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Not in My Name
PHOEBE GREEN is an anti-war activist in an alternate 2003 where Tony Blair held a referendum to determine whether the UK should go to war with Iraq. The pro-war side won by 52% to the anti-war side's 48%. The nation is split. Political tensions are running high with accusations that the Yes side manipulated the referendum.
Phoebe is at a protest with her fellow activists CASSIE, XIA, VINCE, PAULA, GUS, LIAM, her ex-boyfriend SEFU and her sister MEL, when they are all arrested except Cassie and Paula. Hours later, Phoebe is interrogated by the police and is informed that Cassie has been murdered.
Phoebe has trouble coping and decides to try to solve Cassie's murder in order to maintain some sense of control. The activists tidy up in the wake of a police raid, and Liam tells Phoebe that malicious gossip will be emerging about him soon.
Phoebe calls a friendly lawyer, ERYL, who offers to follow up with some of her contacts about Cassie's murder. Phoebe and Mel clean out Cassie's room. Phoebe finds a strange piece of paper containing the addresses of several men named RICHARD LAMPART. Phoebe goes to the pub where Cassie was murdered, where she learns the attack was far from random, as the police claimed.
On her return, Sefu tells Phoebe that he spotted strangers on the farm, away from the house. Phoebe and Sefu see Vince being attacked by a right-wing agitator who they recognise from PATRIOT'S UNITE, a far-right organisation.
Phoebe and Sefu run to help Vince but he's been killed by the time they arrive. Phoebe comforts Mel, who was dating Vince. Phoebe and Sefu decide to find Vince's attackers and bring them to justice. Xia is unhappy with this - she wants the activists to go on another action to ground some American B-52s at a nearby airbase before they can bomb Iraq.
Phoebe and Sefu locate one of the attackers in a barn and trap him. The attacker, who Phoebe dubs COWARDLY WINSTON, tells them that he saw Vince and the other attacker being stabbed by a third party. Sefu and Phoebe return to the house and find a sword belonging to Sefu covered in blood.
The investigators establish that it is possible for Vince to have been attacked in the way Cowardly Winston described. They can only conclude one of their friends is the murderer.
Phoebe and Sefu used to think that the only people could they trust were inside the house. They now know they're wrong. One of their own is a murdered. But why would one of them kill Vince? And what does that have to do with the murder of young Cassie. And who is next to die?
Phoebe is at a protest with her fellow activists CASSIE, XIA, VINCE, PAULA, GUS, LIAM, her ex-boyfriend SEFU and her sister MEL, when they are all arrested except Cassie and Paula. Hours later, Phoebe is interrogated by the police and is informed that Cassie has been murdered.
Phoebe has trouble coping and decides to try to solve Cassie's murder in order to maintain some sense of control. The activists tidy up in the wake of a police raid, and Liam tells Phoebe that malicious gossip will be emerging about him soon.
Phoebe calls a friendly lawyer, ERYL, who offers to follow up with some of her contacts about Cassie's murder. Phoebe and Mel clean out Cassie's room. Phoebe finds a strange piece of paper containing the addresses of several men named RICHARD LAMPART. Phoebe goes to the pub where Cassie was murdered, where she learns the attack was far from random, as the police claimed.
On her return, Sefu tells Phoebe that he spotted strangers on the farm, away from the house. Phoebe and Sefu see Vince being attacked by a right-wing agitator who they recognise from PATRIOT'S UNITE, a far-right organisation.
Phoebe and Sefu run to help Vince but he's been killed by the time they arrive. Phoebe comforts Mel, who was dating Vince. Phoebe and Sefu decide to find Vince's attackers and bring them to justice. Xia is unhappy with this - she wants the activists to go on another action to ground some American B-52s at a nearby airbase before they can bomb Iraq.
Phoebe and Sefu locate one of the attackers in a barn and trap him. The attacker, who Phoebe dubs COWARDLY WINSTON, tells them that he saw Vince and the other attacker being stabbed by a third party. Sefu and Phoebe return to the house and find a sword belonging to Sefu covered in blood.
The investigators establish that it is possible for Vince to have been attacked in the way Cowardly Winston described. They can only conclude one of their friends is the murderer.
Phoebe and Sefu used to think that the only people could they trust were inside the house. They now know they're wrong. One of their own is a murdered. But why would one of them kill Vince? And what does that have to do with the murder of young Cassie. And who is next to die?
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Published March 20, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 18, 2020
I’d lean towards 3.5 stars, though Goodreads hampers my ability to effectively present this option!
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Michael Coolwood for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always up for a political thriller, I turned to Michael Coolwood’s book, which mixes the fallout from a UK referendum on entering a war with Iraq with the murder of a few outspoken people. There are some great elements here, coaxed out as the story gains momentum, but it was missing the cutting edge I like in my thrillers. In the period immediately following a referendum on whether the United Kingdom should engage in a war against Iraq, both sides are still feeling the intensity of the results. With the YES side having squeaked out a victory with 52%, it would seem the next step is the send in the soldiers. However, Phoebe Green feels otherwise and has a handful of friends who wish to voice their concerns as well. As protests emerge on both sides of the issue, the intensity mounts and heated exchanges become common. Phoebe soon learns that one of her friends, Cassie, has been caught up in one of these clashes and was murdered. The police seem aware and have done some preliminary interviews, but are not working the case, choosing instead to let it go cold. Shocked by this, Phoebe and her friends seek to obtain answers before they make too many accusations. When their communal home in attacked and another friend is killed before them, the masked assailant flees before they can be caught. There is still no movement by the police, which irks Phoebe more than she can express. When she looks a little deeper, Phoebe discovers that there might be some anger within her own group and that one person might have gone rogue, bringing down the very people who seem to share their beliefs. Is there a killer amongst the sheep? What do the police know that they are not acting upon? All this and more remains at the heart of this thriller that cobbles together the ‘what-if’ scenario of a divisive vote sure to tear a country apart. Recommended to those who enjoy thrillers with many layers to their plots, as well as the reader who has a penchant for protest movements.
Many who have read a number of my past reviews will know that I love the political world, including books that weave a thriller angle into a well-delivered piece of writing. Michael Coolwood delivers what might be a loose interpretation to the BREXIT fiasco, but does get his point across about the divisive nature of referenda (and politics in general). Phoebe Green proves to be an interesting protagonist, though is not entirely captivating in her presentation. A strong-willed protestor against the recent fallout of a nationwide vote, she is thrust from a world of preaching about the wrongs of the government decision to become an amateur sleuth in solving the death of her friends. She seems to be a decent character, but I could not find myself connecting as much as I would have liked, which might also explain why I was not as engulfed in the story either. A number of other characters that fill the pages proved to be just as beige for me, though they are able to communicate their points effectively. Coolwood does a decent job in discussing politics and the intricacies of the protest movement. The curious reader will find some of his stances quite intriguing and he does create a moment of pause. A mix of chapter lengths help pull the reader along and then coaxes them to read a little more to see what transpires. While the book itself was not poorly penned, I simply could not find myself as hooked to the plot or much of the development throughout. It could be me, but I will leave it up to others to read and offer their own sentiments on this piece.
