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The Elephant Tree
Mark Fallon is an overworked detective investigating a spate of attacks at a string of high profile city centre nightclubs. Scott is a dejected 24 year old struggling to make ends meet working for his brother and supplementing his income with a small-scale drug dealing operation. Angela is an attractive 23 year old, raised by her father, a career criminal and small time drug dealer who supplies Scott with cannabis. This is a chilling tale spanning a few months in the lives of Scott and Angela, where realizations about the present combine with shocking revelations from the past leading to an apocalyptic climax where they no longer know whom they can trust.
252 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2010
1415 people are currently reading
139508 people want to read
About the author
R.D. Ronald
2Ìýbooks3,465ÌýfollowersAn award winning transgressive crime novelist (whatever that means) for All and None.
Author of The Elephant Tree and The Zombie Room. Now writing more books while getting older and more miserable.
Twitter: @RDRonaldauthor
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Author of The Elephant Tree and The Zombie Room. Now writing more books while getting older and more miserable.
Twitter: @RDRonaldauthor
Facebook:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews
March 3, 2017
Criminological Thriller at its best.
One of the books I would recommend to thriller fans.
Plot :
Scott, a drug dealer. Angela is a drug dealer's daughter. They want to get out of this bad-bad world.
Scott and Angela give you a great time telling their versions.
In one way, I enjoyed knowing about the routine of people involved with drug business. It was entertaining and new for my taste.
Scott gets an opportunity to come out of it, will he leave the path and go for what his heart speaks?
That you've to figure out.
Writing Style :
Not only crime fiction is there, but romance and family blends themselves pretty nicely. I've done my best not giving you any spoilers for this one. The author has definitely broken up all the stereotypes. You might like this theme or you might not, but you certainly can't deny the quality of this writing.
This debut novel impressed and astonished me. It was an amazing experience sitting on a sofa watching the characters develop in their own time. I would want to read more of the author's future work.
Suggested For :
If you're the person who likes dark, mysterious, suspenseful thriller, don't think much. Go for it man!
One of the books I would recommend to thriller fans.
Plot :
Scott, a drug dealer. Angela is a drug dealer's daughter. They want to get out of this bad-bad world.
Scott and Angela give you a great time telling their versions.
In one way, I enjoyed knowing about the routine of people involved with drug business. It was entertaining and new for my taste.
Scott gets an opportunity to come out of it, will he leave the path and go for what his heart speaks?
That you've to figure out.
Writing Style :
Not only crime fiction is there, but romance and family blends themselves pretty nicely. I've done my best not giving you any spoilers for this one. The author has definitely broken up all the stereotypes. You might like this theme or you might not, but you certainly can't deny the quality of this writing.
This debut novel impressed and astonished me. It was an amazing experience sitting on a sofa watching the characters develop in their own time. I would want to read more of the author's future work.
Suggested For :
If you're the person who likes dark, mysterious, suspenseful thriller, don't think much. Go for it man!
November 16, 2021
Hey, I have a booktube channel (youtube for book reviews) and I do video reviews for books like this one, epic fantasy, science fiction, media related to them, and more.
When I was first offered The Elephant Tree for review, I didn't quite know what to think. I really liked the cover and I thought it might be interesting but that's about it. Then I started reading and it's mostly about drug dealers and that's not really up my alley given my prudish upbringing.
Turns out, I'm really glad I read it.
The Elephant Tree is Ronald's debut and I have to say I'm really impressed. That's not to say this was a perfect book. It is a little disjointed in parts and some of the foreshadowing/set-up is a little confusing and the blurb on the back is kind of misleading. It talks about a character that has maybe 5 pages total involvement as if he's a main character.
Other than that, I was really attached to the actual main characters, Scott and Angela, and the plot definitely threw me for some loops. Scott is a drug dealer with bigger plans, but stuck in a rut and Angela is a drug dealer's daughter who's lived with it all her life. They both want more from life, but don't quite know how to get there.
The majority of the book, we follow Scott around through his life. He smokes weed, smokes a cigarette, drinks a pint, smokes more weed, rinse and repeat. This goes on for quite a while and I hate to bring up another negative point, because I really did like this book, but it was a bit ridiculous how much of a focus this book has on the above. Then again, that's a culture I'm completely unaware of and I have to admit it gives you a good sense of the lives of these characters and what they revolve around.
Scott has always been talking about leaving the drug dealing life and moving up and finally he's offered a chance to do just that. His friend Twinkle (nickname) has an "easy" job lined up and it would make them a lot of money. Of course this gets them in with a boss in town and that kind of relationship is not too easy to break.
The Elephant Tree is definitely worth the read. There are great characters, a great plot, and everything just fits together in a great timeline with a great pace.
Why Should You Read The Elephant Tree?
Our society is very interested in drug culture. Almost every movie you watch has at least a reference to drugs if not the plethora that actually revolve around drug dealing. Blow and Half Baked are the first that come to mind. The Elephant Tree was written by someone who has experienced this (it was mostly written from prison) and after reading it, I feel like I have a much better understanding of what goes on. Recommended.
3.5 out of 5 Stars
When I was first offered The Elephant Tree for review, I didn't quite know what to think. I really liked the cover and I thought it might be interesting but that's about it. Then I started reading and it's mostly about drug dealers and that's not really up my alley given my prudish upbringing.
Turns out, I'm really glad I read it.
The Elephant Tree is Ronald's debut and I have to say I'm really impressed. That's not to say this was a perfect book. It is a little disjointed in parts and some of the foreshadowing/set-up is a little confusing and the blurb on the back is kind of misleading. It talks about a character that has maybe 5 pages total involvement as if he's a main character.
Other than that, I was really attached to the actual main characters, Scott and Angela, and the plot definitely threw me for some loops. Scott is a drug dealer with bigger plans, but stuck in a rut and Angela is a drug dealer's daughter who's lived with it all her life. They both want more from life, but don't quite know how to get there.
The majority of the book, we follow Scott around through his life. He smokes weed, smokes a cigarette, drinks a pint, smokes more weed, rinse and repeat. This goes on for quite a while and I hate to bring up another negative point, because I really did like this book, but it was a bit ridiculous how much of a focus this book has on the above. Then again, that's a culture I'm completely unaware of and I have to admit it gives you a good sense of the lives of these characters and what they revolve around.
Scott has always been talking about leaving the drug dealing life and moving up and finally he's offered a chance to do just that. His friend Twinkle (nickname) has an "easy" job lined up and it would make them a lot of money. Of course this gets them in with a boss in town and that kind of relationship is not too easy to break.
The Elephant Tree is definitely worth the read. There are great characters, a great plot, and everything just fits together in a great timeline with a great pace.
Why Should You Read The Elephant Tree?
Our society is very interested in drug culture. Almost every movie you watch has at least a reference to drugs if not the plethora that actually revolve around drug dealing. Blow and Half Baked are the first that come to mind. The Elephant Tree was written by someone who has experienced this (it was mostly written from prison) and after reading it, I feel like I have a much better understanding of what goes on. Recommended.
3.5 out of 5 Stars
November 10, 2014
The Elephant Tree is a story of a man trying to escape from his own tedious life, initially seeming unconcerned by committing illegal acts, but when presented with the consequences and potential repercussions of some more serious circumstances, forced to question who he is and what he really believes in. A pretty dark and challenging book, but equally as exciting and rewarding.
The book itself is semi-lengthy, easy to read and cleverly written from three different POVs. Those POVs allowed me to really get a feel for the life and mentality of each of the central characters. Detective Fallon, Angela and Scott were all memorable and I found myself empathizing with the miscreants, Scott and Angela. The Elephant Tree is an entertaining criminological thriller that kept me fully engaged. I really enjoyed it and believe others who like dark, suspenseful and psychological stories will as well.
The book itself is semi-lengthy, easy to read and cleverly written from three different POVs. Those POVs allowed me to really get a feel for the life and mentality of each of the central characters. Detective Fallon, Angela and Scott were all memorable and I found myself empathizing with the miscreants, Scott and Angela. The Elephant Tree is an entertaining criminological thriller that kept me fully engaged. I really enjoyed it and believe others who like dark, suspenseful and psychological stories will as well.
November 23, 2010
my review
October 24, 2012
Excellent book, the characters are very relatable despite their criminal activities. The relationship between Scott and Angela is very complicated and interesting. I thoroughly recommend it, great read.
October 4, 2012
Couldn't put this book down. Really easy read. Well crafted crime mystery novel with a raw flavor to the details that makes it all feel more real and really gets you hooked.
Loved this book so much I went on to read the author's second novel 'The Zombie Room'. Also a good read.
R.D. Ronald is known for his rocky relationship with the law. His work is inspired by the time he spent in prison for drug distribution, having grown weed for his wife to help her with her battle with cancer. It's an interesting story.
His writing reflects the plight of working class people getting in to sticky situations just trying to make ends meet, and survive.... the authenticity of this story and the characters I think stem from his experiences, and it really makes a big difference for me as a reader. I highly recommend this book!
Loved this book so much I went on to read the author's second novel 'The Zombie Room'. Also a good read.
R.D. Ronald is known for his rocky relationship with the law. His work is inspired by the time he spent in prison for drug distribution, having grown weed for his wife to help her with her battle with cancer. It's an interesting story.
His writing reflects the plight of working class people getting in to sticky situations just trying to make ends meet, and survive.... the authenticity of this story and the characters I think stem from his experiences, and it really makes a big difference for me as a reader. I highly recommend this book!
January 27, 2015
Initially I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Elephant Tree and only bought the ebook because it was cheap but how glad I am that I did. I think this is the modern day equivalent of the bargain bin books I used to find hidden gems in when I was a kid.
It’s difficult to describe the certain elements of intrigue in The Elephant Tree without giving away any spoilers, but I will say that this is far more than your typical case of crime fiction � police procedural coupled with predictable clichéd romance then tied off in a bow at the end. There is a lot of depth to the character arcs and better plot development than you’d expect in this type of novel. The interwoven storylines get better still as you progress through the book without ever feeling contrived as an excuse to squeeze in more chapters.
I’m not typically someone who is drawn to this kind of book, but I did love this and will seek out more by R D Ronald in the future. I’d certainly recommend this to fans of crime or thrillers in general, but don’t expect the same ride that you’re used to. Full marks from me for daring to break the mold on what I had considered to be a bit of a stuffy genre.
December 14, 2015
A wild and dark story, a mystery with a bunch of twists and turns. Over the top in places but a thoroughly good read. A psychological drama from the get-go. Definitely recommend it.
December 8, 2016
it´s amazing, i loved every page
October 6, 2012
The Elephant Tree was recommended to me by a fellow crime-thriller fan. Debut novels can be a little hit-and-miss as a writer finds his (or her) style. The Elephant Tree definitely sits in the category of HIT!
The back of the book gives only a glimpse in to the plot and the seedy world occupied by well written, interesting characters. The plot is always exciting and leads you in a world of drug deals and violence, where you don't know who to trust.
This is a fantastic thriller and one I'm sure I'll read again on a regular basis.
The back of the book gives only a glimpse in to the plot and the seedy world occupied by well written, interesting characters. The plot is always exciting and leads you in a world of drug deals and violence, where you don't know who to trust.
This is a fantastic thriller and one I'm sure I'll read again on a regular basis.
February 1, 2019
The Elephant Tree by R. D. Ronald
Book starts out with a team of Scott and Neil supplying drugs to the local folks at the clubs they frequent.
They make quite a profit but Scott wants a quieter life so he agrees to try a different venture to gain big money quick.
Scott's brother Jack has warned him to stay away from the guys he's been hanging out with...
Angela-once dated Jack years ago has now found Scott and their lifes mesh with one another.
Things don't go according to plan on the venture but some things do over time.
Love the detailed descriptions of the places and events of the holiday, seasonal weather and even new words for me.
Just one really gory part with a hammer but this would make an awesome movie-similar to ones I've seen on TV and enjoyed. Kind of like gangsters doing what they do.
Lots of action, adventure, drugs, love and especially love the cave and everything it stands for.
Jeff and Scott do have the plans to make it all work but there are wrinkles along the way-Angela is taken...
Like what elephant tree stands for them all in the end.
Just a handful of characters that intertwine as the story goes on. Easy to keep track of them all.
Found there is an extra story within this one: past lives of their parents, letters come to surface that play a big part in the end.
Found English way of spelling words kinda throws me off a bit. Was a cool book to hear from the drug dealers side of the story and how things run for them.
Would like to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Book starts out with a team of Scott and Neil supplying drugs to the local folks at the clubs they frequent.
They make quite a profit but Scott wants a quieter life so he agrees to try a different venture to gain big money quick.
Scott's brother Jack has warned him to stay away from the guys he's been hanging out with...
Angela-once dated Jack years ago has now found Scott and their lifes mesh with one another.
Things don't go according to plan on the venture but some things do over time.
Love the detailed descriptions of the places and events of the holiday, seasonal weather and even new words for me.
Just one really gory part with a hammer but this would make an awesome movie-similar to ones I've seen on TV and enjoyed. Kind of like gangsters doing what they do.
Lots of action, adventure, drugs, love and especially love the cave and everything it stands for.
Jeff and Scott do have the plans to make it all work but there are wrinkles along the way-Angela is taken...
Like what elephant tree stands for them all in the end.
Just a handful of characters that intertwine as the story goes on. Easy to keep track of them all.
Found there is an extra story within this one: past lives of their parents, letters come to surface that play a big part in the end.
Found English way of spelling words kinda throws me off a bit. Was a cool book to hear from the drug dealers side of the story and how things run for them.
Would like to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
July 3, 2016
The book started off a little slow, and took me a couple of chapters to feel engaged. However, once the storyline took off, this book was hard to put down. Believable characters, lots of action surrounding the dark drug world, reflection, and then somehow redemption. Very satisfying.
February 19, 2019
R. D. Ronald begins with Scott, a struggling drug dealer, whose dream is to return to his family’s country. In reality, Scott is tied down to a mortgage payment on his deceased uncle’s country home. Angela is special to Scott, but he made a promise her father, Putty, not to date her. Putty wants more for his daughter than to marry a drug dealer though he is Scotty’s supplier. And Detective Fallon is poking his nose everywhere looking for answers.
Ìý
The Elephant Tree is more than a crime thriller. Mysterious disappears, a hidden crime boss who’s taking over clubs and drug dealings, not to mention a deadly love triangle that will repeat itself. ÌýR. D. Ronald sneaks in characters from other crime novels he has written to keep his books connected. After the plot is set I found I could not put this book down. Mystique surrounds the characters until Fallon forces their hand and it leaves Scott with the answers he sought. Ronald excels in urban crime and the mood for a dark read. ÌýÌýÌýÌý
Ìý
The Elephant Tree is more than a crime thriller. Mysterious disappears, a hidden crime boss who’s taking over clubs and drug dealings, not to mention a deadly love triangle that will repeat itself. ÌýR. D. Ronald sneaks in characters from other crime novels he has written to keep his books connected. After the plot is set I found I could not put this book down. Mystique surrounds the characters until Fallon forces their hand and it leaves Scott with the answers he sought. Ronald excels in urban crime and the mood for a dark read. ÌýÌýÌýÌý
April 12, 2016
This is a book for the indie generation with a consistent quiet distaste for the mainstream throughout. An intriguing, crime thriller, and whilst too grimy to be a ‘light-read�, it is easy-going and undemanding. The main character is a reluctant drug dealer, who, through the first half of the book, tends to be an aloof observer of much of his city/ drug world, often quite grumpy, but attempting to maintain integrity in his choices, and some distance from risky actions. He is motivated by a desire to get away, seeming to prefer the countryside and a quieter life, hopefully with his loyal girlfriend. The introduction of characters in the first half of the book is what you expect of a crime drama, each playing a part in how the protagonist makes his decisions, and how we view him and his world. The book is filled with quirky and humorous descriptions, and there is a dry, cynical sense of humour throughout. The story really picks up pace and interest in the second half and becomes a gripping tale until all the threads of the plot are neatly brought into place.
October 8, 2012
I must admit, I was dubious starting this book as it isn't usually my scene. Once I started reading it, however, my mind was changed. The characters have a very real feel to them and you feel like part of the story almost instantaneously. The book has an amazing empathetic mood to it and as well as having those everyday life and happy moments, it has sad bits that really draw out your emotion. Even if you are easily upset by tear-jerking stories, (like myself), I would recommend this book as It is seriously worth the read!
December 10, 2018
‘History is repeating itself, Scott. The cycle of suffering goes on.�
British author R.D. Ronald made his literary debut with THE ELEPHANT TREE written in 2010. He has since published THE ZOMBIE ROOM. Ronald describes himself as a “transgressive novelist� � ‘A genre of literature that focuses on characters who feel confined by the norms and expectations of society and who break free of those confines in unusual or illicit ways. Because they are rebelling against the basic norms of society, protagonists of transgressive fiction may seem mentally ill, anti-social or nihilistic.� Of interest for the topic of this novel, R.D. has served prison time for growing cannabis and it was while he was imprisoned that he began THE ELEPHANT TREE. This fact is particularly interesting now that in 2018 cannabis is legal in most of the countries!
Ronald’s writing is punctuated with insights into the underbelly of the crime world. He writes extremely well as the opening of his book attests � ‘The call came in at 01:48 on Saturday morning as Detective Mark Fallon was catching up on his paperwork at the station. A shooting at Aura nightclub, one of the more luxurious establishments in Garden Heights. Fallon’s partner Alan Bryson pulled their green Volvo up behind some squad cars already outside the club. Officers on the scene were taking statements. A few clubbers had been detained for questioning; others hung around hoping something interesting would happen. Fallon stepped over empty beer bottles and discarded Chinese food cartons that lay on the pavement. An empty pizza box lid opened and closed like the mouth of a mute in the cold night breeze. ‘Wait out here Alan,� Fallon said. ‘Talk to this lot, get some impressions.� The Aura manager was hovering in the entrance. ‘Nick Baker,� he said, giving Fallon a tremulous handshake. Baker wore a sharp-fitting fashionable suit, or it would have been if he was ten years younger and a few inches narrower in the waist. Fallon guessed he was forty-five. He looked distressed, probably because the victim was his brother. ‘How is he doing?� Detective Fallon asked. ‘Fred, he’s stable, thanks for asking. The Doctors say he was lucky, no arteries or organs were hit in the attack, just tissue damage and blood loss.� ‘Do you have any reason to suspect your brother was targeted?� he asked, and flipped open his notebook. ‘No, not at all,� the manager replied, perhaps a little too quickly, Fallon thought. His eyes darted around the room as he spoke, never settling on anything for more than a second before they took flight again. ‘Surely it was just a random act of aggression.� ‘A random act of aggression outside the club, perhaps. Maybe a fist-fight inside. But a shooting in a prestigious venue like this one would appear to be anything other than random, Mr Baker. Especially considering the security measures you have in place,� Fallon said, and tapped the metal detector archway they stood beside at the club’s entrance. ‘I’m presuming everyone has to walk through here when they come in, no exceptions?� ‘Yes, I mean no � no exceptions,� the manager confirmed.�
With that sample the plot is as follows: ‘Mark Fallon is an overworked detective investigating a spate of attacks at a string of high profile city centre nightclubs. Scott is a dejected 24 year old struggling to make ends meet working for his brother and supplementing his income with a small-scale drug dealing operation. Angela is an attractive 23 year old, raised by her father, a career criminal and small time drug dealer who supplies Scott with cannabis. This is a chilling tale spanning a few months in the lives of Scott and Angela, where realizations about the present combine with shocking revelations from the past leading to an apocalyptic climax where they no longer know whom they can trust.�
Raw, real, atmospheric and visceral, this is crime writing at its finest. R.D. Ronald is an important author to watch. Highly recommended.
British author R.D. Ronald made his literary debut with THE ELEPHANT TREE written in 2010. He has since published THE ZOMBIE ROOM. Ronald describes himself as a “transgressive novelist� � ‘A genre of literature that focuses on characters who feel confined by the norms and expectations of society and who break free of those confines in unusual or illicit ways. Because they are rebelling against the basic norms of society, protagonists of transgressive fiction may seem mentally ill, anti-social or nihilistic.� Of interest for the topic of this novel, R.D. has served prison time for growing cannabis and it was while he was imprisoned that he began THE ELEPHANT TREE. This fact is particularly interesting now that in 2018 cannabis is legal in most of the countries!
Ronald’s writing is punctuated with insights into the underbelly of the crime world. He writes extremely well as the opening of his book attests � ‘The call came in at 01:48 on Saturday morning as Detective Mark Fallon was catching up on his paperwork at the station. A shooting at Aura nightclub, one of the more luxurious establishments in Garden Heights. Fallon’s partner Alan Bryson pulled their green Volvo up behind some squad cars already outside the club. Officers on the scene were taking statements. A few clubbers had been detained for questioning; others hung around hoping something interesting would happen. Fallon stepped over empty beer bottles and discarded Chinese food cartons that lay on the pavement. An empty pizza box lid opened and closed like the mouth of a mute in the cold night breeze. ‘Wait out here Alan,� Fallon said. ‘Talk to this lot, get some impressions.� The Aura manager was hovering in the entrance. ‘Nick Baker,� he said, giving Fallon a tremulous handshake. Baker wore a sharp-fitting fashionable suit, or it would have been if he was ten years younger and a few inches narrower in the waist. Fallon guessed he was forty-five. He looked distressed, probably because the victim was his brother. ‘How is he doing?� Detective Fallon asked. ‘Fred, he’s stable, thanks for asking. The Doctors say he was lucky, no arteries or organs were hit in the attack, just tissue damage and blood loss.� ‘Do you have any reason to suspect your brother was targeted?� he asked, and flipped open his notebook. ‘No, not at all,� the manager replied, perhaps a little too quickly, Fallon thought. His eyes darted around the room as he spoke, never settling on anything for more than a second before they took flight again. ‘Surely it was just a random act of aggression.� ‘A random act of aggression outside the club, perhaps. Maybe a fist-fight inside. But a shooting in a prestigious venue like this one would appear to be anything other than random, Mr Baker. Especially considering the security measures you have in place,� Fallon said, and tapped the metal detector archway they stood beside at the club’s entrance. ‘I’m presuming everyone has to walk through here when they come in, no exceptions?� ‘Yes, I mean no � no exceptions,� the manager confirmed.�
With that sample the plot is as follows: ‘Mark Fallon is an overworked detective investigating a spate of attacks at a string of high profile city centre nightclubs. Scott is a dejected 24 year old struggling to make ends meet working for his brother and supplementing his income with a small-scale drug dealing operation. Angela is an attractive 23 year old, raised by her father, a career criminal and small time drug dealer who supplies Scott with cannabis. This is a chilling tale spanning a few months in the lives of Scott and Angela, where realizations about the present combine with shocking revelations from the past leading to an apocalyptic climax where they no longer know whom they can trust.�
Raw, real, atmospheric and visceral, this is crime writing at its finest. R.D. Ronald is an important author to watch. Highly recommended.
October 7, 2012
If you read my recent review of The Zombie Room, you will know that I bought The Elephant Tree on a recent visit to the UK where I was lucky enough to meet the author himself. This book, like The Zombie Room was excellent and I would absolutely recommend that you read both R.D. Ronald's books and anything else the author writes as you will not be disappointed. Both The Zombie Room and The Elephant Tree are great books!
October 1, 2010
Although this genre is not my usual cup of tea (it's sort of clubland meets gangland) I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down from the part where Scott and Twinkle do their job. Well worth a read!!
September 20, 2012
Great book, keeps you on the edge of your seat, trying to anticipate what will happen next. the kind of book that consumes your mind even when not reading. its a must read!!
November 14, 2014
How to review this book.
entertaining content (you will go through this book within days) but it's like junkfood and not coming to any great awe(some) moments.
Scotts is our main character. He's a small time drug dealer with his friend Neil.
They have their regular group of druggies that they know and associate with. Life is good, not great but good. Although Scott has been feeling for a while he needs a change.
Scott has a strained relationship with his only brother. After his parents died and then his uncle committs suicide, the brothers just seem to lack that connection most find in any normal childhood.
Camera black out and reopen with Angela. A young beautiful female with an alternative style. We are briefed on her romance history including a shocking revelation. Angela just happens to be the daughter of a middle man drug provider--most importantly Scotts hook up. Clearly we can see whats coming.
As the story goes on we are introduced more importantly to Twinkle. Poor old guy. A big time alcoholic and weed dealer. Unfortunately he doesn't seem to make the most wise decisions. Twinkle approaches Scott about an opportunity he may have.
The story really takes off when this opportunity is accepted and watch the outcome which is very intersting.
I think what I really desired was a more substantial outcome in all honesty.
This was a good read and I would recommend it for something light during your heavy readings.
entertaining content (you will go through this book within days) but it's like junkfood and not coming to any great awe(some) moments.
Scotts is our main character. He's a small time drug dealer with his friend Neil.
They have their regular group of druggies that they know and associate with. Life is good, not great but good. Although Scott has been feeling for a while he needs a change.
Scott has a strained relationship with his only brother. After his parents died and then his uncle committs suicide, the brothers just seem to lack that connection most find in any normal childhood.
Camera black out and reopen with Angela. A young beautiful female with an alternative style. We are briefed on her romance history including a shocking revelation. Angela just happens to be the daughter of a middle man drug provider--most importantly Scotts hook up. Clearly we can see whats coming.
As the story goes on we are introduced more importantly to Twinkle. Poor old guy. A big time alcoholic and weed dealer. Unfortunately he doesn't seem to make the most wise decisions. Twinkle approaches Scott about an opportunity he may have.
The story really takes off when this opportunity is accepted and watch the outcome which is very intersting.
I think what I really desired was a more substantial outcome in all honesty.
This was a good read and I would recommend it for something light during your heavy readings.
October 5, 2019
The Elephant Tree by R.D. Ronald’s is a well written, dark, and suspenseful true crime novel that will bring readers back for each new release.
“Sometimes truths are what we run from, and sometimes they are what we seek.� (book quote)
Told from multiple points of view, Scott is a low-level drug dealer and wants to find a way out of this lifestyle. Angela is the daughter of a drug dealer and had never known another way of life but wants to find a way out. Ronald writes about Scott and Angela so that the reader cares for them; regardless of their choices, you find yourself rooting for them.
If you were offered an opportunity to get out, would you take it? Would you be able to see what the consequences are beyond the goal? There’s plenty of action and twists and turns to keep you turning the pages!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, suspense, detective, crime novels, and/or action.
“Sometimes truths are what we run from, and sometimes they are what we seek.� (book quote)
Told from multiple points of view, Scott is a low-level drug dealer and wants to find a way out of this lifestyle. Angela is the daughter of a drug dealer and had never known another way of life but wants to find a way out. Ronald writes about Scott and Angela so that the reader cares for them; regardless of their choices, you find yourself rooting for them.
If you were offered an opportunity to get out, would you take it? Would you be able to see what the consequences are beyond the goal? There’s plenty of action and twists and turns to keep you turning the pages!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, suspense, detective, crime novels, and/or action.
June 23, 2016
I was amazed and frightened at the same time .
but this book is excellent is a principle that gets you from the first words .
March 15, 2020
I think The Elephant Tree would make a great introductory book for someone not particularly into dark crime books as I found the writing and concepts going on pretty easy to get to grips with. It all runs along at a nice pace and has enough intrigue early on to hook you into the story. One of those books where you’re reading and when you look up at the clock you don’t realise how much time has passed. I’d definitely recommend giving it a go. I read Ronald’s other book first but I don’t think it matters what order you read them in, but I do think after reading one of them you’ll want to get started on the other right away
September 30, 2010
Given as a gift, I was slightly dubious after reading the synopsis of The Elephant Tree, but decided I would give it a go anyway, and after a few chapters was completely hooked and glad I gave it a chance. The pacing and plot are different to what most mainstream books adhere to these days, but the change is hugely refreshing. The personalities of the characters are very compeling, which I never would have believed after looking over the synopsis. This one is well worth taking a chance on.
May 30, 2021
The Elephant Tree was a very compelling book from start to end. It was fast-paced - I couldn't wait to see what happens next.
Yet this book is different from all the thrillers I have read because it offers more than just adrenaline rush. The author keeps you intrigued through the various twists and turns.
Despite the setting being the world of drug dealers and criminals, you can't help but sympathize with the characters. Scott and Angela were very likeable characters. I genuinely felt for them.Both of them were stuck in a world where they don't really belong.
The Elephant Tree is a well-written and original novel with an engrossing plot. Moreover there is more depth to it , than might be apparent for the first time. Though this is one of those books which sucks you in right from the fist page, it also takes a step away from the usual whodunnits. Its hard to believe that this is the author's first novel.
The ending was really unexpected and despite the huge amount of suspense novels I have read, it still managed to take me by surprise.
Overall:
Gripping psychological thriller!
Recommended?
Yes! To everyone who loves thrillers and suspense, with a depth.
Visit my Bookstagram for more book reviews:
Yet this book is different from all the thrillers I have read because it offers more than just adrenaline rush. The author keeps you intrigued through the various twists and turns.
Despite the setting being the world of drug dealers and criminals, you can't help but sympathize with the characters. Scott and Angela were very likeable characters. I genuinely felt for them.Both of them were stuck in a world where they don't really belong.
The Elephant Tree is a well-written and original novel with an engrossing plot. Moreover there is more depth to it , than might be apparent for the first time. Though this is one of those books which sucks you in right from the fist page, it also takes a step away from the usual whodunnits. Its hard to believe that this is the author's first novel.
The ending was really unexpected and despite the huge amount of suspense novels I have read, it still managed to take me by surprise.
Overall:
Gripping psychological thriller!
Recommended?
Yes! To everyone who loves thrillers and suspense, with a depth.
Visit my Bookstagram for more book reviews:
October 18, 2012
My only fault with this book is that I simply didn’t want to put it down in between sittings, which was a tad problematic at bedtime,...it wasn’t a book I had chosen myself to read and probably wouldn’t have if it hadn’t been recommended to me.
I can honestly say it has set the bar for my future expectations!!! it has all the aspects I crave from a book, good characterisation, with a punchy storyline and disappointment of the last page perfection...... :)
I have to say though for a first published novel, I am amazed!!!.....and am now more than looking forward to reading more stuff from Mr. Ronald :)
And I highly recommend it!!!!!
I can honestly say it has set the bar for my future expectations!!! it has all the aspects I crave from a book, good characterisation, with a punchy storyline and disappointment of the last page perfection...... :)
I have to say though for a first published novel, I am amazed!!!.....and am now more than looking forward to reading more stuff from Mr. Ronald :)
And I highly recommend it!!!!!
October 18, 2012
The book was intriguing starting with the cover and the story did not disappoint. I didn't want to put it down and didn't want it to end.
August 6, 2013
Easy read; full of action. However, multiple spelling errors, inconsistencies and a poor ending made this story forgettable.
September 22, 2014
I do not understand how people can say this is a book you can't put down. I usually read a good book in one, maybe two sittings. Every time I put this one down it took me a week to pick it back up. I finished it out of pure desire to have finished it.
The first 120 pages are disjointed and don't insight any intrigue about what is going to happen or how things will intertwine. Then, it finally gets interesting and that part is over in a few pages. The final reveal is boring and disappointing. No one wants to read a story about what happens in the end. It was a lazy conclusion. The final few paragraphs read like the author knew how badly we would want it to end... Maybe he did too.
Overall, the story was okay. I didn't hate it completely but I wouldn't recommend it to someone else.
The first 120 pages are disjointed and don't insight any intrigue about what is going to happen or how things will intertwine. Then, it finally gets interesting and that part is over in a few pages. The final reveal is boring and disappointing. No one wants to read a story about what happens in the end. It was a lazy conclusion. The final few paragraphs read like the author knew how badly we would want it to end... Maybe he did too.
Overall, the story was okay. I didn't hate it completely but I wouldn't recommend it to someone else.
November 2, 2012
overated.If you were young,inexperienced,and not very worldly you would like this book. It made me laugh.Is this "Young Adult Fiction"?Be careful, there are "cannabis" sellers out there!
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