‘Want You Gone’ by Chris Brookmyre

Published by Little Brown,
20 April 2017.
ISBN: 978-1-40870-717-3 (HB)

Samantha Morpeth is still only a teenager when her mother is sent to prison on drugs charges, leaving Sam to look after her Down syndrome sister Lilly. Despite the incriminating evidence her mother has always protested that she is innocent. To cap it all Sam is refused a caring allowance because she is still in full time education.

Next, we meet Jack Parlabane, a journalist applying for a job with the magazine Broadwave. A group of hackers have infiltrated a well-known bank. Jack recognises the logo they use, knows of them from spending a lot of time online and finds out enough to write a scoop for the magazine.

Samantha also spends many hours online, it is a means of escape for her. One day she receives a threat of prison via her computer by someone who knows all about her past when she had been rather rebellious. They want her to hack into Synergis, an electronics company who are about to launch a new revolutionary prototype, and then steal it. Concerned about what would happen to Lilly if she does not comply she has to agree. In desperation, she turns to Jack who she knows on line but only by his user name. He owes her a few favours from the past and she arranges to meet him and asks for his help.

So, begins a deep dark journey into the world of industrial espionage and the more they unearth the more they find out that nothing is as it first appears. Then there is a murder.

Not only do they have to find the prototype but they are determined to discover who is behind the threat and of course stay alive in the process.

A really gripping climax and exciting ending.

In spite of the fact that most computer language is beyond me, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A very intriguing plot which twists and turns continually. It is a real eye opener to the world of hacking and I found it especially interesting in light of the recent events involving the N.H.S. Etc. It certainly is food for thought. Recommended not just for those interested in computers and hacking but for everyone who enjoys a book which is full of surprises and has a very satisfactory ending.

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Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

Christopher Brookmyre was born in Glasgow in 1968.  He was educated at the University of Glasgow. His novels mix comedy, politics, social comment and action with a strong narrative. He has been referred to as a Tartan Noir author. He lives in Glasgow with his wife and son.

https://www.brookmyre.co.uk/

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf  (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.