Absolutely astonishing! Holly Seddon has written some remarkable stories; this, in my view, is her best yet. Right at the top of her game. This is such an unusual and horribly plausible premise. The shrieking alert warning on mobile phone to warn of impending danger ir threat to life. It was made all the more real for me as a recent recipient of a genuine phone alert of severe weather and winds in excess of 90mph with threat to life and property, We were prepared for a test alert a while back, but to revive a genuine alert out of the blue is quite disturbing. Holly takes this a step further; it’s threat which means time on earth is soon going to be over. It’s chilling. Easy to imagine the mayhem and Holly explores the potential impact through the story of three characters. We sense their fear, concern for loved ones, frustration in the ensuing mayhem and travel through their short time with them.

I was almost literally swept into this story, riding at a pace and my pulse raced. So much food for thought…what would we do in a similar situation? What’s important?Who do we care about most? Brilliantly thought through and a real thriller. Buckle up for a bumpy ride.

This was a truly brilliant premise and was incredibly well executed.

Many of us in the UK will remember receiving an emergency alert on our phones in April 2023 - a test to ensure that a message could be delivered to everyone in the event of a serious emergency or attack.

Well this what Holly Seddon recreates, however this time it is not a test. Everyone in the country receives a message warning of a nuclear attack due to hit the UK in 59 minutes. Given it is 5pm, many people are on their way home and separated from their loved ones. But with an understanding that this is probably your last hour on earth, what would you do to make sure you could see your loved ones just one last time.

The story follows three different women, Carrie stuck in London trying to fight her way home. Frankie, spending her last hour with her partner, Otis, and Mrs Dabb whose daughter has not come back from school.

The three journey's are told in alternating chapters but there is also a major twist towards the end of the book which really surprises the reader and makes you want to instantly read it again!

Thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group | Orion for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I think this book will be massive when it publishes later this year

Just picture the scene - you’re going about your normal everyday life, when your cell phone suddenly starts emitting a loud screeching sound, as does everyone else’s in the vicinity. Picking up the device, you see a message warning that nuclear missiles are due to hit Southern England in 59 minutes, along with the words, seek immediate shelter, THIS IS NOT A TEST !

It’s easy to see the total panic that would ensue, and the mayhem that would follow. The storyline follows 3 main characters, all of them women, each of them determined to make it back to their families before the 59 minutes is up. Their journeys would normally be pretty simple, but with a lost schoolchild seeking help, a teenage daughter suddenly going missing, and dangerous criminals on the prowl, there is danger at every corner.

Each chapter is dedicated to one of the characters - there’s Carrie, desperately trying to get back to her partner and young daughter amidst the increasing pandemonium that is overtaking London. Elsewhere, newly pregnant Frankie and boyfriend Otis are on their way to a relaxing break on Dartmoor. Then there’s Mrs Dabb, who has just discovered that her 13 year old daughter has bunked off school hours before, and no one has any idea where she is! Can any of these women make it back to their loved ones as the clock ticks down to what could be the start of Armageddon?

It would be great if one could dismiss this scenario as belonging to the realms of fantasy, but sadly it appears increasingly likely in the coming years, which lends authenticity to “59 Minutes”.

This is a scary but compelling read, where the action is charged with tension, portraying as it does, the very best and the very worst of the human psyche. It’s a case of you don’t really want to know the consequences, but you can’t look away. Recommended.

Holly Seddon's novel offers a captivating read as a chilling message sends shockwaves through England, warning of an imminent missile strike and giving everyone just fifty-nine minutes to take cover. This thrilling premise lays the foundation for a heart-wrenching examination of resilience, love, and our natural instinct to safeguard those we cherish.

The narrative spotlights three women who each grapple with unique challenges as they race against the clock to reunite with their families. Emma, a dedicated mother, sees her protective instincts surge amidst the chaos. Sarah, meanwhile, finds herself on a frantic quest to locate her missing teenage daughter. Then there's Annie, a woman with a troubled history who must battle personal demons while striving to lend a hand to others. Each character is thoughtfully developed, displaying distinct personalities and relatable motivations that forge strong connections with readers. Their fears, hopes, and desires are tangibly conveyed, ensuring their journeys remain urgent and engaging.

The atmosphere within the book is charged with apprehension and unease. Seddon skillfully depicts how everyday moments can become extraordinary under pressure—a quiet family dinner or a peaceful evening suddenly morphing into scenes of panic and unwavering determination. The ever-ticking clock generates a relentless sense of urgency, heightening readers' empathy for the characters' frenzied attempts to reconnect with loved ones.

Emotionally, the story is powerful and resonant. Readers will quickly become invested in the characters' fates, feeling the raw fear and urgency as they navigate external threats and personal battles. Seddon's writing is direct yet evocative, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the dramatic events without getting bogged down by overly intricate language.

Themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and life's fragility are interlaced throughout the narrative.

The novel prompts readers to consider what holds true importance during moments of crisis and how far one would push oneself to protect the family. Additionally, it illuminates the unpredictability of life, demonstrating that even in dire circumstances, human connections can still shine through.

Overall, Seddon's work proves to be both an intense page-turner and a poignant examination of human relationships under extreme duress. With its relatable characters, heightened tension, and thought-provoking themes, it guarantees an unforgettable reading experience.

This is a story that hits deep as people everywhere prepare for their last 59 minutes. A brilliant book that takes you to where nobody wants to go. Nobody would want this to happen and shows what people do when they are desperate both good and bad.

OH MY GOD perfect.

3 povs Carrie, Frankie, Mrs Dabb.

Before the story Holly Seddon lays down some facts about nuclear bombs. So, she is already getting into our heads, and laying seeds of what if?

We live in a world where nuclear missiles and bombs are always mentioned in the news. But what would we do if one actually landed?

Seddon doesn't hold back in her descriptions. The way she writes, it makes it easy to envisage the chaos that is happening.

Carrie is in London. The population is vast. There are plenty of times that she is faced with being stuck in a crowd whilst trying desperately to get home. The tension that she is feeling oozes through the pages.

Frankie is on holiday in Dartmoor. I liked the fact that Seddon has chosen to set the book in polar opposites of location. London really busy and then a secluded village. I found it very poignant in one scene when they are in the village shop. This made me think of my hometown and how we would deal with something like this.

Contrast between London and Dartmoor.
London full of chaos, crowds. Carrie can't get out of the underground. They won't open doors incase of a stampede. Doors manned by security with guns.

Frankie queuing to get in the shop. A nice orderly queue. The shop is manned by a young lad wearing a spar uniform

A twist that was pure genius. In hindsight it's a simple idea, but it was so perfectly executed that it was a complete Oh my days moment. Really clever misdirection for us. But, I did get slightly confused for a bit purely because I had been conned 🤣🤣 credit to Seddon. The plotting must have been so intricate to plan out.

Excellent story

SEVERE ALERT. NUCLEAR MISSILE THREAT TO SOUTH ENGLAND. 59 MINUTES UNTIL IMPACT. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A TEST.

What would you do with your last 59 minutes?

In alternating chapters we follow three stories - Carrie, fighting desperately through a chaotic central London to get back to her partner and small daughter; newly pregnant Frankie and boyfriend Otis, stranded on a supposedly relaxing break in Dartmoor (you're right, Frankie, you should've stayed in the north); and Mrs Dabb, frantically searching for her missing thirteen year old daughter.

It's interesting - and sometimes depressing - to consider how people might act in the face of imminent disaster. (Whatever I'd do in these circumstances, I think I can confidently say that it wouldn't involve looking for the nearest woman to sexually assault.) For most, it's a desperate hunt for shelter, food supplies, and to be with loved ones.

This is an incredibly well-paced, high-stakes read which never lets go of its humanity, in turns heartbreaking and terrifying. Read it.

This is a full-throttle, grab-you-by-the-throat thriller. I'm a sucker for a delicious high concept book and this one really delivers. Don't read too much about it before diving in - just pick it up and start. You'll probably read it all in one sitting!

I have read some of author Holly Seddons novels and always enjoyed them so when I read the description of 59 minutes I could not wait to start this novel.

We follow 3 different main characters in this novel and each chapter alternates between each of them. When there is an alert sent out by the government telling them they have just 59 minutes to seek shelter as a nuclear bomb is on the way all chaos breaks out.

We follow a woman trying to find her daughter as she did not get off the bus from school, a woman has left her job and is desperately trying to find a way back home and a woman who has gone away to the country with her partner, newly pregnant and each of them have an interesting and unique story to tell.

I was really invested in 59 minutes, I did find it fairly hard going towards the middle/end of the novel as I felt it did go on slightly a bit too much but I am glad that I stuck with this novel and finished it.

A scary and compelling read. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

15th November 5:01 pm

"Severe Alert. Nuclear missile threat to South England. 59 minutes until impact. Seek Immediate shelter. THIS IS NOT A TEST"

When the government alert system issues a warning of nuclear attack, the author portrays a scene of mayhem as simultaneously millions reach for their phones and take in the message on their screen.

A mind blowing start and a compelling read, from start to finish this novel had my attention. Three women, their families and the decisions they make as the countdown begins is a tense, scary and heart-wrenching read with a twist I never saw coming.

A stark portrayal of both the best and worst of human nature, 59 Minutes is one of the most thought provoking novels I've ever read. Don't read the reviews, read the book. This one is going to be huge.

It’s an ordinary evening: commuters returning home, spending time with their loved ones, tucking their children into bed. Until a message arrive to put everything in perspective: find shelter immediately as in 59 minutes time, missiles will destroy England. The novel then follows three women making decisions in order to get home to their families. The question must be: what would you do if you needed to be with your family in under an hour? How far would you go to put them first? With the deadline comes panic, frailty and peril as people turn looters and others go missing. It’s quite a harrowing read, well written, but enough to make you question what you’d do in a similar situation.

There was just something about the cover of this book that peaked my attention. I felt like it was going to fall into the same category as Gillian McAllister’s Wrong Place, Wrong Time.

A cell phone alert goes off saying nuclear missiles will go off in 59 minutes. What do you know? Carrie is on the subway and tries to get off to her daughter and girlfriend. She finds a young girl on her way and takes her under her wing.

Newly pregnant, Frankie, and her boyfriend, Otis, decide they need to get supplies so they leave the safety of their home.

Mrs. Dabbs’ daughter does not return home on the bus. She’s on the hunt to figure out what happened.

These lives intersect in ways you would not believe. While I did get confused when the author started jumping to different times, it was a very big shock when things actually played out and how.

What a terrifying thought to know this was going to happen. And to see how people act. I would not want to know this was going to happen. Would rather be surprised! Great book!

With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily

Oh my, Holly Seddon. What an absolute gem of a book. Highly original, definitely thought provoking and absolutely gripping from start to finish. The twist in this is mind blowing and I found myself going back over the story in my mind to work it all out - genius. Wonderfully written and I was totally invested in the main characters. This book should be on everyone’s tbr list. A massive 5⭐️

I've been excited to read this since I heard the premise last year and it did not disappoint. What a fantastic book! It grabs you by the throat and pulls you along through the narrative as you hope against hope for all the characters in this awful yet all too plausible scenario. A brilliant book about humanity and what truly matters at the most crucial of times. This deserves to be an absolute hit.

Such a brilliant concept…the world is due to end in 59 minutes, what would you do?

The story follows 3 different characters, Carrie, Frankie and Mrs Dabb as they discover a nuclear missile is due to hit in 59 minutes.

Each chapter we see just how each of these characters deal with this devastating news and the lengths they’ll go to survive or be with loved ones.

Fast paced, full of suspense and then I was hit with a mind blowing twist that I had to go back and reread certain sections to make sure I’d read it properly.

Such a fascinating look at how people would respond and react if the world was coming to an end. This is one that needs to be on your radar!

Wow. Just wow. This is an utterly fantastic book with a perfect premise. It is beautifully written, fast paced, tight knit with barely a moment to breathe. I devoured it in one sitting, which wasn't my intention but once I started, I had absolutely no intention of stopping.

The juxtaposition of the city and rural settings added considerable depth to the novel, which was already tugging at the heartstrings given the palpable desperation of the characters to not only get home to their loved ones, but also maintain a grip of their humanity. Reading about how others lost their humanity under the same circumstances added a gritty reality, but at no time was gratuitous or overdone.

But what really took my breath away was the style of writing. I didn't notice it so much at the time, but on reflection there's a delicious rhythm to the book where engrossing descriptions alternate with a real sparseness of words. When I reached 'that' chapter, I was almost broken by the lush text in such a wonderful format; a change like that in most books would be jarring. Here, it was a masterclass.

Aside from the story itself, I loved the introductory information and the author's note at the end. I'll admit that I took some time after reading to consider what I would do with my 59 minutes. This is, without doubt, one of the best thrillers I've ever read and I will be wholeheartedly recommending it to anyone and everyone.

Gosh! This is a heart stopping read that has stayed with me and I was swept along from first page to last.

There is an immediate threat to the UK of a missile strike, due to destroy England in 59 minutes. The storyline follows a group of characters as the countdown begins and as the story develops we see all sides of humanity.

The individual characters are well rounded and as the chapters progress, I was so invested in seeing what happens next. It’s a real page turner and an excellent study of human nature and the power of love and family to survive at all costs.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the opportunity to preview.

I was desperate to read this book as soon as I heard the premise. (I grew up in the 80s with constant nuclear war fear and used to run home from school to make sure I’d be able to make it home if the warning ever went off.)

I inhaled this book within 24 hours and absolutely loved it. It also terrified me, obviously. Seddon’s writing is so brilliant - smart and clear and visceral. It would make a brilliant film, but it already reads like a film - I can see it all so clearly. I cared about these characters immediately and desperately wanted everything to be ok for them.

59 Minutes is smart and scary, gripping and heartbreaking. I hope it’s going to be huge.