Andrew J. Field crafts a compelling and twist-laden narrative in After the Bridge, a story that keeps readers on their toes from start to finish. With layers of intrigue and a plot that unfolds in unexpected directions, this novel offers a gripping reading experience where nothing is quite as it seems.

The pacing is deliberate yet dynamic, with each twist seamlessly integrated into the broader narrative. Field’s writing is both confident and inventive, and the originality of the storyline sets it apart from more conventional thrillers. There’s a distinct sense of unpredictability that fuels the tension and keeps the pages turning.

A well-constructed and refreshingly unique tale, After the Bridge is a standout read for those who appreciate smart plotting and richly detailed storytelling. It’s a wild ride that rewards the attentive reader, and one that will stay with you long after the final chapter.

Owen is a failed actor who wants to give up on life. When he meets Becky, a Ukrainian refugee who also wants to die, they form a strange pact, teaming up to lure married men to cheat on their spouses for the purposes of blackmail. This becomes quite lucrative until they meet a corrupt civil servant named Michael, involved in a big scheme of his own. When Becky catches Michael trying to spike her drink, she switches drinks and lures him into her room where he dies. Since Owen bears a passing resemblance to the dead man, he steals the dead man's identity and they take over Michael's blackmailing scheme. Everything soon spirals out of control when dangerous people start to suspect Owen isn't who he purports to be.

An unusual and gripping story written in a gritty, crime noir style. This dark but sometimes funny story centres around the shady and horrid side of life, touching on themes of sexual assault, blackmail and corruption. While the 2 main characters are not angels, they're painfully and sympathetically drawn and you can't help but feel for them as life hasn't always been kind to them. A well-paced and sometimes gruesome read I didn't want to put down. A must-read which I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was an interesting synopsis, and well written, but unfortunately it did not work for me.
Just too ‘noir’ for my taste, sorry.
My thanks to the publisher and Network for my advance copy of this book.

eik, this book was a goody. it didnt follow any of the tropes or premise ive read before. and Andrew has told a tale of flawed characters who you want to both shake but also cheer on sometimes. which in itself builds its own kind of tension. because who are you rooting for if anyone? there certainly are some bad guys in this one though and you need to know its definitely a book that comes under the "noir" side of life.
the way the chaotic tension is built both from the vents in the book and also how each character is developed and described is just fantastic. you have that leaning forward turning the page kind of feeling all the way through.
ive never read a book like this before. im finding it hard to describe without going into detail of the plot. but i know it made me feel, and it was a definite high five and sucker punch of a read all at once. and i thoroughly enjoyed it.