Kudos, Mr. Coolwood, for a thinking novel. I certainly can see things from a new perspective and may even come back to check out more of your work.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Michael Coolwood for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always up for a political thriller, I turned to Michael Coolwood’s book, which mixes the fallout from a UK referendum on entering a war with Iraq with the murder of a few outspoken people. There are some great elements here, coaxed out as the story gains momentum, but it was missing the cutting edge I like in my thrillers. In the period immediately following a referendum on whether the United Kingdom should engage in a war against Iraq, both sides are still feeling the intensity of the results. With the YES side having squeaked out a victory with 52%, it would seem the next step is the send in the soldiers. However, Phoebe Green feels otherwise and has a handful of friends who wish to voice their concerns as well. As protests emerge on both sides of the issue, the intensity mounts and heated exchanges become common. Phoebe soon learns that one of her friends, Cassie, has been caught up in one of these clashes and was murdered. The police seem aware and have done some preliminary interviews, but are not working the case, choosing instead to let it go cold. Shocked by this, Phoebe and her friends seek to obtain answers before they make too many accusations. When their communal home in attacked and another friend is killed before them, the masked assailant flees before they can be caught. There is still no movement by the police, which irks Phoebe more than she can express. When she looks a little deeper, Phoebe discovers that there might be some anger within her own group and that one person might have gone rogue, bringing down the very people who seem to share their beliefs. Is there a killer amongst the sheep? What do the police know that they are not acting upon? All this and more remains at the heart of this thriller that cobbles together the ‘what-if’ scenario of a divisive vote sure to tear a country apart. Recommended to those who enjoy thrillers with many layers to their plots, as well as the reader who has a penchant for protest movements.
Many who have read a number of my past reviews will know that I love the political world, including books that weave a thriller angle into a well-delivered piece of writing. Michael Coolwood delivers what might be a loose interpretation to the BREXIT fiasco, but does get his point across about the divisive nature of referenda (and politics in general). Phoebe Green proves to be an interesting protagonist, though is not entirely captivating in her presentation. A strong-willed protestor against the recent fallout of a nationwide vote, she is thrust from a world of preaching about the wrongs of the government decision to become an amateur sleuth in solving the death of her friends. She seems to be a decent character, but I could not find myself connecting as much as I would have liked, which might also explain why I was not as engulfed in the story either. A number of other characters that fill the pages proved to be just as beige for me, though they are able to communicate their points effectively. Coolwood does a decent job in discussing politics and the intricacies of the protest movement. The curious reader will find some of his stances quite intriguing and he does create a moment of pause. A mix of chapter lengths help pull the reader along and then coaxes them to read a little more to see what transpires. While the book itself was not poorly penned, I simply could not find myself as hooked to the plot or much of the development throughout. It could be me, but I will leave it up to others to read and offer their own sentiments on this piece.
Kudos, Mr. Coolwood, for a thinking novel. I certainly can see things from a new perspective and may even come back to check out more of your work.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
June 11, 2021
So this is not my usual type if book to read , it is an alternate version of Britain which turns into a murder investigation.
In this book we follow activist Phoebe in her hunt to find out who murdered her friend Cassie and later Vince. The political aspects in this book aren't too bold and overpowering, the author also doesn't use jargon that will alienate readers and put them off of the book. It is a classic whodunit storyline if there was no political themes.
I can't say I read fell in love with any of the characters in this book like I normally do.....but I did fall in love with the way the author wrote the book , the language , the setting and the way the author describes what is happening. It was an easy enjoyable read
In this book we follow activist Phoebe in her hunt to find out who murdered her friend Cassie and later Vince. The political aspects in this book aren't too bold and overpowering, the author also doesn't use jargon that will alienate readers and put them off of the book. It is a classic whodunit storyline if there was no political themes.
I can't say I read fell in love with any of the characters in this book like I normally do.....but I did fall in love with the way the author wrote the book , the language , the setting and the way the author describes what is happening. It was an easy enjoyable read
August 12, 2021
Michael Coolwood has set Not In My Name in an alternative Britain but it's one that's instantly recognisable. Taking place shortly after a divisive referendum, won by a slight margin thanks to the lies and hyperbole of the Yes campaign, the country remains bitterly split between those who fear what the result means and those who vociferously declare that "You lost, get over it!" Five days previously, 52% of the voting public answered 'yes' to the question, 'Should the UK intervene in Iraq due to Saddam Hussein's refusal to disarm?' 48% had voted no.
The novel opens at a demonstration in Birmingham, five days after the result. Phoebe and her small group of friends who opposed the referendum are taking part in a die-in, alongside protestors from other anti-war organisations. It inevitably turns violent after far-right agitators arrive on the scene, resulting in the arrest of Phoebe and her friend, Sefu. The last thing Phoebe sees before the doors of the police van close is Cassie, who has evaded capture and is blending into the crowd.
She later discovers that Cassie, the youngest of their group, was killed following a fight in a pub. Realising that there are members of the police force whose beliefs align more closely with fascist groups like Patriot Unite and who consider their group to be saboteurs, Phoebe decides to investigate Cassie's murder herself. Her first-person narrative describes her crippling anxiety, which she vividly calls her terror python, but she begins to understand that she is able to distract herself by looking into what led to Cassie's death.
The opening chapters of the book are slower paced, introducing the people who Phoebe (and previously Cassie) live with on a former farm. The collective are supposed to make decisions democratically but of course, there are disagreements and these earlier sections explain the group dynamics well. The brutal and shocking murder of a second activist friend almost in front of her, threatens to push Phoebe over the edge but she is able to distract herself by searching for clues. She enrols the help of Sefu who was once her boyfriend and their relationship was one of the highlights of the book for me. There is still evidently an enduring closeness between them, they flirt and tease one another but are also able to lay their feelings bare.
This perceptive novel explores a number of themes, including racial discrimination and Phoebe learns to examine her own prejudices as a white woman who dated a black man. Perhaps most damningly though is their reluctance to report the murder of their friend to the police. Even when it becomes apparent that there is a murderer in their midst, Phoebe and Sefu are understandably too scared of what could happen once the authorities become involved. Throughout the novel there are familiar quotes, speeches and statistics which have been altered to fit this story but which will resonate with anybody who has lived in this country since 2016. The manipulative, destructive lies of the Yes camp, a frequently complicit media who give airtime to extreme right-wing views in the name of balance and an ineffectual opposition lead to a point where the country is perhaps irrevocably divided, with those who campaign for decency, fairness and equality somehow becoming the enemy of the state.
Not In My Name cleverly treads a fine line between being an unsettling political satire and a puzzling murder mystery. While Phoebe and Sefu are brought to life well, the other characters are perhaps less developed. However, not knowing them as thoroughly prolongs doubts over the identity of the murderer right up to the surprising conclusion. Thoughtful, astute and disquieting but not without wit and warmth too, Not In My Name is an excellent introduction to Michael Coolwood's Democracy and Dissent mystery series. I look forward to reading more.
The novel opens at a demonstration in Birmingham, five days after the result. Phoebe and her small group of friends who opposed the referendum are taking part in a die-in, alongside protestors from other anti-war organisations. It inevitably turns violent after far-right agitators arrive on the scene, resulting in the arrest of Phoebe and her friend, Sefu. The last thing Phoebe sees before the doors of the police van close is Cassie, who has evaded capture and is blending into the crowd.
She later discovers that Cassie, the youngest of their group, was killed following a fight in a pub. Realising that there are members of the police force whose beliefs align more closely with fascist groups like Patriot Unite and who consider their group to be saboteurs, Phoebe decides to investigate Cassie's murder herself. Her first-person narrative describes her crippling anxiety, which she vividly calls her terror python, but she begins to understand that she is able to distract herself by looking into what led to Cassie's death.
The opening chapters of the book are slower paced, introducing the people who Phoebe (and previously Cassie) live with on a former farm. The collective are supposed to make decisions democratically but of course, there are disagreements and these earlier sections explain the group dynamics well. The brutal and shocking murder of a second activist friend almost in front of her, threatens to push Phoebe over the edge but she is able to distract herself by searching for clues. She enrols the help of Sefu who was once her boyfriend and their relationship was one of the highlights of the book for me. There is still evidently an enduring closeness between them, they flirt and tease one another but are also able to lay their feelings bare.
This perceptive novel explores a number of themes, including racial discrimination and Phoebe learns to examine her own prejudices as a white woman who dated a black man. Perhaps most damningly though is their reluctance to report the murder of their friend to the police. Even when it becomes apparent that there is a murderer in their midst, Phoebe and Sefu are understandably too scared of what could happen once the authorities become involved. Throughout the novel there are familiar quotes, speeches and statistics which have been altered to fit this story but which will resonate with anybody who has lived in this country since 2016. The manipulative, destructive lies of the Yes camp, a frequently complicit media who give airtime to extreme right-wing views in the name of balance and an ineffectual opposition lead to a point where the country is perhaps irrevocably divided, with those who campaign for decency, fairness and equality somehow becoming the enemy of the state.
Not In My Name cleverly treads a fine line between being an unsettling political satire and a puzzling murder mystery. While Phoebe and Sefu are brought to life well, the other characters are perhaps less developed. However, not knowing them as thoroughly prolongs doubts over the identity of the murderer right up to the surprising conclusion. Thoughtful, astute and disquieting but not without wit and warmth too, Not In My Name is an excellent introduction to Michael Coolwood's Democracy and Dissent mystery series. I look forward to reading more.
April 28, 2021
Firstly, I would like to thank Claret Press for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.
From the blurb and the cover, I would have said that this book was not my usual type of read genre-wise. However, how wrong I would have been to judge a book by it's cover!
I found this to be so relevant to the modern world. Despite being set in a fictional past, the event of the book are based on truth and the activism in particular resonates with events of the past year.
The book gripped me from the start, where we see activists at a demonstration, peacefully and passionately protesting a referendum result which they felt reflected a biased and deceitful campaign. Following the protest, a young activist is killed and our protagonist Phoebe wants to know why. This need for answers only escalates when a second member of their group is murdered.
I flew through the chapters of this book, wanting to see how the story would pan out. If you take away the political and corrupt themes then it becomes a classic whodunit, an element which I fully engaged with.
Coolwood has approached the political theme without the use of jargon, so that the reader is able to engage whether they are political themselves or not. I found the themes explored in the book sparked an interest for me, and I would be intrigued to find out more on the topics in the future whether though more fiction or a non-fiction read.
I have only marked this down as I felt the resolution was very fast at the end of the book, and would have liked to have seen the author go in to a little more detail - the very end felt like the speech a detective would give at the end of an episode of Death in Paradise - and whilst it summed everything up, I would have liked to see more of the aftermath.
If you're unsure on this because it doesn't sound like your normal choice of book, then I would urge you to give it a go!
From the blurb and the cover, I would have said that this book was not my usual type of read genre-wise. However, how wrong I would have been to judge a book by it's cover!
I found this to be so relevant to the modern world. Despite being set in a fictional past, the event of the book are based on truth and the activism in particular resonates with events of the past year.
The book gripped me from the start, where we see activists at a demonstration, peacefully and passionately protesting a referendum result which they felt reflected a biased and deceitful campaign. Following the protest, a young activist is killed and our protagonist Phoebe wants to know why. This need for answers only escalates when a second member of their group is murdered.
I flew through the chapters of this book, wanting to see how the story would pan out. If you take away the political and corrupt themes then it becomes a classic whodunit, an element which I fully engaged with.
Coolwood has approached the political theme without the use of jargon, so that the reader is able to engage whether they are political themselves or not. I found the themes explored in the book sparked an interest for me, and I would be intrigued to find out more on the topics in the future whether though more fiction or a non-fiction read.
I have only marked this down as I felt the resolution was very fast at the end of the book, and would have liked to have seen the author go in to a little more detail - the very end felt like the speech a detective would give at the end of an episode of Death in Paradise - and whilst it summed everything up, I would have liked to see more of the aftermath.
If you're unsure on this because it doesn't sound like your normal choice of book, then I would urge you to give it a go!
June 7, 2021
The book is depicted, set, and apparently based on true events and the style is notably war-oriented and methodically inclined towards military terms and writing. Although it was interesting to observe and note how fast and gripping the story kept on moving forward with the action and dialogue; however, in regards to the subject matter, it was not my personal cup of tea, in my personal and humble opinion.
Usually, not to mind thrillers, but I felt in certain regards, the pacing felt a bit too uneven in some places and there were times, there were too many characters involved with the story occurring through the course of the book's nearby plot sequences.
I think it's a good beginning for a book, but it just needed to keep on going- I am personally highly skeptical and vary when it comes to war novels and books, because of how easy it is to spread certain dogmatic propaganda and subject matter to the reader and audiences and this certainly was no exception. (Biased points of view can spread like wildfire throughout, as a result of this!)
In the future, I would personally have more than one side to a war happening in another nation, in order to make sure readers can digest and make their own opinions rather than process another story and create their own perspectives and notions first.
Overall, 5/10.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for providing me the E-book ARC for an honest and open review.
Usually, not to mind thrillers, but I felt in certain regards, the pacing felt a bit too uneven in some places and there were times, there were too many characters involved with the story occurring through the course of the book's nearby plot sequences.
I think it's a good beginning for a book, but it just needed to keep on going- I am personally highly skeptical and vary when it comes to war novels and books, because of how easy it is to spread certain dogmatic propaganda and subject matter to the reader and audiences and this certainly was no exception. (Biased points of view can spread like wildfire throughout, as a result of this!)
In the future, I would personally have more than one side to a war happening in another nation, in order to make sure readers can digest and make their own opinions rather than process another story and create their own perspectives and notions first.
Overall, 5/10.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for providing me the E-book ARC for an honest and open review.
June 8, 2021
I was attracted by the blurb when I choose to join this blog tour. The plot sounded interesting and I’m a fan of alternate history so this was a sort of perfect match.
First thing first: this is a political thriller but it’s also a depiction of how divisive a referendum can be and how the aftermath can affect people.
The author surely knows what he’s talking about and the descriptions of the dynamics of a group of activists are interesting and quite realistic (been there, done that, got the t-shirt).
Phoebe, the young activist turned sleuth, is an interesting characters. She’s clever and fleshed out and I liked her. The characters are all well written even if some are bit less vivid.
The plot is interesting, a bit slow burning and sometimes drags a bit, but full of twists and turns. You can feel the growing tension and I liked how Phoebe investigated.
This is a good book and I think that the author has the potential to write excellent stories.
I liked this one and I think I will read other books by this author (I’m curious about the cozy mysteries).
I recommend it. As this is a political thriller please not that it could not be your cup of tea of if you are right leaning.
Many thanks to Claret Press and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
First thing first: this is a political thriller but it’s also a depiction of how divisive a referendum can be and how the aftermath can affect people.
The author surely knows what he’s talking about and the descriptions of the dynamics of a group of activists are interesting and quite realistic (been there, done that, got the t-shirt).
Phoebe, the young activist turned sleuth, is an interesting characters. She’s clever and fleshed out and I liked her. The characters are all well written even if some are bit less vivid.
The plot is interesting, a bit slow burning and sometimes drags a bit, but full of twists and turns. You can feel the growing tension and I liked how Phoebe investigated.
This is a good book and I think that the author has the potential to write excellent stories.
I liked this one and I think I will read other books by this author (I’m curious about the cozy mysteries).
I recommend it. As this is a political thriller please not that it could not be your cup of tea of if you are right leaning.
Many thanks to Claret Press and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
March 25, 2021
This isn’t my typical genre at all but I am so glad I read it!
Now I won’t lie to you, politics confuses me most of the time and I was slightly apprehensive with this one being largely based around a referendum and activism. However, the author hasn’t used loads of difficult political language/terms which made it easy to follow and kept me guessing at the end of every chapter. If I had to describe this book it would be a “political thriller” 🕵🏻
I have marked it down slightly just because it took me a while to get into, but the author builds suspense and there are twists and turns throughout the whole book... I had absolutely no idea who Cassie’s murderer would be and the ending was a complete curveball! 🤯
I was shocked to find that the book was based on true events and the Afterword at the end of the book completely shocked me! To learn about the SDS and how many activists were tricked and deceived by the police is awful! Michael Coolwood recommends another book in his Afterword; Undercover: The True Story of Britain’s Secret Police which I will be adding to my wishlist STRAIGHT AWAY!
If you’re wondering whether to get this one but worrying because it’s not your usual genre, don’t be put off! I really enjoyed this one and flew through it!
February 26, 2021
Not In My Name is a Murder mystery and a political thriller that revolves around the Iraq war in 2003. However, here there has been a referendum so the people can decide (and we all know how the recent Brexit referendum went!).....
There are clashes between the Yes and No voters and then Cassie is murdered.
Her friend Phoebe learns the police are no longer investigating and when another friend is killed, she begins to look into the deaths herself with the help of Sefu, they find the killer may be close to home.
This is a clever thriller with the focus on politics and the protest movement (and is based on real events). Phoebe is a well rounded character and the story is tense and compelling. If you like your political thrillers realistic and biting, then you will love Not In My Name.
Thank you to Claret Press for an e ARC of Not In My Name. This is my honest and unbiased review.
There are clashes between the Yes and No voters and then Cassie is murdered.
Her friend Phoebe learns the police are no longer investigating and when another friend is killed, she begins to look into the deaths herself with the help of Sefu, they find the killer may be close to home.
This is a clever thriller with the focus on politics and the protest movement (and is based on real events). Phoebe is a well rounded character and the story is tense and compelling. If you like your political thrillers realistic and biting, then you will love Not In My Name.
Thank you to Claret Press for an e ARC of Not In My Name. This is my honest and unbiased review.
March 16, 2021
It's not often I say this but this mystery thriller made me laugh.
The humour is black and subversive. Mostly it's in the form of witty dialogue between the young adult characters. But also, the illustrations made me laugh. I actually started with them, flipping through the book until I'd gone through them all. They're a powerful take-down of political electioneering about Brexit and the Iraq war combined.
I think I should also say that the topic is serious, more serious than you'd think from what I've written: democracy and policing. The meshing of these two topics is really nicely portrayed. Who Watches the Watchmen, because if we don't have democratic transparency and accountability, honesty and an apolitical judicial system then we don't have much of a democracy at all.
Also, the mystery was excellent. Full of twists that made a ton of sense of after the fact.
The humour is black and subversive. Mostly it's in the form of witty dialogue between the young adult characters. But also, the illustrations made me laugh. I actually started with them, flipping through the book until I'd gone through them all. They're a powerful take-down of political electioneering about Brexit and the Iraq war combined.
I think I should also say that the topic is serious, more serious than you'd think from what I've written: democracy and policing. The meshing of these two topics is really nicely portrayed. Who Watches the Watchmen, because if we don't have democratic transparency and accountability, honesty and an apolitical judicial system then we don't have much of a democracy at all.
Also, the mystery was excellent. Full of twists that made a ton of sense of after the fact.
March 21, 2021
A clever premise and a perceptive and informed dive into the world of activism and the marginalised, Not in My Name is a tense and engaging murder mystery, as well as a book about ideas. The divisive nature of referendum politics is well captured on the page, as is the range of views on one side of the argument. The personal and political intermingle in the commune-style group which is home to Phoebe, an entirely believable character, with her anxiety and desperate need to have some control over her environment. The commune itself is well-drawn as is the world of anti-war activism. The threads which Phoebe follows involve the reader in this world, as well leading them on to the denouement. I will keep a look out for Michael Coolwood's next book.
August 11, 2021
Good opening, love the audiobook narrator. Love love love Sefu and Phoebe's relationship - the intimacy, the honesty and trust, the stuff about race... it's so nice to have a relationship where the characters actually communicate and try to support each other. That's something I like about the book in general: although the basic premise is a cosy mystery, the main suspects are all really close and that's what makes you feel so betrayed by the idea that one of them is a murderer. This is explored by the protagonist too. Pacing is very good - I read the second half of the book in one sitting. Plot brings it to a satisfying conclusion - I guessed the conclusion just before the big reveal because it was the only satisfying ending I could think of.
March 17, 2021
An intriguing and highly disturbing book that is both satire and whodunnit. Set in 2003 it re-imagines the Brexit referendum shunted 13 years back to the Iraq war but with the same arguments, counter arguments and lies we have all become so unfortunately familiar with over the last four years. Tightly written with excellent dialogue and a pacey narrative the story is told from the point of view of a 24-year-old female anti-war protester who lives with seven others in a sort of farm commune outside Birmingham. The premise is clever and the background and setting suggests the author has first-hand experience. The group’s proactive but pacifist intentions are turned on their heads when one of their number is apparently murdered. The story rattles along to a satisfying, if worrying ending. Highly recommended but not necessarily if you are of a far-right tendency.
February 9, 2021
It was a fun mystery, the political stuff was pretty biting at times but I enjoyed the characters and there was a enjoyable focus on solving a devious murder
June 13, 2021
y Review
Another great read. Loved the storyline and characters.
Another great read. Loved the storyline and characters.
July 8, 2022
This book intrigued me being dubbed an Agatha Christie like murder mystery crossed with a political thriller.
PHOEBE GREEN is an anti-war activist in an alternate 2003 where Tony Blair held a referendum to determine whether the UK should go to war with Iraq. The pro-war side won by 52% to the anti-war side's 48%. The nation is split. Political tensions are running high with accusations that the Yes side manipulated the referendum. Once her fellow activists start to turn up dead in suspicious circumstances, Phoebe suspects there might be something sinister going on closer to home.
I have to admit I was not immediately gripped, I found the tempo to be a little jarring and the language too informal: whilst I could appreciate the local colloquial phrases included, I was irritated by the police being referred to as ‘cops’ throughout despite being set UK.
That being said once the murder occurred and Phoebe and Sefu started investigating the case the pace of the narrative increased, the suspense grew, my engagement switched on and I finally understood the AC comparison. It was very clever, I could see no obvious clues and it kept me guessing and more importantly reading frantically trying to find out the ending.
Also interwoven into the murder mystery the author provides political commentary regarding the Iraq war, government and police corruption that added an interesting, terrifying and though provoking backbone to the story.
Despite my initial reservations and perhaps that is more due to my own impatience in starting a new book this was a interesting little read that I am glad I persevered to discover it’s full potential.
PHOEBE GREEN is an anti-war activist in an alternate 2003 where Tony Blair held a referendum to determine whether the UK should go to war with Iraq. The pro-war side won by 52% to the anti-war side's 48%. The nation is split. Political tensions are running high with accusations that the Yes side manipulated the referendum. Once her fellow activists start to turn up dead in suspicious circumstances, Phoebe suspects there might be something sinister going on closer to home.
I have to admit I was not immediately gripped, I found the tempo to be a little jarring and the language too informal: whilst I could appreciate the local colloquial phrases included, I was irritated by the police being referred to as ‘cops’ throughout despite being set UK.
That being said once the murder occurred and Phoebe and Sefu started investigating the case the pace of the narrative increased, the suspense grew, my engagement switched on and I finally understood the AC comparison. It was very clever, I could see no obvious clues and it kept me guessing and more importantly reading frantically trying to find out the ending.
Also interwoven into the murder mystery the author provides political commentary regarding the Iraq war, government and police corruption that added an interesting, terrifying and though provoking backbone to the story.
Despite my initial reservations and perhaps that is more due to my own impatience in starting a new book this was a interesting little read that I am glad I persevered to discover it’s full potential.
March 29, 2022
An exciting political thriller with a lot of interesting interpersonal relationships. The characters are great and are really easy to care about. The mystery reaches a satisfying conclusion, and along the way the book explores all kinds of interesting concepts. The audiobook was very good.
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