Rose is renowned for her hard-hitting interviews, so she is understandably nervous when she is asked to interview the Chancellor live on national TV. What she isn’t prepared for is the disembodied voice that takes over during the broadcast, telling her to follow their instructions because her wife and child have been kidnapped.
Although we know this is going to happen, the build up developed naturally and definitely meant that the moment of the hijack was a shocking one. As we witness the story developing we learn a little about each of Rose’s crew and there are a number of plot sidelines that could conceivably be at the heart of the story. The precise details do come as something of a shock.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication. I wasn’t wholly convinced by the way things panned out, but it was certainly an interesting idea.

Ever since I heard about this book, it’s been one of my most anticipated thrillers of the year—especially as a debut from BBC Breakfast and Steph’s Packed Lunch presenter, Steph McGovern.

The premise is brilliant: TV reporter Rose is about to conduct a live interview with one of the most powerful men in the country. But when a mysterious voice hijacks her earpiece mid-broadcast, everything changes. Her family has been kidnapped, and she must follow the hijacker’s commands—live, on air—to keep them safe.

I was hooked from the start and thoroughly enjoyed Part 1. The story was gripping, and the use of multiple POVs added depth and tension. However, from Part 2 onward, the tone and direction shifted significantly. The thriller I had been enjoying morphed into something more akin to a political scandal, without much buildup or explanation for the change.

Parts 4–6 began to tie up loose ends, but the decision to split the book into so many parts felt unnecessary. The structure would have been stronger as a three-part narrative with a final epilogue.

Speaking of the epilogue, it felt long and like it didn’t quite know when to end, piling on revelations in a way that came off more as “and then this” to wrap the story up. I don’t mind a few coincidences, but the story leaned too heavily on everything falling into place just right - rather than me walking away feeling like it was wrapped up in a clever way.

The novel has the bones of something compelling and it was an enjoyable read I sped through in a few hours sat by the pool. When Steph draws on what she knows from working in TV it feels at it's best.

Characters like Jonesy and Zoya stood out as strong additions, but sadly they faded into the background in the latter sections, when they could have added the most value in the plot tension from people who knew the character of Rose well and added to her unusual behaviour.

Ultimately, this wasn’t the book I expected based on the blurb. Readers going in hoping for a tight, high-stakes "live-on-air" hostage thriller may be disappointed. I think the marketing sets up one kind of story, but the book delivers something quite different—which could impact how it's received.

Deadline by Steph McGovern is sharp and witty with strong moments, but the pacing lags at times and the plot feels predictable. Enjoyable overall, but not as gripping as it could have been.

This book fast, tense, and laced with behind the-scenes media grit that only someone like McGovern with her experience of broadcasting could deliver.

TV reporter, Rose, is preparing for an interview of a lifetime today, where she be talking with one of the most powerful men in the country. But she receives a chilling message saying her wife and child have been kidnapped and she has to keep on going without the viewers knowing! The story is told by different characters and over different time lines. It was gripping, full of twists and turns and that ending is one I didn't see coming.

A decent thriller that will appeal to people who are interested in the media. I found it to have a little too much technical terminology that it lost in parts and I felt like I was reading two different book for the majority of the story; I know the stories came together in the end but I felt like they were disparate for too long.

There's a whole host of 'celebrity' authors these days but Steph McGovern has jumped straight to the top of the pile with Deadline.

Rose Steedman is a live news presenter, who's world if rocked when the voice in her earpiece tells her that he has her partner and son. Rose must do exactly what he says, whilst in the middle of the biggest interview of her career. The anticipation of knowing this event is going to happen adds massively to the backstory, where we meet Rose and her colleagues. We also follow teenager Ollie, who is unwittingly thrown into the world of politics, and who's connection with Rose is finally uncovered in a shellshock moment.

I absolutely devoured Deadline and hope that Steph McGovern continues writing. She is a natural at the kind of multi-layered thriller that will keep you hooked!

Rose is live on air as a broadcaster when the programme is hijacked by the person who has kidnapped her partner and her son.

To keep them safe she must do everything she is told as well as using her wits and professionalism to uncover the facts.

this is an intense and exciting read and i loved how the story unfolded. it has an air of reality and I was absolutely engrossed from start to finish.

Well written and brilliantly told i loved it

Deadline by Steph McGovern is a gripping page-turner I devoured in one sitting. Rose is a professional broadcaster, but when her partner and son are kidnapped, Will Rose remain professional. I liked this book more than I expected to - it was delicately written with perfectly timed dark humour. I would like to see Rose again in a future novel.

I was intrigued by the premise of this novel. The idea of a live broadcast being highjacked promised to be a thrilling read. The first part of the book was an explanation of how outside broadcasts work. The author uses her extensive knowledge of broadcasting to add authenticity and although interesting, it was not the thrilling read I expected. Nothing much happened apart from a couple of sub-plots that didn't go anywhere. I almost gave up - then about one third of the way in the highjack takes place. Almost immediately the plot then moves to events that happened 5 years before and I was left wondering how this fitted in. All is revealed in the latter part of the book which dealt with thought-provoking themes and gave a motive for the highjack.
The author writes in an informal and chatty style and there is banter and humour between the characters. The character of Rose is particularly well-drawn.
Overall a promising debut and I look forward to reading more.
3.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this book. Two stories cleverly woven together and I learned a little about how live TV works

If you ever wondered what happened behind the scenes in a live broadcast for a TV breakfast show, you could do far worse than read this book. In her debut novel, Deadline, Steph McGovern lifts the lid on the process, taking us behind the glamour (if you find building sites glamorous that is) and giving us mere viewers a rare insight into the process, the banter and, on occasion, the banality, of life on the road for an outside broadcast. But, if that was all she delivered, as fascinating as that might be for some, it wouldn't be much of a thriller now, would it. Thankfully the author has leant heavily into some of the worst case what if scenarios that she has pondered whilst having little else to do and has given us a thought provoking story that could, rather tragically, have been literally ripped from the headlines that has she delivered for many years.

The particular what if in Deadline is what if the outside broadcast got hijacked? Not beyond the realms of possibility given how easily internet connections etc can be hacked these days. But who would want to hijack them and to what end? And just how would you go about making the presenter, in this case Steph McGovern's self styled hero, Rose, comply with your demands? What if you placed their family in danger? Would that make them putty in your hands? It would appear so, at least in this case, and with the producers and crew hooked into the peril too, it seems that Rose's latest interview, with a very high profile figure in a top secret and secure location, isn't going to the be fiscal forecast and state of the nation challenge Rose first envisioned. In fact, going by the early stages of the interview, it's not going to be much more than a damp squib. Until the moment everything changes, and the hijackers make their intentions all too clear ...

I liked how Steph McGovern has played this novel. She draws us in, letting us get to know the very down to earth, unapologetically proud Northerner, Rose, and her cameraman, Jonesy, as well as, to a lesser extent, her producer, Zoya. Now, I think it is safe to say that the author has definitely written what she knew in this book, with her cameraman being her regular cameraman from her own time on location, and some of Rose's background being very much farmed from real life. But, this is part of what makes it work as it is very hard not to like Rose, so when she is plunged into a nightmare scenario, you cannot help but feel for her, It was certainly easy to accept that she wouldn't gamble with the life of her wife and son, so going along with the hijacker's demands when she had no way to contact the outside world made a kind of sense.

Now the motives for the hijack become increasingly clear very quickly to us as readers. The story is a dual timeline affair and it doesn't take long for the harsher side of this story to come to the fore. This is not a novel that is gratuitous, but the author does not play down the severity of the subject matter either. It is a story wrapped up in the impact of loss and grief, the nature of which I don't want to go into as it drips into spoiler territory. It really won't take long for readers to get the lay of the land, and despite some necessarily uncomfortable themes, the author handles the subject with sensitivity. It is all too familiar a tale that has been very prevalent in the headlines in recent years, one which should really make us all, especially parents, take note.

There is plenty of banter between the characters, particularly with Jonesy, and a good deal of humour, which is good given the darker side of the story. And there is no doubting the authenticity that the author brings to the novel, her knowledge and experience shining through. This might be the one slight niggle I had about the book as a lot of time is spent in explaining the background and process of an OB and the equipment used, which establishes the characters, but made the opening to the book a little slower than the fast paced charge to the conclusion. There was also another element of the story which was used to muddy the waters but not really brought to a conclusion, that I would have liked to have seen played through, although I get why the author focused elsewhere. Was everything that happened a surprise? No? Did the author manage to throw in some real curve balls and unexpected twists? Without question. Was justice served and were Rose's family saved? Well, if you want to know the answer to that, you'll have to buy the book won't you.

This was certainly an intriguing debut, and I am very interested to see how Steph McGovern progresses from here. Rose is a very fresh and likable, full of life character, and the world of broadcasting opens up a lot of opportunities no doubt. Which of our continuously dubious and dark headlines the author draws her inspiration from next is anyone's guess.

I have been so excited to read this book since I first heard about it. I knew it would provide insight into the world of television broadcasting, and I knew it was a thriller. What I didn't know was that it's very heavily political. As someone who doesn't really follow or understand politics, I was worried that I'd be lost and not follow the story.

I had nothing to worry about. The first half of this book is a little slow going, but I now realise that it's completely necessary in order to introduce all the characters, establish a timeline, and build suspense. The thing is, you know from the synopsis that there is kidnapping and hijacking, so how can there be suspense? Trust me, there is!

The final 25% of the book had me completely hooked! I literally couldn't stop reading until I'd finished the book. I flew through it. I was absolutely shocked with the twists and turns, and I cried pretty hard, which I didn't expect.

I think this I'd a great debut novel, so congratulations, Steph! Don't be put off by the political aspect. It's necessary and makes a lot of sense (Trust me) of a very confusing world. The characters are wonderfully written and relatable, my favourites being Rose, Harriet, and Zoya.

This book is an easy 9/10 for me.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The blurb and an interview I saw of the author talking about this book drew me in and I couldn't wait to get stuck in. While it wasn't the full-on fast paced thriller I was expecting from the start, I was gripped by how Rose ended up in the interview where the headset was hijacked and how things would resolve. It is clear by the technical descriptions of broadcasting it was written by someone with extensive experience and it made it much more authentic and I loved how the northern humour and voice was strong throughout. It was different, thought-provoking and unexpected. I look forward to seeing more by Steph McGovern.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for this eCopy to review

From the moment I stepped into the world of Deadline, I was completely hooked. Steph McGovern delivers a tense, high-stakes thriller that blends newsroom drama with a gripping hostage situation.

The story follows Rose, a seasoned TV reporter preparing for the biggest interview of her career, live on air with one of the most powerful men in the country. But just as the countdown begins, an unfamiliar voice hijacks her earpiece. They’ve kidnapped her family. And if she wants them back, she must follow their instructions, while millions watch, unaware of the nightmare unfolding behind the scenes.

McGovern’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and utterly immersive, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of live television while ramping up the suspense with every chapter. The tension is relentless, and Rose’s desperate attempts to outmanoeuvre her unseen captors make for an exhilarating read.

Deadline is a thrilling, clever, and deeply unsettling debut that keeps you on edge until the final page. If you love psychological thrillers with a unique premise and a strong, determined lead, this book is an absolute must-read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for a copy of “Deadline” for an honest review.

This was a really good premise for a storyline involving an interview taking place , where the interviewer is threatened to ask certain questions from a politician , while someone holds her family at risk. Who better to write this than someone who works in the industry and knows the ins and outs of tv broadcasting , Steph McGovern.!
I found the book very entertaining and on the whole I enjoyed the book , but , for me ,the build up to the end, and the explanation for what had happened didn’t ring true..I thought it was a decent enough debut novel , and I would read more by her, but I can only give an average 3.5 score.

How far would you go for the truth? What would you do to save your child?

Today should is the biggest interview of Rose's career, interviewing the chancellor live on TV. Not long after the interview starts she hears an unfamiliar voice in her ear.

"We have your wife and son"

Suddenly everything has changed and Rose must do as she is told for the sake of her family.

Told in jumps from past to present we slowly begin to put the story together but there are still plenty of twists you wont see coming. Really enjoyed thia would definitely recommend.

TV presenter Rose Steedman is in the middle of the biggest interview of her life, live on TV, when she hears a strange voice through her earpiece. The voice tells her that they have kidnapped her wife and son and she needs to do exactly as they say if she wants to see them alive again.

Deadline is Steph McGovern's debut novel. An often-used piece of advice to aspiring writers is to write what you know about and Steph McGovern has done just that, to the point that as I was reading I was picturing Steph as the lead character Rose. Rose is a no-nonsense, down-to-earth reporter who viewers delight in seeing on their screens, particularly when she's on location. We quickly learn, however, that the life of a roving reporter is not a glamorous one. The author also shows that life in the public eye can be unpleasant and the widespread use of social media can add danger.

The build-up to the ominous message is quick and gripping as we gain a glimpse into the fascinating world of Rose and her small team of camera operator, broadcast engineer and producer. You can feel the rapport between the team and there is lots of humour. Tension builds as we learn that after the first report from a construction site, the team is to interview the Chancellor at a top-secret location. Security around the location is extremely tight, making you wonder what is being protected.

The pace of the story and the suspense doesn't let up for a second until Rose hears the sinister warning during her interview. At this point, approximately a third of the way through the novel, the story goes back five years and introduces some new characters. While the narrative around these characters is interesting I felt that the momentum built in the first part of the book was lost. It takes quite a while for the story surrounding the new characters to coalesce and figure out how everything fits together. When the two stories merge anticipation begins to climb again and by the conclusion you want to punch the air and shout "YES!".

This is an immensely readable debut novel, filled with engaging characters, a heartbreaking story and plenty of misdirection. I'm sure this is going to be one of those books that every other person on the beach or around the pool will be reading this summer.

Well this was better than I had expected from a new celebrity author and she has definitely written about what she knows and loves! I was excited to read this one and did actually enjoy it especially the further the plot progressed.. Good characterisation combined with an easy to read narrative means this will definitely be on lots of summer reading lists this year and it will be a great beach read. A decent debut novel.

The advice is to write about what you know and love, and Steph McGovern has certainly done that in her debut, Deadline.

Whilst live on air in the interview of her life, TV presenter Rose get a voice in her earpiece, telling her that her wife and son have been held hostage and that she has to do exactly what she is told. Utterly terrified, Rose does as instructed, completely focused on her family’s safety.

This storyline is interwoven with one from five years previously, where schoolboy Ollie develops an unlikely friendship with an up and coming politician. Ollie is from a deprived background where he’s not expected to amount to much, he is a carer for his mum and brothers and life is hard. Suddenly his eyes are opened to a new possibility of a different life, and he throws himself in with innocence and naivety.

I really enjoyed Steph’s writing and sense of tension- she is a keen crime fiction reader and it shows! The story is pacy and kept me hooked from the outset to the very end. I’d definitely read more by Steph McGovern in the future.