Hedleys Blog

John Lanchester's thrilling, hypnotic new novel is about why the young are right to hate the old. It's about a broken world you will recognise as your own-and about what might be found when all is lost.

In this new world you are either a defender or an other. You either defend the wall or live outside in the wilderness.

I am not normally a huge fan of dystopian novels but this was easy to read and gripping and oh so much meaning.

It could be one of my favourite thrillers of the year!

4 out 5 stars

Star of the North by D B John is an outstanding thriller set in North Korea.

CIA agent sets about trying to rescue her twin sister from Korea. Totally believable and very much like "I am Pilgrim" as topical and set in contemporary times. Gives lots of credible insight into Korean life and horrors and threats around the regime.

Highly recommended and only $26 for a gripping 436 pages

David

My first read of 2019 is The Rip by Mark Brandi

I didn't read his first book Wimmera but it has been well reviewed as an excellent literary crime thriller.

It is now on my to read list.

The Rip is certainly a great read - It is a story of a young woman freefalling towards obliteration.

Set in Melbourne amidst a world of the homeless and  the drug culture it is a powerful crime story.

A bit gritty but all  presented in context,  it is sparsely written and lays bare the power of drugs and how when colliding with love can lead to much destruction. Not a long or difficult read it is well written and will hold you to the last page.

Not as grim as sounds. Available from late February.

Suitable for all adult ages men and women. 4.5 stars.

Reviewed by David Hedley