On the eve of publication day, I cannot not blog about this book. For me, this is THE book of 2021.
Get ready for take off:
A claustrophobic thriller set over twenty hours on one airplane flight, takes us on board the inaugural nonstop flight from London to Sydney.
Mina is trying to focus on her job as a flight attendant, not the problems of her five-year-old daughter back home, or the fissures in her marriage. But the plane has barely taken off when Mina receives a chilling note from an anonymous passenger, someone intent on ensuring the plane never reaches its destination. Someone who needs Mina's assistance and who knows exactly how to make her comply.
It's twenty hours to landing. A lot can happen in twenty hours.
Boarding pass ready:
I had the pleasure of attending a pre-launch zoom party, expertly executed by Little Brown and very amusing. I was escorted to my seat on arrival, we had inflight games, teasers of the book for entertainment and a Q&A with the very special pilot of British Clareways. Fancy dress was very much included and a thoroughly enjoyable evening had by all. The party goody bags were also a real hit, including a boarding pass, drink, snacks and game cards. A very pleasant flight indeed.
Welcome to Clareways:
From the prologue this entices you in, and is utterly unputdownable. Its pacey and intricate. Every minute of this long haul flight counts, as Mina knows too well. The details really count in this one, and something you don't deem as important suddenly becomes critical imminently. A great mix of chapters from different seat numbers, and as you progress you feel like you know a good (or bad) mix of the characters on the flight as well as the crew on board.
This also has a good mix of what is happening on and off the flight. Whilst the flight situation becomes more and more intense, this suddenly breaks to Adam and Sophia at home relying on radio updates and an equally intense situation at home. Both demand answers and yet when you leave one scene, you panic for the other. This is ignoring the very sneaky sub plots that you get drawn into as well.
I couldn't get over the pace. It is razor sharp and comes at you. Be prepared to breathe in and out yourself and keep emergency drinks and snacks nearby as you are going nowhere once you start this one. Ensure that you have your seatbelt fastened, and no baggage in your way. You will experience turbulence the whole way through, the twists in this are phenomenal.
Out 22 June.
Clare is a HUGE supporter of indie Bookshops so do shop local.
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