One Good Deed by David Jackson

 

Late one evening as Elliott Whiston is returning from a quick shopping trip he is approached by a young woman, Rebecca, asking if she can walk with him as she is being followed by an ex-boyfriend who refuses to accept their relationship is over. Elliott's good deed turns in to a nightmare as the ex-boyfriend, Darren, refuses to accept Elliott's version of events and threatens violence unless he helps Darren find Rebecca.

This is one of those adrenaline fuelled, read in one sitting books that grips you and refuses to let go until the end. The opening chapter is full of creepiness, black humour and has a shocking ending. It's hard to believe that this is only a prelude to the even more shocking events that play out in the rest of One Good Deed. 

Main character, Elliott, is mild and unassuming. He leads a lonely existence, having missed the opportunity to go to university because he looked after his ailing mother. He's now in a rut, questioning his life. The chance to help a "damsel in distress" gives him the occasion to play hero for a brief time. Little does Elliott realise the consequences of his actions. Even when things start to unravel he still believes in doing the right thing.

As events spiral out of control we learn more about Rebecca and Darren. Darren is controlling, refusing to accept anything other than his own view of events. Initially Rebecca comes across as a character you have a lot of sympathy for, particularly after one scene in particular where she meets Darren. However, as the story progresses you lose all sympathy for her and begin to wonder if this is all some strange game of cat and mouse with Elliott as the poor, helpless creature stuck in the middle.

Threats soon escalate in to violence as Darren's demands become more extreme. It becomes a race against time, leading to a conclusion that is brutal. It really does make you wonder if you should ever do a simple good deed for a stranger.

One Good Deed by David Jackson will be published on 6th July 2023 in paperback and ebook format. My thanks to NetGalley and Viper Books for a review copy.