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William Carver #4
The Burning Time
'Smart and topical' Financial Times (An FT Best New Thriller 2023)
'A compelling, fast-paced thriller' Sun
Australian inventor and geoengineer Clive Winner is the genius who brought the Great Barrier Reef back from the brink, yet his ambition goes well beyond that. He wants to save the planet.
For the all-powerful fossil-fuel industry, Winner is their 'get out of jail free card'. If he can engineer a solution to climate change, business can continue as usual.
When old-school journalist William Carver is tipped off by a trusted Whitehall source that climate scientists have begun to go missing in suspicious circumstances, his gut instinct tells him to follow the story. It rapidly becomes clear that scientists, green campaigners and well-intentioned politicians are in the firing line; William Carver and his colleagues must move fast to find out who is behind the disappearances. They know the journalist's job is to speak truth to power - but first you must uncover that truth and this time it's buried deeper than ever.
Racing between Sydney, New York, Seville and London, The Burning Time is an intelligent, timely and fast-paced thriller for the twenty-first century.
'Deftly plotted . . . a propulsive read' Straits Times
'This adrenaline-laced adventure packs a mighty punch' Irish Independent
'A brilliant thriller with a timely and essential reminder of what journalism is supposed to be' James O'Brien, LBC
'A compelling, fast-paced thriller' Sun
Australian inventor and geoengineer Clive Winner is the genius who brought the Great Barrier Reef back from the brink, yet his ambition goes well beyond that. He wants to save the planet.
For the all-powerful fossil-fuel industry, Winner is their 'get out of jail free card'. If he can engineer a solution to climate change, business can continue as usual.
When old-school journalist William Carver is tipped off by a trusted Whitehall source that climate scientists have begun to go missing in suspicious circumstances, his gut instinct tells him to follow the story. It rapidly becomes clear that scientists, green campaigners and well-intentioned politicians are in the firing line; William Carver and his colleagues must move fast to find out who is behind the disappearances. They know the journalist's job is to speak truth to power - but first you must uncover that truth and this time it's buried deeper than ever.
Racing between Sydney, New York, Seville and London, The Burning Time is an intelligent, timely and fast-paced thriller for the twenty-first century.
'Deftly plotted . . . a propulsive read' Straits Times
'This adrenaline-laced adventure packs a mighty punch' Irish Independent
'A brilliant thriller with a timely and essential reminder of what journalism is supposed to be' James O'Brien, LBC
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
16 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Peter Hanington
5 books31 followersPETER HANINGTON worked for BBC Radio 4's Today programme for 14 years and throughout the Iraqi and Afghanistan conflicts. He initiated the special guest editor programmes and worked on special projects including collaborations with the Manchester International Festival and Glastonbury.
He still works for the BBC and lives in London.
He still works for the BBC and lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 6, 2023
The Burning Time is the fourth instalment in the William Carver series but happens to also work perfectly as a standalone. This time, old-school BBC radio investigative journalist Carver takes on a prescient and interesting topic in Hanington's latest gripping and all too real political thriller - that of the politics and profits associated with the climate change industry and the monopolistic players who control it. As he looks for new stories to develop, he learns via a reputable contact, senior civil servant Leonard Allen, that an Australian maverick scientist and billionaire, Clive Winner, who is experimenting with ways of combating the overheating of the world through geoengineering, just so happens to be cosying up to the British Prime Minister. Having been successful with notable projects before, such as restoring a small part of the Great Barrier Reef, Winner's company is currently engaged in a multitude of other projects, however, after digging below the surface of his work and apparent philanthropy it becomes clear that Winner has much more nefarious and dangerous intentions than anyone has realised. Until now.
This is a well-written political thriller that addresses one of the biggest issues facing humanity and our planet to date: climate change. Carver keeps the idea of traditional investigative journalism alive, demonstrating its crucial importance, and this is portrayed so realistically as Hanington himself has that very job title, also for the BBC; I thoroughly enjoyed Carver's tenacity, but sadly the effort he puts into his job comes at the expense of his personal life which is miserable, to say the least. Set primarily in Spain, the UK, the US and Australia, it is a fast-paced and thoroughly compulsive thriller with a multi-layered and nuanced plot; complex characterisation; an abundance of suspense and tension; and twists and turns aplenty. The short, snappy chapters make it even more troublesome to put down, and I appreciated that it wasn't immediately clear who was a good guy and who was bad - or morally grey. It highlights the corruption of the political elite, their self-serving natures and their proclivity to stoop to exceptionally low levels and any and all lengths to protect their monetary interests. Highly recommended.
