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Deadlock
Perfect for fans of Alex Rider and Artemis Fowl, Simon Fox's latest action-packed thriller is ideal for readers too young for Jack Reacher or Line of Duty.
Archie Blake thought his policeman father teaching him how to pick locks and open safes was just a bit of fun. But when a diamond necklace is stolen and his dad is arrested, Archie realises the only way to prove Dad's innocence is to go on the run and use everything he's learned to uncover the truth.
But Archie soon finds himself deeply tangled in the criminal underworld, where it's hard to know who to trust and even harder to see what's right or wrong. Will Archie be able to find a way out before it's too late?
An explosive new adventure from the author of the unputdownable Running Out of Time. Simon Fox is a rising star in a new generation of thriller writers.
Archie Blake thought his policeman father teaching him how to pick locks and open safes was just a bit of fun. But when a diamond necklace is stolen and his dad is arrested, Archie realises the only way to prove Dad's innocence is to go on the run and use everything he's learned to uncover the truth.
But Archie soon finds himself deeply tangled in the criminal underworld, where it's hard to know who to trust and even harder to see what's right or wrong. Will Archie be able to find a way out before it's too late?
An explosive new adventure from the author of the unputdownable Running Out of Time. Simon Fox is a rising star in a new generation of thriller writers.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2023
4 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 27, 2023
Loved the author’s other book - Running out of Time & I loved this one too!
Archie has the overwhelming urge to put his wrist into his policeman dad’s handcuffs… he can’t seem to resist any longer so he does it. He thinks he’ll be able to slip out his hand, but no luck. So he has to confess to his dad what he’s done & ask for the keys. “Oh, lost them ages ago,” dad says. Dad comes over to the table and slams the other half of the cuff onto the dining room table. Archie is struggling to hold his temper & the desire to just smash everything up - he tries to think of the techniques his councillor had taught him, his temper had gotten the better of him so much since his mum had died & the techniques had helped but why should he use them! When he screams at his dad to ask him how he’s going to get him out his dad hands him a paper clip. “With this,” he says. Archie’s anger and frustration fuel him on to pick the lock and get himself free. After a long time, it is open and he’s out! This is the beginning of what Archie and his dad call ‘Race Night’ every week they race each other to pick different locks. Not only does it help them to bond back together after mum’s death it also give Archie some skills he’s going to need to rely on. In the middle of one night dad rings Archie. He tells him people are trying to get in the house & he has to leave. He must go to the drawers, take out a false back, retrieve what’s in there and meet dad in a car in a street at the back of the house. This starts off a series of events that see Archie on the run and his dad being arrested by fellow officers. Can he first save himself & then can he figure out what dad’s been investigating and what’s gotten him arrested.
Fast paced, page turner of an adventure. I really enjoyed it. Did you have to make big leaps of faith to believe the story? Of course you did. Was it tough to believe a sixteen year old could or would know some of the things involved? Yes. But it was so well written & kept you wanting to know - like any fiction, you had to suspend reality (I mean come on, I’ve been suspending reality since I was reading Secret Seven!) and I loved every page of it!
Archie has the overwhelming urge to put his wrist into his policeman dad’s handcuffs… he can’t seem to resist any longer so he does it. He thinks he’ll be able to slip out his hand, but no luck. So he has to confess to his dad what he’s done & ask for the keys. “Oh, lost them ages ago,” dad says. Dad comes over to the table and slams the other half of the cuff onto the dining room table. Archie is struggling to hold his temper & the desire to just smash everything up - he tries to think of the techniques his councillor had taught him, his temper had gotten the better of him so much since his mum had died & the techniques had helped but why should he use them! When he screams at his dad to ask him how he’s going to get him out his dad hands him a paper clip. “With this,” he says. Archie’s anger and frustration fuel him on to pick the lock and get himself free. After a long time, it is open and he’s out! This is the beginning of what Archie and his dad call ‘Race Night’ every week they race each other to pick different locks. Not only does it help them to bond back together after mum’s death it also give Archie some skills he’s going to need to rely on. In the middle of one night dad rings Archie. He tells him people are trying to get in the house & he has to leave. He must go to the drawers, take out a false back, retrieve what’s in there and meet dad in a car in a street at the back of the house. This starts off a series of events that see Archie on the run and his dad being arrested by fellow officers. Can he first save himself & then can he figure out what dad’s been investigating and what’s gotten him arrested.
Fast paced, page turner of an adventure. I really enjoyed it. Did you have to make big leaps of faith to believe the story? Of course you did. Was it tough to believe a sixteen year old could or would know some of the things involved? Yes. But it was so well written & kept you wanting to know - like any fiction, you had to suspend reality (I mean come on, I’ve been suspending reality since I was reading Secret Seven!) and I loved every page of it!
February 1, 2024
This book can't be described in one word... EVERY GOOD WORD BELONGS TO THIS BOOK! OUTSTANDING, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, ALL THOSE. To me Simon Fox did well. Well done Simon. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ How many stars I want can't even fit on a page!
February 29, 2024
An action-packed, fast-paced mystery adventure for fans of Alex Rider.
May 31, 2023
Deadlock
By Simon Fox
Published by Nosy Crow Ltd
Simon Fox writes with great flare and passion drawing you into the mind and journey of a father and his son.
Archie Blake loves spending “quality time” with his dad, but who would have thought that teaching him to pick locks and safes would be a life saving skill?
But when a diamond necklace is stolen and his dad is arrested, Archie has to use all his strength, knowledge and lock picking skills to “do the right thing.”
Archie realises the only way to prove Dad's innocence and get him out of prison is to go on the run. Using everything he's learned alongside his ability to trust is the only way he can uncover the truth.
But finding himself deeply tangled in the criminal underworld, Archie discovers knowing who to trust is a challenge worth fighting for.
Will he see what's right or wrong?
Will he trust or will he be fooled?
Will Archie be able to find a way out before it's too late?
Another page turner from Simon Fox, full of drama, questionable truths and life changing decisions. A must for all young thrill seekers to enjoy.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#nosycrow
@SimonFoxAuthor
By Simon Fox
Published by Nosy Crow Ltd
Simon Fox writes with great flare and passion drawing you into the mind and journey of a father and his son.
Archie Blake loves spending “quality time” with his dad, but who would have thought that teaching him to pick locks and safes would be a life saving skill?
But when a diamond necklace is stolen and his dad is arrested, Archie has to use all his strength, knowledge and lock picking skills to “do the right thing.”
Archie realises the only way to prove Dad's innocence and get him out of prison is to go on the run. Using everything he's learned alongside his ability to trust is the only way he can uncover the truth.
But finding himself deeply tangled in the criminal underworld, Archie discovers knowing who to trust is a challenge worth fighting for.
Will he see what's right or wrong?
Will he trust or will he be fooled?
Will Archie be able to find a way out before it's too late?
Another page turner from Simon Fox, full of drama, questionable truths and life changing decisions. A must for all young thrill seekers to enjoy.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#nosycrow
@SimonFoxAuthor
July 9, 2023
When Archie's dad - a police officer - is accused of stealing an invaluable dimaond necklace, Archie realises that he is the only one who can prove his dad's innocence and that learning how to pick locks and open safes is going to come very handy indeed.
But Archie ends up mixed with the criminal underworld. He doesn't know who to trust and he finds incredibly harder and harder to differentiate right or wrong. Will he be able to save his dad without losng himself?
Deadlock was a great fast-paced read. The characters are extremely well drawn, with a complexity that makes them feel authentic. As Archie uncovers the truth about the crime his dad is accused of, he has to trust in his dad's complete innocence while himself tiptoeing the line between right and wrong. This is masterfully executed by Simon Fox, exploring grief, anger and trust between a father and son. Deadlock is a must-read, both for its page-turning quality and the great depiction of a family fighting for survival.
But Archie ends up mixed with the criminal underworld. He doesn't know who to trust and he finds incredibly harder and harder to differentiate right or wrong. Will he be able to save his dad without losng himself?
Deadlock was a great fast-paced read. The characters are extremely well drawn, with a complexity that makes them feel authentic. As Archie uncovers the truth about the crime his dad is accused of, he has to trust in his dad's complete innocence while himself tiptoeing the line between right and wrong. This is masterfully executed by Simon Fox, exploring grief, anger and trust between a father and son. Deadlock is a must-read, both for its page-turning quality and the great depiction of a family fighting for survival.
May 23, 2023
Great adventure story for middle grade readers who love Alex Rider and the Cherub series.
Archie Blake’s dad is a policeman with a problem. His wife has been murdered and he’s just been framed for corruption and gem theft. But Archie can’t believe his Dad is guilty and when he finds himself on the run he aims to prove his Dad innocent.
An adventure filled whirlwind of a story as Arche gathers the evidence, and the wounds, which will help his Dad in court in three days time.
Archie’s 13 and six feet tall - still a child but seen as an adult. This is helpful as he’s trying to avoid the police, escape the robbers and save his Dad from being killed in prison.
Perfect for upper KS2 and younger KS3 readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Nosy Crow, for the e-arc.
Archie Blake’s dad is a policeman with a problem. His wife has been murdered and he’s just been framed for corruption and gem theft. But Archie can’t believe his Dad is guilty and when he finds himself on the run he aims to prove his Dad innocent.
An adventure filled whirlwind of a story as Arche gathers the evidence, and the wounds, which will help his Dad in court in three days time.
