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Knife Edge
You never know where danger may come from...
6.45am. A sweltering London rush hour. And in the last 27 minutes, seven people have been murdered.
In a series of coordinated attacks, seven men and women across London have been targeted. For journalist Famie Madden, the horror unfolds as she arrives for the morning shift.
The victims have one thing in common: they make up the investigations team at the news agency where Famie works. The question everyone’s asking: what were they working on that could prompt such brutal devastation?
As Famie starts to receive mysterious messages, she must find out whether she is being warned of the next attack, or being told that she will be the next victim...
6.45am. A sweltering London rush hour. And in the last 27 minutes, seven people have been murdered.
In a series of coordinated attacks, seven men and women across London have been targeted. For journalist Famie Madden, the horror unfolds as she arrives for the morning shift.
The victims have one thing in common: they make up the investigations team at the news agency where Famie works. The question everyone’s asking: what were they working on that could prompt such brutal devastation?
As Famie starts to receive mysterious messages, she must find out whether she is being warned of the next attack, or being told that she will be the next victim...
432 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2020
213 people are currently reading
1005 people want to read
About the author
Simon Mayo
25 books212 followersSimon started work in Hospital radio and later became a Dj on BBC radio 1 and later on BBC radio 2.
His series 'Itch' is closely related to best selling series such as Alex Rider & Jason Steed. Also written by British authors.
Simon was recognised as the Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in 2008, and has won several Sony Awards for his work in radio.
His series 'Itch' is closely related to best selling series such as Alex Rider & Jason Steed. Also written by British authors.
Simon was recognised as the Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in 2008, and has won several Sony Awards for his work in radio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
February 29, 2020
*4.5 Stars *
Author Simon Mayo, is better known as a radio DJ with the BBC, so who knew that he was capable of writing such an addictive and fast paced thriller!
It’s only 6.45 am on a hot sunny morning in London, but already there have been 7 violent murders, in a series of coordinated attacks, all the victims being investigative journalists with the IPS (International Press Service).
Famie Madden also works as a journalist for IPS, and the killings lead her on a dangerous mission, to discover which terrorist organisation is behind this attack, because it may be that the killings haven’t yet ceased, and she, together with other colleagues, might be next on the list.
Well, this one certainly grabbed my attention right from the off. Apart from a slight slowing down of proceedings towards the middle of the book, (though it did provide time to gather breath), it was wrought with tension, and utterly terrifying, yet believable. The characters were strong and memorable, the storyline is really current, and it came with a terrific twist at the end. Great stuff!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld for my ARC, for which I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Author Simon Mayo, is better known as a radio DJ with the BBC, so who knew that he was capable of writing such an addictive and fast paced thriller!
It’s only 6.45 am on a hot sunny morning in London, but already there have been 7 violent murders, in a series of coordinated attacks, all the victims being investigative journalists with the IPS (International Press Service).
Famie Madden also works as a journalist for IPS, and the killings lead her on a dangerous mission, to discover which terrorist organisation is behind this attack, because it may be that the killings haven’t yet ceased, and she, together with other colleagues, might be next on the list.
Well, this one certainly grabbed my attention right from the off. Apart from a slight slowing down of proceedings towards the middle of the book, (though it did provide time to gather breath), it was wrought with tension, and utterly terrifying, yet believable. The characters were strong and memorable, the storyline is really current, and it came with a terrific twist at the end. Great stuff!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld for my ARC, for which I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
July 11, 2020
Terror
Knife Edge is a contemporary thriller that seems to resonate on various levels with current global issues, including terrorist groups and an attack on the press. A muggy May morning and within twenty-nine minutes, seven investigative journalists working for the International Press Service (IPS) are murdered.
Famie Madden who also works for the IPS had personal friendships with those killed, and an intimate relationship with one man in particular. The events of the day strike fear into all the other journalists not knowing if they are now targeted by the terror group that carried out these attacks. The police lock down the building and start the investigation into who was behind these meticulously planned murders. Simon Mayo creates a tense atmosphere where suspicion is created around many individuals.
Fannie receives messages that cause her and some of her colleagues to pursue their own investigation. The plot is intriguing and explores the forces around the world that facilitate terrorist activity. Fannie’s daughter, Charlie, is also drawn into the story which enables a wider scope to include family and other personal concerns.
There were a number of issues with the flow of the story with its momentum drifting up and down and almost stalling at times, mainly when the pursuit of detail seemed more important. What saved this book was the incredible opening and it really brought the shock factor which was gripping in the early part of the book. The closing chapters scaled the tension and pace back up again to deliver an accomplished thriller.
I would recommend this book and I would like to thank Doubleday, Randon House UK and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in return for an honest review.
Knife Edge is a contemporary thriller that seems to resonate on various levels with current global issues, including terrorist groups and an attack on the press. A muggy May morning and within twenty-nine minutes, seven investigative journalists working for the International Press Service (IPS) are murdered.
“Mary Lawson was the first to die. Leaving Euston station shortly before 6.45, she made straight for her favourite breakfast stall. …
He was barely a metre away when she glanced at him, assuming he would be asking for change. He smiled. She only saw the knife as it pierced her chest.”
Famie Madden who also works for the IPS had personal friendships with those killed, and an intimate relationship with one man in particular. The events of the day strike fear into all the other journalists not knowing if they are now targeted by the terror group that carried out these attacks. The police lock down the building and start the investigation into who was behind these meticulously planned murders. Simon Mayo creates a tense atmosphere where suspicion is created around many individuals.
Fannie receives messages that cause her and some of her colleagues to pursue their own investigation. The plot is intriguing and explores the forces around the world that facilitate terrorist activity. Fannie’s daughter, Charlie, is also drawn into the story which enables a wider scope to include family and other personal concerns.
There were a number of issues with the flow of the story with its momentum drifting up and down and almost stalling at times, mainly when the pursuit of detail seemed more important. What saved this book was the incredible opening and it really brought the shock factor which was gripping in the early part of the book. The closing chapters scaled the tension and pace back up again to deliver an accomplished thriller.
I would recommend this book and I would like to thank Doubleday, Randon House UK and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in return for an honest review.
May 11, 2020
Simon Mayo is a well known British BBC radio DJ who has turned his hand to writing this intense and dark thriller which begins with a bang. On a early May morning in London, packed with commuters, seven people are murdered by seven separate killers leading to speculation this was possibly an attack by extremist Islamists. It soon emerges that the victims are connected, they are investigative journalists at a news wire service, the International Press Service (IPS), a building that the police have under lockdown with fears that other attacks might be imminent. The strong and determined Famie Madden is an investigative journalist, who gets a note, followed by other messages, that have her, supported by colleagues, embarking on a dangerous investigation to get to the truth of the who and why of the horrifying murders. In a narrative that looks at the history of terror groups around the world, it all culminates in a exciting finale. This is an entertaining and compulsive read, although there are occasional pacing issues, which will appeal to many thriller fans. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
July 19, 2022
It’s 645am & London is in turmoil as 7 people lay dead from a suspected Terrorist attack all were journalists with the ISP (international press service) Famie Madden being a journalist for two decades knew them as she worked for I SP also she is lead on a mission to find the terrorise group responsible .
For me Famie was a real heroine her character was courageous & brave, I was in from the very start to finish it was well written fast paced I enjoyed it this was action packed thoroughly enjoyable.
For me Famie was a real heroine her character was courageous & brave, I was in from the very start to finish it was well written fast paced I enjoyed it this was action packed thoroughly enjoyable.
February 21, 2020
I was hooked from the opening salvo in this gripping, tense, current and very well written thriller. It starts on 22nd May when there are 7 murders in London in 29 minutes - 7 killers, 7 victims in a coordinated attack. All the dead are journalists working at IPS, the International Press Service. Famie Madden is working slot at the agency and knows the victims personally. The IPS building goes into lockdown until the police are certain the building is secure. The attacks prove to be the work of an anti fascist far left group whose ‘ideology’ is principally about power and intimidation. The exciting aftermath of these shocking attacks is told from the perspective of Famie and what ensues is terrifying, shocking and full of twists and turns.
The book is well plotted and researched as it includes existing terror groups in various parts of the world. Particularly interesting is the inclusion of the American Weather Underground, a radical left wing organisation of the late 1960s/70s which are featured in Bob Dylan tracks which Simon Mayo cleverly uses in the storytelling. I like the flashes of humour for Famie and her daughter Charlie which provides some welcome relief from the intensity of the story. The characters are really good and a lot are very likeable especially Famie and Charlie and the other journalists who help them to stay safe.
Overall, this is an unputdownable read. It’s chilling, intriguing, intelligent, deeply shocking and very current in that it clearly demonstrates the havoc that a few individuals with knives can cause as recent tragic events in London show.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House, Transworld for the Arc.
The book is well plotted and researched as it includes existing terror groups in various parts of the world. Particularly interesting is the inclusion of the American Weather Underground, a radical left wing organisation of the late 1960s/70s which are featured in Bob Dylan tracks which Simon Mayo cleverly uses in the storytelling. I like the flashes of humour for Famie and her daughter Charlie which provides some welcome relief from the intensity of the story. The characters are really good and a lot are very likeable especially Famie and Charlie and the other journalists who help them to stay safe.
Overall, this is an unputdownable read. It’s chilling, intriguing, intelligent, deeply shocking and very current in that it clearly demonstrates the havoc that a few individuals with knives can cause as recent tragic events in London show.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House, Transworld for the Arc.
June 2, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld for my ARC, for which I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange
Knife Edge is a bit of a mixed bag. I loved the original plot, quite ingenious to read, how would a news team react to being the subject, of the news, rather than the reporters. Really grabbed my attention, at the start with probably one of the best opening chapters, I have read in a long time, with taut and tense prose, describing the disbelief and shock. But the middle bit is not nearly as gripping before building up to a high octane, action packed finish.
One problem I had, and it may have just been me. But I think part problem with enjoying this novel was how do you pronounce Famie’s name? Is it Fame-ie or Famm-ie? I found it quite distracting that each time I read the name I had to stop and think about its pronunciation. I also struggled with the amount of description for each character from the height to what clothes they wore. Obviously, some is needed, but it seemed over the top to me. Probably just me.
Overall not a bad book, but not one of my must re read, although I would possibly read another book by Simon Mayo, there is some great potential.
Scoring this was difficult, 5.5 for start, 4.5 for the end, but 2 stars for middle bit, 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars.
Knife Edge is a bit of a mixed bag. I loved the original plot, quite ingenious to read, how would a news team react to being the subject, of the news, rather than the reporters. Really grabbed my attention, at the start with probably one of the best opening chapters, I have read in a long time, with taut and tense prose, describing the disbelief and shock. But the middle bit is not nearly as gripping before building up to a high octane, action packed finish.
One problem I had, and it may have just been me. But I think part problem with enjoying this novel was how do you pronounce Famie’s name? Is it Fame-ie or Famm-ie? I found it quite distracting that each time I read the name I had to stop and think about its pronunciation. I also struggled with the amount of description for each character from the height to what clothes they wore. Obviously, some is needed, but it seemed over the top to me. Probably just me.
Overall not a bad book, but not one of my must re read, although I would possibly read another book by Simon Mayo, there is some great potential.
Scoring this was difficult, 5.5 for start, 4.5 for the end, but 2 stars for middle bit, 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars.
March 24, 2020
WOW this had such a gripping and terrifying opener that I was hooked from the first page!!
It’s early morning in London, the city is busy with commuters going to work. Tragedy strikes when 7 murders are committed by 7 killers in an orchestrated attack, the victims are all journalists working for IPS the International Press Service.
Famie Madden also works for IPS and knows the victims well, she starts to receive cryptic messages and investigates, even if it puts herself and her daughters lives at risk.
This is an addictive fast paced thriller that had me guessing until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
It’s early morning in London, the city is busy with commuters going to work. Tragedy strikes when 7 murders are committed by 7 killers in an orchestrated attack, the victims are all journalists working for IPS the International Press Service.
Famie Madden also works for IPS and knows the victims well, she starts to receive cryptic messages and investigates, even if it puts herself and her daughters lives at risk.
This is an addictive fast paced thriller that had me guessing until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
February 13, 2020
This debut thriller from author Simon Mayo will grip you from the start with it's fast moving plot. The books opening begins with seven murders in London, all taking place simultaneously. Seven separate killers and seven dead journalists working for the same company.
The murders have been carried out by an anti fascist group and they intend to continue with their onslaught. The story follows lead character Famie Madden who knew the victims personally and who is herself living in fear. She starts to receive messages from a mysterious source and is unsure whether she is been given a warning of more attacks or threats against her personally.
This page turner is a very fast moving story and will keep the reader interested.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Random House for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The murders have been carried out by an anti fascist group and they intend to continue with their onslaught. The story follows lead character Famie Madden who knew the victims personally and who is herself living in fear. She starts to receive messages from a mysterious source and is unsure whether she is been given a warning of more attacks or threats against her personally.
This page turner is a very fast moving story and will keep the reader interested.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Random House for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Simon Mayo and it certainly had a really strong start. Seven murders, in just twenty nine minutes, around London. I was totally gripped when I was reading and it was revealed that all of the victims were all journalists and members of an investigations team. The main character, Famie Madden, is also a journalist, going to work and retreating from the rush hour with her love for Classical music. Arriving at work, she discovers that her colleagues have been brutally struck down - one of those killed an ex-lover and all members of a team that she had applied to join. Now, of course, her inability to have got a place on the team seems to have saved her life and what unfolds are a series of funerals, which make her question her career and her life.
To be honest, I think Mayo was quite brave to make journalists his main characters, when it seems they are about as trusted as politicians, these days. With American journalism so openly partisan and British journalism, portraying itself as unbiased, but often not seen as such, it was an interesting decision. The beginning of the novel, as I say, was very well done and you have the busy newsroom, the unfolding story and the reaction of the victims colleagues, to the murders. I did struggle to find Famie a sympathetic character, though, and I just don't think I cared for her very much. She was the typical, slightly aggressive, stubborn, female character that is so often seen in crime novels at the moment - throw in a daughter, so she has someone to care for, plus the Classical music, to give her a personality hook, but she never really felt fleshed out, as a character, to me.
As the storyline unfolds, it seems those on the investigations team were obviously involved in a story so secret that they have kept everything offline. When Famie receives a strange note, and arouses police interest, it is in her interest to uncover what caused the organised killings to take place. Before long, of course, she is in danger. The novel has a good climax, but I felt it never really lived up to the strong beginning. Of course, that is a personal response and the first in what may become a series, so the main character may change, and grow. Personally, though, I found the characters under-whelming and so struggled to care what happened to them. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review. Rated 3.5.
To be honest, I think Mayo was quite brave to make journalists his main characters, when it seems they are about as trusted as politicians, these days. With American journalism so openly partisan and British journalism, portraying itself as unbiased, but often not seen as such, it was an interesting decision. The beginning of the novel, as I say, was very well done and you have the busy newsroom, the unfolding story and the reaction of the victims colleagues, to the murders. I did struggle to find Famie a sympathetic character, though, and I just don't think I cared for her very much. She was the typical, slightly aggressive, stubborn, female character that is so often seen in crime novels at the moment - throw in a daughter, so she has someone to care for, plus the Classical music, to give her a personality hook, but she never really felt fleshed out, as a character, to me.
As the storyline unfolds, it seems those on the investigations team were obviously involved in a story so secret that they have kept everything offline. When Famie receives a strange note, and arouses police interest, it is in her interest to uncover what caused the organised killings to take place. Before long, of course, she is in danger. The novel has a good climax, but I felt it never really lived up to the strong beginning. Of course, that is a personal response and the first in what may become a series, so the main character may change, and grow. Personally, though, I found the characters under-whelming and so struggled to care what happened to them. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review. Rated 3.5.
August 20, 2020
Knife Edge is a rip-roaring thrill ride of topical issues, shocking twists, lightning-fast pacing and non-stop action from the outset and also manages to be terrifying and tension-filled too. It's early on an oppressively humid May morning with commuters scurrying about as the rush hour gets underway. But this morning is like no other; it's about to become bloody and brutal as seven individuals are murdered in seven separate but seemingly coordinated attacks within the short span of thirty minutes prompting concerns this was an Islamist extremist group. Famie Madden is a well-respected journalist working for a renowned media outlet known as the International Press Service (IPS) when she sets out to report on the violent and gory knifings so the story is ready to go to print a little later.
She soon comes to the shocking realisation that all seven people worked alongside her at IPS and were part of the agency's investigations team which of course cannot be a coincidence. Having been searching for an excuse to quit her job for a while, Famie resigns. She attends all seven of the funerals to pay her respects to her ex-colleagues. When she returns to her car after the service she discovers a note wedged under the windscreen wiper that features the rather ominous Bob Dylan lyric ”you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows" a term known to be utilised by a far-left extremist group active in the area. But why was the note left for her, what does it mean and is she in imminent danger?
This is a riveting, exhilarating and action-packed thriller from the outset as Mayo throws you in at the deep end and doesn't waste a single word in getting to the crux of the situation; you literally cannot put this book down. The use of topical issues, principally terrorism is well thought through and feels both authentic and extensively researched. Mayo has taken care to keep his story as close to reality as possible rather than opting for idiotic and far-fetched antics. The use of the lyrics from some of the most accomplished artists both dead and alive are memorialised throughout these pages which is a nice, original touch parking back to his radio days. The conclusion blew me away and was a fitting way to end; both the beginning and end of the book are explosive. Many thanks to Transworld for an ARC.
She soon comes to the shocking realisation that all seven people worked alongside her at IPS and were part of the agency's investigations team which of course cannot be a coincidence. Having been searching for an excuse to quit her job for a while, Famie resigns. She attends all seven of the funerals to pay her respects to her ex-colleagues. When she returns to her car after the service she discovers a note wedged under the windscreen wiper that features the rather ominous Bob Dylan lyric ”you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows" a term known to be utilised by a far-left extremist group active in the area. But why was the note left for her, what does it mean and is she in imminent danger?
This is a riveting, exhilarating and action-packed thriller from the outset as Mayo throws you in at the deep end and doesn't waste a single word in getting to the crux of the situation; you literally cannot put this book down. The use of topical issues, principally terrorism is well thought through and feels both authentic and extensively researched. Mayo has taken care to keep his story as close to reality as possible rather than opting for idiotic and far-fetched antics. The use of the lyrics from some of the most accomplished artists both dead and alive are memorialised throughout these pages which is a nice, original touch parking back to his radio days. The conclusion blew me away and was a fitting way to end; both the beginning and end of the book are explosive. Many thanks to Transworld for an ARC.
June 2, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld for my ARC, for which I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange
Knife Edge is a bit of a mixed bag. I loved the original plot, quite ingenious to read, how would a news team react to being the subject, of the news, rather than the reporters. Really grabbed my attention, at the start with probably one of the best opening chapters, I have read in a long time, with taut and tense prose, describing the disbelief and shock. But the middle bit is not nearly as gripping before building up to a high octane, action packed finish.
One problem I had, and it may have just been me. But I think part problem with enjoying this novel was how do you pronounce Famie’s name? Is it Fame-ie or Famm-ie? I found it quite distracting that each time I read the name I had to stop and think about its pronunciation. I also struggled with the amount of description for each character from the height to what clothes they wore. Obviously, some is needed, but it seemed over the top to me. Probably just me.
Overall not a bad book, but not one of my must re read, although I would possibly read another book by Simon Mayo, there is some great potential.
Scoring this was difficult, 5.5 for start, 4.5 for the end, but 2 stars for middle bit, 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars.
Knife Edge is a bit of a mixed bag. I loved the original plot, quite ingenious to read, how would a news team react to being the subject, of the news, rather than the reporters. Really grabbed my attention, at the start with probably one of the best opening chapters, I have read in a long time, with taut and tense prose, describing the disbelief and shock. But the middle bit is not nearly as gripping before building up to a high octane, action packed finish.
One problem I had, and it may have just been me. But I think part problem with enjoying this novel was how do you pronounce Famie’s name? Is it Fame-ie or Famm-ie? I found it quite distracting that each time I read the name I had to stop and think about its pronunciation. I also struggled with the amount of description for each character from the height to what clothes they wore. Obviously, some is needed, but it seemed over the top to me. Probably just me.
Overall not a bad book, but not one of my must re read, although I would possibly read another book by Simon Mayo, there is some great potential.
Scoring this was difficult, 5.5 for start, 4.5 for the end, but 2 stars for middle bit, 3.75 rounded up to 4 stars.
August 13, 2020
This starts as the title would suggest on a ‘knife edge’, a frantic few chapters where 7 ‘random’ people are stabbed to death early one Morning in London, it turns out they are all journalists in the investigating team at a News Organisation based in Canary Wharf......we then meet Famie who works there and is covering the breaking news, Famie is the main character in the book and is, sadly, annoying as the day is long, the author states she is fierce, funny and foul mouthed, she is foul mouthed I have to agree but she is like a spoilt teenager with her attitude and it wares very thin and gets thinner as the book goes on! And that as you will know is a major problem(a main character dislike) for a readers enjoyment of a book, I felt my lip curl and body tense every time she started up!
I did finish the book and it was a pretty decent story of terrorists and plots and trying to uncover them and the ending was good but it was very mish mashed and messy tbh
The author presumes the reader knows about the inner workings of journalism and for instance no explanation of Famie’s job as a ‘slotter’ is given
This book had a great premise and a whirlwind of a start but seemed to thereafter never get back to that initial excitement and drive, saying that it did keep me reading!
4/10
2.5 Stars ( 3 on GR’s/ Amazon)
I did finish the book and it was a pretty decent story of terrorists and plots and trying to uncover them and the ending was good but it was very mish mashed and messy tbh
The author presumes the reader knows about the inner workings of journalism and for instance no explanation of Famie’s job as a ‘slotter’ is given
This book had a great premise and a whirlwind of a start but seemed to thereafter never get back to that initial excitement and drive, saying that it did keep me reading!
4/10
2.5 Stars ( 3 on GR’s/ Amazon)
August 21, 2020
Today is the 22nd May and seven murders have been committed in less than half an hour. Seven stabbings committed by seven attackers. Each of the victims worked as investigators at the International Press Service in London. Famie Madden sees the events unfolding live at her desk. She's hearing all seven of her colleagues are dead. In the coming weeks she attends their funerals. When she gets back to her car, there's a cryptic note left under her window wiper. She receives more messages and so does some of her colleagues. They decide to do their own investigation into the messages.
Simon Mayo is a well known British BBC radio DJ. The opening to this story is quite shocking. The pace is steady with lots going on, you just have to keep turning the pages. There's some good twists with a few edge of your seat moments. The story did dip a bit in the middle but just for a short time. The book has one of the best opening chapters that I've read. This is an addictive thriller.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and the author Simon Mayo for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Simon Mayo is a well known British BBC radio DJ. The opening to this story is quite shocking. The pace is steady with lots going on, you just have to keep turning the pages. There's some good twists with a few edge of your seat moments. The story did dip a bit in the middle but just for a short time. The book has one of the best opening chapters that I've read. This is an addictive thriller.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and the author Simon Mayo for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2020
Welcome to current day London on the start of another working day. WHAM! This novel gets off to a frightening start when 7 fatal stabbings take place within 29 minutes on busy London streets.
Knife Edge is the tale of terror that is suddenly unleashed on the capital. What is going on and why? All the hallmarks are there and the reader is forced to remember the tragedy of 7/7.
The central character of this novel is Famie Madden, a journalist working for IPS - International Press Service - as she will get to the very bottom of the 7 fatal stabbings that shocked both London and her workmates.
I found Knife Edge an entertaining and thought provoking read. Knife Edge got off to a dramatic start that asked many, many questions. As Famie progressed in her investigations, slowly details emerged that made the plot unravel. The initial excitement from the start of this novel started to fade as Famie got closer to the bad guys. Knife Edge could not sustain the initial shock to the reader as it became a regular investigative journalist seeks the truth.
I liked how Simon did his research into rebel groups as far back as the late 1960’s. This historical perspective added so much realism to Knife Edge. All these past terrorist groups that have fizzled out, haunted the reader as they read through this story. I remembered these groups just as much as hit music records of the time.
I also liked how Simon repeated phrases that became slogans for the reader to embrace. These phrases remained in my head long after I had finished reading this novel. Remember how people used to scorn car manufacturer abbreviations? BMW became Black Man’s Wheels and GTI became Great Turd Inside, well Simon made up BPW which female readers will find amusing. To any of my workmates reading this review, BPW did NOT refer to Bristol Parkway railway station. Simon’s most memorable phrase undoubtedly was “embrace the butcher” and has nothing to do with vegans!
I enjoyed how suspicion was made of the characters and their motives. I liked how the psychology of terror was explored and the explanation of Collins and Hari’s 16 minutes of fun in a Coventry car park.
We are so used to modern crime/mystery/thrillers involving characters using smartphones and the internet. It was refreshing that Knife Edge involved old school, off the grid information sharing like newspapers, typewriters and writing paper. (Remember those!)
Simon Mayo is well known as a successful English radio presenter and I found Knife Edge a GOOD read that gets 4 stars from me. Knife Edge got off to a terrific start but faded into a steady trawl through clues to the conclusion. I found Knife Edge an entertaining read that was above average but there are better books out there.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher Random House UK for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
Knife Edge is the tale of terror that is suddenly unleashed on the capital. What is going on and why? All the hallmarks are there and the reader is forced to remember the tragedy of 7/7.
The central character of this novel is Famie Madden, a journalist working for IPS - International Press Service - as she will get to the very bottom of the 7 fatal stabbings that shocked both London and her workmates.
I found Knife Edge an entertaining and thought provoking read. Knife Edge got off to a dramatic start that asked many, many questions. As Famie progressed in her investigations, slowly details emerged that made the plot unravel. The initial excitement from the start of this novel started to fade as Famie got closer to the bad guys. Knife Edge could not sustain the initial shock to the reader as it became a regular investigative journalist seeks the truth.
I liked how Simon did his research into rebel groups as far back as the late 1960’s. This historical perspective added so much realism to Knife Edge. All these past terrorist groups that have fizzled out, haunted the reader as they read through this story. I remembered these groups just as much as hit music records of the time.
I also liked how Simon repeated phrases that became slogans for the reader to embrace. These phrases remained in my head long after I had finished reading this novel. Remember how people used to scorn car manufacturer abbreviations? BMW became Black Man’s Wheels and GTI became Great Turd Inside, well Simon made up BPW which female readers will find amusing. To any of my workmates reading this review, BPW did NOT refer to Bristol Parkway railway station. Simon’s most memorable phrase undoubtedly was “embrace the butcher” and has nothing to do with vegans!
I enjoyed how suspicion was made of the characters and their motives. I liked how the psychology of terror was explored and the explanation of Collins and Hari’s 16 minutes of fun in a Coventry car park.
We are so used to modern crime/mystery/thrillers involving characters using smartphones and the internet. It was refreshing that Knife Edge involved old school, off the grid information sharing like newspapers, typewriters and writing paper. (Remember those!)
Simon Mayo is well known as a successful English radio presenter and I found Knife Edge a GOOD read that gets 4 stars from me. Knife Edge got off to a terrific start but faded into a steady trawl through clues to the conclusion. I found Knife Edge an entertaining read that was above average but there are better books out there.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher Random House UK for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
March 2, 2020
The first part of Knife Edge was for me completely brilliant- seven murders all in the space of a single hour - all victims working for the same news agency- it was pacy, thrilling and addictive.
Admittedly the rest of it didn't work quite so well for me - absolutely subjective- because once it became clear what the theme would be I lost interest somewhat. I won't give that away but simply say it wasn't a storyline that appealed to me particularly at this time.
The pace stays good and apart from a random occasional irritation at the main protagonist, I liked it ok - Simon Mayo twists and turns the plot cleverly enough and the writing remains immersive. But I did rush to finish it just so I could see if there were any surprises but for me there were none.
A good book with a GREAT hook that will definitely appeal to thriller fans but that just didn't quite hit the mark for this reader.
Admittedly the rest of it didn't work quite so well for me - absolutely subjective- because once it became clear what the theme would be I lost interest somewhat. I won't give that away but simply say it wasn't a storyline that appealed to me particularly at this time.
The pace stays good and apart from a random occasional irritation at the main protagonist, I liked it ok - Simon Mayo twists and turns the plot cleverly enough and the writing remains immersive. But I did rush to finish it just so I could see if there were any surprises but for me there were none.
A good book with a GREAT hook that will definitely appeal to thriller fans but that just didn't quite hit the mark for this reader.
May 4, 2021
I'm no newbie when it comes to reading Simon Mayo; I've read Itch: The Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter, Itch Rocks and Blame. So going into this I knew it was going to be good quality writing. And I'm happy to say I got exactly what I expected.
This was a fantastic fast-paced thriller that had me gasping at moments and genuinely feeling a sense of dread at the thought of having to pick up the book again and immerse myself into this world that frightens the protagonist Famie so much.
The descriptions were fantastic because they seemed to embody the mind of a journalist. Even the dialogue was very true to what I imagine journalists would sound like and you could really tell that it was a wholly different kind of dialogue than the average kind. I reckon you wouldn't be able to understand what I mean by that unless you read the book, but to try and explain it's that the journalists speak in a matter of fact way, like a lawyer would if they were discussing a case with a colleague and not to any old layman. And that's quite refreshing.
I think the murders at the beginning were perhaps the best part of the book. And I don't mean that in a psychopathic way (I promise😂), I mean that the immediate aftermath of the murders of the journalists were the part of the book that had me the most gripped and shocked because they were the beginning of the mystery. The inciting incident. The journey to the answer to the mystery was a bit cumbersome and at times a bit questionable. And above all, you knew the murders were coming (it's in the synopsis) but you didn't know they would occur the way that they did, which makes it all the more terrible.
Some parts of the mystery didn't make sense. Like:
If you ask me the ending was a bit of a cop out. The explanation behind it all seemed very half hearted. And the last line... It made me think there's more to the story. It made me think that whatever this was, there was still more to it and it's not over. So now that makes me question whether there's going to be a sequel... Because I reckon it's needed. Not to drag the story on, but to develop it. And there's so much much more that could be addressed; that certainly needed to be.
Questions like: All these questions and more need to be answered! I suppose we'll have to wait and see if there'll be a sequel...
This was a fantastic fast-paced thriller that had me gasping at moments and genuinely feeling a sense of dread at the thought of having to pick up the book again and immerse myself into this world that frightens the protagonist Famie so much.
The descriptions were fantastic because they seemed to embody the mind of a journalist. Even the dialogue was very true to what I imagine journalists would sound like and you could really tell that it was a wholly different kind of dialogue than the average kind. I reckon you wouldn't be able to understand what I mean by that unless you read the book, but to try and explain it's that the journalists speak in a matter of fact way, like a lawyer would if they were discussing a case with a colleague and not to any old layman. And that's quite refreshing.
I think the murders at the beginning were perhaps the best part of the book. And I don't mean that in a psychopathic way (I promise😂), I mean that the immediate aftermath of the murders of the journalists were the part of the book that had me the most gripped and shocked because they were the beginning of the mystery. The inciting incident. The journey to the answer to the mystery was a bit cumbersome and at times a bit questionable. And above all, you knew the murders were coming (it's in the synopsis) but you didn't know they would occur the way that they did, which makes it all the more terrible.
Some parts of the mystery didn't make sense. Like:
If you ask me the ending was a bit of a cop out. The explanation behind it all seemed very half hearted. And the last line... It made me think there's more to the story. It made me think that whatever this was, there was still more to it and it's not over. So now that makes me question whether there's going to be a sequel... Because I reckon it's needed. Not to drag the story on, but to develop it. And there's so much much more that could be addressed; that certainly needed to be.
Questions like: All these questions and more need to be answered! I suppose we'll have to wait and see if there'll be a sequel...
August 20, 2020
This is a fast-paced modern-day thriller that opened with a bang when the investigative journalists at a British Press Service are all killed in different locations around London. This puts their colleagues on edge and at the centre is Famie, a single mother who works for the organisation. I couldn't help feeling that despite its quick and racy timeline, this would translate better on film than on paper. I preferred Famie's daughter, Charlie, who came across as mature and sensible when compared to Famie who receives cryptic messages from one of the supposed terrorists behind the killings.
The motive behind the atrocities explores a variety of political causes that become somewhat jumbled behind slogans and lines of music.
If you like action type books, this will appeal to you. 4 Stars.
The motive behind the atrocities explores a variety of political causes that become somewhat jumbled behind slogans and lines of music.
If you like action type books, this will appeal to you. 4 Stars.
September 6, 2020
I had high hopes for the next Simon Mayo book. I loved Mad Blood Stirring, and my son really enjoyed the Itch books.
Unfortunately, this one didn't gel with me. I'm not normally a 'crime' kind of person, but it being Simon, I thought I'd try it. I didn't like the characters much, and just found them a little clichéd. The subject matter of terrorism did little to pique my interest, the 'plight' of journalists even less so.
The writing style was good, as I would have expected, but the plot was a little hackneyed, and there was one moment (I'll just say lemons) that totally broke the book for me - I just couldn't suspend my disbelief for that part.
Disappointing, but perhaps more because of my dislike of the content than a full reflection on Mr Mayo's abilities as an author.
Unfortunately, this one didn't gel with me. I'm not normally a 'crime' kind of person, but it being Simon, I thought I'd try it. I didn't like the characters much, and just found them a little clichéd. The subject matter of terrorism did little to pique my interest, the 'plight' of journalists even less so.
The writing style was good, as I would have expected, but the plot was a little hackneyed, and there was one moment (I'll just say lemons) that totally broke the book for me - I just couldn't suspend my disbelief for that part.
Disappointing, but perhaps more because of my dislike of the content than a full reflection on Mr Mayo's abilities as an author.
December 3, 2024
Started spectacularly fast and good but after ten percent of rapid plot the story stalled in order to tell a convoluted story that was not interesting. Characters were deliciously funny, multilayered and well developed….all of them. Fast paced, thrilling and exciting but the main plot lacked depth. It was not elaborate enough and we are always in the dark throughout the book.
The killings and the investigation by the journalists was exceptional but the portrayal of police and evil doers (not giving away anything) was caricaturesque. The author purposely kept us in the dark for the majority of the plot, the ending was like the beginning fast, surprising and well written.
The killings and the investigation by the journalists was exceptional but the portrayal of police and evil doers (not giving away anything) was caricaturesque. The author purposely kept us in the dark for the majority of the plot, the ending was like the beginning fast, surprising and well written.
August 20, 2020
Knife Edge is a fast paced thriller written by the excellent Simon Mayp. This is the first book I have read by this author and I have to say I am very impressed! A wonderful varied cast of interesting characters escort us through a gripping and intricately woven plot. This.book kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning until the end with a twist that I definitely did not see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and wholeheartedly recommend. I was lucky enough to read this with Pigeonhole, many thanks.
August 15, 2020
I was really looking forward to reading this book ahead of publication because I have always been a fan of Simon Mayo when he was on Radio 2 but haven't read his previous novel.
This did not disappoint. Very well written with an original and extremely tense plot surrounding the world of journalism, politics, religious beliefs/fanaticism and ultimately terrorism.
It isn't the sort of story I would usually read. That is because it is quite gritty, violent and what I usually term an action thriller, often a genre which can appeal to male readers more than females.
The main character and 'hero' however is a female journalist Famie Madden and there are plenty of other supporting female characters which helps to break taboos about the top tough jobs only belonging to males.
I have only given this book 4 stars, not 5, purely based on personal reading preferences. I tend to read more psychological based thrillers and 'softer' reads and yet I can recognise what a well put together, exciting and engaging read this is.
You cannot escape the fact that this is a gripping novel. I read it in virtually one sitting, only stopping three quarters of the way through because I needed to sleep. This in itself suggests the book is well worth selecting as your next read! I wanted to know what would happen and there is a brilliant twist at the end.
The opening is fantastic. It really grabbed me by the throat and pulled me into the events playing out across London where 7 people die within approximately half an hour. The fact that they were all investigative journalists working at IPS (International Press Services) sets the premise for the whole novel.
There then ensues a nail biting race for a band of four on the run, Famie and her colleagues, caught up in a terrifying cat and mouse game, trying to keep themselves safe whilst trying to understand what on earth is happening and why.
Clearly based on a lot of insider knowledge of the world of journalism, this was a realistic and sadly only too real exploration of what happens when a group of people unite in their desire to destroy society through misguided and extreme political thoughts. Absolutely horrific and frightening, not knowing who can be trusted and if you will pay the price of uncovering the truth with your own life.
There was some great mystery surrounding Hari Roy, trapped and sending covert messages to be interpreted by Famie and her colleagues. I won't say anymore than that for fear of spoiling the plot.
Suffice to say, if you pick up Knife Edge, you WILL be reading on the edge of your seat, desperate to thwart the violence and rescue innocent people.
Definitely well worth reading and I predict this book will do extremely well!
Thank you to the publisher, Simon Mayo and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Knife Edge in exchange for an honest review.
This did not disappoint. Very well written with an original and extremely tense plot surrounding the world of journalism, politics, religious beliefs/fanaticism and ultimately terrorism.
It isn't the sort of story I would usually read. That is because it is quite gritty, violent and what I usually term an action thriller, often a genre which can appeal to male readers more than females.
The main character and 'hero' however is a female journalist Famie Madden and there are plenty of other supporting female characters which helps to break taboos about the top tough jobs only belonging to males.
I have only given this book 4 stars, not 5, purely based on personal reading preferences. I tend to read more psychological based thrillers and 'softer' reads and yet I can recognise what a well put together, exciting and engaging read this is.
You cannot escape the fact that this is a gripping novel. I read it in virtually one sitting, only stopping three quarters of the way through because I needed to sleep. This in itself suggests the book is well worth selecting as your next read! I wanted to know what would happen and there is a brilliant twist at the end.
The opening is fantastic. It really grabbed me by the throat and pulled me into the events playing out across London where 7 people die within approximately half an hour. The fact that they were all investigative journalists working at IPS (International Press Services) sets the premise for the whole novel.
There then ensues a nail biting race for a band of four on the run, Famie and her colleagues, caught up in a terrifying cat and mouse game, trying to keep themselves safe whilst trying to understand what on earth is happening and why.
Clearly based on a lot of insider knowledge of the world of journalism, this was a realistic and sadly only too real exploration of what happens when a group of people unite in their desire to destroy society through misguided and extreme political thoughts. Absolutely horrific and frightening, not knowing who can be trusted and if you will pay the price of uncovering the truth with your own life.
There was some great mystery surrounding Hari Roy, trapped and sending covert messages to be interpreted by Famie and her colleagues. I won't say anymore than that for fear of spoiling the plot.
Suffice to say, if you pick up Knife Edge, you WILL be reading on the edge of your seat, desperate to thwart the violence and rescue innocent people.
Definitely well worth reading and I predict this book will do extremely well!
Thank you to the publisher, Simon Mayo and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Knife Edge in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2021
Well - this got off to a cracking start, but then it all got a bit slow, until the ending, where it picked up pace with a vengeance. But for most of the time it didn't have me on the edge of my seat. There were one or two things that didn't make sense to me, for example, how do people who don't use phones etc to communicate arrange an information drop? (sorry if that's just me being dim). I also found that the characters weren't particulary well developed and I don't think any of them will stay with me.
3.5 stars, but I'm not sure I'll read any more from Simon Mayo
3.5 stars, but I'm not sure I'll read any more from Simon Mayo
August 20, 2020
Wow, what a fantastic read! A fast paced, full of action thriller that had me gripped from the start!
It was well written and I loved the spatter of dark humour thrown in here and there. The descriptions of the scenes and crimes was well written, although the details of the crimes might be a little gory for some.
I loved Famie, Charlie (Famie's daughter), Sam, Sophie and DC Hunter. (Yes, I did like Famie despite her less than mature behaviour at times!)
The way the book ended definitely left room for the possibility of a sequel. I hope there is one featuring our aforementioned characters, because I would totally read it!
Thank you to Pigeonhole and Simon Mayo for the chance to read this book. Also thank you to my fellow Pigeonholers for making it another great reading experience!
I would definitely recommend this book to others.
It was well written and I loved the spatter of dark humour thrown in here and there. The descriptions of the scenes and crimes was well written, although the details of the crimes might be a little gory for some.
I loved Famie, Charlie (Famie's daughter), Sam, Sophie and DC Hunter. (Yes, I did like Famie despite her less than mature behaviour at times!)
The way the book ended definitely left room for the possibility of a sequel. I hope there is one featuring our aforementioned characters, because I would totally read it!
Thank you to Pigeonhole and Simon Mayo for the chance to read this book. Also thank you to my fellow Pigeonholers for making it another great reading experience!
I would definitely recommend this book to others.
October 3, 2021
http://www.hyperebaaktiivne.ee/2021/1...
Aitäh, Rahva Raamat, raamatu eest!
Simon Mayo "Noateral" vastu äratas mu huvi internetis avaldatud esimene peatükk, mis kirjeldab ajakirjanike mõrvamist. Mind jäi see kummitama ja tahtsin väga teada, mis lugu raamatus peitub. Kui raamat minuni jõudis, ei pidanud ta seega kuigi kaua riiulis oma korda ootama.
Tänapäev, London & Coventry. Famie hommikune vahetus uudisteankruna võtab õudse pöörde, kui linna eri paigust hakkavad ilmuma teated tapetud inimestest. Peagi tuleb välja, et kõik on ajakirjanikud tema agentuuri uurimisrühmast. Kõik kolleegid kardavad, et tapmised pole lõppenud ja nemad on järgmised. Naine on eriti hirmul, sest ka tema kandideeris uurimisrühma. Esialgu on vaikne ja puuduvad ka selged juhtlõngad, kuni ühel matusel pistetakse Famie kojamehe vahele ümbrik. Sõnum on segane ning paistab olema rünnakutega seotud, kuid politsei seda oluliseks ei pea. Naine asub ise asja uurima ja satub seeläbi veel suuremasse ohtu.
Esimene peatükk jäigi raamatu parimaks. See oli tempokas ning äratas huvi. Ka järgnev oli üsna hoogne, valitses paranoia ja segadus. Edasi rütm rauges, et siis täitsa lõpus uuesti täiskäik sisse panna. Vahepealne kulges ebaühtlases tempos, kohati ei toimunud nagu midagi. Olen igasuguste keeruliste lahendustega ära rikutud ja terrorism tundus sellele mõistatusele liiga ilmse lahendusena. Olgu, tegu ei olnud kõige tüüpilisema terrorismiga. Äärmusliikumine raamatus ei kasuta moodsaid sidevahendeid. Süsteem salakirjakestega oli huvitav ja lõpus oli ikka üks üllatus ka. Peale äärmusliikumiste eest hoiatamise muud sügavamat sisu või kandvat sõnumit ei olnudki. Sellised terrorismi-teemalised raamatud ei ole tegelikult minu tassike teed. Õnneks ei ole meie pisikeses maanurgas äärmusliikumised levinud. Kui sisukirjeldus oleks aimu andnud, et teema selline on, siis ma ilmselt seda kätte poleks võtnudki.
Sellise mulje jättis teos küll, et kõik võiks nüüd kohe, kasvõi homme toimuda. Mulle meeldis, kuidas uurimise käigus kaevuti lähimineviku terrorisündmustesse, nagu Nizza kaubik, ning aeti erinevate äärmusliikumiste jälgi. Need andsid loole kaalu juurde ning oli näha, et kirjanik on hästi teemaga kursis.
Eriti kohutas mind enda tabamine mõttelt, kuidas mind hirmutab see, et politsei ei saa jälgida sõnumeid, mis ei liigu neti teel. Raamatus puudus neil selle vastu huvi ja salasõnumid ajalehtedes või posti teel saadetuna ajasid suisa naerma. Oleme nii ära harjunud internetiajastuga, kus kõigi andmed on vabalt leitavad ja ühendust saab võtta sekunditega. Soovi korral saab aga hõlpsasti internetist hoiduda. Mind hirmutaski just see, et ma kartsin seda, et politsei ei saa jälgida; et ma eeldan ja tahan et jälgitaks. Üsna absurdne mõte, eksole.
Absurdsus iseloomustab ka lõpplahendust, millega ma sugugi rahule ei jäänud. Seletus toimunule oli nagu olemas, aga see tundus liiga pealiskaudne. Palju oli sellist, mis ei tundunud mulle loogiline ja vastuseta küsimusi tekkis juurde. Näiteks see oli kummaline, kuidas Famie Hari omaks võttis.
"Noateral" on põnevik aja ja terroristidega võidu jooksmisest. Romaan algab väga põnevalt, kui üle Londoni tapetakse avalikes kohtades jõhkralt 7 ajakirjanikku. Toimuv oli hirmutavalt ajakohane, aga tempo oli ebaühtlane, keskosas tegevust napib. Äärmusliikumine, kes teoses tegutseb, oli tegelikult huvitav, aga see ei ole päris mu lemmikteema. Soovitan, kui sind hirmutab, et sinu netisõnumeid jälgitakse!
Aitäh, Rahva Raamat, raamatu eest!
Simon Mayo "Noateral" vastu äratas mu huvi internetis avaldatud esimene peatükk, mis kirjeldab ajakirjanike mõrvamist. Mind jäi see kummitama ja tahtsin väga teada, mis lugu raamatus peitub. Kui raamat minuni jõudis, ei pidanud ta seega kuigi kaua riiulis oma korda ootama.
Tänapäev, London & Coventry. Famie hommikune vahetus uudisteankruna võtab õudse pöörde, kui linna eri paigust hakkavad ilmuma teated tapetud inimestest. Peagi tuleb välja, et kõik on ajakirjanikud tema agentuuri uurimisrühmast. Kõik kolleegid kardavad, et tapmised pole lõppenud ja nemad on järgmised. Naine on eriti hirmul, sest ka tema kandideeris uurimisrühma. Esialgu on vaikne ja puuduvad ka selged juhtlõngad, kuni ühel matusel pistetakse Famie kojamehe vahele ümbrik. Sõnum on segane ning paistab olema rünnakutega seotud, kuid politsei seda oluliseks ei pea. Naine asub ise asja uurima ja satub seeläbi veel suuremasse ohtu.
Esimene peatükk jäigi raamatu parimaks. See oli tempokas ning äratas huvi. Ka järgnev oli üsna hoogne, valitses paranoia ja segadus. Edasi rütm rauges, et siis täitsa lõpus uuesti täiskäik sisse panna. Vahepealne kulges ebaühtlases tempos, kohati ei toimunud nagu midagi. Olen igasuguste keeruliste lahendustega ära rikutud ja terrorism tundus sellele mõistatusele liiga ilmse lahendusena. Olgu, tegu ei olnud kõige tüüpilisema terrorismiga. Äärmusliikumine raamatus ei kasuta moodsaid sidevahendeid. Süsteem salakirjakestega oli huvitav ja lõpus oli ikka üks üllatus ka. Peale äärmusliikumiste eest hoiatamise muud sügavamat sisu või kandvat sõnumit ei olnudki. Sellised terrorismi-teemalised raamatud ei ole tegelikult minu tassike teed. Õnneks ei ole meie pisikeses maanurgas äärmusliikumised levinud. Kui sisukirjeldus oleks aimu andnud, et teema selline on, siis ma ilmselt seda kätte poleks võtnudki.
Sellise mulje jättis teos küll, et kõik võiks nüüd kohe, kasvõi homme toimuda. Mulle meeldis, kuidas uurimise käigus kaevuti lähimineviku terrorisündmustesse, nagu Nizza kaubik, ning aeti erinevate äärmusliikumiste jälgi. Need andsid loole kaalu juurde ning oli näha, et kirjanik on hästi teemaga kursis.
Eriti kohutas mind enda tabamine mõttelt, kuidas mind hirmutab see, et politsei ei saa jälgida sõnumeid, mis ei liigu neti teel. Raamatus puudus neil selle vastu huvi ja salasõnumid ajalehtedes või posti teel saadetuna ajasid suisa naerma. Oleme nii ära harjunud internetiajastuga, kus kõigi andmed on vabalt leitavad ja ühendust saab võtta sekunditega. Soovi korral saab aga hõlpsasti internetist hoiduda. Mind hirmutaski just see, et ma kartsin seda, et politsei ei saa jälgida; et ma eeldan ja tahan et jälgitaks. Üsna absurdne mõte, eksole.
Absurdsus iseloomustab ka lõpplahendust, millega ma sugugi rahule ei jäänud. Seletus toimunule oli nagu olemas, aga see tundus liiga pealiskaudne. Palju oli sellist, mis ei tundunud mulle loogiline ja vastuseta küsimusi tekkis juurde. Näiteks see oli kummaline, kuidas Famie Hari omaks võttis.
"Noateral" on põnevik aja ja terroristidega võidu jooksmisest. Romaan algab väga põnevalt, kui üle Londoni tapetakse avalikes kohtades jõhkralt 7 ajakirjanikku. Toimuv oli hirmutavalt ajakohane, aga tempo oli ebaühtlane, keskosas tegevust napib. Äärmusliikumine, kes teoses tegutseb, oli tegelikult huvitav, aga see ei ole päris mu lemmikteema. Soovitan, kui sind hirmutab, et sinu netisõnumeid jälgitakse!
February 25, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this Advanced Review Copy.
I’d never heard of Simon Mayo except as a British DJ before, so I had no preconceptions about this book. The cover and the description both intrigued me, so I requested a copy.
The storyline started out strong but soon fizzled, and by the middle it sagged a lot. I pushed through and kept going, and the last 20% picked up to a rip-roaring pace, which I enjoyed greatly. However, the ending was left quite open and dangling with many questions unresolved. I found the writing passive in the extreme and the book needs a solid edit. The narrative is full of telling rather than showing and every character has to know or feel or see or hear, instead of simply experiencing. This puts a block between the reader and the immediate action and spoils the pacing.
I found that I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, and not enough to care about them one way or the other.
Not a bad read, and on the whole set at a good pace. Though this one doesn’t make it onto my ‘re-read’ shelf, I would probably consider other books by this writer in the future.
I give this book 2.5 stars, as it sits somewhere between ‘It was good!’ and ‘I may have liked a few things’ (see my note on ratings below). I round this up to 3 stars for rating purposes.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
I’d never heard of Simon Mayo except as a British DJ before, so I had no preconceptions about this book. The cover and the description both intrigued me, so I requested a copy.
The storyline started out strong but soon fizzled, and by the middle it sagged a lot. I pushed through and kept going, and the last 20% picked up to a rip-roaring pace, which I enjoyed greatly. However, the ending was left quite open and dangling with many questions unresolved. I found the writing passive in the extreme and the book needs a solid edit. The narrative is full of telling rather than showing and every character has to know or feel or see or hear, instead of simply experiencing. This puts a block between the reader and the immediate action and spoils the pacing.
I found that I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, and not enough to care about them one way or the other.
Not a bad read, and on the whole set at a good pace. Though this one doesn’t make it onto my ‘re-read’ shelf, I would probably consider other books by this writer in the future.
I give this book 2.5 stars, as it sits somewhere between ‘It was good!’ and ‘I may have liked a few things’ (see my note on ratings below). I round this up to 3 stars for rating purposes.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
June 18, 2020
Mr Mayo's second foray into the adult fiction space and his sixth novel overall. Sadly this is also probably his worse novel to date. It is a modern day thriller that ticks the boxes of plucky journos and left-wing terror cells but still manages to fall a bit flat in the execution. I'm still not sure why that is exactly. Usually in these situations you can point to one things but in this instance I think it was proabably a comination of plotting, pacing and dialogue, combined with characters that I wasn't really buying. This meant as I passed the two thirds mark I was very tempted to not bother finishing it at all.
I did like that as an ex Uni of Warwick student he used Coventry as one of the main settings for the book, always nice to see places like Cov show up in books, but in the end, the book itself was ok, but it is not a thriller i'd be in hurry to recommend to big fans of the genre.
I did like that as an ex Uni of Warwick student he used Coventry as one of the main settings for the book, always nice to see places like Cov show up in books, but in the end, the book itself was ok, but it is not a thriller i'd be in hurry to recommend to big fans of the genre.
February 13, 2020
This debut thriller from author Simon Mayo will grip you from the start with it's fast moving plot. The books opening begins with seven murders in London, all taking place simultaneously. Seven separate killers and seven dead journalists working for the same company.
The murders have been carried out by an anti fascist group and they intend to continue with their onslaught. The story follows lead character Famie Madden who knew the victims personally and who is herself living in fear. She starts to receive messages from a mysterious source and is unsure whether she is been given a warning of more attacks or threats against her personally.
This page turner is a very fast moving story and will keep the reader interested.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Random House for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The murders have been carried out by an anti fascist group and they intend to continue with their onslaught. The story follows lead character Famie Madden who knew the victims personally and who is herself living in fear. She starts to receive messages from a mysterious source and is unsure whether she is been given a warning of more attacks or threats against her personally.
This page turner is a very fast moving story and will keep the reader interested.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Random House for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2022
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
this review is going to be really really really hard to write because i dont really like books that are about fascists, terror groups and jihads but i really really really loved this book
its action from the first page with murders occuring all over london and once the victims are identified, then you have to wonder what they were working on...but its all cloak and dagger stuff...
its fast paced and topical with characters that grow on you and all i can really say without giving to much more about this book is that simon mayo knows how to write a book that has you on the edge of your seat
going to be keeping an eye out for more of his books
this review is going to be really really really hard to write because i dont really like books that are about fascists, terror groups and jihads but i really really really loved this book
its action from the first page with murders occuring all over london and once the victims are identified, then you have to wonder what they were working on...but its all cloak and dagger stuff...
its fast paced and topical with characters that grow on you and all i can really say without giving to much more about this book is that simon mayo knows how to write a book that has you on the edge of your seat
going to be keeping an eye out for more of his books
May 18, 2020
This is a brilliant second book from Simon Mayo who is instantly known for his work as a DJ and presenter on BBC Radio. The story is straight in on the action as seven murders take place in the busy rush hour of London on the 22nd May 2020. All the murders are carried out by seven different people and all the victims are reporters that work out of the same office, The International Press Service.
Famie Madden, who works in the same building as the investigatory journalists, receives the first of a string of messages that set her on the trail to find out the truth about what the dead journalists had got themselves into. With fellow reporters, Sam, Tommi, Sophie and Famie's daughter Charlie, they decide that they aren't just going to wait to be the next victims.
The story is quite fast-paced and has to be read with a clear mind to keep up with the interwoven relationships of the reporters. Everyone seems like they are after someone, from the police to the reporters to the bad guys. There is plenty of heart in your mouth moments and shocks that would really make headlines in days to come. A good range of characters, heroes and villains.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
Famie Madden, who works in the same building as the investigatory journalists, receives the first of a string of messages that set her on the trail to find out the truth about what the dead journalists had got themselves into. With fellow reporters, Sam, Tommi, Sophie and Famie's daughter Charlie, they decide that they aren't just going to wait to be the next victims.
The story is quite fast-paced and has to be read with a clear mind to keep up with the interwoven relationships of the reporters. Everyone seems like they are after someone, from the police to the reporters to the bad guys. There is plenty of heart in your mouth moments and shocks that would really make headlines in days to come. A good range of characters, heroes and villains.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
August 20, 2020
Well written thriller with plenty of tension and a few twists.
Terrorism itself doesn't really interest me, but this is more about the people than the politics.
Famie, Charlie, Tommi, Sam and Sophie vow to uncover which cell has been killing their fellow journalists. They are aided by Hari, using basic methods to contact them.
Who can be trusted? Bluff and double bluff? Who will stab who in the back? (literally)
One or two little things that I thought were slightly odd, but on the whole I thoroughly enjoyed this and I'm hoping for a sequel.
Thank you Simon and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this.
Terrorism itself doesn't really interest me, but this is more about the people than the politics.
Famie, Charlie, Tommi, Sam and Sophie vow to uncover which cell has been killing their fellow journalists. They are aided by Hari, using basic methods to contact them.
Who can be trusted? Bluff and double bluff? Who will stab who in the back? (literally)
One or two little things that I thought were slightly odd, but on the whole I thoroughly enjoyed this and I'm hoping for a sequel.
Thank you Simon and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this.
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