I was really looking forward to reading this book because I enjoy reading thrillers and this one is set in my beloved Devon. In the end I only finished the book so that I could feel legitimised in writing a review.
Simon Hall is a correspondent for BBC South West and is known for his slightly unusual and halting delivery. The hero of this book is a correspondent for BBC South West, and Simon Hall's prose is also rather halting and staccato, with many short sentences - many of them without a verb. In other words, the prose doesn't exactly flow. There are passages which I just could not read, particularly the mawkish episode where the hero's dog is ill - a passage which would be better suited to a Mills and Boon publication.
The hero is arrogant, childish, and convinced that the general public are desperately waiting for his next pronouncement on topical events.
The scenario is not invented - it is based on actual events in Exeter in the recent past - but the relationship between the hero and the police is totally unbelievable. All the breakthroughs come from the hero while the police are made to look inadequate. Furthermore the hero is permitted to assist the police with their enquiries into a matter of national security. Oh really?!!
Sorry, but if this is the best of Simon Hall's novels I certainly will not be reading any others. I first gave it two stars because one star just seems a little vindictive - but on reflection, one star is plenty.