They spoke, was very politics, heavy. This is my enjoyment of the book. I found it incredibly boring and was unable to finish it.

Once allies, Labour MP Owen McKenna and Conservative Minister Philip Bickford now face each other across the House of Commons as bitter enemies. Then the reappearance of a figure from their past forces them to confront the choices that led to the tragic downfall of their former housemate, Jay.

Late one night, Owen receives a visit from a lobbyist who promises to protect him from the consequences of his actions in exchange for one, small favour - or to have his reputation and career utterly destroyed if he refuses. But that favour will sell out everything Owen believes in.

As rivals gather and whispers of wrongdoing fill the corridors of Westminster, it's clear that someone knows the truth about Jay's Icarus-like fall from grace. Now, the former friends must face one terrible truth...

Someone is responsible, and a reckoning is overdue.
Recommend you read this book

Taut, twisting and highly believable. Brilliantly written and with wonderful touches of humour. More, please.

I've been really looking forward to reading Tom Watson's debut novel co-written with historical fiction writer Imogen Robertson and I was not disappointed. The novel is set in two time frames- the early 2000s when Owen McKenna a Labour Party employee and 3 friends also involved in politics , house share in London. The earlier setting had echoes of the BBC dramas This Life and Party Animals - both of which I loved. Fast forward to 2022 ( the pandemic is still in evidence but fortunately the references to it did not detract from this thriller ) and the novel thrusts us into the Westminster world and highlights the MeToo movement and bullying. It also looks at the challenges facing women in politics and the challenges and compromises they make. It is a gripping political thriller that I raced through in a day with just the right amount of political detail. The characters are believable and I am hoping this is just the first in a series. I would love to hear more about the characters and hope they return to lead a Labour Party in power in future novels. Highly recommended.

A well written and plotted political thriller that does thrill at times whilst sometimes getting a bit bogged down in political procedure. Given the identity of the author there is obviously a deep knowledge of Westminster, parliament and the shenanigans that can and do take place. At times this seemed a bit far fetched but the book was entertaining and a good fast read which I enjoyed.