Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Random House UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.
Expected: 20 August 2020
6.45am. A sweltering London rush hour. And in the last 27 minutes, seven people have been murdered.
In a series of coordinated attacks, seven men and women across London have been targeted. For journalist Famie Madden, the horror unfolds as she arrives for the morning shift.
The victims have one thing in common: they make up the investigations team at the news agency where Famie works. The question everyone’s asking: what were they working on that could prompt such brutal devastation?
As Famie starts to receive mysterious messages, she must find out whether she is being warned of the next attack, or being told that she will be the next victim...
The review
I'm really not sure if I loved this or not. To explain, it's a compelling story but a frighteningly too plausible or realistic one as well. When I first started reading this, and the terrifying opening description of seven knife attacks in 27 minutes, I slept badly my mind imagining the scene over and over again. I read for escapism and this was just like a real-life news story (in more ways than one).
And, I tend to avoid the news for that reason - the truly upsetting crimes and atrocities that happen day in day out around the world. As such I'm not particularly up on political affairs so I did find this slightly confusing at times. Even by the end I don't think I got it entirely. As well as political references, there was also a lot of characters (some just known as Tattoo Man or Sweating Man), and a lot going on to keep track of. As main character, Famie, said a couple of times: "This is messy."
But, that was undoubtedly what made it so compelling though as well. The whole thing was expertly done - well-researched and well-written with the changing voices adding extra depth and pace. Overall, it's a gripping, chilling, intelligent and deeply shocking read based around a really current and frighteningly believable storyline.
The author
Simon Mayo is one of Britain’s best-loved radio presenters and author now too. Follow @simonmayo on Twitter.
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