Gripping And Frightening

East Of Hounslow by Khurrum Rahman is a contemporary thriller that will have you gripped and clinging to the edge of your seat.

It is a frightening novel because the reader can see how the events portrayed could actually happen. It is disturbing because it is far too easy to see how events could and do change people. It is gripping because you just have to stay clinging to every word to see how the action pans out. The ending is jaw dropping and one that I did not see coming.

The action intertwines fact and fiction which helps to enhance the realistic element for the reader. There were many instances of ‘I know/remember that’ which bred familiarity.

The lead character produced some strange emotions from me – at first I disliked him but as the novel progressed I found myself liking him more and more. He was very much the anti hero who was dealt a poor hand in life.

The novel explores how we rise or fall depending on the choices we make and our responses to situations. The circumstances of our birth mean we may or may not be destined to repeat the sins of our fathers.

MI5, terrorism, Jihadists, undercover agents – East Of Hounslow has it all. It is a compulsive read that becomes more intense as the novel progresses.

Written in both the first and third person, the reader becomes intimately acquainted with the lead character. We see him for who he is – just a pawn in this game called life and this elicits sympathy from the reader.

There was quite a lot of bad language peppered throughout which I do not like reading. However I realise that this was a linguistic tool used to inject realism into the tale. It did not distract from the plotline which was very well constructed.

A compulsive read that will grip you to the end.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON