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PROJECT DEADHEAD
The climate swings between searing heat, heavy rain and rising sea levels.
Sabotaged satellites and the internet have plunged the world into technological dark age.
The UK economy teeters on the edge of collapse, heralding a bleak era of lawlessness.
In Hawham, Sussex, DCI MacGillivray's wife and daughter have been killed in a break in by organised-crime boss Sam Marsh. Marsh has been acquitted, leaving MacGillivray to struggle with his grief.
MacGillivray is under pressure to close a series of seemingly innocent deaths in the town. But they look increasingly questionable, leading him to uncover a plot that threatens to destroy the town.
After failed attempts to stop the threat, MacGillivray must turn to Marsh for help, the killer of his family.
But can MacGillivray choose between a greater good or personal revenge?
Sabotaged satellites and the internet have plunged the world into technological dark age.
The UK economy teeters on the edge of collapse, heralding a bleak era of lawlessness.
In Hawham, Sussex, DCI MacGillivray's wife and daughter have been killed in a break in by organised-crime boss Sam Marsh. Marsh has been acquitted, leaving MacGillivray to struggle with his grief.
MacGillivray is under pressure to close a series of seemingly innocent deaths in the town. But they look increasingly questionable, leading him to uncover a plot that threatens to destroy the town.
After failed attempts to stop the threat, MacGillivray must turn to Marsh for help, the killer of his family.
But can MacGillivray choose between a greater good or personal revenge?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 25, 2025
This was a high stakes and dramatic crime story following multiple pov as a series of connected deaths cause chaos.
It had a bleak and gritty atmosphere with the dystopian influence of the dying world, and a dark backdrop of escaping justice and corruption.
The chapters are short and snappy, but it flows together through the various characters and you get to see the witnesses and killers POV's all overlap which was creative.
It explores rival criminal families, a need for revenge, a DCI looking for justice, kill lists, government sanctions, and school boy Ash trying to survive in the web of violence and death he's unwittingly caught in.
It was easy to connect with the characters and understand their motivations and tenuous alliances, and I enjoyed the constant sense of dread and building tension.
It really makes you think about choices, and I liked the satirical nods throughout.
It's an entertaining blend of dystopian thriller, conspiracy, murder mystery and dark politics.
It had a bleak and gritty atmosphere with the dystopian influence of the dying world, and a dark backdrop of escaping justice and corruption.
The chapters are short and snappy, but it flows together through the various characters and you get to see the witnesses and killers POV's all overlap which was creative.
It explores rival criminal families, a need for revenge, a DCI looking for justice, kill lists, government sanctions, and school boy Ash trying to survive in the web of violence and death he's unwittingly caught in.
It was easy to connect with the characters and understand their motivations and tenuous alliances, and I enjoyed the constant sense of dread and building tension.
It really makes you think about choices, and I liked the satirical nods throughout.
It's an entertaining blend of dystopian thriller, conspiracy, murder mystery and dark politics.
July 7, 2025
4.5 stars. This was a really enjoyable read. I was hooked from the first few pages and needed to know what happens next. I really liked the background of the climate causing chaos and people dealing with the aftermath such as limited technology.
I liked the plot and the how the story unfolds from multiple pov. It worked really well getting to understand the killer's perspective but also the victims and the police. Even though you know who the perpetrator is you have no clue why things are happening. There are a few twists and turns along the way.
I thought it was well written, easy to read and the pacing works with short punchy chapters that had me turning the pages to try and piece it altogether.
I highly recommend to those who like speculative thrillers and crime reads.
Huge thanks to the author, publisher Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review
I liked the plot and the how the story unfolds from multiple pov. It worked really well getting to understand the killer's perspective but also the victims and the police. Even though you know who the perpetrator is you have no clue why things are happening. There are a few twists and turns along the way.
I thought it was well written, easy to read and the pacing works with short punchy chapters that had me turning the pages to try and piece it altogether.
I highly recommend to those who like speculative thrillers and crime reads.
Huge thanks to the author, publisher Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review
June 28, 2025
Project Deadhead by Bob Fairbrother.
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a few chapters to get into it. Once I did, I couldn't put it down. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. The chapters were between Ash, Holroyd, and DCI MacGillvray. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. It had lots of action. Full of corruption and betrayal. I was impressed with MacGillvray, and I didn't like the killing kids part. I don't mind when they arrive evil. I do hope there is more to come. I do recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a few chapters to get into it. Once I did, I couldn't put it down. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. The chapters were between Ash, Holroyd, and DCI MacGillvray. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. It had lots of action. Full of corruption and betrayal. I was impressed with MacGillvray, and I didn't like the killing kids part. I don't mind when they arrive evil. I do hope there is more to come. I do recommend this book.
November 7, 2024
A new author for me & the picture that he paints in this dystopian near future thriller is not pretty. The internet & satellites have been sabotaged. Mobile phones no longer function. Climate change has hit hard, with searingly hot summers & monsoon like winters. Coastal towns are being evacuated & the country teeters on the edge of social & economical breakdown.
We follow the investigation into a series of seemingly random & unconnected murders in the town of Hawham. DCI MacGillivray is the lead detective; he & his team discover a secret plot that could destroy the whole town.
The story is told through the eyes of the main characters & moves swiftly & chronologically. An easy writing style makes them believable & the premise of the plot is very relevant. A great read.
We follow the investigation into a series of seemingly random & unconnected murders in the town of Hawham. DCI MacGillivray is the lead detective; he & his team discover a secret plot that could destroy the whole town.
The story is told through the eyes of the main characters & moves swiftly & chronologically. An easy writing style makes them believable & the premise of the plot is very relevant. A great read.
July 2, 2025
3.5
"Dark humour is a way of surviving the wave of human tragedy we face."
Project Deadhead by Bob Fairbrother.
I went into this not knowing what to expect at all. Set in a near dystopian future where the climate is knackered, there's no internet, and everyone seems to be struggling. DCI MacGillivray is trying to close a series of deaths in the town. But all is not what it seems. The plot runs much deeper than he realises, but he is determined to discover the truth and bring people to justice.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. I always like it when the setting feels real and plausible, like the world could really end up that way. I also loved the moral dilemma presented within Project Deadhead, as it really makes you think. You really feel the MacGillivray's grief. He's been through so much and is such a strong character.
I was quite intrigued by the idea of the peelers (robot police) and would have liked to have seen a bit more of them within the story. The book ended in a way that makes me feel like there could be a sequel, and if there is, I'll definitely be reading it.
Overall, it was a solid, enjoyable read. I read this as part of a book tour. Big thank you to Bob Fairbrother and Love Books Tours for sending me a copy of the book to read.
"Dark humour is a way of surviving the wave of human tragedy we face."
Project Deadhead by Bob Fairbrother.
I went into this not knowing what to expect at all. Set in a near dystopian future where the climate is knackered, there's no internet, and everyone seems to be struggling. DCI MacGillivray is trying to close a series of deaths in the town. But all is not what it seems. The plot runs much deeper than he realises, but he is determined to discover the truth and bring people to justice.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. I always like it when the setting feels real and plausible, like the world could really end up that way. I also loved the moral dilemma presented within Project Deadhead, as it really makes you think. You really feel the MacGillivray's grief. He's been through so much and is such a strong character.
I was quite intrigued by the idea of the peelers (robot police) and would have liked to have seen a bit more of them within the story. The book ended in a way that makes me feel like there could be a sequel, and if there is, I'll definitely be reading it.
Overall, it was a solid, enjoyable read. I read this as part of a book tour. Big thank you to Bob Fairbrother and Love Books Tours for sending me a copy of the book to read.
July 1, 2025
This was a dark and twisted thriller, with high stakes and very believable situations. This starts to delve into a Dystopian novel depicting a depressing and desolate future where there is no internet, the government is controlling what it left of resources and people are struggling with that to live for. They are living the technological dark age…
DCI MacGillivray has lost his family, murdered by a crime boss, a crime boss who is walking free. Struggling to cope, MacGillivray has to find a way to focus as a spate of dead bodies turn up in the town. Most seemingly tragic accidents, one clearly murder, but are they linked and if so why?
Running out of time MacGillivray and his partner DI Cozier must find out the truth but they can’t do it alone. This book explores Moral Dilemma’s, good versus evil, revenge and the over reliance on technology. Could you put your grief and need for revenge aside for the greater good??
Government departments fighting against each other, corruption and manipulation. If your looking for a suspense thriller with a deeper meaningful background, and a glimpse it a world without technology then this is for you. An exciting read that sets out as it means to go on, with action from the very first few pages.
DCI MacGillivray has lost his family, murdered by a crime boss, a crime boss who is walking free. Struggling to cope, MacGillivray has to find a way to focus as a spate of dead bodies turn up in the town. Most seemingly tragic accidents, one clearly murder, but are they linked and if so why?
Running out of time MacGillivray and his partner DI Cozier must find out the truth but they can’t do it alone. This book explores Moral Dilemma’s, good versus evil, revenge and the over reliance on technology. Could you put your grief and need for revenge aside for the greater good??
