The End of the Road: Intriguing new thriller asks when caring becomes a crime, does justice become a victim?

Martin Venning’s new thriller reminds us that life is a journey. But what happens when we get to the end of the road?

With an estimated 84% of the general public supporting the case for assisted dying and 51,281 signing a petition calling for its de-criminalisation submitted to Downing Street in December by the campaign group, Dignity in Dying, Martin Venning’s second novel brings a topical and provocative issue to the fore and reinforces his position as an author to watch.

Whilst its clever plot makes The End of the Road a compelling read, it is the author’s emphasis on his protagonist’s preparations and reflections on his impending demise that lingers with the reader.

Cerebral, fast-paced and thought provoking, this novel is a must-read for those that sit on both sides of the assisted dying fence.

The End Of The Road

Terminally ill eminent Oxford professor, Des Kelly, develops a new technology for sustainable energy that can address environmental pollution and global warming.  If he shares what he knows, his discovery will make the global oil industry obsolete. 

In a race against time, international vested interests compete to control and acquire his research through persuasion and harassment, trying to find the lever that will secure his co-operation.  But facing his own imminent mortality, Kelly has chosen not to record all his experiments. 

Unknown to his colleagues, he plans the timing and circumstances of his death by enrolling with a voluntary euthanasia company, taking his secrets with him.  As he charts his demise, he is asked to mentor a young Russian scientist who has defected to the West, bringing complementary knowledge that can accelerate the commercial application of his innovation. 

Work pressures, government surveillance and Kelly’s arrangements for assisted dying on a remote Danish island, lead to unexpected results – affecting family, friends, work colleagues and people he hasn’t met in different parts of the world.

The process of preparation forces him to confront some of his innermost beliefs and insecurities but leads him to his most important finding – what happens after death – and answers the conundrum: can a restless spirit ever find contentment?

About Martin Venning

“As this is my second novel, I’m looking to develop my style and presentation. The inspiration was to weave a plot around the topical and relevant subject of assisted dying, something that concerns many people in affluent societies and is getting attention in the media. Why do we continue to prosecute those who assist the terminally ill? By bringing this more into the open, I hope to contribute to the growing dialogue which must lead to its eventual recognition as a human right.”

Martin Venning is based in the north of England.  He works as a project communications and strategic investment adviser in the property and construction sector and has over 20 years’ experience engaging with businesses in continental Europe and Asia.  He trained as a journalist as part of his undergraduate studies and writes for pleasure.

Reviews Of End Of The Road

“A brilliant and exciting page-turner. A marvellous well-written read.” – Mrs Atkins.

“Provocative, gripping and masterfully crafted…Venning’s writing is razor sharp, boasting rich characterisation and fast paced action. A glorious celebration of the unwavering strength of the human spirit.”  –

Caroline Brennan, Bookollective.

Find More From End Of The Road

Published by Matador, The End of the Road is available in paperback (£8.99) and Kindle format (£3.39) on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3fbwJ2w and https://amzn.to/34I5Hhj respectively.

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