Parallel Lines

by Steven Savile

How far would you go to provide for your child? Adam Shaw is dying, and knows he’ll leave his disabled son with nothing. His solution? Rob a bank. It’s no surprise that things go wrong. What is surprising is that when another customer is accidentally shot, no one in the bank is in a hurry to hand Adam over to the police.

There’s the manager who’s desperate to avoid an audit, the security guard with a serious grudge against the dead man, and the woman who knows exactly how bad the victim really was...

Eight people, twelve hours, one chance to cover up a murder. But it’s not just the police they have to fool. When many lives intersect, the results can be explosive.

Genres: Fiction

391 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2017

About the author

Steven Savile (born October 12, 1969, in Newcastle, England) is a British fantasy, horror and thriller writer, and editor living in Sala, Sweden.

Under the Ronan Frost penname (inspired by the hero of his bestselling novel, Silver) he has also written the action thriller White Peak, and as Matt Langley was a finalist for the People's Book Prize.

Reviews

[Marjolein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story. Very original and most interesting plot. Adam has a deadly disease and wants to gather enough money to make sure his disabled son will be cared for after he's dead. He decides to rob a bank. Things go wrong from there. In the end all hostages within the bank collaborate to get away with murder. I liked how the author provides an elaborate background of each of the characters. I also liked the way some of their lives are intertwined. Brilliant plotting and a satisfying ending. Five stars.

[Robert Greenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Sherlock Holmes partner is incredibly prolific so when he calls attention to one of his projects, I pay attention. When he told me how proud he was of this book, I knew i had to read it and am glad I did. The book is a bank caper but unlike any other I've read. First of all, the diverse character sand their motivations are a fresh blend of types and only one of them intended on doing anything wrong that morning.

You feel for Adam, who feels he has little choice but to commit this crime to help his disabled son. But things go sideways pretty quickly and the first third of the book delves into each of the people caught up in the botched robbery and slowly he pulls the tangled web tighter. Some you like, others you loathe, and just when you think you know what will happen, something else occurs.

It has a very satisfactory ending without neatly tidying every thread.

It's a page-turner of a book and would love to see someone turn it into a film.

[Bryan Thomas Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tour de force of craft, character, and plotting this heist thriller is a must read. Cannot put it down. Complex, compelling characterization meets twisty, mutil-layered plotting and an unusual layout for the win.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a point where we can empathise with someone who has a gun to our head?
I was incredibly intrigued by the idea behind the plot for Parallel Lines. The idea of hostages coming to the robber's aid blew my mind and I was eager to get involved and see what Steven Savile had instore for me. I am in that stage of reading where I am need of a challenge, fiction that makes me think and consider key issues in modern life. Parallel Lines achieves this perfectly and my opinions/ideals were challenged a lot. I usually hate book plots that rely on so many elements being in the right place at the right time. I agreed with myself, for the sake of plot design, that the events in the book could realistically happen all at once. (which was hard as I usually overly analytical)

After deciding that it is plausible, I was able to have an enjoyable time with Parallel Lines and analyse all the more interesting aspects of this bank heist novel. Savile is smart writer, crafting an array of drastically different characters and giving them depth in such a short period of time. The narrative is shared across everyone present at the time of the robbery, so the reader gets full immersion in the experience of the trauma and emotional distress involved with being held at gun point by an unhinged, twitchy and nervous criminal is in need of an obscene amount of money.

The main focus of the novel is on Adam and his need of money to secure his son's future after he dies, but there are so many sub-plots snaking themselves around the main story that Parallel Lines has plenty to offer the reader. The atmosphere is tense for about 90% of this novel in several ways. I really enjoyed the way that the plot naturally evolved over time and didn't get overly complicated or unbelievable. I was constantly wondering how a man can achieve empathy and understanding within a group of hostages that he has a gun pointed at... and I was both surprised and satisfied with the tactics that Savile chose to include.

Parallel Lines is very lacking in any tension relieving humour, the narrative is pretty on-the-edge-of-your-seat at all times. Each of the characters have their own reasons for helping or fighting Adam and the overall sense of unity (though a brittle one) was achieved without out cliche moments or eye-rolling absurdities, which is always appreciated. It was frustrating at first to enjoy a main plot that relied on several major events all occurring together. I spent time going over the probabilities in my head (which is totally Adam's fault as he is a risk analyser) but after much deliberation I decided that it could happen.

Other than the slightly far-fetched moments, I don't have much else negative to say about Parallel Lines. I was invested in the story as I wanted Adam to get his money while managing to get out of the bank in one piece. The development and pace is nicely even and the stubborn, emotionally unstable hostages kept events interesting. I don't want to spoil to much and all my favourite parts of the novel are towards the end so I can just reassure you that events take a turn for the very interesting. Themes like unity, instability, violence, organised crime and death constantly change the tone of the narrative so it stay interesting.

I have given Parallel Lines 4.5/5 stars as it was an intriguing puzzle of thrills, emotional instability and escape planning. Each individual characters kept changing the outcome of the plot and I found my self on edge waiting for the conclusion of this high stakes scenario.

[Lynsey Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I read the first paragraph from the blurb of this book, I knew I had to read it.  I have a disabled son myself and as any parent, not just those with children with special needs knows, thinking about their future should anything happen to you is one of the most important, but scary, things you have to do as a mother / father.  It is also one of the most common things that is avoided until something shakes you up to take a stand. 

But what if that shake up call comes sooner than you expected and gives you little time to get their future covered?  What if, like the majority of the population you do not have a lifetime of funds to leave, especially when your child has disabilities?  A child who will never be able to earn their own living and the cost of having them cared for never reduces.  Your options aren't vast.

This is the crux of the book.  A desperate dying man, driven to desperate measures.  Now, I was expecting this book to be a mixture of both the heist and of protagonist Adam's life, with son Jake.  I was wrong and somewhat surprised, but not disappointed.  Apart from a few scenes at the beginning, which are essential, the novel doesn't leave the boundaries of the bank robbery.  And it works brilliantly. 

The author keeps the reader in close so the intensity of the situation is never lost.  Every character involved in the robbery has their own agenda and Savile has cleverly written on so many levels it manages to capture beautifully the dark side of human nature; when an opportunity for revenge for a life long grudge materialises will you take it?  Can money really buy silence?  If one descents from the pack should they be sacrificed?  It sets your mind thinking about a whole host of moral dilemma's.

Although this is a highly intense novel it does have some bits of dark humour which I enjoyed.  This is managed because it is written from the viewpoint of all eight people in the bank.  Each has their own little mini-story which lays the foundation for how the plot weaves together.  Savile has injected just the right about of personality into each so that one is not stronger or weaker than the other, they are just all very different.  By using this style the pace is kept moving along quickly and the variety compels you to keep turning and turning those pages, meaning you can not put the darn book down!

This is one of those novels screaming out to be transferred to screen, the writing is excellent, the characters are dynamic, the plot strong and it just leaves you asking yourself what you would do if you found yourself in the same situation (and I don't just mean in the situation of the protagonist either...)

I really can not recommend this book highly enough - but be warned, read it on a day you can just sit and read because you will not want to put it down.

[Samuel Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books are full of coincidences, because if they were not, they would be pretty dull. The action takes place during an extraordinary timescale of the characters – the time they were involved in a bank robbery, or their loved one was murdered. People are more likely to read this type of book than one about the time they picked out their new curtains. For the intrigue to happen, links between characters have to be made, but balancing coincidence is tricky. Too little and the characters don’t gel, too much and you start to think the book is supernatural. Did Steven Savile get the balance right in ‘‘Parallel Lines’’?

Adam is not just having a bad day, but a bad year. He has been diagnosed with a degenerative and incurable disease. With little time left to live he wants to ensure his disabled son is looked after, but this requires money, a lot of money. The kind of amounts that a bank would have. Adam sets out to rob a bank, but in doing so interweaves his life with a group of hostages that may be more on his side than you would think.

There is something pleasant and old fashioned about elements of ‘‘Parallel’ that makes it feel like a Hitchcock film or Agatha Christie novel. The bulk of the story is told within the four walls of a bank. A set number of characters are introduced and between them they must think of a way to cover up a crime. At its best the book relishes in this as the characters have on the hoof ideas that will see them all bond as a group.

However, this is not how Savile wanted to tell the story and to justify the books name – ‘‘Parallel Lines’, he has structured it so that the narrative bounces from the present in the bank, to the time leading up to it. Almost every character in the story is fleshed out and we get a glimpse into their motives, Adam may be the main character, but all of the people in the bank have a role to play. When done correctly the split narrative can work, but here it gets a little cumbersome. This is highlighted towards the end when the structure becomes traditional again and the pace of the book picks up greatly. The final elements of the story are by far the best.

It may have been that Savile had a pleasant, but slightly dull, story to begin with and by playing with the structure he hoped to spice things up. This does mean that we are given more hindsight into characters than the normal crime book, but it also means that everyone is catered for a little, but perhaps not enough. One character in particular engages in an incident that feels a little too cold. Their actions are possibly justified in their backstory, but this was not quite fleshed out enough to make it believable.

The parallel narratives are a double edged sword that both mask the entertaining locked room problem at the centre of the book, but also gives it a unique feel. Without the rare structure the story may have been a little too bland, but with it, the book feels a little disjointed. Still entertaining, especially during the reveal, but not an evolutionary step forward for the crime genre. Original review on thebookbag.co.uk

[Gordon Mcghie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I read loads of crime fiction I cannot think of too many stories about a bank robbery. There are books where a bank gets robbed but it is usually only a chapter or two of action then the story moves on. Parallel Lines is all about a robbery, over 80% of the story has the reader in the bank as the crime is taking place and it is a brilliant, brilliant read.

The story opens with a focus on Adam, the robber, and his motivations for holding up a bank. When things start to go wrong for him (no spoiler, it’s in the cover info) we get to see the other people that were in the bank at the point Adam pulls a gun on the cashier. From here on Steven Savile will focus on different characters who are also in the bank, we get their backgrounds, their motivations to help or hinder Adam in his predicament and we see how their lives have overlapped prior to the fateful day in the bank.

I cannot get too detailed over how the robbery and subsequent events unfold but I can assure you that Parallel Lives really had me hooked. The author brilliantly set up the different characters – each will act to preserve their own self interest, however, their futures will be linked in a way which they could never have foreseen.

What makes Parallel Lines such a compelling read is that virtually all the characters are required to become a liar at some point in the tale. For some this comes naturally, but for others they find they are required to play a role which is unfamiliar to them and their discomfort makes for fun and tense moments. But the problem with telling lies is that you cannot keep the lie going forever and, keeping me turning the pages, was the drive to find out which lies would come unstuck and the consequences which may befall the liars.

I am intentionally not giving away much about Parallel Lines – stories told this well deserve to be told in full and I would urge you to seek out this book and discover the fate of Adam and his hostages for yourself. Did I mention that this was a brilliant book? It is

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

(With thanks to newbooks/nudge-book.com for the review copy of this book and where this review is also on.)

I was intrigued by the plot for 'Parallel Lines' by Steven Savile. The main character, Adam is terminally ill and needing to provide for his disabled son afer his death, so decides to rob a bank. But when he accidentally shoots a customer, the people in the bank are in no rush to call the police.

'Parallel Lines' is one of those novels where you have to persevere to be rewarded. The first few chapters introduce the main characters and provide their background, but I really struggled to maintain interest in them (apart from the Adam) and found these chapters a bit formulaic. However, as the novel progresses and the robbery takes place, Steven Savile makes you feel part of the whole process and the characters begin to take on more shape and substance. You empathise with some of the characters and there is at least one plot twist that will surpise you. Although not a new subject for a novel, the writing is fast-flowing and entertaining as the story reaches its conclusion. The author has obviously done his research and this, along with the original take on the bank robbery plot makes the novel an easy and enjoyable read.

I wouldn't be surprised if the novel finds its way onto our screens at some point. I found the story believable and entertaining - what more could you want from a novel?

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking thriller, tightly - and complexely - plotted, but easy to read, brisk without feeling thin, lots of character viewpoints, but never feels ovewhelming. In fact, it's a testament to how well it's put together that you never get confused as to who is who, or what is happening. Also avoids the pitfall of repetition. The first few chapters follow the same or similar pattern of introducing the reader to a new character and a brief history, but before this starts to wear thin, the narrative changes up to the present situation, or goes back to a previous character. It's a deft way of pulling the reader in and keeping them hooked. Very interesting structure, full of surprises, and managed to keep me guessing all the way through (apologies for the overused cliche, but it genuinely did). Don't want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but there are a few unexpected and dark moments in here, along with some subtle emotional scenes. If you want a thriller with a difference, you couldn't go wrong with this little beauty.

[Steven Paul Leiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prolific and versatile author Steven Savile has gone quite Dickens in his novel, Parallel Lines, depending on more than several coincidences to tell a neat and compelling story of both despicable and desperate wrongdoing. But like Dickens, Saville does not use what in the real world might seem improbable coincidences just to move the plot forward, but rather as a metaphorical demonstration that in life, unlike in geometry, parallel lines sometimes do meet. As Dickens’s friend and biographer John Foster put it, “The world, he (Dickens) would say, was so much smaller than we thought; we were all so connected by fate without knowing it; people supposed to be far apart were so constantly elbowing each other…” And this is essentially what Savile portrays in his story of the strangest bank robbery imaginable that goes weirdly awry connecting the lives—and deaths—of several disparate characters in contemporary Chicago. (see the rest of my comments on my blog at http://emotionalrationalist.blogspot....

[Elizabeth Wanda C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exciting from the beginning to the end. I even laughed out loud during one part. I won't give away the ending, but wow it was certainly unexpected. The ending left me feeling like the fair closed while I was waiting in line to get on the ride.

Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Story line adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes.
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The art ties directly into the story line.

[Mjke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get on top any outstanding jobs and clear a good long time slot before you start reading this book, because you won't be putting it down any time soon. Right from the start you will be gripped, and Savile knows just how to keep you gripped.
As each character is revealed you are drawn deeper and deeper into a web of conflicts. The story begins as a straightforward tale about a good person forced into a criminal act when life conspires against him. Then it escalates. Because everyone has a story, nothing in life is black and white, and complex situations have a habit of going awry. Loved it.

[John M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cracking little book that I picked up for a quid at Waterstones - YES, REALLY, Waterstones sold something decent at an affordable price! No point saying too much about this except it's an easy read, not complicated, realistic enough (albeit stretching credibility a bit - ahem!) and has a satisfying ending.

[Kelly Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing ! I am big on narratives and this one had many different people telling the story ! It had some pretty crazy turn of events and it kept me guessing until the very end! I definitely recommend

[Kristof · Rating 5 out of 5]

a nyaralásra vitt könyvemmel túl hamar végeztem, így egy stockholmi antikváriumban a legolcsóbb polcról sikerült kiválasztani őt. abszolút pozitív csalódásként végig olvasmányos és izgalmas volt, ráadásul tökre élveztem megint angolul olvasni.

[Susan Stager · Rating 5 out of 5]

ByMiss Lyn
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Steven Savile has come up with a brilliant book.Adam is dying.His son,Jake, has Downs syndrome and no one to care for him after his father's death. Adam decides to rob a bank and use a computer thumb drive to transfer funds to care for his son.After entering the bank things go wrong very quickly.
I wish I had the words to describe this amazing book.The character development is so good and so intense that I felt I really knew and understood all the people involved. Awesome!!

[Neptune E. Kosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story as always! Savile knows this job! This is a great story that is wonderfully written with awesome characters. Sit on your sofa and enjoy!xx

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so great.. I just could not put it down.......

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery thriller! The sarcasm and humour>>>
I was on my toes for the entire thing.

[ShrtctLks]

.

[Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multi-narrative crime thriller, taking absurd insular coincidence (a usually annoying conceit, churlish to criticise here as it's built-in) to high narrative levels in building a tight and tense thriller of character interaction.

[Ann Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great twist on the standard bank robbery plot, I found it hard to put down. Not a who-doneit, but a how-doneit. How are the hostages in a bank robbery going to help the robber get away with it, and why? Highly recommended.

[Richard Whale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Adam Shaw as he tries to generate enough money to leave to his disabled son when he dies is a moving and gripping story of eight people who's lives/lines overlap in a bank robbery.
I really liked the way the characters are introduced in a very fluid and transparent manner. I found it very easy to read their individual stories and see what had led up to their meeting in the Chicago Liberty Bank.
Each live/line was clearly and thoughtfully told allowing the reader to really get inside the characters and empathize with their life-stories.
The story was fast-paced, succinctly told and rich in detail and enabled me to easily visualise what was happening.
A very enjoyable read.

[Hal]

Recommended by Marjolein