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Harry Virdee #4
One Way Out
A bomb detonates in Bradford’s City Park.
When the alert sounds, DCI Harry Virdee has just enough time to get his son and his mother to safety before the bomb blows. But this is merely a stunt.
The worst is yet to come.
A new and aggressive nationalist group, the Patriots, have hidden a second device under one of the city’s mosques. In exchange for the safe release of those at Friday prayers, the Patriots want custody of the leaders of radical Islamist group Almukhtaroon – the chosen ones.
The government does not negotiate with terrorists. Even when thousands of lives are at risk.
There is only one way out.
But Harry’s wife is in one of those mosques. Left with no choice, Harry must find the Almukhtaroon, to offer the Patriots his own deal.
Because sometimes the only way to save lives, is to take them.
When the alert sounds, DCI Harry Virdee has just enough time to get his son and his mother to safety before the bomb blows. But this is merely a stunt.
The worst is yet to come.
A new and aggressive nationalist group, the Patriots, have hidden a second device under one of the city’s mosques. In exchange for the safe release of those at Friday prayers, the Patriots want custody of the leaders of radical Islamist group Almukhtaroon – the chosen ones.
The government does not negotiate with terrorists. Even when thousands of lives are at risk.
There is only one way out.
But Harry’s wife is in one of those mosques. Left with no choice, Harry must find the Almukhtaroon, to offer the Patriots his own deal.
Because sometimes the only way to save lives, is to take them.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2019
42 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Dhand
11 books170 followersA.A. Dhand was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired his Harry Virdee novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 30, 2021
4.5 rounded down.
I think it’s fair to describe the start of this one as an adrenaline fuelled tense one. Boom. It’s also equally fair to say that the pace barely lets up until the end. Multicultural Bradford in West Yorkshire is the setting for AA Dhand’s excellent DI Harry (Hardeep) Virdee series. In this one the city becomes the centre of an apocalyptic nightmare unleashed by a far right group called The Patriots who issue a demand that threatens the Muslim community. For Sikh Harry this becomes a deeply personal quest as his Muslim wife Saima is caught up in the terror.
Harry is a fascinating central protagonist as he aims to do what’s right but not necessarily the ‘right’ way. He’s definitely a badass as several characters inform him he sure doesn’t act like a cop! I love these maverick characters, they’re my favourite kind of cop! He’s a Sikh version of a character like Harry Hole - must be something in the name! I also love the Bradford setting which is a perfect match for the personality Harry.
This is a dark intense plot which sheds a light on divisions both in society, in politics, in religion and personal ones for Harry and Saima. It’s an exciting, high octane, breathtaking storyline which is very gritty and dark. Needless to say there are numerous unexpected twists and turns which keeps you immersed. The plotters are beyond cynical and the stakes are incredibly high. There’s danger, threat and violence which Harry does not shy from perhaps that makes him foolhardy but undoubtedly brave. Parts of the ending as the truth emerges are all too believable but a couple of things are a bit of a stretch but it certainly makes for interesting reading!!
Role on number 5. Can’t wait to see what happens to Harry and Saima next.
I think it’s fair to describe the start of this one as an adrenaline fuelled tense one. Boom. It’s also equally fair to say that the pace barely lets up until the end. Multicultural Bradford in West Yorkshire is the setting for AA Dhand’s excellent DI Harry (Hardeep) Virdee series. In this one the city becomes the centre of an apocalyptic nightmare unleashed by a far right group called The Patriots who issue a demand that threatens the Muslim community. For Sikh Harry this becomes a deeply personal quest as his Muslim wife Saima is caught up in the terror.
Harry is a fascinating central protagonist as he aims to do what’s right but not necessarily the ‘right’ way. He’s definitely a badass as several characters inform him he sure doesn’t act like a cop! I love these maverick characters, they’re my favourite kind of cop! He’s a Sikh version of a character like Harry Hole - must be something in the name! I also love the Bradford setting which is a perfect match for the personality Harry.
This is a dark intense plot which sheds a light on divisions both in society, in politics, in religion and personal ones for Harry and Saima. It’s an exciting, high octane, breathtaking storyline which is very gritty and dark. Needless to say there are numerous unexpected twists and turns which keeps you immersed. The plotters are beyond cynical and the stakes are incredibly high. There’s danger, threat and violence which Harry does not shy from perhaps that makes him foolhardy but undoubtedly brave. Parts of the ending as the truth emerges are all too believable but a couple of things are a bit of a stretch but it certainly makes for interesting reading!!
Role on number 5. Can’t wait to see what happens to Harry and Saima next.
July 11, 2024
A A Dhand's DCI Harry Virdee novels have fast become my favourite crime stories bar none.
In One Way Out Bradford's rogue detective is up against terrorists holding the city to ransom. Author A A Dhand once again delivers his usual blend of nail biting plotting & a wealth of superbly drawn characters.
So far Dhand has given us four novels & a short story featuring Harry Virdee. Every single one of them has been nothing short of outstanding. Let's hope that the BBC television series Virdee, currently being filmed, will live up to the books.
In One Way Out Bradford's rogue detective is up against terrorists holding the city to ransom. Author A A Dhand once again delivers his usual blend of nail biting plotting & a wealth of superbly drawn characters.
So far Dhand has given us four novels & a short story featuring Harry Virdee. Every single one of them has been nothing short of outstanding. Let's hope that the BBC television series Virdee, currently being filmed, will live up to the books.
January 7, 2020
Helluva read - just for a change from AA Dhand :). Is it credible - of course not. Sadly the sadly is not INcredible. Fast moving, tense, powerful and Harry very much in action even if it isn;t quite clear exactly what is going on. I became a fan of Harry Virdee when I read the first book - I remain a fan after reading this and look foward to the next one.
