This is a bit of a chilling read! I am trying not to give any spoilers with this one. It's a fast paced, well plotted thriller with plenty of suspense and action. The characterisation is excellent, I really liked Fisher, and the book held me until the last page. The best from Simon Kernick to date! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Really love Simon Kernick's books and this one was first class as usual from the great twist at the end of the prologue right through to the satisfying ending.A really original storyline with a well written plot. Even though its filled with more bad guys than good I found them very interesting characters and a few of them could have more stories to be told about.them.I really found it hard to put down. if you've not read any books by this author i really recommend you do so. Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC.

A cop, a hunt for cold-blooded killers, a kidnap, a lawyer, a daughter and 48 hours for the mother to try to save the daughter. What does she have to do in order to secure the release? This thriller is told by three very different and contrasting characters, three stories that are woven together, seamlessly and skilfully. This is another cracking read from this talented author, who has certainly mastered the art of grabbing his readers attention almost immediately with the first of many excellent twists. if I were asked to describe Simon Kernick’s plots in a word, I’d say slick - high praise indeed! The pace is fast throughout, it’s very well thought out, it changes constantly thus keeping you on the edge of your seat, often with jaw attractively open at the “droppers“. There are also some good cliffhangers throughout that keep your attention glued to the unfolding drama and it sure is dramatic. The style of writing is lively, engaging and colourful with scenes springing to life before your eyes. I like the contrast between the different perspectives. Whilst the lead character is despicable, he’s also amusing with a clutch of one-liners and a wry sense of humour. He thinks on his feet, he has to. The kidnappers point of view couldn’t be more different as this is cold, chilling, creepy and violent. The mothers narrative is fascinating as you witness the lengths she is prepared to go to. The storyline builds, the tension and suspense mounts as nefarious, savoury and unscrupulous characters try to do their worst. The ending is excellent, methinks just desserts?? Maybe, maybe not.

A COP NEEDS TO CRACK A DEADLY CASE He's a detective hunting cold-blooded killers, but does he know more than he admits? A MOTHER HAS TO SAVE HER DAUGHTER She's a lawyer who must defend a murderer - but how far will she go to protect her only child? A COUPLE WHO WILL COMMIT THE PERFECT CRIME They have a foolproof plan, but will they get away with the money.... and their lives? THREE STORIES. TWO DAYS. DOES ONE SECRET CONNECT THEM ALL? THE FIRST 48 HOURS.... MAY ALSO BE THEIR LAST. A group of kidnappers, and a crooked cop who knows how the system works is also on the investigation team. A group called the Vanishers captures the children from the relatively wealthy, and if the ransom is paid, and the police are not contacted, the children are returned unharmed. But the latest parents have contacted the police. What then ensues is a few threads that are all connected. The first chapter in this book is one of the best opening chapters that I've read. The character development is on par. The twists kept coming in this cleverly crafted storyline. I was completely invested in this perfectly paced read. There's so much more I would like to tell you, but I can't as I would spoil it for potential readers. The story is told from multiple points of view. All the loose ends were tied up. I highly recommend this book. I would like to thank #NetGalley #Headline and the author #SimonKernick for my ARC of #TheFirst48Hours in exchange for an honest review.

I have big fan of Simon Kernick since his early days and the author seems to never disappoint and this one is no exception. The first 48 Hours is another fast-paced gritty thriller. With three different storylines that get linked at the end. It is well paced story and lot of characters but not one of them was nice. They all had their own agenda. Even Fisher who is a corrupt cop investigating the kidnapping of several people but had links to the kidnappers themselves called The Vanishers. This is an excellent read. 5 stars from me