“The Theseus
Paradox is a gripping thriller that throws new perspective on the
anti-terrorist operations deployed in 7/7 bombings in London. David Videcette
is a uniquely gifted story-teller who can successfully weave both elements of
fact and fiction into a powerful hybrid novel.”
Detective
Inspector Jake Flannagan, the main protagonist, works for The Metropolitan
Police Service - Anti-Terrorist Branch. The story starts sixteen months earlier
to the 7/7 bombings where Jake uses an old woman’s house for cover to spy on a
group of al-Qaeda operatives in West Yorkshire (Operation Crevice). Sixteen months later he follows the same
group back to Leeds, convinced these men are planning something big, unaware
his unofficial investigation results in injury and a rollicking from his
bosses. Jake soon learns while he is in
hospital that there are four separate explosions, three tube trains and a bus
in London and he is asked to set up ´Operation Theseus´ in West Yorkshire to
find out who helped the bombers commit the crimes. ´Operation
Theseus´ forces Jake and his team into a number of covert missions, arrests,
examining phone data, the discovery of peroxide-based explosives, kidnap and a
bomb factory. Still, Jake is under immense
pressure for results in a case that provides more questions than answers and
that all the work Jake and his team have conducted over the weeks and months
will not prepare them for the most shocking deception of all time.
The Theseus
Paradox is a stunning début novel, intelligent and fluently written with an
exciting plot. I simply couldn’t put it
down in fear I would miss something crucial.
I was pretty much blown away with the highly unpredictable ending and I
am still trying to absorb it, as it’s the last thing I expected. Well done, Mr
Videcette for giving us a life-like hero, who has flaws in his personal life
that most readers will be able to connect and identify with. I sincerely hope
this is not the last we have heard of DI Jake Flannagan.
My Rating: 5 Stars
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