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Black Tag
Your house is on fire. What do you save?
You have seconds to decide.
If everything is about to burn, what do you rescue first?
When the West End Gallery in London's fashionable Coal Drops Yard is set alight, the fire service must use the list of paintings lodged with it - a grab list - to snatch the key pieces of art from the flames.
But something has been altered. It’s the wrong list.
Then the ashes reveal another tragedy: an unidentified dead body. Someone who shouldn’t have been in the gallery. Crusading journalist Famie Madden wants to know who it is and why they were there. Soon it becomes apparent that the ashes are hiding much more than they should be - and that this is much more than a casual act of arson…
Bestselling author and legendary broadcaster Simon Mayo has created a spellbinding contemporary thriller. He weaves a story ripped from today’s newspapers that will take Famie far from the pages of her website into a murderous family saga stretching back over centuries.
You have seconds to decide.
If everything is about to burn, what do you rescue first?
When the West End Gallery in London's fashionable Coal Drops Yard is set alight, the fire service must use the list of paintings lodged with it - a grab list - to snatch the key pieces of art from the flames.
But something has been altered. It’s the wrong list.
Then the ashes reveal another tragedy: an unidentified dead body. Someone who shouldn’t have been in the gallery. Crusading journalist Famie Madden wants to know who it is and why they were there. Soon it becomes apparent that the ashes are hiding much more than they should be - and that this is much more than a casual act of arson…
Bestselling author and legendary broadcaster Simon Mayo has created a spellbinding contemporary thriller. He weaves a story ripped from today’s newspapers that will take Famie far from the pages of her website into a murderous family saga stretching back over centuries.
Hardcover
Published January 30, 2025
11 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Simon Mayo
25 books213 followersSimon started work in Hospital radio and later became a Dj on BBC radio 1 and later on BBC radio 2.
His series 'Itch' is closely related to best selling series such as Alex Rider & Jason Steed. Also written by British authors.
Simon was recognised as the Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in 2008, and has won several Sony Awards for his work in radio.
His series 'Itch' is closely related to best selling series such as Alex Rider & Jason Steed. Also written by British authors.
Simon was recognised as the Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in 2008, and has won several Sony Awards for his work in radio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 31, 2025
Black Tag is a fast paced thriller that is totally absorbing and entertaining. It’s multi-layered and filled with intrigue that had me gripped. I thought it was fresh, modern and, actually, quite brilliant. My full thoughts are on the My Weekly website.
November 5, 2024
A slow moving thriller about a fire in an Art Gallery and a journalist trying to find out who set the fire and why.
I didn’t know that this book was part of a series and I was reading this as a stand alone novel. I found it hard to get into it because I didn’t know the back story of the principal character. I think I would have enjoyed it better by reading the previous novel first.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t know that this book was part of a series and I was reading this as a stand alone novel. I found it hard to get into it because I didn’t know the back story of the principal character. I think I would have enjoyed it better by reading the previous novel first.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2025
4* Black Tag - Simon Mayo. A hugely enjoyable thriller which starts with small sparks but results in a blazing thriller.
West End Gallery, in the trendy Kings Cross area, is set alight. The gallery was closed for the day because protests were expected. The fire brigade use a 'grab list' supplied by the gallery, to salvage priority pieces of art from the gallery before they are consumed in the flames. However, it becomes clear that there was someone in the closed gallery. Was it the arsonist? How does this connect to the eccentric and rich family who own the gallery? And have the fire brigade salvaged the priority pieces.
The interest of Famie Madden is piqued as her daughter is connected to the gallery owners. What initially appears to be mindless arson and a tragedy unfolds to be some much more.
This is the second outing for Famie Madden, following on from Knife Edge. Each is fine as a standalone but there will be some obvious spoilers if read out of order.
The pace starts reasonably slow and brooding, as Simon Mayo does a great job of setting the scene. I would perhaps have eliminated some of the detail about missing journalists but it adds to the atmosphere. By the half way point, the action is breathless and it leads to a thrilling conclusion. the characters are superb and some of the tradecraft elements are great fun. A hugely enjoyable read.
With thanks to Netgalley and Random House (Transworld) for an ARC.
West End Gallery, in the trendy Kings Cross area, is set alight. The gallery was closed for the day because protests were expected. The fire brigade use a 'grab list' supplied by the gallery, to salvage priority pieces of art from the gallery before they are consumed in the flames. However, it becomes clear that there was someone in the closed gallery. Was it the arsonist? How does this connect to the eccentric and rich family who own the gallery? And have the fire brigade salvaged the priority pieces.
The interest of Famie Madden is piqued as her daughter is connected to the gallery owners. What initially appears to be mindless arson and a tragedy unfolds to be some much more.
This is the second outing for Famie Madden, following on from Knife Edge. Each is fine as a standalone but there will be some obvious spoilers if read out of order.
The pace starts reasonably slow and brooding, as Simon Mayo does a great job of setting the scene. I would perhaps have eliminated some of the detail about missing journalists but it adds to the atmosphere. By the half way point, the action is breathless and it leads to a thrilling conclusion. the characters are superb and some of the tradecraft elements are great fun. A hugely enjoyable read.
With thanks to Netgalley and Random House (Transworld) for an ARC.
December 6, 2025
I didn't hate this book, but I'm not sure if I can say I liked it either...
I hadn't realised that it is actually a sequel to another book with the same main character, however, it worked as a standalone with the background given.
I'm absolutely here for strong female main characters, so that was a plus point, however, despite this, I didn't find myself caring about any of the characters. Although I did actively dislike a couple of them!
There were some odd fleeting points which, when reading, were detailed and seemed as though they would be important, however, fizzled and died and didn't get mentioned again! I found that very annoying!
I was intrigued my the premise of the book, and thought it would be more focused on the fire and the body found, however, it was not and it veered into territory that I was not really expecting, nor was i particularly keen on.
I hadn't realised that it is actually a sequel to another book with the same main character, however, it worked as a standalone with the background given.
I'm absolutely here for strong female main characters, so that was a plus point, however, despite this, I didn't find myself caring about any of the characters. Although I did actively dislike a couple of them!
There were some odd fleeting points which, when reading, were detailed and seemed as though they would be important, however, fizzled and died and didn't get mentioned again! I found that very annoying!
I was intrigued my the premise of the book, and thought it would be more focused on the fire and the body found, however, it was not and it veered into territory that I was not really expecting, nor was i particularly keen on.
January 30, 2025
Pedestrian and, at points, surprisingly naive thriller. The publishers have also made the odd decision to reveal what is supposed to be a surprising twist three-quarters of the way through the book in the inside-cover copy.
January 1, 2025
A slow burn, but once the fuse ignites this thriller gets off with a bang!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins with arson, an Art Gallery and a body. Famie Madden, Journalist, starts investigating, as her daughter Charlie lives with Lena whose family owns the Gallery. A family with dark and jaded secrets.
The Black Tag, refers to the dead body of a crusading Journalist, found at the scene. This creates many questions as to what he was investigating, which in turn leads to a much bigger investigation. As the story unfolds, their lives are put at risk to avoid history being revealed.
There is much action included with some pacy chase scenes, although some of the Police involvement is a little unrealistic. Still a page turning read!
A second in the series, which might have been why I struggled initially not having read the first, particularly with the lead characters. However, I will likely read the first and will look forward to reading a third, should it be written. Worth a read!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins with arson, an Art Gallery and a body. Famie Madden, Journalist, starts investigating, as her daughter Charlie lives with Lena whose family owns the Gallery. A family with dark and jaded secrets.
The Black Tag, refers to the dead body of a crusading Journalist, found at the scene. This creates many questions as to what he was investigating, which in turn leads to a much bigger investigation. As the story unfolds, their lives are put at risk to avoid history being revealed.
There is much action included with some pacy chase scenes, although some of the Police involvement is a little unrealistic. Still a page turning read!
A second in the series, which might have been why I struggled initially not having read the first, particularly with the lead characters. However, I will likely read the first and will look forward to reading a third, should it be written. Worth a read!
January 20, 2025
I loved this latest thriller from Simon Mayo, it hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go. It also left me with a sizeable book hangover!
This book is a follow up to Knife Edge that I devoured when I read it back in 2020! You could read this as a standalone as there is enough of a hint about what happened in the other book, but it was such a good thriller you should read it first!
Famie is the main character again in this book and she just as good as she was in Knife Edge, a strong female main character, but not ridiculously bad ass. Her colleague Sam, is also back, as is her daughter Charlie.
I’m not going to go into the plot as I’m sure I’ll give away spoilers. If life hadn’t got in the way I would have read this in a day, but it wasn’t to be. There were some great twists, turns and reveals throughout, with very tense final chapters.
Just like the synopsis says at the top of the page, Simon Mayo has written “a story that could be ripped from today’s newspapers” and it really felt like it!
Highly recommended if you enjoy contemporary thrillers.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, for my digital ARC.
This book is a follow up to Knife Edge that I devoured when I read it back in 2020! You could read this as a standalone as there is enough of a hint about what happened in the other book, but it was such a good thriller you should read it first!
Famie is the main character again in this book and she just as good as she was in Knife Edge, a strong female main character, but not ridiculously bad ass. Her colleague Sam, is also back, as is her daughter Charlie.
I’m not going to go into the plot as I’m sure I’ll give away spoilers. If life hadn’t got in the way I would have read this in a day, but it wasn’t to be. There were some great twists, turns and reveals throughout, with very tense final chapters.
Just like the synopsis says at the top of the page, Simon Mayo has written “a story that could be ripped from today’s newspapers” and it really felt like it!
Highly recommended if you enjoy contemporary thrillers.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, for my digital ARC.
January 1, 2025
The more books I read set in the art world, the more dangerous it seems. Any situation where people are willing to pay copious amounts of money for 'priceless' paintings is always going to ripe for the attention of both the rich and the shameless, but, for once, this case, this arson and murder, is about so much more than someone just getting their hands on a pretty picture. Simon Mayo's latest thriller is packed with intrigue, dubious characters, and a thread of social commentary that feels all too scarily current.
I really liked revisiting the character of Famie. A journalist, Famie runs a website, Howl, which tracks other journalists across the world, those reporting from conflict zones and areas of political unrest where journalists are under constant threat of imprisonment or worse for speaking out against whatever particular regime may be in power. If you have read Knife Edge, then you will understand what is behind this, and why Famie is on such a crusade. It is not essential to have read the book to follow this story, but it does add context.
It is the disappearance of one of the site's journalists, and possible links to a recent arson attack on a London gallery, which draws Famie into this particular mystery, a case which ultimately puts her own life in grave danger. The case has personal resonance for Famie too, as the gallery is owned by her daughter's best friend, but with her particular instincts, and her own crusade to protect and track journalists whilst ensuring that their true stories are published uncensored, it's an impossible ase to walk away from anyway. Good new for me as this was one heck of a case and I loved it.
Simon Mayo does a brilliant job of portraying a family in conflict with each other, that strange dynamic that seems to exist between the Nash siblings, a family backed by old money. That condescension of the older siblings, Robert and Helen, compared to the conscience and genuine love for the artwork of their younger brother, Michael, really rang through, making what comes to pass perhaps not really all that surprising. But it is a story that is threaded with tension and threat, and the constant efforts of the family to control the narrative, even distorting the truth to suit themselves. The truth is a far murkier tale than it appears, and that particular twist in the story gave an element of authenticity and believability to what comes to pass.
The pacing in this book does wax and wane, the initial rapid pace, tension and tragedy of the opening scenes, giving way to a slower investigative section, where the underlying story is established, through to the ending which is a mixture of overt threat, quiet acceptance and a climatic showdown that genuinely took me by surprise. It is similar in that way to Knife Edge, the author alternating pace to make those life changing moments really make their mark. and Simon Mayo explores a dark and shameful time in history, one that is still making headlines now. As a follow up case for Famie, this really hit the spot, and I hope we'll see more of her in the future. This case may have come quite close to home, but I'm certain she has more stories in her yet. Recommended.
I really liked revisiting the character of Famie. A journalist, Famie runs a website, Howl, which tracks other journalists across the world, those reporting from conflict zones and areas of political unrest where journalists are under constant threat of imprisonment or worse for speaking out against whatever particular regime may be in power. If you have read Knife Edge, then you will understand what is behind this, and why Famie is on such a crusade. It is not essential to have read the book to follow this story, but it does add context.
It is the disappearance of one of the site's journalists, and possible links to a recent arson attack on a London gallery, which draws Famie into this particular mystery, a case which ultimately puts her own life in grave danger. The case has personal resonance for Famie too, as the gallery is owned by her daughter's best friend, but with her particular instincts, and her own crusade to protect and track journalists whilst ensuring that their true stories are published uncensored, it's an impossible ase to walk away from anyway. Good new for me as this was one heck of a case and I loved it.
Simon Mayo does a brilliant job of portraying a family in conflict with each other, that strange dynamic that seems to exist between the Nash siblings, a family backed by old money. That condescension of the older siblings, Robert and Helen, compared to the conscience and genuine love for the artwork of their younger brother, Michael, really rang through, making what comes to pass perhaps not really all that surprising. But it is a story that is threaded with tension and threat, and the constant efforts of the family to control the narrative, even distorting the truth to suit themselves. The truth is a far murkier tale than it appears, and that particular twist in the story gave an element of authenticity and believability to what comes to pass.
The pacing in this book does wax and wane, the initial rapid pace, tension and tragedy of the opening scenes, giving way to a slower investigative section, where the underlying story is established, through to the ending which is a mixture of overt threat, quiet acceptance and a climatic showdown that genuinely took me by surprise. It is similar in that way to Knife Edge, the author alternating pace to make those life changing moments really make their mark. and Simon Mayo explores a dark and shameful time in history, one that is still making headlines now. As a follow up case for Famie, this really hit the spot, and I hope we'll see more of her in the future. This case may have come quite close to home, but I'm certain she has more stories in her yet. Recommended.
January 30, 2025
Graphic: Suicide, Fire & Fire Injury, Grief, Death of a Loved One, Medical Scenes, Racism.
Moderate: Missing Person, Slavery.
Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Representations: https://trello.com/c/VCDroEhD/131-bla...
Feels a tad generic, but with some very wild curveballs thrown in with not much research lmao.
The characters largely were just a bit meh. Nothing too spectacular, nothing too bad. Famie just feels like a general "investigative journalist" with a moral compass that seems to be a generally common trope at the moment, but she wasn't an annoying point of view at least and decently solid to follow along with. It did get a little confusing who was what, even at the end I was still getting confused about how someone related to someone else. Just felt like too many characters, with not enough information on a lot of them.
Plot was a bit wild. The main crime had a decently solid thread through it - if not just a bit weak - and knew where it was wanting to go. But.. then there was just a load of really weird side tangents in it. One of them was a constant mention of a specific video game, XIII - even throwing shade at the developers of the remake for the bad release for some reason - but (and this isn't a spoiler tbh) it leads to literally nothing lol. It was described weirdly and just had no use being there except for the shade towards the devs, and a bit of shade towards just, gamers in general I think?? It was weird.
And on the topic of tech - if you're going to have "Base Sixtyfour" in your book, at least convert the string into B64 to see what it is - and see it's an alphanumeric string of 108 characters and not "thousands of letters, signs and symbols" 😂 Also PLEASE stop using the colour green for "hacking" scenes, it's such a tired trope that's so bad lmao. Though I'll be honest that scene was just so bad it was hilarious - all tension was stripped from the scene and I was genuinely just laughing my ass off at how dumb it was. So minus points for not doing basic research, bonus points for hilarity lol.
It is pretty slow paced, but it at least keeps things going. It was an easy read, and didn't take that long (I've just been pretty busy) keeping my interest decently well tbh. I have literally no idea where in the series this book is, if it's book 2 or 3, but it's certainly not book 1 despite literally no where mentioning this is part of a series. Do better, publishers. Luckily though you can read it fully standalone I'd say, it gives background context to some things (maybe a bit too often) and feels like a contained story.
