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Who's in Control? #5
Locked In
★★★ Strap in for the latest novel in Burrows' Who's In Control? thriller series ★★★
London.
A massive explosion leaves 11 people dead, hundreds critically injured and one man in a deep coma.
David cannot speak. He cannot move. He cannot see.
But he can hear.
The police are desperate for answers. Hospital doctors need to save lives. The media are in a frenzy. And politicians want to make the whole thing go away.
Amongst the noise and fierce disputes around him and his future, David discovers the truth about what really happened.
It is worse than anyone could have imagined.
What he learns could bring justice to the victims.
But who was really to blame?
If you're willing to have your your beliefs and assumptions rocked to the core, then close the door, turn on the bedside light and strap in for this page turning read.
Find yourself immersed in another claustrophobic thriller, from the award winning author of Portico and The Illustrator's Daughter. Locked In is the fifth book in Gideon Burrows' Who's In Control? series.
London.
A massive explosion leaves 11 people dead, hundreds critically injured and one man in a deep coma.
David cannot speak. He cannot move. He cannot see.
But he can hear.
The police are desperate for answers. Hospital doctors need to save lives. The media are in a frenzy. And politicians want to make the whole thing go away.
Amongst the noise and fierce disputes around him and his future, David discovers the truth about what really happened.
It is worse than anyone could have imagined.
What he learns could bring justice to the victims.
But who was really to blame?
If you're willing to have your your beliefs and assumptions rocked to the core, then close the door, turn on the bedside light and strap in for this page turning read.
Find yourself immersed in another claustrophobic thriller, from the award winning author of Portico and The Illustrator's Daughter. Locked In is the fifth book in Gideon Burrows' Who's In Control? series.
262 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2022
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Gideon Burrows
33 books24 followersGideon Burrows is an award winning author of novels and non-fiction books that aim to make you uncomfortable, allow you recover, and then make you feel completely refreshed.
Or else guilty. Or exhilarated. Or maybe a combination of these things.
Like taking a cold shower.
His near future novels, including Future Shop and Portico, tackle the challenging world of the near future: how social media, the metaverse, virtual reality, multi-player games and more may be sending us to hell. You'll never let your kids on the internet again.
His contemporary novels, including The Illustrator's Daughter and The Spiral, are about families and individuals in difficult situations: whether facing brake-ups, illness, prejudice, mental health breakdown or domestic violence. Through challenging our fundamental believes and values, he aims to make every reader think about their own comfortable lives.
As G D Burrows, he writes action fiction about ninjas. Awesome ninjas, who wear cool ninja gowns, have high tech ninja weapons, and take on the bad guys with their super martial arts skills and techniques. Think James Bond or Jack Reacher – but in full ninja garb, and based in London's East End. That kind of thing.
Gideon is really interested in the future and new technology, as well as science and rationalism. He's written two non-fiction books on the metaverse, and three books on cancer, including This Book Won't Cure Your Cancer, challenging society's assumptions when it comes to the disease.
He trained as a journalist and spent 10 years writing for major UK newspapers and magazines, and then running a copywriting agency.
Gideon is married, lives in east London with three children, and hundreds of worms. He's a keen cyclist, a qualified cycle mechanic and his home office is Pret a Manger.
He loves travelling on trains, eating Indian and Chinese food, and might actually be a ninja at night.
Like everyone else in the world, he drinks lots of coffee and loves the smell of new, unsullied stationery.
Gideon loves giving stuff away.
You'll always find something free at his website, www.gideon-burrows.com, where you can also join his Reader's Club.
Or else guilty. Or exhilarated. Or maybe a combination of these things.
Like taking a cold shower.
His near future novels, including Future Shop and Portico, tackle the challenging world of the near future: how social media, the metaverse, virtual reality, multi-player games and more may be sending us to hell. You'll never let your kids on the internet again.
His contemporary novels, including The Illustrator's Daughter and The Spiral, are about families and individuals in difficult situations: whether facing brake-ups, illness, prejudice, mental health breakdown or domestic violence. Through challenging our fundamental believes and values, he aims to make every reader think about their own comfortable lives.
As G D Burrows, he writes action fiction about ninjas. Awesome ninjas, who wear cool ninja gowns, have high tech ninja weapons, and take on the bad guys with their super martial arts skills and techniques. Think James Bond or Jack Reacher – but in full ninja garb, and based in London's East End. That kind of thing.
Gideon is really interested in the future and new technology, as well as science and rationalism. He's written two non-fiction books on the metaverse, and three books on cancer, including This Book Won't Cure Your Cancer, challenging society's assumptions when it comes to the disease.
He trained as a journalist and spent 10 years writing for major UK newspapers and magazines, and then running a copywriting agency.
Gideon is married, lives in east London with three children, and hundreds of worms. He's a keen cyclist, a qualified cycle mechanic and his home office is Pret a Manger.
He loves travelling on trains, eating Indian and Chinese food, and might actually be a ninja at night.
Like everyone else in the world, he drinks lots of coffee and loves the smell of new, unsullied stationery.
Gideon loves giving stuff away.
You'll always find something free at his website, www.gideon-burrows.com, where you can also join his Reader's Club.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 23, 2022
I would like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I enjoyed it and it was very different from my usual reads, I would recommend this book.
December 2, 2024
Locked In left me with a lot of things to think about. What do you get when you allow a Black Lives Matter demonstration at the same time, same place as a Pride festival? An explosive mix... and that's what happens. Eleven dead, hundreds are wounded after a massive explosion on a sunny June day. David, the main character of this book, barely survives. He is critically wounded but somehow his body survives - more or less. His mind does too. The only thing is that the connection between the two is gone. David can hear but that's all. He cannot feel, see or move a muscle.
How do you tell a story with a character that cannot talk? With lots of interior monologue but also with the help of the things he hears from the tv in his hospital room, and the visitors he get. Mainly his doctor and a couple of nurses but also Dillon, his 'responsible adult'. This is important because at the start of the story, nobody knows who David is. He himself doesn't even know who he is.
From day one this story enfolds as a battle between several parties. The hospital management, the doctors, the nurses, the social services, and not to forget the politicians ánd the press.
Although not 100% correct, I think, in some medical matters, this is a moving story about someone who only wants to be himself.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for this review copy.
How do you tell a story with a character that cannot talk? With lots of interior monologue but also with the help of the things he hears from the tv in his hospital room, and the visitors he get. Mainly his doctor and a couple of nurses but also Dillon, his 'responsible adult'. This is important because at the start of the story, nobody knows who David is. He himself doesn't even know who he is.
From day one this story enfolds as a battle between several parties. The hospital management, the doctors, the nurses, the social services, and not to forget the politicians ánd the press.
Although not 100% correct, I think, in some medical matters, this is a moving story about someone who only wants to be himself.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for this review copy.
April 25, 2022
The plot was gripping, presented in a unique way that was thought-provoking and original.
What stopped me from giving it the coveted 5-star rating? Unfortunately, I don't believe the ending was good enough and was bitterly disappointed it ended on a flat note.
This, however, was my first read of a Gideon Burrows book, and I'm thrilled to hear that it's part of an independent series. One I will certainly be catching up on.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher BooksGoSocial for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What stopped me from giving it the coveted 5-star rating? Unfortunately, I don't believe the ending was good enough and was bitterly disappointed it ended on a flat note.
This, however, was my first read of a Gideon Burrows book, and I'm thrilled to hear that it's part of an independent series. One I will certainly be catching up on.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher BooksGoSocial for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2022
"I realised that people want someone to blame. An easy answer. It's not enough that things just happen, is it? That sometimes, occasionally, the world is a shit place, full of shit people, with shit backgrounds, and poor mental health, and bullies, and crap parents."
Locked In is an unconventional novel that will appeal to those who don't crave neat tidy endings in their crime fiction. It's told from the perspective of a man who is dubbed "David" by first responders when he is pulled from a bombing at the London Pride Festival. Told is perhaps a generous term, because after a traumatic brain injury, David can hear but is non-responsive to all other stimuli.
"With nothing else, noise is to be welcomed. I hear noise, therefore I am." The action in the novel comprises of "David" relaying what he hears around him, from talking to television reports, without any visual clues. His brain injury also makes him a bit of an unreliable narrator, as details of the fatal event that killed 11 people and injured hundreds, come back to him slowly.
This means the reader is left to piece together the motivations for the bombing from these disjointed sources of information, and one-sided conversations between "David" and the advocate appointed to him when he is left medically vulnerable after the explosion with no family coming forward to claim him. So reader beware if you like neatly tied up endings, and smooth flowing narratives, this is a very different sort of book, albeit one with a very interesting premise.
With thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for sending me a copy to read.
Locked In is an unconventional novel that will appeal to those who don't crave neat tidy endings in their crime fiction. It's told from the perspective of a man who is dubbed "David" by first responders when he is pulled from a bombing at the London Pride Festival. Told is perhaps a generous term, because after a traumatic brain injury, David can hear but is non-responsive to all other stimuli.
"With nothing else, noise is to be welcomed. I hear noise, therefore I am." The action in the novel comprises of "David" relaying what he hears around him, from talking to television reports, without any visual clues. His brain injury also makes him a bit of an unreliable narrator, as details of the fatal event that killed 11 people and injured hundreds, come back to him slowly.
This means the reader is left to piece together the motivations for the bombing from these disjointed sources of information, and one-sided conversations between "David" and the advocate appointed to him when he is left medically vulnerable after the explosion with no family coming forward to claim him. So reader beware if you like neatly tied up endings, and smooth flowing narratives, this is a very different sort of book, albeit one with a very interesting premise.
With thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for sending me a copy to read.
May 2, 2022
TW: racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, child abuse, terrorism/hate-crimes
I'm not really sure how to feel about this book honestly. It was unique, and it definitely stood out amongst other thrillers I've read. However, the writing style did throw me off a bit at first. It took a couple chapters to fully catch onto how the author's writing style was. Some of the things in the book made me uncomfortable as well, but that was most definitely his goal.
Some of the things in this book may be triggering, however, so I suggest being careful if you're interested in reading it.
I received a gifted copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not really sure how to feel about this book honestly. It was unique, and it definitely stood out amongst other thrillers I've read. However, the writing style did throw me off a bit at first. It took a couple chapters to fully catch onto how the author's writing style was. Some of the things in the book made me uncomfortable as well, but that was most definitely his goal.
Some of the things in this book may be triggering, however, so I suggest being careful if you're interested in reading it.
I received a gifted copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2022
Locked in by Gideon Burrows.
A massive explosion leaves 11 people dead, hundreds critically injured and one man in a deep coma.David cannot speak. He cannot move. He cannot see. But he can hear.
Brilliant read. What a start. Couldn't put it down. This was a gripping read. 5*.
A massive explosion leaves 11 people dead, hundreds critically injured and one man in a deep coma.David cannot speak. He cannot move. He cannot see. But he can hear.
Brilliant read. What a start. Couldn't put it down. This was a gripping read. 5*.
May 7, 2022
Locked In
By: Gideon Burrows
An explosion in the middle of a PRIDE festival leaves many wounded and dead. One of the victims is in the hospital and is in a comma.
🏥
This novel gives you the inside narrative of the victim who does not respond to any stimuli and the hospital declares brain dead.
🏥
As the investigation begins a girl is quickly accused of the bombing. Her family is being treated horrible.
🏥
The patient “David” has an social advocate until his family steps up. As the story progresses we find out father was not a nice man and the advocate continues to work with “David”.
🏥
This novel turns twisty to the end and you will need to read to find out the unbelievable twist. I will say I figured it out quickly, but that did not take away from the novel.
🏥
This novel came out April 21, 2022. Thank you @netgalley and #gideonburrows for this novel. #booksconnectus, #bookreview, #gideonburrows, #netgalley, #stamperlady50
By: Gideon Burrows
An explosion in the middle of a PRIDE festival leaves many wounded and dead. One of the victims is in the hospital and is in a comma.
🏥
This novel gives you the inside narrative of the victim who does not respond to any stimuli and the hospital declares brain dead.
🏥
As the investigation begins a girl is quickly accused of the bombing. Her family is being treated horrible.
🏥
The patient “David” has an social advocate until his family steps up. As the story progresses we find out father was not a nice man and the advocate continues to work with “David”.
🏥
This novel turns twisty to the end and you will need to read to find out the unbelievable twist. I will say I figured it out quickly, but that did not take away from the novel.
🏥
This novel came out April 21, 2022. Thank you @netgalley and #gideonburrows for this novel. #booksconnectus, #bookreview, #gideonburrows, #netgalley, #stamperlady50
May 3, 2022
#netgalley #lockedin publication date 01 May 2022 I haven't read any other book like this, it is a quick paced thriller, I really connected with the characters. Overall a great read 4/5 stars
June 2, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for sharing this free ePub with me in exchange for my honest feedback!
I was immediately attracted to the premise of this book: A man is horribly injured from an explosion and seems completely brain dead to the hospital staff taking care of him. Although he can't physically respond, he can actually hear everything they are saying and he's the only person that knows what actually happened that day!
I went in with high hopes but the writing style was just not my vibe. The entire book is told in sections of back-to-back dialogue, almost like a play or movie script. There are some news reports included but are also mainly dialogue. I kept waiting for some narrative writing with details and explanations, but it was strictly people speaking.
And the style of dialogue was very short and blunt for every single character, so it was difficult to track who was saying what because there wasn't a ton of character development or identification. They spoke in such short sentences or phrases it reminded me of like two people talking over a walkie-talkie or something.
While in the coma patient's perspective, we read about him hearing sounds and trying to figure out where they were coming from. Instead of saying something like "the machines next to me kept beeping" the author would try to spell out the actual noise it was making. Here are legitimate examples from the text:
"thump, thump, thump" "whine, whine, whine" "thump, whoo, thump, whoo" "bang, ba-bada-ba-ba" "shuffle, shuffle" "whirr whirr wmm.. wmm.. wmm" and the classics like BANG, BUZZ, SWISH, CLINK, SCRAPE. It made me think of the children's books that I read to my niece and nephew. And it went on throughout the whole book!
In conclusion, this book was just not for me and I don't think I would recommend it to anyone. I was not impressed with the writing style, the characterization, the pacing, or the ending. It had the potential to read like a cool medical-style drama thriller, but it really felt like sitting next to the coma patient's bed and just listening to the hospital staff and police talk about what happened over and over again.
I was immediately attracted to the premise of this book: A man is horribly injured from an explosion and seems completely brain dead to the hospital staff taking care of him. Although he can't physically respond, he can actually hear everything they are saying and he's the only person that knows what actually happened that day!
I went in with high hopes but the writing style was just not my vibe. The entire book is told in sections of back-to-back dialogue, almost like a play or movie script. There are some news reports included but are also mainly dialogue. I kept waiting for some narrative writing with details and explanations, but it was strictly people speaking.
And the style of dialogue was very short and blunt for every single character, so it was difficult to track who was saying what because there wasn't a ton of character development or identification. They spoke in such short sentences or phrases it reminded me of like two people talking over a walkie-talkie or something.
While in the coma patient's perspective, we read about him hearing sounds and trying to figure out where they were coming from. Instead of saying something like "the machines next to me kept beeping" the author would try to spell out the actual noise it was making. Here are legitimate examples from the text:
"thump, thump, thump" "whine, whine, whine" "thump, whoo, thump, whoo" "bang, ba-bada-ba-ba" "shuffle, shuffle" "whirr whirr wmm.. wmm.. wmm" and the classics like BANG, BUZZ, SWISH, CLINK, SCRAPE. It made me think of the children's books that I read to my niece and nephew. And it went on throughout the whole book!
In conclusion, this book was just not for me and I don't think I would recommend it to anyone. I was not impressed with the writing style, the characterization, the pacing, or the ending. It had the potential to read like a cool medical-style drama thriller, but it really felt like sitting next to the coma patient's bed and just listening to the hospital staff and police talk about what happened over and over again.
May 7, 2022
I contemplated between 2-3 for this one. What pushed me over the line was one sentence found in the copyright. "References to medical care are strictly plot points and should not be taken as any attempt at accuracy." I could have accepted that if the inaccuracies were minor details unimportant to the story line.
Gideon Burrows posted a blurb for his book on a Facebook page I'm on stating the book is from the perspective of a man with locked in syndrome. I replied that it sounded interesting as it's such a terrifying situation anyway. To approach it from a psychological thriller perspective sounded intriguing. Mr Burrows replied..."Yes, it is terrifying. I've worked with two people with locked in syndrome in my life. It was so saddening, but also made me angry - how hard it must have been for them!" One would think that if he has worked with people with locked in syndrome and is using LIS as the driving force of his plot, he would attempt to make at least that part of the story accurate.
A quick Google search of medical journals and articles on locked in syndrome taught me how it's diagnosed, what causes it, what brainwave tests show, what it looks like to outside observers and how they manage it. I also learned the differences between locked in syndrome, coma and brain death. In chapter six the doctor diagnosed the patient with locked in syndrome with the help of an expert in the field. Yet for the rest of the book they treat him as if he is in a coma. They repeatedly call him brain dead. From my perspective he behaves more like coma than brain death. In every book and article I've read about locked in syndrome they talk about how locked in patients communicate. But Mr Burrows didn't want his character to communicate for the sake of the plot. If he had addressed failed attempts at communicating it would have been more believable.
I think it was an interesting idea but failed in the execution. Why use LIS at all if you aren't going to use it realistically.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gideon Burrows posted a blurb for his book on a Facebook page I'm on stating the book is from the perspective of a man with locked in syndrome. I replied that it sounded interesting as it's such a terrifying situation anyway. To approach it from a psychological thriller perspective sounded intriguing. Mr Burrows replied..."Yes, it is terrifying. I've worked with two people with locked in syndrome in my life. It was so saddening, but also made me angry - how hard it must have been for them!" One would think that if he has worked with people with locked in syndrome and is using LIS as the driving force of his plot, he would attempt to make at least that part of the story accurate.
A quick Google search of medical journals and articles on locked in syndrome taught me how it's diagnosed, what causes it, what brainwave tests show, what it looks like to outside observers and how they manage it. I also learned the differences between locked in syndrome, coma and brain death. In chapter six the doctor diagnosed the patient with locked in syndrome with the help of an expert in the field. Yet for the rest of the book they treat him as if he is in a coma. They repeatedly call him brain dead. From my perspective he behaves more like coma than brain death. In every book and article I've read about locked in syndrome they talk about how locked in patients communicate. But Mr Burrows didn't want his character to communicate for the sake of the plot. If he had addressed failed attempts at communicating it would have been more believable.
I think it was an interesting idea but failed in the execution. Why use LIS at all if you aren't going to use it realistically.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2022
An unidentified victim of a terrorist explosion at a Gay Pride event lies in a hospital, said to be in the kind of coma that is said to be irreversible.
The staff still talk to.him though just in case he is still on some level aware of sound, although the doctor's findings are not promising. In fact the patient, christened Dávid, is aware of everything said to him, as his perceptions and hearing settle down. It's just that he cannot respond. Meanwhile the question of whether or not to allow David to lie gather momentum.
It might have been interesting if the the science and current understanding of locked-in syndrome had been explored a little more, alongside how this might link to persistent vegetative state. However, that didn't seem to suit the aims of the writer, where this locked-in state is used more as a device through which the responses of nurses, doctors and the patient's advocate to someone who can't talk back are explored - there is plenty of projection. The novel also charts how easily swayed they are to TV news discussions, newspaper reports, and so on. Family also appear at the bedside, but this only serves to deepen the mystery surrounding the case. Meanwhile, David's voice and narration also convey their own story, with all the limited perspective of an individual who proves to be already damaged, way before the terrorist attack.
The quest is also on to find the perpetrator.
Some readers might find the premise of this story like a little woke for their tastes. However, this is balanced by an awareness of how the world of realpolitik actually works - and perhaps too, how unspoken expectations complicate relationships of all kinds.
There are enough twists to create surprises.
The story runs a lot through dialogue rather than description, giving the whole thing a rather subjective, gosippy feel but that may be intentional.
The staff still talk to.him though just in case he is still on some level aware of sound, although the doctor's findings are not promising. In fact the patient, christened Dávid, is aware of everything said to him, as his perceptions and hearing settle down. It's just that he cannot respond. Meanwhile the question of whether or not to allow David to lie gather momentum.
It might have been interesting if the the science and current understanding of locked-in syndrome had been explored a little more, alongside how this might link to persistent vegetative state. However, that didn't seem to suit the aims of the writer, where this locked-in state is used more as a device through which the responses of nurses, doctors and the patient's advocate to someone who can't talk back are explored - there is plenty of projection. The novel also charts how easily swayed they are to TV news discussions, newspaper reports, and so on. Family also appear at the bedside, but this only serves to deepen the mystery surrounding the case. Meanwhile, David's voice and narration also convey their own story, with all the limited perspective of an individual who proves to be already damaged, way before the terrorist attack.
The quest is also on to find the perpetrator.
Some readers might find the premise of this story like a little woke for their tastes. However, this is balanced by an awareness of how the world of realpolitik actually works - and perhaps too, how unspoken expectations complicate relationships of all kinds.
There are enough twists to create surprises.
The story runs a lot through dialogue rather than description, giving the whole thing a rather subjective, gosippy feel but that may be intentional.
May 28, 2022
I thought that this was another pandemic read but it isn't and I cannot say that I enjoyed it coz this one is not an easy read.
I haven't read a book where all heavy and triggering issues were DUMPED in one book. Well, not all as it doesn't include the climate change. Lol.
- Child abuse
- Religious org as a cult
- Black Lives Matter
- LGBTQ
- Anti - LGBTQ
- Gaslighting
- Terrorism
- Racial discrimination
- Bullying
- Gaslighting
- Social media pressures
- and maybe forced euthanasia (but I maybe wrong with the term)
It all started with the BLM and gay pride having a crowd party at a London street when a blast happened hurting many and killing some. Including David.
I liked that the investigation is not the usual detective style but more on news development, memory recollection, conversations and opinions. You will feel like you are watching a tv series and the stories are given out to you as they happened.
I felt all the heavy emotions here especially how there are people who are still closed minded about gays or the LGBTQ community. As we enter this era, we have to be open to a lot of new things and views. I guess, there are people who really don't want to change the order of things. The audacity of some to even use religion and the Bible to justify their wrongdoings is soooo infuriating.
I was thinking of how I am.going to review it coz most of the issues are very sensitive and these are.topics you just don't sit on with your friends and talk about it over coffee. I decided not to elaborate on it BUT highly suggest that you pick this book up with an open mind and be ready to get angry, furious, disappointed, frustrated and all those synanimous negative feelings you may feel reading this.
Thanks Netgalley for this wonderful and heavy read.
#LockedIn #netgalley
I haven't read a book where all heavy and triggering issues were DUMPED in one book. Well, not all as it doesn't include the climate change. Lol.
- Child abuse
- Religious org as a cult
- Black Lives Matter
- LGBTQ
- Anti - LGBTQ
- Gaslighting
- Terrorism
- Racial discrimination
- Bullying
- Gaslighting
- Social media pressures
- and maybe forced euthanasia (but I maybe wrong with the term)
It all started with the BLM and gay pride having a crowd party at a London street when a blast happened hurting many and killing some. Including David.
I liked that the investigation is not the usual detective style but more on news development, memory recollection, conversations and opinions. You will feel like you are watching a tv series and the stories are given out to you as they happened.
I felt all the heavy emotions here especially how there are people who are still closed minded about gays or the LGBTQ community. As we enter this era, we have to be open to a lot of new things and views. I guess, there are people who really don't want to change the order of things. The audacity of some to even use religion and the Bible to justify their wrongdoings is soooo infuriating.
I was thinking of how I am.going to review it coz most of the issues are very sensitive and these are.topics you just don't sit on with your friends and talk about it over coffee. I decided not to elaborate on it BUT highly suggest that you pick this book up with an open mind and be ready to get angry, furious, disappointed, frustrated and all those synanimous negative feelings you may feel reading this.
Thanks Netgalley for this wonderful and heavy read.
#LockedIn #netgalley
May 1, 2022
London in the present-day: an explosion amidst a Pride march leaves eleven people dead, hundreds critically injured and one man is left in a permanent vegetative state. He cannot speak, see, move, or feel anything that is going on around him, but he can think & he can hear. As his identity is unknown & no-one comes forward to claim him at first, they call him David & he becomes the figurehead of protests about the violence against the LGBTQ+ community, & the 'right-to-die' argument. David hears the people who come in & out of his room over the weeks & months of his treatment & conversations which are held, & from these he gradually begins to piece together what happened.
I read this book not having read any of the previous books in the series, so it was different to what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a thriller about who committed the bombing, but it was about more than that. The author covers some weighty subjects: homophobia, historic child abuse, & a person's right to die with dignity. I thought it brought up some intriguing questions, but I found the constant 'doctor said this', 'nurse said that' a bit of a chore to read - I understand it was necessary due to the condition of the main character but it became a bit tedious - which is a shame as the author definitely has writing talent & some good ideas. The ending is also rather abrupt, but overall, I did like the book enough to download one of the earlier books in the series. 3.5 stars (rounded down on sites which do not allow half star ratings).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, BooksGoSocial, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I read this book not having read any of the previous books in the series, so it was different to what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a thriller about who committed the bombing, but it was about more than that. The author covers some weighty subjects: homophobia, historic child abuse, & a person's right to die with dignity. I thought it brought up some intriguing questions, but I found the constant 'doctor said this', 'nurse said that' a bit of a chore to read - I understand it was necessary due to the condition of the main character but it became a bit tedious - which is a shame as the author definitely has writing talent & some good ideas. The ending is also rather abrupt, but overall, I did like the book enough to download one of the earlier books in the series. 3.5 stars (rounded down on sites which do not allow half star ratings).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, BooksGoSocial, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
July 10, 2022
This was an amazing read I actually rated it 4.5 but rounded it up. I was totally engrossed in this book from the very start. It was such a unique story-line that gives you plenty to think about and covers some controversial subject very well. I just couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and there development throughout I really connected with them and it brought out lots of emotions. I love the fast to medium pace of this book. It was so exciting to try and work everything out. I loved books that deal well with controversial subjects and this book had a few sonit was very exciting. I loved how the author incorporated onomatopoeia into the story creating a brilliant sense of atmosphere and so much tension. It really did heighten my emotions. This is one of them books that relays on you making your own conclusions at the end for certain aspects of the story or did I just switch off for a second I am not sure. It might of even been my wonderful autistic brain wanting to know more. I know for a fact I didn't want this book to end. I certainly recommend this book to all fast paced novel fans. It will certainly take you on a journey you won't be forgetting soon.
I will definitely be reading all the books I can get my hands on . Watch this space as I already have his next novel.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishing team for creating this fantastic thriller that just needs to become a best seller.
If you love it please share with friends as independent authors really need that boost when they write so much better than some well known authors I have read.
I will definitely be reading all the books I can get my hands on . Watch this space as I already have his next novel.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishing team for creating this fantastic thriller that just needs to become a best seller.
If you love it please share with friends as independent authors really need that boost when they write so much better than some well known authors I have read.
November 3, 2022
I'll admit at first glance this isn't a book that I would typically go for bit after reading the premise and after what we have all lived through the past 3 years this book just felt so relevant and original.
I was literally engaged from the very beginning and read it in one sitting, not wanting to walk away until I knew how everything planned out.
'David' has been injured in a massive explosion which killed 11 others, he may have survived but he is now in a coma unable to move, speak, communicate in any way BUT he can still hear everything going on around him.
*I won't go into any real detail as it would definitely ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it*
The whole storyline was presented in such a unique way that it held my attention throughout, I found it extremely thought provoking and it really stirred up questions about how it would feel to be in that persons shoes.
There are so many topics touched upon within the story including racism, homophobia, terrorism, hate crimes and abuse but each were dealt with sensitively and in a way that actually made you think about the topics being spoken about.
I loved the way that the investigation is dealt with more by news updates than the usual police interviews etc. At times I could envisage being David and lying there listening to the TV news coverage and the people around talking progress into the investigation.
The only reason I have given a 4* instead of the 5* it so nearly deserved is the ending, it felt so flat after the emotion that had been ridden throughout the rest of the book.
Many thanks to netgalley and Books Go Social for the ARC.
I was literally engaged from the very beginning and read it in one sitting, not wanting to walk away until I knew how everything planned out.
'David' has been injured in a massive explosion which killed 11 others, he may have survived but he is now in a coma unable to move, speak, communicate in any way BUT he can still hear everything going on around him.
*I won't go into any real detail as it would definitely ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it*
The whole storyline was presented in such a unique way that it held my attention throughout, I found it extremely thought provoking and it really stirred up questions about how it would feel to be in that persons shoes.
There are so many topics touched upon within the story including racism, homophobia, terrorism, hate crimes and abuse but each were dealt with sensitively and in a way that actually made you think about the topics being spoken about.
I loved the way that the investigation is dealt with more by news updates than the usual police interviews etc. At times I could envisage being David and lying there listening to the TV news coverage and the people around talking progress into the investigation.
The only reason I have given a 4* instead of the 5* it so nearly deserved is the ending, it felt so flat after the emotion that had been ridden throughout the rest of the book.
Many thanks to netgalley and Books Go Social for the ARC.
May 15, 2022
The synopsis of this book sounded absolutely amazing, and then I get into the book. It would have been a wonderful story except for the fact that the story was lost in politics right from the beginning. There’s also a host of trigger warnings that should have been applied to the book, but weren’t. Trigger warnings include but are not limited too racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, child abuse, terrorism/hate crimes. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately it was one that I had to DNF for the reason that the storyline was lost in politics. The style in which the author writes was also a little unconventional to me, but I could get over that if not for the politics buried all throughout the story. I doubt I’ll pick up another book from this author but I might give his other works a chance, I haven’t decided yet. Also the line in the copyright section about the references to medical care strictly as plot points leaves me a more then a little unsettled. If the author wanted to write about a medial condition then he should have looked up the treatments used for that condition and not just used medical care/treatments as strictly for plot points. I can’t recommend this book to anyone.
May 17, 2022
This is the first of Gideon's books I've read and if this one is anything to go by it won't be the last. It's compelling reading and both disturbing and thought provoking in equal measure. Covering as it does issues of extremism, church cults, gay rights and homophobia its a difficult read at times. The book starts with "David" who is rushed to hospital following a bomb attack in London. He is diagnosed with locked in syndrome with the only sense he still has being hearing. He cannot communicate, move, or see. Gradually his story emerges and we see reinforcement of typical stereotypes by the media, online trolls etc. I won't add more in fear of spoiling the plot but if you only read one book this year, make it this
May 7, 2022
I am grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Locked In is a medical thriller written from the perspective of a trauma victim that cannot speak or move, but can still hear.
The concept of this book was definitely unique. My initial predictions were that it would be difficult to pull off and this was ultimately the case. I think the author made it work for the most part, but found the dialog unnatural and stiff. At times it sounded like a bad medical television show. It dragged a bit in the beginning and then picked up momentum. Like any good thriller, there is a twist but it was somewhat predictable and I feel like it ended suddenly.
The concept of this book was definitely unique. My initial predictions were that it would be difficult to pull off and this was ultimately the case. I think the author made it work for the most part, but found the dialog unnatural and stiff. At times it sounded like a bad medical television show. It dragged a bit in the beginning and then picked up momentum. Like any good thriller, there is a twist but it was somewhat predictable and I feel like it ended suddenly.
May 15, 2022
This book is quite different from what I expected when I read the intriguing premise. The issues are some of the more difficult of our time, clearly the author has his own views about assisted dying, homosexuality and the complexity of guilt regarding childhood experiences, the influence of family and society. This novel will certainly make you question your own opinions about these issues.
The point of view is important to note: the novel is playing out in the mind of the patient, everything is taking place within his room. Conversations and the TV station he listens to will give you all the background you need.
The point of view is important to note: the novel is playing out in the mind of the patient, everything is taking place within his room. Conversations and the TV station he listens to will give you all the background you need.
May 2, 2024
As a healthcare worker, I enjoyed the medical background of this book, and that is how I stumbled across it actually. I was very intrigued at first, however, the writing of sentences during conversation were always short and sometimes difficult to follow or know who was talking. Also, the noises and environmental noises could have had more "spark" to them or expression instead of "Bang bang bang, click, click, beep, ah, beep, ah". Definitely did not expect the twist, but the ending left me thinking there were more pages to read, but, that unfortunately wasn't the case. Still an overall good free book to read!
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June 17, 2022I found this a very interesting and intriguing idea for a novel and even more so if there is any chance it could happen in real life. What the heck, using my imagination is scary enough! I assume being locked in your body with only audio awareness limits your capacity as a main character and that’s why surrounding conversations and/or sounds are included in the text.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
April 10, 2023
Loved the plot line of this book -I cannot imagine being aware of my surroundings yet totally unable to respond to any stimuli, move, respond in any manner and felt it would make a wonderful story. Unfortunately, I struggled with the author's writing style (at least in this particular novel - I've not read anything else by Burrows) finding it distracting from the story line.
June 10, 2023
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Locked In.
A man in a coma listening to those around him. And no one knows. He’s a victim and he may know what happened but he cannot speak and he’s invisible to those around him
How can this be and who may be responsible and why.
He knows but it’s like he’s dead and in this twisty novel he may know what really is going on
3 stars
A man in a coma listening to those around him. And no one knows. He’s a victim and he may know what happened but he cannot speak and he’s invisible to those around him
How can this be and who may be responsible and why.
He knows but it’s like he’s dead and in this twisty novel he may know what really is going on
3 stars
May 4, 2022
Not awful not great
February 9, 2024
The concept of this book was very interesting but it dragged on and on for me and parts felt forced. Fine for a quick read but I like Burrows' other stuff better.
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