Zero days by Ruth Ware

“Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband Gabe are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. To add to her horror, the police are closing in on their only suspect – her.” Publisher. Almost paralysed by grief, Jack initially cooperates with the police who interview her at the station but it becomes increasingly apparent that she is the only suspect. She contacts her sister Hel for support as well as Cole, her husband’s best friend but does not want to put them into danger. Deciding to go it alone to find the killer she follows a trail of clues but the police keep tracking her down. Why did her husband take out an insurance policy in her name shortly before he died? Who can she trust? Who is the killer?

The background of Jack and Gabe’s business is fascinating and the early chapters of the book will keep the reader enthralled as Jack sneaks inside buildings to find the weaknesses in their security systems. The technology used to track Jack down is fascinating as well, although the thrill of the chase, told in a countdown of eight days, keeps the adrenaline pumping as Jack races from one crisis to another to keep ahead of the police and find the murderer.

This is a thriller that is very hard to put down. It is fast paced, with a feisty heroine who is immediately engaging and a clever twist at the end. A perfect escapist read. Fans may like to try Turn of the key another thriller by Ruth Ware or The murder rule by Dervla McTiernan.

Themes: Thriller, Technology.

Pat Pledger