What do you think?
Rate this book
Salvation
Life should be good for Camden and Morton. While the two Brits are different characters — Camden is lovestruck and lost, Morton wealthy and restless — they’ve been friends since university and are on the cusp of the opening night of Salvation, the bar they’ve been building on Santorini for the past year.
A series of violent events turns their new lives upside down. Camden’s enigmatic Greek girlfriend vanishes, leaving him to uncover secrets about a past he didn’t know she had. The bar is destroyed by a masked gang within hours of opening. Morton’s father, who helped fund and acquire it, is arrested on corruption charges. The disappearance of a prominent, fast-living politician from his holiday home attracts national media attention to the island. Could all of their fates be linked?
As they try to regain control of the futures they’ve been building, Camden and Morton are forced to question how well they know those closest to them, and to decide which parts of their pasts they are willing to sacrifice for the lives that they want to lead.
A series of violent events turns their new lives upside down. Camden’s enigmatic Greek girlfriend vanishes, leaving him to uncover secrets about a past he didn’t know she had. The bar is destroyed by a masked gang within hours of opening. Morton’s father, who helped fund and acquire it, is arrested on corruption charges. The disappearance of a prominent, fast-living politician from his holiday home attracts national media attention to the island. Could all of their fates be linked?
As they try to regain control of the futures they’ve been building, Camden and Morton are forced to question how well they know those closest to them, and to decide which parts of their pasts they are willing to sacrifice for the lives that they want to lead.
360 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2023
About the author
Robert McNair
2 books3 followersRobert McNair was born and raised in Gretna, in the south of Scotland. He has spent his adult life in Yorkshire and the United States.
After graduating as a teacher, he worked as a barman and football coach, determined to get all the fun stuff out of the way first. He currently works for a multinational corporation.
Robert’s first novel, Inertia, was published in 2013. Focusing on the life-changing events of one summer, it explores the habits and consequences of male emotional articulateness.
Set in Santorini during a tumultuous two months for two close friends, Salvation is his second novel.
After graduating as a teacher, he worked as a barman and football coach, determined to get all the fun stuff out of the way first. He currently works for a multinational corporation.
Robert’s first novel, Inertia, was published in 2013. Focusing on the life-changing events of one summer, it explores the habits and consequences of male emotional articulateness.
Set in Santorini during a tumultuous two months for two close friends, Salvation is his second novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 25, 2026
3.75 ⭐
There were lots of parts of Salvation that I loved. The first 150–200 pages had me completely gripped, and I found myself carrying the book everywhere because I was so intrigued to see where the story was heading.
The Santorini setting was a real highlight. Having British characters abroad, with links back to Yorkshire and Scotland, made the story feel relatable whilst still providing an atmospheric and distinctive backdrop. The characters felt believable and I was invested in what happened to them.
As the story progressed, however, I found it became increasingly complex. The timeline shifts became more frequent, the character perspectives more intricate, and there were moments where I felt confused or unsure how certain threads connected. The final 100 pages went in a direction I wasn't expecting at all, and with so many storylines in play I genuinely had no idea how everything would be resolved.
The ending surprised me, which I always appreciate in a thriller, but overall it wasn't a perfect read for me. Although the book is under 400 pages, it felt much longer because there was so much happening. There were also some lengthy descriptions which didn't particularly work for me, although that's largely down to my own reading preferences.
That said, I want to be clear that I enjoyed the book. Writing and publishing a novel is an incredible achievement, and I'm especially appreciative of having received a gifted copy from the local author. It's also a shame to hear the book has struggled to find its way into libraries and bookshops, because the cover, premise and setting are exactly the sort of thing that would catch readers' attention.
A good, ambitious thriller that kept me reading and left me with plenty to think about, even if I occasionally found myself lost along the way.
Thank You Rob!
There were lots of parts of Salvation that I loved. The first 150–200 pages had me completely gripped, and I found myself carrying the book everywhere because I was so intrigued to see where the story was heading.
The Santorini setting was a real highlight. Having British characters abroad, with links back to Yorkshire and Scotland, made the story feel relatable whilst still providing an atmospheric and distinctive backdrop. The characters felt believable and I was invested in what happened to them.
As the story progressed, however, I found it became increasingly complex. The timeline shifts became more frequent, the character perspectives more intricate, and there were moments where I felt confused or unsure how certain threads connected. The final 100 pages went in a direction I wasn't expecting at all, and with so many storylines in play I genuinely had no idea how everything would be resolved.
The ending surprised me, which I always appreciate in a thriller, but overall it wasn't a perfect read for me. Although the book is under 400 pages, it felt much longer because there was so much happening. There were also some lengthy descriptions which didn't particularly work for me, although that's largely down to my own reading preferences.
That said, I want to be clear that I enjoyed the book. Writing and publishing a novel is an incredible achievement, and I'm especially appreciative of having received a gifted copy from the local author. It's also a shame to hear the book has struggled to find its way into libraries and bookshops, because the cover, premise and setting are exactly the sort of thing that would catch readers' attention.
A good, ambitious thriller that kept me reading and left me with plenty to think about, even if I occasionally found myself lost along the way.
Thank You Rob!
July 25, 2023
Read this really good thriller on holiday, a perfect page turner, hard to put down easy to pick up, the plot raced among with well written characters.... Put it in your luggage.... You won't be disappointed... Makes me want to read his earlier novel
July 19, 2023
Kept me guessing till the end. Lots of twists and turns. Very enjoyable
September 3, 2023
Thank you to Troubador and Robert McNair for letting me have an ARC copy of Salvation to review. Please review triggers before reading this book.
I enjoyed the fast-paced writing and witty dialogue deployed by Robert McNair. I struggled to like the POV of view of the book and the choppiness of timeline switching. I was confused a lot of the time about what I was reading and where the plot was going. However, the descriptive writing and portrayal of Santorini and Greek culture was eye-catching and sucked me in for the book, even when I pushed through to finish the story.
The story’s themes are quite gripping; pondering some big life questions like ‘How well do you know those around you?’ and ‘Is everything in our lives what it seems?’ So much happens in this story, that it can be a little overwhelming to read all at once.
I think this book would appeal to fans of thrillers and intrigue novels. I finished reading this book, I struggled to like the main characters Camden and Morton at times. I wondered how they got themselves into such a dire situation and questioned their common sense at times. This wasn’t the book to make me a fan of thrillers, but Robert McNair is a talented writer. I gave this book 3 stars based mostly only the writing style and the imagery the words painted in my mind. Sadly, the plot and characters didn’t win me over.
I enjoyed the fast-paced writing and witty dialogue deployed by Robert McNair. I struggled to like the POV of view of the book and the choppiness of timeline switching. I was confused a lot of the time about what I was reading and where the plot was going. However, the descriptive writing and portrayal of Santorini and Greek culture was eye-catching and sucked me in for the book, even when I pushed through to finish the story.
The story’s themes are quite gripping; pondering some big life questions like ‘How well do you know those around you?’ and ‘Is everything in our lives what it seems?’ So much happens in this story, that it can be a little overwhelming to read all at once.
I think this book would appeal to fans of thrillers and intrigue novels. I finished reading this book, I struggled to like the main characters Camden and Morton at times. I wondered how they got themselves into such a dire situation and questioned their common sense at times. This wasn’t the book to make me a fan of thrillers, but Robert McNair is a talented writer. I gave this book 3 stars based mostly only the writing style and the imagery the words painted in my mind. Sadly, the plot and characters didn’t win me over.
November 1, 2023
It's ages since I've read a thriller which has such breathtaking page-by-page pacing and still manages to inject numerous twists into a highly complex plot. I loved the intriguing and unpredictable journey. I also loved the uncertainty and danger which was so cleverly maintained from beginning to end.
Without a shadow of a doubt this book is an immensely satisfying page-turner. The quality of the writing creates an engrossing narrative with characters coming to life with apparent ease and all under the warming glow of Greek sunshine in a once perfect island idyll.
Robert McNair is an author to watch.
Without a shadow of a doubt this book is an immensely satisfying page-turner. The quality of the writing creates an engrossing narrative with characters coming to life with apparent ease and all under the warming glow of Greek sunshine in a once perfect island idyll.
Robert McNair is an author to watch.
October 7, 2024
Fantastic thriller!
This was such an exciting and captivating book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Salvation kept me on edge and guessing throughout, and it really delivered on its promise in the final chapters. Set on the beautiful island of Santorini, this story draws you in with extremely engaging characters, mystery, shocks and intrigue.
This is a real page turner.
This was such an exciting and captivating book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Salvation kept me on edge and guessing throughout, and it really delivered on its promise in the final chapters. Set on the beautiful island of Santorini, this story draws you in with extremely engaging characters, mystery, shocks and intrigue.
This is a real page turner.
February 14, 2026
If you love a complex novel full of twists and turns set against an idyllic backdrop then look no further.
This book has everything, fractured friendships, misplaced loyalty, greed and corruption.
Perfect for fans of gritty thrillers!
This book has everything, fractured friendships, misplaced loyalty, greed and corruption.
Perfect for fans of gritty thrillers!
October 6, 2023
Fast paced book. Loved the Santorini setting of this. Lovely thriller, think the cover could confuse normal thriller readers.
March 12, 2024
Good story that took me a few chapters to get into it fully. I liked it overall but not something I would read again.
August 31, 2023
Salvation by Robert McNair is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that follows the lives of two British friends, Camden and Morton, who move to Santorini, Greece, to open a bar. However, their dream soon turns into a nightmare, ensnaring them in a web of violence, corruption, and mystery. Camden's girlfriend disappears, leaving behind a trail of secrets and lies. Morton's father is arrested for fraud, putting their business in jeopardy. A politician goes missing from his villa, sparking a media frenzy. As they try to find answers and save their bar, they realise nothing is what it seems, and that they can trust no one.
McNair's writing is fast-paced, engaging, and witty. He uses the second-person point of view to create a sense of urgency and intimacy with the reader and the backstory and motivations of the characters are revealed through his switching between different timelines and perspectives. Santorini is brought to life in his writing, dep
icting both its beauty and danger. He also incorporates elements of Greek culture and history, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
Salvation by Robert McNair is a gripping and entertaining novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The novel explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, identity, and betrayal. It is a novel that will make you question how well you know yourself and those around you. It is a novel that you won't be able to put down.
McNair's writing is fast-paced, engaging, and witty. He uses the second-person point of view to create a sense of urgency and intimacy with the reader and the backstory and motivations of the characters are revealed through his switching between different timelines and perspectives. Santorini is brought to life in his writing, dep
icting both its beauty and danger. He also incorporates elements of Greek culture and history, adding depth and authenticity to the story.Salvation by Robert McNair is a gripping and entertaining novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The novel explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, identity, and betrayal. It is a novel that will make you question how well you know yourself and those around you. It is a novel that you won't be able to put down.
September 21, 2023
Found this whilst looking for a nice holiday read. Had to wait til my good lady wife had finished it first. The fact she finished it at all is a huge recommendation in itself.
I found it gripping and ended up reading it quite a bit quicker than I had expected to, because it was such a good page-turner.
The timeline is a bit bewildering, but you soon get to grips with that. The story revolves around a group of friends from uni who decide to open a bar in Santorini.
I won't spoil the book, save to say that the opening of the bar doesn't go to plan, and the funding behind the bar is a potential cause.
Characters turn out to have pretty deep back stories, which is great for a holiday novel - they can sometimes be lacking in the kind of depth we get here.
The author gets the balance between exposition, plot and dialogue just right. The reader is kept guessing about the full detail until maybe two chapters from the end. That keeps up the suspense, and means the book never becomes a drag.
Would thoroughly recommend and will look out for more by this author.
I found it gripping and ended up reading it quite a bit quicker than I had expected to, because it was such a good page-turner.
The timeline is a bit bewildering, but you soon get to grips with that. The story revolves around a group of friends from uni who decide to open a bar in Santorini.
I won't spoil the book, save to say that the opening of the bar doesn't go to plan, and the funding behind the bar is a potential cause.
Characters turn out to have pretty deep back stories, which is great for a holiday novel - they can sometimes be lacking in the kind of depth we get here.
The author gets the balance between exposition, plot and dialogue just right. The reader is kept guessing about the full detail until maybe two chapters from the end. That keeps up the suspense, and means the book never becomes a drag.
Would thoroughly recommend and will look out for more by this author.
March 14, 2024
Great characters and story, I got really drawn in and invested in both. Gritty, but with a love story running throughout. Would love to know what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews