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The Kill Switch
Journalist Gil Peck has spent decades breaking stories about Britain's political elites, shining a light on the darkest corners of Whitehall.
But when the Prime Minister, Stella Barnsbury, collapses during an interview on his podcast he finds himself at the centre of the scoop.
Within 48 hours, the Prime Minister is dead. And when foul play is confirmed, Gil and his partner Jess - the last civilians to see Stella alive - become the prime suspects.
With everything on the line, Gil and Jess investigate the government's shadowy contract with a global tech giant - a deal that collapsed in the lead up to Stella's assassination. Was it just another government U-turn, motive for murder - or worse?
In a brave new world of megalomaniac technocrats, malevolent AI super-intelligence and cutting-edge brain implants, Gil must confront a deadly, age-old question: how far will some go in the name of progress . . . and profit?
But when the Prime Minister, Stella Barnsbury, collapses during an interview on his podcast he finds himself at the centre of the scoop.
Within 48 hours, the Prime Minister is dead. And when foul play is confirmed, Gil and his partner Jess - the last civilians to see Stella alive - become the prime suspects.
With everything on the line, Gil and Jess investigate the government's shadowy contract with a global tech giant - a deal that collapsed in the lead up to Stella's assassination. Was it just another government U-turn, motive for murder - or worse?
In a brave new world of megalomaniac technocrats, malevolent AI super-intelligence and cutting-edge brain implants, Gil must confront a deadly, age-old question: how far will some go in the name of progress . . . and profit?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 16, 2026
I read the first Gil Peck novel, The Crash, when it first came out but haven't read the second one. So, although I was familiar with the characters, I approached The Kill Switch pretty much as a standalone.
This is as much a Jess Nessens novel as it is a Gil Peck one as the story is presented from both their points of views. At the opening of the book, their relationship is fractious, as Jess struggles to cope with some of Gil's obsessive behaviours. But when it comes to work, their desire to discover the truth and present it to the public unites them. And they're especially keen to find out what happened to the Prime Minister, who Jess knows from her student days, collapses whilst on their podcast.
I like Gil, and really warmed to Jess and enjoyed their relationship, even when they were tetchy with each other, and I loved their relationship with their kids. The story is complicated and detailed, and requires the reader's full concentration. It discusses the very real threat of Artificial Intelligence, and what would happen if AI becomes more powerful than its masters. There are parts of it that feel far fetched but who knows? Technology is moving so fast it's hard to keep up. It's a cracking story that carries a real body blow at one point, and I was moved to tears at a moment towards the end. I really enjoyed it and there are certainly hints that there might be further books in this series.
This is as much a Jess Nessens novel as it is a Gil Peck one as the story is presented from both their points of views. At the opening of the book, their relationship is fractious, as Jess struggles to cope with some of Gil's obsessive behaviours. But when it comes to work, their desire to discover the truth and present it to the public unites them. And they're especially keen to find out what happened to the Prime Minister, who Jess knows from her student days, collapses whilst on their podcast.
I like Gil, and really warmed to Jess and enjoyed their relationship, even when they were tetchy with each other, and I loved their relationship with their kids. The story is complicated and detailed, and requires the reader's full concentration. It discusses the very real threat of Artificial Intelligence, and what would happen if AI becomes more powerful than its masters. There are parts of it that feel far fetched but who knows? Technology is moving so fast it's hard to keep up. It's a cracking story that carries a real body blow at one point, and I was moved to tears at a moment towards the end. I really enjoyed it and there are certainly hints that there might be further books in this series.
July 5, 2026
Full disclosure - and no surprise here - but this is the first book I have read by Robert Peston. And yes, I know that this comes as book three in a series but, as books go, this stands well as a standalone and whilst I'd probably know the characters a lot better, particularly Gil Peck, had I started at the beginning, I didn't feel disadvantaged in terms of understanding the dynamics or feeling the punch of the story because, believe me, the book does have a punch. That and. whole lot of thrills, tension and scarily plausible possibility that kept me hooked from the start into far too late a night to be a functioning adult the following morning. But then if anyone should know about how to write an authentic, journalist led thriller, hinged around political machinations and devious doings, well, Robert Peston has to be that writer.
And he is. The Kill Switch is one of those books which may edge a little into the future of possibilities that are, to the knowledge of the greater, poorer and all too easily led masses, near but not quite yet delivered, but for any conspiracy theorists who protest about the evil of AI, and the potential of generative AI to disrupt, deceive and, eventually, take over the world ... well, this book isn't going to help you sleep at night put it that way. It starts in relatively routine style with protagonist Gil Peck and his partner, Jess, getting set for an exclusive interview with the current Prime Minister, Stella Barnsbury. All well and good until the PM takes a turn and collapses during the recording, struck down by a fast acting, ultimately lethal, virus. An act of terrorism by a rogue state, or something far more insidious? Well, caught in the middle of the fray, that is what Gil and Jess set out to uncover, no easy task then the whole of the UK Government would rather things are kept as strictly need to know.
I don't want to say too much more about the plot, and all the above can be gleaned from the blurb, so no spoilers there. But this is not simply a case where an enemy of the state has taken it upon themselves to cause political chaos, although there is no doubt that this is what ensues. Robert Peston has done a brilliant job here, at least as far as I can tell as someone on the outside, of blending political workings with what is, I hope, an element of speculative fiction. Now, again as per the blurb, this story takes a turn into the world of generative AI, or more accurately Artificial General Intelligence, the theory, or fear, that AI is capable of developing a cognitive understanding that can match, and far exceed, human intelligence. But Mr P's story comes with a twist which really adds a layer of concern to an already thought provoking subject, one which is not a million miles from the intentions or desires of certain exceedingly wealthy social media entrepreneurs and the like.
This is story which completely drew me in, intrigued by the possibilities of the ethical conundrums it poses, and making my brain whir, not always in a positive way. It is packed with tension, pacing that steps up a gear where necessary and yet allows itself a moment of quiet when the circumstances call for it too. There are characters who completely enraged me, the slimy hyper-political types who we wove to loathe in real life recreated on the page. I'd like to say in caricature style but I am not so sure. I'd guess that there is more than an element of borrowing personalities from people the author has met and interviewed in real life, and maybe part of the fun here is in trying to guess who they might be. There are others whose clinical disdain for those around them makes them the perfectly drawn antagonist and others who, on paper, should be the enemy who prove to be be Gil and Jess's greatest allies.
And yet, for all of the intrigue, the contemplation and the fear of turning on Siri, Alexa et al, there are some moments of real emotion here too, ones that hit home but are the only element that I feel might have had a little greater impact had I read from book one. There is a kind of inevitability about what happens by the mid point in the book, but it doesn't make the impact less, well, impactful. And the final scenes in which we see justice, of a sort, carried out are both surprising and unexpectedly pleasing in a slightly evil teehee kind of way. When you read it, you'll know what I mean.
I certainly know I'm going to be heading back to read books one and two when I get a chance as I really enjoyed this and if you like political style thrillers with journalists front and centre, this one is definitely recommended. although if you are at all worried about the rise of the AI, and not just in a depleting all of the world's water reserves kind of way, well it won't necessarily make you feel any better. But whether the real evil here is AI or its creators, I'll let you decide.
And he is. The Kill Switch is one of those books which may edge a little into the future of possibilities that are, to the knowledge of the greater, poorer and all too easily led masses, near but not quite yet delivered, but for any conspiracy theorists who protest about the evil of AI, and the potential of generative AI to disrupt, deceive and, eventually, take over the world ... well, this book isn't going to help you sleep at night put it that way. It starts in relatively routine style with protagonist Gil Peck and his partner, Jess, getting set for an exclusive interview with the current Prime Minister, Stella Barnsbury. All well and good until the PM takes a turn and collapses during the recording, struck down by a fast acting, ultimately lethal, virus. An act of terrorism by a rogue state, or something far more insidious? Well, caught in the middle of the fray, that is what Gil and Jess set out to uncover, no easy task then the whole of the UK Government would rather things are kept as strictly need to know.
I don't want to say too much more about the plot, and all the above can be gleaned from the blurb, so no spoilers there. But this is not simply a case where an enemy of the state has taken it upon themselves to cause political chaos, although there is no doubt that this is what ensues. Robert Peston has done a brilliant job here, at least as far as I can tell as someone on the outside, of blending political workings with what is, I hope, an element of speculative fiction. Now, again as per the blurb, this story takes a turn into the world of generative AI, or more accurately Artificial General Intelligence, the theory, or fear, that AI is capable of developing a cognitive understanding that can match, and far exceed, human intelligence. But Mr P's story comes with a twist which really adds a layer of concern to an already thought provoking subject, one which is not a million miles from the intentions or desires of certain exceedingly wealthy social media entrepreneurs and the like.
This is story which completely drew me in, intrigued by the possibilities of the ethical conundrums it poses, and making my brain whir, not always in a positive way. It is packed with tension, pacing that steps up a gear where necessary and yet allows itself a moment of quiet when the circumstances call for it too. There are characters who completely enraged me, the slimy hyper-political types who we wove to loathe in real life recreated on the page. I'd like to say in caricature style but I am not so sure. I'd guess that there is more than an element of borrowing personalities from people the author has met and interviewed in real life, and maybe part of the fun here is in trying to guess who they might be. There are others whose clinical disdain for those around them makes them the perfectly drawn antagonist and others who, on paper, should be the enemy who prove to be be Gil and Jess's greatest allies.
And yet, for all of the intrigue, the contemplation and the fear of turning on Siri, Alexa et al, there are some moments of real emotion here too, ones that hit home but are the only element that I feel might have had a little greater impact had I read from book one. There is a kind of inevitability about what happens by the mid point in the book, but it doesn't make the impact less, well, impactful. And the final scenes in which we see justice, of a sort, carried out are both surprising and unexpectedly pleasing in a slightly evil teehee kind of way. When you read it, you'll know what I mean.
I certainly know I'm going to be heading back to read books one and two when I get a chance as I really enjoyed this and if you like political style thrillers with journalists front and centre, this one is definitely recommended. although if you are at all worried about the rise of the AI, and not just in a depleting all of the world's water reserves kind of way, well it won't necessarily make you feel any better. But whether the real evil here is AI or its creators, I'll let you decide.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Guest review from Mr Portobello Book Blog!
Robert Peston’s The Kill Switch is a brilliant read. It is superbly written and has so many familiar references and touch points to current life that it is utterly convincing and at times becomes difficult to remember it is a work of fiction and not one of Peston’s reports on the telly covering actual events from right now!
The lead character,Gil Peck and his partner Jess work as journalists with the fictional paper The Financial Chronicle (FC) and together post a high-profile podcast. The back story of Gil is that he was the business and economic editor at the BBC during the global banking and financial crisis where he made his name before moving on to other work, favouring ITV and print journalism, drawing on his Jewish family roots and his relationships with the political class. This becomes uncanny as this is precisely Robert Peston’s story. The voice of Gil, his character, the nuances of neural divergence and the obsessive detail in narrative, fashion references and brands, artwork and furniture, all feel like Gil Peck is really Robert Peston and that Peston is Peck. Strangely, rather than damaging Gil’s character, this seems to strengthen him and create a reinforcing effect of the story being the real world.
The podcast edition we sit in on is an interview with the current prime minister, Stella Barnsbury, a peer and close friend of both Gil and Jess. The podcast is a showcase where the guest can chat and enjoy relaxed and extended coverage of themselves and their agenda whilst Gil and Jess can develop themes, challenge on points and press issues home beyond the superficial. Artificial Intelligence and its role and effects on wider society becomes the chosen topic but when Stella is pressured and takes ill, the podcast has to be abandoned. When Stella dies within 48 hours of the podcast, Gil and Jess become the focus of suspicion and the interim prime minister, Munis, another long-time acquaintance of Gil and Jess, seems all too willing to step in and take over.
The intrigue, inner workings of government, the pace of AI and its role in the world, how government responds to “events, dear boy”, and how media report and manipulate the bones of a story to keep the agenda on track and the messages on point are baffling, bewildering and thoroughly intriguing. Peston’s writing flows effortlessly and his knowledge of media, journalism, political Whitehall workings and how all three are connected keep the story developing at pace and as dramatic as any live-from-the-scene broadcast could be.
The Kill Switch gives an insight into a world where misguided desire for rapid and world-leading cutting-edge change driven by corruption and self interest swiftly sees the fabric of our society crumble. Gil and Jess have the single source of truth but getting this published, getting this into the open, getting this heard is another matter. The Kill Switch is such a clever, well researched, topical and powerfully written book that, like all good fiction, leaves the reader wondering ‘what if this were true’? Gil and Jess would be there to ask ‘how do you know it is not true’? A 5-star read!
Robert Peston’s The Kill Switch is a brilliant read. It is superbly written and has so many familiar references and touch points to current life that it is utterly convincing and at times becomes difficult to remember it is a work of fiction and not one of Peston’s reports on the telly covering actual events from right now!
The lead character,Gil Peck and his partner Jess work as journalists with the fictional paper The Financial Chronicle (FC) and together post a high-profile podcast. The back story of Gil is that he was the business and economic editor at the BBC during the global banking and financial crisis where he made his name before moving on to other work, favouring ITV and print journalism, drawing on his Jewish family roots and his relationships with the political class. This becomes uncanny as this is precisely Robert Peston’s story. The voice of Gil, his character, the nuances of neural divergence and the obsessive detail in narrative, fashion references and brands, artwork and furniture, all feel like Gil Peck is really Robert Peston and that Peston is Peck. Strangely, rather than damaging Gil’s character, this seems to strengthen him and create a reinforcing effect of the story being the real world.
The podcast edition we sit in on is an interview with the current prime minister, Stella Barnsbury, a peer and close friend of both Gil and Jess. The podcast is a showcase where the guest can chat and enjoy relaxed and extended coverage of themselves and their agenda whilst Gil and Jess can develop themes, challenge on points and press issues home beyond the superficial. Artificial Intelligence and its role and effects on wider society becomes the chosen topic but when Stella is pressured and takes ill, the podcast has to be abandoned. When Stella dies within 48 hours of the podcast, Gil and Jess become the focus of suspicion and the interim prime minister, Munis, another long-time acquaintance of Gil and Jess, seems all too willing to step in and take over.
The intrigue, inner workings of government, the pace of AI and its role in the world, how government responds to “events, dear boy”, and how media report and manipulate the bones of a story to keep the agenda on track and the messages on point are baffling, bewildering and thoroughly intriguing. Peston’s writing flows effortlessly and his knowledge of media, journalism, political Whitehall workings and how all three are connected keep the story developing at pace and as dramatic as any live-from-the-scene broadcast could be.
The Kill Switch gives an insight into a world where misguided desire for rapid and world-leading cutting-edge change driven by corruption and self interest swiftly sees the fabric of our society crumble. Gil and Jess have the single source of truth but getting this published, getting this into the open, getting this heard is another matter. The Kill Switch is such a clever, well researched, topical and powerfully written book that, like all good fiction, leaves the reader wondering ‘what if this were true’? Gil and Jess would be there to ask ‘how do you know it is not true’? A 5-star read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 4.0/5
Celebrities who subsequently try their hand at writing literary fiction do not always do so successfully - even if they have come from a journalistic background. I am pleased to say that Robert Peston is one of the few who manages to pull it off.
As in the author's first two novels, this one again features journalist, Gil Peck. In book one, "The Whistleblower" events took place in the late 90s. Events moved forward to 2007 for "The Crash" and in "Kill Switch" the setting moves on again to the present day. This time around, Gil Peck shares the narrative with his long-term partner, Jess Neeskens. Although their relationship has hit troubled waters, they still work together and present a joint podcast. It is during one of their podcast recordings that the Prime Minister, Stella Barnsbury becomes unwell and collapses. Worse is to come when the PM subsequently dies and it is discovered that she has actually been deliberately killed. Suddenly, Gil and Jess find themselves embroiled in a mystery that doesn't just go to the very heart of the political establishment, but also involves the corporate world too.
The author sums things up quite nicely when, In his acknowledgements section, he writes, "We live in an age where the tectonic plates of technology, economic and political orthodoxy and geopolitical power are shifting faster and less predictably than for many decades. That is the backdrop to this book. My aim with it was to entertain you, and perhaps to sound a warning: don't take democracy for granted. Our way of life is more at risk than at any time since the 1930s. Don't ignore the challenge. This is the fight of our lives." In "The Kill Switch", Robert Peston once again utilises his in-depth knowledge of UK politics to deliver an enthralling and compelling storyline. However, this differs from his two previous novels in that he speculates about a potential future scenario relating to the current hot topic of Artificial Intelligence. It could be argued that this borders on science-fiction - but, worryingly, there is enough evidence to suggest that it may become science-fact.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Celebrities who subsequently try their hand at writing literary fiction do not always do so successfully - even if they have come from a journalistic background. I am pleased to say that Robert Peston is one of the few who manages to pull it off.
As in the author's first two novels, this one again features journalist, Gil Peck. In book one, "The Whistleblower" events took place in the late 90s. Events moved forward to 2007 for "The Crash" and in "Kill Switch" the setting moves on again to the present day. This time around, Gil Peck shares the narrative with his long-term partner, Jess Neeskens. Although their relationship has hit troubled waters, they still work together and present a joint podcast. It is during one of their podcast recordings that the Prime Minister, Stella Barnsbury becomes unwell and collapses. Worse is to come when the PM subsequently dies and it is discovered that she has actually been deliberately killed. Suddenly, Gil and Jess find themselves embroiled in a mystery that doesn't just go to the very heart of the political establishment, but also involves the corporate world too.
The author sums things up quite nicely when, In his acknowledgements section, he writes, "We live in an age where the tectonic plates of technology, economic and political orthodoxy and geopolitical power are shifting faster and less predictably than for many decades. That is the backdrop to this book. My aim with it was to entertain you, and perhaps to sound a warning: don't take democracy for granted. Our way of life is more at risk than at any time since the 1930s. Don't ignore the challenge. This is the fight of our lives." In "The Kill Switch", Robert Peston once again utilises his in-depth knowledge of UK politics to deliver an enthralling and compelling storyline. However, this differs from his two previous novels in that he speculates about a potential future scenario relating to the current hot topic of Artificial Intelligence. It could be argued that this borders on science-fiction - but, worryingly, there is enough evidence to suggest that it may become science-fact.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was devastated when I found out that this was a trilogy rather than a series and that this would be my final foray with Gil Peck. If you are coming into this book without reading the previous two then I really would go back and read them first.
Gil and Jess now host their own podcast and they have a very special guest - Prime Minister Stella Barnsbury - but things go very south when she appears to be suffering early on in the interview and then, horror of horrors, she collapses.
Not 48 hours later, she is dead, and Gil & Jess are quarantined together. Which is a bit of a weird situation as Gil had recently moved out of the family home for... well.. reasons!
Now... Gil being an investigative journalist of fine note is well placed to so what he does best and investigate the shadowy halls of parliament to work out who could have assassinated Stella. Cos it was an assassination... And fingers swiftly start to point towards a tech giant whose deal with the UK government had just collapsed...
I love this series - no trilogy - I took to Gil right from the off and have avidly followed his shenanigans over the previous two books and, although I will miss the dude, I have to reluctantly say that the author has done a great job wrapping things up and finishing it all off...
And this book kinda scared me a little with the technology it included. Which added a whole other layer onto my enjoyment. I mean I already pretty much hate AI and do worry about the way that technology is way ahead of the legislation required to rein it in, but this book... phew...
There are many things I love about this trilogy. The author's writing style, his knowledge of the political world, and the way he puts this across without it being a bit smarmy and knowitall. He also explains things in a very much layman's way without patronising. Pacing always matches the narrative and he creates the best three dimensional realistic characters.
And I also loved that the author also put himself in the book - that did make me smile :)
So... All in all, this door has now closed and, although as I said, I'm going to miss Gil et al, I am also quite excited to see what is next up from the author...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Gil and Jess now host their own podcast and they have a very special guest - Prime Minister Stella Barnsbury - but things go very south when she appears to be suffering early on in the interview and then, horror of horrors, she collapses.
Not 48 hours later, she is dead, and Gil & Jess are quarantined together. Which is a bit of a weird situation as Gil had recently moved out of the family home for... well.. reasons!
Now... Gil being an investigative journalist of fine note is well placed to so what he does best and investigate the shadowy halls of parliament to work out who could have assassinated Stella. Cos it was an assassination... And fingers swiftly start to point towards a tech giant whose deal with the UK government had just collapsed...
I love this series - no trilogy - I took to Gil right from the off and have avidly followed his shenanigans over the previous two books and, although I will miss the dude, I have to reluctantly say that the author has done a great job wrapping things up and finishing it all off...
And this book kinda scared me a little with the technology it included. Which added a whole other layer onto my enjoyment. I mean I already pretty much hate AI and do worry about the way that technology is way ahead of the legislation required to rein it in, but this book... phew...
There are many things I love about this trilogy. The author's writing style, his knowledge of the political world, and the way he puts this across without it being a bit smarmy and knowitall. He also explains things in a very much layman's way without patronising. Pacing always matches the narrative and he creates the best three dimensional realistic characters.
And I also loved that the author also put himself in the book - that did make me smile :)
So... All in all, this door has now closed and, although as I said, I'm going to miss Gil et al, I am also quite excited to see what is next up from the author...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Kill Switch is an explosive, brilliantly paced political thriller that grabs you from the first chapter and refuses to let go. Robert Peston blends his insider knowledge of Westminster with a near‑future tech dystopia, creating a story that feels both thrillingly fictional and uncomfortably plausible.
Gil Peck is a fantastic lead — seasoned, cynical, and suddenly thrust into the centre of the biggest story of his career when the Prime Minister collapses during his podcast interview. Within two days she’s dead, foul play is confirmed, and Gil and his partner Jess find themselves under suspicion. The tension is immediate and relentless, and Peston handles the shift from journalist to hunted man with real finesse.
What really elevates this novel is the world it builds: a Britain entangled with a powerful global tech giant, whispers of malevolent AI, and the unsettling promise of brain‑implant technology. It’s futuristic, but only by a hair — the kind of “what if” that feels like it could be tomorrow’s headline. The political manoeuvring, the corporate secrecy, and the moral grey zones all feel sharply observed.
The mystery itself is gripping, full of twists and revelations that land with impact. But beneath the action is a deeper question about progress, power, and the people willing to cross any line in pursuit of both.
Fast‑paced, clever, and chillingly timely, The Kill Switch is a standout thriller — perfect for readers who love their political intrigue served with a dose of near‑future menace.
With thanks to Robert Peston, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Gil Peck is a fantastic lead — seasoned, cynical, and suddenly thrust into the centre of the biggest story of his career when the Prime Minister collapses during his podcast interview. Within two days she’s dead, foul play is confirmed, and Gil and his partner Jess find themselves under suspicion. The tension is immediate and relentless, and Peston handles the shift from journalist to hunted man with real finesse.
What really elevates this novel is the world it builds: a Britain entangled with a powerful global tech giant, whispers of malevolent AI, and the unsettling promise of brain‑implant technology. It’s futuristic, but only by a hair — the kind of “what if” that feels like it could be tomorrow’s headline. The political manoeuvring, the corporate secrecy, and the moral grey zones all feel sharply observed.
The mystery itself is gripping, full of twists and revelations that land with impact. But beneath the action is a deeper question about progress, power, and the people willing to cross any line in pursuit of both.
Fast‑paced, clever, and chillingly timely, The Kill Switch is a standout thriller — perfect for readers who love their political intrigue served with a dose of near‑future menace.
With thanks to Robert Peston, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
July 10, 2026
The action begins almost immediately with the Prime Minister dying suddenly during her podcast interview with the two main characters, Jess and Gil. Suddenly Jess and Gil are thrown into suspicion and must use their journalistic investigation skills and their close contacts within government/ around government to try and uncover what really happened and draw suspicion away from them. This is a high stakes, fast paced thriller and I loved the main concept of AI going rogue, let’s just hope that isn’t the way the world goes!
Jess’ determination to uncover the truth and expose the culprits for what eventually happens to Gil is admirable, her resilience really shone through. Gil was a tad gullible/ stupid with his actions at times which was frustrating however ultimately it’s because he could sniff out the story and wanted to expose the truth to avenge the death of his friend, the Prime Minister.
In contrast to Jess was Becky Trisk, she was beyond ruthless in her ambition and would stop at nothing to get what she wanted!
The level of corruption within the highest ranks of government was alarming and did make me wonder if this was Peston drawing from his own insights from sources in his career. The corruption however had me engrossed in the hope that if I kept reading, the truth would come out and justice would be done! Jess and Gil are very likeable as the main characters and the dual narrative ensured readers are given direct insight into each character’s thoughts.
As soon as I saw the chance to read a book by my favourite political journalist, I jumped at it and I wasn’t disappointed! This book was compelling.
Jess’ determination to uncover the truth and expose the culprits for what eventually happens to Gil is admirable, her resilience really shone through. Gil was a tad gullible/ stupid with his actions at times which was frustrating however ultimately it’s because he could sniff out the story and wanted to expose the truth to avenge the death of his friend, the Prime Minister.
In contrast to Jess was Becky Trisk, she was beyond ruthless in her ambition and would stop at nothing to get what she wanted!
The level of corruption within the highest ranks of government was alarming and did make me wonder if this was Peston drawing from his own insights from sources in his career. The corruption however had me engrossed in the hope that if I kept reading, the truth would come out and justice would be done! Jess and Gil are very likeable as the main characters and the dual narrative ensured readers are given direct insight into each character’s thoughts.
As soon as I saw the chance to read a book by my favourite political journalist, I jumped at it and I wasn’t disappointed! This book was compelling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to Robert and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in advance of the publication date.
This is the third book in the series but reads equally well as a standalone book. I really enjoy the political intrigue in the books. It is challenging to write the review without giving any spoilers.
Whilst I would describe the first 2 books as topical political thrillers, this book is distinctly different, with the introduction of sci-fi, yet still topical as it ventures into the controversial world of A.I.
Investigative Journalist Gil Peck is a Marmite character who is now a podcaster, working with his estranged partner, Jess Neeskens. The PM, Stella Barnsbury, has agreed to be interviewed, only to fall ill during the interview.
The government are quick to step in with assurances that Stella has a virus whilst trying to take control of the recordings of the interview, setting off red flags for Gil and Jess.
When the PM dies, the intrepid pair set about investigating what Stella had been doing in the weeks before her death. This reveals that she had blocked a contract for a major tech giant to manage public sector systems, including the NHS.
The story is thought provoking and would give plenty for a book club discussion.
I do hope that there are more books in the pipeline.
This is the third book in the series but reads equally well as a standalone book. I really enjoy the political intrigue in the books. It is challenging to write the review without giving any spoilers.
Whilst I would describe the first 2 books as topical political thrillers, this book is distinctly different, with the introduction of sci-fi, yet still topical as it ventures into the controversial world of A.I.
Investigative Journalist Gil Peck is a Marmite character who is now a podcaster, working with his estranged partner, Jess Neeskens. The PM, Stella Barnsbury, has agreed to be interviewed, only to fall ill during the interview.
The government are quick to step in with assurances that Stella has a virus whilst trying to take control of the recordings of the interview, setting off red flags for Gil and Jess.
When the PM dies, the intrepid pair set about investigating what Stella had been doing in the weeks before her death. This reveals that she had blocked a contract for a major tech giant to manage public sector systems, including the NHS.
The story is thought provoking and would give plenty for a book club discussion.
I do hope that there are more books in the pipeline.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The third book in the Gil Peck Series and set in London in the present. Financial journalists Gill and his wife and partner, Jess Neeskens, are interviewing the Prime Minister for their podcast when she collapses and subsequently dies. When murder is confirmed Gil and Jess are prime suspects, and although their marriage is rocky they need to work together to investigate the PMs death and the reason behind it. Initially I found this quite a complex storyline but stick with it if you find the same, my goodness was it worth it!
Briefly, with the interim PM calling a National Emergency, whilst preparing to enter into a huge contract with an American AI company, what can Gill and Jess do to change the direction the country is heading. Then, with their investigation at an early stage, whilst at the Chelsea Flower Show, Gil goes missing only to return three days later.
The book centres on the strength of influence over British politics, economic and commercial activity by Oxbridge and the threats involved in the power and control of the AI industry. Dramatic and scary this fictional story provides a possible insight into a frightening future; AI technology at its best and worst. This was such a good, compelling political thriller. Brilliant.
Briefly, with the interim PM calling a National Emergency, whilst preparing to enter into a huge contract with an American AI company, what can Gill and Jess do to change the direction the country is heading. Then, with their investigation at an early stage, whilst at the Chelsea Flower Show, Gil goes missing only to return three days later.
The book centres on the strength of influence over British politics, economic and commercial activity by Oxbridge and the threats involved in the power and control of the AI industry. Dramatic and scary this fictional story provides a possible insight into a frightening future; AI technology at its best and worst. This was such a good, compelling political thriller. Brilliant.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Journalist Gil Peck has spent decades breaking stories about Britain's political figures, usually stories they’d rather we didn’t know about. However, when the Prime Minister, Stella Barnsbury, collapses during an interview on Gil’s podcast, and dies 48 hours later, he finds himself in a very sticky situation indeed!
He becomes mixed up with malicious AI, and an extremely powerful global tech giant, leading to something very sinister happening - something that had this reader questioning whether there’s a possibility that this terrifying incident could happen in the coming years! Needless to say, this was a scary, thought provoking read!
Peston ends his acknowledgments with these wise words……..
"We live in an age where the tectonic plates of technology, economic and political orthodoxy and geopolitical power are shifting faster and less predictably than for many decades.
How very true, and how very scary Mr Peston!
*Thanks to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*
He becomes mixed up with malicious AI, and an extremely powerful global tech giant, leading to something very sinister happening - something that had this reader questioning whether there’s a possibility that this terrifying incident could happen in the coming years! Needless to say, this was a scary, thought provoking read!
Peston ends his acknowledgments with these wise words……..
"We live in an age where the tectonic plates of technology, economic and political orthodoxy and geopolitical power are shifting faster and less predictably than for many decades.
How very true, and how very scary Mr Peston!
*Thanks to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*
Review of advance copy
This is my first book by Robert Peston and I didn't realise it was the third book to feature Gil Peck, until I started reading it. What I will say is it is fine to read as a standalone. I will definitely go back and read the previous books though as I enjoyed this.
I found that it took me a bit to actually get into The Kill Switch but after about 10% I was there, fully immersed.
It is a political thriller that brings the subject of AI and all the possibilities of it to the forefront. For me it made scary reading! The characters of Jess and Gil are so well created. I really empathised with Jess throughout. My heart broke for her as the story unfolded.
I was so involved with the events of ths book that when I put it down I was still thinking about it all. Robert Peston has written an intelligent thriller that kept me on ths edge of my seat and has made me scared for the future of AI too!
I found that it took me a bit to actually get into The Kill Switch but after about 10% I was there, fully immersed.
It is a political thriller that brings the subject of AI and all the possibilities of it to the forefront. For me it made scary reading! The characters of Jess and Gil are so well created. I really empathised with Jess throughout. My heart broke for her as the story unfolded.
I was so involved with the events of ths book that when I put it down I was still thinking about it all. Robert Peston has written an intelligent thriller that kept me on ths edge of my seat and has made me scared for the future of AI too!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a gripping adventure story which gives frightening insights into corrupt corporations, the power of AI, and the stranglehold of Oxbridge on the British establishment.
Jess Neeskens and Gil Peck are financial journalists, and matey with the Prime Minister. Of course they are. They were all at Oxbridge together. So was the PM's former squeeze, who now runs a shadowy AI company. The PM is taken ill, fatally as it turns out, when Jess and Gil are recording a podcast with her. Their subsequent investigation leads them to MI6, Russian gangsters, and danger. Meanwhile, Gil is trying to rebuild his crumbling marriage to Jess, to the delight of their children. The two kids and their dog are the only likable characters in the book. While their courage is unquestionable, the power couple themselves come across as neurotic, self-absorbed and judgemental. Nevertheless, the suspense of the story sweeps you along to its somewhat tearjerking ending.
Jess Neeskens and Gil Peck are financial journalists, and matey with the Prime Minister. Of course they are. They were all at Oxbridge together. So was the PM's former squeeze, who now runs a shadowy AI company. The PM is taken ill, fatally as it turns out, when Jess and Gil are recording a podcast with her. Their subsequent investigation leads them to MI6, Russian gangsters, and danger. Meanwhile, Gil is trying to rebuild his crumbling marriage to Jess, to the delight of their children. The two kids and their dog are the only likable characters in the book. While their courage is unquestionable, the power couple themselves come across as neurotic, self-absorbed and judgemental. Nevertheless, the suspense of the story sweeps you along to its somewhat tearjerking ending.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 🌟
The Kill Switch by @robert_peston
A massive thank you to @zaffrebooks and @thebookdealer for this advance copy via Compulsive Readers Blogtours.
This was a pacy and political read which kept me intrigued throughout. I loved the blend of realistic elements with potential futuristic threats.
The book followed two journalists who get mixed up in targeted threats following an interview with the Prime Minister (who died shortly after their interview). There was a mix of politics and personal relationships between key characters which made it tense and interesting to read.
I didn’t realise this was actually the third book in a series, although it was definitely OK to read as a standalone. I wonder if I would have been rooting for the two main characters a little more if I had read the first two? 🤔 💭
The Kill Switch by @robert_peston
A massive thank you to @zaffrebooks and @thebookdealer for this advance copy via Compulsive Readers Blogtours.
This was a pacy and political read which kept me intrigued throughout. I loved the blend of realistic elements with potential futuristic threats.
The book followed two journalists who get mixed up in targeted threats following an interview with the Prime Minister (who died shortly after their interview). There was a mix of politics and personal relationships between key characters which made it tense and interesting to read.
I didn’t realise this was actually the third book in a series, although it was definitely OK to read as a standalone. I wonder if I would have been rooting for the two main characters a little more if I had read the first two? 🤔 💭
Review of advance copy
The author clearly knows his way around political intrigue and the workings of Westminster. Unfortunately, I found the plot itself rather slow to gain momentum and difficult to become invested in. The alternating narration between the two main characters added little in the way of fresh insight and often disrupted the flow of the story.
The protagonists’ voices are so similar as to be almost indistinguishable. Both come across as self-important and somewhat self-absorbed, making it difficult to form much of an attachment to either of them. Remove the names from the chapter headings, and I suspect many readers would struggle to identify who is narrating.
By the time I reached the first third of the novel, I realised I no longer particularly cared what happened next. A backdrop of public-school politics, a mysterious virus, malevolent AI and the Russian mob should make for a gripping, fast-paced thriller. Instead, it felt like a collection of familiar ingredients that never quite came together, relying rather too heavily on well-worn tropes.
The protagonists’ voices are so similar as to be almost indistinguishable. Both come across as self-important and somewhat self-absorbed, making it difficult to form much of an attachment to either of them. Remove the names from the chapter headings, and I suspect many readers would struggle to identify who is narrating.
By the time I reached the first third of the novel, I realised I no longer particularly cared what happened next. A backdrop of public-school politics, a mysterious virus, malevolent AI and the Russian mob should make for a gripping, fast-paced thriller. Instead, it felt like a collection of familiar ingredients that never quite came together, relying rather too heavily on well-worn tropes.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I cannot get over how much I loved this book. I read the first one ages ago and thought it was pretty good, but The Kill Switch is in a league of its own. There are so many shocks, but one of them had me gasping in disbelief.
It’s a mixture of politics, murder – the Prime Minister is killed right near the beginning (just what I like in a book, start off with a bang) – and discussions about AI and whether it is a force for good or bad. How far can we go with it and will it become more powerful and knowledgeable than those who created it?
I was so involved in the story, that when it ended I had to wait a good 24 hours before I started another book. In fact I’m finding it hard to write a review. It’s one of those books you just want to read, rather than analyse. It’s probably because it’s too clever for me to explain the premise. Best to just immerse yourself in Gil and Jess’s world of intrigue and obsession. The kids are great, the dog is cute, Jess is brilliant, and Gil is still annoying. Not because he’s neurodivergent, but because he can be a total twat.
As an aside, I love the way the author self-inserts as political commentator Robert Peston (along with Tom Bradby) in an interview, like a Hitchcock cameo.
Many thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me to be part of the #CompulsiveReaders #blogtour and to NetGalley for an ARC.
It’s a mixture of politics, murder – the Prime Minister is killed right near the beginning (just what I like in a book, start off with a bang) – and discussions about AI and whether it is a force for good or bad. How far can we go with it and will it become more powerful and knowledgeable than those who created it?
I was so involved in the story, that when it ended I had to wait a good 24 hours before I started another book. In fact I’m finding it hard to write a review. It’s one of those books you just want to read, rather than analyse. It’s probably because it’s too clever for me to explain the premise. Best to just immerse yourself in Gil and Jess’s world of intrigue and obsession. The kids are great, the dog is cute, Jess is brilliant, and Gil is still annoying. Not because he’s neurodivergent, but because he can be a total twat.
As an aside, I love the way the author self-inserts as political commentator Robert Peston (along with Tom Bradby) in an interview, like a Hitchcock cameo.
Many thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me to be part of the #CompulsiveReaders #blogtour and to NetGalley for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Kill Switch is a good political thriller. The authors knowledge and experience in journalism, politics and government shines here and I think this is the best Gil Peck book so far. Robert Peston has wrote a cracker of a read with a well thought out plot that in my opinion is very thought provoking and to be honest just a bit scary. The authors writing is very good and engaging, the story grabbed my attention and interest right from the start and kept me guessing what would happen next. The character development is excellently done here. I think The Kill Switch can be read on its own and I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of political thrillers.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
June 2, 2026
The Kill Switch by Robert Peston ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I didn’t realise this was the 3rd instalment of the Gil Peck series until I had finished the book. It works very well as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed this political thriller which was set in the future incorporating the advance of AI. Characters that you resonate with, a fast paced plot, great writing. I sometimes shy away from ‘celebrity authors’ but Robert Peston bucks the trend. Writing about a subject he obviously knows a lot about. Highly recommended if you like a political thriller.
Publication date 16th July 2026. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
I didn’t realise this was the 3rd instalment of the Gil Peck series until I had finished the book. It works very well as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed this political thriller which was set in the future incorporating the advance of AI. Characters that you resonate with, a fast paced plot, great writing. I sometimes shy away from ‘celebrity authors’ but Robert Peston bucks the trend. Writing about a subject he obviously knows a lot about. Highly recommended if you like a political thriller.
Publication date 16th July 2026. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
June 2, 2026
Having enjoyed the first two Robert Peston thrillers I would have put money on the third being Brexit-themed but instead he has leapt into the world of AI and personal data.
The Prime Minister collapses whilst recording an interview for Gil and Jess’s podcast. Gil (who is of course not at all based on the author!) must piece together what is going on. Jess has been relying on an AI-companion but Gil’s connection with AI capability is about to get a whole lot more personal. Robert Peston pops up on ITV at one point. A racy read - love the London settings, designer-label references and fancy foods.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
The Prime Minister collapses whilst recording an interview for Gil and Jess’s podcast. Gil (who is of course not at all based on the author!) must piece together what is going on. Jess has been relying on an AI-companion but Gil’s connection with AI capability is about to get a whole lot more personal. Robert Peston pops up on ITV at one point. A racy read - love the London settings, designer-label references and fancy foods.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
June 13, 2026
As someone who enjoys political thrillers, The Kill Switch was right up my street. Prime Minister Stella Barnsbury collapses during an interview on journalist Gil Peck’s podcast and dies a few days later, Gil and Jess find themselves at the centre of a murder investigation and under suspicion themselves.
I enjoyed the insider feel of the story. The author knows the inside secrets of Westminster and political journalism, and this gives the plot real weight. Gil and Jess made an engaging pair as they tried to uncover the truth behind a murky deal involving a powerful tech company, while questions around AI, influence and profit made the whole thing feel uncomfortably plausible.
Fast paced, clever and packed with twists, this is a timely thriller that taps into very modern fears about who really holds the power.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
I enjoyed the insider feel of the story. The author knows the inside secrets of Westminster and political journalism, and this gives the plot real weight. Gil and Jess made an engaging pair as they tried to uncover the truth behind a murky deal involving a powerful tech company, while questions around AI, influence and profit made the whole thing feel uncomfortably plausible.
Fast paced, clever and packed with twists, this is a timely thriller that taps into very modern fears about who really holds the power.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The third in the Gil Peck series from Robert Peston starts as a political thriller and ends up close to science fiction territory. The death of a Prime Minister, a number of deals between government and shadowy tech giants and the rise of AI form the backdrop to a political crisis. Gil and Jess investigate, using every source they have to seek the truth.
The Kill Switch is dramatic and shocking, as well as thought provoking. It feels a little far fetched in places, but the reader is left wondering whether the events described could actually happen ...
The Kill Switch is dramatic and shocking, as well as thought provoking. It feels a little far fetched in places, but the reader is left wondering whether the events described could actually happen ...
Review of advance copy
Lesson learnt. Do not allow myself to open page one of a book having convinced myself that I am not likely to enjoy it because it is a category of thriller that has disappointed me previously ie Political thrillers. However, had I not turned that first page of The Kill Switch I would have denied myself a totally captivating plot, a pace that was so fast I had to brace myself and a cast of such perfectly described characters, I found it was easy to conjure them up in my imagination. And throughout, the wonderful use of ironic humour added to a memorable read.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When the Prime Minister collapses and dies unexpectedly, suspicion falls on to Gil. Gil and his partner, Jess, set out to investigate who wanted to kill the PM and clear their names.
This was my first book by Robert Peston and I do want to go back and read his first two as I didn’t realise this was the third in the series but this does read well as a standalone. It’s fast paced, realistic and borders on scary with topics that could be in the news now!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Robert for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book by Robert Peston and I do want to go back and read his first two as I didn’t realise this was the third in the series but this does read well as a standalone. It’s fast paced, realistic and borders on scary with topics that could be in the news now!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Robert for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
This is the 3rd in the series but can be read as a stand alone . A brilliant political thriller that keeps you guessing till the end. This book has it all good characters and storyline.
I could tell that Robert has good political knowledge as it shows in his writing.
This book completely drew me in . I would love to say more about the book but I don’t want to spoil it . All I would say is that this book involves terrorism but is it a lone act or a group.
Well worth a read, I would recommend a read.
I could tell that Robert has good political knowledge as it shows in his writing.
This book completely drew me in . I would love to say more about the book but I don’t want to spoil it . All I would say is that this book involves terrorism but is it a lone act or a group.
Well worth a read, I would recommend a read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fairly enjoyable book, but there are too many plot holes. If you're going to make a big thing about a massive power cut, it may be better not to have someone's electric gates still working. It also flip-flopped between overstating and understating the effects of the cyber attacks that are a key element of the story. I think that it's good that a writer such as Robert Peston is highlighting the, only too real, threats that exist today. However I found this book to be a bit of a slog. I shall be checking out the previous two novels in the series, so it wasn't that bad.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is book 3 in the series but the first one I have read.
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, it was so full of tense and suspense i was completely gripped to it.
It was also unnerving at times even the possibility of such events taking place.
Set in the uk political world which can seem dark and full of suspicious characters the conspiracy theories fit right in and scarily plausible.
This had a very clever plot i throughly enjoyed it and will be reading the first 2 books now too.
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, it was so full of tense and suspense i was completely gripped to it.
It was also unnerving at times even the possibility of such events taking place.
Set in the uk political world which can seem dark and full of suspicious characters the conspiracy theories fit right in and scarily plausible.
This had a very clever plot i throughly enjoyed it and will be reading the first 2 books now too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Robert Peston writes political thrillers from a position of authority...and it shows! He has a great command of accessible language too and his books are a pleasure to read.
Having said that, you definitely have to suspend belief at points, but it is fiction, I guess.
There are small plot holes too....and, iykyk, what was all that retreat business all about? Made no sense and added nothing but confusion.
Still an entertaining read 3.5 ⭐️
Having said that, you definitely have to suspend belief at points, but it is fiction, I guess.
There are small plot holes too....and, iykyk, what was all that retreat business all about? Made no sense and added nothing but confusion.
Still an entertaining read 3.5 ⭐️
July 4, 2026
This was an interesting read - political thrillers are not my usual genre and the characters were strong - certainly a change for me. The story rattles along at a good pace and keeps the reader entertained. This was my first book by Robert Peston and works well as a stand alone.
July 7, 2026
Review to follow blog tour
July 16, 2026
Dramatic and tense this number three in the series reads fine as a stand-alone. Scarily portraying the possibilities of a future filled with autonomous AI, The Kill Switch is a fascinating look at what technology is actually capable of.
It’s full of journalistic and political characters and stories, but I have to admit it was the family aspect that i enjoyed the most. Seeing the family brought together in the time of need, seeing their resilience in trying to understand what was happening to them and providing support to eachother really added to the emotion.
It’s full of journalistic and political characters and stories, but I have to admit it was the family aspect that i enjoyed the most. Seeing the family brought together in the time of need, seeing their resilience in trying to understand what was happening to them and providing support to eachother really added to the emotion.
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