AVAILABILITY

My latest book, “The Sussex Pond Murder” is a fast-paced murder mystery full of bewildering twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. It was first released in late July 2023 and can be ordered direct from Amazon or from selected bookshops.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

“The Sussex Pond Murder”, Richard Sorapure weaves together an intricate narrative that mesmerizes readers with its domineering sense of suspense and mystery. Set in the enchanting countryside of Sussex, this novel introduces readers to a quiet, seemingly peaceful rural setting with an austere preparatory school for boys. However, beneath this façade of tranquillity, the ominous shadow of an unspeakable crime starts to loom. When a body is discovered in the local pond, the tranquillity is shattered, unveiling a labyrinth of secrets that had been meticulously buried. With a lack of witnesses and scant evidence, the gripping narrative unfolds into a world-class detective thriller, leading us into the chaos that swarms under the belly of the rural paradise. Taking the central positioning in this well-crafted tale is geography teacher Michael Fletcher- the chief suspect in the possible murder case. Under his steadfast determination and acute attention to detail, Fletcher brings a fresh perspective to the case. Each character unveils with richness and depth as Fletcher untangles a web of lies, suspicion and murderous intent from hidden forces. Richard Sorapure masterfully constructs a plot that embraces classic ‘whodunit’ elements, while adding twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. The author vividly colourizes the world within the pages of “The Sussex Pond Murder,” blending the serene rural landscapes into raw, chilling crime scenes. “The Sussex Pond Murder” fiercely engages the readers, testing their deduction skills, wrapping them in a shroud of mystery and suspense. Enclosed within these pages, one not only finds a murder investigation but also unearths a commentary on human psychology and on dark hidden secrets. Such is the allure of this narrative; it leaves you questioning everyone and trusting no one. An integral battleground of wits, this book is destined to inherit a broad landscape in the reader’s mind, making it a recommendation for the lovers of classic detective narratives with a modern twist.

My debut novel, “Hostage to Freedom: The Search for the Siren” is also available on Amazon and from good independent bookshops. On 20 October 2021 “Hostage to Freedom: The Search for the Siren” reached No. 2 spot in the Amazon Top Free Listing for English and Irish literature mainly thanks to big demand from the United States.

INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS

Both my books are enrolled with KDP with extended distribution so it is possible for bookshops to order you the paperbacks. Just ask and they will request it from their wholesaler.

TOP REVIEWS FOR THE SUSSEX POND MURDER

This murder mystery will give your puzzling addiction a real workout! I was still juggling 6 red herrings when just 100 pages before the end. Stuffed full of detail and great character descriptions, lots of information about environmental problems, how public schools run, how an autopsy is actually done and even a lot about real ales, cricket, mountain walking , lab analysis and many of the author’s varied life experiences. Short chapters, which I like because it helps me get a sense of getting somewhere, but the plot slows down a bit at times. Needed a bit more dramatic events to keep the story moving forward in the first half. But there are a number of reminders to help you keep track.
The last part is a real page turner with a few surprises. Very complex, so you want to go back and read it again.

Jan Miller, Goodreads

I was a bit apprehensive about reading this as the cover made it look (to me) like a horror, and I’m a complete wuss when it comes to horror. But it wasn’t too much like that which I appreciated. It was more, for me anyway, a psychological horror, a subtle horror, a realistic horror, rather than an in-your-face-scare.

There is no dilly-dallying here. Within the first two paragraphs we know what’s happened and it starts with a splash (quite literally). It is a real page turning opener.

To begin with, I felt some of the dialogue was a bit clunky, like the characters were talking in an unnatural way to ensure the reader was up to speed with everything. It didn’t have a negative impact on the story, and some readers may prefer that way of writing so they have all the facts they need to get on with the story, but that’s just my personal opinion.

I felt the first quarter or so was bogged down a bit in detail. I know this isn’t a negative for some readers and they enjoy it. I saw another review that said they loved all the details of things, like how a public school is run and whatnot. I didn’t dislike it, but I felt for me it could have been a bit pacier, as I just felt a little stuck in these facts, willing the narrative to move forward.

It is not an easy whodunnit to work out. It’s twisty and turny and always one step ahead of you, which is what you want from a good thriller.

I would say it gets better as it goes along. That doesn’t mean to say it starts badly, no. It starts off very pleasantly indeed, well written and interesting, but it cranks up towards the second half, and especially near the end, which is where the real thrills and spills come into play.

There is a plot point of sustainability and environmentalism. Usually I am not a fan of this in fiction as I want an escape from the real world, and I often find topics like this forced into a story where it doesn’t fit, but I think it’s balanced well and makes sense in context of the story as a whole. It starts off subtly but then forms the crux of the story and the investigation.

There are many tangents and themes to this book: death, murder, grief, loneliness, lust, love, secrecy, lies, environmentalism, schooling, justice, and the imbalance of power when someone high ups wants to bury something from someone low down.

This was not my usual genre of book, I admit, and I did struggle at times with it, but overall I thought it was an enjoyable read with some interesting and thoughtful themes, and difficult topics given due care, attention, respect and sensitivity, all well balanced.

Books by your Bedside, Book Blogger, Goodreads

TOP REVIEWS FOR HOSTAGE TO FREEDOM: THE SEARCH FOR THE SIREN

Top reviews from the United States

• Randal Kelley5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2025: An utterly gripping blend of political intrigue, piracy, and personal sacrifice. Richard Sorapure captures the tension of Southeast Asia with authenticity that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
  Leif Bullock5.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile Read Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2025: Fast-paced, well-researched, and emotionally gripping. Sorapure has crafted a thriller that deserves a spot on every adventure lover’s bookshelf. I’ll be recommending this to all my reading groups.
  Carmen Garner5.0 out of 5 stars Good book Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2025: A smart, cinematic thriller with heart. I loved how Sorapure weaves history, danger, and personal relationships into a story that feels both epic and intimate. Easily one of the best modern adventure thrillers I’ve read.
  Kristin Floyd5.0 out of 5 stars Great book Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2025: This is not just another adventure novel—it’s an immersive journey into espionage, family conflict, and high-stakes treasure hunting. The details of Singapore and the Sulu Sea felt alive. I was hooked from the first chapter.

Sue, 5 stars. Beautifully researched and written with authority,

Having lived in Southeast Asia for many years, I was intrigued to see how the author would handle such complex and differing backgrounds in terms of culture and religion. The physical environments of land and sea are brought together sympathetically, and I felt a strong connection and sense of nostalgia for his descriptions of both Singapore and the Philippines.

The dangers of travelling to the remote corners of the Philippines are in marked contrast to the safety and luxury of Singapore, meticulously described so as to make both regions come alive. This author really knows his stuff and has doubtless lived the life as well as done his amazing research – a good read!

Glynis, 5 stars. Gripping Novel based on Historical Facts,

This is a beautifully written novel about a fairly recent survey in Singapore, of a sunken ship lost in 1764. The characters taking part are colourful, interesting and perfectly believable. It portrays a gripping series of events with a satisfactory conclusion. I found it particularly interesting because I don’t know much about this part of the world, but now I have a much clearer image. Very well worth a read!

Mrs J.E. Miller, 4 stars. Interesting window into modern piracy,

This book opens up a whole area of ex-patriot life and the much under reported activity and danger of modern day piracy in remote areas. It includes lists of recent cases of hostage murders, and really is something that needs investigating. The second half of the novel is a great page turner, the first half takes a while to get there, but includes a lot of good description of wildlife and settlements in remote Philippine islands and Malaysia. This would make a very good film or TV drama.

Click on the Amazon link below to buy this book direct.