Woman of state by Simon Berthon.
SECRETS
1991, Belfast.
Maire Anne McCartney is recruited for a one-off IRA mission as a honey trap. She is told there will be no violence. But she has been lied to.
To save herself, eighteen-year-old Maire must flee across the border alone, and start a
new life.
STATE
Present day, London.
Human rights lawyer Anne-Marie Gallagher is appointed Minister of State for Security and Immigration.
At the same time, the police in Belfast receive an anonymous tip-off. The password is verified from the Troubles – and the co-ordinates lead DCI Jon Carne to a field. And a body.
BETRAYAL
The new Minister receives a message and realises that the new life she has crafted is at risk of being uncovered.
And when Carne’s investigation brings Anne- Marie to his attention, she must decide where her allegiances lie…
A good read. Found it a little slow but readable. 3*.

Gripping political thriller.

Simon Berthon has crafted and intelligent political thriller that kept me interested throughout its 350 pages.

The story veers between dark deeds on the cusp of the IRA ceasefire in the 1990s to the present day where the main character Anne-Marie is about to be a senior minister in a new UK government and struggling with her past.

I found all the characters credible and felt the febrile sectarian atmosphere of Northern Ireland was captured well. All in all a well written book that rocked along at a good pace and created uncertainty as to how it was going to end until it did!

This is the first book I have read by this author, but would certainly look out for other titles.

I enjoyed this book but I didn't really understand the ending. Maybe it's me and I'm just a bit stupid but I think the author is setting it up for book two. I would welcome book two but the ending here definitely felt a bit rushed.

Not my usual read but I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. The book kept me absorbed and I found it an easy read over all. I really enjoyed it and have already recommended it to a friend

A political thriller is not my usual reading material, but thought I'd give it a go and am I glad I did.

The story is fast paced and keeps you absorbed, exposing Anne Marie's life by going between the past/present to reveal the secrets, lies and betrayals.

Thought this book was thoroughly enjoyable with plenty of twists and turns, strong characters and an amazing plot which keeps you gripped and guessing throughout.

Thank you Netgalley, HQ and Simon Berthan for allowing me to read and review this book..

In 1991 Northern Ireland 18-Year old Maire is talked into being a honey trap for an English officer by her IRA boyfriend. He guarantees her the man will only be interrogated, there will be no violence...
Betrayed and shocked by the results, she decides to leaves for Dublin uni, eradicating her past and where she will meet the love of her life, an English student.
Fast forward to today's London, Maire is now a successful lawyer who has been offered a post as a Minister for the British Government, which she accepts.
Almost immediately her past begins to haunt her. In Northern Ireland, a grave (most likely at least 20 years old) with the remains of a man is dug up. Her old boyfriend suddenly phones her, wanting to meet. She's plunged into a nightmarish scenario of shadowy figures plotting her life and future, while trying to unlock the secrets of the past.
I didn't know what to expect from this book and was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It's a tense, thrilling ride that I could not put down. Highly recommended!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Brilliant utterly compelling political thriller set around the troubles in Ireland and present day there and here. Cleverly constructed with deceit and love to the fore a sense of menace from both the IRA and the British establishment is never far away. A good cast of characters complement our heroine in a tale that keeps it's pace all the way to an unexpected climax. Superb!