A cop, a hunt for cold-blooded killers, a kidnap, a lawyer, a daughter and 48 hours for the mother to try to save the daughter. What does she have to do in order to secure the release? This thriller is told by three very different and contrasting characters, three stories that are woven together, seamlessly and skilfully.

This is another cracking read from this talented author, who has certainly mastered the art of grabbing his readers attention almost immediately with the first of many excellent twists. if I were asked to describe Simon Kernick’s plots in a word, I’d say slick - high praise indeed! The pace is fast throughout, it’s very well thought out, it changes constantly thus keeping you on the edge of your seat, often with jaw attractively open at the “droppers“. There are also some good cliffhangers throughout that keep your attention glued to the unfolding drama and it sure is dramatic.

The style of writing is lively, engaging and colourful with scenes springing to life before your eyes. I like the contrast between the different perspectives. Whilst the lead character is despicable, he’s also amusing with a clutch of one-liners and a wry sense of humour. He thinks on his feet, he has to.
The kidnappers point of view couldn’t be more different as this is cold, chilling, creepy and violent. The mothers narrative is fascinating as you witness the lengths she is prepared to go to.

The storyline builds, the tension and suspense mounts as nefarious, savoury and unscrupulous characters try to do their worst. The ending is excellent, methinks just desserts?? Maybe, maybe not.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

This was a fantastic read from a new author for me and well what a gripping story it was. From the opening chapter this book went hell for leather into a story of kidnap, murder, betrayal, secrets and a whole lot more and with twists aplenty I was never sure who to trust. I love it when I read a book like this with a fresh and addictive story line, great character development and excellent writing as I read a lot of thrillers and sometimes can be disappointed at the the predictable plot and this certainly wasn’t one of those! So a read I can highly recommend and I will certainly be looking out for more books by Simon Kernick many thanks to him for a super read.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Headline for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

An elite police unit have been hunting a gang known as "The Vanishers" - who kidnap young people and ransom their families for their release. The last time they struck it ended badly for their captive, and after a quiet period another victim is taken.

That is all I'm able to say without spoiling anything - rest assured this is a fantastic book and keeps you guessing till the very end! 5*.

I have long been a fan of Simon Kernick and I think this is probably my favourite of his. It may be called The First 48 hours but trust me, when you get started on this, you will rush through it in less than 48 hours!

The opening chapter is one of the best I have read in a crime/thriller novel. We are told about the Vanishers, a kidnap group who capture the children of relatively well-off parents, and return them unharmed so long as the ransom is paid and the Police are not contacted. We know through our Senior Officers from the Kidnap Team that the latest parents have contacted the Police and the scene plays out beautifully with a gut punch ending to the chapter which will keep you reading on for hours.

As the book progresses, we are introduced to a number of stories, all interlinked in some way and we are drip fed snippets of information as we make our way through the story. I don't want to say too much more for fear of any spoilers however the way it all comes together is simply masterful.

What I often get annoyed with in thrillers is the 'book with a stunning twist at the end which will leave you breathless' which is either 1) predictable or 2) so ridiculous that it doesn't work. What Kernick does so well in this book, is paces the story perfectly keeping you wanting just one more chapter. What really makes it work, for me, is the twists throughout the novel...just when you think you have it sussed, there is a link or twist in the stories which you did not expect and turns the whole novel on its head.

I would recommend this one to anyone who wants to spend a few hours with a well-paced, thrilling novel that will keep you turning the pages and your mind engaged.

And when you are done, come back so we can discuss that ending!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When you pick up a Simon Kernick book you know you're in for full-throttle action,thrills,spills and twists.

The First 48 Hoursis no different with a specialist police squad targeting a gang of kidnappers known as "The Vanishers" when their latest crime ends in cold blooded murder.

This is a story told from several points of view,the police,the controversial defence lawyer put into an impossible position with her daughter's life at stake, and the motley band of kidnappers.

The first big shock comes very quickly and they keep coming as a cast of largely untrustworthy and unpleasant "bad guys" plot and scheme against each other as the somewhat labyrinthine tale unfolds.

Another great read from Simon Kernick.

The first time I read a Simon Kernick novel I was so impressed I very quickly read every other book he had written. It has now been some time since I read one of his novels so was really looking forward to this one.

“The First 48 Hours” is a verd thriller where three enthralling storylines are connected by secrets, danger, and a constant race against time. A committed detective is assigned the task of solving a chilling murder case. The second storyline features a mother who is defending her own child accused of murder and thirdly a couple planning what they believe to be the perfect crime.

This is a well crafted plot that is well written and the three stories are skilfully interwoven all within two days. These three seemingly unconnected events are drip fed to the reader to try and link them together. There is a feeling of racing against the clock to try and solve the mystery making this book so hard to put down.

Simon Kernick describes the scenes expertly, painting vivid pictures of the characters and locations. The attention to detail together with the characters and cleverly worked plot make this a very good read.

“The First 48 Hours” is a thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats and keeps them there until the very end. I hope my next Simon Kernick read is not too far away.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Headline for supplying this novel in exchange for an honest review.

A tense page turner with well drawn characters. The corrupt policeman, the lawyer who gets criminals off the hook, and then finds her own daughter has been kidnapped, Cotton the policeman who is not corrupted, and especially the couple known as the Vanishers. All described in fine detail. I just couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. Highly recommended.