Molly Poulter

A Tortuous Path Molly Poulter

A Tortuous path is a contemporary drama about a group of people who set up a charity to raise money for a hospice. Their organising committee is infiltrated by a terrorist, but they do not suspect this till much later when tragedy occurs. Everyday life is woven through the novel with developing relationships, social gatherings, weddings and funerals. David, the main protagonist, ponders on what makes a marriage, the role of Christianity in people's lives, and class differences. He also experiences hospices at first hand when his father dies in a hospice in Scotland. David is the hospital's popular administrator but is divorced and lonely. He gets involved by chance with the hospice group which includes his friend Kim, the hospital's senior oncology nurse; Jamal Khan, a junior consultant at the hospital; and his American friend, Al Mercer. Also involved are four other members of the hospital staff. The appeal progresses with recruitment of new committee members, meetings and fund raising activities. But from the outset there are curious incidents and encounters which puzzle David. This is a thrilling book that grips the attention until the final close.