High Pressure

by Sam Blake

A gripping standalone thriller from the No.1 bestselling author of Little Bones and The Dark Room

As temperatures soar across Europe during the hottest summer for forty years, a series of hoax terrorist attacks is generating panic in London. Then a bus blows up on Oxford Street and the hoaxes have suddenly become real.

Student Brioni O'Brien has been desperately trying to contact her older sister since she unexpectedly returned early from travelling, so when Marissa's bag is found near the site of the explosion, she fears the worst.

Teaming up with terrorism expert Anna Lockharte to search for Marissa, Brioni discovers that her sister had got herself into a very dangerous situation - and that now she and Anna could be caught in the fallout.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Thriller Suspense

Audio CD

About the author

Join Sam's Readers’ Club and get a free e-copy of her addictive thriller ‘High Pressure’! Info at www.samblakebooks.com

Sam Blake has been writing fiction since 1999 when her husband went sailing across the Atlantic for 8 weeks and she had an idea for a book.

Her debut novel 'Little Bones' (Bonnier 2016) was a runaway bestseller. Across all her books Sam has been an Eason No 1 bestseller an Irish Times No 1 and shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards (in the crime or teen categories) five times. 2023 saw her multiple award shortlisted YA debut Something Terrible Happened Last Night hit the shelves. In 2024 Something's About to Blow Up won Irish Teen/YA Book of the Year.

Moving away from police procedurals, now writing 'deliciously twisted' (Daily Mail) bestselling psychological thrillers, Sam's focus is on strong female characters and 'creating genuine page turners with metronomic timing.' (Sunday Business Post).

Sam is originally from St. Albans in Hertfordshire but has lived at the foot of the Wicklow mountains, for more years than she lived in the UK. Follow her on social @samblakebooks.

Visit www.samblakebooks.com for more!

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Brioni O’Brien returns to Heathrow after time away travelling in Asia, she has not had the best of times. A traumatic experience has soured her trip and whilst waiting at the carousel, she realises that her suitcase has gone missing. Another concern is her sister Marissa. She has had no response to her messages to let her sister know she was coming home. Since Marissa’s marriage to American businessman Steve, their relationship had changed, but why would Marissa be ignoring her.

Set over three locations, London, New York and Ireland, High Pressure is a thrilling read with the main arc of the story being the aftermath of a bomb attack in London. Marissa’s bag has been found at the bomb site but where is Marissa? Brioni teams up with a visiting expert from Dublin, Professor Anna Lockharte, to try and discover what has happened to her sister.

A story involving New Scotland Yard and the American security services, Marissa’s disappearance is just one, albeit a fairly major, part of the puzzle. In addition to the investigation of the terror attacks and the numerous hoaxes intended to cause maximum disruption, there are other strands which add to the intrigue and tension – to say exactly what might be going into spoiler territory!

There are so many twists and turns and red herrings in the story, I veered from one suspect to another. At one stage I smugly thought it was obvious who was responsible for one particular crime but no, I had to later accept I had got it wrong.

It starts off a little slowly but the pace soon builds up and then the story has the speed of an express train. It’s part crime thriller but also a story about family and relationships – Anna has suffered a traumatic past and loss and Brioni is devastated by the thought that her sister that had been such a crucial part of her life could be gone.

I only had one minor niggle, and whilst it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment, I thought the conclusion a little abrupt and I would have liked just a bit more character interaction towards the end on certain aspects. I believe that we may not have seen the end of Brioni so possibly my questions will be answered.

I don’t know why I haven’t read a Sam Blake book before but I certainly enjoyed this experience and this book won’t be my last. It had an exciting and well plotted story together with characters that you can engage with – Anna was a fabulous creation and with her cool head was great to have on your side in a crisis especially as she knew people in all the right places and Brioni was fearless when those she cared about were under threat. A recommended read.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

High Pressure is a riveting, high stakes psychological thriller, set between London and Wexford, featuring Anna Lockharte, a character from Blake’s previous books but it isn't necessary to have read any of them prior to this. Professor Anna Lockharte is a terrorism expert based in Dublin’s Trinity College. Her brother-in-law is the US Ambassador to Moscow and his wife, her sister Jen, was killed in a terrorist attack in Paris. Suffering from PTSD as a result of the attack that she survived while shielding her niece Hope from gunfire, Anna becomes Hope's guardian in Ireland. We are then introduced to free-spirited jet setter Brioni O'Brien who has recently been travelling in Thailand during her gap year when she’s mugged. When we meet her she’s just arrived at Heathrow airport from Bangkok and is coming back to London to meet with her sister, Marissa. But she soon finds the bad luck isn't over as her bag never arrives on the carousel and ends up having been stolen. And the situation goes from bad to worse when she realises she can't get hold of her big sister. Londoners have been increasingly on edge recently due to a spate of hoax terrorist attacks all across the city with constant chatter on social media of tourist spots being hit with gunfire.

Anna and Brioni's paths cross when a bus blows up by way of a bomb near Selfridges on Oxford Street in Central London. Brioni later discovers her sister's bag and belongings in the vicinity and begins to panic. Meanwhile, Anna finds herself landing right in the middle of things when she is invited to talk at New Scotland Yard. As she walks into St Pancras Station, a series of life-threatening events begin to unfold, very fast. Will the two women safely locate Marissa? This is an enthralling, nail-biting and compulsively readable terrorism-based thriller with a ripped from the headlines plot, a plethora of twists and turns and a real feeling of fear in the air. Anna and Brioni are both strong, opinionated women with three-dimensional characters and the tension simmers as the book progresses. It's full of action and examines the relationships between the characters and their families, and Blake knows exactly how to make you feel the impending sense of danger and escalating suspense. Anna Lockharte and Brioni are both fascinating, with totally different backgrounds but a common goal to help Brioni’s sister Marissa – if they can track her down in time in this exciting, rapid-fire paced read. Highly recommended.

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant thriller , it had me hooked from the start !


In this book we are mainly in the UK, we meet Brioni O'Brien , she is a student in London and when there is a bus blown up by terrorists she is desperately trying to get hold of her older sister ...her worries are heightened when her sisters backpack is found near where the bus was blown up. The action amps up when Brioni teams up with a terrorist expert and they find out her sister has got herself into a very dangerous situation!

The main characters in this book are great , they are well described and you really feel for her when she is searching for her sister. The other characters that appear don't add that much too the story but keeps you entertained and keeps you reading on. The book is overall a good read , it's packed with action and drama.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast moving with multiple locations and multiple characters, High Pressure is a gripping and brilliant read.
My first Sam Blake novel and I'll be sure to read her other ones that have been on my tbr for ages soon.

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first Sam Blake novel I have read, and it had it all. Terrorist attacks, murders, affairs and even espionage - so with all of that, why did I only give it 2 out of 5?

The story is set in the UK, with innings from the USA and ties to Ireland, at the start, the characters were well-formed, however as the story progressed additional characters kept being introduced which made it hard to keep track of who was connected with whom.

On paper, and based on the other reviews written this would have been my ideal read - regrettably, however, my personal view was that there was so much going on that my eyes absorbed the prose without building a connection to the plot.

That being said, I can certainly see why readers do enjoy Blake's work, and would certainly read her next work.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Atlantic Books for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Elle (IG: simply.elle18) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was first Sam Blake novel and I found it very enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook and Aoife McMahon was a brilliant narrator. I'd definitely read/listen to more of Blake's books.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a little confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have several of Sam’s books on my ever expanding ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read them yet. When I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘High Pressure’, I thought that it would be the ideal opportunity to become acquainted with Sam’s work. Having read and thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘High Pressure’, I am now rather cross with myself that I left it this long to discover how good her books are. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘High Pressure’ but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn into the story from the very first word on the very first page. The book seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I didn’t want to break. I started reading ‘High Pressure’ and I found that I just couldn’t stop. This story was so full of action that I thought that I might miss something if I was to put the book down for any length of time. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I worked my way through the book. This was a story that stayed with me even when I didn’t have the book in my hand. If I wasn’t actually reading the book, then I would be thinking about the story. If I had to put the book to one side then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. The characters intrigued me and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to them. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘High Pressure’. I found ‘High Pressure’ to be the true definition of a page turner. The story certainly kept me guessing and certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘High Pressure’ is superbly written. Sam certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘High Pressure’ felt like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twist and turns along the way. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to reclaim your stomach and gather your thoughts then off the action would go again. Sam clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way she describes them. She makes them seem just as real as you and I rather than characters in a book. I love the way in which Sam makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of all of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘High Pressure’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sam’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Valerie Campbell Ackroyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good thriller

I liked her use of the “false flag” subject, because it is so relevant to our present situation with false news and rumors flying around social media. In this book, London is consumed with reports of bombs going off in various parts of the city, hostage taking, etc. Most of which are false, set to cause panic.

In the midst of it a young Irish woman arrives in London, back from India and parts East, having spent the past several months backpacking. She is looking for her sister, who mysteriously hasn’t answered her texts and messages about her return. The sister, Marissa, meanwhile is worried that her husband Steve is up to no good, following her around London. But what is Marissa herself up to?

And then there is Anna, a professor at Trinity, Dublin, over in London to speak at a conference sponsored by Steve’s company, which is a cybersecurity business. And then an explosion occurs….

Is your mind whirling? A bit confused? Well, mine was and it stayed that way as the plot bounced all over the place. I liked Sam Blake, have read all (I think, although there were threads mentioned in this one that I have no memory of) of her books. But I think this one merits a 3 star rating from me. Mainly because of the confusion. I could have gone to 3.5 towards the ending when Blake started to bring the threads together.

It’s a good thriller, satisfying in the end. Sobering too, though, as I have been thinking, during this current stand-off with Russia over the Ukraine and all the news from Canada and its issues, the UK and its, that this world is getting so, so, SO scary. Unseen hands, manipulating.

I think it’s time for me to read something gentler next.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was left really disappointed by this book, I've given it 2.5 stars 🌟.
Despite the fact that the plot (the bombings) was fairly believable in itself, I just didn't get the feel of that from the book. I didn't read any sense of real peril or worry from any of the characters. The storyline was really flat and I didn't care about any of the characters. There was no tension and excitement
The ending just happened...in a 'everyone was here, it was resolved' kind of way.
The "twist" really wasn't much of a twist and certainly not one that I recognised as a "twist" when it happened.
With all that being said, I did finish the book. It wasn't overly long, and it wasn't completely awful. I wouldn't recommend this book, as whilst it just about kept my interest long enough to read it, it's not a book that I'll remember. I like a book to have an impact, where you're left thinking about it after you've finished. Sadly with this one that didn't happen.

[TL · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this at all. The author reminds me of all the bad points I find in Harlan Coben’s writing style. Far fetched, unrealistic, flat characters, women with no personalities, huge amounts of exposition embedded in stilted dialogue. Half the book is internal monologue as if the writer doesn’t trust his readers enough to get what is going on so he has to lead us, in a very obvious, forced way, in the direction he wants.

My absolute favourite part of this novel however was when one of the characters suddenly remembered she learnt martial arts last year and therefore could karate chop her way out of captivity. Absolutely no mention of this beforehand! Very convenient 😂

[Sieglinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page-turner by Sam Blake. It's a standalone, so not part of the author's excellent Cat Connolly series, although readers of those books will recognise one or two names that crop up, including Prof Anna Lockharte (from No Turning Back) who has a central role this time. There's a terrorist attack in London that's not quite what it seems at first, a missing woman whose controlling husband knows more than he's telling, her sister and the professor uncover what's been going on, alongside the police investigation, and what they find puts their lives in jeopardy.

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting idea reasonably well written, but spoiled by parts stretching credibility beyond belief. The beginning was too drawn out and the end a bit rushed. Reasonable character development on the main, but as is so often the case the story was interrupted by a need to describe what everyone was wearing. I don't know why so many authors feel a need to describe everyone's outfits, even though they have nothing to do with the story? For me the important difference between reading a book and watching a film is that in the former our imagination can run riot. Too much detail in clothing and appearance tends to spoil this. It was only a few interesting twists which kept me reading.

[Mary Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of hoax bomb scares in London allow a group to disrupt life for many people. Why has a sister disappeared and was her husband following her. A number of chance encounters bring a couple of the characters together and loosely tie Ireland into the story. Why did the sisters not visit their father?

[Craig Preece · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started well enough but ultimately lost credibility for me as I don't believe for a minute that a teenage girl could take out a former military man. The fact that another character of international renown could drop everything to look for a missing person was also a stretch. Loved the running commentary about what the characters were wearing!!

[Nicky Rossiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Blake comes up with the goods although I find some of her other “stand alone” books a bit below par.
This one is well plotted and moves at a good pace. The characters are credible although one co-incidence was bit of a stretch.
This book works as a stand alone but you may find it more satisfying if you had read some her earlier “Cat Connolly” books featuring the female Irish detective.

[Jan Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I much preferred this book than my last book - The mystery of four - so much so that I’m going to give Little Bones a go.
Mind you, it would’ve been nice to know if Mar’s story had a happy ending and whether Brioni moved in with her and the apple tree got cut down but this author like to leave us guessing I think

[Martin Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn’t one of her best but it was entertaining too, the concept behind it was really cool I also loved that the more books I’m reading from her the characters also have connections from previous books, she name dropped a girl about working for a beauty company which was the main character from ‘keep your eyes on me’

[Joy Corkery · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed in this one after reading The Dark Room. Not a big fan of terrorist stories anyway. I got into it in the end but it was a bit too jumpy and not my taste for a higher rating. Excellent job in researching a realistic terrorist plot though.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I love Irish Narrators, it’s narrated by Aoife Mcamahon who is good.

The locations are varied from US, London and Ireland.
Terrorist based thriller.

It was ok, I enjoy it, but didn’t totally grab me.

[Geoff Stokes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is ok, but some of the narrative is really corny. In spite of that I finished it and the ending was a bit contrived but ok, and then the author insists on tying up all the loose ends for another couple of chapters which felt unnecessary and anti-climactic.

[Necia Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great listen thank you Sam, thrilling and very well narrated I really enjoyed this in for my long trips in the car. Now to find more audiobooks by you. The Dark Room, Remember my name, The Mystery of four, were all great audiobooks and highly recommended.

[Dr. Ian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was intrigued from the start, when a multitude of incidents take place that appear to make no sense. Unfortunately, as the story unfolded it became less and less believable.
Very disappointing. All the male figures are stunningly one dimensional.

[Corinne Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big Sam Blake fan, and as this was only available as an audio book I listened to it over a number of weeks as I prepped food . I'm not a fan of audio books, but the dulcet Irish tones of the narration won me over. I loved the continuing characters from other Sam Blake books.

[Lee-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant novel by Sam Blake. I love how Sam entwines characters across her books. I have read the Cathy Connolly series as well as Remember My Name so it was wonderful to read more about the wonderful characters of Anna Lockharte, Brioni O’Brien and her sister Marissa Hunt.

[Moira Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

As usual Sam Blake did not disappoint. Did not see the twist at the end. Brilliant read highly recommend it

[Theresa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining Christmas read

This is a fast flowing story that picks up and carries the reader along, very enjoyable.. You won't be disappointed.

[Leticia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining crime novel by Sam Blake, it weaves in some characters from previous novels but is easily enjoyed as a stand alone story. Excellent narration by Aoife McMahon, as always.

[Suzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fucking boring. Shouldn't have finished it, waste of my life.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good thriller to listen to when walking!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5