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The Path of Good Response: A thought-provoking speculative thriller, set in a dystopian corporate nightmare.
What if there were a way to make a perfect decision? If poor choices, even addictions, could be controlled from within the mind.
Schelldhardt is the largest company in the world and will do anything to grow. When Joe Massey is unexpectedly offered a role aboard Schelldhardt’s luxurious corporate headquarters at sea, his main priority is Rachel. Joe has trailed Rachel through school and university into the workplace and cannot imagine life without her.
Realistic dreams disturb Joe’s sleep as he is drawn deeper into a dark corporate world. As an inexperienced graduate, his opinion seems far too important to Schelldhardt. Why is he really there? The deposed CEO, Arnold Shendi, may have Joe’s answers, though Shendi has secrets of his own.
A new speculative thriller, set aboard a vast ship at sea.
Schelldhardt is the largest company in the world and will do anything to grow. When Joe Massey is unexpectedly offered a role aboard Schelldhardt’s luxurious corporate headquarters at sea, his main priority is Rachel. Joe has trailed Rachel through school and university into the workplace and cannot imagine life without her.
Realistic dreams disturb Joe’s sleep as he is drawn deeper into a dark corporate world. As an inexperienced graduate, his opinion seems far too important to Schelldhardt. Why is he really there? The deposed CEO, Arnold Shendi, may have Joe’s answers, though Shendi has secrets of his own.
A new speculative thriller, set aboard a vast ship at sea.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Steve Frogley
2 books5 followersSteve is an English writer of contemporary fiction. He writes speculative thrillers with original themes.
His first novel, The Path of Good Response, was originally published in 2020. It will shortly be republished by Heptagon Books, along with a sequel, The Gap.
His first novel, The Path of Good Response, was originally published in 2020. It will shortly be republished by Heptagon Books, along with a sequel, The Gap.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 21, 2026
Joe Massey and his best friend is invited to an interview for the graduate scheme of Schelldhardt, a the largest company on the planet.
Schelldhardt has reached the point where further growth will become impossible unless new ways of doing business can be found.
Expansion and philanthropy will come at a price (as it always does).
Joe and his friend pass the unorthodox interview process and join the prestigious company, which offers high salaries, benefits and clearing students loans.
The catch? They must live aboard a ship in the middle of sea and have no communication with their loved ones, and no access to the internet.
Joe is subjected to tests of moral judgement and choices to confirm his suitability for a senior role making rapid progress in the company, despite seeming to be wholly inadequate for the job.
We also learn the history of Arnold Shendi, the company’s deposed CEO whose connection to Joe and Schelldhardt is slowly revealed.
There are many surprises in the book as you start to discover the truth of what is happening onboard the ship.
The boundaries between reality and imagination are increasingly blurred.
Why is Joe, whose academic achievements can only be described as average compared to the calibre of the other recruits, so important to Schelldhardt?
The writing is powerful and compelling. The story is terrifying, poignant and timely. It stretches personal and corporate morals and responsibility to the extreme, warning of the power that large corporations have on the world and its inhabitants. This is a dystopian novel, but one which could easily be one reality with the ever expansive range of technology being developed - yes AI, I’m looking at you 👀
This was unputdownable, I was enthralled. I was terrified. I was awestruck.
A must read that will leave you questioning your own morality long after reading.
Schelldhardt has reached the point where further growth will become impossible unless new ways of doing business can be found.
Expansion and philanthropy will come at a price (as it always does).
Joe and his friend pass the unorthodox interview process and join the prestigious company, which offers high salaries, benefits and clearing students loans.
The catch? They must live aboard a ship in the middle of sea and have no communication with their loved ones, and no access to the internet.
Joe is subjected to tests of moral judgement and choices to confirm his suitability for a senior role making rapid progress in the company, despite seeming to be wholly inadequate for the job.
We also learn the history of Arnold Shendi, the company’s deposed CEO whose connection to Joe and Schelldhardt is slowly revealed.
There are many surprises in the book as you start to discover the truth of what is happening onboard the ship.
The boundaries between reality and imagination are increasingly blurred.
Why is Joe, whose academic achievements can only be described as average compared to the calibre of the other recruits, so important to Schelldhardt?
The writing is powerful and compelling. The story is terrifying, poignant and timely. It stretches personal and corporate morals and responsibility to the extreme, warning of the power that large corporations have on the world and its inhabitants. This is a dystopian novel, but one which could easily be one reality with the ever expansive range of technology being developed - yes AI, I’m looking at you 👀
This was unputdownable, I was enthralled. I was terrified. I was awestruck.
A must read that will leave you questioning your own morality long after reading.
August 24, 2021
The Cover gives an impression that this is about a single protagonist in a storm. Maybe an internal storm?
I picked up this debut novel by the author as this looked like a very interesting nail biting thriller.
The blurb was talking about ‘Do you value your mother's health above peace in the Middle East? How about your career over global warming?’. This gave me the impression that the book was a fast moving , nail biting psychological thriller.
Typically when I read a book, I take it and read it end to end usually within a week. If it is particularly fantastic or fast moving, I might finish the book in a couple of days.
The first chapter started off with some sort of an interview scenario. It involved some sort of a stampede, people falling into mud, getting stuck etc. This was a very strange opening for the book. It took me a couple of days(i read something else) to get back to the book after that. I would say not a very interesting/gripping start.
The protagonist.
Joe is the protagonist. He is not a very inspiring or lovable hero. In the initial few chapters, it seems like he has had a few interactions with the police, psych professionals perhaps for being a ‘stalker’? Joe does not seem to have a fantastic relation with his mom. She seems to have a default setting that he would fail and she warns him not to take the job and yet he is disinclined to give any weight to her opinion.
Shendi
The story moves back and forth between Joe’s POV and Stendi’s POV. It becomes obvious as the story progresses that Stendi and Joe might have a connection. However, almost all the parts that involve Stendi are very dry and very slow moving. He seems almost like a repulsive character.
Rachel
Joe seems to have an almost dependent,parasitic relationship with Rachel. In a few of the later chapters, it looks like he might have been stalking her and arrested or underwent some treatment for it. However she is still very cordial with him and calls him frequently. This seems a little contradictory to me.
As the book progresses, it seems Schelldhardt is a company that is not entirely aboveboard. They seem to give some mind manipulation drugs to their recruits and try to manipulate their dreams during the night. During the day, there is work but almost all of it seems very mundane and dry.
At halfway through the book, I was struggling to read on. Perhaps I am not the right audience for this book. In a psychological thriller, I expect it to move at a much faster pace. I am also struggling to root for a character. I guess in a book, i need a Hero or Heroine. Stendi seems repulsive and Joe not even slightly interesting or likeable.
Positives. It is a clean book. There are no gory scenes of torture, extreme scenes of sexual deviance or anything else extremely deviant or repulsive. There are a lot of suggestions of deviant behaviour but it is not highlighted.
Negatives. A very very slow burn. Reading this book within a week or continuously from start to end seems tough. Maybe read a few chapters, read another book, get back to this . I am not sure.
I picked up this debut novel by the author as this looked like a very interesting nail biting thriller.
The blurb was talking about ‘Do you value your mother's health above peace in the Middle East? How about your career over global warming?’. This gave me the impression that the book was a fast moving , nail biting psychological thriller.
Typically when I read a book, I take it and read it end to end usually within a week. If it is particularly fantastic or fast moving, I might finish the book in a couple of days.
The first chapter started off with some sort of an interview scenario. It involved some sort of a stampede, people falling into mud, getting stuck etc. This was a very strange opening for the book. It took me a couple of days(i read something else) to get back to the book after that. I would say not a very interesting/gripping start.
The protagonist.
Joe is the protagonist. He is not a very inspiring or lovable hero. In the initial few chapters, it seems like he has had a few interactions with the police, psych professionals perhaps for being a ‘stalker’? Joe does not seem to have a fantastic relation with his mom. She seems to have a default setting that he would fail and she warns him not to take the job and yet he is disinclined to give any weight to her opinion.
Shendi
The story moves back and forth between Joe’s POV and Stendi’s POV. It becomes obvious as the story progresses that Stendi and Joe might have a connection. However, almost all the parts that involve Stendi are very dry and very slow moving. He seems almost like a repulsive character.
Rachel
Joe seems to have an almost dependent,parasitic relationship with Rachel. In a few of the later chapters, it looks like he might have been stalking her and arrested or underwent some treatment for it. However she is still very cordial with him and calls him frequently. This seems a little contradictory to me.
As the book progresses, it seems Schelldhardt is a company that is not entirely aboveboard. They seem to give some mind manipulation drugs to their recruits and try to manipulate their dreams during the night. During the day, there is work but almost all of it seems very mundane and dry.
At halfway through the book, I was struggling to read on. Perhaps I am not the right audience for this book. In a psychological thriller, I expect it to move at a much faster pace. I am also struggling to root for a character. I guess in a book, i need a Hero or Heroine. Stendi seems repulsive and Joe not even slightly interesting or likeable.
Positives. It is a clean book. There are no gory scenes of torture, extreme scenes of sexual deviance or anything else extremely deviant or repulsive. There are a lot of suggestions of deviant behaviour but it is not highlighted.
Negatives. A very very slow burn. Reading this book within a week or continuously from start to end seems tough. Maybe read a few chapters, read another book, get back to this . I am not sure.
January 6, 2021
Joe Massey is offered a graduate job at sea with the Schelldhardt company. The job is everything you can dream of with luxury living quarters and a brilliant salary – including your student loan being paid off in full right at the start of employment! It’s all you’d ever want, but from the outset he becomes suspicious. Peculiar behaviour onboard, strange dreams and nightmares… Is everything really as good as it seems?
Where to start! This book has a complex and clever narrative, different to anything I’ve read before. It’s intriguing and smart and really makes you think about what you’d do for a dream job.
The Path of Good Response is told via two timelines. We follow Joe Massey right from the beginning in his interview with Schelldhardt. You can tell right from the offset it’s going to be an interesting ride, just by the way he has to navigate himself to the actual interview! The second timeline we follow Arnold Shendi, through some past experiences and also in the current day. The story is told really nicely through these two timelines, providing a full picture of the events and scenarios.
Almost the entire novel takes place aboard a ship, the Ananke, which I found an interesting take on a workplace. Being at sea for long stretches with colleagues and no connection to the outside world is intense. I can imagine it being something people would consider for the right price and it definitely provided an alternate backdrop to the usual office employment scenario.
Joe, as a central character was interesting. He was nicely portrayed as a ‘real’ person. A flawed individual, straight from university with realistic decisions and motives. I like characters who seem like people you’d meet in real life and he was exactly that, just an ordinary guy!
There was a couple of shocking moments for me, towards the end where everything comes together. I didn’t see them coming at all! The way the book and its context is linked together is really clever and I enjoyed it.
Where to start! This book has a complex and clever narrative, different to anything I’ve read before. It’s intriguing and smart and really makes you think about what you’d do for a dream job.
The Path of Good Response is told via two timelines. We follow Joe Massey right from the beginning in his interview with Schelldhardt. You can tell right from the offset it’s going to be an interesting ride, just by the way he has to navigate himself to the actual interview! The second timeline we follow Arnold Shendi, through some past experiences and also in the current day. The story is told really nicely through these two timelines, providing a full picture of the events and scenarios.
Almost the entire novel takes place aboard a ship, the Ananke, which I found an interesting take on a workplace. Being at sea for long stretches with colleagues and no connection to the outside world is intense. I can imagine it being something people would consider for the right price and it definitely provided an alternate backdrop to the usual office employment scenario.
Joe, as a central character was interesting. He was nicely portrayed as a ‘real’ person. A flawed individual, straight from university with realistic decisions and motives. I like characters who seem like people you’d meet in real life and he was exactly that, just an ordinary guy!
There was a couple of shocking moments for me, towards the end where everything comes together. I didn’t see them coming at all! The way the book and its context is linked together is really clever and I enjoyed it.
March 3, 2021
I like the story the writing style was beautiful written the cover is amazing. I loved the characters in the story you connect to them easy there allot of twist and drama in the book between the characters. This is a gripping read you enjoy thank you for the e book.
August 24, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was a brilliant piece of speculative fiction with some strong thriller elements throughout!
The story follows Joe, who lands a graduate position with mega-corporation Schelldhardt alongside his friend Rachel. From the start, there's an underlying sense of unease. Something doesn't quite add up about the placement, and what I really enjoyed was that as readers we're just as clueless as Joe is. We uncover the truth alongside him, which made the mystery all the more engaging.
The thriller side of the story works incredibly well too. Much of the action takes place aboard Schelldhardt's vast corporate headquarters at sea, creating a claustrophobic, closed-circle atmosphere. The knowledge that there's nowhere to escape to only heightens the tension as the shady goings-on begin to unfold.
One of the story's biggest strengths is the way it keeps you questioning. Why is Schelldhardt taking such an intense interest in Joe? What is his real purpose there? The answers don't come until much later in the story, and I didn't see them coming. There were several twists along the way that kept me turning the pages.
Beyond the thriller aspects, the novel raises some fascinating ethical questions. Is it ever acceptable to use technology to influence or manipulate human thinking? What if it could help people overcome addictions? What if it could remove bias and encourage decisions made for the greater good? Who gets to decide what "good" actually means?
Thought-provoking, tense, and packed with intrigue, this was a really clever read that left me with plenty to think about long after I'd finished.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next instalment, The Gap, which I'll be reviewing shortly.
This was a brilliant piece of speculative fiction with some strong thriller elements throughout!
The story follows Joe, who lands a graduate position with mega-corporation Schelldhardt alongside his friend Rachel. From the start, there's an underlying sense of unease. Something doesn't quite add up about the placement, and what I really enjoyed was that as readers we're just as clueless as Joe is. We uncover the truth alongside him, which made the mystery all the more engaging.
The thriller side of the story works incredibly well too. Much of the action takes place aboard Schelldhardt's vast corporate headquarters at sea, creating a claustrophobic, closed-circle atmosphere. The knowledge that there's nowhere to escape to only heightens the tension as the shady goings-on begin to unfold.
One of the story's biggest strengths is the way it keeps you questioning. Why is Schelldhardt taking such an intense interest in Joe? What is his real purpose there? The answers don't come until much later in the story, and I didn't see them coming. There were several twists along the way that kept me turning the pages.
Beyond the thriller aspects, the novel raises some fascinating ethical questions. Is it ever acceptable to use technology to influence or manipulate human thinking? What if it could help people overcome addictions? What if it could remove bias and encourage decisions made for the greater good? Who gets to decide what "good" actually means?
Thought-provoking, tense, and packed with intrigue, this was a really clever read that left me with plenty to think about long after I'd finished.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next instalment, The Gap, which I'll be reviewing shortly.
April 14, 2021
Joe Massey and his flatmates are invited to an interview for the graduate scheme of Schelldhardt, a powerful global company, the largest on the planet. Ostensibly working to benefit humanity, Schelldhardt has reached the point where further growth will become impossible unless new ways of doing business can be found. Expansion and philanthropy will come at a price.
Joe and his friends pass the unusual initial interview process. They join the prestigious company, which offers high salaries and benefits, immediately clears students debts and pays Joe’s mother’s care bills.
The new recruits start work in the enclosed environment of a ship sailing to an unknown destination. Joe is continuously subjected to tests of moral judgement and choices to confirm his suitability for a senior role. He makes rapid progress in the organisation, despite making many errors of judgement and conduct.
In parallel, we learn the history of Arnold Shendi, whose connection to Joe and Schelldhardt is slowly revealed.
There are many surprises in the book as the reader discovers the truth of what is happening onboard the ship. The boundaries between reality and imagination become blurred. The short chapters encourage rapid reading and the urge to learn why Joe is singled out for attention. The writing is strong and demonstrates good powers of observation.
This is a story for our times, of personal and corporate morals and responsibility and a warning of how the power of large corporations can affect our lives if left unchecked.
Joe and his friends pass the unusual initial interview process. They join the prestigious company, which offers high salaries and benefits, immediately clears students debts and pays Joe’s mother’s care bills.
The new recruits start work in the enclosed environment of a ship sailing to an unknown destination. Joe is continuously subjected to tests of moral judgement and choices to confirm his suitability for a senior role. He makes rapid progress in the organisation, despite making many errors of judgement and conduct.
In parallel, we learn the history of Arnold Shendi, whose connection to Joe and Schelldhardt is slowly revealed.
There are many surprises in the book as the reader discovers the truth of what is happening onboard the ship. The boundaries between reality and imagination become blurred. The short chapters encourage rapid reading and the urge to learn why Joe is singled out for attention. The writing is strong and demonstrates good powers of observation.
This is a story for our times, of personal and corporate morals and responsibility and a warning of how the power of large corporations can affect our lives if left unchecked.
August 22, 2026
I immediately signed up to read this book when I saw that it was recommended for fans of blurred-reality stories like Inception, The Matrix and The Truman Show. I love all of those films and I could see this book being made into a film to join them too.
Joe Massey gets an amazing job opportunity to work for Schelldhardt, the largest company on the planet. It comes with an amazing salary and benefits but it’s onboard a ship with no connection to the outside world. Joe is a bit of an average Joe, so you can’t help but wonder along with him, why was he picked for the job and how is he progressing so fast? As you’re reading it sucks you in because you want to know more about the company and what role Joe is going to play. It just all seems to good to be true.
The story has a dual timeline with CEO Arnold Shendi and we get flashbacks into his past. You get the sense that he is connected to Joe but you don’t know why. So again it sucked me in, keeping me hooked, until all was revealed with a bang.
I enjoyed the short chapters, the dual pov and dual timeline. It’s mysterious and the more you read, the more reality becomes blurred with imagination. This was another one of those dystopian stories that leaves you unsettled and a little bit on edge because with the way technology is advancing, it doesn’t seem too far fetched.
I’m looking forward to starting on the next book in the series after this one to see what happens next.
Overall, I rate this 4⭐️
Joe Massey gets an amazing job opportunity to work for Schelldhardt, the largest company on the planet. It comes with an amazing salary and benefits but it’s onboard a ship with no connection to the outside world. Joe is a bit of an average Joe, so you can’t help but wonder along with him, why was he picked for the job and how is he progressing so fast? As you’re reading it sucks you in because you want to know more about the company and what role Joe is going to play. It just all seems to good to be true.
The story has a dual timeline with CEO Arnold Shendi and we get flashbacks into his past. You get the sense that he is connected to Joe but you don’t know why. So again it sucked me in, keeping me hooked, until all was revealed with a bang.
I enjoyed the short chapters, the dual pov and dual timeline. It’s mysterious and the more you read, the more reality becomes blurred with imagination. This was another one of those dystopian stories that leaves you unsettled and a little bit on edge because with the way technology is advancing, it doesn’t seem too far fetched.
I’m looking forward to starting on the next book in the series after this one to see what happens next.
Overall, I rate this 4⭐️
January 17, 2021
Where to start with this one? This book had me hooked all the way through. It was a gripping tale of the lengths humans will go to for the greater good.
Joe is offered a graduate scheme straight out of university by the world's most renowned global company Schellardt. His dreams have all come true, a fantastic opportunity with an amazing pay scale plus his student debt is written off from the outset. The role offers so much progression and a path to changing the world for the better, but soon things start to feel wrong and Joe gets the sense that all is not as it seems.....
The story is told from two view points throughout. That of Joe in the present day working at Schellardt and also Arnold Shendi whose past and present are both explored. Their links with the path to the greater good, intricately tangled in a knot of mystery and deceit.
The whole story had an air of suspense and the plot line weaved a web which sucked me in and kept me gripped and wanting to find out more. The confusion Joe felt at the scenarios that were playing out during his induction with the company was understandable and although I predicted one reveal I certainly was not disappointed with the direction the journey took.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a clever, psychological book which truly makes you think and ask the question "what would I do for the greater good?"
Joe is offered a graduate scheme straight out of university by the world's most renowned global company Schellardt. His dreams have all come true, a fantastic opportunity with an amazing pay scale plus his student debt is written off from the outset. The role offers so much progression and a path to changing the world for the better, but soon things start to feel wrong and Joe gets the sense that all is not as it seems.....
The story is told from two view points throughout. That of Joe in the present day working at Schellardt and also Arnold Shendi whose past and present are both explored. Their links with the path to the greater good, intricately tangled in a knot of mystery and deceit.
The whole story had an air of suspense and the plot line weaved a web which sucked me in and kept me gripped and wanting to find out more. The confusion Joe felt at the scenarios that were playing out during his induction with the company was understandable and although I predicted one reveal I certainly was not disappointed with the direction the journey took.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a clever, psychological book which truly makes you think and ask the question "what would I do for the greater good?"
March 1, 2021
Thanks to @lovebookstours & @stevefrogley for the gifted copy.
Do you value your mother's health above peace in the Middle East? How about your career over global warming?
If a company runs the best graduate scheme in the world, then it can afford to be probing with its interview questions.
When Joe Massey is offered a role aboard Schelldhardt's luxurious headquarters at sea, he discovers that the company mission is beyond anything he had ever imagined. Strange dreams disturb his sleep, and it soon becomes clear that nothing is quite as it seems.
Is he really the right man for the job? And if not, then why is he there at all?
I cannot believe this is Steve Frogley’s first book. Wow what a gripping read! This is so much better than I expected. I read this book over a weekend and I could not put it down. I kept wondering where the story was going and just as I thought I had it worked out the author takes us on another sharp twist that just opens another door of.
The view point of the story focuses on present day life for Joe but also dips into past and present life of Arnold Shendi. Their link to the path of a greater good is entangled in a knot of deceit, suspense and mystery.
I would highly recommend this book. It had me drawn in from the first chapter and made me think of how everything isn’t really as it seems.
August 24, 2026
This was such an intriguing read. The story opens up with Joe and Rachel both applying for graduate positions at Schelldhardt, a big, global company.
There are so many hoops to jump through but they are both offered a job.
Joe has been obsessed with Rachel since they where both young. He's desperate for them to be together and therefore would do anything to protect her.
Their office is on a massive ship and they are not allowed any communication with loved ones back home or with each other with no access to the Internet. They are completely cut off, in the middle of the ocean so there's claustrophobic vibes. The story starts to get weird from here. Nightmares, lost memories, headaches and more! I don't want to get into the nitty gritty of the story as I don't want to spoil it for you but it's safe to say this is a non stop, head scratcher of a book and definitely stands by it's genre of a dystopian, Speculative thriller.
I will admit I was confused for some of this book as it is quite a convoluted idea. It took me a minute or two to really understand what the objective was but once I got an understanding of it then it really was an interesting concept. Like it asks on the front cover 'Can there be a perfect decision?'
I did really enjoy this and it kept me hooked until the end. Looking forward to reading the sequel 'The Gap"
There are so many hoops to jump through but they are both offered a job.
Joe has been obsessed with Rachel since they where both young. He's desperate for them to be together and therefore would do anything to protect her.
Their office is on a massive ship and they are not allowed any communication with loved ones back home or with each other with no access to the Internet. They are completely cut off, in the middle of the ocean so there's claustrophobic vibes. The story starts to get weird from here. Nightmares, lost memories, headaches and more! I don't want to get into the nitty gritty of the story as I don't want to spoil it for you but it's safe to say this is a non stop, head scratcher of a book and definitely stands by it's genre of a dystopian, Speculative thriller.
I will admit I was confused for some of this book as it is quite a convoluted idea. It took me a minute or two to really understand what the objective was but once I got an understanding of it then it really was an interesting concept. Like it asks on the front cover 'Can there be a perfect decision?'
I did really enjoy this and it kept me hooked until the end. Looking forward to reading the sequel 'The Gap"
April 13, 2021
↔The words were still engraved on the brass plaque: “Spirit of the meadow”. This was the place where it had all begun.
..
↔he was forced to elaborate. ‘I applied for the Schelldhardt scheme.’
‘Joe, I thought we spoke about this,’ she said, placing her hands ..
‘We did, but I still don’t understand why you are so against it.’
‘I just don’t think it’s the right company for you.’
‘Mum, it’s one of the biggest companies in the world. They’re renowned for their great work.
↔↔↔↔↔↔This a griping tale that hook you from the start .. Joe is offered a graduate scheme straight out of university by the world's most renowned global company Schelldhardt. A fantastic opportunity with an amazing pay scale , luxurious life onboard and also his student debt is written off from the outset. But all this soon became a night mare and suspicious. ..
↔↔↔↔Story is told from two point of views and different time line. One from joe and second from Arnold shendi. And when the story comes onboard it is just a griping tale that want you to sit and read and want you to ques is that a good path?
And I'm really surprised by the end😊
Thanku @stevefrogly for giving me an apportunity to read this book😊
..
↔he was forced to elaborate. ‘I applied for the Schelldhardt scheme.’
‘Joe, I thought we spoke about this,’ she said, placing her hands ..
‘We did, but I still don’t understand why you are so against it.’
‘I just don’t think it’s the right company for you.’
‘Mum, it’s one of the biggest companies in the world. They’re renowned for their great work.
↔↔↔↔↔↔This a griping tale that hook you from the start .. Joe is offered a graduate scheme straight out of university by the world's most renowned global company Schelldhardt. A fantastic opportunity with an amazing pay scale , luxurious life onboard and also his student debt is written off from the outset. But all this soon became a night mare and suspicious. ..
↔↔↔↔Story is told from two point of views and different time line. One from joe and second from Arnold shendi. And when the story comes onboard it is just a griping tale that want you to sit and read and want you to ques is that a good path?
And I'm really surprised by the end😊
Thanku @stevefrogly for giving me an apportunity to read this book😊
July 12, 2022
In a world where one large organisation basically runs everything and is seen as an amazing company thanks to all of the good it does in the world like saving the rainforest, a chance job opportunity coming up sees Joe Massey given a chance to join their graduates scheme which will see him based at their headquarters at sea but when a company has power like this one, what is really going on behind closed doors?
This story sees an organisation named Schelldhardt running their organisation as a highly secretive one that sees their staff having all the luxuries you could ever imagine, a career progression that sees huge pay from day one and the chance to earn money beyond what you could ever imagine but as staff begin to notice weird dreams and headaches they need to question just how a company got this powerful and what is actually going on.
Steve Frogley has truly put together a story here that works beautifully and leaves you guessing throughout as to the next twist to come but thankfully not in a way that feels forced or like it is not possible. A great piece of writing and hopefully the start of much more to come from this great author.
This story sees an organisation named Schelldhardt running their organisation as a highly secretive one that sees their staff having all the luxuries you could ever imagine, a career progression that sees huge pay from day one and the chance to earn money beyond what you could ever imagine but as staff begin to notice weird dreams and headaches they need to question just how a company got this powerful and what is actually going on.
Steve Frogley has truly put together a story here that works beautifully and leaves you guessing throughout as to the next twist to come but thankfully not in a way that feels forced or like it is not possible. A great piece of writing and hopefully the start of much more to come from this great author.
March 5, 2021
I received a copy of The Path of Good Response in exchange for an honest review.
When I was given the opportunity to read and review The Path of Good Response, I jumped at the chance! Something about the description of this book called to me.
""Do you value your mother's health above peace in the Middle East. How about your career over global warming?"
Do you risk one to save many? What if the one is your mother, father, child or friend?
Joe Massey accepts a job with the company Schellhardt and begins his new life at sea. But what does this job really entail and how do you answer these questions?
Where nothing is as it seems
"what is the path of good response?"
This story drew me in from the first chapter, first paragraph. Asking - what are these interviews for? why this job? what would I accept or do if my student loans would be paid? I was questioning myself throughout. What choices would I make? I was hooked and it did not disappoint. I am looking forward to more stories from this gifted author!
When I was given the opportunity to read and review The Path of Good Response, I jumped at the chance! Something about the description of this book called to me.
""Do you value your mother's health above peace in the Middle East. How about your career over global warming?"
Do you risk one to save many? What if the one is your mother, father, child or friend?
Joe Massey accepts a job with the company Schellhardt and begins his new life at sea. But what does this job really entail and how do you answer these questions?
Where nothing is as it seems
"what is the path of good response?"
This story drew me in from the first chapter, first paragraph. Asking - what are these interviews for? why this job? what would I accept or do if my student loans would be paid? I was questioning myself throughout. What choices would I make? I was hooked and it did not disappoint. I am looking forward to more stories from this gifted author!
August 23, 2026
We begin with an introduction from our MMC Joe attending a recruitment/interview day for schelldhardt (a company known to run ‘business for good’ and one who has high rewards including wiping student debt on day 1 of their graduate scheme)
Joe is offered a job aboard the companies headquarters which is at sea, i found it suspicious the amount of background knowledge the company had on him already before offering the position and the screening procedures-did want me to read on to find out more.
Arnold Shendi is another MMC that we get to know and i find him a very interesting character-he tells the story from a different POV and timeline and it adds a different dimension to the whole story!
Are things really as they seem? How did the organisation get to be as influential and hugely successful as it is?
Each chapter is open ended which encourages a ‘one more chapter’ response from the reader. There is lots of mystery to be solved and this book leaves you questioning ‘what would i do if faced with each of these decisions’ it really does question your morality and motivations.
March 3, 2021
4.5⭐️
This is centred around Joe Massey who applies to Schelldhardt's who are a company that ‘run the best graduate scheme in the world’. I found the interview alone great to read about. So intrusive and bizarre. To get my student debts paid though, I’d give it a go!
Joe is offered a role aboard Schelldhardt's luxurious headquarters at sea, he discovers that the company mission is beyond anything he had ever imagined. It’s not like loads happens at the start of the story but I couldn’t put the book down! Hearing about the boat, the rules, the job and strange dreams that disturb Joe’s sleep was just fascinating. It’s weird what people were willing to do to work for the company.
It soon becomes clear that nothing is quite as it seems and some of the strange things that happen just don’t tell you where it is going. Joe is a bit of an obsessive. He was flawed and realistic and his character had some weird traits but I found him an interesting main character. The book is also told from the perspective of Arnold Shendi. You hear about his past and present and find out how they are linked.
The book is complex and intriguing and had me thinking about what I would do for a dream job. Probably not what these wanted! It drew me in from the first chapter and I didn’t put it down until I’d finished so I could find out where it was going next. It is exactly the kind of book I love and I am grateful for the chance to read this for an unbiased review. I will look for more by this author, and I hope he finds more unusual settings and unique stories.
This is centred around Joe Massey who applies to Schelldhardt's who are a company that ‘run the best graduate scheme in the world’. I found the interview alone great to read about. So intrusive and bizarre. To get my student debts paid though, I’d give it a go!
Joe is offered a role aboard Schelldhardt's luxurious headquarters at sea, he discovers that the company mission is beyond anything he had ever imagined. It’s not like loads happens at the start of the story but I couldn’t put the book down! Hearing about the boat, the rules, the job and strange dreams that disturb Joe’s sleep was just fascinating. It’s weird what people were willing to do to work for the company.
It soon becomes clear that nothing is quite as it seems and some of the strange things that happen just don’t tell you where it is going. Joe is a bit of an obsessive. He was flawed and realistic and his character had some weird traits but I found him an interesting main character. The book is also told from the perspective of Arnold Shendi. You hear about his past and present and find out how they are linked.
The book is complex and intriguing and had me thinking about what I would do for a dream job. Probably not what these wanted! It drew me in from the first chapter and I didn’t put it down until I’d finished so I could find out where it was going next. It is exactly the kind of book I love and I am grateful for the chance to read this for an unbiased review. I will look for more by this author, and I hope he finds more unusual settings and unique stories.
August 21, 2026
The Path of Good Response is a dystopian thriller set aboard a huge ship which is the floating headquarters of Schelldhardt, the largest company on the planet.
Our main character, Joe and some friends are recruited into the company and take their places on the ship. But it's not long before Joe comes to realise that not all is as it seems and secrets become uncovered.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, an enjoyable read full of twist after twist and turn after turn, with a storyline that's engaging that held my attention from start to finish.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Our main character, Joe and some friends are recruited into the company and take their places on the ship. But it's not long before Joe comes to realise that not all is as it seems and secrets become uncovered.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, an enjoyable read full of twist after twist and turn after turn, with a storyline that's engaging that held my attention from start to finish.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
December 14, 2024
The Path of Good Response by Steve Frogley is a thought-provoking novel that explores ethical dilemmas through the journey of Joe Massey, who lands a prestigious role aboard a corporate headquarters at sea. The book questions personal values and global responsibilities as Joe uncovers the company’s hidden motives and wrestles with strange dreams and unsettling truths. Combining mystery with philosophical inquiry, it challenges readers to reflect on ambition, morality, and identity. A compelling read for those who enjoy suspense mixed with existential themes.
March 2, 2021
What an intriguing book and one that had me hooked from the first chapter. Straight away , characters are put into a really difficult situation - something of a dilemma - which throws the reader into wondering what they would do in (or out!) of their shoes.
So well written, very descriptive and evocative. I was looking forward to reading this story because it’s such a great premise and it was so much better than I was expecting. Had me hooked. Highly recommended
So well written, very descriptive and evocative. I was looking forward to reading this story because it’s such a great premise and it was so much better than I was expecting. Had me hooked. Highly recommended
August 23, 2026
The Path of Good Response is a riveting story told in a dual POV style narrative, both of which move back and forth through time via memories of the past and living in the present. As the story unfolds, it makes it harder to put the book down, all the way to the very end, to the last twist. This was a great start to the series, and I’m looking forward to The Gap, the second book.
The Path of Good Response: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Path of Good Response: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 11, 2021
This book drew me in from the first chapter, and set me challenges throughout, in the sense of "what would I have done in those circumstances?" It is hard to describe what happens without giving away the plot, but I found it terrifying due to its plausibility. Just read it, you won't regret it!
August 25, 2026
Everything about this book was kind of unusual and strange. The story is set on a large luxurious ship at sea, nothing is quite as it seems and our main character Joe is intriguing and obsessive.
Starting with Joe's interview with the company I was hooked. It was interesting and amusing to read the odd, in depth interview he had to go through. I was then thoroughly intrigued by what was going on aboard this ship and the dreams that disturb Joe.
It's a complex story that I had to follow closely. Very different to anything I have read before.
Starting with Joe's interview with the company I was hooked. It was interesting and amusing to read the odd, in depth interview he had to go through. I was then thoroughly intrigued by what was going on aboard this ship and the dreams that disturb Joe.
It's a complex story that I had to follow closely. Very different to anything I have read before.
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