Archie’s 13 and six feet tall - still a child but seen as an adult. This is helpful as he’s trying to avoid the police, escape the robbers and save his Dad from being killed in prison.
Perfect for upper KS2 and younger KS3 readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Nosy Crow, for the e-arc.
May 2, 2023
A policeman's son is suddenly thrust into the world of criminals both in and out of uniform when his father gets caught up in trouble. It would have been easy to write the hero as chocka with secret agent styled powers, but this feels much more grounded in reality.
For my full review, please click on:- http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/D...
For my full review, please click on:- http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/D...
March 9, 2024
Omgggg this book was amazing ! It was action packed , and very fast paced . I just love how he had to use all is skills while he's on the run , i feel like it just keeps the anticipation going . I even read it a second time ! I loved every second of it and would love to see more from this author.
April 8, 2024
This book was amazing. It tells the story of a boy whose father discovered a diamond plot but was framed by the corrupt policeman. Archie then has to discover what really happened to save his dad with the help of Bunny - the daughter of a ex criminal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
I really liked it but wouldn’t read again. One of those one time read books. It wasn’t very gripping just about a boy who had some jewellery. Overall I would say 4.7 if 10 was murder on the orient express
March 18, 2025
Adventure from the start.... It's a Percy Jackson... Straight in no character building just first person mainly. Ok storyline. Could have finished the book about three times before it did. And they lived happily ever after....
July 3, 2025
This was amazing it is such a thriller and I loved it, don’t listen to whoever put this book as a two star they’re an absolute idiot. I swear that if you read this book you will love it the whole way through and will not regret for a moment picking it off the bookshelf, absolute five stars for me.
May 28, 2023
For NetGalley: Such a gripping story! I could not put it down. A story of bravery, friendship and family bonds. Would recommend to any kid 8+. Very well written with comedy and drama rolled in to one
July 17, 2024
This book had a very interesting plot which kept you at the edge of your seat all the time.
December 15, 2025
An awesome and action packed mystery thriller with excellent character development and plotting that will have you flipping the pages and reading into the night .
July 11, 2023
Deadlock
By Simon Fox
Published by Nosy Crow Ltd
Simon Fox writes with great flare and passion drawing you into the mind and journey of a father and his son.
Archie Blake loves spending “quality time” with his dad, but who would have thought that teaching him to pick locks and safes would be a life saving skill?
But when a diamond necklace is stolen and his dad is arrested, Archie has to use all his strength, knowledge and lock picking skills to “do the right thing.”
Archie realises the only way to prove Dad's innocence and get him out of prison is to go on the run. Using everything he's learned alongside his ability to trust is the only way he can uncover the truth.
But finding himself deeply tangled in the criminal underworld, Archie discovers knowing who to trust is a challenge worth fighting for.
Will he see what's right or wrong?
Will he trust or will he be fooled?
Will Archie be able to find a way out before it's too late?
Another page turner from Simon Fox, full of drama, questionable truths and life changing decisions. A must for all young thrill seekers to enjoy.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#nosycrow
@SimonFoxAuthor
Waterstones ✔️
By Simon Fox
Published by Nosy Crow Ltd
Simon Fox writes with great flare and passion drawing you into the mind and journey of a father and his son.
Archie Blake loves spending “quality time” with his dad, but who would have thought that teaching him to pick locks and safes would be a life saving skill?
But when a diamond necklace is stolen and his dad is arrested, Archie has to use all his strength, knowledge and lock picking skills to “do the right thing.”
Archie realises the only way to prove Dad's innocence and get him out of prison is to go on the run. Using everything he's learned alongside his ability to trust is the only way he can uncover the truth.
But finding himself deeply tangled in the criminal underworld, Archie discovers knowing who to trust is a challenge worth fighting for.
Will he see what's right or wrong?
Will he trust or will he be fooled?
Will Archie be able to find a way out before it's too late?
Another page turner from Simon Fox, full of drama, questionable truths and life changing decisions. A must for all young thrill seekers to enjoy.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#nosycrow
@SimonFoxAuthor
Waterstones ✔️
December 29, 2023
Archie's dad is a police officer and each week on race night they compete to see who can pick a lock the fastest. It's a good way for father and son to connect. After his dad gets in trouble at work, Archie goes on the run, determined to find out what has really happened to cause his dad to be arrested by his own colleagues.
Deadlock is fast paced from the start and I could have happily read it in one breathless sitting. This book would make a great film. A recommended read for fans of Alex Rider or the Young Bond series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
Deadlock is fast paced from the start and I could have happily read it in one breathless sitting. This book would make a great film. A recommended read for fans of Alex Rider or the Young Bond series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
September 24, 2023
Lots of action, suspense and danger.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews