David Videcette

The Theseus Paradox

""Videcette has the hallmarks of being a dangerous storyteller." "

Synopsis:

July 2005 - the aftermath of the London bombings.

In the midst of Operation Theseus, the largest terrorist investigation the UK has even known, DI Jake Flanagan begins to ask difficult questions that lead to the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend and his sudden suspension from the Metropolitan Police.

Who masterminded London's summer of terror? Why can't Jake make headway in the sprawling investigation? Is his girlfriend really who she claims to be? Are the bombings the perfect ploy for a different plot entirely? As Jake begins to uncover the dangerous truth he is often left with more questions than answers.

Terror, extremism, fear of the unknown - sometimes the answer is much closer to home.

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Review:

This is a gripping police procedural written by a former Scotland Yard detective who was a lead investigator in the July 7 bombings in London. The fact the author was so closely involved in the real life subject matter of this debut novel adds a sense of realism and horror which ramps up the tension making this a blistering read. We all know where we were and what we were doing on the morning of July 7, 2005 and it is an event that will remain in all of our minds. 'The Theseus Paradox' is not an easy read as it taps into the fear and panic we all felt on that day but it's written with such passion and drama that you will want to continue reading to uncover the truth. Our protagonist is the brilliant but flawed DI Jake Flanagan. He has been deeply affected by recent tragedies in his personal life and the 7/7 bombings send him over the edge. Flanagan is difficult to like, but also difficult to hate. He's a regular, hard-working copper in a violent and dangerous world. Videcette must have been privy to information about the case that wasn't released to the press and public. There is new information in this book about the bombings and the bombers - but how much is real and what is fiction? How much of himself has Videcette put into this book and how much of the case has he included? The chapters are short and the pace is fast. I had difficulty in stopping reading this book as it grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. Even when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it. This is a well-written and assured debut thriller by a professional who knows how the police work and the criminal thinks. Videcette has the hallmarks of being a dangerous storyteller.

Reviewed By:


M.W.