‘Ambergris’ struck me a a strange and intriguing mix of genres. It’s both a detective story involving attempted murder, and a mystery tale that unveils the scarred psychology of one Welsh family.

We enter the damaged minds of some characters and experience their confusion. And this is where the author’s gift of language really tells. Briony Collins is a poet with several collections to her name, and her descriptions of haziness and mental muddiness are compelling.

The fine plot is unwound slowly and steadily, like a ball of wool, until at the end, we know all, and perhaps understand the sources of what happened. There are no easy or comfortable endings, and in this way, it is a surprising and bracing read.

The book rang troublesome bells in my mind. There’s one character whose actions can be called evil. He spreads poison.

I have met that person in my own life, maybe two of them. And I have seen how far such evil can spread. ‘Ambergris’ sent shivers down my spine, as I recollected the toxic effects one person can have on so many others. And yet, there are points of hope within the story, and many tender moments which balance with the unsettling. Highly recommended.

‘Ambergris’ is published by Barnard Publishing Ltd.