AN engaging, visceral novel set in the Sixties, David Woods’ Drink With The Devil is a fast-moving thriller full of vitriol, passion and intrigue. An orphaned, unemployed farm worker, Jim Grainger shares a sensual, forbidden love with new farm-owner’s daughter, Angela Osbourne.

When armed arsonists murder her parents, Angela is attacked and sinks into a coma. Briefly imprisoned after killing Angela’s assailant to save her life, Jim visits Angela in hospital and regains consciousness.

Whilst Jim and Angela represent positivity and hope, her devious brother and family businessman Garry casts a dark, paranoid shadow. When Garry discovers Jim is free, a Machiavellian, revenge-fuelled pursuit ensues.

As Drink With The Devil evolves into a rollercoaster of physical trauma and emotional drama, Jim suffers persecution before escaping a harrowing abduction. In Woods’ driven narrative, Jim must overcome incredible odds through Garry’s obsession with ruining his house-building business.

The novel’s title highlights Garry’s escalating alcohol dependence and its’ nightmare-inducing visions of violence. Woods provides an acutely disturbing portrayal of the psychological turmoil affecting Garry’s marriage, business and health.

Following shocking family revelations, Garry learns he is adopted. His vitriol towards Jim intensifies into a secret sibling rivalry when he realises they’re long-lost brothers.

A tense narrative of breathless drama and graphic danger fuels Woods’ plot. Garry hires a contract killer and Jim is erroneously presumed dead in a house fire. In the author’s chilling conveyance of desperation and corruption, Jim is charged with arson and murder.

Shocked at Jim’s survival, Garry becomes furious when he’s released. Despite being persecuted for mysterious murders, Jim and Angela are blissfully yet briefly reunited. Through his unexplained hatred, Garry refuses to sell Jim the farm. As financial problems mount, so does Garry’s ruinous vendetta.

Having failed to frame Jim for another murder, Garry’s violent criminality is revealed. As his alcoholic demons coalesce with guilt, bitterness and depression, Garry endures a nervous breakdown.

When a wealthy Jim begins a new life with Jane on his old farm, Drink With The Devil illustrates how love, courage and determination can overcome anger, obsession, violence and suspicion.