SHORT & SWEET REVIEW: LOOK CLOSER BY RACHEL AMPHLETT

Note, the format of my Short and Sweet reviews differs in that they simply comprise the book blurb and a short response (hence, the short and sweet). 

With reviews of Rachel Amphlett’s books using words like “fast paced”, and “heart-pumping, page-turning thriller”, I was intrigued enough to read an ARC of upcoming book Look Closer. I don’t mind a good political thriller and after reading this, I’m keen to see what else Amphlett has in store. Here’s the blurb:

How far would you go to protect a secret? How far would you go to expose a lie? Will Fletcher seems to have it all – perfect job, perfect life. Then in one act of extreme violence, his world is turned upside down. A bungled assassination attempt on a London street uncovers a disturbing conspiracy fuelled by organised crime and political ambition. Now, Will finds himself on the run, pursued by a dangerous enemy who will stop at nothing to protect his employer’s past. The only way to stop the chain of events is to follow a trail of clues that lead to the heart of British politics.

With the date for the UK General Election only days away and the killers closing in, Will is running out of time to deliver his own version of vigilante justice and expose the corruption. As the web of lies and deceit unravels, Will knows the answer’s out there. All he has to do is look closer.

Look Closer certainly fits the fast-paced description – in one fell swoop protagonist Will Fletcher finds himself running for his life, determined to stay alive long enough to get to the bottom of a cesspool of lies, secrets and corruption. Amphlett cleverly sets up an environment of suspicion, with the reader and Will sharing the common dilemma of who to trust. It’s a quick read – not overly long – and uses elements of distraction well to cover potential clues. The theme of political corruption is relevant and interesting – one that readers will easily relate to.

I did feel that the plot could do with a bit of tightening in places and I would have liked Will to come across as a stronger character (he was no Jason Bourne) so I could fully believe that he would have the tenacity and brains to outsmart the bad guys. Having said that, I was still caught up in the drama and intrigue of it all.

Overall, an entertaining, suspenseful read that took me on a hurly-burly ride into the world of British politics and spat me out wondering what just happened. If you like a good thriller, check Look Closer out.

You can pre-order Look Closer for just 0.99 until March 24 here.