Felix Pink is part of a group where the members are known as Exiteers - although his fellow group members know him as John. The role of an Exiteer is simple, they enter the home of a person who wishes to die and sit with them while they breath nitrous oxide - a comforting presence for the person ending their life with dignity. There are strict rules in place for 'John' and his fellow Exiteers, they can only observe and provide comfort, they can't provide the nitrous oxide or provide any assistance.
It is not a role for everyone, so it is not surprising that members of the group come and go, but when Felix takes Amanda out for her first time things don't go as planned - somehow the wrong man dies and everything Felix has come to depend on seems to fall apart. Breaking all the rules of the Exiteers Felix goes back to the scene of the crime, drawn back to the disaster to try and understand what went wrong. But trying to understand what happens places Felix on a collision course with the police investigation into what they initially think is an illegal assisted suicide. Life is never that neat and tidy though, neither is death, and there are more players in this game of life and death than anyone knows.
Exit is a fascinating and well written crime novel that will keep you guessing about what really happened all the way to the end. Bauer has created a series of complex, interwoven lives that come together to create a very realistic and multilayered story. The characters are likeable and engaging, and feel well rounded and whole - like they could actually exist off the page which is what makes the whole story so addictive. The subject matter would be taboo for some, but it is treated well and makes the characters more sympathetic and brings the plight of the elderly and terminally ill into the limelight.
Not a light and fluffy read, but there are some moments of real humour and light relief from everyday life. This is a book that was written to be read, and will appeal to a wide range of crime readers. I have already ordered Snap by the same author to see if this is a one-hit wonder or just a great read from a talented author.
If you like this book then try:
- Eeny meeny by M.J. Arlidge
- The better sister by Alafair Burke
- The puppet show by M.W. Craven
- Every last fear by Alex Finlay
- Sticks and stones by Katherine Firkin
- When darkness calls by Mark Griffin
- Good me bad me by Ali Land
- When you are mine by Michael Robotham
- A flicker in the dark by Stacy Willingham
Reviewed by Brilla
