
Member Reviews

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.