March 3, 2025
Well, it was a large anti-capitalist riot, so it was perhaps no surprise the rich art gallery owned by the very rich Nash family got damaged. But what we know, because we're reading about the people involved, was that someone was in the basement office of the locked building, scouring the computers and finding something surprising, when someone else entered, set the fire that ruined the entire building, and left the first person dead. Lena, the main worker from the family, lives with Charlie, whose journalist mother Famie runs a website about missing and threatened press-members, and who lives constantly looking over her shoulder, as she and terrorism have previous. It's obvious from this scenario that no Nash and nobody connected to the family are safe – and it's only a matter of time before that seriously includes Famie...
For a thriller that is basically about the money trails of the dodgy, this is highly readable. New chapters every four pages help the read progress, of course, as does the implicit interest we all should have in the topic. It shows us something akin to a modern-day Mitford family, minus the looks but with a modern-day fortune and modern, online ways to spend it via the more dubious corners of the Internet. And where some of that money may have come from.
It's not a perfect read, however, with the topic, the 'reason why this is what I wrote a book around' writ a bit too large and simplistically on the page. It certainly has the left-wing skew the author conveys on his film podcast – and there's even a nod to his co-host's Japanese whiskey taste, too. Generally, the writing is fine, although there are too many chapters of "bad guy gets told what to do, and leaves to do it…" with no real result – it's all foreshadowing with nothing after the fore. Oh, and a certain someone here would never have stayed in an NHS hospital – they'd have been first in the queue to go private.
But take away those and the flow of the narrative works. Famie, peculiar choice of name aside, is a love letter to the proper journalist, but not super-powered or permanently making the very best decisions. It's a tight list of players, with few other main characters to concern us. It is, as I say, simplified politics, fitting very well with an era where anyone nudging beyond centrist is "far" right. But it makes for fairly intelligent and lively drama, where characters you can't dislike play out their struggle to get the worst of the world's rich and powerful held to account, under mounting threat. It would have been most strange if that narrative had failed, and this certainly hasn't – four stars.
For a thriller that is basically about the money trails of the dodgy, this is highly readable. New chapters every four pages help the read progress, of course, as does the implicit interest we all should have in the topic. It shows us something akin to a modern-day Mitford family, minus the looks but with a modern-day fortune and modern, online ways to spend it via the more dubious corners of the Internet. And where some of that money may have come from.
It's not a perfect read, however, with the topic, the 'reason why this is what I wrote a book around' writ a bit too large and simplistically on the page. It certainly has the left-wing skew the author conveys on his film podcast – and there's even a nod to his co-host's Japanese whiskey taste, too. Generally, the writing is fine, although there are too many chapters of "bad guy gets told what to do, and leaves to do it…" with no real result – it's all foreshadowing with nothing after the fore. Oh, and a certain someone here would never have stayed in an NHS hospital – they'd have been first in the queue to go private.
But take away those and the flow of the narrative works. Famie, peculiar choice of name aside, is a love letter to the proper journalist, but not super-powered or permanently making the very best decisions. It's a tight list of players, with few other main characters to concern us. It is, as I say, simplified politics, fitting very well with an era where anyone nudging beyond centrist is "far" right. But it makes for fairly intelligent and lively drama, where characters you can't dislike play out their struggle to get the worst of the world's rich and powerful held to account, under mounting threat. It would have been most strange if that narrative had failed, and this certainly hasn't – four stars.
January 29, 2025
This is actually book two of a series, or at least a follow up to characters first met in Knife Edge. I didn't realise this before I started and, although I have previously read Knife Edge, it did take me a fair while to really get into this book. Probably didn't help that it is a very slow burn... There is a lot of scene setting, a far remove from the hectic hit the ground running opening of the previous and I was tempted to sack it off a few times when it really dragged. In fact, looking at my review for KE, it seems that I criticised it for being too action packed... oh the irony!
But I did carry on and was mostly rewarded for my efforts.
This time the "action" is centred around an art gallery and a fire that happened during a protest march. Certain works were saved - they had a grab list - but it soon becomes evident that there was actually someone present at the time of the fire. A body was found in the ashes. Is this person connected? Did they set the fire and fail to get out? And if not, why were they there, as everyone connected to the gallery has been accounted for? This has really piqued the interest of journalist Famie Madden and we reconnect with her, first met in KE, as she starts to investigate, her daughter, Charlie, being the flatmate of Lena, whose family own the gallery...
And then it actually really does kick off....
As I said, this was a bit hard work initially but, once it eventually got going, it did so with gusto! Albeit not always completely credible, it was fun nonetheless. TBH, I much preferred the parts that were more about HOWL than solely the gallery and maybe wished it was more focused on that side of things. Although the two are connected, although I won't spoil things...
I also loved the family dynamics which did provide a few choice popcorn moments. I do love a dysfunctional family.
But I guess overall, it was the pacing that scuppered my full enjoyment of this book. Characters and overall story were good, but the delivery was just not quite as I personally would have preferred. That said, I'll still be looking out for book three... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
But I did carry on and was mostly rewarded for my efforts.
This time the "action" is centred around an art gallery and a fire that happened during a protest march. Certain works were saved - they had a grab list - but it soon becomes evident that there was actually someone present at the time of the fire. A body was found in the ashes. Is this person connected? Did they set the fire and fail to get out? And if not, why were they there, as everyone connected to the gallery has been accounted for? This has really piqued the interest of journalist Famie Madden and we reconnect with her, first met in KE, as she starts to investigate, her daughter, Charlie, being the flatmate of Lena, whose family own the gallery...
And then it actually really does kick off....
As I said, this was a bit hard work initially but, once it eventually got going, it did so with gusto! Albeit not always completely credible, it was fun nonetheless. TBH, I much preferred the parts that were more about HOWL than solely the gallery and maybe wished it was more focused on that side of things. Although the two are connected, although I won't spoil things...
I also loved the family dynamics which did provide a few choice popcorn moments. I do love a dysfunctional family.
But I guess overall, it was the pacing that scuppered my full enjoyment of this book. Characters and overall story were good, but the delivery was just not quite as I personally would have preferred. That said, I'll still be looking out for book three... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
January 27, 2025
Black Tag is the first novel I have read written by Simon Mayo. Although it can be read as a standalone, I wish I had read the previous novel for some added context.
A demonstration ends with a West End art gallery ablaze. Once the fire has abated, fire crews discover an unidentified body in the ruins. Is it one of the demonstrators who made an error and was caught in the flames? The investigation points to this not being a random arson attack as the gallery’s list of important artworks that the fire crews need to save has been tampered with.
Famie Madden is an investigative journalist who runs a website that tracks other journalists in countries where they could be in danger. One of the website’s journalists appeared to have a link to the West End gallery. This draws Famie into investigating what has happened at the gallery. Famie also has a personal involvement as her daughter, Charlie lives with Lena Nash who is the joint owner of the gallery.
What follows is a complex story of corruption and lies. I did enjoy Simon Mayo’s writing, but thought this book was slightly disappointing. There was an explosive, tense and tragic opening, then the story lost all its pace and was slow and plodding. The pace picked up again in the later chapters, but by then I had somewhat lost interest. There was enough in this book though to make me want to read more from the author.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Simon Mayo and particularly Random House UK for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
A demonstration ends with a West End art gallery ablaze. Once the fire has abated, fire crews discover an unidentified body in the ruins. Is it one of the demonstrators who made an error and was caught in the flames? The investigation points to this not being a random arson attack as the gallery’s list of important artworks that the fire crews need to save has been tampered with.
Famie Madden is an investigative journalist who runs a website that tracks other journalists in countries where they could be in danger. One of the website’s journalists appeared to have a link to the West End gallery. This draws Famie into investigating what has happened at the gallery. Famie also has a personal involvement as her daughter, Charlie lives with Lena Nash who is the joint owner of the gallery.
What follows is a complex story of corruption and lies. I did enjoy Simon Mayo’s writing, but thought this book was slightly disappointing. There was an explosive, tense and tragic opening, then the story lost all its pace and was slow and plodding. The pace picked up again in the later chapters, but by then I had somewhat lost interest. There was enough in this book though to make me want to read more from the author.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Simon Mayo and particularly Random House UK for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
January 21, 2025
Black Tag starts off fairly slowly as the author sets the scene. A West End Gallery is ablaze, a body found. The police conclude the cause to be arson, the perpetrator dying in the inferno. The gallery is owned by the three Nash siblings. Lena, the daughter of one sibling, lives with journalist Famie Madden's daughter Charlie. Famie runs a website which keeps track of journalists across the globe who report from warzones or are in danger for speaking out against political regimes. One of the journalists appears to be missing. As Famie tries to establish his whereabouts, she realises there could be a link to the gallery fire.
Once the scene is set, the book rapidly gathers pace. This is a marvellously accomplished thriller full of intrigue and tension with a very unexpected conclusion. Mayo does a great job of describing the dynamics and conflict between the Nash siblings. The two older ones seemingly resenting Michael, their much younger brother. The truth lies in the past, the detail of which is well researched and cleverly woven into the plot.
This is the second of Simon Mayo's books to feature Famie Madden. Reading Knife Edge first would give context to Famie's passion for the wellbeing of journalists under threat. However in my opinion, reading this second Famie Madden thriller as a stand alone works equally as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Once the scene is set, the book rapidly gathers pace. This is a marvellously accomplished thriller full of intrigue and tension with a very unexpected conclusion. Mayo does a great job of describing the dynamics and conflict between the Nash siblings. The two older ones seemingly resenting Michael, their much younger brother. The truth lies in the past, the detail of which is well researched and cleverly woven into the plot.
This is the second of Simon Mayo's books to feature Famie Madden. Reading Knife Edge first would give context to Famie's passion for the wellbeing of journalists under threat. However in my opinion, reading this second Famie Madden thriller as a stand alone works equally as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 30, 2025
The latest thriller from author , and renowned broadcaster Simon Mayo , heralds the welcome return of Famie Madden, ace investigative journalist, from a previous book Knife Edge
Once again Famie and her daughter Charlie put their lives on the line , when they investigate the history of , a prominent, philanthropic family, very much part of the British Establishment, with shady right - wing leanings, and a very dark past , dating back to the days of slavery
The story highlights , the personal dangers reporters face around the world , whenever their profession ,
threatens the powers at be
The author, also manages to , give his readership an insight into the world of Art , and in particular, the existence of ‘Grab Lists ‘ or Black Tags , that Galleries give to Fire Departments , around the world, which are basically a list of paintings, in order of preference, which should be grabbed , and rescued first , in the event of a disaster
This is a well researched , and plotted story, full of believable ,compelling characters , all based around a particular area of London, and Mr Mayo, serves up plenty political intrigue, tension, and exciting action
As described, this novel , is slightly different thematically, from many books , in the thriller genre, and for this reason alone, is well worth giving a go, particularly with the holiday season fast approaching
Once again Famie and her daughter Charlie put their lives on the line , when they investigate the history of , a prominent, philanthropic family, very much part of the British Establishment, with shady right - wing leanings, and a very dark past , dating back to the days of slavery
The story highlights , the personal dangers reporters face around the world , whenever their profession ,
threatens the powers at be
The author, also manages to , give his readership an insight into the world of Art , and in particular, the existence of ‘Grab Lists ‘ or Black Tags , that Galleries give to Fire Departments , around the world, which are basically a list of paintings, in order of preference, which should be grabbed , and rescued first , in the event of a disaster
This is a well researched , and plotted story, full of believable ,compelling characters , all based around a particular area of London, and Mr Mayo, serves up plenty political intrigue, tension, and exciting action
As described, this novel , is slightly different thematically, from many books , in the thriller genre, and for this reason alone, is well worth giving a go, particularly with the holiday season fast approaching
January 24, 2025
This is the third novel I have read by Simon Mayo and although I enjoyed it I felt it fell short of the previous books. This is a thriller featuring art, mystery, and investigative journalism.
A West End Gallery is on fire and interest is aroused when the “grab list” which is a document used by firefighters to save key artworks is found to have been tampered with. Once the fire dies down an unidentified body is found lying in the ashes which adds to the mystery. Who is the victim and why were they in the building.
Famie Madden is a young determined journalist who is searching for the truth and as she delves into the mystery surrounding the gallery fire uncovers a tangled web of lies, corruption, and hidden motives. Suspicion is roused and it seems most likely that this was no random act of destruction but the gallery itself holds secrets that some would kill to protect.
I did enjoy this novel and would give it a solid 3 star rating but overall felt it was a little too slow. I did enjoy the characters and the plot but felt it lacked the finishing touch the previous two novels had.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Random House UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A West End Gallery is on fire and interest is aroused when the “grab list” which is a document used by firefighters to save key artworks is found to have been tampered with. Once the fire dies down an unidentified body is found lying in the ashes which adds to the mystery. Who is the victim and why were they in the building.
Famie Madden is a young determined journalist who is searching for the truth and as she delves into the mystery surrounding the gallery fire uncovers a tangled web of lies, corruption, and hidden motives. Suspicion is roused and it seems most likely that this was no random act of destruction but the gallery itself holds secrets that some would kill to protect.
I did enjoy this novel and would give it a solid 3 star rating but overall felt it was a little too slow. I did enjoy the characters and the plot but felt it lacked the finishing touch the previous two novels had.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Random House UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
When a west end gallery is set alight, a grab list is used to try and save the key items, only it is the wrong list. Meanwhile an unidentified body is found in the wreckage. How could this be when the galley was closed due to suspected protests? Journalist Famie begins to investigate.
I liked the idea of this book being set in the art world as I found this a compelling setting. I also found the mystery aspect appealing, I was interested to see where it would go. I didn’t realise before starting this that it was the second in a series and having not read the first one I feel that I missed out on some background information and building a connection with the characters, saying that, it can still be easily read as a standalone.
I found the book overly long and very slow going, which made it difficult to stay invested in the story. There were some action scenes however as the book got going. I think I would personally have enjoyed this more if I’d read the first one prior. Definitely not a bad read but not a favourite either. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I liked the idea of this book being set in the art world as I found this a compelling setting. I also found the mystery aspect appealing, I was interested to see where it would go. I didn’t realise before starting this that it was the second in a series and having not read the first one I feel that I missed out on some background information and building a connection with the characters, saying that, it can still be easily read as a standalone.
I found the book overly long and very slow going, which made it difficult to stay invested in the story. There were some action scenes however as the book got going. I think I would personally have enjoyed this more if I’d read the first one prior. Definitely not a bad read but not a favourite either. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2024
When the West End Gallery in London's fashionable Coal Drops Yard is set alight, the fire service must use the list of paintings lodged with it - a grab list - to snatch the key pieces of art from the flames. But something has been altered. It’s the wrong list.
Then the ashes reveal another tragedy: an unidentified dead body. Someone who shouldn’t have been in the gallery. Crusading journalist Famie Madden wants to know who it is and why they were there. Soon it becomes apparent that the ashes are hiding much more than they should be - and that this is much more than a casual act of arson…
A slow start with a lot of not very interesting characters. The first few pages are gripping but then it loses impetus and starts to drag. The characters didn't pull me in and I wasn't really invested in their stories but about two-thirds of the way through the plot suddenly took off and became the thriller I'd been expecting.
My thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouseUK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Then the ashes reveal another tragedy: an unidentified dead body. Someone who shouldn’t have been in the gallery. Crusading journalist Famie Madden wants to know who it is and why they were there. Soon it becomes apparent that the ashes are hiding much more than they should be - and that this is much more than a casual act of arson…
A slow start with a lot of not very interesting characters. The first few pages are gripping but then it loses impetus and starts to drag. The characters didn't pull me in and I wasn't really invested in their stories but about two-thirds of the way through the plot suddenly took off and became the thriller I'd been expecting.
My thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouseUK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
Black Tag By: Simon Mayo is the third book I have read by him however, I found this one did not grip me at first, as his previous book, as it was slow burner. we learn more about the all the characters, which was helpful if you haven’t read the first book, plus, it refreshed your memory from The Knife Edge.
Then, Bang the second half of the book became an excellent read as it picked up pace with full of twists and turns, which was great especially as I was going to give up on it. So glad I didn't, I ended up enjoying it.
Black Tag opens up with the fire bombing of a London art gallery, which is soon on the radar of journalist Famie Madden, she is determined to find out the truth on what happened! She uncovers corruption and a web of lies etc The bombing in the art gallery is much more than a casual act of arson attack.
I do really like the main character Famie Madden and looking forward reading more Simon Mayo books.
I do recommend you read the previous book, but not necessary.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my ARC.
Then, Bang the second half of the book became an excellent read as it picked up pace with full of twists and turns, which was great especially as I was going to give up on it. So glad I didn't, I ended up enjoying it.
Black Tag opens up with the fire bombing of a London art gallery, which is soon on the radar of journalist Famie Madden, she is determined to find out the truth on what happened! She uncovers corruption and a web of lies etc The bombing in the art gallery is much more than a casual act of arson attack.
I do really like the main character Famie Madden and looking forward reading more Simon Mayo books.
I do recommend you read the previous book, but not necessary.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my ARC.
January 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK, for this eCopy to review
I recently finished reading "Black Tag" by Simon Mayo, and it was an exhilarating ride from start to finish. The novel is a contemporary thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat with its twists and turns.
The story kicks off with a dramatic fire at the West End Gallery in London's Coal Drops Yard. The fire service uses a "grab list" to save key pieces of art, but something goes wrong – the list has been altered. Amidst the chaos, an unidentified body is discovered, sparking a complex investigation.
Famie Madden, is a crusading journalist determined to uncover the truth behind the fire and the mysterious death. As she delves deeper, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that stretch back over centuries. The plot is gripping, and Mayo's ability to weave historical elements into a modern-day thriller is impressive.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the character development. Famie is a strong, relatable character whose determination and curiosity drive the story forward.
I recently finished reading "Black Tag" by Simon Mayo, and it was an exhilarating ride from start to finish. The novel is a contemporary thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat with its twists and turns.
The story kicks off with a dramatic fire at the West End Gallery in London's Coal Drops Yard. The fire service uses a "grab list" to save key pieces of art, but something goes wrong – the list has been altered. Amidst the chaos, an unidentified body is discovered, sparking a complex investigation.
Famie Madden, is a crusading journalist determined to uncover the truth behind the fire and the mysterious death. As she delves deeper, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that stretch back over centuries. The plot is gripping, and Mayo's ability to weave historical elements into a modern-day thriller is impressive.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book was the character development. Famie is a strong, relatable character whose determination and curiosity drive the story forward.
November 26, 2024
Oh WOW!! I only discovered Simon Mayo as an author recently as I try to stay away from celebrities who wander out of their specialism thinking they must be good at everything. However, Simon Mayo is very much the exception. He writes exceptionally good books of which Black Tag is the latest. It is the second book featuring Famie Madden and her daughter Charlie although personally I think it reads well as a standalone book. The story is complicated, exciting, scarily believable and extremely well researched. The characters are very believable and well written. I was hooked immediately as the book opens with the fire bombing of an Art Gallery in central London. The tension level never drops from thereon in. Another amazing book from an exceptional writer. I hope there are many more still to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2025
Delving in the world of art, Simon Mayo brings an incendiary tale in envelop the reader. The simmering plot of dastardly deeds mixed with glorious characters of varying shades of morality is just sublime. Blending the mystery with global politics makes this thriller even more irresistible
I was really glad that Mayo returned to his stupendous creation of Famie Madden as she was the perfect protagonist for this story. Famie is strong leading character who is someone to be proud of creating. I also loved that there were nods to things sprinkled through that are passions of the author such as his love of Mozart and Max Richter. Passing references that made me smile amongst the serious undercurrent of the thrills.
The pages suck you from the beginning and hold you like a moth to a flame. It’s exquisite.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I was really glad that Mayo returned to his stupendous creation of Famie Madden as she was the perfect protagonist for this story. Famie is strong leading character who is someone to be proud of creating. I also loved that there were nods to things sprinkled through that are passions of the author such as his love of Mozart and Max Richter. Passing references that made me smile amongst the serious undercurrent of the thrills.
The pages suck you from the beginning and hold you like a moth to a flame. It’s exquisite.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
November 24, 2024
As a standalone this book is fine but I’m glad I read Knife Edge by Simon Mayo previously as there is a backstory to Famie Madden, the ‘crusading journalist’ at the heart of this book.
The book starts well with a storyline that grabbed me, but I also agree with some other reviews that it drags a bit in the middle before picking up pace again in the final third. I do enjoy the author’s writing style though and as expected it is very well written with a solid story and a great ending. I would still recommend this book, especially if you’re already a fan because you won’t be disappointed to have stuck with it to the end.
Many thanks to NetGalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
The book starts well with a storyline that grabbed me, but I also agree with some other reviews that it drags a bit in the middle before picking up pace again in the final third. I do enjoy the author’s writing style though and as expected it is very well written with a solid story and a great ending. I would still recommend this book, especially if you’re already a fan because you won’t be disappointed to have stuck with it to the end.
Many thanks to NetGalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2024
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or publisher's blurb.
I've previously read and enjoyed several books by Simon Mayo, so was looking forward to reading this one.
This is the follow up to a previous title "Knife Edge", and shares a few characters with that novel. Whilst I really enjoyed the previous book, I found the pace of this one rather slow moving - although it picked up in the second part of the book. I also didn't find Famie as sympathetic a character as in the earlier book.
So all in all a mixed bag for me. I'll still read future novels from Simon Mayo though (particularly as I enjoyed his standalone - "Tick Tock" - so much!)
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I've previously read and enjoyed several books by Simon Mayo, so was looking forward to reading this one.
This is the follow up to a previous title "Knife Edge", and shares a few characters with that novel. Whilst I really enjoyed the previous book, I found the pace of this one rather slow moving - although it picked up in the second part of the book. I also didn't find Famie as sympathetic a character as in the earlier book.
So all in all a mixed bag for me. I'll still read future novels from Simon Mayo though (particularly as I enjoyed his standalone - "Tick Tock" - so much!)
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
April 28, 2025
#BlackTag #NetGalley I normally read 1 or 2 books per week - this book took me 6 weeks!! After a gripping start, which made me have high hopes for this book, it became a VERY slow burn and I could just not get into it. This is book 2 in a series and I have not read book 1 but I don't really think that it would have added much. I contemplated giving up but as I owe it to NetGalley to give an honest review, I persevered. The characters were ok but none that I particularly gelled with, I found myself skimming some chapters to get to more action and less repetition. Then, in the final third of the book, it really picked up a pace and was full of action and twists and turns. If only the first two thirds of the book had been the same I think I would have really enjoyed it.
November 24, 2024
3.75/5 stars! This is by the same author that brought us "Tick Tock," a great pandemic thriller. I was excited to check out "Black Tag." I wish I had been aware that this was a sequel because it didn't work for me as a standalone. The characterization was strong and the general story arc was intriguing, but without understand the motivation behind actions, I felt disconnected at times. I did like the ability of Simon to make us want to explore things that aren't fully developed, almost as if we are trying to live in his world.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 2, 2025
The story opens with the fire bombing of a London art gallery, which is soon an the radar of journalist Famie. What follows is a story of twisted family relationships, dangerous journalism and a chase to find the truth.
I didn't realise this was the second book with these characters, but it does make sense as Famie, Charlie and Sam are not introduced in this one, it feels like the author assumes the reader knows them already. It was an interesting read, my first by this author. I liked the fast paced writing style, but did find most characters unlikeable, and found some the events unbelievable.
I didn't realise this was the second book with these characters, but it does make sense as Famie, Charlie and Sam are not introduced in this one, it feels like the author assumes the reader knows them already. It was an interesting read, my first by this author. I liked the fast paced writing style, but did find most characters unlikeable, and found some the events unbelievable.
March 29, 2025
Violence on the streets of London is explored in this tale from Simon Mayo in the aftermath of a gallery burning in the West End and the possible theft of priceless paintings. But how does this tie into man tracing his roots?
This was a solid attempt at generating a lively and engaging crime story that interweaves generational topics into its fabric. For the most part it worked but the writing didn’t quite do it justice with large chunks of the dialogue feeling wooden. I also don’t think this did Famie much by way of character development really until the end. I did enjoy the mystery of Jamie though which was nicely done. A solid, just not spectacular read.
This was a solid attempt at generating a lively and engaging crime story that interweaves generational topics into its fabric. For the most part it worked but the writing didn’t quite do it justice with large chunks of the dialogue feeling wooden. I also don’t think this did Famie much by way of character development really until the end. I did enjoy the mystery of Jamie though which was nicely done. A solid, just not spectacular read.
April 22, 2025
So I quite enjoyed Knife Edge and was hoping this book would continue in the same sort of direction.
It did for the first ten percent or so,and then unfortunately it became exceptionally dull. This book just became so plot heavy that I really didn't care in the end about anyone, and hoped that somehow it would be bought to some sort of conclusion.
I'm pleased to say that the last twenty percent or so did pick up and means I have given it three stars, but this really wasn't very interesting and I won't be reading anything further from this series if it continues.
It did for the first ten percent or so,and then unfortunately it became exceptionally dull. This book just became so plot heavy that I really didn't care in the end about anyone, and hoped that somehow it would be bought to some sort of conclusion.
I'm pleased to say that the last twenty percent or so did pick up and means I have given it three stars, but this really wasn't very interesting and I won't be reading anything further from this series if it continues.
November 7, 2025
A London Gallery is torched during what is meant to be a peaceful rally and although the initial findings suggest the only items that have been destroyed are pieces of art, however among the charred remains a body is discovered. Is this the perpetrator of the crime or is this an innocent who was in the wrong place at the wrong time?
A thrilling mystery which ricochets across London and reveals a dark origins of a family’s wealth and the lengths they will go to save it. Famie Madden, investigative journalist is a fantastic protagonist who will make sure that justice is brought into the light.
A thrilling mystery which ricochets across London and reveals a dark origins of a family’s wealth and the lengths they will go to save it. Famie Madden, investigative journalist is a fantastic protagonist who will make sure that justice is brought into the light.
November 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Black Tag - Simon Mayo
Absolutely LOVE Simon’s books - and this latest outing certainly didn’t disappoint.
Black Tag builds magnificently and unfolds into what can only be described as an action movie grand finale!
No spoilers here - but fantastic to be reunited with Famie, Charlie and Sam….let’s hope it’s not the last we see of them.
An unmissable read - and should be a superb addition to your TBR pile!
Absolutely LOVE Simon’s books - and this latest outing certainly didn’t disappoint.
Black Tag builds magnificently and unfolds into what can only be described as an action movie grand finale!
No spoilers here - but fantastic to be reunited with Famie, Charlie and Sam….let’s hope it’s not the last we see of them.
An unmissable read - and should be a superb addition to your TBR pile!
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