Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 20/08/2026
Published by: Penguin Books
ISBN: 978-1-804-96464-4
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Characters:
I’ve been meaning to try a James Patterson book for a while, so I went into this one with pretty high expectations. The short chapters and casual writing style filled with cultural references made it an easy, fast-paced read. I also liked the constant twists and turns, although the story relies a bit too much on convenient moments. Plus, the key characters lacked much depth in both their internal and external struggles, so they didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. As a result, this wasn’t a particularly memorable read, but I can easily imagine it being adapted into a fun action movie.
Quotes:
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
I recommend Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis. It’s another cinematic read with elaborate heists, betrayals, and unexpected twists. My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney is also worth checking out for another twisty thriller, even though it’s not as action-packed.
Q: Which twist surprised you the most, and were there any you managed to predict?
Q: Were you shocked by who the real targets turned out to be? What did you think of the plans to bring them down?
Q: Have you ever been betrayed by someone you trusted? How did you find out, and how did you respond?
Q: Would you have taken the same risks as Halston to stand up to powerful or dangerous individuals for someone you cared about?
Q: What did you think of Halston as the main character? Did your opinion of her change as the story progressed?
Q: Which secondary characters left the biggest impression on you and why? Did any of them feel especially realistic or relatable?
Q: Are you an art lover? Do you have a favourite artist, painting, or art style?
Q: What was the most exciting part of the story for you? Were there any moments that felt unrealistic?
Q: Do you watch any sports tournaments or major events? If so, which ones are your favourites?
Q: Do you think this book would make a good movie? Who would you pick for the cast? Are there any scenes you would be excited to see brought to life?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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