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Hack
It’s the scoop of a lifetime – if he can write it before they kill him.
Meet Llew Sabler, an outrageous newspaper reporter who makes more news than he writes.
When he’s arrested for a disgraceful fake-news stunt, a repentant Llew becomes a public hate figure and is left facing prison.
Then his heart is shattered when his best friend steals the girl he loves.
With his life in ruins, Llew unearths a shocking and dangerous story.
But he knows it’s more than just a story. It’s a death or glory shot at redemption.
Buy now for a white-knuckle ride into the dark underbelly of local papers in 1990s England.
Meet Llew Sabler, an outrageous newspaper reporter who makes more news than he writes.
When he’s arrested for a disgraceful fake-news stunt, a repentant Llew becomes a public hate figure and is left facing prison.
Then his heart is shattered when his best friend steals the girl he loves.
With his life in ruins, Llew unearths a shocking and dangerous story.
But he knows it’s more than just a story. It’s a death or glory shot at redemption.
Buy now for a white-knuckle ride into the dark underbelly of local papers in 1990s England.
- GenresFiction
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2020
About the author
SGM Ashcroft
5 books26 followersSGM Ashcroft was born in 1963 in High Wycombe.
He has been a journalist since 1987, working on local and national newspapers, before an 18-month stint in Beijing in the early 90s as a copy editor on the China Daily.
After a spell in corp comms, he moved into computer magazines, and then on to the BBC. He has been freelance since 2005.
Hack is his debut novel, with a second in the series due out in mid-2021.
He lives with his family in West London.
He has been a journalist since 1987, working on local and national newspapers, before an 18-month stint in Beijing in the early 90s as a copy editor on the China Daily.
After a spell in corp comms, he moved into computer magazines, and then on to the BBC. He has been freelance since 2005.
Hack is his debut novel, with a second in the series due out in mid-2021.
He lives with his family in West London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 6, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Hack is a quick moving and lively tale of a young and ambitious reporter trying to get into the big time while working for a small town free newspaper. Unfortunately for him he is a little too keen and in his enthusiasm, finds himself creating the news through a series of scrapes.
I am sure that Ashcroft drew heavily on his early career as a young journalist in Portsmouth and Southampton; hopefully without breaking the law or ethical standards.
I very much enjoyed the 1990’s setting and Ashcroft successfully brought back memories of the period with references to Austin Allegros, Tippex and the Stone Roses. There were also derogatory comments about Michael Caine spectacles but from what I can see they have recently had quite a revival.
SGM Ashcroft establishes his humour from the very first page of this book, leaving the reader with no uncertainty as to what is to come. Yes, it is tacky at times and is very much the comedy of a young man of that period. I enjoyed it and frequently laughed out loud but I appreciate it may not appeal to a universal audience. If you are in any doubt, use the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon to read the explosive first page as that will either deter or encourage you.
Although the character of Llew Sabler is a bit of an idiot, the author made me sympathetic to his endeavours and the way that he struggled with the aftermath of his misdeeds. There are some strong support characters in Thirza, Emdel and his editor, Big Al. I also loved the tale of Rollo, the rogue who overcame his handicaps in the best way he knew how, with love and support for his mother and daughter.
As befits a career journalist the text was easy to read, well edited and with one debatable exception it was free of Americanisms. My ebook copy offered me a complimentary copy of Groomed by the same author which I will be downloading shortly.
SGM Ashcroft’s humour may not suit everyone but Hack gave me a very entertaining read. I have awarded four stars.
Hack is a quick moving and lively tale of a young and ambitious reporter trying to get into the big time while working for a small town free newspaper. Unfortunately for him he is a little too keen and in his enthusiasm, finds himself creating the news through a series of scrapes.
I am sure that Ashcroft drew heavily on his early career as a young journalist in Portsmouth and Southampton; hopefully without breaking the law or ethical standards.
I very much enjoyed the 1990’s setting and Ashcroft successfully brought back memories of the period with references to Austin Allegros, Tippex and the Stone Roses. There were also derogatory comments about Michael Caine spectacles but from what I can see they have recently had quite a revival.
SGM Ashcroft establishes his humour from the very first page of this book, leaving the reader with no uncertainty as to what is to come. Yes, it is tacky at times and is very much the comedy of a young man of that period. I enjoyed it and frequently laughed out loud but I appreciate it may not appeal to a universal audience. If you are in any doubt, use the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon to read the explosive first page as that will either deter or encourage you.
Although the character of Llew Sabler is a bit of an idiot, the author made me sympathetic to his endeavours and the way that he struggled with the aftermath of his misdeeds. There are some strong support characters in Thirza, Emdel and his editor, Big Al. I also loved the tale of Rollo, the rogue who overcame his handicaps in the best way he knew how, with love and support for his mother and daughter.
As befits a career journalist the text was easy to read, well edited and with one debatable exception it was free of Americanisms. My ebook copy offered me a complimentary copy of Groomed by the same author which I will be downloading shortly.
SGM Ashcroft’s humour may not suit everyone but Hack gave me a very entertaining read. I have awarded four stars.
September 6, 2023
I wasn't sure about this one, it can be hard to find the gems among the dross of Kindle unlimited selections. This was one of the gems. Ashcroft hooked me early with references to Hawkwind, Joy Division, Gary Numan and a silly cult TV ad from late 70s Britain. This is a writer who knew my adolescence, so he was worth a go.
Ashcroft's background as a journalist who can write well (some can't) is on display here. Journalism has been satirised since Evelyn Waugh's SCOOP, and also a British war correspondent who classily titled his memoirs, 'Anyone here been raped and speak English?'
This is a well plotted and paced story with satire, a blokes tale of grubby journalistic 'ethics', blackmail and a porn business side hustle, which creates a lot of the story. While Llew is a bit of a bastard, the writing gives him a lot of lovable rogue-idiot to empathise with.
Some funny moments and gags made this an enjoyable read. However, many non UK readers will miss a lot of the good stuff about this book - the references and the humour, with a U. I started the sequel straight after this.
Ashcroft's background as a journalist who can write well (some can't) is on display here. Journalism has been satirised since Evelyn Waugh's SCOOP, and also a British war correspondent who classily titled his memoirs, 'Anyone here been raped and speak English?'
This is a well plotted and paced story with satire, a blokes tale of grubby journalistic 'ethics', blackmail and a porn business side hustle, which creates a lot of the story. While Llew is a bit of a bastard, the writing gives him a lot of lovable rogue-idiot to empathise with.
Some funny moments and gags made this an enjoyable read. However, many non UK readers will miss a lot of the good stuff about this book - the references and the humour, with a U. I started the sequel straight after this.
May 29, 2021
Funny irreverent and well written
Funny, irreverent and well written. One of the best books I've read this year. I was getting a bit fed up with the usual genre that I read and this book was a breath of fresh air.
Funny, irreverent and well written. One of the best books I've read this year. I was getting a bit fed up with the usual genre that I read and this book was a breath of fresh air.
October 17, 2020
Hack is a fictional story about Llew Sabler. Llew is a journalist and a handful for his editor. He is all about controversy and causing havoc, one that causes him big trouble and ends up having him become a hated public figure. As a matter of coping, he joins a crook running a mail-order porn business and is faced with many more dilemmas and drama.
The literature was witty and fun to read. I love reading books written by authors who are journalists. They appear to have a different sort of penmanship that just thrives very well in storytelling. This one also is another example of that writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the fictional story. I found Llew to be reckless and naïve but mostly annoying to a point where you just knew things are going to get worse. The story was descriptive and had a steady pace to it.
I wasn’t a big fan of the cover, but I think the author went for the attention-grabbing kind of an illustration, which worked.
I recommend this book to people who like to read funny and entertaining fictional stories.
The literature was witty and fun to read. I love reading books written by authors who are journalists. They appear to have a different sort of penmanship that just thrives very well in storytelling. This one also is another example of that writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the fictional story. I found Llew to be reckless and naïve but mostly annoying to a point where you just knew things are going to get worse. The story was descriptive and had a steady pace to it.
I wasn’t a big fan of the cover, but I think the author went for the attention-grabbing kind of an illustration, which worked.
I recommend this book to people who like to read funny and entertaining fictional stories.
December 11, 2020
Top of mind, I'd like to say that Hack was often-humorous and was poking fun at the journalists trying to drive TRP with controversy theories and just click-bait content as opposed to real news. This book was truly a punch up towards people who have the responsibility and power to influence people with their voice who end up using it for insignificant paparazzi news which is very much relevant even to this day.