Government departments fighting against each other, corruption and manipulation. If your looking for a suspense thriller with a deeper meaningful background, and a glimpse it a world without technology then this is for you. An exciting read that sets out as it means to go on, with action from the very first few pages.
July 12, 2025
Project Deadhead by Bob Fairbrother is a chilling dystopian thriller that immerses readers in a climate-changed, technologically collapsed world. The UK, as a lawless nation on the brink of economic collapse, provides the backdrop for DCI MacGillivray's personal and professional hell.
Haunted by the violent slaughter of his family at the hands of crime lord Sam Marsh, MacGillivray has to come to terms with his darkest demons when a series of mysterious deaths in Hawham, Sussex, untangles a conspiracy that could destroy the town.
The writer skillfully weaves a tale in which the boundaries of justice and revenge are blurred. As MacGillivray continues, his search takes him to an unthinkable partnership: he has to go to the very person who wrecked his life for assistance. The novel's power rests on its relentless rhythm and on the ethical dilemma at its center, compelling MacGillivray and the reader to struggle with the excruciating decision between private vengeance and the public good. "Project Deadhead" is a page turner that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until you read the last page.
Haunted by the violent slaughter of his family at the hands of crime lord Sam Marsh, MacGillivray has to come to terms with his darkest demons when a series of mysterious deaths in Hawham, Sussex, untangles a conspiracy that could destroy the town.
The writer skillfully weaves a tale in which the boundaries of justice and revenge are blurred. As MacGillivray continues, his search takes him to an unthinkable partnership: he has to go to the very person who wrecked his life for assistance. The novel's power rests on its relentless rhythm and on the ethical dilemma at its center, compelling MacGillivray and the reader to struggle with the excruciating decision between private vengeance and the public good. "Project Deadhead" is a page turner that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until you read the last page.
July 2, 2025
Project Deadhead Is a dark and foreboding thriller with a great dystopian feel.
In a bleak, desolate future, government control the resources, the Internet no longer functions, and the people are left to scrape along and struggle through a technological dark age.
Enter DCI MacGillivray, in Sussex, U.K, who's family was murdered by a crime boss who walks free, and who's under pressure to solve a series of deaths, that on the face of things, appear innocent. But look more closely and not all is as it seems.
But will MacGillivray succeed? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, this was a an interesting read, full of suspense and some great twists and turns.
Pacing was just right and held my attention throughout.
I enjoyed a glimpse into a possible future without technology, which is a real possibility. No one knows what might happen in the time ahead, so that, for me, made this story feel all the more real and believable.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
In a bleak, desolate future, government control the resources, the Internet no longer functions, and the people are left to scrape along and struggle through a technological dark age.
Enter DCI MacGillivray, in Sussex, U.K, who's family was murdered by a crime boss who walks free, and who's under pressure to solve a series of deaths, that on the face of things, appear innocent. But look more closely and not all is as it seems.
But will MacGillivray succeed? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, this was a an interesting read, full of suspense and some great twists and turns.
Pacing was just right and held my attention throughout.
I enjoyed a glimpse into a possible future without technology, which is a real possibility. No one knows what might happen in the time ahead, so that, for me, made this story feel all the more real and believable.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
June 25, 2025
Thank you to LoveBooksTours and Bob Fairbrother for an ARC copy of this book, and for the little package that arrived alongside it! *All thoughts and opinions are my own*
"I don't enjoy killing teenagers, Harry, but when they are budding little monsters, I think I can make an exception".
This was a great read, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. We follow DCI MacGillivray as he tries to uncover the cause of several seemingly unrelated deaths in his town, whilst also dealing with his own grief after losing his wife and daughter. The characters created in this book are well-written and keep you invested in discovering the truth, I couldn't put the book down!
This is a medium paced book set in a dystopian future with changing climates and a technological dark age after satellites were sabotaged.
I really enjoyed this book, and hope there is a second in the pipeline!
"I don't enjoy killing teenagers, Harry, but when they are budding little monsters, I think I can make an exception".
This was a great read, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. We follow DCI MacGillivray as he tries to uncover the cause of several seemingly unrelated deaths in his town, whilst also dealing with his own grief after losing his wife and daughter. The characters created in this book are well-written and keep you invested in discovering the truth, I couldn't put the book down!
This is a medium paced book set in a dystopian future with changing climates and a technological dark age after satellites were sabotaged.
I really enjoyed this book, and hope there is a second in the pipeline!
June 20, 2025
This is my first book by this author, and a new genre to me as well! This book is a medium paced, dystopian thriller set in the future, where internet, satellites and mobile phones have been sabotaged! The climate is warming and there are extremes in weather! A new government has taken over and things go from bad to worse!
