I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.

Most of us have a natural inclination to nosiness. We may try to peer surreptitiously at a fellow passenger’s book on a train, or tried to glance in through windows at night when the curtains aren’t drawn. We may want to know what the latest Hollywood star was wearing or who they are dating, or eagerly try to catch the glimpse of a bride in her dress if we stumble across a wedding. This is of course innocent enough. But what happens if that natural inquisitive nature turns into something more sinister? What is the next step, voyeur, stalker, killer…?

It is obvious from the outset that Mr Heming, and he is always known as Mr Heming, has sociopathic tendancies. He is a loner, blending into the background. He has a thriving business as an Estate Agent, yet lives in a flat rented through a shell company he owns. Oh and he has a key to every house he has ever sold, using them to ‘visit’ the properties and stay when the owners are out.

Oh this is a dark and twisted tale. I found myself at times not wanting to read any more of Mr Heming’s inner thoughts but felt compelled nonetheless to read on, the impending sense of dread ever increasing.

Through his meandering reminisces we see that Mr Heming’s issues have been around since he was a small child. His hiding and spying never seem to be innocent childhood japes and his actions then speak volumes as to the type of man he is to become. It is not so much the tale of his current predicament that is disturbing, though it is by no means comfortable, it is these reminisces that make it to me even more disturbing and sinister.

The use of the first person narrative is an excellent story-telling device. Listening to him recall his tale he makes us as the reader almost complicit, making the perils of discovery our own as well as his.

It also easy to be contradictory with this book. I spent half of my time wanting him to be caught in the act and the rest of the time willing him to hurry before he was revealed.

I can’t recall reading anything similar to this book but it had me gripped, I read the last half of the book in an afternoon. It leaves me with the feeling of being observed, and a reminder to perhaps change my locks….

Publication Date: 12th February 2015

Publisher: Black Swan

ISBN: 978-0552779395

Source: NetGalley

Rasting: 4*

Synopsis:

You won’t remember Mr Heming. He showed you round your comfortable home, suggested a sustainable financial package, negotiated a price with the owner and called you with the good news. The less good news is that, all these years later, he still has the key.

That’s absurd, you laugh. Of all the many hundreds of houses he has sold, why would he still have the key to mine?

The answer to that is, he has the keys to them all.

William Heming’s every pleasure is in his leafy community. He loves and knows every inch of it, feels nurtured by it, and would defend it - perhaps not with his life but if it came to it, with yours...

Review:

Narrated by Mr Heming himself, A Pleasure and A Calling is the story of estate agent William Heming and his rather unusual obsession with other people's lives and property. Although what he is doing is shocking, he tells it in a way which makes it seem harmless, if rather creepy. I found Heming utterly fascinating. He appears so normal that you'd barely notice him if you passed him in the street

I was completely enthralled by this book. At first, I was shocked at the audacity of Heming's behaviour, but, as the book moved from his childhood into adulthood and his role as an estate agent, I somehow accepted his behaviour and became more interested in his need to know everything about each homeowner. I can't begin to imagine how it would have made me feel to be one of his victims - to find things moved about, food missing and to think I'd lost something altogether - never imagining that it had been taken as a souvenir!

Hogan has created an intelligent page-turner that builds suspense from the outset, drawing you in from the very first page. It is gripping and dark, a psychological thriller that throws up surprises and twists just when you think you know what's going on. Fantastic!

By: Phil Hogan
ISBN: 0857521888
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication Date: 2/27/2015
Format: Audio
My Rating: 4 Stars

A PLEASURE AND A CALLING by Phil Hogan is one dark, twisted and creepy exploration of a man's obsession; a psychological suspense thriller, written cleverly, with dark humor, keeping you hooked until the end.

William Heming, a real estate agent in the lovely and charming middle-class English village, with keys to every home he has ever sold or rented. All kinds of keys which gives him the entrance to many secret lives. He likes watching, observing, and wants to know everything about the people who live behind closed doors. He takes a few things and he may leave some surprises – whatever his twisted mind feels necessary for his overall plan.

He acts as a protector, and as a God-like character, seeking to reward some and punish others. What makes the man behind the keys and chilling behavior? His past? He was forced to leave boarding school with a hint of foul play, a mystery, leading a man to live a chilling double life. Is he a killer?

The novel flashes back and forth from present day to his youth, as he becomes the broker of his real estate firm. There is a back history of missing children, attack at boarding school, and now the constant invading of other lives in the town.

I listened to the audible book narrated by Michael Page, delivering a chilling performance. A PLEASURE AND A CALLING, a psychological thriller which will intrigue you, and draw you into a world of obsession. (nice cover).

As a former Realtor, for years, cannot image doing something like this, as so intrusive; however, Heming, enjoys the wicked thrill, living a double life with engaging twists and turns for a combination of literary, crime, mystery, and psychological thriller. Change your locks!

Looking forward to reading more from this intriguing author.

Any one else's TBR pile getting out of control?  This week I've added several new books to my pile, and at this point I'm just hoping to get to them all!

First is A Pleasure and a Calling by Phil Hogan. So far this novel has been one heck of a creepy read. William Heming is a voyeur (an understatement if there ever was one) and is determined to keep his quiet English village safe from unsavory types...no matter what the cost. This novel is a great addition to the "unreliable narrator" category of suspense thrillers, and I'm enjoying it quite a bit.

I've also received an advanced copy of As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley.  What can I say?...I love Flavia de Luce! I was skeptical when I first started the series, but now I'm a devoted fan. This installment has Flavia at her new school in Canada investigating the discovery of a body in a chimney. 

Finally, I've received a copy of All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. These sorts of angsty YA novels aren't usually my thing, but I was intrigued by the premise of this one. Besides...I'll try any book once.

What's new on your pile this week?

I received a copy of this book from the publishers via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.

Most of us have a natural inclination to nosiness. We may try to peer surreptitiously at a fellow passenger’s book on a train, or tried to glance in through windows at night when the curtains aren’t drawn. We may want to know what the latest Hollywood star was wearing or who they are dating, or eagerly try to catch the glimpse of a bride in her dress if we stumble across a wedding. This is of course innocent enough. But what happens if that natural inquisitive nature turns into something more sinister? What is the next step, voyeur, stalker, killer…?

It is obvious from the outset that Mr Heming, and he is always known as Mr Heming, has sociopathic tendancies. He is a loner, blending into the background. He has a thriving business as an Estate Agent, yet lives in a flat rented through a shell company he owns. Oh and he has a key to every house he has ever sold, using them to ‘visit’ the properties and stay when the owners are out.

Oh this is a dark and twisted tale. I found myself at times not wanting to read any more of Mr Heming’s inner thoughts but felt compelled nonetheless to read on, the impending sense of dread ever increasing.

Through his meandering reminisces we see that Mr Heming’s issues have been around since he was a small child. His hiding and spying never seem to be innocent childhood japes and his actions then speak volumes as to the type of man he is to become. It is not so much the tale of his current predicament that is disturbing, though it is by no means comfortable, it is these reminisces that make it to me even more disturbing and sinister.

The use of the first person narrative is an excellent story-telling device. Listening to him recall his tale he makes us as the reader almost complicit, making the perils of discovery our own as well as his.

It also easy to be contradictory with this book. I spent half of my time wanting him to be caught in the act and the rest of the time willing him to hurry before he was revealed.

I can’t recall reading anything similar to this book but it had me gripped, I read the last half of the book in an afternoon. It leaves me with the feeling of being observed, and a reminder to perhaps change my locks….