier or a Jack Russell in that he’s totally lovable but can have a nasty bite when provoked. He talks all the time and finds it difficult to cope with silence. The dour, careful Phil drives him up the wall with his silences and the way he thinks through what he wants to say before he responds to Tom. This leads to a lot of sniping and bickering between the pair. Tom is also rather contradictory about the things that have happened to him in the past. He claims it’s all done with, but its obvious that his resentment still simmers and occasionally he will lash out at Phil. This seemed realistic to me, as Tom battles with his attraction to Phil verses his feelings about Phil’s past actions. The relationship between Tom and Phil is very antagonistic from the start. There’s a lot of hurt in the past and I liked that this wasn’t swept aside quickly and that both men work hard for their HEA. The theme of past bullying is handled in a sympathetic way, and I was pleased with Phil’s honesty about his feelings at the time, even if I couldn’t quite condone his actions.
Tom is also one of these outwardly cheerful guys who makes friends easily – something which annoys the less than approachable Phil no end. Tom’s easy and friendly manner with women in particular, helps during the investigation as people open up and tell him things they would never tell Phil. As well as this, he’s also a genuinely nice guy who cares about people. There were several scenes where he made the extra effort to help people and it was times like this when I really liked the guy. He’s also got a wicked sense of humour which shines through the narrative. It’s maybe a bit sarcastic, and definitely self-deprecatory, but I laughed a lot at his wry observations during the story.
The mystery was well constructed with a number of red herrings along the way in the form of several different characters all connected to the local church. I rather enjoyed some of the references to the Church of England and the sly humour of Tom as he visits the church and meets some of its members. I didn’t pick up on who the murderer was until almost at the end, and was pleased that I’d been kept guessing through the story.
The secondary characters of Tom’s police friend, Dave. The vicar, Merry and several other church members were all well drawn and I felt a lot of sympathy for them through Tom’s own sympathetic emotions. Alongside these characters was the city of St Albans. I’ve never visited the City but almost felt I knew it quite well after being taken all over the place by Tom and Phil. Each new location came with a short observation by Tom about the people who lived in that part of town or the ambiance of the various pubs he visits. It allowed me to get a good sense of setting without being bogged down with lengthy descriptions of place.
I only have one slight niggle about the story and that is to do with Phil’s character. Tom is so vivid in this story, larger than life at times, that Phil almost paled next to him and although we find out a few things about Phil’s past, I still didn’t think that by the end I knew him well enough. I had all sorts of questions about him that were never fully answered. Admittedly, some of this is due to Tom not giving Phil the space to talk, but I got the impression that there was a lot more going on under the surface that we barely get to see and that was just a little frustrating for me as a reader.
However, that niggle in no way spoiled my enjoyment of this book. The writing is fresh and lively, with a good dose of the sort of humour I love. The characters, especially Tom, are very likable and realistic. The setting is solid and easy to picture. There were so many other things I could have mentioned that I enjoyed, such as Tom’s observations on his life as a plumber, but I will be here all day if I did! Overall, I highly recommend this book to those who like mysteries, or who are just looking for a fantastic story with great characterisation.
Can’t wait to read it, sitting on my kindle waiting
Thanks for the review Jenre 
Thanks, Sirius
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You’re in for a treat. Lucky you!
Read it, really loved it – loved pretty much everything about it including cover. Loved how “from enemies to lovers” was done. Loved Tom, loved slow development of the story. Thanks again Jen
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as I did
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This seems to be a “hot” book right now with many people I follow on Goodreads reading it at the moment.
However, it is also the third book I come across this week that is base on former bullied victim falling by now out gay bully. Such is my luck that I am getting tired of this trope.
I wanted to read this book soon but it may have to wait until I feel like reading another story based on that bully-victim premise.
I have read a least another book with this theme recently, but that didn’t put me off wanting to read this book. I think if a theme is done well by an author it doesn’t matter if it’s popular.
Maybe you’re right in waiting a while to read if you think you’ll have theme fatigue. It would be a shame if you didn’t get the full benefit of the story because it felt tired
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Fab review, I’m pressing the sold button now…..
Oh I really like this cover too it has umph!
Thanks, Raine
I’ve heard mixed feelings about the cover. I like it because, like you said, it zings off the page.
Really loved this one, I usually admire J L Merrow’s writing but don’t always love her characters, this time I really fell for Tom, great character with real heart.
Wonderful review of an extremely entertaining read. Thank you.
Wow, that was quick!
I’m glad we agree on Tom as a character. He was just delightful!
I am about 2/3 done with it and boy! is it ever British! I’ve recognized most of the terminology – whew! – but it is certainly noticeable.
I am very much enjoying it, though. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author so am pleased.
I’m glad you are enjoying it, sfrizell
I’ve read a few reviews now from people who’ve found it too British and have struggled with some of the vernacular. Obviously that wasn’t a problem for me as I’m British too and in fact I loved the fact that there were so many British colloquialisms in the story. Well done to Samhain for not insisting that the author tone down the Britishness of the book!
I usually avoid British authors, I’ve tried several and usually find them more annoying than charming.
I’ve recently read two Merrow titles, and wow! Such fun, good stories, very good characterizations, and definitely brings charm to all things British!
Thanks for the review, this one will probably make it’s way to my home very soon
She’s very accessible to all readers I think, whilst still keeping a uniquely British voice. I’m partial to British authors myself, but that’s probably because I am British too
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Reading it right now, and I love it so far! A great, funny read, and Tom is just so likable, like someone I’d love to meet in real life.
Tom is a complete darling. A British cheeky chappy on the surface but with real feelings of hurt underneath. I loved him too
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Kanaxa is the cover champion!
It’s very striking, isn’t it? A unique cover which makes it stand out from the headless torsos
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Great review Jen! The book is on my to buy list for tomorrow! Really looking forward to reading it!
I just love that cover and the title! It’s so fitting
Thanks, Larissa
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The cover fits Tom’s character well, especially with how his ‘gift’ affects him during the story.
Love your review Jenre! This one is on my short list. And I must say that this American loves to read Brit-speak. Looking forward to it
Interesting about the cover, it did grab my attention and is unique, but something tells me it will gel better after I read the book!
Thanks Dianne
I’m glad you like Brit speak because this one is chock full of it
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Yes, the cover really stands out!
I loved this book. Tom Paretski is a terrific new character, and I could easily imagine a amatuer-professional sleuth series with Tom and Phil. I’ve very much enjoyed J.L. Merrow’s other books, so this was an instant buy for me when I saw it listed. The cover is eye-catching with great graphic appeal. I don’t exactly see Tom that way, but the photo does convey a certain Tom-ish charisma.
I’m glad you loved it, Karen
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It would be great if the author could turn this into a series. Tom is a narrator who I could happily read much more of, and I think there’s more that can be built on with Tom and Phil’s relationship.
Loved this story and HATED that it had to end! What a fun character in Tom and a perfect match in Phil (IMHO)
Sequel PLEASE!!!!!!
Yes, I agree, a sequel would be wonderful. I’m not sure whether the author has plans for more or not, but I hope so
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It seems to me that, yes, I will have to read this book!
LOL, Lisa! I certainly think you should
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I’m a big fan of J.L. Merrow’s writing, and that very much continues with this book. I hope it is or will be the start of a series, because I would love to see Tom & Phil solving crimes and furthering their relationship in future books. I had already read the book before this review, but having read it just makes me want to reread this great story. Thanks for reminding me how much I enjoyed it.
You’re welcome, Andy, and I’m glad you liked the book so much. There are lots of people who seem to want a sequel (me included) so let’s hope JL Merrow bows to the demands of her fans
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I’m almost nearing the end, sadly. I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters. Love the dialogue and particularly adore the British setting. She is an amazingly talented story teller. I can’t stand the silly cover though.
I wasn’t sure about the cover at 1st…but now really like it…I can picture Tom as the cover boy acting out!
Yes, I think it does rather capture Tom’s spirit!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Madonna
. I agree, this author has real talent.