A genuine page-turner.
Towles’ latest novel is a roller coaster of emotions, seamlessly weaving between relentless thrills and poignant explorations of grief and guilt. The world of FBI Special Agent Angus Mariner came crashing down after his wife Jessica’s tragic death. As he struggles to find meaning in his loss, a mysterious billionaire presents him with a lavish gift, only to die the next day. Soon two deaths are linked to him. As he digs deeper, he discovers unsettling truths about Jessica. Amid danger and suspicion, Mariner sets out to uncover the truth behind her death, unaware of the bigger conspiracy surrounding him. The narrative shifts back and forth in time, with Mariner’s first-person perspective driving the story forward, punctuated by short flashbacks, which add to the intrigue. Mariner’s determination to unravel the secrets surrounding Jessica’s death combined with his desperation to protect his sister create a palpable tension. The prose is razor-sharp, the characters are realistically flawed, and the inclusion of advanced technological elements is deftly done. The unexpected twist at the ending packs an emotional punch. Fast-paced and ingenious.
CODEX : A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
Lisa Towles