This is a well-written political thriller that addresses one of the biggest issues facing humanity and our planet to date: climate change. Carver keeps the idea of traditional investigative journalism alive, demonstrating its crucial importance, and this is portrayed so realistically as Hanington himself has that very job title, also for the BBC; I thoroughly enjoyed Carver's tenacity, but sadly the effort he puts into his job comes at the expense of his personal life which is miserable, to say the least. Set primarily in Spain, the UK, the US and Australia, it is a fast-paced and thoroughly compulsive thriller with a multi-layered and nuanced plot; complex characterisation; an abundance of suspense and tension; and twists and turns aplenty. The short, snappy chapters make it even more troublesome to put down, and I appreciated that it wasn't immediately clear who was a good guy and who was bad - or morally grey. It highlights the corruption of the political elite, their self-serving natures and their proclivity to stoop to exceptionally low levels and any and all lengths to protect their monetary interests. Highly recommended.
June 27, 2023
This has a great premise, but it lacks the pace of a thriller and the quality of the writing isn’t strong enough to redeem it. There's a lot of repetition and redundant scenes, and the dialogue and characterisation feel predictable.
I also found Carver's old-timer shtick, his work methods and his relationships unconvincing - with all the resources of the BBC at his disposal, he uses the computers in his local library? On public wifi? What about security?
And why is he fixated on working with his protegee, Naz, and controlling her career choices? She shows herself as competent but not exceptional (although Carver seems to think her ability to use Google Translate is practically supernatural).
A shame because I enjoyed a previous book in the series (probably in spite of, not because of, Carver) and the story of politicians' dubious relationships with business (with more than a nod to the Greensill scandal) is very topical.
*
Copy from NetGalley
I also found Carver's old-timer shtick, his work methods and his relationships unconvincing - with all the resources of the BBC at his disposal, he uses the computers in his local library? On public wifi? What about security?
And why is he fixated on working with his protegee, Naz, and controlling her career choices? She shows herself as competent but not exceptional (although Carver seems to think her ability to use Google Translate is practically supernatural).
A shame because I enjoyed a previous book in the series (probably in spite of, not because of, Carver) and the story of politicians' dubious relationships with business (with more than a nod to the Greensill scandal) is very topical.
*
Copy from NetGalley
August 24, 2023
I have read every one of Peter Hanington’s four novels and they are all great page-turners. The latest in the library of William Carver books is The Burning Time and it didn’t disappoint, in fact the main character, BBC journalist Carver has grown in each book and blossomed into an intriguing and beautifully portrayed old school, investigative journo. That’s not to say he wasn’t fully formed in book one ( A Dying Breed ) it’s just that Hanington has very gradually let the reader into a bit more of Carver’s life, given him further inner depths. Hanington has over a total of 1,600 pages of well crafted prose and using his years of experience made Carver utterly real. All the characters seem real, as if you could bump into them in the street at any moment or that you already know someone just like them who says those sorts of things or who behaves in that particular way. For me that is excellent writing.
Although the plots are big and the stories huge no one ever does something they wouldn’t naturally do to make plotting easy or to move the story on. The example in The Burning Time is that Carver’s side kick and foil of the three previous stories, Patrick, has a tough time in book three (no spoilers ‘nuff said) but rather than bounce him back in book four just because the chemistry is good between those characters, Hanington rather lets him lick his wounds and uses him sparingly, because that’s what a real person would do. There is no James Bond action hero fighting an army of assassins one minute and coming out without bruises, aches or pains the next - that’s fantasy. This novel is borne of reality, exciting reality but feeling authentic. It’s very subtle writing, it just eases you along then suddenly it’s over and you’ve been on a great adventure all over the world - and Caversham.
I particularly loved the newbie journalist Naz, finely observed by Hanington, she should have her own books. Mind you so could most of his characters, you want to know more about them, they all have more to tell.
Read them, you won’t be disappointed.
Although the plots are big and the stories huge no one ever does something they wouldn’t naturally do to make plotting easy or to move the story on. The example in The Burning Time is that Carver’s side kick and foil of the three previous stories, Patrick, has a tough time in book three (no spoilers ‘nuff said) but rather than bounce him back in book four just because the chemistry is good between those characters, Hanington rather lets him lick his wounds and uses him sparingly, because that’s what a real person would do. There is no James Bond action hero fighting an army of assassins one minute and coming out without bruises, aches or pains the next - that’s fantasy. This novel is borne of reality, exciting reality but feeling authentic. It’s very subtle writing, it just eases you along then suddenly it’s over and you’ve been on a great adventure all over the world - and Caversham.
I particularly loved the newbie journalist Naz, finely observed by Hanington, she should have her own books. Mind you so could most of his characters, you want to know more about them, they all have more to tell.
Read them, you won’t be disappointed.
July 13, 2023
When you read a Peter Hanington thriller, prepare for a sleepless night. It is like being accosted by the Ancient Mariner. You will not be able to rest until he has finished his tale, and that it is because he is such an excellent narrator. He keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what will happen next.
This story is about the climate catastrophe, and all the interests that come into play dealing with it. It is centred around the Paris Conference of 2015, and the search for radical solutions.
In the book, Clive Winner is an Australian geo-engineer, who has become the blue-eyed boy because he is seeking solutions that do not necessarily involve a dramatic shift from fossil fuels to carbon neutral sources of energy. He is looking at the possibilities of deflecting the heat of the sun and other solutions, while not causing over-arching damage to the environment. Clive Winner needs investment in his projects and there are many interested parties.
One of these experiments involves the scattering of diamond dust into the seas. A test is being carried out by a young Spanish pilot, Alma, off the coast of Andalusia in Spain. It goes wrong, and Alma and her plane disappear. Carlos, her boyfriend, her mother and her Uncle Pepe, a distant cousin of her mother, hoping she is not dead, begin to search for her.
Meanwhile, in London, a civil servant decides to talk to William Carver, our old hero journalist, about Clive Winner and the unorthodox contacts that he has with the Prime Minister, giving him Downing Street access, including access to money. William Carver begins to investigate and this brings in our old friends from the previous books – Patrick, Naz and McCluskey. I should say at this point that this is a standalone novel. You do not need to have read the other William Carver books to read this novel. I do however guarantee that once you have read this novel, you will seek them out.
That is all I am going to tell you about the plot. Needless to say, William Carver and the team get involved in some very nasty situations, and there are some very unpleasant characters hiding in the shadows, biding their time to secure their objectives.
Peter Hanington as a journalist and previously as an anti-apartheid activist (and yes, I do know Peter Hanington), for instance, is well aware that the police spy on organisations like Greenpeace. There is a reference to the Spycops saga, which was a truly nasty campaign authorised by senior officers in the Metropolitan Police, encouraging undercover policemen (never policewomen) to seduce activists, in order to gain access to information and to influence campaigning. This is not a novelist’s invention. There has been a public enquiry chaired by Lord Mitting, a retired judge, which is now in the public domain.
Peter Hanington writes with a flair and panache that will keep you glued to the page. This is a book to be savoured.
This story is about the climate catastrophe, and all the interests that come into play dealing with it. It is centred around the Paris Conference of 2015, and the search for radical solutions.
In the book, Clive Winner is an Australian geo-engineer, who has become the blue-eyed boy because he is seeking solutions that do not necessarily involve a dramatic shift from fossil fuels to carbon neutral sources of energy. He is looking at the possibilities of deflecting the heat of the sun and other solutions, while not causing over-arching damage to the environment. Clive Winner needs investment in his projects and there are many interested parties.
One of these experiments involves the scattering of diamond dust into the seas. A test is being carried out by a young Spanish pilot, Alma, off the coast of Andalusia in Spain. It goes wrong, and Alma and her plane disappear. Carlos, her boyfriend, her mother and her Uncle Pepe, a distant cousin of her mother, hoping she is not dead, begin to search for her.
Meanwhile, in London, a civil servant decides to talk to William Carver, our old hero journalist, about Clive Winner and the unorthodox contacts that he has with the Prime Minister, giving him Downing Street access, including access to money. William Carver begins to investigate and this brings in our old friends from the previous books – Patrick, Naz and McCluskey. I should say at this point that this is a standalone novel. You do not need to have read the other William Carver books to read this novel. I do however guarantee that once you have read this novel, you will seek them out.
That is all I am going to tell you about the plot. Needless to say, William Carver and the team get involved in some very nasty situations, and there are some very unpleasant characters hiding in the shadows, biding their time to secure their objectives.
Peter Hanington as a journalist and previously as an anti-apartheid activist (and yes, I do know Peter Hanington), for instance, is well aware that the police spy on organisations like Greenpeace. There is a reference to the Spycops saga, which was a truly nasty campaign authorised by senior officers in the Metropolitan Police, encouraging undercover policemen (never policewomen) to seduce activists, in order to gain access to information and to influence campaigning. This is not a novelist’s invention. There has been a public enquiry chaired by Lord Mitting, a retired judge, which is now in the public domain.
Peter Hanington writes with a flair and panache that will keep you glued to the page. This is a book to be savoured.
September 6, 2023
I was pleased, in reading The Burning Time, to become acquainted with Hanington's journalist hero William Carver, about whom he's written before. Carver is defiantly old school, insisting on his protégé Naz learning shorthand and hewing to the rules of investigative journalism. That marks him out at the BBC as "different" - yet thankfully this isn't a book about how the management want to rid themselves of an irritant, rather Carver is offered qualified support and he navigates a labyrinth of public-private collusion, spin, and cover-up that may go as far as murder.
The central issue is the environment and in particular the COP21 summit in Paris. The PM who's alluded therefore must be Cameron (supported by references to publicity stunts with huskies) although the corrupt culture against which Carver struggles may suggest a different, more recent PM.
