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The Rule
'The master of razor-sharp one liners. An absolute belter' - MANDASUE HELLER
'Brilliant. This is British crime writing at its best' - MARK EDWARDS
'May be his best yet' - WILL CARVER
MY DAD SAYS BAD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN I BREAK IT...
Daniel is looking forward to his birthday. He wants pie and chips, a big chocolate cake, and a comic book starring his favourite superhero. And as long as he follows The Rule, nothing bad will happen. But Daniel has no idea that he's about to kill a stranger.
Daniel's parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. But Daniel didn't mean to hurt anyone, he just doesn't know his own strength. They dispose of the body. Isn't that what any loving parent would do? But as forces on both sides of the law begin to close in on them, they realise they have no option but to finish what they started. Even if it means that others will have to die...
Because they'll do anything to protect Daniel. Even murder.
'Excellent as always. Grimy and heartbreaking in equal measure' - WILL CARVER
'A pacy, smart and darkly funny heartbreaker of a crime novel' - SUSI HOLLIDAY
'A stupendous piece of literary engineering' - JENNY O'BRIEN
'An intense and compelling read. Highly recommended' - LISA HALL
'David Jackson has done it again. The Rule is incredible' - NOELLE HOLTEN
'Brilliant. This is British crime writing at its best' - MARK EDWARDS
'May be his best yet' - WILL CARVER
MY DAD SAYS BAD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN I BREAK IT...
Daniel is looking forward to his birthday. He wants pie and chips, a big chocolate cake, and a comic book starring his favourite superhero. And as long as he follows The Rule, nothing bad will happen. But Daniel has no idea that he's about to kill a stranger.
Daniel's parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. But Daniel didn't mean to hurt anyone, he just doesn't know his own strength. They dispose of the body. Isn't that what any loving parent would do? But as forces on both sides of the law begin to close in on them, they realise they have no option but to finish what they started. Even if it means that others will have to die...
Because they'll do anything to protect Daniel. Even murder.
'Excellent as always. Grimy and heartbreaking in equal measure' - WILL CARVER
'A pacy, smart and darkly funny heartbreaker of a crime novel' - SUSI HOLLIDAY
'A stupendous piece of literary engineering' - JENNY O'BRIEN
'An intense and compelling read. Highly recommended' - LISA HALL
'David Jackson has done it again. The Rule is incredible' - NOELLE HOLTEN
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2021
34 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
David Jackson
16 books514 followersI am the author of a series of crime thrillers featuring Irish-American NYPD Detective Callum Doyle. The first in the series, Pariah, was Highly Commended in the Crime Writers Association Debut Dagger Awards. It is published by Pan Macmillan. The follow-ups are The Helper and Marked, and I am hard at work on the fourth in the series. My writing influences include Ed McBain, Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly and Harlan Coben, amongst many others. My favourite quote about my work is one from the Guardian, now carried on the front of my novels: 'Recalls Harlan Coben - though for my money Jackson is the better writer.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
August 26, 2021
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
The Rule by David Jackson is an absolute fire cracker, fast paced with exceptionally well written characters and a healthy dose of dark humour.
I've read David Jackson’s previous book The Resident and absolutely loved it so I was delighted to have the opportunity to read a copy of his latest release.
The Rule is a dark and twisted tale about a family living in a block of twelve-storey high flats. Sometimes lurking in the foyer they’d be a gang of youths wearing hoodies, drinking cheap booze and smoking roll ups, they weren’t even residents. The area, especially inside the lift would reak of urine.
Daniel Timpson loves his comic books and his superhero Adam-9, he even carries a briefcase like Adam-9. He's great at drawing pictures and is physically very strong. Next week will be Daniel’s birthday and he's hoping for his favourite ‘Colin the Caterpillar’ cake. Daniel is 22 years old with the mind of a child!
Scott and Gemma are good parents they love Daniel with all their heart and when there’s an accidental death in the lift at their apartment building because Daniel broke the Rule they’ll do absolutely anything in their power to protect their child. As one terrible decision leads to another they get deeper and deeper into a shocking situation spiralling out of control.
DI Hannah Washington is given the case to solve but lately she’s wondering whether she’s on the right career path. Hannah’s determined to find the killer while chasing away her own personal demons.
Loved the characters so much! Highly recommended, this author is a fabulous and wicked storyteller you won’t want to put this one down, it flows so incredibly fast.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper Books for an advanced copy to read and review.
The Rule by David Jackson is an absolute fire cracker, fast paced with exceptionally well written characters and a healthy dose of dark humour.
I've read David Jackson’s previous book The Resident and absolutely loved it so I was delighted to have the opportunity to read a copy of his latest release.
The Rule is a dark and twisted tale about a family living in a block of twelve-storey high flats. Sometimes lurking in the foyer they’d be a gang of youths wearing hoodies, drinking cheap booze and smoking roll ups, they weren’t even residents. The area, especially inside the lift would reak of urine.
Daniel Timpson loves his comic books and his superhero Adam-9, he even carries a briefcase like Adam-9. He's great at drawing pictures and is physically very strong. Next week will be Daniel’s birthday and he's hoping for his favourite ‘Colin the Caterpillar’ cake. Daniel is 22 years old with the mind of a child!
Scott and Gemma are good parents they love Daniel with all their heart and when there’s an accidental death in the lift at their apartment building because Daniel broke the Rule they’ll do absolutely anything in their power to protect their child. As one terrible decision leads to another they get deeper and deeper into a shocking situation spiralling out of control.
DI Hannah Washington is given the case to solve but lately she’s wondering whether she’s on the right career path. Hannah’s determined to find the killer while chasing away her own personal demons.
Loved the characters so much! Highly recommended, this author is a fabulous and wicked storyteller you won’t want to put this one down, it flows so incredibly fast.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper Books for an advanced copy to read and review.
June 9, 2021
I have been a fan of David Jackson’s books for a while now and particularly enjoyed his Nathan Cody series and his recent stand alone, “The Resident,” so I was delighted to receive his latest for review.
Scott and Gemma Timpson live in a tower block with their son, Daniel. Daniel is an adult with learning difficulties who has a very placid nature but who is physically large, and his parents have always given him a rule which should never be broken, in order to keep him safe. When he accidentally kills someone, his parents worry that Daniel will be taken away, so they decide to cover up the crime. Covering up a murder though is no easy business and, before long, Scott finds himself under the scrutiny of those on both sides of the law.
This is a fast paced, interesting mystery, with great characters. Daniel is an absolute delight, and I really enjoyed the side story of the detective, Hannah, who has her own sacrifice to make in this excellent read. Highly recommended – if you do read and enjoy this, you will certainly love the Cody series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Scott and Gemma Timpson live in a tower block with their son, Daniel. Daniel is an adult with learning difficulties who has a very placid nature but who is physically large, and his parents have always given him a rule which should never be broken, in order to keep him safe. When he accidentally kills someone, his parents worry that Daniel will be taken away, so they decide to cover up the crime. Covering up a murder though is no easy business and, before long, Scott finds himself under the scrutiny of those on both sides of the law.
This is a fast paced, interesting mystery, with great characters. Daniel is an absolute delight, and I really enjoyed the side story of the detective, Hannah, who has her own sacrifice to make in this excellent read. Highly recommended – if you do read and enjoy this, you will certainly love the Cody series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
April 24, 2021
I came across author David Jackson’s writing last year when he released the excellent ‘The Resident’ and was so impressed I plan to read more of his books. ‘The Rule’ is a very enjoyable thriller that had me turning those pages trying to find out what was going to happen. Interesting characters, decent plot and totally addictive. Pushes the realms of belief at times but it’s fiction and makes great reading.
Daniel is twenty two and a vulnerable adult with the ways of a child. He still has the mind of a child, hates physical contact and needs his parents protection everyday to keep him from harm. Daniel is childlike but with the strength of a large man so when a stranger picks on him it results in trouble. With a strangers dead body Daniel’s parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. Daniel meant no harm, he just doesn’t know his own strength leaving his parents with a difficult situation. They dispose of the body to protect him but inevitably this is going to lead to further problems with not only the police but with the dead mans family.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Serpent’s Tale for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Daniel is twenty two and a vulnerable adult with the ways of a child. He still has the mind of a child, hates physical contact and needs his parents protection everyday to keep him from harm. Daniel is childlike but with the strength of a large man so when a stranger picks on him it results in trouble. With a strangers dead body Daniel’s parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. Daniel meant no harm, he just doesn’t know his own strength leaving his parents with a difficult situation. They dispose of the body to protect him but inevitably this is going to lead to further problems with not only the police but with the dead mans family.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Serpent’s Tale for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2021
Daniel is looking forward to his birthday. He wants fish and chips, a chocolate caterpillar cake, and six comics starring his favourite superhero. Daniel will be twenty three next week. And he has no idea he is about to kill someone.
One day Daniel breaks the rule and ends up killing a stranger. His parents just want to protect him, so they dispose of the body, but their actions only make things worse, and now the whole family is in danger. How far would you go to protect your family?
Daniel doesn't know his own strength. When he accidently kills someone, his parents are determined that he won't go to jail. This is a rollercoaster read that will keep you turning the pages. You can't help but feel sorry for Daniel's parents, even if they are going about things the wrong way. Their intension was just to protect their son. DI Hannah Washington is investigating the case but she feels she doesn't get taken seriously enough by her colleagues. The characters are well developed in this thrilling read. It held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #SerpentsTail and the author #DavidJackson for my ARC of #TheRule in exchange for an honest review.
One day Daniel breaks the rule and ends up killing a stranger. His parents just want to protect him, so they dispose of the body, but their actions only make things worse, and now the whole family is in danger. How far would you go to protect your family?
Daniel doesn't know his own strength. When he accidently kills someone, his parents are determined that he won't go to jail. This is a rollercoaster read that will keep you turning the pages. You can't help but feel sorry for Daniel's parents, even if they are going about things the wrong way. Their intension was just to protect their son. DI Hannah Washington is investigating the case but she feels she doesn't get taken seriously enough by her colleagues. The characters are well developed in this thrilling read. It held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #SerpentsTail and the author #DavidJackson for my ARC of #TheRule in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2021
I absolutely loved The Resident last year so when given the opportunity to read an early copy of David Jackson’s new stand-alone novel, The Rule, I jumped at the chance. It is another clever, funny but dark thriller where you find yourself cheering on then unexpected. In a way you want them to get away with it.
Daniel is a 23 year old man with the mind of a child and the strength of an ox. He ihas a rule with his parents of no touching to protect everyone. But an incident in the lift in his block of flats scares him and somebody ends up dead. This normal family have to do what they have to do to keep Daniel safe. It is the start of a chain of events that hasn’t the family dealing with drug dealers and the lowest of the low. How will they stop the police from discovering the truth?
Thanks to NetGalley and Viper Books for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Daniel is a 23 year old man with the mind of a child and the strength of an ox. He ihas a rule with his parents of no touching to protect everyone. But an incident in the lift in his block of flats scares him and somebody ends up dead. This normal family have to do what they have to do to keep Daniel safe. It is the start of a chain of events that hasn’t the family dealing with drug dealers and the lowest of the low. How will they stop the police from discovering the truth?
Thanks to NetGalley and Viper Books for my advanced copy of this book to read.
July 12, 2021
This book was SO unique, I hope I can do it justice.
Firstly, I have to shine a light on the main character Daniel, whose innocent and beautiful personality made me laugh, cry and want to meet him! I adored him, and the humour he brought to the book softened the intensity of the thriller side of it.
The characters of Scott and Gemma were somewhat implausible at times, and the decisions they made were frustrating for the reader. Usually, these frustrations would overwhelm my feelings for the book overall, but Jackson did an excellent job of not letting these issues detract from the enjoyment of it.
It was extremely intense at times, and I couldn't get through some scenes fast enough, but the poignancy and heartbreaking moments really sold this book to me, and I absolutely loved it.
Firstly, I have to shine a light on the main character Daniel, whose innocent and beautiful personality made me laugh, cry and want to meet him! I adored him, and the humour he brought to the book softened the intensity of the thriller side of it.
The characters of Scott and Gemma were somewhat implausible at times, and the decisions they made were frustrating for the reader. Usually, these frustrations would overwhelm my feelings for the book overall, but Jackson did an excellent job of not letting these issues detract from the enjoyment of it.
It was extremely intense at times, and I couldn't get through some scenes fast enough, but the poignancy and heartbreaking moments really sold this book to me, and I absolutely loved it.
August 7, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Thoroughly enjoyable read.
Wow, was this an entertaining read. I finished all in one go! Outstanding writing. Fast paced. An intriguing, dark, twisted, and often humourous plot. Well developed and likable characters. The star by far being Daniel. So why not 5 stars? I wasn't a huge fan of the Hannah storyline. Or honestly, Hannah's character in general. Her storyline just felt a little wedged into the story. Especially the "Tilly" part. 🤷🏻♀️ My other niggle was the ending. Mainly because I wanted it to end differently. However, as the song says, "you can't always get what you want" 😂Even with those issues this was still a cracking good read and gets 👍🏻👍🏻 from yours truly.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Wow, was this an entertaining read. I finished all in one go! Outstanding writing. Fast paced. An intriguing, dark, twisted, and often humourous plot. Well developed and likable characters. The star by far being Daniel. So why not 5 stars? I wasn't a huge fan of the Hannah storyline. Or honestly, Hannah's character in general. Her storyline just felt a little wedged into the story. Especially the "Tilly" part. 🤷🏻♀️ My other niggle was the ending. Mainly because I wanted it to end differently. However, as the song says, "you can't always get what you want" 😂Even with those issues this was still a cracking good read and gets 👍🏻👍🏻 from yours truly.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
July 26, 2023
"As he left the room, he decided not to tell Gemma about breaking The Rule. The last time Daniel had hugged his mother, he had fractured one of her ribs."
This was a really enjoyable thriller and I flew through it so quickly. I loved the storyline and my heart went out to Daniel and his family.
BUT...
Daniel's dad Scott was an absolute moron. Honest to god, I wanted to climb in the book and hit that fool around the head. Scott wasn't just dumb, he was dumb dumb. This whole story would have gone differently if that man had an actual brain in his head.
Anyhoo....
Despite braindead Scott, I did actually really like this one and I'm looking forward to reading the other books from this author.
This was a really enjoyable thriller and I flew through it so quickly. I loved the storyline and my heart went out to Daniel and his family.
BUT...
Daniel's dad Scott was an absolute moron. Honest to god, I wanted to climb in the book and hit that fool around the head. Scott wasn't just dumb, he was dumb dumb. This whole story would have gone differently if that man had an actual brain in his head.
Anyhoo....
Despite braindead Scott, I did actually really like this one and I'm looking forward to reading the other books from this author.
June 5, 2021
This is an interesting fast paced thriller about what a parent will do to protect their child. Daniel is a giant of a man with the mental age of a child and lives by a rule set down by his parents to avoid him harming people unintentionally. One day he breaks that rule and kills someone. It's an intriguing concept and I really enjoyed it. A complete page turner from start to finish.
July 1, 2021
All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/
I am a HUGE fan of David Jackson’s writing and I always look forward to a new book from this author. Jackson knows how to tell a compelling story and his characters leap off the page at the reader. His latest release, The Rule, is no exception. Well defined characters, who I felt an instant bond with, are thrown into a pulse pounding story of survival and keeping one step ahead. I loved The Rule.
The Timpson family live in a small flat in an undesirable area but dad, Scott, has dreams of moving his family away from the gangs of lads who gather in the lobby and the overpowering smell of urine in the communal lift. The Timpson’s make the best of the life they have, living by one very important rule. When Daniel accidentally breaks the rule, the Timpson family decide to do whatever it takes to protect their son. Even if it involves murder…
Daniel is such a wonderful character who I instantly warmed to. Before any of the action actually kicked off I was feeling apprehensive about what was to come and protective towards him. Scott and Gemma’s love for their son shines from the page and I knew this was a family I would root for until the end. And what an end! From one terrible decision, the story unfolds at a blistering pace and captivates the reader from beginning to end. I couldn’t look away as life spiralled out of control for these gentle people as both sides of the law come knocking at their door.
Not only does the reader get to see things from the Timpson’s perspective but we also get inside the mind of the detective in charge of the case, Detective Inspector Hannah Washington, as the spotlight on her intensifies and she struggles to find a lead. I thought all of the characters in the book were brilliantly written, you really get a feel for what makes them tick.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Rule is an absorbing piece of fiction with well-crafted characters and an engaging plot. Jackson has done it again, without a doubt. If you’re a crime fiction fan and you haven’t read one of this author’s books before then that really must change. An emotional and gripping story which hooked me in from the get-go. I continue to be a HUGE fan of this author’s work and I can’t wait to see what Jackson comes up with next! Recommended.
I am a HUGE fan of David Jackson’s writing and I always look forward to a new book from this author. Jackson knows how to tell a compelling story and his characters leap off the page at the reader. His latest release, The Rule, is no exception. Well defined characters, who I felt an instant bond with, are thrown into a pulse pounding story of survival and keeping one step ahead. I loved The Rule.
The Timpson family live in a small flat in an undesirable area but dad, Scott, has dreams of moving his family away from the gangs of lads who gather in the lobby and the overpowering smell of urine in the communal lift. The Timpson’s make the best of the life they have, living by one very important rule. When Daniel accidentally breaks the rule, the Timpson family decide to do whatever it takes to protect their son. Even if it involves murder…
Daniel is such a wonderful character who I instantly warmed to. Before any of the action actually kicked off I was feeling apprehensive about what was to come and protective towards him. Scott and Gemma’s love for their son shines from the page and I knew this was a family I would root for until the end. And what an end! From one terrible decision, the story unfolds at a blistering pace and captivates the reader from beginning to end. I couldn’t look away as life spiralled out of control for these gentle people as both sides of the law come knocking at their door.
Not only does the reader get to see things from the Timpson’s perspective but we also get inside the mind of the detective in charge of the case, Detective Inspector Hannah Washington, as the spotlight on her intensifies and she struggles to find a lead. I thought all of the characters in the book were brilliantly written, you really get a feel for what makes them tick.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Rule is an absorbing piece of fiction with well-crafted characters and an engaging plot. Jackson has done it again, without a doubt. If you’re a crime fiction fan and you haven’t read one of this author’s books before then that really must change. An emotional and gripping story which hooked me in from the get-go. I continue to be a HUGE fan of this author’s work and I can’t wait to see what Jackson comes up with next! Recommended.
July 11, 2021
This was my first time reading a David Jackson novel and I had a good time. Nail biting, fast paced, engaging and entertaining. The Rule demonstrated the lengths parent would go to protect their children. The characters were well developed. I kept rooting for the main character despite the poor choices made, I may not have agreed with his actions, but I understood his motivations.
I am not going to lie, but after all the build up and the many twists I had hope for a different ending. It left me to draw my own conclusions, an ending for which I am not a fan.
Overall, a good read and one I recommend.
I am not going to lie, but after all the build up and the many twists I had hope for a different ending. It left me to draw my own conclusions, an ending for which I am not a fan.
Overall, a good read and one I recommend.
June 6, 2021
Wow! What a book!
Daniel is a nearly 23 years old who has learning difficulties. Due to this he doesn’t realise his own strength so his parents have given him The Rule, to hopefully keep him out of any unwanted trouble. Sadly living in a rough estate, trouble never seems to be far away.
I absolutely adored Daniel’s character. He is so childlike and innocent and he will certainly tug on the readers heart strings. It’s definitely a story about how far you would go for your child. It leaves you with that burning question as to whether you would do the same as the characters within this story. I felt for Scott and Gemma, Daniel’s parents, more so as Scott’s decisions really aren’t the best which has them all facing danger.
Along with Daniel and his family, we have a detective working the case who is going through her own personal demons. It’s a good mix of good old detective work and a man doing his best to protect his family.
