After The Interview

by A.A. Abbott

Don’t you wish print was easier to read? Here’s your answer! This pacy crime thriller has been published in a LARGE PRINT format that’s dyslexia-friendly too.

Once business gets personal, there’s no escape...

Andrew Aycliffe’s job interview was hell. This is the story of his revenge.

It’s also the tale of Jed Gardner, an IT genius who prefers computers, music and trains to human beings – that is, until he meets Melissa Stevens. But she’s about to marry boring Boris Brooks.

Three love triangles, two murders and a fraud case later, is anyone left to live happily ever after?

With jaw-dropping twists and a surprise ending, this very British thriller grips you by the throat and won’t let go.

Printed in Verdana 14 point font with 1.5 line spacing. The large print in sans serif font, wide line spacing, cream paper and short chapters make this edition a breeze to read. Helpful to readers with visual impairment or visual stress, and dyslexic readers. Also available in traditional paperback and e-book formats.

474 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2014

About the author

Who doesn’t love a page-turner packed with mystery, twists and suspense? Those are the books I yearn to read, and I enjoy writing them, too. I’m British thriller writer A.A. Abbott – known to friends as Helen – and I believe a good read is one of life’s greatest pleasures. As a city girl, I've lived and worked in London, Bristol and Birmingham, so it’s no surprise that my books are often set there.

Like 10% of us, many of my family are dyslexic. While I'm not, I want my books to be enjoyed by readers with dyslexia and visual impairment too. That's why I publish my thrillers in a LARGE PRINT dyslexia-friendly edition as well as the standard paperback and ebook versions. Don't forget, when you’re reading an ebook, you can adjust the font on your Kindle to suit your needs. Some titles are published in a conventional large print font too. Bright Lies is also available as an audiobook, recorded by amazing voice actor Eilidh Beaton.

I like speaking to book groups, business networks and social circles, and reading my thrillers and short stories at live fiction events and on Zoom. If you're a book blogger, litfest organiser, reviewer or simply adore books, I'd love to hear from you.

I'm a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, Bristol Fiction Writers' Group, and Birmingham's New Street Authors.

Find out more about the books I love to read and write, and get free short stories, at https://aaabbott.co.uk

Reviews

[R.J. Askew · Rating 5 out of 5]

AFTER THE INTERVIEW is a cracking read. I started reading in a casual way but then it got into me and I romped through the rest of it. The story lifts the lid on a fast-moving and ruthless business world. Money, success, love and life are all at stake. Yes, people have to be highly qualified and competent to succeed in the ferrari-lane of this world. But they also need luck and nerve. And - despite modern day professionalism - they remain people and as such are no different from characters in Greek drama. So human weaknesses come into play big time. AFTER THE INTERVIEW is very cleverly plotted. Nothing is what it seems and surprising twists keep the brew boiling. There is a fine mix of believable characters in play, all facing various crises in their lives. Yes, a couple of incidents were stranger than fiction, but such is life. I especially appreciated the way the story evolved as it got under my skin. Technically, AFTER THE INTERVIEW is a fast read because of its structure, comprising just over 40 bite-size chapters. It is an ideal kindle read for those stuck in an airport, chilling in a Costa, or just looking for a bit of escapism from the usual list of chores. The story is well edited, no literals, no spelling issues. Above all the insight into bad boys at work feels right. We all play lip service to political correctness, but when it comes down to it .. Success operates by different rules altogether. AFTER THE INTERVIEW is the second of A.A. Abbott's stories that I have read. I am a picky and impatient reader. So this tells you that it is a compelling read. You don't go back for more if you are not a happy bunny, right?

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jed was a high flier who was a whizz at technology. He had built up his copy with Mark (who kept calling him mate) who was the financial manager of the company. Mark’s mate Boris was brought into the company to implement a tax dodge for the company, GardNet, and restructure the company thus saving a fortune. Boris had worked in the City for some time but he was never a 24/7 guy. He liked to be paid well for his talents and decided that working for Jed, although stressful, was worth the angst. Boris’ girlfriend Melissa was a beautiful blonde who had studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire and was totally committed to her music. They all lived in London. Boris did not particularly like music but was enamoured with this girl. Problems started when preparing for their marriage and Boris went on his stag do. Boris managed to bed a woman who took selfies and showed them to the world. At Boris and Melissa’s wedding Boris decided that the person blackmailing him over the photos was none other than an old friend Lee. Boris decided to, on his wedding day to get rid of Lee Potter, his friend, by getting him to choke on his own vomit – not a pretty sight. In the meanwhile Jed met Melissa and fell under her spell, doing everything he could to help and protect her after she found out about Boris’ philandering. Jed even stopped being a workaholic in order to return to the home he shared with Melissa – no man hath greater love!! Boris and Melissa split and Boris managed to abscond with £80 million. Andrew, who was trying to thwart Jed because of a slight at an interview, then became the CEO OF Jed’s old company invited Melissa out - obviously one thing led to another - and Melissa and Andrew became an item. The Polish janitor, Szymon, gave an added dimension, even to the extent of winning an accumulator on the horses of 3100K. There is so much more. In just 187 pages there is a script for a TV series.
‘After the Interview’ drew the reader into a fast-moving environment which encompassed the City, the need to always keep face, the speed of getting things done, the need to keep moving on, the amounts of money which could be moved around Europe if not America, an autistic child Gerald (a geek) brought up by a single minded woman who made Gerald’s love of trains, music and technology a way of life as he grew up and Andrew who became Jed’ business adversary. Jed was not a people person which enabled the story to be set. Andrew was the exact opposite. Andrew got his people to develop a work life balance, was a complete work workaholic, knew exactly what he wanted when he wanted it and could bear a real grudge for a long time, never forgiving a slight. The social implication of Szymon’s lifestyle in London as opposed to his home in Warsaw was interesting because the menace of the man was evident even to his last meeting with Boris which was so unexpected. The author kept a close eye on her characters and moved them expertly round the chess board.
An unexpected ending – very much a love story – and, more importantly, it had a happy ending for the good guys, not something that readers are used to in the twenty first century. The bad guy ends up in skip – and why not!! Did enjoy that it was set in the Jewellery Quarter with a meal at Purnell’s, against the backdrop of St. Paul’s. set in the financial heart of the City, with obscure innuendo and some gratuitous violence.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jed was a high flier who was a whizz at technology. He had built up his copy with Mark (who kept calling him mate) who was the financial manager of the company. Mark’s mate Boris was brought into the company to implement a tax dodge for the company, GardNet, and restructure the company thus saving a fortune. Boris had worked in the City for some time but he was never a 24/7 guy. He liked to be paid well for his talents and decided that working for Jed, although stressful, was worth the angst. Boris’ girlfriend Melissa was a beautiful blonde who had studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire and was totally committed to her music. They all lived in London. Boris did not particularly like music but was enamoured with this girl. Problems started when preparing for their marriage and Boris went on his stag do. Boris managed to bed a woman who took selfies and showed them to the world. At Boris and Melissa’s wedding Boris decided that the person blackmailing him over the photos was none other than an old friend Lee. Boris decided to, on his wedding day to get rid of Lee Potter, his friend, by getting him to choke on his own vomit – not a pretty sight. In the meanwhile Jed met Melissa and fell under her spell, doing everything he could to help and protect her after she found out about Boris’ philandering. Jed even stopped being a workaholic in order to return to the home he shared with Melissa – no man hath greater love!! Boris and Melissa split and Boris managed to abscond with £80 million. Andrew, who was trying to thwart Jed because of a slight at an interview, then became the CEO OF Jed’s old company invited Melissa out - obviously one thing led to another - and Melissa and Andrew became an item. The Polish janitor, Szymon, gave an added dimension, even to the extent of winning an accumulator on the horses of 3100K. There is so much more. In just 187 pages there is a script for a TV series.
‘After the Interview’ drew the reader into a fast-moving environment which encompassed the City, the need to always keep face, the speed of getting things done, the need to keep moving on, the amounts of money which could be moved around Europe if not America, an autistic child Gerald (a geek) brought up by a single minded woman who made Gerald’s love of trains, music and technology a way of life as he grew up and Andrew who became Jed’ business adversary. Jed was not a people person which enabled the story to be set. Andrew was the exact opposite. Andrew got his people to develop a work life balance, was a complete work workaholic, knew exactly what he wanted when he wanted it and could bear a real grudge for a long time, never forgiving a slight. The social implication of Szymon’s lifestyle in London as opposed to his home in Warsaw was interesting because the menace of the man was evident even to his last meeting with Boris which was so unexpected. The author kept a close eye on her characters and moved them expertly round the chess board.
An unexpected ending – very much a love story – and, more importantly, it had a happy ending for the good guys, not something that readers are used to in the twenty first century. The bad guy ends up in skip – and why not!! Did enjoy that it was set in the Jewellery Quarter with a meal at Purnell’s, against the backdrop of St. Paul’s. set in the financial heart of the City, with obscure innuendo and some gratuitous violence.

[Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast pasted After the Interview is a terrificly well written story with many twists and turns about life in the corporate world of high finance, IT companies and money laundering. It follows the interactions between housemates, prospective employers and employees and friends, a classical musician, con men and people wanting a better life for themselves. People have similar needs and wants whether they are on the high rungs of success or lower down. Does Jed display signs of Aspberger's which might explain his unwillingness to talk to his staff? What effect does this have on his business? Does it lead to murder and financial shenanigans? Highly recommend you read this.

[Val Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the Interview is the second novel by A A Abbott. Abbott is the pen name of English author Helen Blenkinsop. The author spent much of her working life in finance and big business. This background is evident throughout the story.

The author was brought up in an industrial town that saw most of its industry evaporate over time. This is a theme she has explored in stories previously. She has said she still finds it hard to believe there are housing estates where, in her youth, streams of workers surged in and out of factories every day but where that option is no longer available and warehouses and regional call centres have taken over.

As a result of this, and of the writer having worked in London, Birmingham and Bristol, After the Interview wends its way throughout England from South Shields to Bath and London to Birmingham, England. The author's love of Birmingham is evident in this book.

This is a relatively short novel set in the real business world. Its wide cast of characters is involved in murder, fraud, infidelity as well as the awful interview in the title.

The story covers wide geographical interests including a stag night in Amsterdam, The Netherlands a Children's home in Kenya, finance in Switzerland and plastic surgery in Prague, the Czech Republic.

I got my copy of After the Interview direct from the author as soon as I requested it. If you would like a copy, you can contact the author via her website: www.aaabbott.co.uk. The book is also available on amazon

[Arlene Lagos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is right on the money, pun intended, about corporate greed, lies, deception and flaws. The characters are very enjoyable and absolutely true, I swear I know a few Boris's myself. Very fast paced exciting read that sucks you right in!

[Tina Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb character driven thriller
I loved this fast paced and character driven thriller by AA Abbott. It’s a tale of corporate greed, revenge and romance, with a couple of murders thrown in for good measure! The book lifts the lid on a group of business high flyers and their associates in London and Birmingham, contrasting their lifestyles and their personal ambitions in an addictive read. Essentially a tale of personal revenge, the read swiftly gathers pace before reaching its climax.
I really enjoyed the contrast between the character of Andrew, who seeks revenge on the unsuspecting Jed. Andrew is the archetypal corporate player, who dedicates his life to his career and for whom losing is not an option. By contrast Jed, the IT genius, is completely lacking in people skills. He does not even remember the personal slight he inflicted on Andrew many years ago – that of rejecting him for a position in his firm and has no idea the threat Andrew poses to his professional and personal life. Add the actions of one of Jed’s employees, the madcap, selfish and self-destructive tax expert ‘Boris,’ and the plot very soon takes some very interesting and unforeseen twists and turns….
It was Jed, who clearly falls within the autistic spectrum, whom I was rooting for throughout. The author does an excellent job of developing his character and contrasting it with the urbane and accomplished Andrew. Just how far will Andrew go with his revenge and just how personal will he get?
Recommended to all lovers of a quality read who enjoy a twisted plot and memorable characters.

[Carla Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Stevens and Boris (Jonathan) Brooks had been together for over twelve years, and every February on the 29th he was “on edge,” waiting for her to ask the question.

Boris was now pretty comfy with his life. Having graduated, he had a well-paying job as a tax planner with undemanding hours, and a nice place in Greenwich London, a penthouse overlooking the Thames. He had an active social life. He was short in stature and was taunted often because of his height. Melissa was beautiful, and all about her music career as a flute player.

While dining at a restaurant, Melissa asked him the question he’d been expecting, and he gave the answer she wanted to hear (if not to keep her from leaving him). Her announcement gave reason for celebration, with champagne on the house.

Following the script that normally dictates such celebrative occasions, they left the restaurant and went to her favorite jeweler, which was closed. Melissa took him over to the display window and pointed at the ring she wanted. He could buy it tomorrow (put it on his credit card), then look for a better job. He was underpaid, but. . .

Boris hated Szymon, the concierge at the reception desk at the penthouse where Melissa and he resided. Why?

Jed Gardner (with OCD tendencies) was the CEO of the IT company GardNet. Mark Trelawney was the CFO, and Raj Patel was Sales Director. They approached Jed to report that Raj had a sales meeting with their biggest client, Whitesmith Insurance. Raj tells Jed that Whitesmith wants to end the contract because they disliked the company’s Indian IT helpdesk call center. But Jed is arrogant enough to state, “They can’t do that,” and then he smugly explains why. He believes he has the insurance company over a barrel to the tune of millions, if not billions of dollars, if the insurance company reneges on the contract. He is confident in his knowledge of having the upper hand. But Mark tells Jed otherwise, giving sound reasons. However, Raj said there was another way to retain Whitesmith as clients: have a call center in the UK. It has to be up and running in two months. Mark supports Raj’s solution by explaining to Jed the contract’s worth in profits, and the shareholders financial loss, and even the loss of their positions as governing heads in the company. Jed quickly comes around, though he believes it’s just an insignificant matter of data management. However, there is a criteria that Whitesmith wants GardNet to meet. Mark suggests they hire his squash partner, who is a tax manager “whizz kid,” to help the GardNet company with their tax situation.

Is Mark making a wise decision?
Will there be a meeting of the minds in company negotiations to keep GardNet in the black?
What is “Project Shield,” and why is it necessary to keep negotiations secret?
Why is it necessary for GardNet to buy the call center from Madrigal? Can it be done “tax-efficiently?”
Is Jed still carrying a college torch for Boris’ fiancée, Melissa?

Andrew Aycliffe was CEO of Madrigal. Ruby was the sales manager and negotiator, working to return cash to Madrigal’s stakeholders by finding the best prospects to buy the northern call center. She receives a phone call from Raj, knowing that he works for GardNet. Andrew isn’t quite a fan of Raj because he works for Jed Gardner. Although Raj has made the highest bid to buy the call center from Madrigal, Andrew isn’t thrilled about the idea, but tells Ruby to include Raj in the negotiations to drive the price up with competitors. “I’m not selling the call center to Jed Gardner’s company!”


The stage is now set for the “GardNet Triangle” affair. Let the greed, jockeying for power, jealousy, resentments, vengeance, plotting, blackmailing, backstabbing, thievery, racketeering, diamond smuggling, tax-manipulating, fraud and power-playing begin!

Did Andrew really want to improve GardNet’s business? How did the interview of Andrew play out with Jed? If given the chance, will Andrew destroy GardNet, or run it?

Who is A. Wright? What embarrassing photos did he have? Was Szymon also the blackmailer A. Wright?

Will Boris’ marriage to Melissa last? Or will Jed and Melissa hookup? Where does Andrew stand in this love-triangle?

What is Boris’ dealings/relationship with Caroline (a teacher and charity worker)?
Did Boris abscond with GardNet’s money?
Why did Boris buy a ticket to Prague? (Think: Herr Florian Berg)
What tragedy meets Boris?


Why did Darryl Danville, COO of Stargate, the private equity house with Angie Ross CFO, make an investigation into the GardNet company after the Boris situation?


To name a few other characters in this read: Valerie (Jed’s PA) , Lee, Eleanor (Jed’s ailing mother), Helena (Mark’s banker wife), Lucy (the young HR bunny and Human Resources Manager of GardNet), Jennie (Lucy’s friend and dating coach), Lech (Szymon’s Friend), Monica, Lianne (Life coach), Christina, Virginia (Eleanor’s youngest sister) and her two children Darren and Monica, Scott Georgeson (a headhunter).


Yes, this novel is about the dog-eat-dog world of High-Tec business intrigue. A.A. Abbott cleverly uses the characters’ personalities, wits, and underhandedness like game chess pieces, and he does so skillfully to the point that one often vacillates on which character to love, hate, or trust. He uses not only a corporate triangle, but also a lovers’ triangle to add to the tension. Fascinating and exhilarating read!

After the interview, A.A. Abbott, you’re HIRED!

[Kelly Pinella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't include a spoiler here. The first few chapters introduce several characters from the office, particularly the finance department, and one starving artist who plays the flute. We also see what is happening after work hours when these characters go out for a drink. I found Boris to be an interesting character because he is an IT genius but a loser when it comes to women and getting drunk. The story centers mainly on what I call brilliant developmental dialogue among white collar workers and what happens 'after the interview' - shall I give away the story? No, I won't. Follow the dialogue and you will learn more about sexy characters in the office. For ages 18 and up.

Abbott unfolds this thriller, dropping clues in conversations while building suspense. Who is going to lose their job? Who is going to gain a new position? Who is the real loser? Who is going to get caught? "After the Interview" is the first book I've read by Abbott, and I'll be reading more.

[Shelfish Twitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, and very easy to read.
There are lots of twists, turns, and the underlying knowledge that karma will always come back to bite you right when it really hurts. There are a plethora of very interesting characters, all with their own drivers. Boris is hilarious. He really can't say no, and when it comes to women - well - I just wanted to smack him. He doesn't want to get married, but he'll do anything for this beautiful woman. Including getting himself a job with someone he knew a very long time ago, who still holds a grudge. I really enjoyed the setting in this book as well, as the readers trips across England, remote locations, and even into the depths of Europe. This book combines greed, love, obsession, and all things that wrap people up in knots in the corporate world. A very enjoyable thriller!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew--this was a roller-coaster ride of nonstop action, drama and intense suspense. The setting introduces us to a world where money, technology and human nature can easily muddle everything. Grudges from years before can still affect people in the present day. Beautiful women and unreasonable requests. There are plenty of details to make this story come alive, not to mention the charming MC, Boris and of course, Melisaa. I enjoyed the wide, varied cast of characters and honestly couldn't put the book down. Without giving too much away, I'll just say to give this book a chance and you'll likely find yourself pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect to become so invested in the characters and the story, but I did! A fantastic story, well-developed with good twists. I'll definitely read more from Abbott again.

[Carolyn Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bad interview, still a wounding memory for one character yet forgotten by the other, is the thread which connects the men and women who populate this book. The action centres round GardNet, an IT systems provider, whose biggest client has insisted that their call centre in India be closed down in favour of a British one, specifically staffed by Geordies because they are perceived as reliable! When an established IT support business in South Shields comes on the market, Jed Gardner, CEO of GardNet, believes the problem is solved. But what follows is a black comedy of errors, the characters weaving in and out of each other's lives in a tapestry of sex, booze and bodies. This intriguing read is just what a thriller should be: stylish, pacy and unpredictable, written with authority and panache.

[Dorcas Rosina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Abbott’s second novel; the first being Up in Smoke; she’s well into her stride now creating fiction spawned from the corporate world. After The Interview is a caffeine-fuelled tax romp; but at the heart of the plot is old-fashioned romance and upon which of the male business bodkins the rosy cloak of love is going to fall you are never quite sure right up until the very end.

It’s a breezy read; those pages turn fast as the story whisks along; but, After The Interview has some lessons to teach us: whether you are a head-honcho or a mere minion you can be susceptible to the frailties of human nature and end up on the rubbish pile just as easily.

[Steve Bridger · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the Interview weaves love, hate,envy and revenge into a multi-layered and gripping tale. It transposes the law of the jungle to a lawless world of business. Essential human traits that have been in existence since the dawn of time are played out in the boardrooms of today. If you want to exchange a boring business text book for a thriller set against the backdrop of high finance and low cunning then 'After the Interview' should be your next choice of a commuter read. The story would suit anHBO series as it would make great viewing as well as a gripping read.

[Gail Harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrelenting Escalation of Tension!

After the Interview is a truly gripping tale of vengeance in London’s fast-paced high tech industry. The future of companies and the very lives of characters all hinge on smoldering resentments from minor events, long past and a romantic triangle that escalates tension. A.A. Abbott’s characters are human, built skillfully with an eye to exploiting their very human foibles. This is an absorbing novel that, frankly, makes it difficult to concentrate on anything else. It’s highly satisfying!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boris and Melissa have lived together for over twelve years, but their lives change drastically when they decide to get married. Feeling the need for a better income Boris finds a new job through an old friend. As he continues to make changes in his life he rationalizes every action one step at a time. Will it make for a happier life for Boris and his new wife? You’ll have to read it to find out!
I especially enjoyed the story’s setting in London, Birmingham, and Europe and the ins and outs of high finance, high tech, and tax law! After the Interview tells an interesting, story.

[Bazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Interview was one of the best reads I have come across for some years. Its well structured plot lines realistic,characters that I am sure I have probably met, made this an unforgettable, for the best of reasons, read.

Anna Hurl's art work for the book cover is clearly the work of a skilled designer. By using an obvious professional again, A A Abbott has wisely done credit to her novel.

Read it and enjoy it.

[S. Willett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This weave of peoples’ lives, set in the UK’s business world, brings us face to face with good and evil spun by the lust for wealth and power.

My favorite lesson in the story – The way you treat people may come back to haunt you.

Nice read, A.A. Abbott.

[Rose Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this immensely.
The characters were well thought out and very believable.
The plot moved at a fast pace and kept me hooked.
A great holiday read.

[Jon Ricson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This taut industrial thriller set in the UK was obviously penned by someone with knowledge of it's inner workings. Good characters, nice pacing, and realistic conversation make this a fun quick read!