A Review of Justin Hughes’ Saffron
Justin Hughes’ debut novel Saffron is a carefully crafted tale of grief, exploring the life of Toby Shire as he navigates university following the tragedies in his family home, haunted by a mysterious yellow-cloaked figure.
The prologue is wonderfully immersive. It effectively introduces us to the life of a fresher and the newfound glory of independence at university. Descriptions of the scenery and the allure of adventure are abundant within this story, adding such an absorbing aspect to this tale that leaves you on the coast with the characters, tasting freedom for the first time. However, the excitement fades: a glowing cloak stands on the horizon. The tension this saffron cloak brings is immediately gripping, tempting me to turn the page and discover the mysteries behind its appearance, just as it tempts Toby. As the tale progresses, the devastating impact of its appearance is impossible to ignore, and is so beautifully handled by Hughes. I was instantly hooked by the mystery surrounding its existence and the lure Toby feels towards it: the descriptions of Toby’s thoughts and feelings make you feel as though you are him with his fears and curiosity.
There are many factors to this story that make it such a compelling read that you just cannot put down. The integration of lectures which tease the possibility of normality and understanding, the exploration of life at university and the community it allows, and the developing romances threaded within. It all creates an atmosphere of hope in the fear that permeates Toby’s life, and seeing how he develops throughout the tale is nothing short of heartbreaking. Seeing the impact on his friends - Emily, Blake and Sanya - is upsetting, gripping you with the realisation that a person’s struggles are not only limited to their own mind and body, but the group of those who care about them. The inclusion of each of his friends having their own subplot, too, reinforces this, as while the appearance of the yellow figure captivatingly wields themes of the supernatural, their reactions and experiences are inherently real and human.
If you are a fan of literary psychological thrillers that wield the ability to have you yearning for understanding and, ultimately, more, then check out Saffron. It will be released on Amazon on 1st June 2026.
Thank you very much to Justin Hughes for allowing me a copy to read and review.
FIND SAFFRON ON JUSTIN’S PAGE OUT NOW