The story is third person multi POV. This makes for interesting reading as we see events from different angles bringing the story together and giving it more depth! It’s written in a straight forward manner making for easy and swift reading!
The characters were diverse and interesting to get to know, and I enjoyed how everyone is linked in some way as well!
There are a few things I’d like to mention, not necessarily in a negative way, that would have made my reading experience a little better.
1. I feel there was a bit of repetition when talking about the bad guys and the disposal of some people.
2. I think first person multi POV would’ve engaged me a bit more
3. I feel like the ending was a bit rushed- however I think there will definitely be a second book with how it was left!
Overall ratings:
🌟 3.75/5
☠️ 2/5 (TWs violence, government corruption, unaliving, dystopian)
June 25, 2025
This book really pulled me into an intense world that's falling apart with extreme weather conditions, rising seas, and a tech blackout due to a sabotage that shuts down everything. I found myself rooting for DCI MacGillivray, the grief over losing his wife and daughter added so much depth to the story and made him feel more real to me and it took me on a deeper journey with him as his pain was palpable. As the story develops and he uncovers a dangerous plot threatening his town, the tension that keeps building and his decision making at that point is enthralling. I couldn't get enough of this book.
June 25, 2025
I loved the size and the cover of the book!
A perfect dystopian thriller!
DCI MacGillivray is a detective hanging on to being one as lawlessness begins to envelope the UK.
I liked the chapter lengths as they really made the story flow between the different characters. I wish I didn’t have to put it down! Once they solved everything I really liked that there was more!!
I loved that there were no phones/web, so the detective work was all like the olden days and it created an extra depth to what was happening
A perfect dystopian thriller!
DCI MacGillivray is a detective hanging on to being one as lawlessness begins to envelope the UK.
I liked the chapter lengths as they really made the story flow between the different characters. I wish I didn’t have to put it down! Once they solved everything I really liked that there was more!!
I loved that there were no phones/web, so the detective work was all like the olden days and it created an extra depth to what was happening
June 30, 2025
This was a really good book and I enjoyed the story. The premise was strong and ideal for the genres.
The cover is very understated but striking. I definitely wouldn't walk past it in a bookshop! The colours are great and it's a job really well done.
The book is well written and flows nicely. The writing is exquisite and the descriptions are wonderful.
Thriller fans, there are plenty of twists, turns and shock factor moments!
The characters were excellent in the book and I love how they all slotted into the story. I liked MacGillvary. I felt sorry for him.
I really recommend this book to you all
The cover is very understated but striking. I definitely wouldn't walk past it in a bookshop! The colours are great and it's a job really well done.
The book is well written and flows nicely. The writing is exquisite and the descriptions are wonderful.
Thriller fans, there are plenty of twists, turns and shock factor moments!
The characters were excellent in the book and I love how they all slotted into the story. I liked MacGillvary. I felt sorry for him.
I really recommend this book to you all
June 27, 2025
Set in the near future, this dystopian novel kicks off with a teacher murdering a pupil and the deaths just keep adding up throughout the book.
This story is told from multiple points of views but is easy to keep up with (each chapter tells you whose POV it is).
We get to meet DCI MacGillivray who is the detective charged with solving the murders, he has his own troubled past to deal with and that comes to a head in the book.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the chapters are quite short meaning you can pick it up as and when you squeeze another quick chapter in.
This story is told from multiple points of views but is easy to keep up with (each chapter tells you whose POV it is).
We get to meet DCI MacGillivray who is the detective charged with solving the murders, he has his own troubled past to deal with and that comes to a head in the book.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the chapters are quite short meaning you can pick it up as and when you squeeze another quick chapter in.
June 24, 2025
This was such an interesting and unexpected read. It's set in a near future UK, which has been brought down by climate change and satellite sabotage. There's no phones, no internet, and year round extreme weather events. Despite this dystopian setting, I loved that the centre focus of the story is the series of random murders that seem unconnected that DCI MacGillivray is investigating.
The writing is fantastic. The plot driven story moves along at a quick pace, which made me want to read on, telling myself just one more chapter. A thrilling crime novel with an interesting dystopia twist. I'd love to read more from the author.
The writing is fantastic. The plot driven story moves along at a quick pace, which made me want to read on, telling myself just one more chapter. A thrilling crime novel with an interesting dystopia twist. I'd love to read more from the author.
June 29, 2025
The book started with a bang. I wasn't expecting a murder straight away and in the way that it occurred. I was drawn in immediately.
I felt it was Fast paced and full of drama. This book has it all, murder, thrills, crime, mystery and in a way a subtle hint of romance. it was really hard to put down!
I loved this book although at times you forget it is meant to be set in the future. I feel there could have been a bit more emphasis on this but overall this is one of my top reads this year.
I felt it was Fast paced and full of drama. This book has it all, murder, thrills, crime, mystery and in a way a subtle hint of romance. it was really hard to put down!
I loved this book although at times you forget it is meant to be set in the future. I feel there could have been a bit more emphasis on this but overall this is one of my top reads this year.
June 18, 2025
Plot-driven. Page-turner. Crime fiction with dystopian elements.
I loved this book. Crime fiction is not my most read genre but I couldn't put this down - doing the typical 'one more chapter' every time I tried. Fairbrother has created real, gritty characters that you can empathise with and - scarily - relate to on some level, so you are fully invested throughout. The dystopian spin on this classic detective genre was very interesting and almost harrowing as we look into, what I only hope is not, our near distant future: a police force ruled by robots and AI. I found his writing to be the perfect balance of plot-driven and descriptive and thoroughly enjoyed the wide range of characters we were introduced to; especially Ash - a young school boy with a brave heart - and Crozier - a strong-minded female detective who strives to progress.
MacGillivray is the DCI at the centre of the book. He's trodding through life after the death of his wife and daughter and seems to have given up on his career. However, Crozier is not going to let that happen. Alongside this, we have the police issues of no internet, robots waiting to take their jobs and an ever-rising crime rate. But is that all that MacGillivray faces or is there a bigger problem? A problem affecting not only his police force but the local area. With the help of some unusual suspects, MacGillivray must come back to life and get to the bottom of these - not so straight forward - deaths that keep popping up.
I hope this is the start in a long series because I am hooked and want to return to the amazing characters that Fairbrother has managed to create.
I loved this book. Crime fiction is not my most read genre but I couldn't put this down - doing the typical 'one more chapter' every time I tried. Fairbrother has created real, gritty characters that you can empathise with and - scarily - relate to on some level, so you are fully invested throughout. The dystopian spin on this classic detective genre was very interesting and almost harrowing as we look into, what I only hope is not, our near distant future: a police force ruled by robots and AI. I found his writing to be the perfect balance of plot-driven and descriptive and thoroughly enjoyed the wide range of characters we were introduced to; especially Ash - a young school boy with a brave heart - and Crozier - a strong-minded female detective who strives to progress.
MacGillivray is the DCI at the centre of the book. He's trodding through life after the death of his wife and daughter and seems to have given up on his career. However, Crozier is not going to let that happen. Alongside this, we have the police issues of no internet, robots waiting to take their jobs and an ever-rising crime rate. But is that all that MacGillivray faces or is there a bigger problem? A problem affecting not only his police force but the local area. With the help of some unusual suspects, MacGillivray must come back to life and get to the bottom of these - not so straight forward - deaths that keep popping up.
I hope this is the start in a long series because I am hooked and want to return to the amazing characters that Fairbrother has managed to create.
June 25, 2025
Set in 2046, Project Deadhead is a psychological thriller with a chilling premise: the internet has crashed, and climate change is wreaking absolute havoc. What a terrifying glimpse into our possible future!
From the very first page, the action hits the ground running – and it doesn’t let up. There’s a large cast of characters and a lot going on, so buckle up: reading this felt like being flung around on one of those wild fairground rides – thrilling, unpredictable, and just a little bit scary.
At the heart of the story are two powerful families battling for control, carving up territory while bodies and loyalties fall by the wayside. There’s a dark, intricate web at play here, and Bob Fairbrother weaves it so cleverly that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Each chapter is told from a different point of view, which adds depth and keeps things dynamic. It gives you a well-rounded picture of the world, the people, and their motivations – I always appreciate that layered storytelling.
Then there’s DCI Mac Gillivray, a stand-out character. A police officer with a strong moral compass, but also flawed, emotional, and very human. He felt real, which is exactly what I want in a lead character.
The writing is sharp, fast-paced, and laced with dry wit and sarcasm. Honestly, there were so many twists and turns I got a bit dizzy – but in the best way. Project Deadhead had me hooked from the first page and didn’t let go.
This is a brilliant debut from Bob Fairbrother, and I’m already looking forward to what he writes next. If you love thrillers that are bold, twisty, and packed with surprises, Project Deadhead is definitely one to add to your TBR pile.
From the very first page, the action hits the ground running – and it doesn’t let up. There’s a large cast of characters and a lot going on, so buckle up: reading this felt like being flung around on one of those wild fairground rides – thrilling, unpredictable, and just a little bit scary.
At the heart of the story are two powerful families battling for control, carving up territory while bodies and loyalties fall by the wayside. There’s a dark, intricate web at play here, and Bob Fairbrother weaves it so cleverly that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Each chapter is told from a different point of view, which adds depth and keeps things dynamic. It gives you a well-rounded picture of the world, the people, and their motivations – I always appreciate that layered storytelling.
Then there’s DCI Mac Gillivray, a stand-out character. A police officer with a strong moral compass, but also flawed, emotional, and very human. He felt real, which is exactly what I want in a lead character.
The writing is sharp, fast-paced, and laced with dry wit and sarcasm. Honestly, there were so many twists and turns I got a bit dizzy – but in the best way. Project Deadhead had me hooked from the first page and didn’t let go.
This is a brilliant debut from Bob Fairbrother, and I’m already looking forward to what he writes next. If you love thrillers that are bold, twisty, and packed with surprises, Project Deadhead is definitely one to add to your TBR pile.
May 21, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Stunning, Soul-Stirring Thriller That Gripped Me From Start to Finish
This book is nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first page, I was pulled into a chillingly plausible future where climate catastrophe and technological collapse have pushed the world into chaos. The backdrop is brutal, bleak, and terrifyingly real—but it’s the emotional depth and moral complexity of DCI MacGillivray’s story that truly broke me open.
After losing his wife and daughter in the most senseless, gut-wrenching way imaginable, MacGillivray emerges not just as a man seeking justice, but as a raw nerve navigating a world where justice no longer exists. His pain is palpable. His anger is righteous. And yet, he is forced to confront the unthinkable: can he ally with the very man who destroyed his life in order to save others?
This is more than a thriller—it's a haunting meditation on grief, vengeance, and the thin line between justice and destruction. Every twist felt earned, every revelation cut deep, and by the final chapters, I was breathless with emotion and tension. The author doesn’t just craft a suspenseful plot; they dive into the broken heart of a man forced to make an impossible choice in a dying world.
A masterpiece of dystopian crime fiction. Brave, brutal, and unforgettable. I’ll be thinking about MacGillivray—and the impossible choices we all face—long after the final page.
A Stunning, Soul-Stirring Thriller That Gripped Me From Start to Finish
This book is nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first page, I was pulled into a chillingly plausible future where climate catastrophe and technological collapse have pushed the world into chaos. The backdrop is brutal, bleak, and terrifyingly real—but it’s the emotional depth and moral complexity of DCI MacGillivray’s story that truly broke me open.
After losing his wife and daughter in the most senseless, gut-wrenching way imaginable, MacGillivray emerges not just as a man seeking justice, but as a raw nerve navigating a world where justice no longer exists. His pain is palpable. His anger is righteous. And yet, he is forced to confront the unthinkable: can he ally with the very man who destroyed his life in order to save others?
This is more than a thriller—it's a haunting meditation on grief, vengeance, and the thin line between justice and destruction. Every twist felt earned, every revelation cut deep, and by the final chapters, I was breathless with emotion and tension. The author doesn’t just craft a suspenseful plot; they dive into the broken heart of a man forced to make an impossible choice in a dying world.
A masterpiece of dystopian crime fiction. Brave, brutal, and unforgettable. I’ll be thinking about MacGillivray—and the impossible choices we all face—long after the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
PROJECT DEADHEAD almost felt like an old noir movie, with a character driven plot that slowly unravels for the reader and the characters.
Set in a not-too-distant future where technology has failed, the climate crisis has led to climate refugees, and there's a threat of AI taking over police jobs in order to quell organized crime.
The story follows several POVs, but primarily follows detective MacGillivray as he finds out that his little town is the site of a secret police project called Project Deadhead, which is leading to a rash of murders that are happening at an unbelievable pace. I really grew to like the character Holroyd, whose introduction was one that I never expected.
The writing in this story is really unique, with the characters' inner thoughts acting as narration in the story. In my head, this was that low-key noir talk that you get in old Hollywood movies.
The story was really fascinating, dropping the reader into a town with crime families, old grudges, and kids who find themselves in the middle of all of it. Fairbrother was really able to capture this tense feeling throughout the entire story to the explosive end.
Set in a not-too-distant future where technology has failed, the climate crisis has led to climate refugees, and there's a threat of AI taking over police jobs in order to quell organized crime.
The story follows several POVs, but primarily follows detective MacGillivray as he finds out that his little town is the site of a secret police project called Project Deadhead, which is leading to a rash of murders that are happening at an unbelievable pace. I really grew to like the character Holroyd, whose introduction was one that I never expected.
