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Denial
“A fast paced psychological thriller- great story, really strong characters and plenty of twists and turns right till the end! Absolutely loved the book and can't wait for the next one.”
A riot breaks out at Creech Hill Immigration Detention Centre. Zahra Idris, a terrified Eritrean detainee suffering with amnesia, escapes.
That evening, Zahra’s psychotherapist, Sam Keddie, finds his girlfriend lying unconscious in their home – the victim of a brutal attack.
When Zahra’s solicitor is found dead, drowned in the waters of the Regent’s Canal, Sam becomes convinced that his connection with Zahra is significant – and that someone wants them both dead.
He tracks down a frightened, confused Zahra in Amsterdam. But their pursuers are close behind, and Sam and Zahra are soon on the run. As they’re hunted through Europe, Sam races against time to piece together Zahra’s fragile memories and discover why she and those close to her are being picked off – one by one.
“A fast-paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you intrigued until the final page! The level of detail in the writing meant that I could really connect with the characters and places in the story. I can't wait to see what Sam Keddie gets up to next! Fantastic stuff!”
“Superb. Get it. Read it.”
“Fast paced, cinematic and full of plot twists. There was a constant sense of menace throughout”
“An astonishing book by an author who is destined to enrich the life of the nation.”
A riot breaks out at Creech Hill Immigration Detention Centre. Zahra Idris, a terrified Eritrean detainee suffering with amnesia, escapes.
That evening, Zahra’s psychotherapist, Sam Keddie, finds his girlfriend lying unconscious in their home – the victim of a brutal attack.
When Zahra’s solicitor is found dead, drowned in the waters of the Regent’s Canal, Sam becomes convinced that his connection with Zahra is significant – and that someone wants them both dead.
He tracks down a frightened, confused Zahra in Amsterdam. But their pursuers are close behind, and Sam and Zahra are soon on the run. As they’re hunted through Europe, Sam races against time to piece together Zahra’s fragile memories and discover why she and those close to her are being picked off – one by one.
“A fast-paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you intrigued until the final page! The level of detail in the writing meant that I could really connect with the characters and places in the story. I can't wait to see what Sam Keddie gets up to next! Fantastic stuff!”
“Superb. Get it. Read it.”
“Fast paced, cinematic and full of plot twists. There was a constant sense of menace throughout”
“An astonishing book by an author who is destined to enrich the life of the nation.”
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2016
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Paddy Magrane
5 books10 followersPaddy Magrane was born in the Middle East and educated in England. A psychotherapist and journalist who’s written for the Guardian and Observer, he now lives in Devon.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 21, 2016
Having really enjoyed Disorder , the first of Paddy Magrane’s series featuring psychotherapist Sam Keddie, I’m glad the hiatus has ended and another has appeared! This is real breakneck, edge of your seat thrilling stuff, chockfull of danger, excitement and some very bad men indeed, but tempered by an innate sensitivity to the very contemporary issue of immigration. The character of Zahra, in particular, who has experienced the very worst of human behaviour during her passage to supposed safety in Europe, is mesmeric from the very start, and she holds the reader in the palm of her hand with her mix of, at times, extreme vulnerability underscored by a steely resolve and bravery to overcome the evil that pursues her. I adored her character, and the way that Magrane uses her so effectively to explore important issues, and bring to the fore elements of corruption, greed and expose those that trade in human exploitation. I also liked the little areas of grey that Magrane employs in relation to one of the men pursuing Zahra, which leads us to reassess our feeling towards him as the tale unfolds.
Despite the more serious issues that the book encompasses, Magrane balances this perfectly with the ‘thriller’ aspect, as Keddie and Zahra are caught up in a desperate game of cat and mouse across a series of European locations, with all the pace and energy one would expect of the genre. There are some real heart in the mouth moments along the way, and Magrane moves us effortlessly from one impending moment of peril to the next, with a flowing and unbroken narrative. Yes, there are a couple of plot turns which may raise a mildly quizzical eyebrow, but fear not, you are so quickly moved on to more dangerous ground, that these will not deter you. Thrilling, thought-provoking and highly entertaining. What more could you possibly want? Highly recommended.
