Almost did not read this book but I am So Glad that I did as it caught me, trapped me and did not let me go until very, very late on the same day when I finished reading it.

What a lovely mix of people, plot and atmosphere. As I implied in the opening paragraph, I really could not put it down; just as well the day was clear!

Fiction the book maybe but, to me, it felt too close to my perception of reality.

It really is a great book and I hope that you too make the opportunity to read it.

3.5 rounded up

Arman Bajalan, a former Iraqi interpreter with US forces, takes his usual early morning dip on Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, Virginia. On his way out, he discovers a dead body in the sand, which Detective Catherine Wheel and her partner Lamar Adams are called to investigate. Who is the dead man? He has no wallet or i/d and that mystery well and truly deepens. Is there any link to Arman himself? Meanwhile, Sally Ewell, a journalist with issues of her own, is investigating Decision Tree, a private military contractor with links to Iraq.

This is a well plotted, intelligent, multilayered, but definitely complex thriller and though I don’t completely get all the references I most certainly get the gist. It’s a really good blend of police investigation conducted by Catherine and Lamar with a political thriller conspiracy which takes a deep dive into the second Gulf War. The author has the service credentials to write such a book and I have to say it makes me wonder and ponder if ……actually, I can well believe it, sadly. It’s full of tension and suspenseful moments as characters enter a violent, corrupt and extremely dangerous world with nefarious characters who will stop at nothing. It’s fast paced and there’s rarely a dull moment with a mounting body count. The ending is a surprise but feels justified.

There are a lot of characters and I really do mean a lot of characters and they take some keeping track of. The main four characters are well portrayed with good dialogue between them. You get a strong sense of the impact of war on individuals especially Arman whose story is a heartbreaking one but also with Sally who carries burdens and some demons. This aspect of the book is very well done.

However, some characters make some strange decisions which raises an eyebrow as they seem a bit of a stretch. Catherine in particular is an experienced cop but is certainly guilty of that!

Overall, it’s a powerful novel which I do enjoy despite an issue or two. I have never read this author before, indeed, I’d never heard of him and so there were no expectations but I’m very glad to have read it.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

WOW!!! This book really draws you in. I spent an entire day reading it I simply couldn’t put it down. An awful lot of death & violence but a very intriguing story line! Excellent!

A brilliant thriller that I couldn't put down until I had finished it due to it being a really excellent page turner. Needless to say I enjoyed it and would recommend it to all who love thrillers.