A House Divided

Division Bell #1

by Rachel McLean

Jennifer Sinclair is many things: loyal government minister, loving wife and devoted mother.

But when a terror attack threatens her family, her world is turned upside down. When the government she has served targets her Muslim husband and sons, her loyalties are tested. And when her family is about to be torn apart, she must take drastic action to protect them.

A House Divided is a tense and timely thriller about political extremism and divided loyalties, and their impact on one woman.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2018

About the author

My name's Rachel McLean and I write stories you can't put down, with characters you'll be rooting for.

I'm best known for my Dorset Crime series, which has sold over a million copies. The first book in that series, The Corfe Castle Murders, won the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award.

Here's what Clare Balding (the lead judge) had to say about the book:

'I particularly enjoyed the detail of the landscape and the humorous oddities of Dorset life. I enjoyed the richness of the characters, complexity of life for a working mother who is thrown into a new environment and has to prove herself, all over again.'

But The Corfe Castle Murders is by no means my only book. I've published five series and am working on two new ones, all of which connect. You'll find characters from each series in one or more of the other ones, so you (and I) get to follow them as they take on new challenges.

For example:

DCI Lesley Clarke is Zoe's boss in the DI Zoe Finch series and then moves to Dorset where she becomes the star of the Dorset Crime series.
DS Mo Uddin is Zoe's best friend and sidekick, then moves to Scotland for the McBride & Tanner series.
DC Tina Abbott is a key character in the Dorset Crime series and plays an important role in the new Lyme Regis Women's Swimming Club series of mysteries which stars her mum, Annie.
Zaf Williams starts off in the DI Zoe Finch series then moves to London and is one of the stars of the London Cosy Mysteries series (along with his colleague Diana and Gus the cat).
Dr Petra McBride appears in no fewer than three series and I'm planning a new series for her in 2026.
And not to be outdone, Zoe Finch has two series in which she stars: the DI Zoe Finch series of 'Deadly' books, and the Cumbria Crime series.
Once you get to know these characters, you'll find plenty of books to keep you entertained. And I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.

You can read a full list of the series and books on my books page. Each series is designed to be read in order but which series you go for first is really up to you.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey, I was initially drawn to this series of books ( as many of you will know ) because they are about my ex place of work ( UK Parliament-House of Lords ), next was the title, how current can a title be ( although it has nothing to do with Brexit ) but then there are hundreds of books about Parliament and MP’s so I went to look at the Authors page and was met with
‘I write thrillers that make you think’ and ‘ Do you often read books and wish that something would dam well happen?, well my books aim to fill that gap’....and that ( with a mixture of admiration and maybe raised eyes!!) sealed the deal
Soooo.... the story is based around Jennifer, a Labour MP and Minister and what happens on the day of a terror attack by Islamists in London and one in Birmingham ( her area and constituency ) and the repercussions on her party ( Labour are in power ) as they try to bring in controversial anti terror laws, how her party loses power, unwittingly, via her and how she, married to a Muslim copes!!, the book ends with one of her sons having been on the run after being accused of involvement with people ‘known to the authorities’ and her herself on the way to jail for ‘aiding and abetting’ her son when he was on the run!!!!!
All this betwixt a running story of battles within her party, a friendship with a Tory MP that isn’t as it seems and the Country facing riots due to the terror attacks backlash
Quite a story and yes it did make me think!
The story started brilliantly, the lead up and ‘tenseness’ of the first few minutes after the terror attack were wonderfully portrayed, living in Waterloo it was chilling to read my own flats mentioned!!
The next part that dealt with new laws to prevent further attacks, racism and immigration I felt leaned on the authors political stance maybe a bit too much and gave a one sided view of peoples feelings and reactions and at times I felt I was reading a political parties manifest rather than a book, we all know the vast majority of Muslims are not terrorists but the point at times was laboured ( pardon the pun ) this distracted a bit from the story imo
However the ending then pulled it back to the beginning and again it was a tense, exciting read with a fantastic and unexpected ending that bore no question of wether you were going to read the rest of the series, you have to if you want to find out what is going to happen next, and I do!
Of course I was really interested in how Parliament was portrayed and the detail and research used and how accurate it was and apart from a few minor details I found it was good and matched up well to what happens there, where it happens and why it happens!!
I am now going to read ‘Torn In Two’ the companion book that deals with 7 people who were affected by the terror attack
A promising start to the series
7.5/10, 3.5 Stars ( 4 on Amazon )

[Chitra Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A House Divided by Rachel McLean is the first book in the Division Bell Trilogy, a political thriller series. I took up this series for review because it reminded me of Jeffrey Archer’s Clifton Chronicles and I had thoroughly enjoyed that. This series, similar to the Clifton Chronicles, is set in England and yes, needless to say, I enjoyed the political tussle here too.

Summary

Jennifer Sinclair is a minister and a loving wife to a Muslim husband and mother to two boys. A terror attack throws their life off balance, intimidating the race of Muslims across. Although she doesn’t believe it in the beginning, Jennifer slowly realises the bitterness the society garners for them. She has to try her best to help her family out using her position but she soon finds everything collapsing around her.

What I Liked

For the sake of the readers and the continuation of the story, I did not divulge on the intricate details in the summary. Now getting to all the things I liked about the book.

It has an absorbing narrative with life like situations that is perfect for such a genre. The writing style is impressive. The main character of Jennifer – her dilemma as a minister and that of a mother and wife is what hits you the most. The books stops at a sensitive point, urging the reader to read the next in the series.

What I Did Not Like

There is nothing I didn’t like in the book. But a question keeps popping in my head. Why the timeline of 2019 and onwards? Why not the current year? Is there a purpose to it? Well, not exactly one question but the answers will hopefully reveal themselves in the upcoming books.

Other Details

The story is set in the 21st century from 2019 and 2020 in this book. The politics of our age and terror issues resulting in racism is what is highlighted here along with political tussles. Absolutely thrilling!

Would I Recommend It?

Definitely! If you read A House Divided then I’m sure you’ll be hooked on to the entire series. I will be reviewing all the books, so watch this space for the next one!


*** This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Sinclair is a MP, wife and mother. A terror attack escalates fear within the government and the country. Muslims are blamed and her husband and children become targets of racist attacks. Her husband is a Muslim.

Wow! I devoured this book in one sitting as the author wove her magic. This political thriller had me totally hooked. It has a sense of realism to it and then the author has taken it further. It begins in 2019 and is from Jennifer’s point of view giving me a great behind the scenes look as I followed her through the corridors of power. These corridors are fuelled with corruption, backstabbing, lies and liars who are intent on only saving their backsides and remaining in the job and position they want. It is good to know that there are those with principles, a conscience and a sense of what moral obligation is.

Jennifer’s home-life suffers as she has to spend more time dealing with ad meeting the demands of her job. The author shows that having a family and a very demanding work schedule is tough, but when a crisis escalates, then the pressure starts to show and cracks appear.

This is a great book that looks at not only the politics, but also takes into account the feelings of people. These feeling do incorporate racism, prejudice and hate but also that there are those that do have a sense of right and wrong.

As the story progresses from getting to know the characters and to then understanding the characters, the author also weaves in their personalities and their beliefs. It is a balance that I think she has successfully achieved and shows different points of view.

The tension that gradually increases in this book is great and there were several jaw dropping moments as I started to discover where this story was heading. The realisation that politics can be used and manipulated is used to great effect.

If you are after a story that brings all the corruption that is expected in politics then this is a book that you really do want to read. The story-line is effective and has plausibility to it, it captured my attention very early on and held it to the last pages as I was drawn deeper in.

A fantastic political thriller and first in a trilogy that I am really looking forward to reading. It gets a highly recommended from me.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost stopped reading it. I'm so glad I didn't! I got this book when it was offered free, and I generally avoid terrorist-themed books, so I'm not sure why I added this to my list. Anyway, it started slow, was not my cup of tea at all, but I hate to put a book down. I was seriously ticked off that it was not made know this was a trilogy. This book is not a stand-alone book, and if you don't like loose ends, be prepared to buy or borrow books 2 and 3. This was my lease favorite of the three. I really did read the entire trilogy in 2 days because I just could not put these books down.

ETA: It is clearly marked book one of trilogy on the cover, but when I got it on Kindle, the description did not indicate it was a trilogy. I re-read the book description given here, and it was not described as a trilogy. I think it's helpful for that type of information to be included in book descriptions.

[Kelly (purplebookstand) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A House Divided - Rachel McClean

Pick up this fast paced thriller and you’re in for a real treat! Set a couple of years from now, the events that are dealt with in the book sadly echo the climate in which we live at the moment. Jennifer works for parliament, and following a terror attack on London, she has to deal with not only the backlash at work, but also in her home life. Married to a Muslim man, with two children who are being brought up in the faith, she is only too aware of the rise in hate crimes against the community.
I don’t want to say much more for fear of spoilers but I can say that I highly recommend this book...it gripped me from the start and didn’t let go till the last page. I honestly can’t wait for the next instalment! Five stars from purplebookstand! *****

[Jéssica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read many Political Thrillers and it's something I'm trying to change one book at a time. And when I saw the blog tour about this book, I knew I had to join in and help out. It was a bit selfish on my part because I really wanted to read this book, especially because it sounded like an action pack, adrenaline and powerful book, and it's the first in a trilogy.

Rachel McLean wrote a brilliant book with compelling characters and a plot that made me wonder from page one until the very end and I'm still very curious to read the other books. Especially with a female main character that we can feel empathy towards. Rachel wrote such amazing and complex characters that gave strength to the storyline, and because I was so focus in them and the events that were happening I couldn't let go of my phone until I read the all book.

I can't imagine being in Jennifer's position, since I'm not a mom and I certainly am not a politician, but I can relate to her because part of me understands how difficult some decisions are, they will change your life and sometimes the lives of others. And that connection was also possible because of the author's writing style and the feeling she transmitted in each word, each made not only Jennifer but also every other character believable.

As I kept reading the book and start understanding the background and the political aspects that are being talked about, I saw the drama, the fear, the possibility and the struggles. There was even tension that I believe I felt in my own body. And of course there was betrayals and backstabbing.

It was a book with a pace that really was thrilling and kept me at the edge of my seat, it surprise me, it made me wonder, and overall, be scared of our future, because... in the world we live in the events in this book could happen, unfortunately, and the only thing we can really do is try our best to change things, talk about the social problems, open the minds of people to other options, and at least to have mutual respect to all ideas, religions, beliefs and ethnicity.

As a social educator, it's hard not to think about the new generations, the kids that are going to be our future, and if the world doesn't get better, open and at least respectful of everyone, what will happen to those kids? We can only have faith in every hard working people that is trying to make a good mark in the world, and have faith that the politicians can finally realize that every action as a consequence.

So, besides being an amazing thriller with all the right components to become a great tv series, or movie, it was also thought provoking to me, and I recommend it to everyone that wants to go through this chilling (and to-real) novel.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachel McLean for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A House Divided is speculative fiction that in the current political climate feels only too real. The book opens in 2019 with the country led by a Labour government. Jennifer Sinclair is the Prisons Minister and her star seems to be on the rise but two devastating terrorist attacks change everything for her and for the country. Her husband and sons are Muslim and when the Prime Minister announces knee-jerk, populist legislation in response to the attacks, she knows she can't let the Bill pass. The inevitable Islamophobia that follows terrorist atrocities means the proposals (which bear striking resemblances to Trump's so-called Muslim Ban) are widely supported by much of the Press and by a scared population. Jennifer is no rebel, she is a loyal minister who believes in her Party which means the anguish she feels at having to side with the Opposition is almost palpable. From very early in the book it is clear that she is an ambitious, dedicated politician but her principles mean she will do what it takes to do what she believes is right even though it may risk her career. Politicians aren't always the most popular people but Jennifer is a reminder that there are those who genuinely want to serve their country for the good of all.
The title of the book refers as much to Jennifer's own home as it does to the House of Commons; most politicians would say that their job affects their home life but the fevered political climate and Jennifer's part in it means the impact is felt personally by her family She believes she is at the heart of the action and understands what is happening in the country but as her husband, Yusuf and eldest son, Samir try to explain, she doesn't directly experience the results in the way that they do. Later in the book she does begin to realise that for all her good intentions and belief that she can make a difference, it may already be too late. The country has changed and even those who previously may have supported anti-racism measures have become swept up by the wave of fear that has allowed civil liberties to become eroded under the guise of counter terrorism measures.
The sense of foreboding increases dramatically as the novel progresses and what makes is so unsettling is that it all seems far too plausible. We've all seen the rise of far right movements across the world, the political dogma that demonises immigrants and refugees and the understandable fear following attacks that mean the population is desperate to see action being taken. A House Divided portrays a dystopia that is particularly terrifying because it could happen. As the first in a trilogy, there is no definitive conclusion here but the tense action and the speed at which things suddenly become much worse meant I raced towards the end of this instalment with my heart in my mouth. I will be reading the next book, Divide and Rule very soon but in the meantime I thoroughly recommend the compelling A House Divided; it is a superlative political thriller that I only hope doesn't prove to be eerily prescient.

[Julie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, like me, you have been glued to BBC One’s ‘Bodyguard’ over the past six weeks (and who hasn’t, it was fabulous, Jed Mercurio is a genius), no doubt you will be feeling as bereft as I was now it has finished. Well, I have the solution for you and it is to read A House Divided. Everything you loved about Bodyguard and more.

The book is set in the very near future in the UK as Britain is affected by a twin terror attack on Birmingham and London. At the centre of the storm is Jennifer Sinclair, a junior Home Office minister and MP for a Birmingham constituency – who also happens to be married to a British-born Muslim, with two Muslim sons. Jennifer is drawn into the political storm over how to tackle terrorism and finds her loyalties divided by her professional and personal lives.

I would call this book a dystopian thriller, except it is all too scarily plausible to believe that this is not a very real depiction of a possible future, and a not too distant one at that. In fact, it was more akin to a horror story for me. I got the same feeling reading this as do reading Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, a feeling that this book could be terrifyingly prescient.

The characters in the book are very plausible, in particular Jennifer who is someone I felt I could relate to very easily, as a woman torn between motherhood and professional ambition. I was really totally aligned with her as I went through the book and, as a result, I felt the tension through her internal battles, parental struggles and political manoeuvring and backstabbing. And backstabbing aplenty there is. Anyone who loved Michael Dobb’s House of Cards trilogy as I did will be captivated by this book and the potential as to where the next two books will take the reader.

This book is every bit as gripping as the finale of Bodyguard, especially the last quarter and my heart was racing as I was unable to put the book down. On the edge of your seat reading with a disturbing level of believability that has left me unsettled, but also desperate to read Book 2. And one burning question – why the hell would anyone want to be a politician?

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a bit of political corruption , mystery and intrigue then this book is for you . Fast paced and gripping I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading book 2 . Thanks to tbc reviewers for my chance to read

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like political corruption , mystery and intrigue then this book is for you.. I haven't read many books regarding political issues, but enjoyed this one, and found it to be a fast paced book. I am looking forward to the next book the author writes. I enjoyed her style of writing. Cant wait to read more.

[Jacob Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Rachel McLean’s novel A House Divided we meet Minister Jennifer Sinclair, a Labour party politician. The book is set in late 2019 in 2020 and in 2021. Labour is in power and Jennifer is at the top of her career. But the party and the country are soon rocked by a series of devastating terrorist attacks that take place, and the country’s mood, including the mood of politicians, darkens. A bill is put forward to take a tougher stance on immigrants from certain countries entering the UK, to help prevent another terrorist attack from taking place. This puts Jennifer in a very uncomfortable position; she has to make up her mind on some tough decisions, including, potentially, the rest of her career in politics.

Although the novel is set just a few years into our future, the issues being discussed feel very close to what is happening in today’s world. You only have to look at Trump’s travel ban in the US to realise that the ideas that Rachel McLean explores aren't very far-fetched at all, which is what makes the ideas in her book scarily plausible.

Rachel’s writing is very readable, and it does move along at a fast pace, particularly in the first half of the novel which explores the effects that the attacks have had on the public and on politicians in Westminster. Jennifer is a British woman, but she is married to a Muslim, Yusuf, and they have two children, so her own family is affected by the troubles. This is what makes the current situation within her party deeply personal to her, and her views against it come across very strongly in Rachel’s writing, particularly in a speech she delivers when the vote on the proposed bill is just about to be held. I think it's Jennifer's passion, for trying to defeat what the government is proposing, which pushes the novel forward. I could never be sure what was going on behind the scenes, in both her own party and the opposition. It did make me think of the current state in British politics at the moment, where it seems that there is always someone ready to stab a colleague in the back in their push for promotion.  

The end of this book left me gasping. A House Divided is part of a trilogy, and it has made me very keen to pick up the next book as soon as I can get my hands on it. If you are fascinated by politics, and if you're looking for a book that is character driven with an ending that will get your heart pumping, then I highly recommend giving this book a go.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a thought-provoking story, this is it. Part one of the trilogy was horrifically scary to me because it mirrored what is happening in Britain today, if not quite as extreme...yet. But the foundations are there.

I was reminded of George Orwell's 1984 and Nazi Germany and how hate, greed for power and control destroyed the world. That arrogance and racism are rife in Britain today.

This story centres around Jennifer, an MP who is married to a Muslim with two children. It highlights ignorance, small-mindedness, how easy it is to swarm a mob, manipulation of laws, greed, arrogance, corruption and much more. I realise that politicians lie and it's almost impossible to know the truth, but to blame one set of people for everything is ridiculous. I would rather have freedom than safety if it means not being allowed to speak up against evil and its intentions.

The writing style was excellent, the pace, fast, the tension astronomical and the feeling of injustice and fear high. What price is safety? Certainly not one expected from the government that demands unswerving loyalty rather than as it should be - don't they serve the population? The only light is that books like this are still allowed to be published - but for how long? Are we now led by gangsters, the prime minister the godfather? I say these things because I see what is happening in this country. Muslims are the new scapegoat. We all know that terrorism is about a few idiots who blame everything on others, but then the government is doing the same. Surely, we must look to the past to see the cause of such anger, though violence is never the answer.

I understand that this book is fictional and yet it resonated deeply and was terrifying for reasons I've tried to explain.

I've started book two and it's even worse for the horrific way this country appears to be heading.

Highly recommended if you want to think and question and realise what could be (and seems to be) an awful future of brainwashed robots who are punished for free-thinking.

[L.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!
I absolutely devoured this book, it had me gripped from beginning to end.

From the start, Jennifer Sinclair has her hands full with a political career as the Prisons Minister as well as a busy Birmingham constituency to manage, and a family with two school-aged children. She is a politician with a conscience, with principles she believes in and will stand up for – even when it means not following the party line. When she recognises anti-Muslim sentiment growing, she is keen to prevent it from getting out of control.

A fall from grace sees her return to the back benches before returning to a junior role at the Home Office. Unfortunately, a terror attack in London, only increases her workload, and results in a surge of hate crimes against innocent Muslim families like her own. Her husband, Yusuf, knows too well the effects of extremism and while he wants to be supportive of his wife, he is torn between his community and a growing mistrust of the government.

When their eldest son’s name appears on a list of “people of interest” by virtue of connections he has recently made, Jennifer’s world spirals out of control.

Without giving anything away, this story ends by placing Jennifer in a most dangerous position, one which harks back to her earlier role as Prisons Minister.

This is a fast-paced political thriller with a human touch, showing how politics affects our lives in more ways than we ever realise. Set in the near-future, some two years from now, the issues raised here are so topical and increasingly tense, because they reflect many of the sensitive scenarios facing us right now.

This book reveals party politics in all its glory, confirming suspicions that many politicians put career before country. It is all just a touch too familiar, too uncomfortable and too raw. But, by golly, it makes for a fascinating read – if only it weren’t so close to the truth.

I cannot wait for book two – it’ll be a case of ‘drop everything, and do not disturb’ when I get to jump right back into Jennifer’s story.

Well done, Rachel McLean, you’re definitely on my ‘books-to-one-click’ from here on.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

In today’s climate, there are challenges for Muslims and their loved ones because of terrorism performed by radical Muslims. There are a lot of people who don’t seem to realize, or don’t want to understand, that radical Muslims are a very small percentage of that religion. A House Divided takes place in the near future and conveys what could actually happen in a nation and in one Muslim family.

A House Divided is based on events in our world today. Being set in the UK, I learned a lot about their political system since the main character, Jennifer, is a government minister with a Muslim family. She’s torn between her government and her family and has to take a stand, but it’s not an easy thing to do. And of course there is a strain on not just her marriage but her family as the government’s policies become more and more extreme.

Rachel McLean’s writing flows well and the characters are well developed and complex. The story was interesting but started out slowly. It wasn’t until the last third of the book that it really kept my interest.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Division Bell trilogy. I have to find out what happens because of the way it ended!!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #1 in the Division Bell Trilogy.  For information, this book is based mainly around the areas of London and Birmingham.  It is also set in the near future, around the years 2019-2021.

Jennifer Sinclair is an MP for a constituency in Birmingham and also a Junior Home Office minister.  She is also married to a British born Muslim and has two sons, who are also brought up as Muslims.  Her home and political life is thrown into turmoil following a terrorist attack in central London and Jennifer finds her loyalties are tested when she suffers first hand racial attacks and then finds the Government that she has served for so long is beginning to look at her husband and sons with interest.

This wasn’t my normal genre of book, but the synopsis of a political and terrorist thriller sounded compelling reading.  The story is based very much smack bang in the middle of Westminster and just the descriptions of what goes on within the Houses of Parliament were fascinating enough without a terrorism storyline running alongside!  We have experienced so many terrorist attacks in this country over the last decade or so, and they are all as horrific as the next.  What this book gives you is insight into how decisions are made into how to deal with these attacks and also, sadly for Jennifer, an upsetting and distressing account of how a British born non-Muslim deals with the aftermath of such attacks, particularly when her husband and sons are practising Muslims.

The storyline after the first terrorist attack, whilst set slightly in the future, was scary enough to be true.  Following real life terrorist acts emotions and situations run high and this author has managed to capture these feelings and multiply them by ten.  The writing was captivatingly realistic and it was difficult to remember that this was only a novel, although could by some be perceived as a premonition of what the future may hold.

The story begins with a fast pace and continues through the book at the same speed, increasing emotion and suspense as the story moves forward.  I have to say, my heart broke for Jennifer at times and I just could not believe what was happening towards the end of the book.  Being left with a huge cliff-hanger, the scene is set nicely for the start of Book #2 of the series, which I am waiting patiently to read!

If you like politics and want to read a book that gets your heart beating faster, then this is definitely the book for you.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Sinclair is a rising star in parliament. She is prisons minister and seems set to rise higher. Splitting her time between Westminster & her home & constituency in Birmingham she enjoys the time she spends with her husband & sons.

Her world is shaken when there are two terrorist attacks, one in London & one in Birmingham. Tension & emotions run high & there are a lot of anti- Muslim sentiments flying around- which is difficult for her as her husband & sons are Muslim. When the Government seems determined to pass some knee jerk legislation which will only alienate those who feel persecuted she knows she has to act. The consequences make everything even worse.

Set in the not too distant future this was an all too believable political thriller. I liked & admired Jennifer & I sympathised with her impossible situation.

This was a great read & I look forward to finding out what happens next!

[Heather Copping · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller with a political background, set around the British Government and in particular one government minister Jennifer Sinclair. Jennifer is a labour party MP and also a wife and mother and this is where some of the problems occur, her husband Yousef and her sons Hassan and Samir are Muslim.
After there are two terrorist incidents both around Waterloo in London and in her constituency area in Birmingham, a great deal of unrest soon starts in the country, with much bad feeling towards the Muslim community. When she is asked by her boss to implement something that she is totally against she resigns from her post. Jennifer is torn between her family and her life in politics and as you read on you wonder has she made the right choice! This is the first book in a series of political thrillers and if this book is anything to go by, the others will be just as compelling.

[Dawn Brookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story that explores tensions developing in the UK following a terrorist explosion. Jennifer is a woman who becomes torn between her family and her job as the plot develops. A relatively fast paced thriller that makes one think. Main characters develop as the book progresses. Jennifer appears naive at times throughout the book but it makes the reader warm to her, a busy woman who tries to juggle family with impending laws that threaten everything she believes in and stands for. Her husband is Muslim, I don't feel we really get to know him but perhaps his character will develop in subsequent books. The book is the first in a trilogy of non-standalone books.

[JR Burke · Rating 1 out of 5]

The reason for my 1 star review is that I only find out right at the end of this book that I have to read another one to find out what happens in this story. So annoying!

If the story had come to a reasonable conclusion I would have given it 3 stars. This is because...

I found the writing really basic and didn't feel like the real story started till about 2/3 of the way into the book.

The story read to me like the author didn't have any
internal awareness of how things worked with the police or in Parliament. An example of that was where was the army of civil servants and advisors that would be around the senior politicians in the story?

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A house Divided by Rachel McLean.
Jennifer Sinclair is many things: loyal government minister, loving wife and devoted mother.
But when a terror attack threatens her family, her world is turned upside down. When the government she has served targets her Muslim husband and sons, her loyalties are tested. And when her family is about to be torn apart, she must take drastic action to protect them.
This was a very good read. I liked the story and some of the characters. Looking forward to the next book. 4*.

[Linzie Aucote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is centred around Jennifer, an MP, wife and mother. Based in the near future, bombs start going off in Birmingham and London and the Muslim community is brought under fire including Jennifer's family.
This story has a good pace and great characters. I felt like I was reading the British version of the West Wing.
The story is in 3 parts and really gathers speed in the final part. I've got to get the book to see what happens next.
Thank you to TBC and the author for sending me a copy of this book.

[GARETH J DAVIES · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is mediocre at best. Shallow and amateurish. But the worst aspect of it is that it purports to be a complete story but it isn't. It gets you to the supposed climax of the story, then stops... with a little message that if you want to find out what happens next you have to purchase the next book. I call that a con job. A bit like a car dealer selling you a car and then informing you that if you want the ignition key, that'll be extra. I won't be considering any of this author's offerings in the future. A very poor show.

[Paul Adler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book as much as I usually enjoy Rachel McLeans novels. This one was not a thriller with bodies and death but dealt with an unlikely scenario about terrorists. Any Muslim could be arrested or detained for being Muslim whether a terrorist or not. I found the story a bit far fetched although the Parliamentary scenes were well researched. This book has not ending which means you have to plough through the next one to see what happens. Don’t know if I will. I will continue to read the Zoe Finch and Lesley Clark books, but this particular series is not really for me.

[Asimah Akhtar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced thriller about a mother's struggle to choose between her job and family. Jennifer Simpson is a goverment minister who's life is drastically changed after a terror attack in London. Jessica not only has to deal with the upheaval at work, but married to a Muslim man she sees the backlash innocent Muslims deal with because of such events. An interesting read with some jaw dropping moments. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given a free copy of this book to read and I absolutely loved it.
The writer creates a fast paced novel that as a reader we’re keen to follow. We become heavily invested in the story.
The book centres around a multi cultural marriage, with a heavy splash of politics and family strife. It’s a gripping read only topped by continuing to read the series. Definitely not a disappointment

[Lula Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling story, true to today’s problems and concerns in modern times and conflicts. The author was able to keep the storyline throughout the book and the interest of the reader. Anyone interested in politics would love the story line. Also to continue on with the next thriller by this wonderful author!

This story could happen in modern times where the political situation shows how colleagues can and do turn on friends.

[Stephanie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book from the minute i picked it up. Gripped by the story, it kept me going right to the end, I struggled to work whilst reading it.
The story of a Woman Jennifer in power in the House of Commons plus a constituency in our local area. How her family coped with the terrorist threats and how her son was taken in as a suspected terrorist.
At times I had to remind myself this is a book a story im reading as it was so true to life.
Cant wait to read the next in the series

[R.D. Kardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting read! First, as an American who loves British culture, I learned a great deal about the British Parliament. The issues this book touches upon are timely and relevant. The story is set in the near future, but we’re dealing with some of the same sensitive political questions at home right now. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Well done.

[Chris Tunnicliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced read about a woman who is an MP in the british parliament,married to a muslim when terrorist attack. She has to decide if she will follow the party line or follow her conscience and her heart. This story follows the machinations of government and how the attacks affect the muslim community.

A great read I am looking forward to part two.

[Georgina Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual type of book, have to admit I’ve never read a political thriller before but I really enjoyed this. You can’t really tell that it’s in the future from this book but that becomes apparent as you read the second book. Perfect build up to the series laying the foundations for what happens next. Fab