Although I am not an avid reader of political thrillers, this one did not disappoint in any way. This may be because I can clearly remember the press coverage of the time, which made this book very relatable, but it was an absolutely gripping page turner that I loved to read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

When I saw this advertised it immediately appealed, as I follow British politics closely, and hoped with Robert's career he'd have more than enough insight to write a decent novel. I certainly wasn't disappointed and read this fairly quickly for me = making time for another couple of chapters as I wanted to find out what happened next. It's set in 1997 as Tony Blair's Labour (sorry, I mean Johnny Todd's Labour) are bidding for power.

As you'll guess from that comment, it's not hard to match up some of the characters to our real-life politicians and events, but the addition of a who-dunnit style murder hunt makes for a great novel. I couldn't help rooting for Gil in wanting to discover the culprit and avenge his sister's death, and the twists kept coming, keeping me guessing to the end.

A great novel, and a great read for anyone interested in politics and the relationship between media and government. I hope Robert'll continue and write more!

The Whistleblower - Robert Peston

It's a long time since I've read a political thriller which I enjoyed as much as this.

Gil is a political reporter who is convinced that his sister was murdered and not just knocked off her bicycle. He has his own demons to overcome. He battles the political hierarchy and the powerful business moguls in order to discover the truth. This book had me riveted feom beginning to end. I will ceetainly be reading more by Robert Peston.

The Whistleblower is a pacy, fascinating tale of political subterfuge. It is set in 1997, at the start of the rise of New Labour. The main character Gil, although flawed, was likeable. It was impossible not to root for him as he searched for answers around his sister’s tragic, untimely death.

Even though this novel is a work of fiction, it did make me wonder, as it was written by a political journalist well-versed in the workings of the world of politics, how much of the storyline and characters might relate to his own personal experiences.

As Gil’s quest to uncover the details of his sister’s ‘accident’ develops, the book introduces family drama into the mix, which adds an emotional element to the novel.

The ending was intriguing to say the least. I thoroughly enjoyed this political drama. A tip: there are many characters (some whom only appear briefly) so, if you are scatterbrained like me, perhaps make a note of who is who early on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zaffre Publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review.

I'm very surprised to say that I totally LOVED this book! I wasn't sure I would, as it was written by a political journalist, but how wrong I was! I was completely gripped. It was fast-paced, interesting and I wanted to read more. I look forward to reading more from Robert Peston soon!

#Netgalley #TheWhistleblower

Robert Peston is to be congratulated on his first fiction offering; in ‘Whistleblower’ he has crafted a credible and exciting political/business thriller with a complex but just about believable story of political and financial intrigue, with the swirling possibility or even likelihood of foul play and murder.strengths include a carefully constructed family around the lead character and some interesting, albeit slightly clichéd ‘news-hacks’ straight out of central casting. Some readers may feel that it is less straightforward keeping the wide number of characters in their heads as the story unfolds, but paying close attention brings its own rewards as the novel reaches its end.

Recommended

I rarely read political thrillers however I had heard some good things about this one so I gave it a try. I'm really glad I did! Very interesting plot and I enjoyed the political side to it.

I didn’t expect to enjoy this one as much I did! The writer has well and truly researched and written well. Loved the fast pace of the story and the of course the notorious mix of politics and the newspapers. A really good read.

I requested this book because I admire Robert Peston as a political journalist and thought that I would gain some insight into the political machinations of our "leaders." On that score, I did gain some insight but I must admit however, that I got a bit confused by the many characters and who was doing what to who. The premise of Gill's sister dying under suspicious circumstances was good and well developed.
This could have been an excellent story-line but there was something missing for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Bonnier Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

It's a gripping and interesting political thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I had the impression that author wrote this story basing on his personal experiences.
The plot flows even if drags at time, good character development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I enjoyed the back story of this, the dead sister, was it an accident? It is a good setting for a thriller

However, I struggled with the politics … it’s completely my doing as I just don’t like politic and I don’t understand it much.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity.

I didn’t really enjoy this book. It seems modern day political thrillers are not really my thing! I couldn’t finish it I’m afraid. I’m sure readers who enjoy this genre would enjoy it.

This is Robert Peston’s debut political thriller. Set in 1997 in the run-up to the General Election.

Probably based on one of Mr Peston's friends or enemies, the main character is Gil Peck a senior political journalist and the story basically involves the death of his Treasury based siste.

Yes, Robert Peston writes well but the plot is weak and I was expecting far, far more from such a vastly experienced journalist/television commentator.

