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The Chair Man: A thriller in which a victim of a terrorist attack wreaks vengeance from his wheelchair
Michael Hollinghurst is a successful corporate lawyer living a comfortable, suburban life in leafy North West London. But on 7 July 2005, his life is transformed when he steps on a London underground train targeted by Islamist suicide bombers. While most passengers in his carriage are killed, Michael survives the explosion but is confined to a wheelchair as a result. Coming to terms with his predicament and controlling his own feelings of guilt as a survivor conspire to push him in a direction that is out of character and a tad reckless. In a quest to seek retribution, he resorts to embracing the internet and posing as a radical Islamist in order to snare potential perpetrators. Much to his surprise, his shambolic scheme yields results and is brought to the attention of both GCHQ and a terrorist cell. But before long, dark forces begin to gather and close in on him. There is seemingly no way out for Michael Hollinghurst. He has become, quite literally, a sitting target.
"'The Chair Man' would make an excellent book club choice, stimulating discussion and lively argument. It contains masses of detailed information, selection from which can justify a wide range of interpretations. Many readers will admire Hollinghurst. He is a good father, particularly to his daughter Natasha, who considers him "the best frigging dad in the world", and he possesses "in spades" the "primal need to feel and protect your own flesh and blood." His son Ben thinks he "could always see the good in others." But that is exactly how many terrorists are remembered by almost all who knew and loved them.
"The nearest I ever got to a "terrorist incident" was in East London, when I heard the IRA bomb go off in Docklands in 1996. I cannot predict my reaction were I to be caught up personally in such events, but I hope I would not go the same way as Michael Hollinghurst, the central figure in this entertaining and elaborately-plotted novel. It is a gripping thriller that repays careful and close reading (and I will certainly read it again)."
Graham Smith, 2020
"'The Chair Man' would make an excellent book club choice, stimulating discussion and lively argument. It contains masses of detailed information, selection from which can justify a wide range of interpretations. Many readers will admire Hollinghurst. He is a good father, particularly to his daughter Natasha, who considers him "the best frigging dad in the world", and he possesses "in spades" the "primal need to feel and protect your own flesh and blood." His son Ben thinks he "could always see the good in others." But that is exactly how many terrorists are remembered by almost all who knew and loved them.
"The nearest I ever got to a "terrorist incident" was in East London, when I heard the IRA bomb go off in Docklands in 1996. I cannot predict my reaction were I to be caught up personally in such events, but I hope I would not go the same way as Michael Hollinghurst, the central figure in this entertaining and elaborately-plotted novel. It is a gripping thriller that repays careful and close reading (and I will certainly read it again)."
Graham Smith, 2020
- GenresFiction
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2019
133 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Alex Pearl
21 books63 followersBack in the distant mists of time, Alex spent three years at art college in Maidstone; a college that David Hockney once taught at, and later described in a piece for The Sunday Times as the 'most miserable' episode of his life. Here, Alex was responsible for producing - among other things - the college's first theatrical production in which the lead character accidentally caught fire. Following college, he found employment in the advertising industry as a copywriter. He has turned to writing fiction in the twilight years of his writing career.
His novella, 'Sleeping with the Blackbirds' - a black, comic urban fantasy, was initially written for his children in 2011 and published by PenPress. It was longlisted by the Millennium Book Awards 2018 and selected by the Indie Author Project in 2019 for distribution to public libraries across the US and Canada..
In 2014 his short story, 'Scared to Death' - the fictionalised account of the first British serviceman to be executed for cowardice during the First World War, was published in an anthology ('The Clock Struck War') by Mardibooks along with 22 other short stories to mark the centenary of the Great War.
Alex's psychological thriller, 'The Chair Man' set in London following the terrorist attack in 2005 was published as an e-book by Fizgig Press in 2019 and as a paperback in 2020. It is his first full-length novel, and was a Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2021.
His comic murder mystery, 'A Brand to Die For' is set in the 1983 world of advertising, and is only the second murder mystery ever set in London's adland. The first being 'Murder Must Advertise' by Dorothy L Sayers back in 1933. His sequel 'One Man Down' has been taken up by Roundfire Books.
Alex's claim to fame is that he is quite possibly the only person on this planet to have been inadvertently locked in a record shop on Christmas Eve.
His novella, 'Sleeping with the Blackbirds' - a black, comic urban fantasy, was initially written for his children in 2011 and published by PenPress. It was longlisted by the Millennium Book Awards 2018 and selected by the Indie Author Project in 2019 for distribution to public libraries across the US and Canada..
In 2014 his short story, 'Scared to Death' - the fictionalised account of the first British serviceman to be executed for cowardice during the First World War, was published in an anthology ('The Clock Struck War') by Mardibooks along with 22 other short stories to mark the centenary of the Great War.
Alex's psychological thriller, 'The Chair Man' set in London following the terrorist attack in 2005 was published as an e-book by Fizgig Press in 2019 and as a paperback in 2020. It is his first full-length novel, and was a Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2021.
His comic murder mystery, 'A Brand to Die For' is set in the 1983 world of advertising, and is only the second murder mystery ever set in London's adland. The first being 'Murder Must Advertise' by Dorothy L Sayers back in 1933. His sequel 'One Man Down' has been taken up by Roundfire Books.
Alex's claim to fame is that he is quite possibly the only person on this planet to have been inadvertently locked in a record shop on Christmas Eve.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 29, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Michael Hollinghurst is a solicitor with a comfortable life that many would envy. All that changes, though, when a terrorist bomb explodes on the train as he commutes to work. Michael is one of the lucky ones; he survives the blast. But he doesn’t feel lucky. He learns he’ll be in a wheelchair—a chair man—for the rest of his life, and he has the usual struggle with survivor’s guilt. The topper comes when his wife picks the day he receives his first wheelchair to announce she’s leaving him.
With the help of his daughter, Natasha, his Filipina carer, Annie, and a specially trained Labrador named Ziggy, Michael begins to put his life back together. His savings are such that there is no need for him to return to work. But with a lot of time on his hands, Michael begins to devise a plan to extract revenge on the people responsible for the bomb. He sets out to lure Islamic terrorists into a trap.
His efforts are amateurish but, surprisingly, they bear fruit when Mohammed, a radical Muslim responds. However, Mohammed is not the only one to notice. Soon GCHQ has Michael arrested as a potential terrorist. And the terrorist cell Mohammed contacts soon sorts out what Michael is up to and comes after him—and his family!
The Chair Man tells a single story from the perspective of the different people in it. Naturally, Michael is the central voice, but narration also includes the viewpoints of many other characters. Switching viewpoints can make a story difficult to follow. But in this case, the author uses a deft touch, and the multiple views enhance the narrative. By the time the reader reaches the climax, they will understand the characters’ motivations and actions quite well.
The story starts somewhat slowly; after all, there is a lot of background to present. But once it gets going, things heat up and move toward a page-turning, unexpected finish. There is no mystery to The Chair Man, it is a straight-up thriller, but it is more than just action. It has a cerebral tone that gets readers to look beneath the surface to really understand the actors in the story. If you like a good brainy thriller, you should enjoy The Chair Man.
Michael Hollinghurst is a solicitor with a comfortable life that many would envy. All that changes, though, when a terrorist bomb explodes on the train as he commutes to work. Michael is one of the lucky ones; he survives the blast. But he doesn’t feel lucky. He learns he’ll be in a wheelchair—a chair man—for the rest of his life, and he has the usual struggle with survivor’s guilt. The topper comes when his wife picks the day he receives his first wheelchair to announce she’s leaving him.
With the help of his daughter, Natasha, his Filipina carer, Annie, and a specially trained Labrador named Ziggy, Michael begins to put his life back together. His savings are such that there is no need for him to return to work. But with a lot of time on his hands, Michael begins to devise a plan to extract revenge on the people responsible for the bomb. He sets out to lure Islamic terrorists into a trap.
His efforts are amateurish but, surprisingly, they bear fruit when Mohammed, a radical Muslim responds. However, Mohammed is not the only one to notice. Soon GCHQ has Michael arrested as a potential terrorist. And the terrorist cell Mohammed contacts soon sorts out what Michael is up to and comes after him—and his family!
The Chair Man tells a single story from the perspective of the different people in it. Naturally, Michael is the central voice, but narration also includes the viewpoints of many other characters. Switching viewpoints can make a story difficult to follow. But in this case, the author uses a deft touch, and the multiple views enhance the narrative. By the time the reader reaches the climax, they will understand the characters’ motivations and actions quite well.
The story starts somewhat slowly; after all, there is a lot of background to present. But once it gets going, things heat up and move toward a page-turning, unexpected finish. There is no mystery to The Chair Man, it is a straight-up thriller, but it is more than just action. It has a cerebral tone that gets readers to look beneath the surface to really understand the actors in the story. If you like a good brainy thriller, you should enjoy The Chair Man.
September 29, 2021
A gripping thriller from start to finish...
Thriller is a genre that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements. They stimulate the reader by giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, anxiety and terror. A thriller usually has highs and lows in the story keeping readers on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next or how the hero/heroine will overcome the antagonist's latest evil doings. The plots are scary, the characters are at great risk and they make the reader really want to turn the pages.
The Chair Man by Alex Pearl is a thriller that does all of the above… and more. It’s a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this thriller and suspense that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London, this thriller had me turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Michael Hollinghurst is a successful corporate lawyer living a comfortable, suburban life in leafy North West London. But on 7 July 2005, his life is transformed when he steps on a London underground train targeted by Islamist suicide bombers. While most passengers in his carriage are killed, Michael survives the explosion but is confined to a wheelchair as a result… Coming to terms with his predicament and controlling his own feelings of guilt as a survivor conspire to push him in a direction that is out of character and a tad reckless. In a quest to seek retribution, he resorts to embracing the internet and posing as a radical Islamist in order to snare potential perpetrators… Much to his surprise, his shambolic scheme yields results and is brought to the attention of both GCHQ and a terrorist cell. But before long, dark forces begin to gather and close in on him. There is seemingly no way out for Michael Hollinghurst. He has become, quite literally, a sitting target.’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of thriller and suspense will want it. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommended it. A well-deserved five stars from me.
Thriller is a genre that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements. They stimulate the reader by giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, anxiety and terror. A thriller usually has highs and lows in the story keeping readers on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next or how the hero/heroine will overcome the antagonist's latest evil doings. The plots are scary, the characters are at great risk and they make the reader really want to turn the pages.
The Chair Man by Alex Pearl is a thriller that does all of the above… and more. It’s a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this thriller and suspense that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London, this thriller had me turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Michael Hollinghurst is a successful corporate lawyer living a comfortable, suburban life in leafy North West London. But on 7 July 2005, his life is transformed when he steps on a London underground train targeted by Islamist suicide bombers. While most passengers in his carriage are killed, Michael survives the explosion but is confined to a wheelchair as a result… Coming to terms with his predicament and controlling his own feelings of guilt as a survivor conspire to push him in a direction that is out of character and a tad reckless. In a quest to seek retribution, he resorts to embracing the internet and posing as a radical Islamist in order to snare potential perpetrators… Much to his surprise, his shambolic scheme yields results and is brought to the attention of both GCHQ and a terrorist cell. But before long, dark forces begin to gather and close in on him. There is seemingly no way out for Michael Hollinghurst. He has become, quite literally, a sitting target.’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of thriller and suspense will want it. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommended it. A well-deserved five stars from me.
October 5, 2020
Fast paced thriller concerning revenge for a terrorist attack. Th plot is well woven and full of surprises.
I highly recommend
I highly recommend
August 14, 2020
Very well researched and brilliant story.
The story shows exactly what happens when a determined man decides to take matters into his own hands, after a misfortune which occurred to him.
The book was an edge-of-the-seat thriller and was unpredictable throughout. The end explained the actions of the MC and that made the story even more enjoyable. Thoroughly liked it.
The story shows exactly what happens when a determined man decides to take matters into his own hands, after a misfortune which occurred to him.
The book was an edge-of-the-seat thriller and was unpredictable throughout. The end explained the actions of the MC and that made the story even more enjoyable. Thoroughly liked it.
Read
September 24, 2020This is my debut thriller. My intention was to write a compelling story about a successful corporate lawyer who inadvertently becomes a terrorist victim by being at the wrong place at the wrong time. His name is Michael Hollinghurst; he's a pretty bright, liberal-minded kind of guy; his marriage isn't in great shape, but he enjoys a great relationship with his two teenage kids Ben and Natasha.
Having stepped on an underground train targeted by suicide bombers, his life is changed in an instant. He is the only survivor in his carriage, but his injuries are serious and leave him in a wheelchair as a tetraplegic.
Coming to terms with his condition and the anger he feels towards the perpetrators motivate him to seek retribution online. And it's this need for revenge that occupies part two of the book.
The cast of characters is varied and hopefully reasonably fleshed out. The terrorists themselves all have backstories, which will go some way to helping the reader understand their motivations. Interestingly, some readers have felt a great deal of sympathy towards some of the terrorists - particularly Qssim who is a white Muslim convert with a complicated background.
While some will admire Hollinghurs, his actions will always be morally questionable. And his recklessness in putting others at risk, as well as involving the computer skills of a child with autism, also have to be questioned. In this respect, I hope readers find 'The Chair Man' a thought-provoking read, while also being entertaining. Many readers have already said that they didn't see the ending coming and were taken by surprise by the twist in the tail, which for any writer is obviously music to the ear. So on that note, I will let you judge for yourself.
THE CHAIR MAN IS NOW FREE AS AN EBOOK ON ALL PLATFORMS INCLUDING AMAZON FOR THE DURATION OF COVID19. SO DO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY NOW AND SAVE YOURSELVES $13.00
Having stepped on an underground train targeted by suicide bombers, his life is changed in an instant. He is the only survivor in his carriage, but his injuries are serious and leave him in a wheelchair as a tetraplegic.
Coming to terms with his condition and the anger he feels towards the perpetrators motivate him to seek retribution online. And it's this need for revenge that occupies part two of the book.
The cast of characters is varied and hopefully reasonably fleshed out. The terrorists themselves all have backstories, which will go some way to helping the reader understand their motivations. Interestingly, some readers have felt a great deal of sympathy towards some of the terrorists - particularly Qssim who is a white Muslim convert with a complicated background.
While some will admire Hollinghurs, his actions will always be morally questionable. And his recklessness in putting others at risk, as well as involving the computer skills of a child with autism, also have to be questioned. In this respect, I hope readers find 'The Chair Man' a thought-provoking read, while also being entertaining. Many readers have already said that they didn't see the ending coming and were taken by surprise by the twist in the tail, which for any writer is obviously music to the ear. So on that note, I will let you judge for yourself.
THE CHAIR MAN IS NOW FREE AS AN EBOOK ON ALL PLATFORMS INCLUDING AMAZON FOR THE DURATION OF COVID19. SO DO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY NOW AND SAVE YOURSELVES $13.00
July 17, 2020
A surviving victim of an Islamic terrorist bomb seeks revenge. A well-told tale unsympathetic toward evil.
I just wonder what happened to Ziggy.
I just wonder what happened to Ziggy.
May 7, 2020
Michael Hollinghurst survives the 7/7 London terrorist attack on the public transport system only to spend the rest of his life paralyzed and in a wheelchair. He comes up with an elaborate plan to get revenge by pretending to finance a terrorist’s plot, but things spin out of control.
The Chair Man is an exciting crime thriller that is full of suspense and intrigue. The peek inside of a terrorist cell was frightening and insightful. The plot kept me engaged and anticipating what would happen next. The ending caught me by surprise, and that’s not something that usually happens. I look forward to reading more stories from Alex Pearl.
The Chair Man is an exciting crime thriller that is full of suspense and intrigue. The peek inside of a terrorist cell was frightening and insightful. The plot kept me engaged and anticipating what would happen next. The ending caught me by surprise, and that’s not something that usually happens. I look forward to reading more stories from Alex Pearl.
December 21, 2020
A British Thriller and Page Turner.
What makes this book so good is it’s basis in truth and the factual detail. The protagonist, Michael, is left paralyzed from the waist down from the horrific terrorist attack in the London transit system in 2005. Once he comes to terms with his disability, he wants to seek other terrorists out for retribution.
Of course this takes an unexpected turn and he himself is suspect as a terrorist. Further twists ensue from there.
This book holds up as well as any better know author of thrillers. I particularly loved the use of British jargon.
You won’t miss by picking this one up.
What makes this book so good is it’s basis in truth and the factual detail. The protagonist, Michael, is left paralyzed from the waist down from the horrific terrorist attack in the London transit system in 2005. Once he comes to terms with his disability, he wants to seek other terrorists out for retribution.
Of course this takes an unexpected turn and he himself is suspect as a terrorist. Further twists ensue from there.
This book holds up as well as any better know author of thrillers. I particularly loved the use of British jargon.
You won’t miss by picking this one up.
January 30, 2020
Mild-mannered Michael is one of Nature’s gentlemen. Then one unlucky day he falls victim to a terrorist bombing, and his life shrinks to the confines of his wheelchair. But Michael’s not about to take this sitting down. He reinvents himself as the ‘Chair Man’ and wages war on international terrorism from the comfort of his own living room. Following his journey we discover that a paraplegic’s best friend really is his dog, and just how much trouble you can get yourself into on the internet. The Chair Man is a carefully plotted descent into total mayhem. I enjoyed it!
December 10, 2020
A victim of a suicide bombing decides to seek revenge.
Alan is one of the survivors of a suicide bombing. It takes time to adjust to being a paraplegic but he appears to be doing well under the circumstances.
But, he has a plan. A plan to avenge the death and mayhem the terrorists inflicted.
Chair Man methodically goes through his revenge process and also delves into the psyche of young men who have been radicalized.
Whatever you do, do not read the end first. It will ruin the entire plot.
Although I am not physically disabled, nor have I worked with anyone paraplegic, the author does not hide the realities of such an intense disability.
Alan is one of the survivors of a suicide bombing. It takes time to adjust to being a paraplegic but he appears to be doing well under the circumstances.
But, he has a plan. A plan to avenge the death and mayhem the terrorists inflicted.
Chair Man methodically goes through his revenge process and also delves into the psyche of young men who have been radicalized.
Whatever you do, do not read the end first. It will ruin the entire plot.
Although I am not physically disabled, nor have I worked with anyone paraplegic, the author does not hide the realities of such an intense disability.
July 16, 2020
On 7 July 2005 there were four separate but co-ordinated terrorist suicide attacks in London, England. Three were on trains in the London Underground (Tube; Metro) and one on a bus. The day has since become known, among British citizens at least, as 7/7. It is often deemed the equivalent of the infamous United States of America’s 9/11. Though not as extensive as 9/11 it was still traumatic and devastating. There were fifty-six, mixed race, deaths (including the bombers) and seven hundred and eighty-four injuries.
The tone, ethos, and background for this tale are established up front by the author’s dedication:
‘In memory of the victims of the London 7/7 atrocity and all other terrorist outrages.’
The tale commences with the introduction of the protagonist, a survivor, despite his serious injuries, of the bombings. The reader soon learns what is to be the driving force behind the subsequent events: desire for reprisal and revenge against those for dominance and destruction. Throughout, all characters are introduced in well rounded form which enables the reader to visualise, identify, and, where appropriate, empathise, with them.
The story unfolds from all perspectives: terrorist, victim, colleagues, medics, security personnel, friends, and family. It is to the author’s credit that he has attempted, with great success it must be said, to comprehend and understand the motivations, philosophies, and frustrations involved. It is obvious a considerable amount of research went into this remarkable tale for which the author should be commended.
Throughout the reader is kept engaged, suspecting but not quite sure of where the tale is going and frequently surprised by where it does take them. The style flows easily building upon each block as the reader progresses. Nevertheless, despite the steady onward flow, the read should not be rushed: there is considerable content to be absorbed including many valid observations on life and society and how it has changed. It would be easy to miss much of value if the reader does not take time to assimilate each element.
Alex Pearl has made this a realistic and relatable story by avoiding unnecessary frills other authors may have been tempted to incorporate. The reader will have no difficulty comprehending and identifying with the, sadly, modern scenarios. Though the plot, in association with the various sub-plots, may appear complex it is not really and is in no way cumbersome. Each event smoothly transitions to the next.
It is difficult to do this brilliant book justice in a short review. Anyone interested in reflections upon modern society and the impact of terror attacks, as well as those who simply enjoy a good book, will find this an engaging and involved read. The ending will also surprise them because it is certainly not anticipated.
The tone, ethos, and background for this tale are established up front by the author’s dedication:
‘In memory of the victims of the London 7/7 atrocity and all other terrorist outrages.’
The tale commences with the introduction of the protagonist, a survivor, despite his serious injuries, of the bombings. The reader soon learns what is to be the driving force behind the subsequent events: desire for reprisal and revenge against those for dominance and destruction. Throughout, all characters are introduced in well rounded form which enables the reader to visualise, identify, and, where appropriate, empathise, with them.
The story unfolds from all perspectives: terrorist, victim, colleagues, medics, security personnel, friends, and family. It is to the author’s credit that he has attempted, with great success it must be said, to comprehend and understand the motivations, philosophies, and frustrations involved. It is obvious a considerable amount of research went into this remarkable tale for which the author should be commended.
Throughout the reader is kept engaged, suspecting but not quite sure of where the tale is going and frequently surprised by where it does take them. The style flows easily building upon each block as the reader progresses. Nevertheless, despite the steady onward flow, the read should not be rushed: there is considerable content to be absorbed including many valid observations on life and society and how it has changed. It would be easy to miss much of value if the reader does not take time to assimilate each element.
Alex Pearl has made this a realistic and relatable story by avoiding unnecessary frills other authors may have been tempted to incorporate. The reader will have no difficulty comprehending and identifying with the, sadly, modern scenarios. Though the plot, in association with the various sub-plots, may appear complex it is not really and is in no way cumbersome. Each event smoothly transitions to the next.
It is difficult to do this brilliant book justice in a short review. Anyone interested in reflections upon modern society and the impact of terror attacks, as well as those who simply enjoy a good book, will find this an engaging and involved read. The ending will also surprise them because it is certainly not anticipated.
July 18, 2020
Corporate Lawyer Michael, severely injured in the 7/7 terrorist attacks, left wheelchair bound and thirsty for revenge, is on a quest to track down British jihadists that will drag his friends and family into mortal danger.
I am a disabled veteran, with some counter-terrorism training and experience, who was forced to use a wheelchair for 6 years during which time I retrained as a corporate lawyer. Oh boy.
What I like most about The Chair Man is how it shows the way one mind-blowingly, head-slapping stupid choice spirals out of control, dragging more people into its mess, who in turn demonstrate the sort of awful decision-making that is actually very realistic in the world of espionage. It is hypnotic and you cannot look away; you will root for the most unexpected, hopeless characters. I loved the moments when I found myself sort of cheering for the terrorists.
I had a hard time empathising with Michael. This is an upper middle-class white male with massive wealth, extraordinary medical support, friends and family who love him without question or awkwardness, and back him one hundred per cent. Michael is so badass that he is giving piano lessons within a similar amount of time that I was still struggling to bathe myself. Let us say our experiences of injury were basically opposites.
Eventually I accepted that this was my problem, and the author had made the right choice: this is a book about revenge spiralling out of control, not the grim and rather desperate nature of becoming disabled. You cannot have too much “another day of shitting yourself” get in the way of a good thriller. And this is a good, fun thriller. I particularly enjoyed the attention to period detail – I remember back in the day when we all started to get excited about tracking mobile phones – and Pearl’s research and pacing give this the feel of a more cerebral Bourne novel. If you are looking for suspense in slightly unusual packaging, this is a good choice.
I am a disabled veteran, with some counter-terrorism training and experience, who was forced to use a wheelchair for 6 years during which time I retrained as a corporate lawyer. Oh boy.
What I like most about The Chair Man is how it shows the way one mind-blowingly, head-slapping stupid choice spirals out of control, dragging more people into its mess, who in turn demonstrate the sort of awful decision-making that is actually very realistic in the world of espionage. It is hypnotic and you cannot look away; you will root for the most unexpected, hopeless characters. I loved the moments when I found myself sort of cheering for the terrorists.
I had a hard time empathising with Michael. This is an upper middle-class white male with massive wealth, extraordinary medical support, friends and family who love him without question or awkwardness, and back him one hundred per cent. Michael is so badass that he is giving piano lessons within a similar amount of time that I was still struggling to bathe myself. Let us say our experiences of injury were basically opposites.
Eventually I accepted that this was my problem, and the author had made the right choice: this is a book about revenge spiralling out of control, not the grim and rather desperate nature of becoming disabled. You cannot have too much “another day of shitting yourself” get in the way of a good thriller. And this is a good, fun thriller. I particularly enjoyed the attention to period detail – I remember back in the day when we all started to get excited about tracking mobile phones – and Pearl’s research and pacing give this the feel of a more cerebral Bourne novel. If you are looking for suspense in slightly unusual packaging, this is a good choice.
July 14, 2020
More than a touch of John Le Carré in this. All aspects of it are incredibly well researched for a start - it truly feels like the author comes from the world of espionage and knows what he's talking about. The plot juggles multiple characters and storylines and moves along at a good rate. What I liked most probably isn't something that would immediately jump out to a reader, but: it's so English. Every time I picked it up again, I was whisked away to the UK ca. 2005/2006 and it was very welcome. I haven't lived there for 10 years now, but it gave me a strong desire to go home.
On a more conventional note, I was surprised and very pleased at how Pearl pulls the rug from under the reader's feet at the end of Part One. Without getting into spoilers or naming names, I thought I had the setup sussed and was all ready to see how it would play out and then BAM. The whole plot gets turned on its head and the focus turns to a character who had seemed on the verge of being written out of the story. And what a great character he is: he's the most lived in, from his conflicted identity to his impulsive behaviour to his soul searching to the way he talks.
There were a few too many new characters introduced from around page 250 onward (Vladimir, Rebecca, Damien, Samantha, James, Stewart), and I would've liked a tighter focus on Michael and his fears/resolution to carry his slightly insane plan through to the end. Benazir is also complex without getting the spotlight enough. Total fist-pump of an ending, though.
On a more conventional note, I was surprised and very pleased at how Pearl pulls the rug from under the reader's feet at the end of Part One. Without getting into spoilers or naming names, I thought I had the setup sussed and was all ready to see how it would play out and then BAM. The whole plot gets turned on its head and the focus turns to a character who had seemed on the verge of being written out of the story. And what a great character he is: he's the most lived in, from his conflicted identity to his impulsive behaviour to his soul searching to the way he talks.
There were a few too many new characters introduced from around page 250 onward (Vladimir, Rebecca, Damien, Samantha, James, Stewart), and I would've liked a tighter focus on Michael and his fears/resolution to carry his slightly insane plan through to the end. Benazir is also complex without getting the spotlight enough. Total fist-pump of an ending, though.
November 26, 2020
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all!
I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Fantastic story about a man who decides to avenge a terrorist bombing. This book was totally engrossing and a real page-turner. I Highly recommend Alex's books!
I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Fantastic story about a man who decides to avenge a terrorist bombing. This book was totally engrossing and a real page-turner. I Highly recommend Alex's books!
January 22, 2020
Behind the often sensational headlines in the news are real people & individuals trying to live normal decent lives, who try to act properly and do the right things. They aren't the people that journalists and the media generally focus on. Despite our plans and best efforts it is events that often seem to get the better of many of us; taking us in new directions, sometimes good and sometimes catastrophic. The Chair Man provides a glimpse at how the 7/7 London Bombings in 2005 may have impacted some and massively changed the course of their lives. It is fast-paced with a highly authentic tone to it, which at times is rather uncomfortably 'realistic'. But isn't that just what we want from a good read that entertains, but also helps us understand the predicaments of others and the fateful decisions they feel compelled to make?
March 15, 2020
I came to read the Chair Man not really knowing what to expect. For me, the story seemed slow to unfold but once it did, it seemed quite predictable. The Chair Man just pretty much sets up two groups hell bent upon killing each other, which is exactly what they do. OK, is there a point here? Also a guy falling five stories and living? Really, is that possible?
I did enjoy the British colloquialisms, the interesting language. That part was fun. To be fair, the story is a fast and easy read, I read it in two sittings. It also picks up speed after page 200 or so, but by that time the shine had already come off of the apple.
I just didn't really get into it. One other thing. The characters seemed stereotyped to the point of making me feel uncomfortable. I didn't like the lack of nuance.
Just not my cup of tea.
I did enjoy the British colloquialisms, the interesting language. That part was fun. To be fair, the story is a fast and easy read, I read it in two sittings. It also picks up speed after page 200 or so, but by that time the shine had already come off of the apple.
I just didn't really get into it. One other thing. The characters seemed stereotyped to the point of making me feel uncomfortable. I didn't like the lack of nuance.
Just not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2020
A man injured in a terrorist attack survives the attack, but is confined to a wheelchair with no control or feeling in his lower extremities. This book describes his story in a style that is best described as dry, even boring. It provides the backstory of every character in the book, whether important or not. It all takes place in Great Britain, and is written in the British style. The best features of the book are the realistic interactions between the various characters. The tension builds at the end and the outcome is very emotional. The story was good, but this is one of those books I was pleased to finish. I found this book on Hidden Gems. The description piqued my interest, as did the story.
October 29, 2020
A fast paced thriller involving a successful lawyer, who is the only survivor of a terrorist attack. He is left being confined to a wheelchair and coping - not well - with survivors guilt. He decides to pose as a terrorist to try and expose the cell....unfortunately it puts him squarely in the sites of a terrorist cell and the authorities; i.e. he is literally a sitting target!
Well written, thrilling, page turner, that keeps you guessing till the last page. The main character is sympathetic and the book draws the reader in and doesn’t let go. Hopefully there will be a sequel.....
Well written, thrilling, page turner, that keeps you guessing till the last page. The main character is sympathetic and the book draws the reader in and doesn’t let go. Hopefully there will be a sequel.....
June 19, 2020
Great read
I got this as a free book and it is a good storyline and tells the views of the main character in a way that I thought it wouldn't.good twist at the end and will read more from this author
I got this as a free book and it is a good storyline and tells the views of the main character in a way that I thought it wouldn't.good twist at the end and will read more from this author
March 11, 2020
Had me wanting to keep reading. Kept me interested from beginning to end. :)
December 20, 2020
Alex Pearl is a great story teller. The characters are well developed and the unfolding story makes the book a real page turner with an unexpected twist at the end.
Alex can we have a sequel soon.
Alex can we have a sequel soon.
January 14, 2020
Well paced thriller that kept me wondering how things would turn out. It is clearly well researched and the ultimate resolution took me by surprise. Nicely written and a very recommendable thriller debut. I hope there may be more to come.
December 20, 2019
Brilliant novel, I couldn't put it down. Well written and highly compelling. This book is about a victim of a terror attack. Coping with his injury is raw. His revenge thrilling. Touches on family life, hardship and recent current affairs in the UK. I would highly recommend giving The Chair Man a read
July 1, 2020
I loved this book. It kept me guessing from start to finish. I could not put it down and read it in 3 days. Its a great story which I find hard to find these days and I liked the lead character.
Well written and full of twists and turns
I really recommend this book and I will be keeping an eye out to see what Alex Pearl publishes next
Well written and full of twists and turns
I really recommend this book and I will be keeping an eye out to see what Alex Pearl publishes next
November 25, 2020
Wasn't sure about this book for a little bit, but then it did a turn around for me. Glad I didn't give up.. Fast pace thriller that will keep you on edge. Great plot and characters that balance out the book. A book that I would recommend.
June 27, 2020
Interesting perspective from the person who was the victim of a terrorist attack. Fast paced narrative. The characters are well developed. There are some surprising twists and turns to the story and the ending is produced a perfect blend of a satisfying surprise and a logical conclusion.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in a good thriller
I recommend this book to anyone interested in a good thriller
July 21, 2024
The Chair Man, by Alex Pearl, follows the story of multiple cast of characters impacted by the decisions of one man. This one man, Michael Hollingsworth, is paraplegic as a result of the London Bombing on July 7, 2005.
Pearl's story imagines what would happen if a man, aptly known as "the chair man" takes revenge in his own hands by posing via the internet as a terrorist with a bent toward Islamic fundamentalism. And, oh boy, he makes a mess of things. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I won't go into detail. But, I will say, Mr. Pearl does have the reader guessing the outcome until the last few pages of the story. For that, this story turned out to be a very satisfying read!
While the second half of the story moves far quicker than the first half, Pearl needlessly introduces new, minor characters throughout the story. He even includes each of these character's backstories. Of these characters, the time invested in writing and reading these sections only pays off for one character who turns out to be a major figure at the very end. The time invested in the other characters doesn't pay-off in the end as these sections read like short, loosely related stories that have no payoff for the story as a whole. Mr. Pearl would have done well to do some bloodletting before finalizing this story for publication.
Taking the story as a whole, I'd describe the plot as well-crafted with enough intrigue to keep the reader engaged, especially in moments that specifically involved Michael Hollinghurst or the development of the main antagonists as seen in the terrorist group. In short, the subplots seemed more like after-thoughts or plot gap fillers.
Pearl's story imagines what would happen if a man, aptly known as "the chair man" takes revenge in his own hands by posing via the internet as a terrorist with a bent toward Islamic fundamentalism. And, oh boy, he makes a mess of things. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I won't go into detail. But, I will say, Mr. Pearl does have the reader guessing the outcome until the last few pages of the story. For that, this story turned out to be a very satisfying read!
While the second half of the story moves far quicker than the first half, Pearl needlessly introduces new, minor characters throughout the story. He even includes each of these character's backstories. Of these characters, the time invested in writing and reading these sections only pays off for one character who turns out to be a major figure at the very end. The time invested in the other characters doesn't pay-off in the end as these sections read like short, loosely related stories that have no payoff for the story as a whole. Mr. Pearl would have done well to do some bloodletting before finalizing this story for publication.
Taking the story as a whole, I'd describe the plot as well-crafted with enough intrigue to keep the reader engaged, especially in moments that specifically involved Michael Hollinghurst or the development of the main antagonists as seen in the terrorist group. In short, the subplots seemed more like after-thoughts or plot gap fillers.
October 21, 2020
"The Chair Man" is a story that plays out the question of "what if?" What if you were seriously injured in a terrorist attack, and you thought of a way to get them back without being a murderer yourself, would you?
It's a scenario that Michael finds himself in and taking advantage of. It's an amateur affair, a fact that Michael acknowledges, and it quickly results in an expected result: someone always gets hurt when playing with terrorists. Nevertheless, author Alex Pearl does a good job considering all the collateral damage that can come from such an adventure, and Pearl himself does have a nice writing style that is pleasant to read.
However, Pearl does have a plethora of characters he jumps around to, many of whom are never seen from again outside of their cameo, and often times, it's not clearly established in good time which POV the chapter is focusing on this time. A need to give backstory for each character does weigh down the pacing, especially in the last quarter of the book where changing POV, new characters, and backstory slows down the climatic end considerably.
All that being said, the ending was ultimately satisfying for the story being told and Pearl does have talent as a writer, so 4/5
It's a scenario that Michael finds himself in and taking advantage of. It's an amateur affair, a fact that Michael acknowledges, and it quickly results in an expected result: someone always gets hurt when playing with terrorists. Nevertheless, author Alex Pearl does a good job considering all the collateral damage that can come from such an adventure, and Pearl himself does have a nice writing style that is pleasant to read.
However, Pearl does have a plethora of characters he jumps around to, many of whom are never seen from again outside of their cameo, and often times, it's not clearly established in good time which POV the chapter is focusing on this time. A need to give backstory for each character does weigh down the pacing, especially in the last quarter of the book where changing POV, new characters, and backstory slows down the climatic end considerably.
All that being said, the ending was ultimately satisfying for the story being told and Pearl does have talent as a writer, so 4/5
March 10, 2020
The Chair Man is a gripping thriller!
This book is a must-read page-turner that will leave you thinking about what you would do if you were in Michael's shoes (or chair). This fascinating book is fast-paced, well written, and compelling, keeping you on the edge of your seat while following Michael's need for vengeance.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
This book is a must-read page-turner that will leave you thinking about what you would do if you were in Michael's shoes (or chair). This fascinating book is fast-paced, well written, and compelling, keeping you on the edge of your seat while following Michael's need for vengeance.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
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May 24, 2020This well-written thriller had me on the edge of my seat, especially the twist at the end. How Alex Pearl got into the mind of a tetraplegic, with all his medical requirements, who then became a target for terrorists, watched by GCHQ, is an amazing plot. Michael's concern for his son and daughter make him a lovable protagonist and you really care about what will happen to him. I highly recommend it and would welcome a sequel based on Daniel, now himself a tetraplegic.
Gene Perry
Gene Perry
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