Despite the more serious issues that the book encompasses, Magrane balances this perfectly with the ‘thriller’ aspect, as Keddie and Zahra are caught up in a desperate game of cat and mouse across a series of European locations, with all the pace and energy one would expect of the genre. There are some real heart in the mouth moments along the way, and Magrane moves us effortlessly from one impending moment of peril to the next, with a flowing and unbroken narrative. Yes, there are a couple of plot turns which may raise a mildly quizzical eyebrow, but fear not, you are so quickly moved on to more dangerous ground, that these will not deter you. Thrilling, thought-provoking and highly entertaining. What more could you possibly want? Highly recommended.
September 30, 2016
I was full of praise for the first Sam Keddie book, Disorder, and I am so thrilled that the follow up, DENIAL, is just as good, if not better. Paddy Magrane, an author with a real depth of knowledge around the workings of the human mind, has woven another pulse racing thriller that this time spans the length of Europe. I doff my hat.
First off, I have to say what an incredibly likeable protagonist Sam Keddie makes. He is not an action hero nor does he spout cheesy one liners before heading into battle. He is a very grounded, very real man, who fears for his life and has genuine moments of panic. A man who runs because it is the smart thing to do. I was with Keddie every step of the way, as he chases after an immigrant who witnessed a horrific act before those responsible find them. His bravery really wins you over and I found myself rooting more than I did in the first book.
I found this story line more gripping than the first, probably due to an immigrant woman going through hell only to find it worse is more heartbreaking than rich politicians. Zahra Idris, the aforementioned immigrant, is a hell of a character, so damaged and broken but with a spirit that pushes her to extreme lengths to survive. Again, like Sam, I was with her through it all. The villains of the book, especially Wallace, carry enough menace but this book is carried on the plucky shoulders of Zahra and Keddie. My only negative was the story line of Eleanor, who was such a pivotal character in the first book. But I won't spoil it. It is touching but I did feel she was sidelined slightly.
A satisfying mix of humanity, thrills and twists makes Denial another exceptional entry into what is becoming a series of book that are guaranteed quality. Magrane is now my go to author when I recommend new books for people. So read them.....NOW!!!
First off, I have to say what an incredibly likeable protagonist Sam Keddie makes. He is not an action hero nor does he spout cheesy one liners before heading into battle. He is a very grounded, very real man, who fears for his life and has genuine moments of panic. A man who runs because it is the smart thing to do. I was with Keddie every step of the way, as he chases after an immigrant who witnessed a horrific act before those responsible find them. His bravery really wins you over and I found myself rooting more than I did in the first book.
I found this story line more gripping than the first, probably due to an immigrant woman going through hell only to find it worse is more heartbreaking than rich politicians. Zahra Idris, the aforementioned immigrant, is a hell of a character, so damaged and broken but with a spirit that pushes her to extreme lengths to survive. Again, like Sam, I was with her through it all. The villains of the book, especially Wallace, carry enough menace but this book is carried on the plucky shoulders of Zahra and Keddie. My only negative was the story line of Eleanor, who was such a pivotal character in the first book. But I won't spoil it. It is touching but I did feel she was sidelined slightly.
A satisfying mix of humanity, thrills and twists makes Denial another exceptional entry into what is becoming a series of book that are guaranteed quality. Magrane is now my go to author when I recommend new books for people. So read them.....NOW!!!
May 31, 2016
Magrane does it again. After his brilliant DISORDER, DENIAL is a powerful and satisfying triumph. A thrilling, soulful, thoughtful thriller that effectively explores the immigration crisis, but also the psychic forces and experiences the shape who we are --nationality, sexuality, memory and desire. DENIAL is a terrific, smart and masterful thriller. I await the return of Sam Keddie in the next installment of the series and congratulate the author on this stunning sequel.
July 2, 2016
Another amazing thriller from Paddy Magrane. Totally gripping from start to finish...full of highs and lows. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews