Exit

Felix Pink, a seventy-five-year-old widower, serves as an "Exiteer" - a volunteer who sits with terminally ill people as they end their lives. After a routine exit goes wrong, Felix finds himself caught in a police investigation that threatens both his freedom and the entire underground assisted dying network. The story moves between Felix's perspective and that of Detective Calvin Bridge, a young police officer struggling with his own personal challenges while trying to solve the case. Their parallel journeys intersect as Felix attempts to uncover what happened during the exit gone wrong, while Calvin works to piece together the truth. Set against the backdrop of suburban England, the novel examines end-of-life choices, mortality, and the bonds that form between strangers. The narrative balances elements of mystery and character study while exploring the complex motivations behind those involved in assisted dying. Through its focus on both Felix and Calvin's experiences, Exit raises questions about justice, morality, and the ways humans cope with loss and guilt. The book navigates the gray areas between right and wrong, law and conscience.

Readers found Exit to be a character-driven mystery focused more on the emotional journey than the crime plot. Many noted the dark humor and engaging writing style. Liked: - Strong character development of Felix Pink - Balance of humor with serious themes - Unique premise and perspective on assisted dying - Satisfying resolution - Careful handling of sensitive subject matter Disliked: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some found the plot twists predictable - Multiple timeline jumps confused certain readers - Secondary characters felt underdeveloped Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (2,900+ ratings) From reviews: "The protagonist's inner monologue carries the story" - Goodreads reviewer "Starts strong but meanders in the middle" - Amazon reviewer "Manages to be both funny and touching while dealing with death" - NetGalley review "Less of a thriller than expected, more character study" - BookPage reader review

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🔍 "Exit" made the longlist for the prestigious Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award in 2021 🚗 The novel's central concept revolves around "Exiteers" - volunteers who sit with terminally ill people in their final moments, inspired by real-life death doulas and end-of-life companions ✍️ Belinda Bauer began her career as a screenwriter before turning to novels, and her cinematic background shows in the vivid, visual scenes throughout "Exit" 🏆 The author won the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger Award for her novel "Blacklands" (2010), establishing her as a major voice in British crime fiction 🎭 The book masterfully blends dark humor with serious themes, a trademark of Bauer's writing style that sets her apart from traditional crime writers