June 21, 2021
4.5 stars rounded down to 4
A bomb goes off in Bradford City Park. When the alert sounds, DCI Harry Virdee has just enough time to get his son and mother to safety before the bomb blows. But this is just a stunt. The worst has yet to come. A new and aggressive Nationalist Group, The Patriots, have hidden a second device under one of the City's Mosques. In exchange for the safe release of those at Friday prayers, the Patriots want custody of the leaders of radical Islamist Group Almukhtaroon. Harry's wife is in one of those Mosques. Harry needs to find Almukhtaroon.
I have had this book on my kindle for a long time now. I don't know why I haven't read it before as A.A. Dhand is one of my favourite authors. It's not the day off Harry Virdee had planned on having when he took his mum and son on a picnic. His wife is trapped inside the mosque where she went for Friday prayers.
This is another action packed read. This series gets better with each new book. There is a lot of violence within the ages along with some nail biting stuff. You might need to stretch your imagination at time but I still loved this book. I hope this is not the last we hear from Harry Virdee.
#MyKindleCopy
A bomb goes off in Bradford City Park. When the alert sounds, DCI Harry Virdee has just enough time to get his son and mother to safety before the bomb blows. But this is just a stunt. The worst has yet to come. A new and aggressive Nationalist Group, The Patriots, have hidden a second device under one of the City's Mosques. In exchange for the safe release of those at Friday prayers, the Patriots want custody of the leaders of radical Islamist Group Almukhtaroon. Harry's wife is in one of those Mosques. Harry needs to find Almukhtaroon.
I have had this book on my kindle for a long time now. I don't know why I haven't read it before as A.A. Dhand is one of my favourite authors. It's not the day off Harry Virdee had planned on having when he took his mum and son on a picnic. His wife is trapped inside the mosque where she went for Friday prayers.
This is another action packed read. This series gets better with each new book. There is a lot of violence within the ages along with some nail biting stuff. You might need to stretch your imagination at time but I still loved this book. I hope this is not the last we hear from Harry Virdee.
#MyKindleCopy
June 9, 2019
Having recently read and loving City of Sinners which is the third book in the series, I couldn’t wait to read the next book and yet again the author didn’t disappoint. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, due to the nature of the story line, I felt it worked well as a stand alone.
This is such a fast paced read. We start off with Harry spending quality time with his mother and son and for once things seem to be going well in Harry’s world. Life yet again though has other plans. Within minutes his world is turned upside down and it’s a race against time to save the woman he loves as well thousands of other innocent people.
Something I am really enjoying in this series is seeing Saima taking on a bigger role in the books. I love her strength and determination and her and Harry are so well suited. In a way they are like many married couples but they have probably been through more than most.
The story line had me well and truly hooked. There are some fabulous twists in the story which flicks between Harry in his quest to solve what is going on as well as his wife in the mosque where there is a growing sense of fear.
One Way Out is an edge of your seat thriller that kept me hooked throughout. Jam packed full of tension with great pacing, this makes for one nail biting read. The author keeps managing to raise the bar with every book he writes and I have absolutely no doubt that there is still even better to come.
My thanks to Anne cater and Bantam Press for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
This is such a fast paced read. We start off with Harry spending quality time with his mother and son and for once things seem to be going well in Harry’s world. Life yet again though has other plans. Within minutes his world is turned upside down and it’s a race against time to save the woman he loves as well thousands of other innocent people.
Something I am really enjoying in this series is seeing Saima taking on a bigger role in the books. I love her strength and determination and her and Harry are so well suited. In a way they are like many married couples but they have probably been through more than most.
The story line had me well and truly hooked. There are some fabulous twists in the story which flicks between Harry in his quest to solve what is going on as well as his wife in the mosque where there is a growing sense of fear.
One Way Out is an edge of your seat thriller that kept me hooked throughout. Jam packed full of tension with great pacing, this makes for one nail biting read. The author keeps managing to raise the bar with every book he writes and I have absolutely no doubt that there is still even better to come.
My thanks to Anne cater and Bantam Press for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
July 18, 2019
Of late there have been a couple of “completely unputdownable, the only thriller you need to read this year, blah…” action thrillers, hyped to buggery that sadly have actually been quite disappointing. Oh no, you say, surely there must be a book that combines the pace of a high octane thriller, underscored by an incisive commentary on the nature of radicalism, with a thought provoking and touching meditation on family conflict and forgiveness. Well, funny you should say that. Having read the first three of Dhand’s DI Harry Virdee series, this being the fourth, I can honestly say that these books have quickly secured their grip on me, and boy, does this one ratchet up the action, with a backdrop of a terrorist atrocity in Bradford, and a race against time to prevent a further one. Also, where the first three books are intrinsically caught up with Harry and his criminal brother Ronnie (the devil and the angel of Bradford with a nice blurring of these seemingly straightforward definitions), this book sees Ronnie absent, and Harry, his wife Saima and Harry’s parents, Ranjit and Joyti, firmly in the spotlight. So, let the fun begin…
Right let’s start with the pow, kaboom aspect of this book, and that is quite clearly, the energy, pace and tension that Dhand so assuredly weaves into the tick-tock race to foil another terrorist attack in Bradford. This is proper high-octane thriller writing as the clock ticks down towards a potential attack that could cost the lives of many people. I must admit throughout the entirety of this book, I was astounded by Harry’s mental flexibility, and physical prowess, as he is tasked by the Home Secretary, Tariq Islam, to round up a group of terrorists, before disaster strikes. Harry is nothing if not tenacious, quick thinking and seems to be able to absorb a fair amount of physical punishment along the way too, and I can totally guarantee that as each twist in the plot hits home, you will be reading breathlessly throughout. It’s fast and furious, compounded by some sublime plotting, and yet moments of solemn pause for thought, as Dhand explores the theme of radicalism, in all its guises, be it through religion, right-wing prejudice, or for the manipulation of society by political chicanery. This is definitely a plot filled with thrills, spills and compelling action, that, to use a well worn adage, will keep you on the edge of your seat, but also with some beautifully weighted moments of reflection on the greater forces at work behind this abominable course of events.
Having been on the periphery of the opening attack with his mum, Joyti and young son, Aaron, Dhand uses this as a recurrent motif in the book, that being the fundamental impulse of Harry as a husband, father and son, to protect his family, and something that not only influences his actions in the book, but also, importantly distracts him periodically from the task in hand. The theme of family, as in previous books, sounds loud as having Harry and his wife Saima so deeply involved in the main thrust of the action, Dhand dedicates an equal part of the book to the ongoing familial conflict that Harry has experienced through his marriage as a Sikh to his Muslim wife Saima and the seemingly unbridgeable gap this has caused in his relationship with his parents, and most significantly with his father Ranjit. Tasked with caring for Harry and Saima’s young son Aaron as events unfold, Harry’s parents Ranjit and Joyti provide perhaps the most emotionally charged element of the book, as Ranjit tries to come to terms with his prejudice and dislike of Harry’s involvement with a Muslim woman. There is an incredibly enlightening account of Ranjit’s experiences as a child which shines a light on his fear and prejudices, and what we witness is a man in a huge amount of emotional turmoil, where hatred and love clash so deeply in his psyche, particularly in such close proximity to his grandson. Dhand depicts this beautifully, putting both his characters, and us as readers, through an emotional wringer, and I felt myself increasingly moved by Ranjit’s struggle to come to terms with his ingrained prejudice, with some truly heart wrenching and poignant writing in this part of the narrative.
So, as you’ve probably gathered this was a superb read, and demonstrates once again, how Dhand excels in particular with the issues that surround family conflict, and how relationships flounder and stall when prejudice raises its ugly head. Equally, this is a terrific thriller, with a verve and energy that sits as a wonderful counterpoint to the more soul searching dilemmas that arise as a consequence of the unfolding terrorist plot, so relevant to the increasing grip of radicalism across the world today. What I love about Dhand as a writer is the obvious pressure that he puts himself under as an author, and there is a real sense of him pushing himself a little bit further with every book, that is leading to some absolutely superlative writing. Highly recommended.
Right let’s start with the pow, kaboom aspect of this book, and that is quite clearly, the energy, pace and tension that Dhand so assuredly weaves into the tick-tock race to foil another terrorist attack in Bradford. This is proper high-octane thriller writing as the clock ticks down towards a potential attack that could cost the lives of many people. I must admit throughout the entirety of this book, I was astounded by Harry’s mental flexibility, and physical prowess, as he is tasked by the Home Secretary, Tariq Islam, to round up a group of terrorists, before disaster strikes. Harry is nothing if not tenacious, quick thinking and seems to be able to absorb a fair amount of physical punishment along the way too, and I can totally guarantee that as each twist in the plot hits home, you will be reading breathlessly throughout. It’s fast and furious, compounded by some sublime plotting, and yet moments of solemn pause for thought, as Dhand explores the theme of radicalism, in all its guises, be it through religion, right-wing prejudice, or for the manipulation of society by political chicanery. This is definitely a plot filled with thrills, spills and compelling action, that, to use a well worn adage, will keep you on the edge of your seat, but also with some beautifully weighted moments of reflection on the greater forces at work behind this abominable course of events.
Having been on the periphery of the opening attack with his mum, Joyti and young son, Aaron, Dhand uses this as a recurrent motif in the book, that being the fundamental impulse of Harry as a husband, father and son, to protect his family, and something that not only influences his actions in the book, but also, importantly distracts him periodically from the task in hand. The theme of family, as in previous books, sounds loud as having Harry and his wife Saima so deeply involved in the main thrust of the action, Dhand dedicates an equal part of the book to the ongoing familial conflict that Harry has experienced through his marriage as a Sikh to his Muslim wife Saima and the seemingly unbridgeable gap this has caused in his relationship with his parents, and most significantly with his father Ranjit. Tasked with caring for Harry and Saima’s young son Aaron as events unfold, Harry’s parents Ranjit and Joyti provide perhaps the most emotionally charged element of the book, as Ranjit tries to come to terms with his prejudice and dislike of Harry’s involvement with a Muslim woman. There is an incredibly enlightening account of Ranjit’s experiences as a child which shines a light on his fear and prejudices, and what we witness is a man in a huge amount of emotional turmoil, where hatred and love clash so deeply in his psyche, particularly in such close proximity to his grandson. Dhand depicts this beautifully, putting both his characters, and us as readers, through an emotional wringer, and I felt myself increasingly moved by Ranjit’s struggle to come to terms with his ingrained prejudice, with some truly heart wrenching and poignant writing in this part of the narrative.
So, as you’ve probably gathered this was a superb read, and demonstrates once again, how Dhand excels in particular with the issues that surround family conflict, and how relationships flounder and stall when prejudice raises its ugly head. Equally, this is a terrific thriller, with a verve and energy that sits as a wonderful counterpoint to the more soul searching dilemmas that arise as a consequence of the unfolding terrorist plot, so relevant to the increasing grip of radicalism across the world today. What I love about Dhand as a writer is the obvious pressure that he puts himself under as an author, and there is a real sense of him pushing himself a little bit further with every book, that is leading to some absolutely superlative writing. Highly recommended.
April 13, 2021
Read all the Harry Verdee series and loved every one.
Yes it seems like a long shot that these events could happen but I particularly enjoyed learning about the beginning of Sikhism and how the two religions of Islam and Sikhism were, at the very beginning, connected with each other, but misrepresentation of holy books by certain factions has caused a rift between all religions.
As in all religions you will always have fanatics. It is just unfortunate that this minority use fear and intimidation and greed to promote their superior knowledge of their religion as shown in this novel.
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
Bring on the next one.
Yes it seems like a long shot that these events could happen but I particularly enjoyed learning about the beginning of Sikhism and how the two religions of Islam and Sikhism were, at the very beginning, connected with each other, but misrepresentation of holy books by certain factions has caused a rift between all religions.
