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The Sleep of Reason
A brutal massacre at a theme park leaves eight dead and triggers a wave of extremist violence across Britain.
On the trail of the killer is Detective Superintendent SOPHIE GABRIEL, who must confront her past as she races to stop rival Islamist and neo-Nazi terror groups bringing a deadly campaign of violence to Britain’s streets.
As community tensions rise, the Coalition Government appear to be exploiting the crisis for their own ends. In the midst of a political and media whirlwind, Gabriel and her team must stop a ruthless terrorist attack that could leave hundreds dead.
Co-written by one of the UK's leading counter-terrorism experts, The Sleep of Reason is a tense and compelling thriller which sees young men radicalised into murder and toxic politics fuelling extremism and violence.
On the trail of the killer is Detective Superintendent SOPHIE GABRIEL, who must confront her past as she races to stop rival Islamist and neo-Nazi terror groups bringing a deadly campaign of violence to Britain’s streets.
As community tensions rise, the Coalition Government appear to be exploiting the crisis for their own ends. In the midst of a political and media whirlwind, Gabriel and her team must stop a ruthless terrorist attack that could leave hundreds dead.
Co-written by one of the UK's leading counter-terrorism experts, The Sleep of Reason is a tense and compelling thriller which sees young men radicalised into murder and toxic politics fuelling extremism and violence.
- GenresFiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2022
8 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 4, 2022
Good friends David Derbyshire and Mark Rowley have co-authored The Sleep of Reason, a debut political thriller. Detective Superintendent Sophie Gabriel is on the hunt for a violent extremist at work in London in an all too real imagined scenario. A terrorist hunt begins after eight people were massacred on a theme park ride by a young white male previously unknown to authorities. As the hunt for clues ensue, active cells and potential targets unfold, politicians use the publicity for their own nefarious agendas. An intriguing debut novel with tension and realistic account of policing that makes for a four-and-a-half-star rating. As the narrative discloses concurrent events, it lacked segue transitions but this did not undermine the overall saga. Interestingly, a loose end left hanging may indicate a sequel, which would be pleasing. With thanks to Legend Press and the authors, for an uncorrected advanced copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
April 17, 2022
Blog tour: https://lianareads.home.blog/2022/04/...
The sleep of reason is everything I didn't know I needed from a thriller.
It holds my attention with a gripping hand from the first chapter til the last page. The novel had my pulse racing throughout the scenes where I was on the edge of my seat to find out how everything will evolve.
Intriguing characters, one too many, but with their own place within the story, a feel of dread while the terror will be spread even more by political groups among people that look up to them for votes and other mischievous schemes and a great heroine that has to overcome her own personal burns.
I enjoyed the writing style, and it was easy to follow along with all the plots and actions taken.
These are making for a great debut story that many thriller lovers will enjoy as much as I have.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
The sleep of reason is everything I didn't know I needed from a thriller.
It holds my attention with a gripping hand from the first chapter til the last page. The novel had my pulse racing throughout the scenes where I was on the edge of my seat to find out how everything will evolve.
Intriguing characters, one too many, but with their own place within the story, a feel of dread while the terror will be spread even more by political groups among people that look up to them for votes and other mischievous schemes and a great heroine that has to overcome her own personal burns.
I enjoyed the writing style, and it was easy to follow along with all the plots and actions taken.
These are making for a great debut story that many thriller lovers will enjoy as much as I have.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
February 23, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Legend Press for the copy of this book. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I never connected with the story, even though it felt realistic. The writing was okay, and I would start loving it, then would lose interest again, I'm not sure why. There were too many characters, so I couldn't keep them straight, even though I tried. This was probably my biggest issue - so many characters I couldn't connect to any of them. 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
June 12, 2024
Passable thriller for a long train journey. The methods and procedures more believable because the author is now Met Commissioner. There’s enough leeway at the end for more if he’s at a loose end after a second retirement. Three and a half stars
April 4, 2022
With levels of extremism hitting new heights in Britain today, and politics sinking to new lows, this is just the kind of thriller to send your heartbeat racing. It’s frightening because it’s so real. At the core of the story is an excruciating race against time to prevent yet another terrorist attack in London. But who are the perpetrators - an Islamic group or neo-Nazis?
For me the strength of the book lies in the character of DS Sophie Gabriel. She’s tough, intuitive and having to overcome a whopping sense of guilt for not having prevented an attack in the past. Her boss is behind her. But is that enough? And the coalition government has its own reasons for promoting the evils of one terrorist group as being far more threatening and menacing than the other. This is one of the many aspects of the plot which made it all such a realistic and terrifying scenario - because this, unfortunately, is the sorry truth of politics today.
When I read the credentials of the two authors - one a top counter-terrorist operative, the other a national journalist - I was really looking forward to a gripping and authentic thriller. And it is all of that. My one disappointment was that the authors didn’t take us further with their knowledge. - events, beliefs and techniques were a little over-explained. I wished they’d written it twice the length with twice the detail. And there’s an unexpected twist which unfortunately I saw coming from miles away - which is unusual!
That said, The Sleep of Reason is a cracking read, and my thanks to Legend Press for sending me the e-book to review.
For me the strength of the book lies in the character of DS Sophie Gabriel. She’s tough, intuitive and having to overcome a whopping sense of guilt for not having prevented an attack in the past. Her boss is behind her. But is that enough? And the coalition government has its own reasons for promoting the evils of one terrorist group as being far more threatening and menacing than the other. This is one of the many aspects of the plot which made it all such a realistic and terrifying scenario - because this, unfortunately, is the sorry truth of politics today.
When I read the credentials of the two authors - one a top counter-terrorist operative, the other a national journalist - I was really looking forward to a gripping and authentic thriller. And it is all of that. My one disappointment was that the authors didn’t take us further with their knowledge. - events, beliefs and techniques were a little over-explained. I wished they’d written it twice the length with twice the detail. And there’s an unexpected twist which unfortunately I saw coming from miles away - which is unusual!
That said, The Sleep of Reason is a cracking read, and my thanks to Legend Press for sending me the e-book to review.
April 6, 2022
A slight departure from my usual serial killer thrillers and blood thirsty slasher books, THE SLEEP OF REASON was a political thriller with tension and action the whole way through. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one.
A terrorist plot unfolds at a theme park, where 8 people are killed by a known-to-the-authorities bad guy. Detective SI Sophie Gabriel takes on the case and thus our story begins.
I loved our main character, she has guts, ambition and skill. She works hard and gets what she wants. She’s got baggage, as all our protagonists generally do, so we know she has character.
The government is being secretive and dishonest, and we've got a couple of different terrorist groups to choose from.
There is a sense of realism in the plot and it’s scary how true to life this one seems. Written by two experienced-in-the-field authors, both of whom have so much insight to give, we get a real sense that this could happen, does happen and will continue to happen.
I recommend this book to people interested in politic thrillers, terrorism related plots and general fast paced thrillers.
Thank you to the publishers for my copy of this book.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
A terrorist plot unfolds at a theme park, where 8 people are killed by a known-to-the-authorities bad guy. Detective SI Sophie Gabriel takes on the case and thus our story begins.
I loved our main character, she has guts, ambition and skill. She works hard and gets what she wants. She’s got baggage, as all our protagonists generally do, so we know she has character.
The government is being secretive and dishonest, and we've got a couple of different terrorist groups to choose from.
There is a sense of realism in the plot and it’s scary how true to life this one seems. Written by two experienced-in-the-field authors, both of whom have so much insight to give, we get a real sense that this could happen, does happen and will continue to happen.
I recommend this book to people interested in politic thrillers, terrorism related plots and general fast paced thrillers.
Thank you to the publishers for my copy of this book.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
June 6, 2022
A taut, tight thriller.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get into this book, because it is all about terrorism and radicalisation.
The terrorist cell carried out a horrendous and upsetting attack in Brighton which, although topical, was very harrowing.
However, as I read further into the book, I was intrigued by the police procedure and the minds of these zealous criminals. The anti-terrorism squad of Detective Superintendent Sophie Gabriel led the investigation. She had her reasons for wanting to catch the terrorist leader as, in the past, he had always managed to keep one step ahead of her.
I found it particularly interesting because one of the authors had first-hand experience working in counter-terrorism and radicalisation.
Galadriel.
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get into this book, because it is all about terrorism and radicalisation.
The terrorist cell carried out a horrendous and upsetting attack in Brighton which, although topical, was very harrowing.
However, as I read further into the book, I was intrigued by the police procedure and the minds of these zealous criminals. The anti-terrorism squad of Detective Superintendent Sophie Gabriel led the investigation. She had her reasons for wanting to catch the terrorist leader as, in the past, he had always managed to keep one step ahead of her.
I found it particularly interesting because one of the authors had first-hand experience working in counter-terrorism and radicalisation.
Galadriel.
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
July 21, 2025
I got this book as part of my box of stories subscription (of which I am no longer subscribed).
I like thrillers, they are my second favourite genre and I have also been known to enjoy the occasional political thriller (looking at you Ken Follet) so I was really looking forward to this one but it was unfortunately a disappointment.
The action and the thrilling parts of this book didn't have enough anticipation so when they happened they just happened and it felt like nothing.
The characters were forgettable and other than race I couldn't tell you a single characteristic of any of them and so it was difficult to feel invested in anything that was happening.
The last 70 pages or so were redeeming and I enjoyed it so-so but ultimately I would not recommend this book.
I like thrillers, they are my second favourite genre and I have also been known to enjoy the occasional political thriller (looking at you Ken Follet) so I was really looking forward to this one but it was unfortunately a disappointment.
The action and the thrilling parts of this book didn't have enough anticipation so when they happened they just happened and it felt like nothing.
The characters were forgettable and other than race I couldn't tell you a single characteristic of any of them and so it was difficult to feel invested in anything that was happening.
The last 70 pages or so were redeeming and I enjoyed it so-so but ultimately I would not recommend this book.
April 3, 2022
The sleep of reason by David Derbyshire and Mark Rowley.
A brutal massacre at a theme park leaves eight dead and triggers a wave of extremist violence across Britain.On the trail of the killer is Detective Superintendent SOPHIE GABRIEL, who must confront her past as she races to stop rival Islamist and neo-Nazi terror groups bringing a deadly campaign of violence to Britain’s streets.As community tensions rise, the coalition government appears to be exploiting the crisis for its own ends. In the midst of a political and media whirlwind, Gabriel and her team must stop a ruthless terrorist attack that could leave hundreds dead.
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the story and characters. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
A brutal massacre at a theme park leaves eight dead and triggers a wave of extremist violence across Britain.On the trail of the killer is Detective Superintendent SOPHIE GABRIEL, who must confront her past as she races to stop rival Islamist and neo-Nazi terror groups bringing a deadly campaign of violence to Britain’s streets.As community tensions rise, the coalition government appears to be exploiting the crisis for its own ends. In the midst of a political and media whirlwind, Gabriel and her team must stop a ruthless terrorist attack that could leave hundreds dead.
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the story and characters. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
April 15, 2022
I have really loved this crime thriller. With co-writer Sir Mark Rowley having led UK counter-terrorism policing for four years this was bound to be a good read.
On the British streets lay two big threats, Neo-Nazi terrorists and their rivals radicalised Islamic Extremists. It’s soaked in politics and follows a great plot. DS Gabriel is in a race against time to put a stop to a terror attack that is threatening the safety of thousands on the streets of London.
This is how I love my crime thrillers, I just couldn’t put it down. If you’re a Crime Thriller fan who loves controversy and politics give it a read. You won’t regret it.
On the British streets lay two big threats, Neo-Nazi terrorists and their rivals radicalised Islamic Extremists. It’s soaked in politics and follows a great plot. DS Gabriel is in a race against time to put a stop to a terror attack that is threatening the safety of thousands on the streets of London.
This is how I love my crime thrillers, I just couldn’t put it down. If you’re a Crime Thriller fan who loves controversy and politics give it a read. You won’t regret it.
December 17, 2022
Significant as Rowley is the Commissioner of the Met & former head of counter-terrorism, therefore this not a novel of fanciful fiction but must draw on his vast professional knowledge. It also leaves one with the impression that his knowledge of party politicians leaves him with a less than sparkling view of them.
The book is pacey & leaves issues hanging at the end, so a sequel would appear likely - interrupted, no doubt, by Rowley having to focus on other things ... like policing the capital & coping with disingenuous politicians!
The book is pacey & leaves issues hanging at the end, so a sequel would appear likely - interrupted, no doubt, by Rowley having to focus on other things ... like policing the capital & coping with disingenuous politicians!
April 24, 2022
Thank you to Legend Press for offering me a place on this tour and a gifted copy of the book.
Co-written by one of the UK’s leading counter terrorism experts I was expecting a great read and I wasn’t disappointed.
This book is fast paced, there is plenty of action and at times very tense. It was hard to put down I had to keep reading to find out the outcome.
I think this would actually make a great tv series.
Co-written by one of the UK’s leading counter terrorism experts I was expecting a great read and I wasn’t disappointed.
This book is fast paced, there is plenty of action and at times very tense. It was hard to put down I had to keep reading to find out the outcome.
I think this would actually make a great tv series.
July 15, 2022
this is a very well-written political thriller, where Sophie Gabriel is assigned to find a Violent extremist who was the reason behind a theme park incident and massacred eight innocent people. The story is for sure intriguing and keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The characters are interesting and well chosen.
I enjoyed how the authors penned the story and I even liked that the story has a loose end, which means there is a possibility of a second book.
I enjoyed how the authors penned the story and I even liked that the story has a loose end, which means there is a possibility of a second book.
April 13, 2025
This book is described as a compelling thriller about toxic politics and the radicalisation of young men. A brutal massacre at a theme park leaves eight dead and triggers a wave of extremist violence across Britain.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would read more by same authors - this was a co-written book by Mark Rowley, worked in Counter Terrorism and David Derbyshire , a journalist.
Would like there to be a sequel
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would read more by same authors - this was a co-written book by Mark Rowley, worked in Counter Terrorism and David Derbyshire , a journalist.
Would like there to be a sequel
March 2, 2022
A mixture of thoughts on this one. It took a while for me to get into it, however I'm glad I did as I really enjoyed the story. I have however deducted a point as I didn't feel anything for any of the characters.
An interesting conclusion with the main story wrapped up but leaving a very important thread open for a follow up. (which I want to read).
An interesting conclusion with the main story wrapped up but leaving a very important thread open for a follow up. (which I want to read).
April 22, 2022
Whilst one has to be respectful of the co-authors experience and dedication to protecting the citizens of the UK I felt the book perfectly readable but lacking lustre, maybe I am jaded from reading the Slough House books and should not try to compare this book to them but if this had a bit more cynical humour ……
November 29, 2023
A tense crime thriller benefitting from the insight of Mark Rowley into both the burden of policing within the crucible of public opinion and the world of politics. The book starts in shocking nature but thankfully then steers a more thoughtful course through the world of extremism. There's a touch of 'Hollywood' style and a little too much telling for my liking but all in all a good read.
December 5, 2025
so good dude!! So many perspective changes but I didn't get lost at all! Honestly a really fascinating book and Sophie Gabriel is a brilliant character I find easy to sympathise with. It's a great, gritty read and feels like a pretty accurate to life novel regarding the terrorism, police force and political corruption (fr).
April 7, 2022
Intense, dark, suspense packed, fast moving thriller. Just a few words of what I think of this great book.
The writing is truly atmospheric- it gives you the reader that feeling of being at the heart of it all. Tension building and instant page turner. Could there be a sequel???
The writing is truly atmospheric- it gives you the reader that feeling of being at the heart of it all. Tension building and instant page turner. Could there be a sequel???
May 28, 2022
Excellent and well written read jointly written by ex Head of national terroroist organisation. Although only gave some insight into what goes on it was very thought provoking on issues and situations faced . Very scary in terms of what might happen without the intelligence services .
November 13, 2025
Fast paced, authentic feeling thriller, which presents a rather chilling picture of extremism with an all to believable premise. It felt a little too prescient in the depiction of the rise of far right, Reform-esque party to government too.
Very good, and more than a little scary.
Very good, and more than a little scary.
May 28, 2022
A good fast paced thriller. Good insight into counter terrorist policing.
Looks like it set up for a sequel - will read it if there is one
Looks like it set up for a sequel - will read it if there is one
August 10, 2022
Interesting take on modern policing. Politicians are self absorbed
March 25, 2023
Full review at MurderinCommon.com:
https://murderincommon.com/2022/04/03...
https://murderincommon.com/2022/04/03...
May 12, 2023
readable but not great, I guess this is much closer to real police work
it lacked a bit in emotional characterisation
it lacked a bit in emotional characterisation
April 2, 2024
This book is the BOSS. 5 very well deserved stars.
September 30, 2024
The book is gripping but the characters seem to be way too flat.
May 25, 2025
The plot was gripping but also scarily realistic, nothing ground breaking but an enjoyable read nonetheless
September 6, 2025
this was not for me. I tried but I could not get into it
January 10, 2026
Wow I really hated this book. The last chapter (70 pages) was at least interesting and I enjoyed reading about Omar and our lead Gabriel, but it was way way way too detailed with the accuracies of an investigation. So many characters in political positions and police positions that it was difficult to keep up with and filled with legal jargon, I would just tune out. Not to mention, the multiple POVs were incredibly redundant. The terrorist groups would reveal their plan and then the next 30 pages are the detective discovering a plan that we already fully know. It took me four months to finish this book. It seems to want to set up a sequel but it doesn’t feel deserved. You couldn’t pay me to read the next one if there was one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews