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The Siege: The first in a thrilling and heart-pounding new police procedural series set in London
'You know you're in the presence of an expert when you read The Siege. A gripping debut novel.' Jeffrey Archer
Nine hostages. Ten hours. One chance to save them all.
Lee James Connor has found his purpose in to follow the teachings of far-right extremist leader, Nicholas Farmer. So when his idol is jailed, he comes up with the perfect take a local immigrant support group hostage until Farmer is released.
Grace Wheatley is no stranger to loneliness having weathered the passing of her husband, whilst being left to raise her son alone. The local support group is her only source of comfort. Until the day Lee James Connor walks in and threatens the existence of everything she's ever known.
Superintendent Alex Lewis may be one of the most experienced hostage negotiators on the force, but there's no such thing as a perfect record. Still haunted by his last case, can he connect with Connor - and save his nine hostages - before it's too late?
'A masterly, gripping tale of a siege, written with a true voice of authority.' - Peter James
Nine hostages. Ten hours. One chance to save them all.
Lee James Connor has found his purpose in to follow the teachings of far-right extremist leader, Nicholas Farmer. So when his idol is jailed, he comes up with the perfect take a local immigrant support group hostage until Farmer is released.
Grace Wheatley is no stranger to loneliness having weathered the passing of her husband, whilst being left to raise her son alone. The local support group is her only source of comfort. Until the day Lee James Connor walks in and threatens the existence of everything she's ever known.
Superintendent Alex Lewis may be one of the most experienced hostage negotiators on the force, but there's no such thing as a perfect record. Still haunted by his last case, can he connect with Connor - and save his nine hostages - before it's too late?
'A masterly, gripping tale of a siege, written with a true voice of authority.' - Peter James
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2022
21 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
John Sutherland
4 books41 followersJohn Sutherland is a married father of three and he lives with his wife and children in South London.
He joined the Met Police in September 1992 and served a variety of ranks and roles across London.
Heretired on ill health grounds in February 2018.
He writes blogs about life and policing – about the extraordinary people he served alongside and the challenges they face.
He joined the Met Police in September 1992 and served a variety of ranks and roles across London.
Heretired on ill health grounds in February 2018.
He writes blogs about life and policing – about the extraordinary people he served alongside and the challenges they face.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 14, 2022
Very very tense,fast paced and involving read
There is a hostage situation at a church in London and we meet all the characters,most not knowing they are going to be involved,before the act of terror starts,like in a disaster movie I was willing the innocents to ‘turn back’ and ‘ not to go into the church’ but of course the die is cast and they do and the horror begins
A very stark contrast of violence ( at times brutal ) and kindness is given by the author to the main players throughout the siege with a fair indepth look at the hostage taker and the victims,especially one,Grace, and how this dreadful turn of events has been planned as the hatred festered,a not fully sympathetic but realistic look at the perp from Grace and a basic understanding of why he was doing what he was after he ‘confides’ in her turns the readers thoughts and views slightly,very well done by the author,I still hated the terrorist but there was human reaction to his life,will make sense when read it
The negotiator played a second fiddle for me compared to Grace although was a big part of the story
An unexpected ending and although I read it quickly,you can’t not as it develops it was a read I wont forget…….
8/10
4 Stars
There is a hostage situation at a church in London and we meet all the characters,most not knowing they are going to be involved,before the act of terror starts,like in a disaster movie I was willing the innocents to ‘turn back’ and ‘ not to go into the church’ but of course the die is cast and they do and the horror begins
A very stark contrast of violence ( at times brutal ) and kindness is given by the author to the main players throughout the siege with a fair indepth look at the hostage taker and the victims,especially one,Grace, and how this dreadful turn of events has been planned as the hatred festered,a not fully sympathetic but realistic look at the perp from Grace and a basic understanding of why he was doing what he was after he ‘confides’ in her turns the readers thoughts and views slightly,very well done by the author,I still hated the terrorist but there was human reaction to his life,will make sense when read it
The negotiator played a second fiddle for me compared to Grace although was a big part of the story
An unexpected ending and although I read it quickly,you can’t not as it develops it was a read I wont forget…….
8/10
4 Stars
June 16, 2022
The story of a young far right wing extremist who takes a church group that welcome refugees hostage, demanding the release from prison of the leader of a far right wing group(with hopefully intentionally funny initials!).
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would when I started it. I say that because it gets going very quickly and once the siege starts I was wondering how this could possibly bee stretched out into a full novel. I shouldnt have worried as the pages fly by in this fast past read.
Quite violent in places with dark subject matters, ironically at times it skirts on being overly sentimental and sickly sweet. It manages to stay the right side of it, just, and overall this is an excellent read. A real page turner that is a quite simple story but keeps you wanting to read that one more chapter to see what happens.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would when I started it. I say that because it gets going very quickly and once the siege starts I was wondering how this could possibly bee stretched out into a full novel. I shouldnt have worried as the pages fly by in this fast past read.
Quite violent in places with dark subject matters, ironically at times it skirts on being overly sentimental and sickly sweet. It manages to stay the right side of it, just, and overall this is an excellent read. A real page turner that is a quite simple story but keeps you wanting to read that one more chapter to see what happens.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
June 26, 2022
The book begins at 16.57 hours with Lee James Connor. He is 22, lives in a first-floor bedsit in south-west London and is a follower of Nicholas Farmer, self-proclaimed leader of right-wing group Home Front, whose slogan is “Make Britain Great Again.”
The story is told from three viewpoints – Connor, Grace and Alex. Grace Wheatley is in her late thirties and a daughter of the Windrush generation. She lives about seven miles away from Lee, with her teenage son Isaiah. She’s a single mum, a teaching assistant at the local primary school and a regular at her local church.
Superintendent Alex Lewis of Kentish Town Police Station is unhappily married to Kathy and they have two teenage sons (Luke – 16 and Jack – 14). He is on the Hostage Negotiation rota that week.
The novel follows the siege that ensues. Connor’s choice of place to attack is Grace’s local church with its Refugees Welcome sign. When he goes in, armed and with a plan, there are nine people inside – Grace, the vicar Rosie Phillips, Syrian refugees Mariam and her daughter Rahel (12) and son Ittack (14), Alan and Jean Richardson (who are in their early seventies, Alan had a heart bypass six months earlier), Helen (a local youth worker of Gambian descent) and her boyfriend Jack.
We follow what happens from the three viewpoints of Connor, Grace and Lee.
It is an interesting novel, fast-paced with short chapters that make you want to read on and find out what happens. The characters are believable and I especially loved Grace, she is absolutely amazing. It’s written in real time, so holds your interest as you are following the events “as they happen” which makes you invested in it all.
One minor criticism is that the title of the novel isn’t the most inspiring. Nine Lives may have been a more interesting title than The Siege! Also I felt we didn’t really get to know Alan, Jean and Helen.
But overall, it’s a great book!
9 out of 10
The story is told from three viewpoints – Connor, Grace and Alex. Grace Wheatley is in her late thirties and a daughter of the Windrush generation. She lives about seven miles away from Lee, with her teenage son Isaiah. She’s a single mum, a teaching assistant at the local primary school and a regular at her local church.
Superintendent Alex Lewis of Kentish Town Police Station is unhappily married to Kathy and they have two teenage sons (Luke – 16 and Jack – 14). He is on the Hostage Negotiation rota that week.
The novel follows the siege that ensues. Connor’s choice of place to attack is Grace’s local church with its Refugees Welcome sign. When he goes in, armed and with a plan, there are nine people inside – Grace, the vicar Rosie Phillips, Syrian refugees Mariam and her daughter Rahel (12) and son Ittack (14), Alan and Jean Richardson (who are in their early seventies, Alan had a heart bypass six months earlier), Helen (a local youth worker of Gambian descent) and her boyfriend Jack.
We follow what happens from the three viewpoints of Connor, Grace and Lee.
It is an interesting novel, fast-paced with short chapters that make you want to read on and find out what happens. The characters are believable and I especially loved Grace, she is absolutely amazing. It’s written in real time, so holds your interest as you are following the events “as they happen” which makes you invested in it all.
One minor criticism is that the title of the novel isn’t the most inspiring. Nine Lives may have been a more interesting title than The Siege! Also I felt we didn’t really get to know Alan, Jean and Helen.
But overall, it’s a great book!
9 out of 10
June 30, 2022
I read and reviewed The Siege on Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. This crime/police procedural novel made really thrilling reading. I like reading cleverly written thrillers and this didn’t disappoint. It was like reading a true crime book or watching a documentary about policing. I read that the author worked as a policeman and hostage negotiator and this book seemed very factual.
I was gripped from page one and this book held my interest throughout. It was a fascinating read and while it was a first book I’ve read by this author I’m hoping to read more in the future. I like the author’s writing style and the attendees to detail.
I was gripped from page one and this book held my interest throughout. It was a fascinating read and while it was a first book I’ve read by this author I’m hoping to read more in the future. I like the author’s writing style and the attendees to detail.
June 30, 2022
THE SIEGE is the story of a hostage situation in south London. When Lee James Connor, a loner, inspired by an anti-immigrant, firebrand right-wing extremest leader, takes a community church centre and its nine attendees hostage, we see the events of an entire night play out through the viewpoints of Connor, Grace, one of his hostages, and Alex, the lead hostage negotiator assigned to the incident.
As might be expected from a former police negotiator, John Sutherland writes from experience and that experience makes the novel very realistic. Sutherland writes in a very mannered, ‘correct’ way which initially feels documentary-like, almost reportage, but that ultimately is the novel’s strength. We are taken through the events minute by minute, hour by hour, in the heads of the negotiator, the hostage, and the hostage-taker, all of whom, even the latter, treated as real people, people with their own flaws and issues.
In less experienced, more bombastic, hands, Lee Connor would be a monster, Alex Lewis, a maverick who would save the day through some risky, heroic strategy, Grace the terrified hostage needing rescue. Here the drama is created through realistic characters and, unfortunately, all too realistic situations. I was drawn in completely; it is a very emotional read, the tension heightening with every chapter. The protagonists are good, ordinary people, trying to do the right thing in a frightening situation; the antagonist, a troubled young man whose actions, while not in any way condoned by the author, can be understood, given the society in which we live today. Sutherland subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, points the finger at those in politics and the media who thrive on division with no heed to the consequences of their words.
I would be really interested in going back the John Sutherland’s non fiction work about his life in the police service, and I look forward to his next novel.
As might be expected from a former police negotiator, John Sutherland writes from experience and that experience makes the novel very realistic. Sutherland writes in a very mannered, ‘correct’ way which initially feels documentary-like, almost reportage, but that ultimately is the novel’s strength. We are taken through the events minute by minute, hour by hour, in the heads of the negotiator, the hostage, and the hostage-taker, all of whom, even the latter, treated as real people, people with their own flaws and issues.
In less experienced, more bombastic, hands, Lee Connor would be a monster, Alex Lewis, a maverick who would save the day through some risky, heroic strategy, Grace the terrified hostage needing rescue. Here the drama is created through realistic characters and, unfortunately, all too realistic situations. I was drawn in completely; it is a very emotional read, the tension heightening with every chapter. The protagonists are good, ordinary people, trying to do the right thing in a frightening situation; the antagonist, a troubled young man whose actions, while not in any way condoned by the author, can be understood, given the society in which we live today. Sutherland subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, points the finger at those in politics and the media who thrive on division with no heed to the consequences of their words.
I would be really interested in going back the John Sutherland’s non fiction work about his life in the police service, and I look forward to his next novel.
June 25, 2025
The Siege by John Sutherland - Good
The second of the books that I bought at Bay Tales 25 on the strength of hearing the author talk and something a little bit different.
Superintendent Alex Lewis is an officer in the Met but is also a trained negotiator. This is a secondary role, no extra pay just the need to stand in readiness to be called out to any incident that needs his skills.
Lee James Connor is another discontented youth, radicalised in his bedroom disappearing down rabbit holes on the dark web. He's planned and practiced and now is the time to put those plans into action. He's going to make the world take notice and get his hero released from jail.
And so begins a tense night of hostage taking and negotiations. Can Lewis get through to Connor and bring around a peaceful resolution or will this all end in tragedy?
A very believable story, not exactly surprising as the author was a negotiator for the Met before retiring and turning to fiction.
Particularly liked the character of Grace caught up in the incident but brave enough to make a stand...who knows what they are capable of until tested!
#review
The second of the books that I bought at Bay Tales 25 on the strength of hearing the author talk and something a little bit different.
Superintendent Alex Lewis is an officer in the Met but is also a trained negotiator. This is a secondary role, no extra pay just the need to stand in readiness to be called out to any incident that needs his skills.
Lee James Connor is another discontented youth, radicalised in his bedroom disappearing down rabbit holes on the dark web. He's planned and practiced and now is the time to put those plans into action. He's going to make the world take notice and get his hero released from jail.
And so begins a tense night of hostage taking and negotiations. Can Lewis get through to Connor and bring around a peaceful resolution or will this all end in tragedy?
A very believable story, not exactly surprising as the author was a negotiator for the Met before retiring and turning to fiction.
Particularly liked the character of Grace caught up in the incident but brave enough to make a stand...who knows what they are capable of until tested!
#review
July 11, 2023
Does what it says on the tin, and does it well.
August 12, 2025
Dull and predictable.
January 29, 2023
What a read. Talk about your ticking clock thriller. Could not be more apt a description for this fast paced, attention grabbing hostage thriller which takes place over the course of one night. Focused largely on three main protagonists - hostage taker, Lee, one of the hostages, single mother, Grace, and the hostage negotiator, Alex, the story is packed with tension, authenticity, and pulse-thumping scenes which kept me completely hooked. I devoured this book in a single sitting. John Sutherland has really captured the pressure of the situation, that sense that if you turn away for even a moment, something bad could, and will happen, and it certainly worked to keep me riveted.
I have read the author's two non-fiction titles, one a memoir, the other a look into the challenges and issues facing modern policing. Both showed how much John Sutherland cared for his former role, for his colleagues and for the community that he served, but also that his focus was as much on understanding the reasons for crime and how and why people end up breaking the law, every bit as much ensuring that criminals are caught and that justice is seen to be done. In his memoir, Blue, we also see how much the day to day toll of policing had on his own mental health, the impacts of seeing so much violence leaving an indelible mark. All of this is reflected perfectly in The Siege and in the characters that he has brought to life. this, and his own experience as a hostage negotiator, is what gives the book so much authenticity, what makes it so compelling.
There is no simple condemnation of the aggressor, Lee, nor hero like status of Alex as the negotiator. Both are far more nuanced characters, multi-faceted in a way that gets under your skin. While we are first introduced to Lee James Connor in a way that leaves no doubt as to his malicious intent, the longer we spend with him, the more sympathy it is possible to feel for his position. His is not a simple case of terrorism disguised as misguided patriotism, his anger towards ethnic minorities and immigrants driven by far more than simple hate that has been exacerbated by online facism and extreme right wing sites on the dark web. Whilst it is not possible to completely forgive his actions, the clear message we are presented with is that understanding the root cause is the key to changing his attitude, and perhaps his actions.
Superintendent Alex Lewis, as lead hostage negotiator, has a very complicated life. Haunted by the outcome of his last negotiation, and with a family life that is far from welcoming or especially loving, you can feel the tension and apprehension that sits within him as he faces one of the biggest and most intense negotiations of his career. In spite of his inner self doubt, he is calm, and, backed up by the team of negotiators, determined to see a positive outcome for all involved. On the other side of the police line, caught in the increasingly intense and unpredictable hostage situation, Grace is a bit of a revelation. She is strong, calm, and her thoughts, whilst with the other hostages, also include concern for Lee too. Although this could just be an attempt to leave the situation with everyone safe, there is a real sense of Grace caring about what the cause of Lee's aggression is, a desire to understand him as more than a terrorist but as a damaged and hurt man. Her motherly instincts come to the fore in a way which feels believable and heartening in the midst of such tension. I warmed to both Alex and Grace very quickly, making me more determined to read on in the hope of a positive outcome.
This book is paced perfectly, the action switching between the characters seamlessly, ensuring that the action is kept taught and the sense of urgency never dips. There are moments of great threat, the kind that have you leaning forward in your seat, and Lee's unpredictability, exaggerated and enhanced by his use of drugs, adds a layer of fear to everything that we witness. Chapters are punctuated by a time stamp which gives you the sense of a realtime countdown, the way in which the clock ticks onwards, adding exhaustion to anger and frustration and making quite the heady mix. Learning more about each of the characters as we move through the book kept me completely on my toes, challenging any preconceptions I may have had, just as I am certain the author intended. I am certainly glad there is a second book just around the corner as this one really his the spot and was everything I wanted in a thriller.
Pacy, thought provoking, tense and sometimes emotional, this book is most definitely recommended for crime fiction fans. An absolute winner.
I have read the author's two non-fiction titles, one a memoir, the other a look into the challenges and issues facing modern policing. Both showed how much John Sutherland cared for his former role, for his colleagues and for the community that he served, but also that his focus was as much on understanding the reasons for crime and how and why people end up breaking the law, every bit as much ensuring that criminals are caught and that justice is seen to be done. In his memoir, Blue, we also see how much the day to day toll of policing had on his own mental health, the impacts of seeing so much violence leaving an indelible mark. All of this is reflected perfectly in The Siege and in the characters that he has brought to life. this, and his own experience as a hostage negotiator, is what gives the book so much authenticity, what makes it so compelling.
There is no simple condemnation of the aggressor, Lee, nor hero like status of Alex as the negotiator. Both are far more nuanced characters, multi-faceted in a way that gets under your skin. While we are first introduced to Lee James Connor in a way that leaves no doubt as to his malicious intent, the longer we spend with him, the more sympathy it is possible to feel for his position. His is not a simple case of terrorism disguised as misguided patriotism, his anger towards ethnic minorities and immigrants driven by far more than simple hate that has been exacerbated by online facism and extreme right wing sites on the dark web. Whilst it is not possible to completely forgive his actions, the clear message we are presented with is that understanding the root cause is the key to changing his attitude, and perhaps his actions.
Superintendent Alex Lewis, as lead hostage negotiator, has a very complicated life. Haunted by the outcome of his last negotiation, and with a family life that is far from welcoming or especially loving, you can feel the tension and apprehension that sits within him as he faces one of the biggest and most intense negotiations of his career. In spite of his inner self doubt, he is calm, and, backed up by the team of negotiators, determined to see a positive outcome for all involved. On the other side of the police line, caught in the increasingly intense and unpredictable hostage situation, Grace is a bit of a revelation. She is strong, calm, and her thoughts, whilst with the other hostages, also include concern for Lee too. Although this could just be an attempt to leave the situation with everyone safe, there is a real sense of Grace caring about what the cause of Lee's aggression is, a desire to understand him as more than a terrorist but as a damaged and hurt man. Her motherly instincts come to the fore in a way which feels believable and heartening in the midst of such tension. I warmed to both Alex and Grace very quickly, making me more determined to read on in the hope of a positive outcome.
This book is paced perfectly, the action switching between the characters seamlessly, ensuring that the action is kept taught and the sense of urgency never dips. There are moments of great threat, the kind that have you leaning forward in your seat, and Lee's unpredictability, exaggerated and enhanced by his use of drugs, adds a layer of fear to everything that we witness. Chapters are punctuated by a time stamp which gives you the sense of a realtime countdown, the way in which the clock ticks onwards, adding exhaustion to anger and frustration and making quite the heady mix. Learning more about each of the characters as we move through the book kept me completely on my toes, challenging any preconceptions I may have had, just as I am certain the author intended. I am certainly glad there is a second book just around the corner as this one really his the spot and was everything I wanted in a thriller.
Pacy, thought provoking, tense and sometimes emotional, this book is most definitely recommended for crime fiction fans. An absolute winner.
June 20, 2022
Well, where do I start with this book? The book starts at 16.57 with Lee James Connor, a 22 year-old male, he lives in a cramped bed sit hidden away at the back of a run-down Georgian conversion in south-west London. He keeps himself pretty much to himself he knows nothing of his neighbours and they know nothing of him, for most of the day he sleeps and at night he is on his computer. But this day is different this day he has plans. This day is also the end of the trial for Nicholas Farmer, a self proclaimed leader of the banned right-wing group Home Front. Having been found guilty, Farmer is remanded for pre sentencing reports to be done, but the judge has already said his sentence will, be a long one. Connor has made plans for this day.
Not too far away live Grace Wheatley and her teenage son Isaiah, she had been born in the United Kingdom but her parents had come over as part of the Windrush campaign. She is a teaching assistant at a local school, her son is her life.
Superintendent Alex Lewis has had a long day, and is looking forward to getting home early in the hope of seeing his two teenage boys before they go off to play football. His marriage is on the rocks. He has just been reinstated as an on call hostage negotiator after an investigation into his last negotiating job had led to a death. None of it had been Alex’s fault. He had the all clear to go back on the rota.
Grace has agreed to help Rosie Phillips the church curate that evening, she arrives early to set out chairs and get the place ready for whoever turns out that evening. Normally there would be a reasonable amount of people, but Rosie explains she is not expecting many as it is the schools parents evening. They are expecting a refugee family Mariam and her two children Rahel and Ittack, they are Syrian Christian’s unfortunately they don’t speak much English and the interpreter can’t make it due to ill health. as Rosie expected it is only a small turnout of nine. Lee had expected a more people, when he had checked before there had been at least double the amount of people, but maybe this is better easier to manage, he is determined to see his plan though. As he looks through the window he sees three brown faces and two black, enough for what he wants. Initially no one notices him enter the building as they are singing heads bowed. As the hymn comes to an end Rosie spots Lee and walks to welcome him, but she is told to sit down, when she doesn’t do so immediately things change as he hits her in the face with his fist and a gun.
I was hooked on this from the first page until the last, the opening scenes we get to know a little about Lee James Connor, Grace Wheatley, and Alex Lewis. Despite there being a number of other characters these are the three that are the narrators. Once we know a little about each of their lives the rest of the story takes place in the church hall. This becomes one gripping read.
As Alex along with 2 other negotiators have to work out how to approach the conversation with Lee, trying to find out what he wants, and why? As the night gradually goes on the tension builds with Lee’s agitation and paranoia building not helped by the amount of As other teams look into Lee’s background, searching his flat but he has been prepared for everything even leaving them letters and a computer telling them his manifesto. He calls himself the Home Front Liberator. He had watched a rewatched everything farmer had ever written, knowing it all off by heart.
Grace is a courageous lady, and as the time passes she talks to Lee at the risk of being hit or worse, being of colour puts her at more risk. As Alex negotiates with Lee he is taken back to his last job, the death of the hostage taker haunts him. At times he finds it difficult to do this knowing one false move could cost a life of even nine lives or ten if you count the hostage taker.
This is a well written story, with some great character’s they are all so believable, Grace’s compassion towards Lee despite being held as a hostage is so well written as she tries to get him to open up, and as she tells him some of her life story. I actually felt sorry for Lee. I certainly didn’t at the beginning but as things unfolded I wanted him to survive, I was truly hoping he would survive, knowing that a lot of the time the hostage taker is killed.
One of the interesting things I found was about how the algorithm of You Tube works, Lee had been radicalised on the internet, everything he read or watched he believed, it was explained that when you watch something on you tube the algorithm will find other things that match what you are watching, which makes sense I know when I have watched something, it will come up with other suggestions I might like, but it is also down to money as well. It also explains where you see so many against the vaccine for covid if you start watching a video on that, then more will come up but it means you are not getting a true picture of anything as you are only watching one side of the argument which then reinforces what you already believe. For Lee he had never been out protesting, he had never met Farmer, he had just been watching video’s on immigrants coming to the UK and taking our jobs, houses, and trying to take over the country and he became completely radicalised just from watching. Outside the church hall there was a sign saying Immigrants Welcome.
But how will the story end? Will all the hostages survive? Will Lee survive? I read this in one sitting, unable to put it down, I needed to know how things would end. This is a well thought out plot, the tension builds to the climactic ending. Definitely worth a read. Grab a copy now you will not be disappointed.
Not too far away live Grace Wheatley and her teenage son Isaiah, she had been born in the United Kingdom but her parents had come over as part of the Windrush campaign. She is a teaching assistant at a local school, her son is her life.
Superintendent Alex Lewis has had a long day, and is looking forward to getting home early in the hope of seeing his two teenage boys before they go off to play football. His marriage is on the rocks. He has just been reinstated as an on call hostage negotiator after an investigation into his last negotiating job had led to a death. None of it had been Alex’s fault. He had the all clear to go back on the rota.
Grace has agreed to help Rosie Phillips the church curate that evening, she arrives early to set out chairs and get the place ready for whoever turns out that evening. Normally there would be a reasonable amount of people, but Rosie explains she is not expecting many as it is the schools parents evening. They are expecting a refugee family Mariam and her two children Rahel and Ittack, they are Syrian Christian’s unfortunately they don’t speak much English and the interpreter can’t make it due to ill health. as Rosie expected it is only a small turnout of nine. Lee had expected a more people, when he had checked before there had been at least double the amount of people, but maybe this is better easier to manage, he is determined to see his plan though. As he looks through the window he sees three brown faces and two black, enough for what he wants. Initially no one notices him enter the building as they are singing heads bowed. As the hymn comes to an end Rosie spots Lee and walks to welcome him, but she is told to sit down, when she doesn’t do so immediately things change as he hits her in the face with his fist and a gun.
I was hooked on this from the first page until the last, the opening scenes we get to know a little about Lee James Connor, Grace Wheatley, and Alex Lewis. Despite there being a number of other characters these are the three that are the narrators. Once we know a little about each of their lives the rest of the story takes place in the church hall. This becomes one gripping read.
As Alex along with 2 other negotiators have to work out how to approach the conversation with Lee, trying to find out what he wants, and why? As the night gradually goes on the tension builds with Lee’s agitation and paranoia building not helped by the amount of As other teams look into Lee’s background, searching his flat but he has been prepared for everything even leaving them letters and a computer telling them his manifesto. He calls himself the Home Front Liberator. He had watched a rewatched everything farmer had ever written, knowing it all off by heart.
Grace is a courageous lady, and as the time passes she talks to Lee at the risk of being hit or worse, being of colour puts her at more risk. As Alex negotiates with Lee he is taken back to his last job, the death of the hostage taker haunts him. At times he finds it difficult to do this knowing one false move could cost a life of even nine lives or ten if you count the hostage taker.
This is a well written story, with some great character’s they are all so believable, Grace’s compassion towards Lee despite being held as a hostage is so well written as she tries to get him to open up, and as she tells him some of her life story. I actually felt sorry for Lee. I certainly didn’t at the beginning but as things unfolded I wanted him to survive, I was truly hoping he would survive, knowing that a lot of the time the hostage taker is killed.
One of the interesting things I found was about how the algorithm of You Tube works, Lee had been radicalised on the internet, everything he read or watched he believed, it was explained that when you watch something on you tube the algorithm will find other things that match what you are watching, which makes sense I know when I have watched something, it will come up with other suggestions I might like, but it is also down to money as well. It also explains where you see so many against the vaccine for covid if you start watching a video on that, then more will come up but it means you are not getting a true picture of anything as you are only watching one side of the argument which then reinforces what you already believe. For Lee he had never been out protesting, he had never met Farmer, he had just been watching video’s on immigrants coming to the UK and taking our jobs, houses, and trying to take over the country and he became completely radicalised just from watching. Outside the church hall there was a sign saying Immigrants Welcome.
But how will the story end? Will all the hostages survive? Will Lee survive? I read this in one sitting, unable to put it down, I needed to know how things would end. This is a well thought out plot, the tension builds to the climactic ending. Definitely worth a read. Grab a copy now you will not be disappointed.
March 25, 2024
Wow! What a totally immersive and gripping story this was! From page one I was hooked, and read it in less than 48 hours, I had to force myself to put it down!!
Having read John's previous books, Blue and Crossing The Line which tell John's story of his life in the Met and really, really enjoyed those, I anticipated this would be a real page-turner but I think even I didn't quite grasp how gripping it would be!!
The chapter's are set out as the time of day and covers just over a 12 hour period, from 16:57hrs through 05:30hrs.
Straight away we meet Lee Connor local London lad, gentle Grace Wheatley a classroom assistant and single parent, and Alex Lewis a superintendent in the Met. Alex is preparing to leave his office after a lengthy day of meetings etc, so he can hopefully spend a little time with his teenage sons. Grace is sorting dinner for her teenager, Isaiah, and preparing to go to her Church for the weekly prayer meeting. Lee is winding himself up reading white extremist material, smoking skunk and generally preparing to execute something big he's been planning, we're not sure what. Three very different characters, in very different worlds, dealing with their own very individual problems and issues. Before long the three lives will converge in very dramatic circumstances.
John is so brilliant at really getting into the mindset of each of the three and telling the story of the seige from these three very different positions and personalities. I can understand how John would be able to write Alex and his emotions and his stance throughout the 12 hours, having been a negotiator whilst a serving officer, but to write from the perspective of both Lee and Grace so brilliantly shows his incredible insight as well as his story telling abilities.
I don't want to give too much away, but for me Grace is the hero. Grace demonstrates such kindness, strength and empathy whilst in the constant volatile and hostile situation touching distance from Lee. It's Grace I believe that gets through to Lee more and Grace who refuses to leave when he's almost forcing her out, because she wants the other hostages released too. There's mention at the end that she got quite a bit of recognition and there was talk of her receiving an award and I believe she definitely deserves one!
Alex I guess is almost the unsung hero, just doing his job of "saving a life". Alex shows incredible patience and understanding under pressure but from a distance, based in the negotiation cell in a strangers house up the street. Having read back my reviews of John's previous books I've commented that he is an extremely humble man and now I can see that John has written that into the character of Alex; he's just getting on with his job. Just!!!
Each character has suffered trauma themselves and we see that playing out for all three and impacting on their mindsets and standpoints. Alex repeatedly having flashbacks to a terrible suicide by cop situation in Romford six months earlier. Grace lost her young husband to untreatable cancer and her other son was murdered. Lee I believe is suffering from a cannabis induced psychosis and the question at some point is raised whether he is mad, bad or sad? To me he's sad, and it's his addiction that's made him a little mad and bad! He's constantly hearing voices that start out reasonably ordered but end up competing with each other.
In the epilogue, Grace refers to the lawyer, Bryan Stevenson and how he influenced her decision to meet Lee when he's in prison. I too have seen some great programmes about Bryan and his work with the Equal Justice Initiative and it's nice he gets a call-out here.
I'd recommend this brilliant book to anyone, you don't have to have been on the thin blue line to enjoy it. It really is a fast-paced gripping story that's so well-written it's hard to believe it's not factual.
Having read John's previous books, Blue and Crossing The Line which tell John's story of his life in the Met and really, really enjoyed those, I anticipated this would be a real page-turner but I think even I didn't quite grasp how gripping it would be!!
The chapter's are set out as the time of day and covers just over a 12 hour period, from 16:57hrs through 05:30hrs.
Straight away we meet Lee Connor local London lad, gentle Grace Wheatley a classroom assistant and single parent, and Alex Lewis a superintendent in the Met. Alex is preparing to leave his office after a lengthy day of meetings etc, so he can hopefully spend a little time with his teenage sons. Grace is sorting dinner for her teenager, Isaiah, and preparing to go to her Church for the weekly prayer meeting. Lee is winding himself up reading white extremist material, smoking skunk and generally preparing to execute something big he's been planning, we're not sure what. Three very different characters, in very different worlds, dealing with their own very individual problems and issues. Before long the three lives will converge in very dramatic circumstances.
John is so brilliant at really getting into the mindset of each of the three and telling the story of the seige from these three very different positions and personalities. I can understand how John would be able to write Alex and his emotions and his stance throughout the 12 hours, having been a negotiator whilst a serving officer, but to write from the perspective of both Lee and Grace so brilliantly shows his incredible insight as well as his story telling abilities.
I don't want to give too much away, but for me Grace is the hero. Grace demonstrates such kindness, strength and empathy whilst in the constant volatile and hostile situation touching distance from Lee. It's Grace I believe that gets through to Lee more and Grace who refuses to leave when he's almost forcing her out, because she wants the other hostages released too. There's mention at the end that she got quite a bit of recognition and there was talk of her receiving an award and I believe she definitely deserves one!
Alex I guess is almost the unsung hero, just doing his job of "saving a life". Alex shows incredible patience and understanding under pressure but from a distance, based in the negotiation cell in a strangers house up the street. Having read back my reviews of John's previous books I've commented that he is an extremely humble man and now I can see that John has written that into the character of Alex; he's just getting on with his job. Just!!!
Each character has suffered trauma themselves and we see that playing out for all three and impacting on their mindsets and standpoints. Alex repeatedly having flashbacks to a terrible suicide by cop situation in Romford six months earlier. Grace lost her young husband to untreatable cancer and her other son was murdered. Lee I believe is suffering from a cannabis induced psychosis and the question at some point is raised whether he is mad, bad or sad? To me he's sad, and it's his addiction that's made him a little mad and bad! He's constantly hearing voices that start out reasonably ordered but end up competing with each other.
In the epilogue, Grace refers to the lawyer, Bryan Stevenson and how he influenced her decision to meet Lee when he's in prison. I too have seen some great programmes about Bryan and his work with the Equal Justice Initiative and it's nice he gets a call-out here.
I'd recommend this brilliant book to anyone, you don't have to have been on the thin blue line to enjoy it. It really is a fast-paced gripping story that's so well-written it's hard to believe it's not factual.
June 20, 2022
The Siege is a straightforward story, well told. It is the story of a hostage situation and it focuses in on three characters: the policeman, Superintendent Alex Lewis who is the Chief Negotiator, Grace Wheatley, a woman who is being held hostage and Lee James Connor, the hostage taker.
The first part of John Sutherland’s novel is spent grounding us in the everyday lives of these characters. He shows us that they are individuals with their own stories and preoccupations and this helps to ground the book and the situation it deals with, in reality.
Lee James Connor is a troubled young man. He is typical of the many young people who have been pulled into the terrible online culture of hate and poison. A culture that distorts the truth and pulls the angry, hurt and disaffected into a group, ready to be groomed.
For James Lee Connors it could have easily been the Incel movement, but this young man has been captured by the online radical-right extremists whose violent, homicidal actions are focused on racist ideology.
Connors, could he but see it, has been caught up in digital hate culture and his ideology has been formed through his online interactions. Like so many, his confused and angry frustrations are channelled into hate and aggression and his constant use of skunk only helps to fuel his paranoia.
Grace Wheatley is mum to Isaiah and is herself no stranger to violence. A daughter of the Windrush generation she is a committed church-goer and on this fateful occasion is in church to assist with welcoming a young Syrian refugee family, recently arrived in the country.
Alex Lewis is overworked and exhausted. He’s also suffering from PTSD but in typical male fashion his remedy consists of completely ignoring this and assuming it will go away. A father of two boys, he feels he is failing as a husband and as a father and he is troubled over his last negotiating mission which ended badly, through no fault of his, or anyone’s.
Nicely written with a tight plot and steady pacing, I found it easy to become engrossed in these lives and the storyline. I had no trouble believing the scenario and Sutherland’s own experience as a hostage negotiator shines through with authenticity on every page. He deals so well with the impact of what it means to be taken hostage and on the on the psychological impact on both the hostages and the hostage taker as well as on the police negotiating team and lead negotiator.
Interestingly the whole novel is kept low key but remarkably intense from the dialogue to the action. Everything in the police operation feels thought through and very well planned (reassuringly!). But what no-one can take into account are the unpredictable elements. The impact of the heavy duty cannabis combined with the mental strain on Connors as he negotiates his demands with the police. Then there is the bravery and sheer humanity of Grace, who sees a young man in pain and connects with him in that level.
Sutherland shows us the complexity of a hostage scenario and the weight that rests on the shoulders of the police in such situations. It is tense and atmospheric and the drama feels very real.
Verdict: A riveting story of the power of compassion and human connection that helps the reader to connect with each of the principal characters. The dangers of online radicalism and the manipulation of social media to create division and hate are clearly set out. I really got caught up in this powerful story and found myself willing a successful outcome for all the characters.
The first part of John Sutherland’s novel is spent grounding us in the everyday lives of these characters. He shows us that they are individuals with their own stories and preoccupations and this helps to ground the book and the situation it deals with, in reality.
Lee James Connor is a troubled young man. He is typical of the many young people who have been pulled into the terrible online culture of hate and poison. A culture that distorts the truth and pulls the angry, hurt and disaffected into a group, ready to be groomed.
For James Lee Connors it could have easily been the Incel movement, but this young man has been captured by the online radical-right extremists whose violent, homicidal actions are focused on racist ideology.
Connors, could he but see it, has been caught up in digital hate culture and his ideology has been formed through his online interactions. Like so many, his confused and angry frustrations are channelled into hate and aggression and his constant use of skunk only helps to fuel his paranoia.
Grace Wheatley is mum to Isaiah and is herself no stranger to violence. A daughter of the Windrush generation she is a committed church-goer and on this fateful occasion is in church to assist with welcoming a young Syrian refugee family, recently arrived in the country.
Alex Lewis is overworked and exhausted. He’s also suffering from PTSD but in typical male fashion his remedy consists of completely ignoring this and assuming it will go away. A father of two boys, he feels he is failing as a husband and as a father and he is troubled over his last negotiating mission which ended badly, through no fault of his, or anyone’s.
Nicely written with a tight plot and steady pacing, I found it easy to become engrossed in these lives and the storyline. I had no trouble believing the scenario and Sutherland’s own experience as a hostage negotiator shines through with authenticity on every page. He deals so well with the impact of what it means to be taken hostage and on the on the psychological impact on both the hostages and the hostage taker as well as on the police negotiating team and lead negotiator.
Interestingly the whole novel is kept low key but remarkably intense from the dialogue to the action. Everything in the police operation feels thought through and very well planned (reassuringly!). But what no-one can take into account are the unpredictable elements. The impact of the heavy duty cannabis combined with the mental strain on Connors as he negotiates his demands with the police. Then there is the bravery and sheer humanity of Grace, who sees a young man in pain and connects with him in that level.
Sutherland shows us the complexity of a hostage scenario and the weight that rests on the shoulders of the police in such situations. It is tense and atmospheric and the drama feels very real.
