This is quite an enthralling tale that is very apposite with the rise of the #metoo campaign. Set in Academia rather than the media it deals with the insecurity of being a temporary employee on a fixed term contract as opposed to being a permanent employ and how this can lead to manipulation by those in the position to make those decisions. As is true of most institutions Dr. Sarah Haywood's boss is a man and a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Women are merely his playthings and he has secured his position with not only his undoubted intellect and charm but also his personal wealth. This means that he is free to harass and abuse his female colleagues who are desperate for a permanent position on the University staff.
It is all handled quite well, even if Alan Lovelock is more than a tad one dimensional. I would have given this 4 stars to be honest as I really did find it an exceptionally enjoyable - if rather daft tale. However, early in the book Sarah puts her mobile phone in its cradle when she gets in the car to leave work; when she witnesses the incident that leads her to meet the man who will change her life forever she goes scrabbling in her bag for her phone. Bit of a jarring continuity error there and it did immediately make me mark this tale down.
This is a rollocking read, a little harrowing in places if you are of a sensitive disposition though. The descriptions of Lovelock's harrassment are brutal and graphic and only just stop short of rape. The discussion of Russian torture practices also leave little to the imagination. However, they do sit within the context of the story so aren't jarring. The silliness of the situation however stops the whole thing becoming traumatic and I actually foudn the plot itself quite, quite laughable - but in a "laughing with it" rather than "laughing at it" way.
Sadly, I don't think this is meant to be a satirical tale but is more intended to be a hard hitting thriller. The whole sub-plot of the enigmatic Russian called "The Magician" or "The Wolf" and his underworld power had no depth or believability so I decided to enjoy this book in my own way and not as I suspect it was meant.
If you are expecting a page turning, breath stealing thriller then this probably won't be one for you. However, if you want a well written piece of thrilleresque guff you will probably really enjoy this - just watch out for the mobile phone!
**Review originally published January 25th, 2018**
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