Thanks to Net Galley and Bonnier Books UK for the chance to read and review.

The Whistleblower by Robert Peston

Robert Peston introduces us to the world of political journalist Gil Peck, in the weeks just before a general election.

Peck's world is obsessive, dirty, seedy, drug-fuelled and downright nastily out of control!

There are many great characters brought in to the novel - perhaps too many? What cannot be criticised though, is the detailed knowledge that Peston has in this area. You certainly get the feeling that many of the 'cast' are true to real life - often a nasty thought. Ultimately, I think there is a lot of Peston's own real life intermixed with the fiction, which only adds to make the whole thing more credible!

For me, the narrative generally flowed well, but was ultimately too long, and sometimes un-necessarily ultra complex. That said, it's a great read, with twists and turns a plenty, with the pace noticeably increasing towards the end. It would make a great film!

Set in 1997 in the run-up to the General Election, Gil Peck, a political journalist with the FC suspects that the death of his sister in a cycling accident , is not an accident. Claire, who worked at the treasury as a top level civil servant, was estranged from Gil at the time of her death because Gil desperate for a scoop mislead her. Driven largely by guilt, Gil sets about using his contacts and knowledge to get to the truth.
It is well researched and gives many insights into political journalism, not entirely flattering or endearing. I found so many elements over descriptive and as a result it lacked the sort of pace I like in a thriller.

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent political thriller that I found to be so believable and scary. Gil is a journalist whose sister is killed in a hit and run. Clare (the sister) had a significant role within the UK civil service and as things unfold; Gil becomes more and more suspicious that perhaps her death wasn't an accident.

As you'd expect from Robert Peston, his insight into the world of UK politics and journalism shines through and the setting of the book is perfect as the country heads towards the general election of 1997. Although fiction, there are many parallels with what has played out; then and since and I found it an absolute page turner, full of intrigue, thrills and suspense. It's absolutely about politics and journalism; greed, manipulation and influence of power, but, it's also about relationships and family and I found it to have real heart.

It's an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

I'm very grateful to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the opportunity to preview this cracker of a political thriller.

I'll admit I was sceptical when requesting this book. Robert Peston is clearly well versed in UK politics and journalism, but how would he fare with his first fiction novel? I needn't have worried...Peston has used his real life experiences and molded them into a thoroughly readable story, filled with intrigue and double dealings, corruption and more. This is the first of 2 books and I will definitely look out for the successor. Many thanks to Netgalley.co.uk, Publisher and author for allowing me to read and review this ARC.

Set against a political backdrop of journalistic integrity (or lack thereof) and a forthcoming election GIl finds himself caught in a web of lies as he tries to find the truth behind his sisters "accidental" death.
The journalist side of the character is loathsome but Gil also manages to garner the readers empathy as he navigates his grief in the only way he knows- by searching for answers and preventing the truth being swept away on a tidal wave of political charm.
I found the book hard going for the first few chapters but as the characters settled into my imagination the pace picked up and the story flowed.

Robert Peston's political thriller features a rather engaging main protagonist named Gilbert (Gil) Peck. With a veritable bucketload of twists, action and general shenanigans this reader was totally absorbed from the outset. Gil is the political editor for a major national newspaper. The death of someone close to him results in him playing detective, using some unconventional methods. Set in 1997, many incidents described in the story are wholly captivating and perfectly, if alarmingly believable and plausible. Sporting many excellent characters besides Gil, The Whistleblower is well worth picking up.

I read The Whistleblower in staves with other Pigeonholers as part of a group. A special thank you to Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre, Robert Peston, NetGalley and The Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

Enjoying both whistleblower and political stories, this book had a high chance of being right for me. From the beginning, the tone was definitely right.

The character of journalist Gil was both interesting and annoying, but completely readable in this story. I was hooked into his plans, worries and inconveniences, but I did wonder if he valued life.

The election was getting closer and closer as this story, mostly based upon guesses and assumptions until they could be proved, moved towards crisis level. Was he doing this for his sister’s memory or was he doing this story for himself?

From the start, it was clear that his sister had been murdered, to shut her up, to prevent the pension deal going through, while we were told it was an accident.

His relationship with an individual from the opposition (and too close to the opposition party leader) added spice to whistleblowing. I can’t say how it ended, but it did bring matters to a fiery conclusion.

A free copy of this book found its way to my Kindle, and we both really enjoyed this story. I hope to read more from this author in the future.