The underlying theme of the book, I believe, is “Why can’t we talk about real issues?” And the answer is that is another question which is " who wants to listen to it?" There are many, many of those still out there who trying to understand and tackle the real issues between all this noise. But while we think about the community of people chasing these fake news and wondering why anyone would care about Kim Kardashian or if the Twin Tower attack was an insiders job, you'll realize that for them it is very personal indeed.
But the reason such journalists still exist and the reason they adopt that worldview is structural and institutional. Fake news and drama exists and is sustained by deep-seated structural flaws in our culture and our institutions that we often don’t even see, unless, of course, we are the victims which is really rare unless you're a celebrity. There are millions of us who sincerely do not believe that articles about celebrities doing pot and drugs is news, and at one level many many not care. We nonetheless tolerate, if not sustain and promote, the social, economic, and educational power structure that enables these kinds of news to flourish among the real information at a defining volume and drain out the real matter. It may not be you or your worldview, but are you may be turning a blind eye to the structural foundation which you help to enable for the simple reason that you are not actively tearing it down.
This book made me laugh until I cried. SGM Ashcroft is witty and just plain funny. I love the way the story is developed, the tone of the book and overall structure. Even if it was a long read, I enjoyed every moment of it. He's as painfully honest as he is outrageously humorous and I find it to be refreshing and satisfying. In this satirical novel Hack Ashcroft forces you to look at the filth and dirt covering the information world, especially while we live in the information era.
After several fits of laughter that bought me to tears after I dried my eyes I could see the issues with more clarity than I ever have. It’s about bringing about structural change that renders such information powerless to poison our minds and our attitudes.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to everyone.
more here:https://booksrnb.wixsite.com/home/pos...
The underlying theme of the book, I believe, is “Why can’t we talk about real issues?” And the answer is that is another question which is " who wants to listen to it?" There are many, many of those still out there who trying to understand and tackle the real issues between all this noise. But while we think about the community of people chasing these fake news and wondering why anyone would care about Kim Kardashian or if the Twin Tower attack was an insiders job, you'll realize that for them it is very personal indeed.
But the reason such journalists still exist and the reason they adopt that worldview is structural and institutional. Fake news and drama exists and is sustained by deep-seated structural flaws in our culture and our institutions that we often don’t even see, unless, of course, we are the victims which is really rare unless you're a celebrity. There are millions of us who sincerely do not believe that articles about celebrities doing pot and drugs is news, and at one level many many not care. We nonetheless tolerate, if not sustain and promote, the social, economic, and educational power structure that enables these kinds of news to flourish among the real information at a defining volume and drain out the real matter. It may not be you or your worldview, but are you may be turning a blind eye to the structural foundation which you help to enable for the simple reason that you are not actively tearing it down.
This book made me laugh until I cried. SGM Ashcroft is witty and just plain funny. I love the way the story is developed, the tone of the book and overall structure. Even if it was a long read, I enjoyed every moment of it. He's as painfully honest as he is outrageously humorous and I find it to be refreshing and satisfying. In this satirical novel Hack Ashcroft forces you to look at the filth and dirt covering the information world, especially while we live in the information era.
After several fits of laughter that bought me to tears after I dried my eyes I could see the issues with more clarity than I ever have. It’s about bringing about structural change that renders such information powerless to poison our minds and our attitudes.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to everyone.
more here:https://booksrnb.wixsite.com/home/pos...
May 12, 2021
Really funny.
December 30, 2021
Fabulously written, I devoured this book in a day and immediately started the sequel.
The authors career in journalism shines through in this wonderfully crafted novel, he brings the characters and scenes to life with ease and the story unfolds gracefully before you urging you to keep turning to the next page. One of the most enjoyable reads of the year.
The authors career in journalism shines through in this wonderfully crafted novel, he brings the characters and scenes to life with ease and the story unfolds gracefully before you urging you to keep turning to the next page. One of the most enjoyable reads of the year.
November 7, 2022
Had this book in my library.
Just as good the second time around as the first. Laughed most all the way through it. There were some pretty worrisome moments too. And that Thirza! What a character.
Just as good the second time around as the first. Laughed most all the way through it. There were some pretty worrisome moments too. And that Thirza! What a character.
June 24, 2021
Love love this book
I will read everything in this series. I love the dark humor and the wacky characters. The book was fun to read and I enjoyed every bit of it
I will read everything in this series. I love the dark humor and the wacky characters. The book was fun to read and I enjoyed every bit of it
August 29, 2021
Five stars easy. Why? I love the news, always have, and always wanted to be a part of it. Is this a realistic portrayal of a tabloid newsman's daily life? I sure hope so, and maybe someday I'll have a byline worthy of The Probe's vaunted pages. I don't normally read books like this (yes I do) but I always do when I hear from a friend about something as fantastic as this one. That's why I'm here to tell YOU that I am so glad I took a chance with this one! I learned a lot about underground pornography rings, English slang like chest hair resembling Axminster carpet, and awkward love triangles. Characters are all likeable, even when they hate each other, because (let's be honest) we relate to them all, SO much. I read this book in an afternoon / evening. My wife was pissed (not drunk, remember I'm American) but said I could stay up after my bedtime to reach the exciting conclusion; not that I'm about to give that away, but I'll say: 1. It's Cacti not cactuses. 2. Specifically, don't f'k about with Cylindropuntia bigelovii. 3. It's all good, read this book, you'll thank me and Herr Ashcroft as well, given his proclivity to musicals with Nazis. He's a good lad, and I've got a pint a of stout on the books at The Dubliner here in Dallas for him on my tab.
May 1, 2023
This is definitely not a book for the faint-hearted or those of a delicate disposition..! Swearing is used as a term of endearment, there is drugs, pornography, some questionable antics and decisions, and some mild homophobia.
Set in Portsmouth (England) in the early 1990s, in the time of VHS tapes, pre-internet where print was prime. It's a story about the unluckiest luckiest SOAB reporter who finds himself making the news, not writing it.
It was so refreshing to read a book with the dry, sarcastic, dark toilet humour of the British. Whilst a bit of a slow start it does pick up very quickly and the seemingly bizarre plot does come together very nicely and humorously conveniently! The characters are definitely characters. I found Thirza to be a bit overbearing but she does mellow out so hang in there with her!
Set in Portsmouth (England) in the early 1990s, in the time of VHS tapes, pre-internet where print was prime. It's a story about the unluckiest luckiest SOAB reporter who finds himself making the news, not writing it.
It was so refreshing to read a book with the dry, sarcastic, dark toilet humour of the British. Whilst a bit of a slow start it does pick up very quickly and the seemingly bizarre plot does come together very nicely and humorously conveniently! The characters are definitely characters. I found Thirza to be a bit overbearing but she does mellow out so hang in there with her!
December 14, 2021
Kudos
I started this book without much hope. Perhaps that's why it sucked me right into a hopeless array of bozos, buffoons, and your essential fuck ups. As a former journalist of the Gonzo variety, I was quite at home. There's intrigue along with the continuous lunacy. Well written with only four or five typos. Call me if you need a proofreader. Overall it was a fun ride. If profanity offends thee, thou should take a moment to consider why, or just go back to reading scripture.
I started this book without much hope. Perhaps that's why it sucked me right into a hopeless array of bozos, buffoons, and your essential fuck ups. As a former journalist of the Gonzo variety, I was quite at home. There's intrigue along with the continuous lunacy. Well written with only four or five typos. Call me if you need a proofreader. Overall it was a fun ride. If profanity offends thee, thou should take a moment to consider why, or just go back to reading scripture.
November 26, 2025
Our book club gave this a full five stars because we were completely pulled into Llew’s raw, funny and painfully honest storytelling. We talked for almost an hour about how natural the voice felt, as if he was sitting with us telling the story himself. The author created characters that felt familiar and flawed in a way that made us reflect on our own choices. Every member of the book club agreed that this story stays with us.
October 4, 2020
Robust first novel
An amusing, shocking and , at times, brutal and sacriicious tale of the underbelly of provincial Newspapers in the eighties.
You will either love it or put it down after the first chapter. I would recommend reading it to the end.
It is not for your Granny's Christmas stocking.
An amusing, shocking and , at times, brutal and sacriicious tale of the underbelly of provincial Newspapers in the eighties.
You will either love it or put it down after the first chapter. I would recommend reading it to the end.
It is not for your Granny's Christmas stocking.
January 24, 2023
must finish to appreciate
Hard start this novel. On the third try, because there is something here, it took off.
An optimal read for anyone who attended a boarding school and thought of journalism as a life after.
Seriously, on the third go I found myself back in the sixth form delighted at the naughty words, drunken life style and cutting edge manic.
Recommend.
Hard start this novel. On the third try, because there is something here, it took off.
An optimal read for anyone who attended a boarding school and thought of journalism as a life after.
Seriously, on the third go I found myself back in the sixth form delighted at the naughty words, drunken life style and cutting edge manic.
Recommend.
November 26, 2025
Five stars for the mermaid storyline alone. Our book club talked about this scene for so long because it manages to be wild, emotional and completely human. It opened up a deep conversation about shame, fear, and the strange things people do when they feel cornered by life. The author’s courage in writing this scene made our book club admire the book even more.
November 27, 2025
The relationship between Llew and Thirza was the emotional heart of our book club discussion. The author captured that complicated mix of affection, frustration and unspoken history. Our book club felt the tension between them so deeply that we ended up sharing our own stories about friendships that shape us in painful and beautiful ways.
November 27, 2025
The mermaid versus Nicola debate became the biggest moment of our book club night. The author created such complex moral tension that half the group took one side and half took the other. A book that can spark that level of discussion is a treasure. Our book club appreciated how the story made us uncomfortable in meaningful ways.
November 27, 2025
Our book club happily gave five stars because the newsroom world was so vivid that we felt like we were sitting at a messy desk with the characters. The author’s descriptions, humour and energy made those chapters some of our favourites. It was the kind of book club read that makes everyone talk at once.
January 23, 2026
Hack is a bit of a wacky English comedy in the vein of early Hiaasen books. The events are funny and absurd and the characters grow on you as the book progresses and they develop in ways. The language sometimes is hard to fully comprehend not being from the UK and it was overall a modestly fun book. 3 stars.
March 28, 2021
Pretty good book
This story started off slowly, but picked up speed as it went along. The denouement was early foretold, so the value was in the characters and their relations. An easy, fast read.
This story started off slowly, but picked up speed as it went along. The denouement was early foretold, so the value was in the characters and their relations. An easy, fast read.
June 10, 2021
Life as a journo
Bought this to read something different and it certainly was that. A good paced story with some crazy characters and mad story that somehow tied up nicely at the end. Worth a read.
Bought this to read something different and it certainly was that. A good paced story with some crazy characters and mad story that somehow tied up nicely at the end. Worth a read.
April 10, 2022
Great read!
Enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more by this author. I found the first half a little slow and wasn't quite sure which direction it was going but everything picked up and tied together in the end. Would recommend.
Enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more by this author. I found the first half a little slow and wasn't quite sure which direction it was going but everything picked up and tied together in the end. Would recommend.
November 28, 2025
The darker scenes were handled so well that our book club had a thoughtful, emotional discussion. The author balanced humour with danger, which is not easy to do, and every moment felt deliberate and well placed. No one in the book club wanted to rush through the story. It was that absorbing.
November 28, 2025
Our book club agreed on five stars because the emotional honesty of the book is striking. We admired how the author made us feel empathy for characters who make messy and questionable choices. That level of understanding takes real skill, and our club appreciated it deeply.
November 28, 2025
Five stars from our book club. The slow reveal of the Skinner storyline was handled with care and tension. We talked for a long time about truth, power and the cost of speaking up. The author created a story that feels meaningful and reflective while still being entertaining.
November 28, 2025
Our book club gave this five stars for its unique humour. We laughed many times but we also felt the emotional weight beneath the jokes. The author knows exactly when to lighten the mood and when to let things sit heavy. The balance made for a very memorable book club meeting.
November 28, 2025
Our book club was especially moved by the exploration of loyalty and fractured friendships. The author captured the uncomfortable truth that loving someone does not make things simple. That honesty made the story resonate deeply with our group.
July 23, 2021
Great read
And great characters too. Clever, funny and well written. What's not to like, except that there's not a second book available yet.
And great characters too. Clever, funny and well written. What's not to like, except that there's not a second book available yet.
July 26, 2021
Hilarious and ironic
Great quirky characters with few societal redeeming qualities. excellent read. Ill be reading more of his books as soon as possible.
Great quirky characters with few societal redeeming qualities. excellent read. Ill be reading more of his books as soon as possible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews