Amazon BeWrite Books Category:  Crime Publisher: BeWrite Books ISBN-10:  1904224024 Type: Fiction Pages: 170 Copyright: Mar 1 2002 one of life's plodders becomes embroiled (thinks he does) in events beyond his ken .... three things happen to turn Somerset divorce detective George Hawkins' view of life upside down. On the same day that he witnesses a hit'n run, his house is burgled and his live-in girlfriend disappears. As a psychological novel, this has the detective subsequently projecting his inner histories onto the puzzling events around him. While on another level 'Marks' becomes an historical novel, with its roots in the Japanese arena of WW2 and in post-War Japanese industrial success... Excerpt I've often thought, with my face and body, I was born to be a policeman. Imagine me big-boned with a flat MP's cap pulled down over my eyes, round chin jutting. I don't wear a cap now, favour anoraks and slacks for working, got a dark grey suit for court appearances, jumpers and cords for country walks and country pubs. Molly, my girlfriend of 3 years, kept trying to get me into jeans and tight shirts. But I knew what I was, and I wasn't going to be made ridiculous by fashion. By this time though Molly had given up trying to change me; and my clothes had become a public grumble, public joke. That was the outside of me. Inside? Inside I was then, as I am now, my history. And my history is what this book is going to tell you.

Dog-Eared Webzine
"... Sam Smith offers an in depth look into the life of a divorce detective trying to solve a case while dealing with life's little surprises along the way. "Marks" is about more than a fancy way of chalking the tires as a form of surveillance. It is a story about George Hawkins, hired to follow a case of adultery who finds himself witness to a hit and run, a possible suspect in a missing person's case, and on the trail of a possible spy. In the midst of all this George must keep himself alert and focused as the sudden disappearance of his long time live-in girlfriend propels him into self-doubt and onto the brink of depression. Unknowing if she is dead or alive, he tries to keep a grip on his instincts for his job rather than the emotions of the heart.
The reader is hooked with strong realistic narration while taking you on a journey filled with puzzles and loopholes. You really feel you get to know the main character and feel for him at every twist.... ....Sam Smith has written an enjoyable story that unravels to a clean yet surprising story. I recommend this book and look forward to more stories from this talented author." Nancy Jackson

eBooks Weekly Review
"Sam Smith uses first person in superb narrative fashion to deliver an exceptional story. The mind of the main character is openly displayed, allowing other characters to be formed and fascinatingly observed. The addition of historical events weighs heavily on convictions and friendships, and gives insight into Japanese culture. MARKS is not just a mystery or espionage tale, but also an indication of what certain circumstances can do to individuals in true life situations..." Patricia Spork