Reviews

I loved the book – it really got me in. Especially as I had lived in UK for 4 years in the 60s & travelled there again in 1970 & 72. So really immersed myself in it. Could really picture that thick yellow smog etc!!!Have you had great feedback? I’m sure you have.!!

I forgot to mention the train rides to the little village. Took me right back to happy memories of my life in Virginia Water in Surry!

Steve I just finished your book with tears in my eyes! Loved the Frank Ifield ending, you have written a great page turner. Very Sincere Congratulations!!!!!!

I have finished your book. You did a lovely job. Loved the plots. Very well written indeed.

I just finished Steve’s book. I really enjoyed it. It is an amazing saga. Would make a good TV series. I can see why it took so long to write. It is quite an intricate story. It was certainly a good holiday read and kept me interested. Tell him “well done,” from me. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx *They had such good sex!! Janet. * Note: crossed out so as not to ruin story for readers.

Re Aunt Tina, Steve your book is an incredible story with great pace and story line.

I love the descriptions of all the situations Trish gets herself into as a young woman emerging as a butterfly into the world.

A true-life story with a real feel to it everyone can identify with.

Great work Steve, definitely a could not put it down read!

I thought it was fabulous! Really enjoyed Trish’s journey and looking forward to the sequel. When she came to Sydney it brought back so many memories of working at a law firm in the city in the early 70’s, lunches and drinks after work! Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed Trish’s story, it was the perfect companion on the couch over a holiday break. The complex plots and sub-plots emerge with a good pace supported by interesting and at times unpredictable and entertaining characters.

Well, I loved reading Steve’s book and I found I read it quicker than usual. It was entertaining and the type of story I’m interested in. The story of Trish’s upbringing, family circumstances and the way she managed to succeed against the odds. I liked how her mentor Aunt Tina was always there in the background and was someone she could visit away from the work/ city environment. A
safe place for Trish to “fall” when she needed a rest or to be picked up. The fact that Aunt Tina could help with Stewart when he was fostered too was awesome. The storyline being placed in mainly England and Australia was perfect. The timing of Trish’s legal career in the early days of female lawyers was brilliant. Trish obviously had a brilliant mind.

Some parts of the story were less enjoyable but necessary as a sign of the times with the discrimination against women.

Overall, a marvellous story well told by an up and coming wordsmith! Go Steve

This book is definitely a candidate for one of those great Aussie miniseries – I picture it as a mix of Rake and The Dish with a little bit of The Castle and remnants of that 1980s BBC classic Bread thrown in for good measure. Really enjoyed the twists and turns at the end. Read it!

Hi Steve,

Most favorite part of the book was actually the era that it was in. So refreshing to go back to a time when political correctness wasn’t rife!

Loved the characters and the twists and turns. Looking forward to reading the next one, as I feel connected now to Trish’s life! Xx

An enjoyable coming of age story – through central character, Trish, the author chronicles her life and career at a time where there were emerging possibilities of a profession and independence for modern women. The narrative seamlessly moves between London and Sydney in the fabulous late 1960s as the main character builds her life around the Law and business with a smattering of politics just to spice things up.
With plenty of twists and turns, we follow Trish through good and bad times, love and loss, with some hilarious antics that give us a taste of life in London in the swinging 60s, it wasn’t hard to develop an empathy for her and her family and friends. I was rooting for her from the side lines as she gains in experience and confidence in the tough world of business – she’s smart, sassy and can mix it with the big boys!
With a fast-moving narrative and accessible language we are transported to this vibrant time and place. Trish’s story isn’t over and I’m keen to see what’s in store for her in a sequel.

Hi Steve, finished reading your book. Well done a great read. Enjoyed all the different characters, the book settings in England and Australia and the plot. I’m very impressed with your writing skills and what a challenge it would have been to make sure the story flows with the different characters and locations. Well done!!! Luv Noelene.

I started Steve’s book last night and am really enjoying the read. It took me back to a flight home from Wagga that I had sitting next to a young woman who had just discovered her father had left her a brothel in his will, and also unbeknown to her, her stepmother was the brothel’s ‘madam’! It was the funniest plane trip. Almost half way through this well written book. (I was up until 1.30 reading it). Anyway, just wanted you to let Steve know how much I am enjoying the read.

Loved Steve s book. It gets you in right from the first page. I love it that it was set in London in the 1960s and I can recall the places and fashions including Mary Quant so clearly. There are lots of twists and it’s a real page turner. Also great that it’s set in Sydney too and so easy to relate to. Well done Steve 👍

Having known Steve for many years, I was more than happy to buy his new book, ‘Don’t Cry For Me, Aunt Tina. I found the book to be a real page turner and it was good to see Steve has not lost his knack for telling a good yarn.
The story of a young woman’s struggle that becomes her life, is engaging. It was difficult to put this book down.
I really enjoyed this book and give it 4.5 out of 5. I recommend it to anyone seeking an interesting and engaging story.

Castle Hill NSW.
Australia.

What a great, easy read! I readily identified with Trish and her obstacles, battles and triumphs. The characters are realistic and likeable. A very enjoyable book with many twists and turns. I thoroughly recommend it and eagerly await Steve’s next book. – A real page turner.

“Don’t cry for me Aunt Tina is a most enjoyable read. Written in everyday conversational English it is a book that holds your attention right through to the climactic conclusion. It is full of lovely people who you’d love to have as friends. After reading this book, I’m looking forward to reading Steve’s next effort.”

Ulladulla NSW.

I have had the privilege of reading the manuscript of Night train to Aswan. It is a compelling drama spiced with intrigue and romance.
The author, Steve Russell, introduces a formidable yet somewhat vulnerable character named Peter Brady, an author and ex-military man, who has seen his share of action and personal tragedy.
Enjoying a well-earned retirement in outback Australia, he is lured from his retirement lifestyle to find the truth behind the seemingly savage murder of a young female American concert violinist in Egypt. Peter Brady uncovers corruption at the highest levels while he is fighting his own personal conflicts.
Following the tragic death of his wife and child, is there room in his life for a second chance at romance and love, or is it still too soon?
Steve intertwines the magnetic romance of a new love with Peter Brady’s lack of self-belief.
This book will keep your interest from the opening page through to the satisfying conclusion.

Night Train To Aswan

Je viens juste de finir le livre et ne demande qu’une chose: de lire..la suite,le prochain. (I just finished Steve’s book and expect only one thing; to read the sequel.)

This book should be on the shelves at Dymocks, I don’t think that it will need more advertising! It is really good. The subject, which is totally relevant, with violence against women, the plot, the rebounds, the description of the situations. The way he deflates a bit the tension after an intense moment by a bit of humour or light conversation.

I truly believe that this book is excellent. Je ne suis pas une fan des polars mais celui-ci m’a totalement époustouflée! (I’m usually not a big fan of thrillers, but this one completely blew me away.)

Night Train To Aswan.

What an exhilarating read. I couldn’t put the book down. Steve kept me going from start to finish and I was disappointed it had to end. A movie or sequel next? I don’t know which I’m looking more forward to.

I found Steve Wrixon Russell’s latest novel an extraordinary, exciting read.  The story moves very quickly and covers many amazing cities over such a short period of time.  He describes the characters so realistically which makes you feel very involved. I can imagine this book would make an excellent thriller movie.

Hi Steve, Night Train to Aswan is so exciting I loved the way it kept me hooked to the end.

The whole concept is brilliant with twists and turns, changes of settings and so many characters that I felt I could see and feel their emotions!

Night Train to Aswan would make a great series for TV with all the different subplots, action drama and real romance.

Dear Steve,

I bought Don’t Cry for Me, Aunt Tina at Castle Hill last Thursday where you kindly signed my copy. I finished it last night. I could not put it down. The story flowed and I needed to know what was going to happen next. I am so glad you finished it. I can’t wait for the sequel.

Congratulations,

I purchased your book back in Nov/Dec last year after speaking with you at a bookstore at Castle Towers and I’ve been meaning to reach out to you.

I really enjoyed your book and the story of Trish, her ambition and the twists and turns along the way. I like that you didn’t end the story with a fairytale ending in her romantic life as it kept me guessing and wondering how they would end up, although I kept hoping that she would be with Colin!

I also liked the reality of the stress of her position and how you highlighted her struggles with overworking, her emotions/anger, drinking etc and the breakdown when Tina arrived.

Once I started reading your book it was hard for me to put it down, I think I read it over 3 nights so thank you for such an enjoyable read.

Hi Steve, just thought I’d send you my comments about your book, ‘Night Train to Aswan’. This book is a fictional spy thriller. It’s a great read with an enthralling storyline filled with interesting characters. Peter Brady the main character takes the reader on a journey to many different destinations around the world while keeping you in suspense. Looking forward to the next sequel of ‘Night Train to Aswan’

Cheers Noelene 

I bought your book, ‘Night Train to Aswan,’ from castle hill when you were there. You also signed it for me. I absolutely loved it. I haven’t read your other books but will actually head to castle hill this week and purchase them.

You should definitely be proud of your work. I honestly am so busy with work and home and haven’t had a chance to read a book other than my Bible daily.

My new year’s resolution was to get back into reading novels and yours was the first novel in such a long time. Can’t wait for the sequel but in the meantime, I’ll definitely read Don’t cry for me, Aunt Tina and leave a review 🙂

Thanks again for writing such a great book.