Lockdown was written in 2005 but back then no one would publish it. A book about a flu pandemic was regarded as too unrealistic. The author set his manuscript aside and moved on to other projects. Fast forward to 2020 and the world is currently experiencing a global pandemic. Still too unrealistic? Erm, I don't think so! Finally able to secure a publishing deal, the book hit the shelves. In Lockdown, London is currently in. . . well. . . lockdown. It's a city in chaos — hospitals are overrun with the sick and dying and civil unrest has taken hold. Construction workers building a temporary hospital unearth a bag containing the remains of a murdered girl. Who is she and why was she killed? D.I. Jack MacNeil, on the verge of retirement from the Met, is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice, amid a bleak backdrop of death and personal tragedy. This book really was ahead of its time. I found it exciting, fast-paced and prophetic. The similarities to the current world pandemic were quite extraordinary. Not having read any of the author's other books, this was my introduction to his work — I was suitably impressed. Set entirely in London, Lockdown was a relentlessly thrilling read from beginning to end.

Started this book with some trepidation as have enough of lockdown! However it was like some horror film but with a good detective story included and soon got involved. If you want an easy read to lose yourself in then this a good option.

A most enjoyable tale of our time which keeps you hooked from start to finish.

I do love the occasional thriller and this one did not disappoint especially being so relevant at the moment. Luckily we don’t seem to be in quite as much of a state as the London that Peter May describes. A very abrupt ending but a good easy read.

Lockdown could be worse, it could be like that described in this novel. There's not a shred of light or hope in this bleak story. Grim, gritty, dark. No happy ending. However it's as compelling and brilliantly executed as always, and in a twisted way I really enjoyed it. All the action takes place over 24 hours and it's testament to May's brilliance that the characters are fully fleshed out and sympathetic. The story never lags. However there are some gruesome descriptions, don't say I didn't warn you!