The writing in this story is really unique, with the characters' inner thoughts acting as narration in the story. In my head, this was that low-key noir talk that you get in old Hollywood movies.
The story was really fascinating, dropping the reader into a town with crime families, old grudges, and kids who find themselves in the middle of all of it. Fairbrother was really able to capture this tense feeling throughout the entire story to the explosive end.
July 5, 2025
This book really surprised me. I wasn’t expecting such a unique mix of dystopian fiction and crime thriller, but it worked so well. The setting is a near-future UK where everything has fallen apart. There’s no internet, no phones, and the weather is completely out of control. It felt eerie and believable, which made the story even more gripping.
At the center of it all is DCI MacGillivray, a detective with a tragic past and a tough job. He’s investigating a string of strange deaths that at first seem random, but slowly start to connect in chilling ways. I liked how the mystery built up bit by bit, with just enough clues to keep me guessing but never quite sure what was coming next.
I liked how we got to see the story from different characters points of view.
It felt very real to see the idea of society breaking down because of climate change and tech failure doesn’t feel far off, and that made the story hit harder.
At the center of it all is DCI MacGillivray, a detective with a tragic past and a tough job. He’s investigating a string of strange deaths that at first seem random, but slowly start to connect in chilling ways. I liked how the mystery built up bit by bit, with just enough clues to keep me guessing but never quite sure what was coming next.
I liked how we got to see the story from different characters points of view.
It felt very real to see the idea of society breaking down because of climate change and tech failure doesn’t feel far off, and that made the story hit harder.
June 26, 2025
Thanks to Love Books Tours and the author for this ARC.
The premise had me instantly hooked - a future where tech has fallen and the government is doing its thing for societal control is my kind of dystopia! I loved the writing and one aspect in particular: the author didn't quite explain everything when it came up, leaving the reader with questions that were later answered.
The first scene was an amazing way to be thrown into the book, and if it were a film, I just know the entire audience would have been stunned silent before a collective gasp.
The actual project for which the book is named is sinister and believable, and I loved reading about it. My only qualm is that I wanted MORE! I would love more backstory on how the world ended up like this, especially with regard to technology.
The premise had me instantly hooked - a future where tech has fallen and the government is doing its thing for societal control is my kind of dystopia! I loved the writing and one aspect in particular: the author didn't quite explain everything when it came up, leaving the reader with questions that were later answered.
The first scene was an amazing way to be thrown into the book, and if it were a film, I just know the entire audience would have been stunned silent before a collective gasp.
The actual project for which the book is named is sinister and believable, and I loved reading about it. My only qualm is that I wanted MORE! I would love more backstory on how the world ended up like this, especially with regard to technology.
July 4, 2025
Great start to this and not the action you'd expect of a teacher. However, things are not as straightforward as it seems and you quickly get pulled into something dark and political.
Most of the characters have shady things going on as their usual state of play. Ash is new to town and I quite liked his character. He finds himself witness to something quite terrible but doesn't stop at trying to get answers. His morals are in the right place and I like that he uses his instincts to do the right thing.
The police are, for the most part, trying to also do the right thing although it's not easy where there's corruption.
There's a lot going on in this to keep you hooked. It does leave you wondering what could happen next and where else we might find ourselves given that Project Deadhead is a big programme affecting more than we might have imagined
Most of the characters have shady things going on as their usual state of play. Ash is new to town and I quite liked his character. He finds himself witness to something quite terrible but doesn't stop at trying to get answers. His morals are in the right place and I like that he uses his instincts to do the right thing.
The police are, for the most part, trying to also do the right thing although it's not easy where there's corruption.
There's a lot going on in this to keep you hooked. It does leave you wondering what could happen next and where else we might find ourselves given that Project Deadhead is a big programme affecting more than we might have imagined
September 22, 2025
📆 single, linear timeline
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 fast-paced
This book is a really nice size, it's smaller than a lot of books which means it would fit easily in a bag. And it's signed, which always makes it special.
I really liked the near future setting of this book, and the hints towards a climate disaster, which feels all too plausible, added to the overall feel of realism. It was easy to see how this future could fit into the real world.
The other thing I really liked was that we knew who the murderer was right from the beginning. What we didn't know was why. And even when we found out there was still plenty more story to come.
Overall, I thought this was a well thought out, well paced story with solid characters and an interesting plot.
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 fast-paced
This book is a really nice size, it's smaller than a lot of books which means it would fit easily in a bag. And it's signed, which always makes it special.
I really liked the near future setting of this book, and the hints towards a climate disaster, which feels all too plausible, added to the overall feel of realism. It was easy to see how this future could fit into the real world.
The other thing I really liked was that we knew who the murderer was right from the beginning. What we didn't know was why. And even when we found out there was still plenty more story to come.
Overall, I thought this was a well thought out, well paced story with solid characters and an interesting plot.
July 3, 2025
An interesting read set in the near future- the country is ravaged by climate change and there has been a pull back on use of computers etc. There is quite a bit happening in this book and I found it quite fast paced with the action! I loved the characters of Holyroyd and Ash- especially the innocence and determination of Ash.
The story follows the attempt of a pair of detectives to piece together mysterious deaths that are occurring in their town- leading them down a path that leads to lots of shocking discoveries!
I hope theres a second installment to this book and I can definitely see this being a brilliant TV show 😍🤓
The story follows the attempt of a pair of detectives to piece together mysterious deaths that are occurring in their town- leading them down a path that leads to lots of shocking discoveries!
I hope theres a second installment to this book and I can definitely see this being a brilliant TV show 😍🤓
December 10, 2024
A highly entertaining story set in the near future, where the government is losing its grip on power and resorts to brutal measures to hold on. Packed with action, murder, chases, and an infectious dark humor, this tale is a relentless thrill ride. The sharp pacing and bleakly comic tone create a perfect balance between tension and wit, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Ideal for fans of dystopian fiction with a satirical edge, this story delivers both excitement and a thought-provoking commentary on authority and control.
July 8, 2025
This book was a wild ride from start to finish! The pace was breakneck, and I kept moving, and I honestly had a slightly hard time keeping up. There were so many people to keep up with that I occasionally had to ask, 'Wait, who was that again?' (so if you're a note taker, here is your time to shine!).
It did get easier to follow as we went along, and the story time was extremely exciting, with twists and turns that I definitely didn't figure out until the end when they were revealed! It was full of crime, political intrigue, good cops, bad cops, and so much more!
I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about our MC until almost the end, but I think I fell on the side of liking him. He was clearly meant to be a bit morally grey, so if that's your type, I think you'll love him. They have to work a little bit for me. 🤣
I really enjoyed the setting, which appeared to be a dystopian future that was similar to our world but had lost some of our conveniences. I don't want to create too many spoilers, but it was interesting to see how they handled these situations.
The story featured multiple POVs that changed by chapter, and that's one of my favorite ways of storytelling as long as it's done right, and this one was!!
It did get easier to follow as we went along, and the story time was extremely exciting, with twists and turns that I definitely didn't figure out until the end when they were revealed! It was full of crime, political intrigue, good cops, bad cops, and so much more!
I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about our MC until almost the end, but I think I fell on the side of liking him. He was clearly meant to be a bit morally grey, so if that's your type, I think you'll love him. They have to work a little bit for me. 🤣
I really enjoyed the setting, which appeared to be a dystopian future that was similar to our world but had lost some of our conveniences. I don't want to create too many spoilers, but it was interesting to see how they handled these situations.
The story featured multiple POVs that changed by chapter, and that's one of my favorite ways of storytelling as long as it's done right, and this one was!!
July 3, 2025
‘Project Deadwood’ is a bleak, futuristic, dystopian world where you don’t know who you can trust. In this world the rival criminal families seem to have all the power and good police officers are hard to find. This is a really dark and gritty crime novel with fast paced short chapters. It was very easy to read and I like that MacGillivray clearly has secrets of his own. He’s a complex DCI looking for justice. I really enjoyed reading this novel.
October 26, 2025
Having read some other reviews- I feel somewhat inarticulate by comparison.
I guess for me - the purpose of a review is just an opinion. I'm not going to precis the story.
It's a gripping story- make believe and hopefully somewhat fanciful- the fear is, if it could ever be true!.
It was certainly a good read and one that provoked some thought. I look forward to Bob releasing his next installment.
I hope it keeps the pages turning as much as this one!
I guess for me - the purpose of a review is just an opinion. I'm not going to precis the story.
It's a gripping story- make believe and hopefully somewhat fanciful- the fear is, if it could ever be true!.
It was certainly a good read and one that provoked some thought. I look forward to Bob releasing his next installment.
I hope it keeps the pages turning as much as this one!
December 1, 2024
Fantastic first novel with a plot that had me gripped from the first page to the last. Some characters evoked empathy. Others shocked. The writing is fast paced but descriptive. The storyline takes the reader into a world that we hope not to experience but is a scarily realistic possibility. I hugely enjoyed this book and expect many others will too.
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