I really enjoyed the first two thirds of this post-apocalyptic novel. It felt reasonably convincing, and, if not particularly original, with its devastating virus, known as the Sweats, it was nevertheless pacy and relatively unpredictable. Two men find themselves stuck in prison when society starts to break down, they manage to escape, and one adventure follows another. So far, so good. But then unfortunately the plot descends into melodrama and a convoluted murder mystery. The two escapees meet an unlikely crew of unlikely characters, all very one-dimensional and shallow, and the plot, such as it is, feels forced. I was also irritated by the lack of research. The power is out but the water still comes out the taps? There has been extensive looting but food doesn’t seem to be a problem? There’s plenty of fuel for motorbikes, cars and a combine harvester? So a promising beginning but a very disappointing end and a rushed finale.