What a read - as exhaustive and uncomfortable as this novel was to read at times I’m so glad this author had the confidence and knowledge to write about such a powerful topic as female abuse.
The novel begins with the attempted rape of a highly regarded young female lawyer, Cynthia Wright, when a stranger breaks into her house. She manages to stop him by striking a fatal blow to his head during the struggle.
We soon learn that Cynthia is a potential presidential candidate and things on that fateful night may well not have been as clear cut as they at first appeared.
As the story unravels Cynthia’s story and backstory become muddied, undeniably a victim, there is consistently an undercurrent of secrecy and darkness about her character too. Could this all have been a ploy for the presidential race?
Enter Maggie Costello - Washington’s finest troubleshooter and we’re back to a somewhat steadier ground.
I’ve enjoyed all of Sam Bourne’s Maggie Costello novels, the twists and turns as he negotiates the at times slimy world of politics in the ‘free’ world and this book similarly did not disappoint.
The author struck a different chord with this novel and it was easy to believe as he says in his acknowledgements that he spoke to real women about their experiences of abuse by a higher ranked male in the workplace.
I would encourage anyone who loves a thrill and a bracing read to buy this book.
Five stars and I can’t wait for the next one Mr Bourne! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️