Stay Alive is a thriller written by Simon Kernick. I happen to pick up two of his books, and read them back to back.
Kernick is the "bestselling master of the race against time thriller" and for the most part I agree he "pulled off another blinder".
This is part of a trilogy following Siege and preceding Ultimatum, with some of the same characters moving between the books. This stands on it's own, however.
Amanda comes home to find her husband and his mistress murdered in bed by a serial killer known as The Disciple who targets couples alone. Chased through the yard and neighbour's house, she becomes the only person to survive the killer.
Placed in witness protection, she is living in a remote village in Scotland, when one day she is suddenly attacked by three gunmen! Racing into the woods, she comes across an Aunt and Uncle with two kids on a canoeing trip. The pace doesn't let up as she inadvertently forces them to run - they are all now racing down the river for their lives, the killers on their trail.
Down the river, ex-Army Glenn 'Scope' Scopeland becomes involved in the action, as does Investigator Mike Bolt, there to interview Amanda once again after working with a criminal psychologist to catch the killers. Scope is a terrific character and deserves his own series (which I think he has). Soon the three come together, via some pretty unrealistic action, but that isn't important right now. Just enjoy the ride.
This was very involving, a speedy read that never let up. They say he writes with his foot pressed hard on the pedal, and when you are looking for a diverting, entertaining thriller, this one delivers.
For thriller lovers, recommended.
2014 / Tradeback / 420 pages
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