SOLVED. Thriller set in England [s]

[Mr J D MCCABE]

Thriller/crime set in current times. main character possibly ex police detective maybe undercover or former intelligence service . Meets at hotel/motel man who is murdered and he is being framed so goes on the run. He describes getting train at kings cross to Cambridge. On arrival he goes into countryside and sleeps in barn then forms a relationship with widow who owns barn who discovers him when walking her dog. He staye with her overnight but goes in run again when Police arrive. Author Ithink is former Raf or Army
,book may have been published 2010-2015 and I think is one of his early books.
I've also a vague recollection of reference to a burnt out car in the early chapters and i think this may have been depicted on the cover.
Eureka, unbelievably I found the book in a spare room. It was The Final Minute by Simon Kernick, great read and I'm into it again!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

In what time period is it set?

[Kris]

What do you remember about the murdered man - occupation/background, why he was murdered, why were they meeting, etc.?

Sounds like romance isn't a strong element of the story?

[Mr J D MCCABE]

Kris wrote: "What do you remember about the murdered man - occupation/background, why he was murdered, why were they meeting, etc.?

Sounds like romance isn't a strong element of the story?"

Certainly not romance, I think murdered man potentially had information useful to an enquiry being undertaken by the main character who I now think may by now have been acting as a private detective. Can't remember any names or what he was enquiringly about. Regards

[``Laurie]

Your description reminds me of an older book by John Buchan:

The 39 Steps

although very few of the details match up otherwise.

Masterpiece on PBS did a modernized remake based on this book not too long ago.

[Mr J D MCCABE]

Laurie wrote: "Your description reminds me of an older book by John Buchan:

The 39 Steps

although very few of the details match up otherwise.

Masterpiece on PBS did a modernized remake based on ..."

Laurie, good call, I guess many plots are regurgitated.
Regards.

[Mr J D MCCABE]

Eureka, unbelievable y I found the book in a spare room. It was The Final Minute by Simon Kernick, great read and I'm into it again!

[Isabel (kittiwake)]

Adding a link to The Final Minute.