Hatchards

(Hardback)

by Ashrae

I was devastated when I found out that this was a trilogy rather than a series and that this would be my final foray with Gil Peck. If you are coming into this book without reading the previous two then I really would go back and read them first. Gil and Jess now host their own podcast and they have a very special guest - Prime Minister Stella Barnsbury - but things go very south when she appears to be suffering early on in the interview and then, horror of horrors, she collapses. Not 48 hours later, she is dead, and Gil & Jess are quarantined together. Which is a bit of a weird situation as Gil had recently moved out of the family home for... well.. reasons! Now... Gil being an investigative journalist of fine note is well placed to so what he does best and investigate the shadowy halls of parliament to work out who could have assassinated Stella. Cos it was an assassination... And fingers swiftly start to point towards a tech giant whose deal with the UK government had just collapsed... I love this series - no trilogy - I took to Gil right from the off and have avidly followed his shenanigans over the previous two books and, although I will miss the dude, I have to reluctantly say that the author has done a great job wrapping things up and finishing it all off... And this book kinda scared me a little with the technology it included. Which added a whole other layer onto my enjoyment. I mean I already pretty much hate AI and do worry about the way that technology is way ahead of the legislation required to rein it in, but this book... phew... There are many things I love about this trilogy. The author's writing style, his knowledge of the political world, and the way he puts this across without it being a bit smarmy and knowitall. He also explains things in a very much layman's way without patronising. Pacing always matches the narrative and he creates the best three dimensional realistic characters. And I also loved that the author also put himself in the book - that did make me smile :) So... All in all, this door has now closed and, although as I said, I'm going to miss Gil et al, I am also quite excited to see what is next up from the author...

(Hardback)

by Anita Wallas

Robert Peston has really stamped his mark as a novelist. Clearly drawing on his experiences as a journalist and broadcaster, his books have a real stamp of authenticity and race along at a gallop. Loved this, the third of a series. The PM dies unexpectedly and a podcaster investigates to clear his name. This has so many elements. It’s a murder mystery alongside a psychological thriller. But it also gives insight into the workings of government, the implications and potential of AI, corruption and much more. It’s assured, fast paced and a cracking read.

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

(Hardback)

by Lynda’s Book Reviews

The third book in the Gil Peck Series and set in London in the present. Financial journalists Gill and his wife and partner, Jess Neeskens, are interviewing the Prime Minister for their podcast when she collapses and subsequently dies. When murder is confirmed Gil and Jess are prime suspects, and although their marriage is rocky they need to work together to investigate the PMs death and the reason behind it. Initially I found this quite a complex storyline but stick with it if you find the same, my goodness was it worth it! Briefly, with the interim PM calling a National Emergency, whilst preparing to enter into a huge contract with an American AI company, what can Gill and Jess do to change the direction the country is heading. Then, with their investigation at an early stage, whilst at the Chelsea Flower Show, Gil goes missing only to return three days later. The book centres on the strength of influence over British politics, economic and commercial activity by Oxbridge and the threats involved in the power and control of the AI industry. Dramatic and scary this fictional story provides a possible insight into a frightening future; AI technology at its best and worst. This was such a good, compelling political thriller. Brilliant.

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

(Hardback)

by Cazb

I've read all of Robert's books and this latest is the best so far. Robert's brilliant style of writing and insider knowledge of the Government makes this book truly thrilling and chilling. It focuses on the potential for NHS health data to be sold to private pharma companies with all the moral and ethical issues this engenders. When the current Prime Minister dies of a mystery virus whilst recording a podcast with two top journalists, Jess and Gil a major situation arises.. Jess is a long standing friend of the Prime Minister and understandably upset by what has happened. When the Government try to suppress the podcast and sieze the recording for deletion quoting the official secrets act, Jess and Gil sense a major scoop. Before long they and their family are drawn into a dark and dangerous world of big pharma and the takeover by AII The story feels very current and comes across as very believable. Excellent book and one of the best I've read this year.

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

(Hardback)

by LoraineG

My thanks to Robert and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in advance of the publication date. This is the third book in the series but reads equally well as a standalone book. I really enjoy the political intrigue in the books. It is challenging to write the review without giving any spoilers. Whilst I would describe the first 2 books as topical political thrillers, this book is distinctly different, with the introduction of sci-fi, yet still topical as it ventures into the controversial world of A.I. Investigative Journalist Gil Peck is a Marmite character who is now a podcaster, working with his estranged partner, Jess Neeskens. The PM, Stella Barnsbury, has agreed to be interviewed, only to fall ill during the interview. The government are quick to step in with assurances that Stella has a virus whilst trying to take control of the recordings of the interview, setting off red flags for Gil and Jess. When the PM dies, the intrepid pair set about investigating what Stella had been doing in the weeks before her death. This reveals that she had blocked a contract for a major tech giant to manage public sector systems, including the NHS. The story is thought provoking and would give plenty for a book club discussion. I do hope that there are more books in the pipeline.

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

The Kill Switch