As in all religions you will always have fanatics. It is just unfortunate that this minority use fear and intimidation and greed to promote their superior knowledge of their religion as shown in this novel.
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
Bring on the next one.
June 27, 2019
Oh My God. Some books just make you go crazy. I don't mean 'This is awful' crazy. I mean 'The brain and hands who wrote this are magical' crazy. I owe Mr Dhand a massive book hangover! I enjoy action and thrillers, but I was not ready for such a pacy, punchy, and current novel to slap me and make me beg for more!
🥳 HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY A.A. Dhand! 🎉
My thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me to be part of this blog tour and to the publisher for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Just like people, we like to put books into categories. Chick-lit, historical fiction, non-fiction, crime…
I struggle to put One Way Out in a box. With a single book, A.A. Dhand won a new fan. Impeccable writing, well-crafted layers, a suffocating tension, outstanding characters put in impossible situations, served with twists and developments galore, One Way Out absolutely blew my mind. I resent myself for waiting this long to meet DCI Harry Virdee!
Back to my boxes issue. If I tell you this book is action-packed, so much that you don’t get any respite, you might think that other aspects get neglected. If I tell you the novel deals with current affairs and is a frighteningly plausible scenario which could happen any day, you might be put off, thinking you won’t find the escapism you hope for. If I talk about religion, stereotypes, and stigmas we need to fight, you might get discouraged. If I mention the importance of family, you may roll your eyes. You know what? One Way Out has everything. No matter which kind of reader you are, you will find what you need, I promise! The author is a bartender, juggling with every bottle behind the bar, shaking the mixture to get the perfect drink: an intense, authentic, and cracking read.
The prologue hit me hard. Short and threatening, I felt like the last decade has prepared us to face this kind of situation. I bit my lip and I dived into the book, not knowing what would happen, but already sure I would not be able to put the book down.
Everything started well for Harry that day. Enjoying the sun with his son Aaron and his mother, like hundreds of people making the best of the sun, he reminded me of days when I walk up to the water fountains in Bordeaux. It was so close to home that when a call for all to leave the area came up, I shivered. A bomb. Immediately, my blood pressure reacted as if I were running next to Harry. I felt the urgency to reach a safe place, to protect my family. I remember gripping the paperback so tightly I left a mark on it. A.A. Dhand doesn’t feed from recent events to make sure the reader gets immersed in his book. His descriptions are strong enough on their own to conjure up the fear and the adrenaline caused by a world turned upside down.
I didn’t have time to process the bombing of a park fulled with innocent people. This first step took me on a race to avoid the worst. With intelligence and realism, the author used a background of politics, power, and religion to remind us of what mankind is capable of.
Where to go? Who to trust? What is happening?? I was consumed by the need to know, my hands on fire as I turned the pages.
Was there a way out?
Faced with an unthinkable dilemma: sacrifice four lives to save a thousand, each protagonist shows their true colours. So does the reader. Completely hooked by the novel, I didn’t pause to ask myself question during my read, but I still can feel the impact of One Way Out on me. The questions, the moral, and the greater good are all in my head. This only is one of the reasons I believe this is one hell of a book! If you come out of it unscathed, you have missed something!
I applauded Harry’s wife Saima for her courage, her determination, and her sense of family. Locked in the Mosque with a possible bomb hidden somewhere, she has no choice but to do her best to help her husband, her community, and her city. I rooted for her. I could imagine the heat inside the Mosque, her fear and her doubts, and she is a wonderful Muslim character to follow. Yes, her religion is important. So is Harry’s background, as his family faces the outside crisis as much as an inside one, where scars are still raw and hope is a tiny flame. I can’t say more about this without treading on a thread I want you to experience on your own. I just want to say thank you to the author for writing with such respect and power about so many different characters. He brings them to life and gives them so much energy that you can’t not think twice about what you think you know, what you hear, and what might be.
Action leads this novel and Harry never stops one second. Involuntary brought in the eye of the hurricane, he is given a task a man shouldn’t have to carry alone. But there is so much at stake that I could see with my eyes the weight hanging on everyone’s shoulders. From one location to another, from danger to darkness, Harry proves to be an exceptional main character. He is no fool, and while he tries to figure out the pieces of the puzzle, he fights for his life, the life of his wife, and those of so many people. I was fascinated by his resources! Never did I think ‘Oh, this is too much!’ No, no. The author makes sure everything feels so real you don’t doubt what you read. You just bite your nails, lips, everything you can, with the ticking of a clock echoing in your ears!!! Talk about an edge-of-your-seat thriller! I was breathless by the time I reached the end!
One Way Out is a clever thriller, an outstanding and daring novel of the highest level!
Excuse me while I add the author's previous books to my wish list!!!
December 19, 2019
A conflicted 3.5.
Yes, it's fast paced and well written (bar the odd missing word and slightly dodgy 'journalist' reports), but it's just so ... out there. I like fast paced thrillers, but I just wish Dhand would be a bit more .... subtle ...?
Yes, it's fast paced and well written (bar the odd missing word and slightly dodgy 'journalist' reports), but it's just so ... out there. I like fast paced thrillers, but I just wish Dhand would be a bit more .... subtle ...?
June 29, 2019
This is #4 in the Harry Virdee series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Harry is enjoying his annual leave, by spending time with his mother and young son Aaron on a day out to City Park, Bradford……his wife is at Friday prayers in a nearby mosque……but then there’s a security alert and people need to leave the area….
There’s panic as people run to leave….Harry knows the area, so takes his mother and son to a nearby building that he knows has a cellar…..but his so worried about his wife, Saima…….then there’s an explosion! He is then called back to work….
A group calling themselves The Patriots are demanding the arrest of 4 extremists…..or they will detonate another bomb…..its in one of the 105 mosques in the city……but which one?
They also demand that if anyone leaves a mosque, they will detonate the bomb!
Harry has a lot to deal with, the family issues (his father disowned him for marrying a Muslim woman – this was heartbreaking), his wife is trapped in a mosque and he has been asked to find the 4 extremists…..will he sacrifice the 4 to save a thousand?…..
This is an incredibly tense thriller, all the more so as in the current world climate it feels all too plausible…..the thought that these events are controlled by politicians is very very scary….absolutely stunning writing by AA Dhand…
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
Harry is enjoying his annual leave, by spending time with his mother and young son Aaron on a day out to City Park, Bradford……his wife is at Friday prayers in a nearby mosque……but then there’s a security alert and people need to leave the area….
There’s panic as people run to leave….Harry knows the area, so takes his mother and son to a nearby building that he knows has a cellar…..but his so worried about his wife, Saima…….then there’s an explosion! He is then called back to work….
A group calling themselves The Patriots are demanding the arrest of 4 extremists…..or they will detonate another bomb…..its in one of the 105 mosques in the city……but which one?
They also demand that if anyone leaves a mosque, they will detonate the bomb!
Harry has a lot to deal with, the family issues (his father disowned him for marrying a Muslim woman – this was heartbreaking), his wife is trapped in a mosque and he has been asked to find the 4 extremists…..will he sacrifice the 4 to save a thousand?…..
This is an incredibly tense thriller, all the more so as in the current world climate it feels all too plausible…..the thought that these events are controlled by politicians is very very scary….absolutely stunning writing by AA Dhand…
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
September 29, 2020
One Way Out is the fourth book by Bradford author, Amit Dhand featuring his controversial cop, Harry Virdee. While each of the crime stories in the books work perfectly well as stand-alones, the personal story of Harry and his family weaves its way relentlessly through the books in chronological order.
Each of Dhand’s books is dark, indeed they become progressively darker but this novel is definitely the bravest and most overtly political. One Way Out explores a chilling scenario that is only this frightening because it is credible.
The Blurb
IMMINENT SECURITY ALERT, LEAVE CITY PARK IMMEDIATELY.
DCI Harry Virdee has just enough time to get his son and his mother to safety before the bomb blows. But this is merely a stunt; there is worse to come.
A new and aggressive nationalist group, the Patriots, have hidden a second device under one of the city’s mosques. In exchange for the safe release of those at Friday prayers, the Patriots want custody of the leaders of radical Islamist group Almukhtareen – the chosen ones.
The government does not negotiate with terrorists. Even when thousands of lives are at risk.
But Harry’s wife is in one of those mosques. Left with no choice, Harry must find the Almukhtareen, to offer the Patriots his own deal. Because sometimes the only way to save lives, is to take them.
The Review
To my mind Harry Virdee is one of the most original and enigmatic detectives to appear on the fiction scene for years. He is a complex, multi-layered character and the stories Dhand weaves are exquisitely detailed. In One Way One the government is firm, it will not negotiate with terrorists. But Detective Harry Virdee’s wife has been taken hostage and he can see only one way out.
The novel is fast moving, tense, powerful and Harry very much in action mode from the very beginning, even if it isn’t quite clear exactly what is going on. One Way Out delves into the dark side of Bradford and explores the city riven by racial and political tensions.
On the occasions I have met Dhand at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School, he is quiet, reserved, funny and modest. He does not exude the tensions that haunt his writing. I do enjoy action-packed and thrillers, but I was not ready for such the pacy, punchy, and current novel to slap me and make me long for more that Dhand has created here. I highly recommend One Way Out. It is excellent and would make for much discussion in a book group.
The Author
A.A. Dhand was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired his Harry Virdee novels.
Val Penny
Each of Dhand’s books is dark, indeed they become progressively darker but this novel is definitely the bravest and most overtly political. One Way Out explores a chilling scenario that is only this frightening because it is credible.
The Blurb
IMMINENT SECURITY ALERT, LEAVE CITY PARK IMMEDIATELY.
DCI Harry Virdee has just enough time to get his son and his mother to safety before the bomb blows. But this is merely a stunt; there is worse to come.
A new and aggressive nationalist group, the Patriots, have hidden a second device under one of the city’s mosques. In exchange for the safe release of those at Friday prayers, the Patriots want custody of the leaders of radical Islamist group Almukhtareen – the chosen ones.
The government does not negotiate with terrorists. Even when thousands of lives are at risk.
But Harry’s wife is in one of those mosques. Left with no choice, Harry must find the Almukhtareen, to offer the Patriots his own deal. Because sometimes the only way to save lives, is to take them.
The Review
To my mind Harry Virdee is one of the most original and enigmatic detectives to appear on the fiction scene for years. He is a complex, multi-layered character and the stories Dhand weaves are exquisitely detailed. In One Way One the government is firm, it will not negotiate with terrorists. But Detective Harry Virdee’s wife has been taken hostage and he can see only one way out.
The novel is fast moving, tense, powerful and Harry very much in action mode from the very beginning, even if it isn’t quite clear exactly what is going on. One Way Out delves into the dark side of Bradford and explores the city riven by racial and political tensions.
On the occasions I have met Dhand at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School, he is quiet, reserved, funny and modest. He does not exude the tensions that haunt his writing. I do enjoy action-packed and thrillers, but I was not ready for such the pacy, punchy, and current novel to slap me and make me long for more that Dhand has created here. I highly recommend One Way Out. It is excellent and would make for much discussion in a book group.
The Author
A.A. Dhand was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired his Harry Virdee novels.
Val Penny
Read
February 11, 2025A thriller style story with a few twists and turns and a lot of moral dilemmas for Harry. A bomb in a Bradford mosque, full of worshippers including Harry's wife Saima. A previously unknown far right group has demanded that 4 members of a Muslim extremist group be found and killed in exchange for the safe release of the worshippers. Surely the police/government can't agree to that? Coincidentally Tariq Islam the Home Secretary is in Bradford and he gets involved both officially with the police and unofficially directly with Harry. And meanwhile Harry had had to leave his mother looking after his son even though he can't be sure she can keep him safe from his grandfather's hatred.
February 7, 2020
Great writer, gritty plot
March 2, 2021
Started this at 6pm last night......apart from sleeping and drinking copious amounts of tea, I have done nothing but read this book! 1pm and I'm left in total wonderment at yet another twisty, turny, gritty storyline. Yet also sad because, as yet, there is no Book 5 to pick up next. Looks like it will be a long case of Book Hangover for me
October 15, 2021
DCI Harry Virdee manages to get out alive from a terrorist bomb in Bradford, but it’s only just the beginning as another bomb has been located in one of the city’s mosques. His wife is there and now the rules of the game have changed. There is no negotiating with terrorists, so Harry has to go it alone to save his wife but there are multiple actors in this game and not all are open and honest about their objectives.
Another cracking Harry Virdee novel, he’s a fabulous character and I also love the way his relationships with his family are continuing to develop. He’s a good man but is prepared to do things differently as long as the result is a good one. Love this series.
Another cracking Harry Virdee novel, he’s a fabulous character and I also love the way his relationships with his family are continuing to develop. He’s a good man but is prepared to do things differently as long as the result is a good one. Love this series.
October 12, 2021
A good novel for a holiday read...short chapters and not too taxing. The story line was a bit sub-Bond at times and the dialogue stilted but full of up to date substance such as fake news, social and political manipulation and radicalised groups of various persuasions. The ending kept you guessing and it was a page turner. I will read more in this series.
November 30, 2020
This one just wasn't for me. I expected detective fiction but got a ridiculous thriller with an overblown (literally) plot and characters whose fate left me cold. Disappointing.
July 2, 2019
One Way Out by A A Dhand
The fourth outing for Harry Virdee, A A Dhand’s Bradford based protagonist is an explosive one, and that description is apt. The novel opens literally with a massive explosion, a huge bomb exploding under the City Park, the emergency services having evacuated the area with just moments to spare. Harry was in the park with his son and it takes him a little while to discover that the city’s mosques are being held to ransom, a previously unknown far-right group having planted a similar device within one of them, warning that if any worshipper should leave any of them that it would explode. Harry’s wife, Saima, is in one of the mosques and this makes things very personal. The far-right activists just have one demand, that the leaders of the radical Islamist group, Almukhtaroon, are delivered to them. Do that and the congregation of the mosques can go free.
Enter Tariq Islam, the UK’s first Muslim Home Secretary, and a man with a past in an off-the-books special forces unit. Islam asks for Virdee’s help in locating and capturing the Almukhtaroon leaders. The UK government can’t be seen to be giving in to the terrorists demands and thus if the police find the Almukhtaroon people they will be taken into protective custody, if Harry does however, then perhaps the trade can be made secretly. So begins a race against the clock for Harry to locate the Almukhtaroon before thousands of worshippers, and potentially his wife, are obliterated in an explosion.
After the third Harry Virdee novel, City of Sinners, strayed into serial killer territory (though no worse for it, that novel as with all the others in the series is very good) One Way Out is firmly back in the territory Dhand has occupied before, namely a convoluted plot firmly rooted in the city of Bradford though with geo-political overtones. This perhaps is his most political book, touching on many of the themes that have appeared in earlier works, that far-right and Bradford’s racial tensions for example, but taking them further and tying them deeper into the national, and even international, landscape. If that all sounds heavy and off-putting it shouldn’t. This is a high-octane and thrilling read, one that could easily be read on a beach, but it’s also a cut above, one that has a brain as well as heart.
The author has clearly puta lot of effort into this book too, researching the topics well. Just one example, at the back of the book, he lists a number of fictional aspects to the plot, such as the fictional Almukhtaroon. Another is Group 13, the unit that Tariq Islam was a member of. But while the author says this unit is fictional, it’s one I’d heard of before, a reputed organisation often mentioned on para-political and conspiracy sites. Does it exist or not? Perhaps, perhaps not, but unless Dhand just got lucky, full marks to him for his eclectic research.
Once again, I can’t recommend One Way Out enough and I really hope that Harry Virdee returns once again.
The fourth outing for Harry Virdee, A A Dhand’s Bradford based protagonist is an explosive one, and that description is apt. The novel opens literally with a massive explosion, a huge bomb exploding under the City Park, the emergency services having evacuated the area with just moments to spare. Harry was in the park with his son and it takes him a little while to discover that the city’s mosques are being held to ransom, a previously unknown far-right group having planted a similar device within one of them, warning that if any worshipper should leave any of them that it would explode. Harry’s wife, Saima, is in one of the mosques and this makes things very personal. The far-right activists just have one demand, that the leaders of the radical Islamist group, Almukhtaroon, are delivered to them. Do that and the congregation of the mosques can go free.
Enter Tariq Islam, the UK’s first Muslim Home Secretary, and a man with a past in an off-the-books special forces unit. Islam asks for Virdee’s help in locating and capturing the Almukhtaroon leaders. The UK government can’t be seen to be giving in to the terrorists demands and thus if the police find the Almukhtaroon people they will be taken into protective custody, if Harry does however, then perhaps the trade can be made secretly. So begins a race against the clock for Harry to locate the Almukhtaroon before thousands of worshippers, and potentially his wife, are obliterated in an explosion.
After the third Harry Virdee novel, City of Sinners, strayed into serial killer territory (though no worse for it, that novel as with all the others in the series is very good) One Way Out is firmly back in the territory Dhand has occupied before, namely a convoluted plot firmly rooted in the city of Bradford though with geo-political overtones. This perhaps is his most political book, touching on many of the themes that have appeared in earlier works, that far-right and Bradford’s racial tensions for example, but taking them further and tying them deeper into the national, and even international, landscape. If that all sounds heavy and off-putting it shouldn’t. This is a high-octane and thrilling read, one that could easily be read on a beach, but it’s also a cut above, one that has a brain as well as heart.
The author has clearly puta lot of effort into this book too, researching the topics well. Just one example, at the back of the book, he lists a number of fictional aspects to the plot, such as the fictional Almukhtaroon. Another is Group 13, the unit that Tariq Islam was a member of. But while the author says this unit is fictional, it’s one I’d heard of before, a reputed organisation often mentioned on para-political and conspiracy sites. Does it exist or not? Perhaps, perhaps not, but unless Dhand just got lucky, full marks to him for his eclectic research.
Once again, I can’t recommend One Way Out enough and I really hope that Harry Virdee returns once again.
August 10, 2020
The problem with reading a Harry Virdee novel is that it is addictive. Unputdownable. At least it is for me. A.A. Dhand knows how to write a thriller. There can be no doubt of that.
Harry, or Hardeep, Virdee is an Anglicised Sikh who grew up in Bradford. It is his city. And he has become a police inspector. The one other thing that you need to know is that he is married to Saima, a Moslem and has a four-year-old son, Aaron. The marriage caused such a scandal that Saima’s parents returned to Pakistan earlier than planned and Harry’s father, Ranjit, severed all links with him. This hatred between the two religions goes back to 1947 and the Partition of India. This is the second book I have read recently where the Partition looms over the present, and divides Sikhs from Moslems.
It is Friday. Harry and Aaron have gone with his mother Joyti, who is disobeying her husband, to watch a movie on an open-air screen. Saima is at her mosque, one of the 104 in Bradford. Suddenly, a warning flashes up on the screen that they have 20 minutes to evacuate the park before a bomb goes off. There is panic but enough warning has been given to get everyone out safely. The park is destroyed in the subsequent blast. Then a group called “The Patriots” claim responsibility and issue a further warning. There is a bomb in a mosque and none of the congregations are tom leave any of the mosques until four extremist leaders have been handed over to the Patriots for punishment.
From there everything goes ballistic involving everyone up to the Home Secretary, who happens to be in Bradford at the time, and the Prime Minister. Needless to say, Harry and Saima are involved in dealing with the crisis up to their necks, and that is all I am going to tell you about the plot.
Anything else would ruin the story, and what a story. There are enough twists and turns, and plots and counter-plots to keep even the most avid conspiracy theorist happy, indeed ecstatic. It is written at a pace that leaves you breathless, and always wanting to turn the page to find out what happens next. This is truly a tour de force in the art of gripping storytelling.
And I guarantee that you will not see the twist in the tale coming. It will leave you incredulous. That is all you need to know.
Harry, or Hardeep, Virdee is an Anglicised Sikh who grew up in Bradford. It is his city. And he has become a police inspector. The one other thing that you need to know is that he is married to Saima, a Moslem and has a four-year-old son, Aaron. The marriage caused such a scandal that Saima’s parents returned to Pakistan earlier than planned and Harry’s father, Ranjit, severed all links with him. This hatred between the two religions goes back to 1947 and the Partition of India. This is the second book I have read recently where the Partition looms over the present, and divides Sikhs from Moslems.
It is Friday. Harry and Aaron have gone with his mother Joyti, who is disobeying her husband, to watch a movie on an open-air screen. Saima is at her mosque, one of the 104 in Bradford. Suddenly, a warning flashes up on the screen that they have 20 minutes to evacuate the park before a bomb goes off. There is panic but enough warning has been given to get everyone out safely. The park is destroyed in the subsequent blast. Then a group called “The Patriots” claim responsibility and issue a further warning. There is a bomb in a mosque and none of the congregations are tom leave any of the mosques until four extremist leaders have been handed over to the Patriots for punishment.
From there everything goes ballistic involving everyone up to the Home Secretary, who happens to be in Bradford at the time, and the Prime Minister. Needless to say, Harry and Saima are involved in dealing with the crisis up to their necks, and that is all I am going to tell you about the plot.
Anything else would ruin the story, and what a story. There are enough twists and turns, and plots and counter-plots to keep even the most avid conspiracy theorist happy, indeed ecstatic. It is written at a pace that leaves you breathless, and always wanting to turn the page to find out what happens next. This is truly a tour de force in the art of gripping storytelling.
And I guarantee that you will not see the twist in the tale coming. It will leave you incredulous. That is all you need to know.
March 29, 2020
One way out is a compelling thriller, book four in the DCI Harry Virdee series.
Harry is enjoying a sunny afternoon with his son and his mother at City Park.
All a sudden there is a imminent security alerting everyone has to evacuate. The sound of helicopters and police ushering people out of the park.
All Harry thinks is terrorism and a bomb.
Harry manages to get his mother and son to safety before the bomb blows.
Saima, Harry’s wife is at the mosque when they close all of the doors for safety.
A threat from a nationalist group that another bomb is in one of the hundred and five mosques worries Harry. The group has agreed to release the people in the mosques in exchange for four radical Islamists.
Harry manages to call Saima who tells him she thinks the bomb is situated in the basement of her mosque.
Saima is offering to help Harry and his boss.
Time is ticking as Harry is looking for the Islamists to save his wife and the others.
A superb gripping thriller which you can’t put down!
Harry is enjoying a sunny afternoon with his son and his mother at City Park.
All a sudden there is a imminent security alerting everyone has to evacuate. The sound of helicopters and police ushering people out of the park.
All Harry thinks is terrorism and a bomb.
Harry manages to get his mother and son to safety before the bomb blows.
Saima, Harry’s wife is at the mosque when they close all of the doors for safety.
A threat from a nationalist group that another bomb is in one of the hundred and five mosques worries Harry. The group has agreed to release the people in the mosques in exchange for four radical Islamists.
Harry manages to call Saima who tells him she thinks the bomb is situated in the basement of her mosque.
Saima is offering to help Harry and his boss.
Time is ticking as Harry is looking for the Islamists to save his wife and the others.
A superb gripping thriller which you can’t put down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
This book has a really tight plot, which cracks along at pace. It’s also highly topical, covering the rise of both religious extremism and nationalism. The hostage scenario is a really clever set up, and I’ll confess to being worried that the rest of the book might disappoint. It doesn’t. Harry is an interesting and complex character who, especially given his own wife is in danger, is quite prepared to resolve the situation by any means. It’s a bit Roy Grace police procedural, a bit Jack Reacher action thriller, all set against a very modern British city. I loved it.
(review of free copy sent in return for honest review)
(review of free copy sent in return for honest review)
October 20, 2019
Bradford is like a powder keg about to explode. City Park is a smoking hole in the ground, and there is a bomb in one of the Mosques. The Far Right are making demands.And social media is all over it. Harry Virdee is called upon by Home Secretary Tariq Islam to cross the line once more in order to save his city and his family. Another page-turning thriller from A A Dhand which has so many elements of twenty-first century politics and society, it could almost be non-fiction. A great read, highly recommended.
June 24, 2020
Visits on Bradford the sort of mayhem usually reserved for New York (in the Avengers films) or San Francisco (Star Trek / X-Men). Perhaps the writing's not quite as sharp as the earlier books in the series, but that scarcely detracts from a foot-t0-the-floor narrative. Dhand is a master of cliff-hanger chapter endings, unexpected twists and reversals, and wringing the last drops of drama out of everything from families to nuclear bombs. And he's unique in exploring brown-on-brown (his words) religious and racial tensions. Terrific stuff.
Going for a lie down now.
Going for a lie down now.
February 8, 2021
obviously this is book four of the series, it’s just what to library sent me.
i loved the way this book was constructed, especially how it build suspense through short, sharp chapters and splitting between different characters stories. it was very intense and suspenseful all the way through, which definitely made me want to keep reading on, quickly. if i was just rating this it would easily be a five star rating.
however for me there was just too much aggression and violence. i appreciate it works with the storylines but that just wasn’t for me.
i loved the way this book was constructed, especially how it build suspense through short, sharp chapters and splitting between different characters stories. it was very intense and suspenseful all the way through, which definitely made me want to keep reading on, quickly. if i was just rating this it would easily be a five star rating.
however for me there was just too much aggression and violence. i appreciate it works with the storylines but that just wasn’t for me.
May 10, 2021
Captivating
The first chapter had me glued to the story all the way to the last page. A really well written novel that worked it's way into my imagination and would not let me go till I had finished it. The storyline is fresh and brings light to parts of life that thankfully I have never had to rub shoulders with. The world of drug dealers and the violence that comes with it fires the imagination and is not something that I would like to experience, but is provocative reading. Really looking forward to the next novel by this author.
The first chapter had me glued to the story all the way to the last page. A really well written novel that worked it's way into my imagination and would not let me go till I had finished it. The storyline is fresh and brings light to parts of life that thankfully I have never had to rub shoulders with. The world of drug dealers and the violence that comes with it fires the imagination and is not something that I would like to experience, but is provocative reading. Really looking forward to the next novel by this author.
May 23, 2021
One Way Out is an enjoyable and, in one of its plot strands, quite moving thriller. It’s well structured, moving between different perspectives. It’s a bit like an episode of 24 in literary form. A couple of gripes - the plot twists didn’t land with me. I just don’t think Dhand created enough intrigue for them to have the impact that he intended them to have. A second issue is that Verdee seemed to be a bit too error-prone for my liking. Still, One Way Out is a straightforward, well-paced pageturner.
June 8, 2021
A faith can say a thousand words.
All I can say is WOW.
A. A. Dhand has done it again.
This is his fourth book in the Harry Virdee series & they just get better & better.
There’s so many different twists and turns in this story, that I just wouldn’t know where to start to explain it to you so all I am going to say is this, if you’re a Harry Virdee fan & you’ve not read it yet, why not?
And to those of you who’ve just come across this page whilst browsing and haven’t read any of the series, well all I can say to you, is you don’t know what you’re missing.
Happy reading.
All I can say is WOW.
A. A. Dhand has done it again.
This is his fourth book in the Harry Virdee series & they just get better & better.
There’s so many different twists and turns in this story, that I just wouldn’t know where to start to explain it to you so all I am going to say is this, if you’re a Harry Virdee fan & you’ve not read it yet, why not?
And to those of you who’ve just come across this page whilst browsing and haven’t read any of the series, well all I can say to you, is you don’t know what you’re missing.
Happy reading.
August 28, 2021
A bomb in Bradford's Milennium Park is just unthinkable, and then hundreds of people trapped in mosques around the city after bomb threats! It sounds all too plausible, and A A Dhand has delivered another heart pounding crime thriller that I couldn't stop listening to, and the ending is completely chilling. I listened to all 4 books in this series in 4 days. Yes, they are that good!
This book has yet another different narrator. Such a shame they can't keep continuity of narrators for each book in the series. Still, Ash Tandon did a good job.
This book has yet another different narrator. Such a shame they can't keep continuity of narrators for each book in the series. Still, Ash Tandon did a good job.
September 20, 2023
This was the first Harry Virdee novel I have read (listened to) and I really enjoyed it. Gritty, nuanced - with all twists and turns of a Bourne novel! - Harry Virdee British born Punjabi detective married to a Muslim woman, taking on a terrorist cell. Loved how the back story of Harry's family is weaved into the story and how the novel integreates some of the very real issues of identity politics were currently facing. Loved the characters and the writing. Can't wait to read the rest of the series (and watch the show when it comes out!).
March 23, 2024
Was a bit baffled by all the family stuff when the Harry was being beat up on a council estate somewhere. Despite the rather unbelievable plot line it was this part that felt out of place. I get what the author is trying to do but maybe this belongs in another book. I enjoyed the book but I can’t say I’m desperate to read any more by AA Dhand.
Also as a side note - why the heavy name dropping of street names etc in plot. Is this common in authors writing about their home town? I felt the same when I read a book set in Leeds.
Also as a side note - why the heavy name dropping of street names etc in plot. Is this common in authors writing about their home town? I felt the same when I read a book set in Leeds.
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