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Secrets and Suspense: An Enthralling Review of "The Mainstay"

  • Writer: Tracey Holland
    Tracey Holland
  • Apr 12
  • 4 min read




AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY 

 

Richard lives in East Anglia with his wife and two daughters. He is a trained journalist and spent his early years freelancing or in agency positions across the UK, including a stint in Northern Ireland in the mid-1990s. He then transferred to the third sector, working in charities focusing on issues as diverse as international development (in India and Bangladesh), air ambulance operations, music and the creative industries, mental health and homelessness. He also acted as Chief Executive of the Olympic Park charity during London 2012.

 

He is currently the CEO of Hourglass, the UK’s only charity focused on ending the abuse and neglect of older people, a job he applied for after a family experience of neglect.  

 

Richard wrote his first novel in the early 2000s but this has yet to see the light of day. Instead, he started with a new idea in 2020 and Topaz was born. He has written two more in the Topaz Files series, Wild Flowers and The Mainstay, which are expected to be published in 2024. 

 

He is also happily in the dugout for Boxford Rovers F.C. on a Saturday, a committed cratedigger (vinyl collector) and can occasionally be seen in the stands at Loftus Road and Windsor Park.

 



BLURB

 

Witness to Murder. A City on Edge. A Mastermind Hiding in Plain Sight. When university student Sam Jacobs witnesses the murder of a Unionist MP in Ballycastle, he becomes more than a bystander — he becomes a target. Drawn into a web of politics, crime, and sectarian violence, Sam’s world unravels as powerful forces close in to silence him. Chief Inspector Orla Massey calls on the covert Topaz team to investigate, but corruption in the RUC, political interference, and the ghosts of her past push her to the brink.

Meanwhile, MI5’s Jones, Jenny Richmond, and Declan McNally face a growing threat from an elusive mastermind known only as The Big Man. Power, politics, and betrayal collide as they race to unmask him before he strikes again. From the terror of a Belfast safe house to a hanging aboard a luxury yacht, from a brutal execution to the underworld of global crime syndicates, The Mainstay is a gripping, heart-breaking and razor-sharp whodunit where no one can be trusted. And as the body count rises, one question remains: Who is The Big Man? And how do you catch a man who doesn’t exist?



Review


The Mainstay by Richard Robinson is a captivating addition to the "The Topaz Files" series, published by SpellBound Books in 2025. This third installment is a masterful blend of mystery, drama, and complex character dynamics that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The novel opens with a thrilling and chaotic scene involving a man dressed as Batman and a woman dressed as Wonder Woman, setting the stage for an intriguing plot. The protagonist, Sam Jacobs, an 18-year-old student, finds himself entangled in a web of secrets and danger as he witnesses the murder of Phillip Bradley, an MP, and becomes a key figure in the unfolding mystery.

Robinson's storytelling is exceptional, weaving together themes of identity, secrecy, and the impact of past traumas on present actions. The characters are well-developed, each with their struggles and complexities that add depth to the narrative. Chief Inspector Orla Massey's investigation into Bradley's death brings a sense of urgency and suspense, making it impossible to put the book down.

Set in the picturesque yet tumultuous backdrop of Northern Ireland, the novel's setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences and the plot's progression. The vivid descriptions of Ballycastle, Belfast, and other rural locations immerse readers in the story, making them feel a part of the characters' journey.

The novel explores themes of identity, secrecy, and the complexities of human relationships. It delves into the impact of past traumas on present actions and the struggle for justice. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences and plot unfolding.

Robinson's ability to create a compelling narrative with unexpected twists and turns is evident throughout the book. For instance, the chaotic scene at the beginning where Batman is injured, and Wonder Woman is tied up is described vividly: "A rather plump man dressed in a rubber Batman costume was on the floor and in severe pain. He had seriously injured his legs, knees, and stomach and was crying out in agony". This sets the tone for the intense and gripping story that follows.

Another memorable quote that highlights Robinson's skill in character development is when Sam Jacobs reflects on his life and struggles: "Sam felt out of place in this coastal village in the north coast of Ireland. He knew his birth family came from somewhere in Ulster and thought he might feel some kind of connection. But he was miles from his real home and the pull of Ireland wasn’t evident yet". This adds depth to Sam's character and makes readers empathize with his journey.

The Mainstay is a gripping novel that combines mystery, drama, and intricate character dynamics. Richard Robinson's ability to create a compelling narrative with unexpected twists and turns makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre. It is a testament to Robinson's skill as a storyteller and his ability to keep readers engaged from start to finish.


LINKS TO BUY 

 

 

 

 

WEBSITE

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 

Twitter at @TheTopazFiles

Richard on Instagram at @r_we_r

Email Richard at thewash_house@live.co.uk


 
 
 
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