If you like books based on political intrigue then I would recommend this book, and am certain as Robert writes more books they will only get better.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I struggled with this book and found the editing and proof reading poor. Sorry this one was not for me.

I must admit that political drama novels aren’t usually my preferred genre, but upon seeing the author was Robert Peston – political editor of ITV News, I was really intrigued to read The Whistleblower.

There is no doubt that Peston knows what he is talking about – the political and journalistic landscapes of 1997 (when this book is set), are skilfully painted and completely fascinating to someone who has never personally delved into that particular world.

Our main character is journalist Gil who is determined to reveal a scandal when his sister is killed in a hit and run. Although he is somewhat easy to sympathise with, Gil has a lot of flaws which make him a well-rounded character. He will sell anyone out for a story, he is secretly sleeping with a member of the political opposition, is a substance and alcohol addict and has OCD. It’s a lot of character development and I’m not entirely sure he gets better as a person as the narrative progresses but he does make for a very interesting character.

The plot is on the outset a relatively simple one, but there are a lot of layers to the story. These are built up as the plot progresses and the stakes are raised with each reveal. There is also a large cast of characters and some of them are a little hard to keep in your head in places. If you have more of a grasp on 90s politics than I do I’m sure a lot of these are clever caricatures of real people, but some of them definitely went right over my head. I feel that a bit of a trim down of some of the side-characters might have helped to keep the plot on track at times. Everything also gets very far-fetched towards the end but it was still entertaining.

Overall, The Whistleblower is an assured read from a knowledgeable and capable writer. Thank you to NetGalley & Bonnier Books – Zaffre for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I listened to this as an audio book, which considering I don't much like Robert Preston as a TV reporter (his voice and slow speech grates) it would appear he is a MUCH better author.

I was particularly fascinated by the behind the scenes aspects he gives the reader a glimpse off.

I absolutely love politics. And Robert Peston has put everything into this book. He has got some familiar faces and just about hidden doppelgängers. Anyway true or not it’s fantastic.

Political thrillers are not usually something I would pick up but I enjoyed reading this. It was well written and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you coming back for more.

An average read, I used to like political stories, but this made me realise why I stopped reading them. My husband read it and really enjoyed it but this is my review!

good read, im not a huge fan of political stories but this was a good one, looking forward to more from this author

Peston is one of those highly engaging media types on TV, social media and in writing - so it stands to reason his first thriller should be a gripping read? No, unfortunately it wasn't. To be fair I didn't finish it but that's because I couldn't engage with the main character, the descriptions, the backdrop, the cliched media and politico types - it all just left me cold I'm afraid.

Very much a page turner and a most enjoyable introduction to the cyclist loving Gil Peck. Always one for a scoop, Gil's character was entertaining and value for money. A very positive start to possible a new series?

Unfortunately I didn’t finish this book. Only reading twenty percent. The writing was good, I was even quite drawn to the protagonist but at twenty percent it still didn’t feel like the book had got started yet. I’ve seen rave reviews for this so had high hopes. It’s probably just me. I’m sorry.

This book has it all, political intrigue and scandal, corrupt media moguls\ls, bankrupt pension schemes and at the centre of it all hard nosed journalist whose sister, a Treasury "high up" has just died in what appears to be a bike accident. Nothing is as it seems with good old smoke and mo=irrors and back room wheeling and dealing. Highly enjoyable, fast paced read.

It has taken me a long time to read this book as ultimately it just wasn't for me.
I really struggled with the politics within the book as I really don't understand them.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.

This storyline sits firmly in the political fiction genre. Not something Id normally choose to read but the idea intregued me. Im glad I read it, at times its a little hard going, and feels a little padded out but the overall story is good. I prefer the politics a little more veiled in a story but it works

I am not normally a fan of political thrillers, but seeing that The Whistleblower was written by one of my favourite broadcasters, the award-winning journalist Robert Peston, I thought I’d give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was considering this is not always the case when journalists decide to try their hand at fiction. Set in the run-up to the 1997 general election, he seamlessly weaves thinly disguised, real-life people into the narrative, and paints a warts-and-all portrait of what goes on behind the scenes at Westminster. If you were following the news at the time, the atmosphere of hope and desire for change will be instantly recognisable.
The story is told from the point of view of Gil(bert) Peck, political reporter for the Financial Chronicle. He is already a deeply flawed character, but his sister’s death pushes him over the edge. His guilt is overwhelming as they had not spoken for many years. As Gil’s backstory is slowly revealed we begin to feel more empathy and understand his desperate need to find out the truth about what happened to his sister.
The Whistleblower is a fast-paced thriller that lays bare the corrupt relationship between politics and the media, and how little importance is given to the needs of the electorate. It is an intelligent and readable story, with well-drawn characters, that would be a good choice for a book group discussion. I enjoyed Gil’s self-deprecating inner voice and dry humour, and the contemporary culture references, and will definitely look out for the next novel by this author. Thanks to Zaffre and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

Gil Peck is a successful political journalist, hard-living but with a nose for a story. It's 1997 and the Tory government is on the brink, a charismatic new labour leader is poised to win the forthcoming election. When Gil's sister is killed in a cycling accident Gil is upset, but as details emerge he realises that men of power are willing to do anything to survive.
I loved the setting of this novel, a parallel to the emergence of New Labour, and I loved the oblique hints at various scandals - the pensions crisis, the corrupt media baron, the influence of the press on politics etc. However I found the story surprisingly pedestrian and the final twist felt tacked on and not really part of the character development through the novel. It's a populist novel and good for its genre.

I very much enjoyed this book, not knowing what to expect from Robert as a journalist. It took a few chapters to get into the story but once I did I couldn’t put it down. A fictional plot loosely based on the dark world of Government and politics and their relationship with the media. I probably would not have read, but as I was able to get an advance copy I was intrigued. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend especially for a bit of escapism into a fictional scene. Now looking forward to its sequel.

In “The Whistleblower” we meet political journalist Gil Peck in the late ’90s, just as he learns of the death of his estranged sister. As Peck learns more about the final days of his sister’s life, her job with the Treasury, and the circumstances surrounding her death, he becomes increasingly convinced that there is more to her death than meets the eye…

What follows is Gil doing what he does best, using his investigative talents to piece together the story of what happened to his sister against the backdrop of the 1997 general election. As you may expect, being by Robert Peston, the book is meticulous in its detail and the corridors of power really come to life. The action builds slowly, but licks along at a good pace towards the end, and the characters (some of whom seem rather familiar from the world of politics), are all engaging. The result is a really rather intriguing political thriller, which I would recommend to anyone interested in the genre.

I very much enjoyed the wit and humanity of this book, and would certainly read more of Peston’s fiction going forward.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

Set in the late 1990s, a political journalist is stunned by the sudden death of his sister. The circumstances of the accident don't quite add up to the character of Clare. Gil's sister Clare has a job that means she is privy to a lot of top government procedures, policies and bureaucracy. She has an idea in mind that could be beneficial to many people. Not everyone agrees with her proposal.

This was a book that I had seen and it was the author who sparked my interest. Peston is someone I am used to seeing on the news and this book intrigued me. What I found was a book that initially was slower starting, the first section took some time before the actual main story as such started to emerge. In this time, however, it gave me a chance to learn a bit about Gil and also his character.

AS Gil digs further and askes more questions he finds himself deeper and deeper in a rabbit hole. Most people have their doubts about politicians and journalists and this book definitely feeds the mind for the conspiracies, secrets and lies that abound Parliament and also the tabloids.

As more information is gathered, the theories change, it left this reader wondering who was playing who and ultimately how on earth the ending was going to be achieved. This is a story that shows the upper echelons of society in a very corrupt way, blackmail, secret rendevous, meetings and power play are rife. The journalists are looking for their stories but there seems to be a camaraderie, well one of sorts that comes through.

From a slower start, this story certainly gains speed. I really liked this build-up and it fits in well with the election that is upcoming in the book. Time is of the essence and it is one that has been worked well.

For someone who isn't that fussed about politics and who doesn't really read that much in the way of political fiction, I really enjoyed this book. I found it addictive and I loved the corruption in the halls of power. If you are a fan of thrillers that have far-reaching implications within the main story then I do think this is one many would enjoy.

The first book I have read with a political theme and this one was fascinating. Lots of information relating to journalists, publishers and politicians. For a book of fiction it bears a lot of resemblance to real life. Scary!! Some very good characterisations and a great story line.