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The Kill Switch: The brand-new explosive 2026 thriller from the bestselling UK political journalist
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 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 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 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 14, 2026
The Kill Switch is the third book featuring journalist Gil Peck - and with the series having begun in the 90s this one takes us to the present day. And it certainly starts with a bang as Prime Minister Stella Barnsbury collapses during a podcast interview with Gil and his estranged partner Jess - and subsequently dies.
What follows is an intriguing story that presents the reader with some futuristic - but not so far-fetched - events, from malevolent AI to a somewhat terrifying potential brain implant as Gil is left with a 72 hour gap in his memory.
Peston draws on his experience and (I hope) takes it to the next level. There is political manoeuvring, corporate shenanigans and the genuinely scary prospect of where AI is headed, all adding intrigue to a nystery with no shortage of twists.
It's a compelling political thriller - and a series that in my view keeps getting better.
What follows is an intriguing story that presents the reader with some futuristic - but not so far-fetched - events, from malevolent AI to a somewhat terrifying potential brain implant as Gil is left with a 72 hour gap in his memory.
Peston draws on his experience and (I hope) takes it to the next level. There is political manoeuvring, corporate shenanigans and the genuinely scary prospect of where AI is headed, all adding intrigue to a nystery with no shortage of twists.
It's a compelling political thriller - and a series that in my view keeps getting better.
July 21, 2026
I read this book after going to the book launch, where I found Robert Peston very engaging and personable. Although this is the 3rd book in a trilogy, it works perfectly well as a standalone book - I had not read the previous 2 books . Our main protagonist, Gil, is a fictional exaggerated version of Robert Peston & a very likeable character that you want to root for. His partner, Jess isn't given much personality, beyond sheer determination. Their children are pleasant additions. It is part thriller, part political and part sci fi, very much focused on how AI could govern our lives in the future. Although I enjoyed it, I didn't find it as much of a page turner as I had expected.
August 3, 2026
This is the third and final book in the Gil Peston Trilogy and like the first two books in the series (The Whistleblower, and The Crash) it did not disappoint!
This book takes on a more dystopian setting with the dangers of AI being the hands of billionaires who are desperate for power. It’s really quite scary to think that the events in the book are something that could plausibly happen if AI continues this rapid expansion into AGI!
Another thoroughly enjoyable, gripping political thriller from Robert Peston which I could not put down!
Easy 5 star read!
This book takes on a more dystopian setting with the dangers of AI being the hands of billionaires who are desperate for power. It’s really quite scary to think that the events in the book are something that could plausibly happen if AI continues this rapid expansion into AGI!
Another thoroughly enjoyable, gripping political thriller from Robert Peston which I could not put down!
Easy 5 star read!
Review of advance copy
This is my first book by this author and I’d definitely read more. It’s. It’s not my usual read though I’d love to read the first two books in the series, though did find this easy to pick up.
Don’t be put off by the political stance, it was an interesting and gripping read.
Don’t be put off by the political stance, it was an interesting and gripping read.
July 31, 2026
Not his greatest work. Enjoyable, at the start I thought I was gaining an insight into the dark side of politics, it then went completely over the top. RIP Gill Peck
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2026
A cautionary tale about AI and its potential for abuse by those in power. Well written and gripping.
August 22, 2026
A political thriller romp. Interestingly contemporary- the characters and plot are a bit thin. But a good poolside read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews