This story starts with an open and shut car accident case. Or does it? While Detective Ray Fisher and his partner, Brad wrap up the case they realize something is wrong. They both have the exact same memories from one of the cases interviews with a wealth husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Sorenson, how could they be exactly the same, as in word for word? Why did they both desire Mrs. Sorenson, even though Brad is gay? They realize something is wrong and the real mystery starts. I cannot go into too much detail as there as many plot twists and the ending is a total WTF ending. I started reading a detective story which turned into a bit of a spy novel, and then into a dystopian set ending. What was at one time a basic car accident becomes a race for his life and then a fight to the death. I am not sure what I feel about this book. I want to reiterate my comment, WTF, but also WOW what twists, what turns, what the.....
Part of me wants to give this a 3 star review because I just do not know, but the fact the author can have my mind spinning so, I have to give this book a 4 star review. I mean, this is one book I will not be forgetting and will probably continue to boggle me for awhile. Not many books evoke that in me. Than you to the author, publisher, and NG for allowing me to read this book.

I think this was, on the surface, three stories expertly woven together. The first was a classic police procedural and I thought then the setting was fixed. Was I wrong! The PP turned into a thriller with a surprise conclusion and from there the story became an urban fantasy.

I was unaware that anyone had the ability to write in three genres like that, let alone in one book, but Bailey proved me wrong. What tied the three stories together was junior police officer, Detective Ray Fisher. After being suspended, he became a partner with an heiress (from the first story) and the two were being chased by the police in the middle story. The thriller had a surprising conclusion, but Ray was left with a small fortune that he took west to build a town to train people who had clairvoyant abilities. In this conclusion, things go horribly wrong and you must read this for yourself to experience the book.

I am not sure what the author meant by the title, but after reading the book, I’ve formed my own opinion. This very unique book is well worth reading as I don’t think you will find anything like it. The fluid transitions between three vastly different settings, each in their own right interesting, make for an entertaining read.

Thanks to Cove Publishing and NetGalley for the copy. I have voluntarily left this review.

I was NOT expecting this to be one of my favourites of the year but it certainly is!

Rats in a Maze is a character driven, sci-fi, dystopian, thriller, police procedural, government conspiracy (I know, I didn't think it was possibly to get so many of my favourite things in one book either).

Ray Fisher, our main character, brings a strong and emotional focal point for the novel. He doesn't quite earn the title of anti-hero but is on the lighter side of grey. Combined with assured highly developed world building, and a steady paced narrative full of twists this is an absolute must for lovers of Dystopian.