The story is told through a number of viewpoints: Carver himself, of course, also Naz, the billionaire scientist and geo-engineer Clive Winner, his right hand woman Jennifer Prepas, and others. Skilful writing by Hanington means that the narrative is never obscured by the variety of plot strands this engenders, nor is it a case of seeing one set of characters bothered and bewildered by things that others - and we readers - know but they don't. Rather, there is a complex yet clear organic narrative being told across many fronts with most of it obscure to most of the participants.
The motives of those we see are correspondingly murky. Yes, we do see a killer at work - but their purpose and employers are not clear at all, while, obviously, creating a nice sense of menace as unsuspecting victims and potential victims go about their business.
A second strand of the story refers to the Pegasus spyware that was discovered being used to monitor, especially, environmental activists and covert activity in the UK targeting those engaged in lawful protest. That, too, will worry the reader that characters they care about may be menaced by those on the dark side. The sense of threat is in synch with wider events, the conviction over the past few years that there are forces who will not stand for change and who will lie, cheat and break the law to preserve their own wealth. Hanington's protagonists therefore seem firmly rooted in the real world, engaged in a very real struggle and subject to real dangers.
Not, then, anything like escapist fiction, but all the same, a tense and well paced mystery that will absorb and engage the reader.
The central issue is the environment and in particular the COP21 summit in Paris. The PM who's alluded therefore must be Cameron (supported by references to publicity stunts with huskies) although the corrupt culture against which Carver struggles may suggest a different, more recent PM.
The story is told through a number of viewpoints: Carver himself, of course, also Naz, the billionaire scientist and geo-engineer Clive Winner, his right hand woman Jennifer Prepas, and others. Skilful writing by Hanington means that the narrative is never obscured by the variety of plot strands this engenders, nor is it a case of seeing one set of characters bothered and bewildered by things that others - and we readers - know but they don't. Rather, there is a complex yet clear organic narrative being told across many fronts with most of it obscure to most of the participants.
The motives of those we see are correspondingly murky. Yes, we do see a killer at work - but their purpose and employers are not clear at all, while, obviously, creating a nice sense of menace as unsuspecting victims and potential victims go about their business.
A second strand of the story refers to the Pegasus spyware that was discovered being used to monitor, especially, environmental activists and covert activity in the UK targeting those engaged in lawful protest. That, too, will worry the reader that characters they care about may be menaced by those on the dark side. The sense of threat is in synch with wider events, the conviction over the past few years that there are forces who will not stand for change and who will lie, cheat and break the law to preserve their own wealth. Hanington's protagonists therefore seem firmly rooted in the real world, engaged in a very real struggle and subject to real dangers.
Not, then, anything like escapist fiction, but all the same, a tense and well paced mystery that will absorb and engage the reader.
July 28, 2023
Genius Aussie climate scientist Clive Winner is the man who saved the Great Barrier Reef. Now he wants to roll back global warming and rescue the planet.
Winner is a hero to campaigners and also the fossil fuel industry because, if he succeeds, it will save their megabucks businesses.
But as a vital environmental summit approaches, climate boffins are suffering mysterious accidents.
Old school BBC radio journalist William Carver gets a tip that suggests dark forces are at work.
This is a compelling, fast-paced thriller cleverly blended with environmental issues that don't slow the action. Hotly topical.
Winner is a hero to campaigners and also the fossil fuel industry because, if he succeeds, it will save their megabucks businesses.
But as a vital environmental summit approaches, climate boffins are suffering mysterious accidents.
Old school BBC radio journalist William Carver gets a tip that suggests dark forces are at work.
This is a compelling, fast-paced thriller cleverly blended with environmental issues that don't slow the action. Hotly topical.
July 2, 2023
A superbly written and timely addition to this series of geographical, political, up to date thrillers that really shine a light on the problems facing the planet.
This time, Carver finds himself deep into climate change, and the intrepid reporter and friends leave no stone unturned.
Whilst the is deeply set on realism, it’s a piece of fiction, and that’s where it gets a little silly, as the conspiracy theories so ripe on social media are what build the basis to the story here. Whilst saying it’s silly is my opinion, the other thing that keeps this great book from the 5 is the slightly abrupt ending, it didn’t feel as rewarding as I wanted it to be,
Nevertheless, an up to the minute thriller that serves as welcome reminder to todays real issues, and makes you ask yourself, what am I Gona do about it?
This time, Carver finds himself deep into climate change, and the intrepid reporter and friends leave no stone unturned.
Whilst the is deeply set on realism, it’s a piece of fiction, and that’s where it gets a little silly, as the conspiracy theories so ripe on social media are what build the basis to the story here. Whilst saying it’s silly is my opinion, the other thing that keeps this great book from the 5 is the slightly abrupt ending, it didn’t feel as rewarding as I wanted it to be,
Nevertheless, an up to the minute thriller that serves as welcome reminder to todays real issues, and makes you ask yourself, what am I Gona do about it?
October 12, 2023
State of the environment versus politics and vested interests.
This book is set in the months leading up to the Paris COP conference. In the early chapters I found it difficult to work out how the various threads were going to come togerher, but I eventually got it.
This is a well written book that deals with topics we should all be concerned about. It shows clearly how the best of intentions can be influenced, subverted and even corrupted by those with ulterior motive and vested interests.
This pacy, unusual thriller has completely believable characters. It moves through the various well described locations with ease.
The conclusion has a certain inevitability, but it 's a very thought provoking book.
This book is set in the months leading up to the Paris COP conference. In the early chapters I found it difficult to work out how the various threads were going to come togerher, but I eventually got it.
This is a well written book that deals with topics we should all be concerned about. It shows clearly how the best of intentions can be influenced, subverted and even corrupted by those with ulterior motive and vested interests.
This pacy, unusual thriller has completely believable characters. It moves through the various well described locations with ease.
The conclusion has a certain inevitability, but it 's a very thought provoking book.
July 5, 2023
I liked how this series mixes contemporary issue and thriller keeping you hooked and turning pages.
This is the second story I read it kept me on the edge as i followed the crumbs and Willliam.
An excellent and tense thriller that I recommend.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is the second story I read it kept me on the edge as i followed the crumbs and Willliam.
An excellent and tense thriller that I recommend.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 16, 2023
What a book!!! Literally couldn't put this down, a very gripping page turner!!
The characters are well crafted and complex. The issues are topical and on point.
Couldn't recommend this book enough!
The characters are well crafted and complex. The issues are topical and on point.
Couldn't recommend this book enough!
June 26, 2023
This series featuring old style investigative BBC radio journalist, William Carver, by Peter Hanington is one I have not come across until now, the fourth instalment. A complex, multilayered political thriller, it resonates with issues that are all too relevant in our contemporary world, it is set primarily in Spain, Australia, the US, and Britain. Overloaded with stories to follow, Carver is approached by a senior civil servant, Leonard Allen, a reliable source in the past. Allen expresses his concern about the closeness between Number 10 and an Australian geoengineer, Clive Winner, with a reputation for being a genius, he is working on a number of projects, looking to address some of the problems posed by climate change. As Carver begins to look into this, he soon gets a gut feeling that this could be an explosive exclusive he cannot afford to ignore.
In Andalusia, a young woman working for Winner, is flying a plane over the sea is being shot at by a drone, with no sign of her body, Carlos refuses to give up on looking for it and trying to find out what happened to her. Climate scientists begin to die, catching the attention of Cambridge Cloud expert, Professor Edith Walston with close links to Winner. A Planet Action group of activists are organising to draw attention to and seeking political action on climate change. Jennifer Prepas, Winner's right hand woman is trying to ensure publicity and political connections that will bring in the millions of pounds he needs for his projects without him having to turn to more dubious sources. With his colleague Patrick still unable to return to work due to trauma, Carver is forced to look for help from the bright and ambitious Naziah, whom he is mentoring, and the formidable retired Jemima McCluskey.
There is oodles of suspense and tension in this thriller, it takes time for the various pieces to come together, and requires patience from the reader as it is not clear for quite some time who are the good guys and who are the villains. What becomes clear pretty quickly to Carver and Naz are the dangers they face if they persist in their inquiries. This is a gripping and murky story of twists and surprises, including corruption at the highest levels of the political establishment, and ruthless forces focused on protecting their interests by whatever means necessary. We are given insights into Carver, his relationships with Rebecca, Peter and their baby Leila, his rock solid belief that Naz will be a terrific investigative reporter, so much so that he is willing to compromise with his boss, Naomi, in his fight for her. If you have never read this series, i strongly recommend you give it a try. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
In Andalusia, a young woman working for Winner, is flying a plane over the sea is being shot at by a drone, with no sign of her body, Carlos refuses to give up on looking for it and trying to find out what happened to her. Climate scientists begin to die, catching the attention of Cambridge Cloud expert, Professor Edith Walston with close links to Winner. A Planet Action group of activists are organising to draw attention to and seeking political action on climate change. Jennifer Prepas, Winner's right hand woman is trying to ensure publicity and political connections that will bring in the millions of pounds he needs for his projects without him having to turn to more dubious sources. With his colleague Patrick still unable to return to work due to trauma, Carver is forced to look for help from the bright and ambitious Naziah, whom he is mentoring, and the formidable retired Jemima McCluskey.
There is oodles of suspense and tension in this thriller, it takes time for the various pieces to come together, and requires patience from the reader as it is not clear for quite some time who are the good guys and who are the villains. What becomes clear pretty quickly to Carver and Naz are the dangers they face if they persist in their inquiries. This is a gripping and murky story of twists and surprises, including corruption at the highest levels of the political establishment, and ruthless forces focused on protecting their interests by whatever means necessary. We are given insights into Carver, his relationships with Rebecca, Peter and their baby Leila, his rock solid belief that Naz will be a terrific investigative reporter, so much so that he is willing to compromise with his boss, Naomi, in his fight for her. If you have never read this series, i strongly recommend you give it a try. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
November 16, 2023
I had enjoyed Peter Hanington’s previous novels featuring the esteemed cynical journalist, William Carver, and this latest instalment may be the best so far. Hanington has as strong a journalistic pedigree or provenance as William Carver, having worked for years as a producer of BBC Radio 4’s flagship news programme, Today. Craver is one of the BBC’s most senior correspondents, and has been reporting for Today for many years.
This time he finds himself back in London, struggling to adjust to a lengthy period back home. Working main ly on his own, he has drifted away from his former colleague Patrick, who had worked closely with him as producer for many of his most successful overseas assignments. Having slowly recovered from a severe injury incurred on his last venture with Carver, Patrick has been reassigned to more conventional desk-based duties in another part of the Corporation.
Following leads from his extensive network of contacts, Carver finds himself reviewing the life and work of Clive Winner, an Australian entrepreneur whose fame and fortune had derived from various successful projects in what he had termed geoengineering. Closer investigation shows that Winner’s ambitions may have led to his business empire overextending itself. Meanwhile, various mishaps have befallen scientists engaged in Winner’s ecologically-learning projects, including a pilot who had been helping with an experimental approach to cloud seeding.
Hanington uses his experience of handling correspondents’ investigations, and balancing content in the country’s flagship news programme, adroitly, producing a tense thriller which never relaxes its grasp on the reader’s attention. He offers a dazzling blend of plausibility and excitement, in a series that improves with every new instalment (and the first volume was more than good enough to begin with).
This time he finds himself back in London, struggling to adjust to a lengthy period back home. Working main ly on his own, he has drifted away from his former colleague Patrick, who had worked closely with him as producer for many of his most successful overseas assignments. Having slowly recovered from a severe injury incurred on his last venture with Carver, Patrick has been reassigned to more conventional desk-based duties in another part of the Corporation.
Following leads from his extensive network of contacts, Carver finds himself reviewing the life and work of Clive Winner, an Australian entrepreneur whose fame and fortune had derived from various successful projects in what he had termed geoengineering. Closer investigation shows that Winner’s ambitions may have led to his business empire overextending itself. Meanwhile, various mishaps have befallen scientists engaged in Winner’s ecologically-learning projects, including a pilot who had been helping with an experimental approach to cloud seeding.
Hanington uses his experience of handling correspondents’ investigations, and balancing content in the country’s flagship news programme, adroitly, producing a tense thriller which never relaxes its grasp on the reader’s attention. He offers a dazzling blend of plausibility and excitement, in a series that improves with every new instalment (and the first volume was more than good enough to begin with).
September 1, 2025
Climate Crisis actors
Another cracking read in the latest episode in the working life of BBC radio news journalist William Carver, this time focussed on the charades governments and fossil fuel companies play to fend off the inevitable. The planet is warming and human activity, in particular the burning of fossil fuels, has accelerated this. Scientists and eco-warriors have done their best to raise the alarm. But hard economics and an absence of scruple mean that there are both official and corporate behemoths who will lie and spin and obfuscate and delay to wring every last million petrodollar out of the game.
The cast of characters are like old friends. There’s McCluskey the pensioned off BBC monitor from Caversham still finding patterns in open-source news; erstwhile producer Patrick, still recovering from being stabbed in Hong Kong and the resultant PTSD whose partner Rebecca (and their baby Leila) is using her maternity leave from teaching to get involved with environmentalist groups. Naz, a talented student journalist is now recruited to the Carver clique while the Today boss Naomi keeps a position open for her.
Together they unravel one part of a global attempt to discredit and physically erase people who might present a danger to vested interests. Interestingly, they have also discovered the reach and dangers of Pegasus, the Israeli software that scrapes information from everyone’s cellphones. But in the background are still the mercenaries - security officers, police, state security and others still representing an open threat to democracy and open society.
Behind of all these lies a deep appreciation for the role of public service broadcasting in conveying reliable information to a jaded public - especially in a post-truth era when professional liars create a flood of sensational headlines.
Another cracking read in the latest episode in the working life of BBC radio news journalist William Carver, this time focussed on the charades governments and fossil fuel companies play to fend off the inevitable. The planet is warming and human activity, in particular the burning of fossil fuels, has accelerated this. Scientists and eco-warriors have done their best to raise the alarm. But hard economics and an absence of scruple mean that there are both official and corporate behemoths who will lie and spin and obfuscate and delay to wring every last million petrodollar out of the game.
The cast of characters are like old friends. There’s McCluskey the pensioned off BBC monitor from Caversham still finding patterns in open-source news; erstwhile producer Patrick, still recovering from being stabbed in Hong Kong and the resultant PTSD whose partner Rebecca (and their baby Leila) is using her maternity leave from teaching to get involved with environmentalist groups. Naz, a talented student journalist is now recruited to the Carver clique while the Today boss Naomi keeps a position open for her.
Together they unravel one part of a global attempt to discredit and physically erase people who might present a danger to vested interests. Interestingly, they have also discovered the reach and dangers of Pegasus, the Israeli software that scrapes information from everyone’s cellphones. But in the background are still the mercenaries - security officers, police, state security and others still representing an open threat to democracy and open society.
Behind of all these lies a deep appreciation for the role of public service broadcasting in conveying reliable information to a jaded public - especially in a post-truth era when professional liars create a flood of sensational headlines.
June 10, 2023
The Burning Time is the latest political thriller featuring the BBC investigative journalist William Carver. This one revolves around climate change and geo-engineering projects to reverse global warming. Some of the projects are coming to an untimely end and Carver receives a tip off from a senior civil service contact that the British Prime Minister is getting rather cosy with jan Austra;ian climate change billionaire...
Peter Hanington's narrative style is short chapters taking place at various exotic and aspirational locations around the world. Much of The Burning Time is set around London, Spain, Australia and the US. Hanington is a former BBC journalist himself and he provides a good insight into the procedures behind radio news production and the BBC Monitoring operation that used to operate from Caversham. While Carver seems to be able to come and (mostly) g as he pleases, his sidekicks (Naz, a trainee journalist, and McClusky, a retired Caversham operator) are grounded in procedures, job description KPIs and security access issues.
The plot here seems sound. There is intrigue, ambiguity about who is a good guy and who is a bad guy (although the henchman is as sinister as they come), and mostly it is credible. Hanington creates real moments of tension, and the cutting away to another story line leaves the tension hanging. There are enough real-world references to allow the reader to relate, even though some of the high finance stuff is beyond our pay grades.
The ending is satisfying without quite tying everything up with a bow, and doesn't involve great mental gymnastics to understand,
Basically, this is what a thriller should be.
Peter Hanington's narrative style is short chapters taking place at various exotic and aspirational locations around the world. Much of The Burning Time is set around London, Spain, Australia and the US. Hanington is a former BBC journalist himself and he provides a good insight into the procedures behind radio news production and the BBC Monitoring operation that used to operate from Caversham. While Carver seems to be able to come and (mostly) g as he pleases, his sidekicks (Naz, a trainee journalist, and McClusky, a retired Caversham operator) are grounded in procedures, job description KPIs and security access issues.
The plot here seems sound. There is intrigue, ambiguity about who is a good guy and who is a bad guy (although the henchman is as sinister as they come), and mostly it is credible. Hanington creates real moments of tension, and the cutting away to another story line leaves the tension hanging. There are enough real-world references to allow the reader to relate, even though some of the high finance stuff is beyond our pay grades.
The ending is satisfying without quite tying everything up with a bow, and doesn't involve great mental gymnastics to understand,
Basically, this is what a thriller should be.
June 5, 2023
This novel is a thriller set in the world of a rich technology wizard who has fingers in lots of pies involving environmental protection think Bill Gates wants to prevent climate change.
At the start of a novel, a young woman who is involved in flying aeroplanes to seed clouds with chemicals to prevent climate change is suddenly shot down from the air by a drone. we meet journalists who are determined to discover what happened to this young woman and how it is linked to this technology entrepreneur.
At this is a fast pace novel. It’s rather blokey, and I found that there were several elements that really didn’t work for me, for example, finding the phone it up on the beach after the aeroplane crash stretched credibility too far for me. There are also elements of the story that didn’t really get explained to my satisfaction. For example, what was the significance of the mobile phone hacking ? I felt to me I had lots of great ideas, but couldn’t quite get them all to tie up together in the story
I have to admit to getting the characters muddled up on occasion and there were some strands to the story that I really didn’t follow. Because of this, I found the novel really wasn’t for me.
The novel is published in the UK on the 13th of July 2023 by John Murray press
This review will appear on Goodreads on NetGalley, UK, and my book blog bionicSarahsbooks.wordpress.com
At the start of a novel, a young woman who is involved in flying aeroplanes to seed clouds with chemicals to prevent climate change is suddenly shot down from the air by a drone. we meet journalists who are determined to discover what happened to this young woman and how it is linked to this technology entrepreneur.
At this is a fast pace novel. It’s rather blokey, and I found that there were several elements that really didn’t work for me, for example, finding the phone it up on the beach after the aeroplane crash stretched credibility too far for me. There are also elements of the story that didn’t really get explained to my satisfaction. For example, what was the significance of the mobile phone hacking ? I felt to me I had lots of great ideas, but couldn’t quite get them all to tie up together in the story
I have to admit to getting the characters muddled up on occasion and there were some strands to the story that I really didn’t follow. Because of this, I found the novel really wasn’t for me.
The novel is published in the UK on the 13th of July 2023 by John Murray press
This review will appear on Goodreads on NetGalley, UK, and my book blog bionicSarahsbooks.wordpress.com
July 11, 2023
I miss Rob Mariscal!
I’ve been a big fan throughout the series. They’re not my usual line of country (as Fleming would’ve said) but I got hooked on the characters. That’s what’s so heartbreaking about the bald faced omission of my favorite one!
This is a good addition to the series, the villains are dastardly (if shadowy), the side stories pluck your heart strings the way they do in all of Hanington’s novels and the local color makes you feel like you’re there.
The only reason I can’t, in good conscience, throw down a 5 star review is the absence of Rob Mariscal and the new (warm and fuzzy) William Carver. I miss philandering, smack taking, jaded, infinitely fallible but funny Mariscal and booze swilling, everyone offending, angry Carver. They were so believable!
If you’re already a fan of the series, you’re gonna read it and like it anyway. If you’re just looking looking fo an enjoyable read, start with a dying breed and work your way down.
I’ve been a big fan throughout the series. They’re not my usual line of country (as Fleming would’ve said) but I got hooked on the characters. That’s what’s so heartbreaking about the bald faced omission of my favorite one!
This is a good addition to the series, the villains are dastardly (if shadowy), the side stories pluck your heart strings the way they do in all of Hanington’s novels and the local color makes you feel like you’re there.
The only reason I can’t, in good conscience, throw down a 5 star review is the absence of Rob Mariscal and the new (warm and fuzzy) William Carver. I miss philandering, smack taking, jaded, infinitely fallible but funny Mariscal and booze swilling, everyone offending, angry Carver. They were so believable!
If you’re already a fan of the series, you’re gonna read it and like it anyway. If you’re just looking looking fo an enjoyable read, start with a dying breed and work your way down.
May 9, 2023
The fourth in what is an engrossing series about William Carver, the curmudgeonly, single-minded, anachronistic, antidiluvian and so called dinosaur reporter still working at the BBC who always manages to get the story through dogged persistence and nous.
There is corruption in high places and the theme of climate change means that the story and plot are topical and bang up to date.
The writing is elegant and compelling and you are immediately drawn into the plot.
Carver is a wonderful creation and there is much in here about the BBC and the issues that it faces.
An intelligent and well crafted book that merits wide audience.
Highly recommended.
There is corruption in high places and the theme of climate change means that the story and plot are topical and bang up to date.
The writing is elegant and compelling and you are immediately drawn into the plot.
Carver is a wonderful creation and there is much in here about the BBC and the issues that it faces.
An intelligent and well crafted book that merits wide audience.
Highly recommended.
June 11, 2024
I had read and enjoyed all of the previous William Carver books and enjoyed this unusual and well drawn protagonist but, in this novel, Mr Hanington has done something that, to my intense irritation, more and more authors are doing now. The book is littered with sardonic little political messages. Since both mainstream and social media are crammed with this sort of thing (I even have to endure it in my French language learning group online) it would be nice if authors of novels wouldn’t do it. It really affected my enjoyment of the book which also (in line with the political messaging) had a gigantic cliché of a villain.
August 4, 2023
I have read all of the previous Carver novels and this one might be the best yet. An intelligent thought-provoking political thriller about the climate crisis, which feels unnervingly well-timed. It is a page-turner with an incredible build up of suspense as the story progresses. I highly recommend this book and the previous three by this author - if you haven't already read them you are in for a treat.
December 10, 2023
The Burning Time is a headline-grabbing thriller that is well written, topical, and fast-paced.
Be prepared for recalling multiple plot lines at multiple levels as you read, and patience is required. That said, the story asks big questions about the response that powerful people and companies with a major stake in fossil fuels might make when they feel threatened.
That opens the path for many twists and turns and that makes for a wonderful story, which I would recommend.
Be prepared for recalling multiple plot lines at multiple levels as you read, and patience is required. That said, the story asks big questions about the response that powerful people and companies with a major stake in fossil fuels might make when they feel threatened.
That opens the path for many twists and turns and that makes for a wonderful story, which I would recommend.
September 17, 2024
This Series Of Books Has Perfectly…
.. covered the many, many wrongs in our society: greed, corruption, and all of the despicable, insidious, craven kinds and specific sorts of low evil in the world.
I look forward to seeing the future work of the author; so should you.
Go buy all of these books.
.. covered the many, many wrongs in our society: greed, corruption, and all of the despicable, insidious, craven kinds and specific sorts of low evil in the world.
I look forward to seeing the future work of the author; so should you.
Go buy all of these books.
August 29, 2023
Billed as a fast paced thriller by the Sun. It is neither, it was a struggle for me to finish. Yes the storyline was interesting but was limited to just that.
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