Post cross-country move, my library is now installed and some real gems have surfaced from the many, many boxes. Point in case, Gary Kemble’s Strange Ink. A thriller-horror mash up set in Brisbane, Australia, this is a novel that demands to be read as the story builds up to a brutal conclusion.
Following Harry Hendricks, a journalist for a small, local paper, the story takes us from shady property developers and nasty motorcycle gangs to nefarious goings on in Afghanistan and a psychotic Army Intelligence officer turned politician. But, that’s not all. A murdered ex-SAS operative, Rob, has found a way to return from the grave to seek revenge, not only for himself but for countless others. This is where things get weird, especially for Harry, as it’s via tattoos that Rob communicates his memories; seeing innocent women and children gunned down, hearing his own girlfriend murdered, and worse.
For Harry, a man happy to just eek out a low key life, waking up to find himself marked with an ever growing catalogue of tattoos that accompany some very real and frightening nightmares, is the last thing he needs. Yet, he’s not crazy and the memories reveal things about events very close to home. Using his journalistic skills, long left on the shelf, Harry discovers a rabbit hole that goes deep. All the way to a drug ring in Afghanistan, a corrupt and violent politician on the verge of becoming the Australian Prime Minister and some very nasty characters willing to do anything to bury the past.
Strange Ink is a blend of the best things about horrors and thrillers. The plot unravels at a solid pace, keeping the pages turning as different threads tie into others, bringing the bigger picture into view with every chapter. But, the ghoulish nature of the truth and the vengeful spirits manifesting in the tattoos add another, chilling dimension to the tension that builds throughout the story. As Harry digs deeper, he becomes changed, taking on more than just Rob’s tattoos; he can feel the other man’s spirit within him, yearning for revenge.
Against the muggy, storm strewn Australian background, Strange Ink paints a thrilling picture. The pages are full of realistic actors and a plot of epic proportions. From the excellent cover art to the brilliantly executed story, Strange Ink is an innovative, chilling and gripping page turner.