This political thriller about a thinly-veiled Tony Blair (with an uncredited cameo by Robert McNamara) is my favorite of Harris' novels so far. The suspense builds nicely as it goes along, and the twist at the end is very well done. ( )

This is a story about a ghost writer contracted to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. Once he starts working on the book, he finds that his predecessor died in mysterious circumstances, and becomes involved in a political intrigue.

Mr. Harris is a good writer, especially when it comes to creating an atmosphere. And, he's got a subtle but wicked sense of humour. The plot is fast-paced but, like most books of this genre, stretched things a bit too far for my willing suspension of disbelief to work seamlessly. ( )

Definitely a good read about an ex-British PM. All written by the ghost, the ghostwriter of his autobiography. Lots of twists and turns. Very enjoyable. ( )

I wouldn't say this is Robert Harris at his best, but it is a very good read. He exhibits all his usual talent for vivid and atmospheric description - his depiction of Martha's Vineyard in winter is grim and depressing and makes you feel as if you're right there - and his narrative voice has some extremely witty turns of phrase. As for the plot, it keeps you reading right to the end and leaves you slightly unsettled - despite his reminder that consipracy theories should be treated with the proper amount of scepticism, if this were a conspiracy theory rather than a thriller, it would be an extremely believable one. ( )

I've thoroughly enjoyed other titles by Robert Harris and needless to say this one did not let me down. This title is a thinly veiled story of the writing of a Tony Blair memoir by a ghost writer which has political intrigue at the forefront of the story. Harris brings alive contemporary politics and the machinations of those in power through fast paced action which demands to be read in a sitting.
The twist at the end is a particular surprise. ( )