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Look Closer
How far would you go to protect a secret? How far would you go to expose a lie?
Will Fletcher seems to have it all – perfect job, perfect life. Then in one act of extreme violence, his world turns upside down.
A bungled assassination attempt on a London street uncovers a disturbing conspiracy fuelled by organised crime and political ambition. Now, Will finds himself on the run, pursued by a dangerous enemy who will stop at nothing to protect his employer’s past.
With the killer closing in on him, Will is running out of time to deliver his own version of vigilante justice and expose the corruption. As the web of lies and deceit unravels, Will knows the answer’s out there.
All he has to do is look closer.
Everyone has secrets. Everyone lies.
Look Closer: A gripping fast paced thriller from the author of the bestselling Detective Kay Hunter series.
Will Fletcher seems to have it all – perfect job, perfect life. Then in one act of extreme violence, his world turns upside down.
A bungled assassination attempt on a London street uncovers a disturbing conspiracy fuelled by organised crime and political ambition. Now, Will finds himself on the run, pursued by a dangerous enemy who will stop at nothing to protect his employer’s past.
With the killer closing in on him, Will is running out of time to deliver his own version of vigilante justice and expose the corruption. As the web of lies and deceit unravels, Will knows the answer’s out there.
All he has to do is look closer.
Everyone has secrets. Everyone lies.
Look Closer: A gripping fast paced thriller from the author of the bestselling Detective Kay Hunter series.
360 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2015
85 people are currently reading
13389 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Amphlett
233 books716 followersBefore turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 40 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 40 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 9, 2023
This was a speedy and very exciting read and exactly what I expect from this author.
Will is fighting for his life in a struggle with corrupt politicians. Amy is in a coma and may be close to death. All Will can do is run and hide and try to make sense of the evidence which could possibly expose the baddies and bring them down.
The story is fast paced and very tense, and has one really big twist that I certainly did not see coming. A great way to spend my Sunday afternoon. Five stars.
Will is fighting for his life in a struggle with corrupt politicians. Amy is in a coma and may be close to death. All Will can do is run and hide and try to make sense of the evidence which could possibly expose the baddies and bring them down.
The story is fast paced and very tense, and has one really big twist that I certainly did not see coming. A great way to spend my Sunday afternoon. Five stars.
June 21, 2016
When Will and Amy had heated words regarding a journalistic interview Amy was conducting the following day and Will went to bed angry, he little knew Amy would be in hospital after an assassination attempt on the person she was interviewing went very wrong. The devastation Will felt on hearing the news the following morning also found him on the run from the very people who had put Amy in the coma and fighting for her life. He had no idea what was going on, but he was equally determined to discover who the perpetrators were before it was too late.
But the combination of politics and organised crime was way over Will’s head. What was he to do? Could he follow the confusing and convoluted clues which Amy had been sure Will (and no one else) would understand? Time was running out and Will had no idea who he could trust. With the bodies mounting, he knew those chasing him would stop at nothing…
Look Closer by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett was a fast paced thriller that had me completely engrossed. Twists and turns dotted this intense and suspense filled novel; I couldn’t put it down! An intriguing and fascinating plot, Look Closer is a thriller I highly recommend. This author never disappoints!
But the combination of politics and organised crime was way over Will’s head. What was he to do? Could he follow the confusing and convoluted clues which Amy had been sure Will (and no one else) would understand? Time was running out and Will had no idea who he could trust. With the bodies mounting, he knew those chasing him would stop at nothing…
Look Closer by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett was a fast paced thriller that had me completely engrossed. Twists and turns dotted this intense and suspense filled novel; I couldn’t put it down! An intriguing and fascinating plot, Look Closer is a thriller I highly recommend. This author never disappoints!
May 11, 2017
All my reviews can be found at www.noveldeelights.com
I'm a big fan of Rachel Amphlett's Kay Hunter series but I'd never read any of her other work so I was really excited when the opportunity to review this book came my way.
Will Fletcher is an ordinary guy with a ordinary job, working at the British Museum. But then there's an assassination attempt on a politician running to be the next Prime Minister and Will's life is turned upside down. Suddenly he finds himself caught in a web of lies and deceit, with bad guys on his back at every turn.
Look Closer has a brilliantly constructed plot with a few surprises and twists and turns along the way. It's well written, captivating and gripping. I felt really sympathetic towards Will, who's desperately trying to find answers in a world he's not at all familiar with. All he can do is follow his instincts and the clues that were left behind. I can't even begin to imagine what I'd do if I were caught up in a situation like that. Let's hope I never have to find out either!
This is one excellent and exciting thriller, full of suspense and action, that held my attention from start to finish. It would make one heck of a movie, as in many ways, it reminded me of a good old fashioned spy movie. But without the spy. That made sense in my head.
Many thanks to Rachel Amphlett for my copy, which I chose to review honestly.
I'm a big fan of Rachel Amphlett's Kay Hunter series but I'd never read any of her other work so I was really excited when the opportunity to review this book came my way.
Will Fletcher is an ordinary guy with a ordinary job, working at the British Museum. But then there's an assassination attempt on a politician running to be the next Prime Minister and Will's life is turned upside down. Suddenly he finds himself caught in a web of lies and deceit, with bad guys on his back at every turn.
Look Closer has a brilliantly constructed plot with a few surprises and twists and turns along the way. It's well written, captivating and gripping. I felt really sympathetic towards Will, who's desperately trying to find answers in a world he's not at all familiar with. All he can do is follow his instincts and the clues that were left behind. I can't even begin to imagine what I'd do if I were caught up in a situation like that. Let's hope I never have to find out either!
This is one excellent and exciting thriller, full of suspense and action, that held my attention from start to finish. It would make one heck of a movie, as in many ways, it reminded me of a good old fashioned spy movie. But without the spy. That made sense in my head.
Many thanks to Rachel Amphlett for my copy, which I chose to review honestly.
March 6, 2015
Look Closer veers away from typical political thrillers where the protagonist is a kick-ass ex military, CIA or similar. Will Fletcher is an ordinary person just like anyone you might work with or be friends with. He doesn’t have specialist training or an arsenal of weapons. He finds himself caught up in politics and murder with no where to turn. He must rely on his intelligence, instincts, the clues that Amy has left him and a little bit of luck.
The story had enough mystery to keep drawing you along with Will finding snippets of information and piecing them together like a jigsaw, trying to determine the complete picture before time runs out.
I quickly became enthralled in the plot. The character development and portrayal is very good. The mystery is compelling with real danger and suspense. This is a fast paced novel of political crime and the twists will have you reeling.
It all comes to a very satisfying conclusion.
The story had enough mystery to keep drawing you along with Will finding snippets of information and piecing them together like a jigsaw, trying to determine the complete picture before time runs out.
I quickly became enthralled in the plot. The character development and portrayal is very good. The mystery is compelling with real danger and suspense. This is a fast paced novel of political crime and the twists will have you reeling.
It all comes to a very satisfying conclusion.
April 28, 2019
An excellent thriller that moves at a fast pace – I couldn’t put it down! There are lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end.
February 6, 2015
Well it has happened, I am astonished! This is by far the best book I have read in a long time. I cannot fault it!
Look Closer begins with some extremely emotive drama when Will Fletcher discovers that his girlfriend Amy lies in hospital. She is in critical condition, having been shot during an assassination attempt on the man who is likely to be elected British Prime Minister.
However it soon becomes apparent that the would-be leader may not have been the intended target at all, and that it may well have been Amy in the shooter’s sights all along – especially when Will receives messages left by Amy in which she warns him that she fears for her life, and that the fact that he has even received these messages means that she was right to be afraid, and furthermore, Will must now fear for his own life.
We are then taken along with Will on a thrilling ride that is not only fast paced, but non-stop! Facing an unknown enemy encompassing conspiracy, corruption, and power hungry monsters with dark and dangerous secrets; Will finds himself desperately trying to piece together the mystery whilst also trying not to get killed – a difficult feat indeed with nowhere to turn and nobody to trust.
Amphlett skilfully creates a brilliant cast of characters, especially Will; tough yet sensitive, determined yet lost; and his terror and desperation practically bounces off the page at you. The villains of the piece are also fantastic creations; terrifying, relentless, and immensely dangerous – any reader will very much share Will’s fear and will still blindly root for him no matter how hopeless a cause it seems.
Whilst you are still reeling from all of the action and excitement, Amphlett decides to throw a twist in there that will really make your head spin, and there is not a word more I can say about it – except to maybe tell you that I’m now off to read it again with fresh ‘knowing’ eyes – so that I can have lots of little ‘A-ha!’ moments.
Look Closer is an energetic, intriguing, terrifying ride, with a twist that will smack you from here to next Friday. Put it on your ‘to read” list. Now.
Many thanks to the author for providing this book for review.
Find out more, visit www.rachelamphlett.com
Look Closer begins with some extremely emotive drama when Will Fletcher discovers that his girlfriend Amy lies in hospital. She is in critical condition, having been shot during an assassination attempt on the man who is likely to be elected British Prime Minister.
However it soon becomes apparent that the would-be leader may not have been the intended target at all, and that it may well have been Amy in the shooter’s sights all along – especially when Will receives messages left by Amy in which she warns him that she fears for her life, and that the fact that he has even received these messages means that she was right to be afraid, and furthermore, Will must now fear for his own life.
We are then taken along with Will on a thrilling ride that is not only fast paced, but non-stop! Facing an unknown enemy encompassing conspiracy, corruption, and power hungry monsters with dark and dangerous secrets; Will finds himself desperately trying to piece together the mystery whilst also trying not to get killed – a difficult feat indeed with nowhere to turn and nobody to trust.
Amphlett skilfully creates a brilliant cast of characters, especially Will; tough yet sensitive, determined yet lost; and his terror and desperation practically bounces off the page at you. The villains of the piece are also fantastic creations; terrifying, relentless, and immensely dangerous – any reader will very much share Will’s fear and will still blindly root for him no matter how hopeless a cause it seems.
Whilst you are still reeling from all of the action and excitement, Amphlett decides to throw a twist in there that will really make your head spin, and there is not a word more I can say about it – except to maybe tell you that I’m now off to read it again with fresh ‘knowing’ eyes – so that I can have lots of little ‘A-ha!’ moments.
Look Closer is an energetic, intriguing, terrifying ride, with a twist that will smack you from here to next Friday. Put it on your ‘to read” list. Now.
Many thanks to the author for providing this book for review.
Find out more, visit www.rachelamphlett.com
February 21, 2015
Secrets, lies, violence, assassination attempt, conspiracy, crime, ambition.... all wrapped up in a perfect deceit that leads beautifully to a neat twist.
With prompt and perfect dialogue Rachel leads you through the intriguing twists and turns of Will’s life – a perfect life... apparently...
With clues that would have Sherlock scratching his chin, and suspense that creates a panic to turn the page, this is yet another ‘must-read’ from Rachel.
Look Closer is something you should do with all Rachel’s work, it just keeps getting better and better.
With prompt and perfect dialogue Rachel leads you through the intriguing twists and turns of Will’s life – a perfect life... apparently...
With clues that would have Sherlock scratching his chin, and suspense that creates a panic to turn the page, this is yet another ‘must-read’ from Rachel.
Look Closer is something you should do with all Rachel’s work, it just keeps getting better and better.
September 14, 2016
Oh oh oh! OH my GOODNESS! Just could not put this book down. I thought I knew what was going on and then....and then....and then! Let's just put it this way - I definitely recommend it as an amazing thriller!
April 22, 2018
Entertaining, but reads like a first novel. Awkward dialogue, and too many continuity errors to ignore.
October 19, 2019
"A fast-paced political thriller"
Very difficult to draw breath in this one. It was fast-paced, page-turning action from beginning to end. With British politics in the parlous state it is, the story line was utterly believable. Strong characters and great settings. A thoroughly enjoyable read yet again from this author.
Very difficult to draw breath in this one. It was fast-paced, page-turning action from beginning to end. With British politics in the parlous state it is, the story line was utterly believable. Strong characters and great settings. A thoroughly enjoyable read yet again from this author.
March 19, 2015
A Thriller, LOOK CLOSER, is set in London against the backdrop of British Politics, but the scenario could be played out in any similar democracy.
When Will Fletcher's journalist girlfriend Amy is badly wounded in an assassination attempt on the likely next PM, nobody even imagines that the candidate wasn't the target. Especially Fletcher who suddenly finds himself in the position of target himself, with no real understanding of why or how his life took this turn. Or what, exactly Amy was doing at the time that she was shot.
In the tradition of all great thrillers LOOK CLOSER moves forward at breakneck pace, within a plot that's busy, twisty, turny and very involving. Using the character of the boyfriend as the central focus, a man seemingly as confused and surprised by every revelation as the reader, gives LOOK CLOSER a sense of reality and believability that would not necessarily be there if without his cluelessness about what's going on.
Given we're also in the realms of politics, you'd expect, and you get, conspiracies, corruption, power grabbing, dark and dangerous secrets and lot of intrigue. There's sufficient technological elements to make it feel real and not so much as to teeter into Sci-Fi type territory.
Given the plot and pace, character is not completely left behind. Will, in particular, is both sympathetic and strong, determined but not too action hero typed. He's desperation feels palpable and there's nothing in his character that would cause you to doubt. Which makes the final twist in the tail of LOOK CLOSER all the more surprising, and not obviously telegraphed. Having said that some readers are going to love this and others might be left chewing the corners or the ereader off. It's a final twist is delivered with some force, that actually had this reader going back to "look closer". Are their clues along the way? You'll have to read LOOK CLOSER to work it out for yourselves!
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
When Will Fletcher's journalist girlfriend Amy is badly wounded in an assassination attempt on the likely next PM, nobody even imagines that the candidate wasn't the target. Especially Fletcher who suddenly finds himself in the position of target himself, with no real understanding of why or how his life took this turn. Or what, exactly Amy was doing at the time that she was shot.
In the tradition of all great thrillers LOOK CLOSER moves forward at breakneck pace, within a plot that's busy, twisty, turny and very involving. Using the character of the boyfriend as the central focus, a man seemingly as confused and surprised by every revelation as the reader, gives LOOK CLOSER a sense of reality and believability that would not necessarily be there if without his cluelessness about what's going on.
Given we're also in the realms of politics, you'd expect, and you get, conspiracies, corruption, power grabbing, dark and dangerous secrets and lot of intrigue. There's sufficient technological elements to make it feel real and not so much as to teeter into Sci-Fi type territory.
Given the plot and pace, character is not completely left behind. Will, in particular, is both sympathetic and strong, determined but not too action hero typed. He's desperation feels palpable and there's nothing in his character that would cause you to doubt. Which makes the final twist in the tail of LOOK CLOSER all the more surprising, and not obviously telegraphed. Having said that some readers are going to love this and others might be left chewing the corners or the ereader off. It's a final twist is delivered with some force, that actually had this reader going back to "look closer". Are their clues along the way? You'll have to read LOOK CLOSER to work it out for yourselves!
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
April 28, 2015
I have come to expect a great read from Rachel Amphlett and this one not exceeded that! This is a fast-paced, exciting political thriller with a twist at the end which no-one I know who has read the book saw coming!
An extremely well-written, exciting, heart-pounding thriller, completely absorbing. One which has stayed with me, the characters are so real - and so very different from Rachel's previous novels. Write fast, Ms. Amphlet - can't wait for the next one!
An extremely well-written, exciting, heart-pounding thriller, completely absorbing. One which has stayed with me, the characters are so real - and so very different from Rachel's previous novels. Write fast, Ms. Amphlet - can't wait for the next one!
February 19, 2015
A first-rate political thriller that moves at a blistering pace. Talented novelist Rachel Amphlett keeps the outcome in doubt until the very last page. Check out the rest of my review over at BestThrillers.com
April 1, 2015
Very enjoyable political thriller, would recommend.
August 10, 2016
A well written exciting political thriller.
August 23, 2017
Nail-biting
Amy is in hospital in a coma after being shot in a hit on a politician. She is a reporter and has left some cryptic clues for Will to track down what she was working on. Will is threatened and doesn't know who to trust. At first I was mystified as to why he wouldn't contact the police as soon as his apartment was broken into. However this becomes clearer later and the twist at the end took me by surprise.
Amy is in hospital in a coma after being shot in a hit on a politician. She is a reporter and has left some cryptic clues for Will to track down what she was working on. Will is threatened and doesn't know who to trust. At first I was mystified as to why he wouldn't contact the police as soon as his apartment was broken into. However this becomes clearer later and the twist at the end took me by surprise.
February 27, 2018
A swift moving, tension charged thriller. Ordinary guy finds himself thrust into a dangerous world of powerful people with dark secrets, prepared to kill and kill again to keep this secrets safe. Set in the UK and written by an Australian, so you know this won’t be full of vapid action heroes and glamazons.
Well plotted and tightly written. If you’re looking for a quick read that will really draw you in, give this a try.
Well plotted and tightly written. If you’re looking for a quick read that will really draw you in, give this a try.
August 16, 2018
Absolutely loved this book! It's a fast paced, political thriller that gripped me from the very start. I couldn't wait to find out what Amy had got on the politician and whether Will would be able to unravel it all before he could be silenced. The twist towards the end was a bit of a surprise. A very well written and pacy thriller that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend!
July 14, 2022
For a political thriller there was zero politics and few thrills.
The slow reveal of familial relations was almost comedic and only needed the introduction of a secret evil twin to be eligible to be sold as the script for a fully blown Telenovela.
Ok for your next flight but it won’t distract you from the kid kicking your seat-back.
The slow reveal of familial relations was almost comedic and only needed the introduction of a secret evil twin to be eligible to be sold as the script for a fully blown Telenovela.
Ok for your next flight but it won’t distract you from the kid kicking your seat-back.
August 30, 2017
Lived up to its mystery thriller moniker
This is my third book by this author. I have enjoyed this one as well. Typical British mystery (which I love) that throws in a twist that you never see coming. Good read.
This is my third book by this author. I have enjoyed this one as well. Typical British mystery (which I love) that throws in a twist that you never see coming. Good read.
March 9, 2018
True to the title
I enjoyed this book very much. I have read the Kay Hunter series and can't wait till the next book comes out! This book didn't disappoint. I enjoy mysteries and will definitely look for your books.
I enjoyed this book very much. I have read the Kay Hunter series and can't wait till the next book comes out! This book didn't disappoint. I enjoy mysteries and will definitely look for your books.
May 30, 2018
Yet another great book by Rachel Amphlett. What would you do in Will Fletcher’s place. Amy is gravely injured by gun shot from gangsters. She was doing her job as a newspaper reporter. What did she do to deserve being shot. Lots of suspense and twists and turns. Who can Will trust?
October 31, 2018
Revenge can be justice an pain.
Great read, loved the way Will pursued his plan to seek justice with Amy being sacrificed to get final penance.
In the end of the story there was revenge achieved by Will, Amy, and Erin.
Great read, loved the way Will pursued his plan to seek justice with Amy being sacrificed to get final penance.
In the end of the story there was revenge achieved by Will, Amy, and Erin.
August 28, 2022
This book was a nice easy read. Just when I thought I knew where it was going and what was happening there was an unexpected twist that got me all excited and eager wanting to read more to see "what actually happens"
October 3, 2017
An enthralling novel
The characters were detailed beautifully, the plot delivered in a manner that had the reader rollover king along in an insufferable way
The characters were detailed beautifully, the plot delivered in a manner that had the reader rollover king along in an insufferable way
March 21, 2018
I really did enjoy this mystery. I am becoming quite the fan of Rachel Amphlett
June 22, 2019
Look closer was a fast paced thriller with twists and turns.....and easy to read and hard to put down.Would read more from this author.
February 7, 2021
Engaging
Up to the author's high standard. The story is engaging with many twists and with a very unique twist at the end which was very unexpected. Highly recommended.
Up to the author's high standard. The story is engaging with many twists and with a very unique twist at the end which was very unexpected. Highly recommended.
April 20, 2026
A good yarn. Read it all in one day!
March 3, 2016
There is more going on than appears in this tense thriller from Rachel Amphlett.
When his journalist girlfriend Amy is seriously wounded during an attack on a politician, Will Fletcher knows life will never be the same. Then their best friend is murdered for the sake of Amy’s laptop and it is clear that whatever she was onto is high-stakes. With Amy’s life in the balance, Will must finish what she started. Even if that means working with those who want to kill her.
There are some incredible twists in Look Closer, which toys with the reader as much as the bad guys toy with Will. There are moments when you wonder if the characters are being entirely truthful, you don’t know who you should trust or whether Will is being gullible or disingenuous. In these moments suspending disbelief depends on how deeply you’re invested in his dilemma. This is one novel that’s well worth staying with until The End. As the layers are torn back and the truth emerges you will definitely want to Look Closer.
This is the third stand alone Rachel Amphlett novel I've read (all the 'Dan Taylor' novels are on my TBR). It's my favourite. Look Closer is the kind of novel that stays with you for days. I found myself contemplating the story and the twists long after I finished reading—for me, that’s a sign of a great book.
Highly recommended.
I own a copy
When his journalist girlfriend Amy is seriously wounded during an attack on a politician, Will Fletcher knows life will never be the same. Then their best friend is murdered for the sake of Amy’s laptop and it is clear that whatever she was onto is high-stakes. With Amy’s life in the balance, Will must finish what she started. Even if that means working with those who want to kill her.
There are some incredible twists in Look Closer, which toys with the reader as much as the bad guys toy with Will. There are moments when you wonder if the characters are being entirely truthful, you don’t know who you should trust or whether Will is being gullible or disingenuous. In these moments suspending disbelief depends on how deeply you’re invested in his dilemma. This is one novel that’s well worth staying with until The End. As the layers are torn back and the truth emerges you will definitely want to Look Closer.
This is the third stand alone Rachel Amphlett novel I've read (all the 'Dan Taylor' novels are on my TBR). It's my favourite. Look Closer is the kind of novel that stays with you for days. I found myself contemplating the story and the twists long after I finished reading—for me, that’s a sign of a great book.
Highly recommended.
I own a copy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews