I absolutely loved it! Susan Howatch is truly a fantastic storyteller. Her ability to combine worldly and spiritual reflection in a psychological thriller is simply remarkable.

The story takes the reader on a captivating journey, delving deep into the human psyche while also exploring profound spiritual themes. Howatch's writing is so engaging that it keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motives and inner turmoil. As you follow their story, you can't help but become emotionally invested in their fates.

What I also appreciate about Howatch's work is her attention to detail. The settings are vividly described, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that adds to the overall tension and suspense of the story.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller with a touch of spirituality. It's a truly engaging and thought-provoking read that will leave you wanting more.

This book, which is centered around the healing process of a male prostitute in London, truly held my interest captive.

I was surprised to find that I actually developed a genuine concern for the main character, a leisure worker who desperately desires to break free from the clutches of his current life.

Fortunately, he discovers assistance from a Church's healing center.

This is not the kind of book that I would usually pick up and read. However, it managed to pose some very thought-provoking questions.

It made me reflect on the complex issues surrounding the lives of those in such difficult circumstances and the potential for redemption and transformation.

The story delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil that the main character experiences as he attempts to turn his life around.

It also explores the role that faith and community can play in the healing process.

Overall, this book offers a unique and engaging perspective on a topic that is often overlooked or stigmatized.

It challenges the reader to look beyond the surface and consider the humanity and potential for growth within each individual.

Once again, Susan Howatch has truly enthralled me with her remarkable storytelling.

In this unflinching account of evil and redemption, she takes us on a captivating journey. I have read all the Starbridge and the other St Benets novels, and this third installment in the St Benets trilogy is just as compelling as the others.

One thing that I found most difficult was reading so many extended scenes told from the unsympathetic viewpoint of Gavin, the "leisure-worker". His over-sexualised language and the detailed account of his lifestyle made it a hard read at times.

And yet, as the story progressed, I found myself coming to care for Gavin. I knew that the author was going to deliver later on, and she did not disappoint.

I love her Christian characters, Nick and Lewis, and find them utterly convincing. Their faith and struggles add depth and meaning to the story.

Susan Howatch is truly amongst my all-time favourite authors. Her ability to create complex and engaging characters, and to tell a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, is truly remarkable.

Susan Howatch's books present a most captivating blend of spiritual verities and scandalous storylines.

I often reach a point in the middle of one of her books where I wonder, is this truly what I desire to be reading? At times, it can seem rather sordid.

However, by that stage, I am already enthralled by the story, and I have never once regretted persevering until the end.

And this particular one. Well, it completely devastated me.

All of her Starbridge and St. Benet's books center around the redemption and wholeness that can only be achieved through God.

Her characters are always exasperating, obnoxious, yet authentic and relatable, making me want to both smack them and hug them simultaneously.

This book was no exception.

But Gavin. Oh my goodness, Gavin. Despite his narrative voice driving me absolutely crazy during the first half of the book, his journey has to be my favorite.

I reached that final sentence and simply put the book down and wept.

This book is such a beautiful portrayal of God's love.

It leaves a profound impact on the reader, making one reflect on the power of faith and the possibility of finding true meaning and purpose in life.

Howatch's writing is truly masterful, and this book is a testament to her talent.

It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a story that combines the spiritual with the earthly, and leaves you with a sense of hope and inspiration.

Stopping at page 74,

I realized at page 64 that this was probably not going to hold my interest.

This is the last book in a series and I didn't read the earlier books.

Perhaps if I had read the previous installments, I would have had a better understanding and connection to the story and characters.

However, starting from the last book, I found it difficult to engage with the plot and follow the developments.

The lack of background knowledge made it hard for me to fully appreciate the significance of certain events and relationships.

Despite this, I did try to give the book a chance and persevere until page 74.

But unfortunately, my initial impression persisted, and I decided to stop reading.

Maybe in the future, I will go back and read the entire series from the beginning to see if it would change my perspective.

I have read and re-read this book and the series to which it belongs several times over the years. Just recently, I re-read it once more. The reason being, I was going through a difficult time and suffering from an illness. I needed something truly engrossing to help me get through those tough days. So, the question is, did it live up to my expectations? The answer is a resounding yes.

'The Heartbreaker' can be read as a standalone, but I can guarantee you that once you start reading it, you will surely want to pick up the other two books in the series. However, it's important to note that this book isn't for everyone. There are elements of depravity and indecency within its pages. But the author is very careful with her descriptions. It's necessary because the entire theme of the book requires the reader to follow the lead character Gavin on his journey from rock bottom to redemption. I always find his journey to be harrowing, yet utterly gripping and equally moving. By the end of it, I always end up wishing for a St Benet's in my own neighbourhood.

Overall, I would rate this book five stars. And would I read it again? Of course I will! It's a book that has the power to draw me in and keep me engaged every single time I pick it up.

If you were to embark on the task of writing a book that delved deeply into the ministry dedicated to "the least, the last and the lost", who would you envision as the protagonist?

How would one go about making a character who is completely living on the fringes of society sympathetic? And how could such a character find redemption?

Could you weave a story that artfully illustrates the grace and love of Jesus Christ in a manner that is both suspenseful, deliberate, and incredibly beautiful?

I know for a fact that I could not accomplish this feat. However, Susan Howatch is truly a master of her craft. I have an abiding love for this book.

I have mentioned on previous occasions that I glean so much from the Starbridge series that I reread it annually.

The subsequent series - the St. Benet Trilogy - is even more profound and equally insightful.

When I complete the process of rereading these stories, I am filled with a sense of blessing - and I am reminded that there is hope even for me.

I read this book approximately 25 years ago.

At that time, I vividly remember that the last couple of chapters had such a profound impact on me that they brought tears to my eyes.

And now, as I have revisited this book, the same chapters have once again evoked the same intense emotions within me.

The power of the story, the characters, and the situations described in those final chapters seems to be timeless.

It is as if the author has a magical touch that can reach deep into the hearts of readers and touch the most sensitive chords.

Even after all these years, the ability of this book to make me cry is a testament to its literary excellence and its ability to connect with people on an emotional level.

I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book again and to experience those same powerful emotions once more.

It has reminded me of the importance of good literature and how it can have a lasting impact on our lives.

While this is perhaps not Howatch's finest work, I was overjoyed to immerse myself once again in her unique sensibility and engage with the lives of all her remarkable characters - Nicholas Darrow, Carta, Lewis, and more.

In this particular book, which is the eighth installment in the Starbridge series, she bravely takes on the complex and often controversial topics of gay sex and sexual slavery.

True to her style, Howatch approaches these subjects with intelligence and compassion, delving deep into the emotions, struggles, and relationships of her characters.

She manages to explore these themes in a way that is both thought-provoking and empathetic, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience within the context of these difficult issues.

Despite not being her absolute best, this book still offers a rich and engaging read that will appeal to fans of Howatch's work and those interested in exploring complex themes in literature.

I was truly feeling quite uncertain about Gavin, that so-called 'Mr Sleazeball'. His overall manner, attitude, and that sickening charisma of his really disheartened me to the core.

However, as I delved deeper into the story, just like the book itself, he gradually grew on me. His character development was such that it completely changed my initial opinion. I had initially rated this book a three-star, but now I found myself upgrading it to a four!

Carta, the object of his love or perhaps just lust, also had her own set of problems. The question of whether it was through healing or through Christ that she would find her way was left open for interpretation. In the end, they ended up loving one another, which added an interesting layer to the story.

What really made this book so good was Gavin's courage. He was in a world of prostitution and pornography, a world he desperately needed to escape from. And although there were times when he seemed completely lost, he managed to turn his life around. What exactly happened and why he was able to do so is something that is left for the reader to decide, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.

Overall, this book was a surprisingly engaging read, with complex characters and a storyline that kept me hooked from start to finish.

I embarked on a second binge of Susan Howatch's works and devoured this entire series as well. It was an immersive experience that took me on a journey through complex characters and intricate storylines. Howatch has a remarkable ability to bring her fictional worlds to life, making the reader feel as if they are part of the action. Each book in the series builds upon the others, creating a rich tapestry of relationships, conflicts, and resolutions. I found myself completely engrossed in the lives of the characters, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Whether it was the political intrigues, the emotional dramas, or the spiritual quests, Howatch's writing kept me hooked from start to finish. This second binge was just as satisfying as the first, and I can't wait to explore more of her works in the future.

It has been quite some time since I last delved into one of Susan Howatch's novels. Therefore, I was eagerly anticipating this particular one, and I must say, I was not let down in the slightest.

Oh, how I yearn to possess the writing prowess that she does! "The Heartbreaker" is simply so captivating that I found myself completely unable to put it down.

She masterfully explores the seedy and sordid underworld of sex and sleaze. Throughout the novel, there is a palpable sense of the brittleness of life-crisis, which is artfully intertwined with elements of religion and healing, power in the City, and a time of reckoning.

It is truly a brilliant, mesmerizing work, a real high moral drama that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

Howatch's ability to craft such a complex and engaging story is truly remarkable, and I cannot wait to explore more of her novels in the future.