From the beginning, the protagonist is likeable, powerful, and enticing, and even the characters who are less integral to the plot seem developed and incredibly well thought out. The story plummets along at an immense speed, leaving the reader immersed and entrenched in this world of danger and betrayal. At times, the dialogue and narration is unexpectedly funny, but even when it isn't, it feels fluid and effortless on the part of the author. Through heavily opinionated narration (not first person though), another level of depth is added to the story and the characters. Patrick Hoffman's writing is stylised and unique; very comfortable to read, but still exciting, and drives an intense story. If you are a fan of crime fiction, or even if you just like an exciting book, this is definitely a good bet for you; you'll find it addictive, immersive and at times pretty hilarious - exactly what you'd want from a novel of this kind.

I have been fortunate enough to receive a copy for review in advance. As soon as the book landed on my doorstep, I was drawn in and could not put it down. Now I have to admit that I don't usually read thrillers. However, this one really hooked me up. It is really well written, it flows well and I just really wanted to know what would happen next. It is a really gripping story, as a former US firm lawyer myself I found the US law firm setting quite appealing. The story was both tense but also believable -- one needs to be careful about confidential information held on phones and other devices, especially if it sensitive client information -- phones do get missing and misuse of information is widespread. It is fiction but I am sure that stories like this actually happen. I liked the realistic characters and the connections between the world of law, diplomacy, governments and the underworld. Overall I have really enjoyed the book and can highly recommend it.

A fast paced thriller which gets you totally engrossed from the very first page. The main character, Elizabeth Carlyle works for a very busy law firm. She is working on a high profile case defending a prominent bank. One of Elizabeth's collegues, a young gay lawyer named Chris Cowley , loses his mobile. Not normally something to panic about but this could be used as a tool against the firm and the case. Would they also use it against him as he is gay to blackmail him? Nothing is as it should be - nothing is as it seems - something is amiss. Apparently the phone was stolen by a pickpocket, or was it ? Every page in this book keeps you guessing. The author cleverly puts you inside the pages as the novel and the mystery unfurls. A great book

Patrick Hoffman has written a great book with plenty of twists and turns. Elizabeth and Valencia are great characters and you want to carry on reading to see what happens next! An interesting read with plenty of intrigue and just when you think you know what's happening Hoffman pulls you in deeper. Elizabeth the executive has lost her power and control after the theft of a junior's phone whilst her marriage is at crisis point. Valencia never loses her sense of identity despite us being led to believe differently. The book is fast moving and hard to put down as just when you think you know what is happening the plot changes. I would thoroughly recommend this book and I look forward to more books from Hoffman!

Based in New York, in the big banking business, this book starts at breakneck speed and keeps it up until nearly the end when it gets even faster - outstanding. What is really likeable about this book is the relationships between the characters. The family relationships, work relationships, trust, lies etc, all totally believable. The investigation is undertaken and explained fantastically that even I could understand the technology etc. You feel that the author, as he is a Private Detective, would be a perfect person to sit with in a bar and just listen to his work tales. If you fancy a tale that could actually be happening behind the scenes of the worlds biggest business's at this precise minute, then this is the book for you.