Verdict: A riveting story of the power of compassion and human connection that helps the reader to connect with each of the principal characters. The dangers of online radicalism and the manipulation of social media to create division and hate are clearly set out. I really got caught up in this powerful story and found myself willing a successful outcome for all the characters.
June 13, 2022
Lee James Connor is a disaffected young man, still haunted by the death of his mother, who exists in a twilight world of the internet and skunk cannabis, cut off from society.
Lee researches and makes detailed plans to take hostages. He’s run through the plans so many times in his head, he done visualisation exercises and even a dry run. He’s convinced nothing can go wrong.
Despite all his planning there is one thing he didn’t bargain for, the effects of personal interactions during the evening. Lee tries to keep himself apart, but negotiator Alex is determined to talk him out of the siege and hostage Grace tries to befriend him on a human level and make him question his motives.
This is a tight and tense novel concentrating on the psychological effects of close confinement in a hostage situation on the hostages, the hostage taker and those in law enforcement who battle to contain the situation and resolve it. As a police procedural it is convincingly put together, as one would expect from an author writing from experience.
The plot is straightforward, a hostage situation covered from the start to the finish with no deviation, so it remains focussed throughout. The pacing is steady as befits a real-life situation, only taking on a degree of urgency as matters come to a head. The dialogue itself is on the whole low key as befits people trying to control a situation, though there are some standout exchanges between Grace and Lee which cut the heart of the matter.
Concentrating on three main characters keeps the storyline tight and allows for a detailed inspection of their motivations. We see how Lee is radicalised online, becomes consumed with hate, mainly directed at immigrants, but also the deep-seated catalyst for this. Alex has just returned from a negotiation that didn’t work out how he wanted, the hostage taker resorting to ‘suicide by cop’ at the end. Although not fault of Alex he carries the burden of this heavily. The most interesting character of all is that of Grace who became widowed at a young age and is battling with loneliness. In trying to understand and empathise with people, even Lee the hostage taker, we can see how she finds her inner strength and fortitude in adversity.
The central theme is not allowing hate to triumph over good. It is easy to fall into a default mode of hate rather than taking time to understand people and situations. We see this as Grace tries to reach Lee using the words of Martin Luther King, expressing that if she was to meet Lee’s hatred for her with more hate then they would get nowhere. We also have the warning of online radicalisation and that it is just as likely to affect disaffected white youths as Muslim religious extremists. There is also the issue of super strong cannabis which can damage the psyche of users. This is considerably different to the cannabis establishment members may have dabbled with in their youth, much more potent and dangerous.
The Siege is a tightly plotted intense read that also demonstrates people have the capacity for great compassion.
Lee researches and makes detailed plans to take hostages. He’s run through the plans so many times in his head, he done visualisation exercises and even a dry run. He’s convinced nothing can go wrong.
Despite all his planning there is one thing he didn’t bargain for, the effects of personal interactions during the evening. Lee tries to keep himself apart, but negotiator Alex is determined to talk him out of the siege and hostage Grace tries to befriend him on a human level and make him question his motives.
This is a tight and tense novel concentrating on the psychological effects of close confinement in a hostage situation on the hostages, the hostage taker and those in law enforcement who battle to contain the situation and resolve it. As a police procedural it is convincingly put together, as one would expect from an author writing from experience.
The plot is straightforward, a hostage situation covered from the start to the finish with no deviation, so it remains focussed throughout. The pacing is steady as befits a real-life situation, only taking on a degree of urgency as matters come to a head. The dialogue itself is on the whole low key as befits people trying to control a situation, though there are some standout exchanges between Grace and Lee which cut the heart of the matter.
Concentrating on three main characters keeps the storyline tight and allows for a detailed inspection of their motivations. We see how Lee is radicalised online, becomes consumed with hate, mainly directed at immigrants, but also the deep-seated catalyst for this. Alex has just returned from a negotiation that didn’t work out how he wanted, the hostage taker resorting to ‘suicide by cop’ at the end. Although not fault of Alex he carries the burden of this heavily. The most interesting character of all is that of Grace who became widowed at a young age and is battling with loneliness. In trying to understand and empathise with people, even Lee the hostage taker, we can see how she finds her inner strength and fortitude in adversity.
The central theme is not allowing hate to triumph over good. It is easy to fall into a default mode of hate rather than taking time to understand people and situations. We see this as Grace tries to reach Lee using the words of Martin Luther King, expressing that if she was to meet Lee’s hatred for her with more hate then they would get nowhere. We also have the warning of online radicalisation and that it is just as likely to affect disaffected white youths as Muslim religious extremists. There is also the issue of super strong cannabis which can damage the psyche of users. This is considerably different to the cannabis establishment members may have dabbled with in their youth, much more potent and dangerous.
The Siege is a tightly plotted intense read that also demonstrates people have the capacity for great compassion.
June 5, 2022
The Siege is the first fiction book written by John Sutherland but having read his memoir Blue a couple of years ago I was both excited and intrigued to read it and I was not disappointed, taking only a couple of days to finish it. This is not a book full of dramatic action but one that follows three key people, Alex, Grace and Lee during a hostage situation in a church hall. Each one of them have ghosts that are ever present during the events that take place and that form some of the decisions they make.
Alex is a police hostage negotiator who has had a near perfect success rate in all the incidents he has been called to. Unfortunately it is that one failure that has him doubting his abilities at times. Thankfully during those moments of self-doubt, he turns to his colleague Pip to talk things through and get him back on track. He is aware that the things he says could lead to an outcome that could be good or bad, but he has to try. These insecurities actually make him seem more real as we always assume that hostage negotiators are confident self-assured people (or at least that is how they are normally portrayed) and I found myself willing him to get everyone out safely.
Grace was the surprise to me. One of the hostages she initially was as scared as the rest of them but there was a steely determination in her that saw her wanting to get back to her son. Seeing past the hate of her captor, she slowly broke down his prejudices with simple acts of kindness and understanding all the while making sure her fellow hostages were kept safe. Her story was revealed as she attempted to bond with Cooper, trying to get him to see that apart from the colour of their skin they really were not that different after all.
Lee Cooper started out as a character that you could not like. Having been radicalised online into believing that all immigrants were bad and had to be removed by whatever means necessary, he had targeted the church hall due to their group that helped refugees. From the start nothing went the way he anticipated, despite his meticulous planning yet he was determined to see his plan through to the end, either gaining freedom for the person he looked up to or with the death of himself and all the hostages. Throughout he was plagued with self-doubt and paranoia but what he hadn’t counted on was Grace.
The Siege is different as it takes a balanced view of a hostage situation from the points of view of the ones affected the most, the negotiator, the hostage and the hostage taker, showing each one as human beings. You will find yourself hoping for the best possible outcome for all of them and this is due to the writing style of the author who has put his past experiences onto the page to make such believable characters.
Alex is a police hostage negotiator who has had a near perfect success rate in all the incidents he has been called to. Unfortunately it is that one failure that has him doubting his abilities at times. Thankfully during those moments of self-doubt, he turns to his colleague Pip to talk things through and get him back on track. He is aware that the things he says could lead to an outcome that could be good or bad, but he has to try. These insecurities actually make him seem more real as we always assume that hostage negotiators are confident self-assured people (or at least that is how they are normally portrayed) and I found myself willing him to get everyone out safely.
Grace was the surprise to me. One of the hostages she initially was as scared as the rest of them but there was a steely determination in her that saw her wanting to get back to her son. Seeing past the hate of her captor, she slowly broke down his prejudices with simple acts of kindness and understanding all the while making sure her fellow hostages were kept safe. Her story was revealed as she attempted to bond with Cooper, trying to get him to see that apart from the colour of their skin they really were not that different after all.
Lee Cooper started out as a character that you could not like. Having been radicalised online into believing that all immigrants were bad and had to be removed by whatever means necessary, he had targeted the church hall due to their group that helped refugees. From the start nothing went the way he anticipated, despite his meticulous planning yet he was determined to see his plan through to the end, either gaining freedom for the person he looked up to or with the death of himself and all the hostages. Throughout he was plagued with self-doubt and paranoia but what he hadn’t counted on was Grace.
The Siege is different as it takes a balanced view of a hostage situation from the points of view of the ones affected the most, the negotiator, the hostage and the hostage taker, showing each one as human beings. You will find yourself hoping for the best possible outcome for all of them and this is due to the writing style of the author who has put his past experiences onto the page to make such believable characters.
September 2, 2022
Lee James Connor is an unassuming and impressionable young man, who has fallen under the spell of Nicholas Farmer, a self-proclaimed leader of a banned right-wing group of extremists, currently serving time for inciting racial violence and arson. Believing his racist propaganda that the future of Britain is being threatened by a flood of immigrants and refugees, Lee decides to get Farmer released by concocting a plan to use hostages as a bargaining tool to obtain his goal.
Targeting a church hall in Herne Hill, south London – which openly welcomes refugees – Lee enters the hall under the pretext of taking part in a prayer meeting. However, instead of joining the group, when the curate gets up to greet him, he pulls out a gun and commands her to sit down. Unfortunately, the curate is not about to be intimidated and stands her ground, so he strikes her across the face with the gun, causing her to fall to the ground and bang her head on a chair.
From that point on a full-blown hostage situation ensues, calling for the expert involvement of Alex Lewis, an experienced police hostage negotiator. As the threat to life intensifies, Alex finds himself not only under pressure to save the hostages, but also having to struggle with his own demons, after a recent incident he had been called to unfortunately ended in the death of the perpetrator.
Over the years, I have read many police procedure and crime novels, but I can honestly say this book not only hits the spot as far as a thrilling read goes, but also provides a strong element of realism that breathes life into a terrifying situation.
A trained hostage negotiator himself, the author uses his experiences to put the reader right in the centre of the action. By telling the story from the alternating viewpoints of each of the main characters, he gives an insight into both the disturbed mind of the hostage taker and the stressful responsibility of the police negotiator to get everyone out alive, while at the same time allowing the reader to experience the extreme fear felt by the hostages, as they helplessly await their fate.
Delivering exactly what it claims on the cover, ‘The Siege’ is a tense and gripping novel that I can thoroughly recommend.
Targeting a church hall in Herne Hill, south London – which openly welcomes refugees – Lee enters the hall under the pretext of taking part in a prayer meeting. However, instead of joining the group, when the curate gets up to greet him, he pulls out a gun and commands her to sit down. Unfortunately, the curate is not about to be intimidated and stands her ground, so he strikes her across the face with the gun, causing her to fall to the ground and bang her head on a chair.
From that point on a full-blown hostage situation ensues, calling for the expert involvement of Alex Lewis, an experienced police hostage negotiator. As the threat to life intensifies, Alex finds himself not only under pressure to save the hostages, but also having to struggle with his own demons, after a recent incident he had been called to unfortunately ended in the death of the perpetrator.
Over the years, I have read many police procedure and crime novels, but I can honestly say this book not only hits the spot as far as a thrilling read goes, but also provides a strong element of realism that breathes life into a terrifying situation.
A trained hostage negotiator himself, the author uses his experiences to put the reader right in the centre of the action. By telling the story from the alternating viewpoints of each of the main characters, he gives an insight into both the disturbed mind of the hostage taker and the stressful responsibility of the police negotiator to get everyone out alive, while at the same time allowing the reader to experience the extreme fear felt by the hostages, as they helplessly await their fate.
Delivering exactly what it claims on the cover, ‘The Siege’ is a tense and gripping novel that I can thoroughly recommend.
May 30, 2022
This was such a tense book and it soon became obvious to me that I was not going to put it down until it was finished. A brilliant story from start to finish.
As the synopsis shows, there are 9 hostages, and only 10 hours to save them. The story revolves around three main characters, Lee, Grace and Alex.
Lee is a young man who takes the 9 people hostage.
Grace is one of the hostages.
Alex is a police negotiator.
There are other characters that have supporting roles, but the focus is on these three. How they came to be in the situation they are in. But more importantly, this story gets under the skin of the characters, into their minds and this makes it a fabulo9usly addictive read.
In some respects, this is a slow-paced story, tentative steps, planning, conversations, background and negotiations are all wrapped into the personal lives of the main three. While it is slower paced, it is also so tense and tight that it feels as if it is a faster pace. I know this sounds very convoluted, but while the essence of the negotiations is controlled the feelings of those concerned feels fraught. I think it is the element of danger, the wonder of what will happen that add a feel thriller feel.
Each of the characters is introduced, and their individual stories are expanded on throughout the book. As a reader, it is great to see into the minds and lives of people in situations and also into their beliefs. This does have race and immigration at its core, but there is something that is much deeper to this story. It is a story of manipulation and of false or fake news, and how easy it is for people to believe in unsubstantiated facts.
I think this is a fabulous read, the atmospheric tension makes this a page-turner and the characters are so wonderfully portrayed. My thoughts at the beginning of the book were different by the time I had finished it. There is a wonderful message behind the story and it is one that really resonated.
This is a book for fans of tense, suspense-filled crime, thriller and with a wonderful psychological feel to it. I adored every part of this book and I would definitely recommend it.
As the synopsis shows, there are 9 hostages, and only 10 hours to save them. The story revolves around three main characters, Lee, Grace and Alex.
Lee is a young man who takes the 9 people hostage.
Grace is one of the hostages.
Alex is a police negotiator.
There are other characters that have supporting roles, but the focus is on these three. How they came to be in the situation they are in. But more importantly, this story gets under the skin of the characters, into their minds and this makes it a fabulo9usly addictive read.
In some respects, this is a slow-paced story, tentative steps, planning, conversations, background and negotiations are all wrapped into the personal lives of the main three. While it is slower paced, it is also so tense and tight that it feels as if it is a faster pace. I know this sounds very convoluted, but while the essence of the negotiations is controlled the feelings of those concerned feels fraught. I think it is the element of danger, the wonder of what will happen that add a feel thriller feel.
Each of the characters is introduced, and their individual stories are expanded on throughout the book. As a reader, it is great to see into the minds and lives of people in situations and also into their beliefs. This does have race and immigration at its core, but there is something that is much deeper to this story. It is a story of manipulation and of false or fake news, and how easy it is for people to believe in unsubstantiated facts.
I think this is a fabulous read, the atmospheric tension makes this a page-turner and the characters are so wonderfully portrayed. My thoughts at the beginning of the book were different by the time I had finished it. There is a wonderful message behind the story and it is one that really resonated.
This is a book for fans of tense, suspense-filled crime, thriller and with a wonderful psychological feel to it. I adored every part of this book and I would definitely recommend it.
October 10, 2025
I listened to author John Sutherland on a panel at Bay Tales Crime Festival earlier this year and was fascinated by his story. I had no idea that police negotiators did that part of their job on a purely voluntary basis, with no pay. It's an incredible thing to have to do, so dangerous and so much depends on you.
I decided that I must read the books and started at the beginning with The Siege, which I bought at Bay Tales and the author signed for me. I read it whilst on holiday in Corfu last month and was glued to it, it's brilliant read.
From the first few pages I knew that The Siege was going to take me somewhere uncomfortable but important. The premise is gripping: nine hostages; ten hours; and a demand that sees ideology, desperation and grief up against the mechanisms of policing and community. The author's own experiences add such authenticity to the story too.
Told in three voices; the hostage taker Lee James Connor; one of the hostages Grace Wheatley and the negotiator Alex Lewis. These characters have real depth, and I was especially fond of Grace. She's an ordinary person, she has her own grief and for me, she really carries the story.
I found the whole hostage situation really frightening, that realisation that actually, this could and does happen to ordinary people. It's really well handled, with gradual suspense built through short chapters.
Lee James Connor is a fascinating character, it would be so easy to paint him as just evil, but the author does a great job in the portrayal of a man who is angry and feels isolated, despite his horrific views and what he is doing, we are led to think about he got to the position that he's in today which is totally relevant to the times that we are living through now.
I really liked The Siege. It’s a thriller with heart-felt emotion and is tense, disturbing, but also human. It’s not just about the physical hostage crisis, but the emotional, ideological one.
If you like thrillers to make you think after, to care about more than just “will they survive?”, then this one is for you. It's a powerful read. Recommended by me.
I decided that I must read the books and started at the beginning with The Siege, which I bought at Bay Tales and the author signed for me. I read it whilst on holiday in Corfu last month and was glued to it, it's brilliant read.
From the first few pages I knew that The Siege was going to take me somewhere uncomfortable but important. The premise is gripping: nine hostages; ten hours; and a demand that sees ideology, desperation and grief up against the mechanisms of policing and community. The author's own experiences add such authenticity to the story too.
Told in three voices; the hostage taker Lee James Connor; one of the hostages Grace Wheatley and the negotiator Alex Lewis. These characters have real depth, and I was especially fond of Grace. She's an ordinary person, she has her own grief and for me, she really carries the story.
I found the whole hostage situation really frightening, that realisation that actually, this could and does happen to ordinary people. It's really well handled, with gradual suspense built through short chapters.
Lee James Connor is a fascinating character, it would be so easy to paint him as just evil, but the author does a great job in the portrayal of a man who is angry and feels isolated, despite his horrific views and what he is doing, we are led to think about he got to the position that he's in today which is totally relevant to the times that we are living through now.
I really liked The Siege. It’s a thriller with heart-felt emotion and is tense, disturbing, but also human. It’s not just about the physical hostage crisis, but the emotional, ideological one.
If you like thrillers to make you think after, to care about more than just “will they survive?”, then this one is for you. It's a powerful read. Recommended by me.
May 7, 2024
The Siege is truly a “can’t put down” book.
I was tense throughout the entire thing. I loved the focus on the three different narratives involved, from seeing the radicalised far-right racist Lee, to the hostage Grace and what she was going through, to the negotiator Alex and seeing how the job impacts his personal life.
The whole narrative was just so captivating and I found the relationship between Lee and Grace to be very moving, seeing how her experiences and life were very similar in ways to what Lee had gone through in his own, losing her son and him losing his mother so young. Grace is very brave throughout the book and the way she doesn’t go when he tries to let her out as she wants to help the other hostages is a shocking moment in the book.
The book emphasises how dangerous the online far-right rhetoric is that is growing stronger and stronger in the UK, with people like Laurence Fox, Andrew Tate and Tommy Robinson being so so damaging in inciting hatred, radicalising young people like Lee.
I liked the touch on the very real fact that when a white terrorist like Lee commits a horrendous act, people question how their mental health is to what made them do it, whereas when they are POC they are instantly labelled a terrorist.
A great book and the ending was great seeing how Lee’s mind unravelled as he began letting the hostages free due to Alex’s work and primarily Grace in how she reasoned with him. Seeing how she kept in contact with him at the end too was a testament to her strength and kindness as a person. She was definitely the most well rounded, interesting narrative for me.
The only negatives I would say was that we didn’t get to know anything much about the other hostages at all, only Grace. I also felt the ending was slightly rushed when they were negotiating through the door rather than on the phone. And I also found Alex falling in love with Pip whilst on a hostage negotiation a bit random and didn’t add much. I did like them ending up properly together in the epilogue though.
Still a great book and I’d definitely recommend!
I was tense throughout the entire thing. I loved the focus on the three different narratives involved, from seeing the radicalised far-right racist Lee, to the hostage Grace and what she was going through, to the negotiator Alex and seeing how the job impacts his personal life.
The whole narrative was just so captivating and I found the relationship between Lee and Grace to be very moving, seeing how her experiences and life were very similar in ways to what Lee had gone through in his own, losing her son and him losing his mother so young. Grace is very brave throughout the book and the way she doesn’t go when he tries to let her out as she wants to help the other hostages is a shocking moment in the book.
The book emphasises how dangerous the online far-right rhetoric is that is growing stronger and stronger in the UK, with people like Laurence Fox, Andrew Tate and Tommy Robinson being so so damaging in inciting hatred, radicalising young people like Lee.
I liked the touch on the very real fact that when a white terrorist like Lee commits a horrendous act, people question how their mental health is to what made them do it, whereas when they are POC they are instantly labelled a terrorist.
A great book and the ending was great seeing how Lee’s mind unravelled as he began letting the hostages free due to Alex’s work and primarily Grace in how she reasoned with him. Seeing how she kept in contact with him at the end too was a testament to her strength and kindness as a person. She was definitely the most well rounded, interesting narrative for me.
The only negatives I would say was that we didn’t get to know anything much about the other hostages at all, only Grace. I also felt the ending was slightly rushed when they were negotiating through the door rather than on the phone. And I also found Alex falling in love with Pip whilst on a hostage negotiation a bit random and didn’t add much. I did like them ending up properly together in the epilogue though.
Still a great book and I’d definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
When 9 hostages are taken in a church in London, it’s down to hostage negotiator Superintendent Alex Lewis to use his skills to ensure the safe release of the hostages, and find out why this is happening, the situation brings back memories for Alex as during his last job, the outcome left him traumatised. The man who has started all this is Lee James Connor, a far-right extremist, who is angry that his leader Nicholas Farmer has recently been jailed, and wants him released. He storms a local church immigrant support group and takes them hostage. Grace is one of the hostages, having lost her husband and son, she seeks solace in the church and relishes in being able to help with the group, until everything changes, and she realises the only way out is to start talking to this man who clearly has a lot of issues. Can Grace and Alex prevent an atrocity happening, and will everyone leave safely?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s written in the POV of the three main characters, Alex, Connor and Grace. The story flows well between the characters, and it’s easy to follow what is going on. The plot was very well thought out, and the characters were very relatable, and you felt genuine empathy for all three in different ways. There were multiple layers to each character, and as the story progresses you learn more about them and how different their lives are. The conclusion comes together beautifully in the end, leaving no loose ends and unanswered questions. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would definitely recommend it. I found it fascinating to see what goes on in a situation like this, and all the different parts that people play, as well as seeing it from 3 different viewpoints.
Thank you very much to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this! It was brilliant!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s written in the POV of the three main characters, Alex, Connor and Grace. The story flows well between the characters, and it’s easy to follow what is going on. The plot was very well thought out, and the characters were very relatable, and you felt genuine empathy for all three in different ways. There were multiple layers to each character, and as the story progresses you learn more about them and how different their lives are. The conclusion comes together beautifully in the end, leaving no loose ends and unanswered questions. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would definitely recommend it. I found it fascinating to see what goes on in a situation like this, and all the different parts that people play, as well as seeing it from 3 different viewpoints.
Thank you very much to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this! It was brilliant!
June 16, 2022
Wow what a book!!!!! So far I’d say this is without question my book of the year so far. I loved the originality of this thriller it was so different to any other I’ve read and trust me I’ve read hundreds.
Lee James Connor is a far right extremist. When his idol Nicholas Farmer is sent to prison Lee Connor makes it his mission to carry on his work but more importantly to get Farmer released. How does Connor go about this by taking 9 people at a local immigrant group hostage and vowing not to release them until Farmer has been freed.
Alex Lewis is called to the scene where the hostages are held and makes a base for himself and his team in a nearby local house. As a senior hostage negotiator it is Alex’s job to try and get through to Lee Connor and convince him to let everyone go; however things are not as easy for Alex with a complex task on his hands at the present and being haunted by a previous case that hadn’t gone to plan will Alex be able to talk Connor round?
Amongst those held hostage is Grace who somehow manages to talk to Connor although she is incredibly careful not to provoke him or get a reaction from him she somehow manages to connect with him and through their connection we learn what has driven Lee Connor to become the man he is today. In Lee Grace sees a lonely man who has lost his way and Grace knows how it feels to be alone having lost her husband many years ago.
A massive thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller but also fancies something a bit different. It’s a must have for 2022 in my opinion. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ all the way. If I could give it more I think I would.
Lee James Connor is a far right extremist. When his idol Nicholas Farmer is sent to prison Lee Connor makes it his mission to carry on his work but more importantly to get Farmer released. How does Connor go about this by taking 9 people at a local immigrant group hostage and vowing not to release them until Farmer has been freed.
Alex Lewis is called to the scene where the hostages are held and makes a base for himself and his team in a nearby local house. As a senior hostage negotiator it is Alex’s job to try and get through to Lee Connor and convince him to let everyone go; however things are not as easy for Alex with a complex task on his hands at the present and being haunted by a previous case that hadn’t gone to plan will Alex be able to talk Connor round?
Amongst those held hostage is Grace who somehow manages to talk to Connor although she is incredibly careful not to provoke him or get a reaction from him she somehow manages to connect with him and through their connection we learn what has driven Lee Connor to become the man he is today. In Lee Grace sees a lonely man who has lost his way and Grace knows how it feels to be alone having lost her husband many years ago.
A massive thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller but also fancies something a bit different. It’s a must have for 2022 in my opinion. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ all the way. If I could give it more I think I would.
June 24, 2022
If you are looking for a tense, page-turning read that you won’t want to put down, then look no further than The Siege. Sutherland’s background is in the police force and his experience and knowledge is put to good use to create a believable and thoroughly engrossing story about a hostage situation, told from three points of view – the hostage taker, one of the hostages and the police negotiator.
Lee James Connor is a disaffected young man, a loner who has been radicalised online. When his idol, far-right extremist leader Nicholas Famer is sent to prison, he decides to take action, taking 9 people at a local immigrant support group hostage and demanding Farmer’s release. He has planned the whole scenario, but what he hasn’t taken into account are the human interactions as the siege progresses, in particular with Alex, the negotiator, and Grace, one of the hostages, who attempts to connect with him.
The alternating viewpoints ensure that the reader really gets to know all 3 main characters. Alex is carrying the burden of a recent failed negotiation as well as struggling to balance work and family life; Grace, a daughter of the Windrush generation, was widowed young and is battling loneliness but proves to have a strength of character that shines through as she tries to diffuse the situation. And we get to understand more about Lee and where his hatred has come from - making it understandable if not forgivable.
It is a book that feels very real – the complexity of the situation shines through as we see very clearly the impact on all those involved, and the weight of responsibility that lies with the police is very clear. It is a book that surprised me in many ways – a hostage situation that begins with some brutal violence then becomes a tense and psychological exploration of the power of compassion and human connection – and I struggled to put it down as it headed to its climax. It is an impressive debut and I look forward to reading more by Sutherland.
Lee James Connor is a disaffected young man, a loner who has been radicalised online. When his idol, far-right extremist leader Nicholas Famer is sent to prison, he decides to take action, taking 9 people at a local immigrant support group hostage and demanding Farmer’s release. He has planned the whole scenario, but what he hasn’t taken into account are the human interactions as the siege progresses, in particular with Alex, the negotiator, and Grace, one of the hostages, who attempts to connect with him.
The alternating viewpoints ensure that the reader really gets to know all 3 main characters. Alex is carrying the burden of a recent failed negotiation as well as struggling to balance work and family life; Grace, a daughter of the Windrush generation, was widowed young and is battling loneliness but proves to have a strength of character that shines through as she tries to diffuse the situation. And we get to understand more about Lee and where his hatred has come from - making it understandable if not forgivable.
It is a book that feels very real – the complexity of the situation shines through as we see very clearly the impact on all those involved, and the weight of responsibility that lies with the police is very clear. It is a book that surprised me in many ways – a hostage situation that begins with some brutal violence then becomes a tense and psychological exploration of the power of compassion and human connection – and I struggled to put it down as it headed to its climax. It is an impressive debut and I look forward to reading more by Sutherland.
June 11, 2022
I've watched my share of Criminal Minds in my day, and this would fit in perfectly. Scenes with the characters learning about online grooming or right wings extremists could have been lifted from that series. (To be clear, I'm complimenting the book!)
I haven't read much in this genre, but this was a fantastic one. The action starts early and doesn't stop - with the exception of an epilogue, which I loved, all the action takes place over about twelve hours, and most of it happens within a few hundred yards. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it.
I thought it was interesting to see things from the point of view of the hostage taker, and although it naturally didn't excuse his actions, we did understand them a little more.
Spoiler:
I am a bit baffled as to why none of the police or SWAT stopped his final actions. They were all there in the room, he had no weapons, but they just watched and let him go ahead
Also, I know adrenaline is a factor, but the middle of a hostage negotiation seemed like a weird time for Alex to realise he was attracted to another memeber of the team!?
Overall a fantastic, really tense read, full of accurate details from John's years of policing. I'll be looking out for more by him.
I haven't read much in this genre, but this was a fantastic one. The action starts early and doesn't stop - with the exception of an epilogue, which I loved, all the action takes place over about twelve hours, and most of it happens within a few hundred yards. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it.
I thought it was interesting to see things from the point of view of the hostage taker, and although it naturally didn't excuse his actions, we did understand them a little more.
Spoiler:
I am a bit baffled as to why none of the police or SWAT stopped his final actions. They were all there in the room, he had no weapons, but they just watched and let him go ahead
Also, I know adrenaline is a factor, but the middle of a hostage negotiation seemed like a weird time for Alex to realise he was attracted to another memeber of the team!?
Overall a fantastic, really tense read, full of accurate details from John's years of policing. I'll be looking out for more by him.
June 23, 2022
I did not want to put this book down for a second.
It is told from the points of view of Lee James Connor - a supporter of far-right organisation Home Front which is led by Nicholas Farmer, Grace Wheatley - widow and mum to a teenage boy, Isaiah, and Superintendent Alex Lewis who is also a hostage negotiator.
The pace of this book is absolutely perfect. We learn just enough about each characters backstory before their stories tie in together.
Following Nicholas Farmer's arrest, Lee James Connor finds a church hall with 'Refugees Welcome' above the door - the perfect place to carry out his plan. Grace is in attendance alongside some regular attendees, a Syrian mother with her two sons and the reverend. Lee threatens to kill them all unless the police release Farmer. Time ticks on and Alex Connor tries to "talk him down" whilst Grace is doing the same inside.
This is such a well-written novel and it is obvious that Sutherland has both taken from his own experience but also done a lot of research as well. I didn't expect it to be as emotional as it is. We understand just how easy it is for someone who is a bit of a loner to become radicalised.
I absolutely loved Grace's character, how big her heart is and her thoughts on hatred. A fantastic read.
It is told from the points of view of Lee James Connor - a supporter of far-right organisation Home Front which is led by Nicholas Farmer, Grace Wheatley - widow and mum to a teenage boy, Isaiah, and Superintendent Alex Lewis who is also a hostage negotiator.
The pace of this book is absolutely perfect. We learn just enough about each characters backstory before their stories tie in together.
Following Nicholas Farmer's arrest, Lee James Connor finds a church hall with 'Refugees Welcome' above the door - the perfect place to carry out his plan. Grace is in attendance alongside some regular attendees, a Syrian mother with her two sons and the reverend. Lee threatens to kill them all unless the police release Farmer. Time ticks on and Alex Connor tries to "talk him down" whilst Grace is doing the same inside.
This is such a well-written novel and it is obvious that Sutherland has both taken from his own experience but also done a lot of research as well. I didn't expect it to be as emotional as it is. We understand just how easy it is for someone who is a bit of a loner to become radicalised.
I absolutely loved Grace's character, how big her heart is and her thoughts on hatred. A fantastic read.
June 29, 2022
Nine hostages. Ten hours. One chance to save them all.
Lee James Connor has found his purpose in life: to follow the teachings of far-right extremist leader, Nicholas Farmer. So when his idol is jailed, he comes up with the perfect plan: take a local immigrant support group hostage until Farmer is released.
Grace Wheatley is no stranger to loneliness having weathered the passing of her husband, whilst being left to raise her son alone. The local support group is her only source of comfort. Until the day Lee James Connor walks in and threatens the existence of everything she's ever known.
Superintendent Alex Lewis may be one of the most experienced hostage negotiators on the force, but there's no such thing as a perfect record. Still haunted by his last case, can he connect with Connor - and save his nine hostages - before it's too late?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Lee James Connor has found his purpose in life: to follow the teachings of far-right extremist leader, Nicholas Farmer. So when his idol is jailed, he comes up with the perfect plan: take a local immigrant support group hostage until Farmer is released.
Grace Wheatley is no stranger to loneliness having weathered the passing of her husband, whilst being left to raise her son alone. The local support group is her only source of comfort. Until the day Lee James Connor walks in and threatens the existence of everything she's ever known.
Superintendent Alex Lewis may be one of the most experienced hostage negotiators on the force, but there's no such thing as a perfect record. Still haunted by his last case, can he connect with Connor - and save his nine hostages - before it's too late?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
August 12, 2022
A fast-paced and thrilling read
Having read the author’s memoir, Blue, I was keen to see if he could transfer his policing knowledge and experience across into a novel. I was not disappointed! This is a first-rate thriller, full of character, passion, twists and turns, and most importantly, realism. The author has taken his real-life experiences and uses them to great effect, creating a story that is full of life and energy. The story rattles along at a fast pace, leaving you turning the pages to discover what happens, drawn along by the rounded characters of the novel and the gripping storyline.
It’s often a trite, well-worn phrase: “I couldn’t put this book down,” but that’s exactly how I felt. The author draws you in from the first page and builds the tension almost to breaking point for the characters. He even manages to create an empathy for the main antagonist, the siege taker, as the other characters draw out his story a piece at a time. The political undertones only help to strengthen the story, giving credence to the plot, and the author cleverly shifts the point of view throughout, allowing you to experience the situation as it unfolds from every angle. This would make a great movie! Highly recommended.
Having read the author’s memoir, Blue, I was keen to see if he could transfer his policing knowledge and experience across into a novel. I was not disappointed! This is a first-rate thriller, full of character, passion, twists and turns, and most importantly, realism. The author has taken his real-life experiences and uses them to great effect, creating a story that is full of life and energy. The story rattles along at a fast pace, leaving you turning the pages to discover what happens, drawn along by the rounded characters of the novel and the gripping storyline.
It’s often a trite, well-worn phrase: “I couldn’t put this book down,” but that’s exactly how I felt. The author draws you in from the first page and builds the tension almost to breaking point for the characters. He even manages to create an empathy for the main antagonist, the siege taker, as the other characters draw out his story a piece at a time. The political undertones only help to strengthen the story, giving credence to the plot, and the author cleverly shifts the point of view throughout, allowing you to experience the situation as it unfolds from every angle. This would make a great movie! Highly recommended.
July 17, 2022
This story of a Neo-Nazi terrorist who holds an 'immigrant loving' priest and her congregation hostage is (along with some newly arrived immigrants), in my opinion, a bit of a wake up call to those who think that all terrorists (or groomed individuals) are Islamic. Based on John Sutherlands knowledge and experience as a hostage negotiator it makes scarily familiar reading to anyone who has dealt with or been on the fringes of the investigations into the far right organisations in the UK.
I've never been (and nor would I wish to be) a negotiator. I've known a few and it's a niche group who are akin to the covert world that I've some knowledge of. John brings that world to life in a way that can only come from first hand experience. If one thing does ring true it's the concept of keeping the negotiation team sterile of any knowledge of other police activity and intelligence. It brings the whole concept of plausible deniability to life. That and "if I don't know, I can't accidentally let the cat out of the bag". A thoroughly good read, even if it is a future text book for hostage negotiators, it still entertains.
I've never been (and nor would I wish to be) a negotiator. I've known a few and it's a niche group who are akin to the covert world that I've some knowledge of. John brings that world to life in a way that can only come from first hand experience. If one thing does ring true it's the concept of keeping the negotiation team sterile of any knowledge of other police activity and intelligence. It brings the whole concept of plausible deniability to life. That and "if I don't know, I can't accidentally let the cat out of the bag". A thoroughly good read, even if it is a future text book for hostage negotiators, it still entertains.
August 16, 2025
Utterly dull and riddled with clichés. I barely finished this one. It read rather like a straight to DVD B-movie. We had the psychologically-scarred police negotiator who seems to be held up as as being the best of the best and yet he stumbles along like a complete amateur, propped up by his negotiator colleagues who seem far better qualified and suited to the task in hand. We have the dreadful dialogue between the anti-immigrant hostage-taker and the black female hostage which tries to present a binary picture of immigration: if you are anti-immigration, you are one of those extremist nutters, and if you are in favour of immigration, you are a thoroughly reasonable person. Awful. But worst of all is the lack of any real suspense. You just know how this is going to end. Perhaps it would work better on the screen. Maybe. But as a novel, it is a tired old cliché with zero suspense and nothing really to redeem it.
July 3, 2022
I felt engaged with this story from the first page - Lee James Connor is a complicated character who obviously has his demons. We follow him in his preparation and his journey to the church where he will begin his siege. Next we meet Grace Wheatley who is a hostage in the siege. She is frightened, worries for her son, feels responsible for the other hostages and plays a large part in the action. Finally, we meet Alex who is a hostage negotiator who takes his responsibilities very much to heart.
Learning that the author is a serving police officer and hostage negotiator explains why this story is so engaging and believable.
Many thanks to Netgalley/John Sutherland/Orion Publishing Group for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Learning that the author is a serving police officer and hostage negotiator explains why this story is so engaging and believable.
Many thanks to Netgalley/John Sutherland/Orion Publishing Group for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 11, 2023
What a book!!! Utterly gripping and tense. I found the many different voices from a hostage victim, to the person holding them hostage to the hostage negotiator trying to make sure everyone and I mean everyone comes out alive. This isn’t trying to depict a black and white view of people who are innocent, bad, heros or villains, it’s the humanity of caring of that fear, hurt and anger towards people who are even more vulnerable than themselves, but due to a warped and twisted way of thinking they see these vulnerable people as threats. I found myself caring for the hostages and Lee, the man whos holding them. This feels like something that could happen now and it’s so tense and gripping you want to know what happened next. I urge you to grab a copy it’s amazing.
January 27, 2025
A gripping read, I read it over 3 sessions (2 days). I liked the short sections as the story unfolded via the three viewpoints of Lee (the perpetrator), Grace (one of the hostages) and Alex (the main police negotiator).
I really felt the tension as the hostage situation developed, the fear of the hostages, the mental unravelling of Lee, as he spiralled further into cannabis fuelled psychosis and the stress felt by Alex as he dealt with PTSD resulting from previous hostage situations.
This was very well written, as the author was a serving police officer it felt realistic and believable, with lots of research and experience to back things up. I look forward to reading more of the author's books, highly recommended.
I really felt the tension as the hostage situation developed, the fear of the hostages, the mental unravelling of Lee, as he spiralled further into cannabis fuelled psychosis and the stress felt by Alex as he dealt with PTSD resulting from previous hostage situations.
This was very well written, as the author was a serving police officer it felt realistic and believable, with lots of research and experience to back things up. I look forward to reading more of the author's books, highly recommended.
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