The Firework Files by Cee Cee Evans - REVIEW
A review by Victoria Walsh.
Cee Cee Evans has one hell of an imagination, or at least I hope it’s imagination, because this murder mystery whodunnit tale is as gritty as they come. Don’t give this book to your granny unless your gran is Joan Collins or Sylvia Kristel. Expect lots of swearing, sex and other unprintable words beginning with S. If you’re looking for a complex whodunnit, then you’re in the right place and like all good mysteries, it’s never the person you think it is.
Murder, mystery and revenge are dishes best served cold, and The Firework Files is brimming with a cleverly thought-out revenge plot that epitomises ‘La vengeance se mange très-bien froide.’ I hope for Evans’s sake that this story isn’t based on any past experiences but on an appetite for racy fiction a la Jilly Cooper, consumed on a succession of grey days before Sunday trading was a thing.
The Firework Files should come with a content warning, as the story features a cast of unlikeable characters engaging in recreational drugs, alcohol abuse, porn, and sex. Identifying a hero is difficult since each character seemingly deserves their fate; even those dispensing punishments are tricky. However, their love affair is endearing and hopeful. It is the saving grace that stops the story from turning into an S&M fest. Despite this, Evans is a clever storyteller with a vivid imagination who offers crystal clear creative visualisations that slap you around the face. This is no light read—brace yourself.
Evans is an accomplished writer who authored her first novel based on her life in 2022. Her debut novel, NO EXAGGERATION, is written in a similar vein. The writer states the book ‘has some hard-hitting elements that couldn't be excluded and have been frowned on by some.’ The tone is similar to The Firework Files but more inventive, weaving the plot through many intriguing twists and turns. Evans writes with the vigour of a scriptwriter in the graphic novel genre that lives on the edge of morality and decency.
What makes The Firework Files appealing is its unapologetic exploration of the dark side of human nature. Evans does not shy away from exploring themes that some might consider taboo. All her characters are deeply flawed, acting out and receiving brutal retribution, yet Evans manages to add a depth level that makes them sickeningly fascinating. Her unique and fearless approach to narration has won her some ardent fans; this trait, along with her gritty detailing and openness, sets her apart from other authors in this vein.
The narrative structure of The Firework Files is also worth mentioning. Evans uses a forward and return timeline, flashbacks, and reflective memories to keep the reader interested. This technique can be confusing if not utilised correctly, but it adds to the suspense and makes the plot complex but engaging. Each chapter gives us new pieces of the puzzle, and just when you think you’ve figured out what's what, another twist upsets the equilibrium.
Evans’ writing style is sharp and concise, and she has a knack for creating memorable lines you may wish you couldn’t recall later. Her dialogue is particularly noteworthy, capturing the essence of each character and making their interactions authentically grubby. The banter between characters adds salty and teeth-grindingly unpleasant dark humour but still manages to balance the plot. With The Firework Files, Evans will prove to be a formidable force in the difficult to penetrate (pun intended) literary world. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Netflix take up the option to write the story for TV.
Evans's writing reminds me of Martina Cole in style and tone but not content. Cole's works include Dangerous Lady and The Take. Cole’s books have been highly successful, with several adaptations into television dramas, and it’s this track that could make Evans a household name.
If I had to criticise The Firework Files, I would say the characters are a bit stereotypical. Stereotypes exist for a reason, usually not good reasons, but for writers, they are an easy way to enable the reader to identify with the character quickly. Using familiar stereotypes makes the players in the plot recognisable, creating immediate tension and conflict within a story that exists in the reader's head before they open the cover. Evans introduces stereotypes only to subvert them later to surprise the reader, adding depth to the characters and the story.
Did I love the book? That’s my business, but I can tell you this: Evans was born to write. Her words leap off the page with a force she won’t let you ignore. The intricate plot, the flawed characters, and the vivid settings merge to create a fly-on-the-wall type storytelling experience that’s simply gripping. Whether you're a gritty crime drama fan or just appreciate a well-written narrative, there's no denying the organic talent that Evans brings to the page. So, while my opinion must remain a mystery, it's clear that Evans is a writer whose work demands attention. If you haven't picked up one of her books yet, do yourself a favour and dive into her world. Just take some rubber gloves and a pack of Rennies - you can't say I didn't warn you.