The Rule had me going through so many emotions of which by the end, I was a bit of an emotional wreck, which I wouldn’t have expected with this genre but Daniel really gets under your skin and you can’t help routing for him and his family. The story gets more tense as the danger to Daniel and his family ramp up. I can’t help but binge read this author’s books, they are so good and he has a great way of telling a story that grips hold and doesn’t let go. I thought The Rule was another enthralling and thrilling read that had me hanging off every word. Brilliant!
My thanks to Viper Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Daniel is a nearly 23 years old who has learning difficulties. Due to this he doesn’t realise his own strength so his parents have given him The Rule, to hopefully keep him out of any unwanted trouble. Sadly living in a rough estate, trouble never seems to be far away.
I absolutely adored Daniel’s character. He is so childlike and innocent and he will certainly tug on the readers heart strings. It’s definitely a story about how far you would go for your child. It leaves you with that burning question as to whether you would do the same as the characters within this story. I felt for Scott and Gemma, Daniel’s parents, more so as Scott’s decisions really aren’t the best which has them all facing danger.
Along with Daniel and his family, we have a detective working the case who is going through her own personal demons. It’s a good mix of good old detective work and a man doing his best to protect his family.
The Rule had me going through so many emotions of which by the end, I was a bit of an emotional wreck, which I wouldn’t have expected with this genre but Daniel really gets under your skin and you can’t help routing for him and his family. The story gets more tense as the danger to Daniel and his family ramp up. I can’t help but binge read this author’s books, they are so good and he has a great way of telling a story that grips hold and doesn’t let go. I thought The Rule was another enthralling and thrilling read that had me hanging off every word. Brilliant!
My thanks to Viper Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
February 25, 2021
Another absolutely brilliant thriller from David Jackson. Daniel such a superb character. An edgy page turner beautifully written and plotted.
Full review for July publication.
Full review for July publication.
August 10, 2021
It’s no secret I am a HUGE fan of Mr Jackson and his books, having read his entire back catalogue, so I was extremely excited to see a new standalone which was published on 1st July by Viper.
To those who have read any of David’s previous books, you will know that he loves to bend the rules himself with his original storylines, cleverly constructed characters and more twists and turns than a helter-skelter and The Rule is no exception.
Daniel is a 22 year old man with the mental age of a young child and the body and strength of an olympic weight-lifter. He lives in a run down tower block on a dodgy estate with his adoring parents and goes to a special day school for vulnerable adults. He is obsessed with Adam-9, a comic superhero and is looking forward to celebrating his birthday next week with chippy chips from the local takeaway.
His parents have brought him up to live by The Rule – which means absolutely NO physical contact with others due to his immense strength and inability to not realise when he is hurting someone. However, when his father’s life is put in danger, Daniel ignores The Rule and whilst trying to protect his father he accidentally kills someone.
Faced with their vulnerable son being put in prison for life, his parents make the difficult decision to “get rid” of the body which results in a catalogue of disasters for the family.
Once again, David Jackson has written an entertaining, often amusing but exceptionally dark thriller which questions just how far you would go to protect your family?
To those who have read any of David’s previous books, you will know that he loves to bend the rules himself with his original storylines, cleverly constructed characters and more twists and turns than a helter-skelter and The Rule is no exception.
Daniel is a 22 year old man with the mental age of a young child and the body and strength of an olympic weight-lifter. He lives in a run down tower block on a dodgy estate with his adoring parents and goes to a special day school for vulnerable adults. He is obsessed with Adam-9, a comic superhero and is looking forward to celebrating his birthday next week with chippy chips from the local takeaway.
His parents have brought him up to live by The Rule – which means absolutely NO physical contact with others due to his immense strength and inability to not realise when he is hurting someone. However, when his father’s life is put in danger, Daniel ignores The Rule and whilst trying to protect his father he accidentally kills someone.
Faced with their vulnerable son being put in prison for life, his parents make the difficult decision to “get rid” of the body which results in a catalogue of disasters for the family.
Once again, David Jackson has written an entertaining, often amusing but exceptionally dark thriller which questions just how far you would go to protect your family?
June 30, 2021
The Rule is the latest scintillating standalone addition to Jackson’s canon in which two parents go to any and all lengths to protect their beloved son. Daniel Timpson is a 22-year-old man who is about to turn 23 and resides with his doting parents, Scott and Gemma, who would do anything for their vulnerable son. He has the mental capacity of a child of around 8 years old but the unbridled strength of any young man his age, however, he is usually a placid, calm natured gentle giant who still desires those childlike pleasures we all loved as a pre-teen. He even has a part superhero part imaginary friend known only by his call sign Adam-9, a secret agent with many hidden skills and a briefcase full of helpful items from a comic strip Daniel loves to dip into. Nowhere is his love of innocent childhood pursuits more obvious than on his birthday when for one day only, his diet will be shed in favour of special treats. He would have his favourite chippy meal of all time, which was steak pie with chips and gravy, and then his mum would bring out a Colin the Caterpillar cake. He was excited to think about the comics and toys he would receive as presents too. Daniel had been set a rule a long time ago by his caring family who could see that he was not capable of understanding his own strength and to keep him safe, they warned him he should never touch, not even in an affectionate manner, strangers or animals in case he accidentally overpowered and hurt them unwittingly.
Living in a dilapidated area full of drugs and crime, Scott and Daniel are one day in the lift in their apartment complex when they are joined by a man in his twenties. Eventually, the man’s backpack falls to the floor revealing bags of white powder, wads of cash and a semi-automatic pistol. Worried about what the father and son saw he asks them and innocent Daniel, not understanding the perilous situation, tells him exactly what he saw. This leads to Daniel killing Joseph Cobb as he begins to assault his father. An overreaction, you might think. Perhaps manslaughter or worse. But when you throw in the fact that Daniel has learning difficulties, this judgment becomes less concrete. And then there are Daniel’s parents, who decide to cover up the killing. Certainly a crime here, but can you honestly say that you would act any differently if you were faced with the prospect of your vulnerable child being taken away from you and perhaps put in prison or an institution? This is a riveting, unusual and briskly paced thriller with vivid, believable characters, darkly funny moments and some emotionally moving parts, but the aspect I liked about it the most was that it was morally grey, and Jackson’s impressive skill in building Daniel to be relatable and complex meant you were willing to overlook his crimes. It's empathetic, suspenseful, mysterious, disturbing, engrossing and intelligent, but unfortunately the dismemberment and cover-up don't stay secret for long. Highly recommended.
Living in a dilapidated area full of drugs and crime, Scott and Daniel are one day in the lift in their apartment complex when they are joined by a man in his twenties. Eventually, the man’s backpack falls to the floor revealing bags of white powder, wads of cash and a semi-automatic pistol. Worried about what the father and son saw he asks them and innocent Daniel, not understanding the perilous situation, tells him exactly what he saw. This leads to Daniel killing Joseph Cobb as he begins to assault his father. An overreaction, you might think. Perhaps manslaughter or worse. But when you throw in the fact that Daniel has learning difficulties, this judgment becomes less concrete. And then there are Daniel’s parents, who decide to cover up the killing. Certainly a crime here, but can you honestly say that you would act any differently if you were faced with the prospect of your vulnerable child being taken away from you and perhaps put in prison or an institution? This is a riveting, unusual and briskly paced thriller with vivid, believable characters, darkly funny moments and some emotionally moving parts, but the aspect I liked about it the most was that it was morally grey, and Jackson’s impressive skill in building Daniel to be relatable and complex meant you were willing to overlook his crimes. It's empathetic, suspenseful, mysterious, disturbing, engrossing and intelligent, but unfortunately the dismemberment and cover-up don't stay secret for long. Highly recommended.
July 1, 2021
Right…. I genuinely don’t think I can write a review good enough to do this book justice. But oh my actual days, has David Jackson done it again! The Rule is the epitome of a page-turner. So original!
David masterfully demonstrates how a parent will go to extraordinary lengths for their child. Scott’s son accidentally kills a man, leaving Scott in the unenviable and pitiful situation of watching his vulnerable son go to prison, or choosing to cover it up. Of course, he chooses the latter and with that a spiral ensues, culminating in an epic sh*tstorm of violence, blackmail, panic, heartache, and bad choices.
Along for the ride is Ronan Cobb, the brother of the deceased who is resentful of, and somewhat disgusted, by his mother yet still desperate to please her and gain her respect. Whoever is responsible for his brother’s murder must pay. Then there’s DI Hannah Washington, clawing through her own struggles and determined to bring the killer to justice.
The Rule is a whirlwind of desperation, hope, love, empathy, and sheer moral confusion. It gripped me from the very beginning and I was hooked right to the very last word! A pulse pounding pace of a book, it is a literary version of Muse’s Knights of Cydonia!! The characterisation is masterfully executed, and David’s razor sharp one liners and dry humour is what gives his books an edge over others.
I was so utterly invested in all three main characters and genuinely wanting each of them to come out on top (which is a total head scratcher, as to root for one surely meant a dire outcome for the other two!!) I’m actually suffering from book hangover here, which I never get with stand-alones.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Buckle up and prepare for a nail biting ride!
A huge thank you to David Jackson, Viper Books and NetGalley for the Arc. My review is voluntary and thoughts entirely my own.
David masterfully demonstrates how a parent will go to extraordinary lengths for their child. Scott’s son accidentally kills a man, leaving Scott in the unenviable and pitiful situation of watching his vulnerable son go to prison, or choosing to cover it up. Of course, he chooses the latter and with that a spiral ensues, culminating in an epic sh*tstorm of violence, blackmail, panic, heartache, and bad choices.
Along for the ride is Ronan Cobb, the brother of the deceased who is resentful of, and somewhat disgusted, by his mother yet still desperate to please her and gain her respect. Whoever is responsible for his brother’s murder must pay. Then there’s DI Hannah Washington, clawing through her own struggles and determined to bring the killer to justice.
The Rule is a whirlwind of desperation, hope, love, empathy, and sheer moral confusion. It gripped me from the very beginning and I was hooked right to the very last word! A pulse pounding pace of a book, it is a literary version of Muse’s Knights of Cydonia!! The characterisation is masterfully executed, and David’s razor sharp one liners and dry humour is what gives his books an edge over others.
I was so utterly invested in all three main characters and genuinely wanting each of them to come out on top (which is a total head scratcher, as to root for one surely meant a dire outcome for the other two!!) I’m actually suffering from book hangover here, which I never get with stand-alones.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Buckle up and prepare for a nail biting ride!
A huge thank you to David Jackson, Viper Books and NetGalley for the Arc. My review is voluntary and thoughts entirely my own.
July 10, 2021
This was an entertaining read about a 22 year old man, Daniel, who has special needs. He lives with his parents and is obsessed with Adam 9, a super hero. Extremely strong, Daniel doesn’t know his own strength and is given only one rule to follow by his parents and that is never to touch anyone. Residing as they do in a building housing thugs and criminals Daniel breaks the rule one day when he comes to his father's defence and in the process kills a known gangster, Joey Cobb.
Daniel's father Scott then complicates the matter by disposing of the body in a horrific way and thus begins to the to-ing and fro-ing between Scott, the Cobb family and the Law.
Very funny in parts, and with some highly likeable and equally unlikeable characters, the reader is gripped because on so many levels one wants Daniel to get away with the crime, but there were unfortunately parts of the story that were implausible which lost it half a star. 4 and half stars.
Daniel's father Scott then complicates the matter by disposing of the body in a horrific way and thus begins to the to-ing and fro-ing between Scott, the Cobb family and the Law.
Very funny in parts, and with some highly likeable and equally unlikeable characters, the reader is gripped because on so many levels one wants Daniel to get away with the crime, but there were unfortunately parts of the story that were implausible which lost it half a star. 4 and half stars.
July 3, 2021
Tomorrow (1st July 2021) is publication day for this beaut of a book. If you get a chance to read this one, I 100% recommend doing so. It's fantastic, I couldn't have asked for more in this police procedural/gangland crime thriller.
Daniel has learning difficulties which make it difficult for him to be around other people. He's a grown man with a LOT of strength, but also a lot of love. His parents have told him he needs to abide by THE RULE so that he doesn't hurt people by accident, and the rule is not to touch anyone, at all, ever.
When Daniel accidentally breaks the rule, in order to help someone else, it has devastating consequences and his parents must try to help him so he doesn't get into trouble with the police.
I read this book so quickly once I'd properly started it. It flows so well, and you end up reading massive chunks before you know what time it is. Daniel is a great character. He's good hearted, sweet natured, and so completely innocent. But not once did I feel pity for him. He's so strong in more than just the physical sense. The book is both a character driven one and a plot driven one, in equal measure, and we get to explore each of the main characters really well.
I wasn't a huge fan of Gemma but everyone else was fantastic. Hannah especially. All the bad guys were hilarious and the actual plot was insane... In a good way!
Overall a fabulous read and one I recommend absolutely. Go and grab a copy of this tomorrow on pub day. Thanks to Viper for sending a copy of this one over for my honest review.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
Daniel has learning difficulties which make it difficult for him to be around other people. He's a grown man with a LOT of strength, but also a lot of love. His parents have told him he needs to abide by THE RULE so that he doesn't hurt people by accident, and the rule is not to touch anyone, at all, ever.
When Daniel accidentally breaks the rule, in order to help someone else, it has devastating consequences and his parents must try to help him so he doesn't get into trouble with the police.
I read this book so quickly once I'd properly started it. It flows so well, and you end up reading massive chunks before you know what time it is. Daniel is a great character. He's good hearted, sweet natured, and so completely innocent. But not once did I feel pity for him. He's so strong in more than just the physical sense. The book is both a character driven one and a plot driven one, in equal measure, and we get to explore each of the main characters really well.
I wasn't a huge fan of Gemma but everyone else was fantastic. Hannah especially. All the bad guys were hilarious and the actual plot was insane... In a good way!
Overall a fabulous read and one I recommend absolutely. Go and grab a copy of this tomorrow on pub day. Thanks to Viper for sending a copy of this one over for my honest review.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
June 20, 2021
‘The Rule was that Daniel should avoid physical contact with others as much as possible.’
Daniel is twenty-two, about to turn twenty-three. He is looking forward to his birthday: to fish and chips, a chocolate caterpillar cake and comics featuring his favourite superhero Adam-9. While Daniel has the mind of a child, he is large and strong which means he can hurt people quite unintentionally. Hence The Rule. But a chance encounter with a drug dealer in a lift, coupled with Daniel’s inability to lie, lead to a death. Daniel’s parents, Gemma and Scott, want to keep him safe.
They know that if they report the death that Daniel will be taken away.
A decision is made, a choice which will have unintended consequences. People are looking for the dead person, and so are the police.
'Oh what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive'
These words of Sir Walter Scott’s from his poem ‘Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field’ came to mind as I read this novel. I kept reading, wanting to know how (and where) it would end. And wondering, too, just how far parents will go to protect a child.
An engrossing family-based thriller with an interesting ending.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Daniel is twenty-two, about to turn twenty-three. He is looking forward to his birthday: to fish and chips, a chocolate caterpillar cake and comics featuring his favourite superhero Adam-9. While Daniel has the mind of a child, he is large and strong which means he can hurt people quite unintentionally. Hence The Rule. But a chance encounter with a drug dealer in a lift, coupled with Daniel’s inability to lie, lead to a death. Daniel’s parents, Gemma and Scott, want to keep him safe.
They know that if they report the death that Daniel will be taken away.
A decision is made, a choice which will have unintended consequences. People are looking for the dead person, and so are the police.
'Oh what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive'
These words of Sir Walter Scott’s from his poem ‘Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field’ came to mind as I read this novel. I kept reading, wanting to know how (and where) it would end. And wondering, too, just how far parents will go to protect a child.
An engrossing family-based thriller with an interesting ending.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
A first read for me by David Jackson. Not having read his previous works, I went into reading The Rule blind. Having no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was in the majority of his novel. The Rule Book was darkly disturbing and had a cleverly crafted dialogue with hints of dark and funny moments. It was a story about family, love, and the lengths a parent will go to in order to protect their child. What mainly drew me into this story had much to do with the main character, Daniel. Likewise, I was fond of the well defined characters, particularly, Daniel, who I felt an instant bond with. He was on the autism spectrum and it was Daniel who drew me so abruptly into this story; and I was quickly thrown off by the cleverly deceiving plot Daniel was involved in-it was one of a pulse pounding story of survival and keeping one step ahead.
I found the topics Jackson explored in this thriller about the raw brutality of both crime and poverty, grief and loss or the potential loss, were intriguing. My most memorable parts of the story were the first and last third of the book. These portions of the story were most engaging and the dialogue compelling.
In all, I was hooked on the spiraling tension, sharp witted, and morosely disturbing story.
A first read for me by David Jackson. Not having read his previous works, I went into reading The Rule blind. Having no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was in the majority of his novel. The Rule Book was darkly disturbing and had a cleverly crafted dialogue with hints of dark and funny moments. It was a story about family, love, and the lengths a parent will go to in order to protect their child. What mainly drew me into this story had much to do with the main character, Daniel. Likewise, I was fond of the well defined characters, particularly, Daniel, who I felt an instant bond with. He was on the autism spectrum and it was Daniel who drew me so abruptly into this story; and I was quickly thrown off by the cleverly deceiving plot Daniel was involved in-it was one of a pulse pounding story of survival and keeping one step ahead.
I found the topics Jackson explored in this thriller about the raw brutality of both crime and poverty, grief and loss or the potential loss, were intriguing. My most memorable parts of the story were the first and last third of the book. These portions of the story were most engaging and the dialogue compelling.
In all, I was hooked on the spiraling tension, sharp witted, and morosely disturbing story.
October 14, 2025
3⭐️
An easy to read thriller! 🔥
I was really looking forward to this book as the premise sounded amazing and I loved the intrigue Jackson built throughout, but after a compelling opening quarter, the book became slightly silly and I found myself less drawn to the pages.
What I really liked was the representation of learning difficulties, the short and snappy chapters and the familial elements to the read. This book was very easy to turn the page.
The rule itself was interesting, but I think the book lost its grasp of it. I found some later parts of the book silly and far fetched and whilst there were some twists, I didn’t find any of them especially shocking. I found them pretty basic.
I buddy read this with Susan @mynextreads and I definitely think we had similar thoughts on this one. Maybe we’re used to more thrilling and action-packed thrillers!
Although I wasn’t the biggest fan of this read, don’t let me put you off as you might love it!
💬: ‘Sometimes we all have to do things we don’t like’.
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
An easy to read thriller! 🔥
I was really looking forward to this book as the premise sounded amazing and I loved the intrigue Jackson built throughout, but after a compelling opening quarter, the book became slightly silly and I found myself less drawn to the pages.
What I really liked was the representation of learning difficulties, the short and snappy chapters and the familial elements to the read. This book was very easy to turn the page.
The rule itself was interesting, but I think the book lost its grasp of it. I found some later parts of the book silly and far fetched and whilst there were some twists, I didn’t find any of them especially shocking. I found them pretty basic.
I buddy read this with Susan @mynextreads and I definitely think we had similar thoughts on this one. Maybe we’re used to more thrilling and action-packed thrillers!
Although I wasn’t the biggest fan of this read, don’t let me put you off as you might love it!
💬: ‘Sometimes we all have to do things we don’t like’.
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
July 10, 2021
This is so brilliantly written and so different.
How on earth does David Jackson make the reader side with the killer?
Clever writing is the answer!
Daniel is such a brilliant character, and Scott and Gemma, his parents, will do anything to keep him safe. So begins a probably implausible chain of events, which sucked me in and made me wonder how the situation would ever be resolved!
Leave it to David-1 to sort it out magnificently, with some amazing one-liners along the way.
Add a dash of black humour and hey- presto, we have a thoroughly enjoyable read.
My only criticism is that we didn't see enough of Daniel and the story ends before his birthday. The $64,000 is - did he get his favourite chippy tea and Colin the Caterpillar cake?????
Many thanks to Pigeonhole and David for this amazing read.
How on earth does David Jackson make the reader side with the killer?
Clever writing is the answer!
Daniel is such a brilliant character, and Scott and Gemma, his parents, will do anything to keep him safe. So begins a probably implausible chain of events, which sucked me in and made me wonder how the situation would ever be resolved!
Leave it to David-1 to sort it out magnificently, with some amazing one-liners along the way.
Add a dash of black humour and hey- presto, we have a thoroughly enjoyable read.
My only criticism is that we didn't see enough of Daniel and the story ends before his birthday. The $64,000 is - did he get his favourite chippy tea and Colin the Caterpillar cake?????
Many thanks to Pigeonhole and David for this amazing read.
October 31, 2024
What lengths would you go to to protect your child?
Daniel will be 23 next week, he's looking forward to his birthday and a new comic with his favourite superhero. Life is uncomplicated, living with his parents in a block of flats, until a local drug dealer steps into the elevator. When he becomes aggressive Daniel steps in to protect his Dad , breaking the rule, never to touch somebody, not knowing his own strength.
His parents are left with a dilemma, a dead drug dealer.. how can they protect their son.
DI Hannah Washington is brought in to investigate when a body is found. She knows if she doesn't solve this case then her force have an excuse to throw her out.
Daniel will be 23 next week, he's looking forward to his birthday and a new comic with his favourite superhero. Life is uncomplicated, living with his parents in a block of flats, until a local drug dealer steps into the elevator. When he becomes aggressive Daniel steps in to protect his Dad , breaking the rule, never to touch somebody, not knowing his own strength.
His parents are left with a dilemma, a dead drug dealer.. how can they protect their son.
DI Hannah Washington is brought in to investigate when a body is found. She knows if she doesn't solve this case then her force have an excuse to throw her out.
March 18, 2025
I read the DS Nathan Cody series by David Jackson in 2022 and found myself racing through them. I have added more of his books to my TBR and The Rule has been waiting to be read for quite some time.
David Jackson has crafted a brilliant, nerve-wracking thriller in The Rule—a novel that is equal parts heartbreaking and chilling. With a plot that unfolds like a slow-motion car crash, you can’t look away, even as you dread what’s coming next. This was a five-star read for me, a book that lingers long after the final page.
At the heart of the story is Daniel, a vulnerable young man with an unspecified learning disability, whose life is carefully structured around The Rule—a simple guideline meant to keep him safe. But when Daniel unintentionally kills a stranger, his devoted parents make a fateful decision: they cover it up. What follows is a tense, morally complex spiral into desperation, as one bad choice leads to another, and the stakes keep rising.
Jackson does a phenomenal job of making the reader feel for Daniel and his parents. The father-son bond is particularly gut-wrenching, with Daniel’s dad trying to protect his child at any cost, even as the situation grows increasingly dire. The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the moral dilemmas uncomfortably real. Would any parent act differently? How far would you go to protect someone you love?
What makes The Rule so compelling isn’t just the suspense—it’s the deep emotional undercurrent. Daniel isn’t a villain, nor are his parents evil. They’re flawed, desperate, and heartbreakingly human. The real horror isn’t in the violence itself but in the slow unravelling of good people who find themselves in an impossible situation.
As for the ending? Absolutely breathtaking. It left me with my heart pounding, questioning everything I thought I knew about right and wrong.
If you love psychological thrillers that are as thought-provoking as they are suspenseful, The Rule is a must-read. Dark, gripping, and emotionally devastating, it’s a book that sticks with you long after the final chapter.
https://featzreviews.com/the-rule-boo...
David Jackson has crafted a brilliant, nerve-wracking thriller in The Rule—a novel that is equal parts heartbreaking and chilling. With a plot that unfolds like a slow-motion car crash, you can’t look away, even as you dread what’s coming next. This was a five-star read for me, a book that lingers long after the final page.
At the heart of the story is Daniel, a vulnerable young man with an unspecified learning disability, whose life is carefully structured around The Rule—a simple guideline meant to keep him safe. But when Daniel unintentionally kills a stranger, his devoted parents make a fateful decision: they cover it up. What follows is a tense, morally complex spiral into desperation, as one bad choice leads to another, and the stakes keep rising.
Jackson does a phenomenal job of making the reader feel for Daniel and his parents. The father-son bond is particularly gut-wrenching, with Daniel’s dad trying to protect his child at any cost, even as the situation grows increasingly dire. The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the moral dilemmas uncomfortably real. Would any parent act differently? How far would you go to protect someone you love?
What makes The Rule so compelling isn’t just the suspense—it’s the deep emotional undercurrent. Daniel isn’t a villain, nor are his parents evil. They’re flawed, desperate, and heartbreakingly human. The real horror isn’t in the violence itself but in the slow unravelling of good people who find themselves in an impossible situation.
As for the ending? Absolutely breathtaking. It left me with my heart pounding, questioning everything I thought I knew about right and wrong.
If you love psychological thrillers that are as thought-provoking as they are suspenseful, The Rule is a must-read. Dark, gripping, and emotionally devastating, it’s a book that sticks with you long after the final chapter.
https://featzreviews.com/the-rule-boo...
July 9, 2021
Daniel is so excited for his upcoming birthday and is looking forward to having fish and chips and getting comics based on his favourite superhero. Daniel will be 23 years old on his next birthday. When something happens that will possibly result in Daniel been taken away from his parents, they will do anything to prevent this from happening even kill !
I so enjoyed reading this book. It has a great storyline and there were plenty of great one lines that had me laughing to myself. We see how far a parent would go go protect their vulnerable child no matter what age that child is. This book is a thriller but as said it will have you laughing at times too.
I so enjoyed reading this book. It has a great storyline and there were plenty of great one lines that had me laughing to myself. We see how far a parent would go go protect their vulnerable child no matter what age that child is. This book is a thriller but as said it will have you laughing at times too.
April 15, 2023
A good, solid plot with relatable characters and just the right amount of plot twist and foreshadowing. When things were revealed, it never felt obvious, but it always made sense.
April 9, 2022
I had a blast with The Rule. It's part thriller and part detective story were the stakes are really high. Captivating, imersive and thrilling are words that come to mind when I think of the plot. The first half does have some pacing issues and wasn't as solid as the second half, hence why I gave it 4 stars. Besides that, I really enjoyed The Rule and find myself really enjoying David Jackson's writing style.
May 12, 2022
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 336
Publisher -
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
MY DAD SAYS BAD THINGS
HAPPEN WHEN I BREAK IT...
Daniel is looking forward to his birthday. He wants pie and chips, a big chocolate cake, and a comic book starring his favourite superhero. And as long as he follows The Rule, nothing bad will happen.
Daniel will be twenty-three next week. And he has no idea that he's about to kill a stranger.
Daniel's parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. They know that Daniel didn't mean to hurt anyone, he just doesn't know his own strength. They dispose of the body. Isn't that what any loving parent would do? But as forces on both sides of the law begin to close in on them, they realise they have no option but to finish what they started. Even if it means that others will have to die...
Because they'll do anything to protect Daniel. Even murder.
My Review
Daniel is a gentle giant, early twenties and a big guy, a child in a mans body who has no idea of his own strength. As a result his mum and dad have made The Rule, Daniel must never break it because people get hurt when he does. When Daniel accidentally kills a man his parents do what any good parent does, they remove all traces of the crime but can you ever truly remove all traces of a crime?
Aw bless Daniel, he is just a sweet vulnerable adult who is sadly a target and his parents will always try and protect him, who wouldn't. They live in a not too good part of town and sadly with Daniel's vulnerability and size he is a beacon for trouble, that is his innocent inability to be anything other than truthful.
The book splits between the officer investigating and trying to get over her own personal tragedy but also a target, from those on the other side of the law and a potential scapegoat in her workplace.
The opening chapter is a belter and I think will stay with me for a while. The book, whilst being a crime/investigation/coping with the aftermath type it also looks at the personal side and after affects of the characters traumas, a huge central theme. Daniel from the murder and how it affects his parents, Hannah the officer who has trauma from a work event, a personal loss and so much emotion from it all.
Daniel is a wee soul, he has learning difficulties, he is vulnerable and such a sweet gentle giant I think how Jackson brought everything to play, the interactions of the characters and I don't think bonds is the right word but how they impacted upon each other. One incident can have life altering reach and this is the case for pretty much every character in the book. The characters personal journey(s) - all very different - and how they develop, evolve and cope with things thrust upon them that you really struggle to imagine. I will never look at a toilet brush quite the same way again that is for sure, boak.
I was hooked and wanted to see where it would play out. I think his books are standalones but I would quite like to see more from Hannah, she is quite a layered character. 4/5 for me - it has action, murder, shady dodgy folk, actions and consequences and prompts the old what would you do if it was you or yours, one incident changing your life as you know it. I have another of Jackson's on my tbrm so looking forward to that.
Pages - 336
Publisher -
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
MY DAD SAYS BAD THINGS
HAPPEN WHEN I BREAK IT...
Daniel is looking forward to his birthday. He wants pie and chips, a big chocolate cake, and a comic book starring his favourite superhero. And as long as he follows The Rule, nothing bad will happen.
Daniel will be twenty-three next week. And he has no idea that he's about to kill a stranger.
Daniel's parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. They know that Daniel didn't mean to hurt anyone, he just doesn't know his own strength. They dispose of the body. Isn't that what any loving parent would do? But as forces on both sides of the law begin to close in on them, they realise they have no option but to finish what they started. Even if it means that others will have to die...
Because they'll do anything to protect Daniel. Even murder.
My Review
Daniel is a gentle giant, early twenties and a big guy, a child in a mans body who has no idea of his own strength. As a result his mum and dad have made The Rule, Daniel must never break it because people get hurt when he does. When Daniel accidentally kills a man his parents do what any good parent does, they remove all traces of the crime but can you ever truly remove all traces of a crime?
Aw bless Daniel, he is just a sweet vulnerable adult who is sadly a target and his parents will always try and protect him, who wouldn't. They live in a not too good part of town and sadly with Daniel's vulnerability and size he is a beacon for trouble, that is his innocent inability to be anything other than truthful.
The book splits between the officer investigating and trying to get over her own personal tragedy but also a target, from those on the other side of the law and a potential scapegoat in her workplace.
The opening chapter is a belter and I think will stay with me for a while. The book, whilst being a crime/investigation/coping with the aftermath type it also looks at the personal side and after affects of the characters traumas, a huge central theme. Daniel from the murder and how it affects his parents, Hannah the officer who has trauma from a work event, a personal loss and so much emotion from it all.
Daniel is a wee soul, he has learning difficulties, he is vulnerable and such a sweet gentle giant I think how Jackson brought everything to play, the interactions of the characters and I don't think bonds is the right word but how they impacted upon each other. One incident can have life altering reach and this is the case for pretty much every character in the book. The characters personal journey(s) - all very different - and how they develop, evolve and cope with things thrust upon them that you really struggle to imagine. I will never look at a toilet brush quite the same way again that is for sure, boak.
I was hooked and wanted to see where it would play out. I think his books are standalones but I would quite like to see more from Hannah, she is quite a layered character. 4/5 for me - it has action, murder, shady dodgy folk, actions and consequences and prompts the old what would you do if it was you or yours, one incident changing your life as you know it. I have another of Jackson's on my tbrm so looking forward to that.
July 16, 2021
The Rule is simple. Don’t touch anyone. This is to protect people, to stop someone getting hurt. Twenty-three year old Daniel can follow this rule, just one of a number of rules that he follows to keep himself safe. But one day he forgets the rule…and it sets off a devastating sequence of events.
Daniel lives with his mum and dad in a pretty run-down area. He leads a simple life, but when he sees his father being attacked by a man in the lift - the man whose backpack contains bags of white powder, bundles of money and a gun - Daniel knows what he has to do.
Unfortunately, Daniel’s strength results in him killing this man. A tragic accident, but out of concern for how their son might be treated by the police, Daniel’s parents do not do what most would. They cover up the crime…and so begins a terrifying few days as the consequences of their actions catch up with them.
While we cannot help but be invested in the events surrounding Daniel and his family, I really liked the way we also got the story of Hannah, the lead officer investigating the murder (because, of course, this is discovered pretty quickly) and how she is forced to confront her own demons in the course of this investigation.
The story itself is so out of the everyday, but the care with which the characters are presented means you cannot help but follow each twist and turn in desperation of seeing how things pan out.
The Rule is a fast-paced story, but one which draws you in. You’re exposed to a dark underbelly, and though some of the choices made by these characters are definitely putting them on the wrong side of the law it’s hard not to hope things work out for them.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this in advance of publication.
Daniel lives with his mum and dad in a pretty run-down area. He leads a simple life, but when he sees his father being attacked by a man in the lift - the man whose backpack contains bags of white powder, bundles of money and a gun - Daniel knows what he has to do.
Unfortunately, Daniel’s strength results in him killing this man. A tragic accident, but out of concern for how their son might be treated by the police, Daniel’s parents do not do what most would. They cover up the crime…and so begins a terrifying few days as the consequences of their actions catch up with them.
While we cannot help but be invested in the events surrounding Daniel and his family, I really liked the way we also got the story of Hannah, the lead officer investigating the murder (because, of course, this is discovered pretty quickly) and how she is forced to confront her own demons in the course of this investigation.
The story itself is so out of the everyday, but the care with which the characters are presented means you cannot help but follow each twist and turn in desperation of seeing how things pan out.
The Rule is a fast-paced story, but one which draws you in. You’re exposed to a dark underbelly, and though some of the choices made by these characters are definitely putting them on the wrong side of the law it’s hard not to hope things work out for them.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this in advance of publication.
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