When a car crashes into his front garden gate late one night, 97 year-old Harry Pigeon finds himself drawn into a world of modern slavery — and, of course, he sets about righting wrongs.

As an elderly widower who gives sanctuary to the young and nubile Bituin, Harry resorts to holding conversations with his deceased wife, Betty, seeking guidance on the best course of action. Together, they aim to keep the police at bay while they confront the mysterious Indian embassy special envoy, Mr Sharma.

In itself, the plot stands, and the narrative moves along with good pace. There are also a few interesting, if irrelevant, facts sprinkled amid the storytelling, and short interludes of gentle humor. However, I found it a somewhat pedestrian read. Harry's narrative voice didn't grab my interest and there was nothing in his characterization to elicit empathy. As for Bituin, a Filipina fleeing abuse, her representation was rather cliche and predictable. I just didn't buy into the scenario of a frail 97 year-old, requiring a walking frame to get about, tackling an international people trafficking gang.

Not one for me. Sorry.

A heart-warming and life affirming lovely story about nonagenarian who has found purpose once again, after years of quietly waiting out his twilight years.
Harry has lost his wife, after many years of happy marriage and nursing her through illness. After years of faithfully serving his country, looking after his customers and loving his wife, he now he feels mostly useless. He still has chats with his dead wife, Betty, and she still offers him great advice. Even so, he knows she is no longer with him and the morphine in the cupboard is looking very tempting.
But everything changes when a young Filipino woman literally crashes into his life and he finds himself embroiled in the world of international crime and violent bad guys. Harry muddles his way through hair-raising escapades, mostly oblivious to danger, with singular warmth and endearment. He really is a wonderfully drawn character, who I would very much like to meet and have a cup of tea with. I'd probably end up staying for dinner.
This is a thoroughly funny and often poignant story about a true gentleman who shows us all how easy compassion can be .

3 stars Thanks to Netgalley for this book in exchange for a truthful review.

Harry is 97 and in bad health, plus he has lost his wife Betty - however they still converse on a daily basis. When a young woman, being chased, drives a stolen car into the front gate of his house, Harry wants to help her. Betty doesn't want him to - she doesn't want him involved. Harry takes the young girl in and protects her from the men following her.
This begins a long relationship between Harry and Bituin, who Harry hides away for many days. As Bituin becomes more at ease with Harry she tells him a story of being held a prisoner. She came to this country from the Philippines to work and send money home to her parents. She ended up in a human trafficking system and has been held against her will and forced into prostitution. Harry plans to set this right.
Soon a second girl, Nadia is involved, having been in the same situation as Bituin. While on a long trip with the girls in his ancient camper, Harry ends up under arrest for kidnapping. Bringing in his nephew, as his attorney, everyone believes that the two girls are playing Harry for what money they can swindle out of him. No one believes in the human trafficking element.
With a little help from Betty's advice, Harry is out to prove everyone wrong and save these two girls.

Stokes brought his characters to life and immersed them in an all to well hidden criminal activity. Harry, Bituin, Nadia and Betty were the main characters, surrounded by many secondary characters. Although a bit long, the story moved well and Stokes added enough problems to keep it interesting. It tended towards the whimsical even with the devastation of the human trafficking element.

It is like The One-Hundred-Year-Old Man...!" Our almost centenarian protagonist--who is completely out of touch with modern technological comforts is pulled into a/n mis/adventure that goes by super fast as it deals with a very serious topic. The plot is well set up and you'll find yourself going back to admire things that were mentioned in earlier pages.