Starting with a cinematic opening in the Swiss Alps, it’s clear that Richard Armitage has brought his acting experience into Geneva. I was thrown initially with all the different POVs and it took me a while to settle into it. But once settled, I was gripped. I’m a very visual person and so when I read, I see the chapters as scenes in my head. We’re never too sure who the antagonist is and for poor Sarah, struggling with Alzheimer’s symptoms, she has less of a clue.

The idea of ‘Neurocell’, a biotech invention capable of overriding neurological conditions, seems both preposterous and plausible at the same time. Richard Armitage plays the balance well, knowing how far to push the plot.

I’ve only spent a few hours in Geneva, and most of that was around the lake, so it wasn’t that easy for me to picture some of the places. Although the traffic jams were captured pretty well! But the whole idea of a biotech billionaire living in his medical institute in the mountains was something I could buy into. There’s a scene where VR headsets are used and I actually felt quite disorientated afterwards. That’s how good the descriptions are.

Overall, it’s a fast-paced thriller, with memorable characters and a plot that, in the near future, could be a reality.

Thank you for the early read.

"Geneva" is a great, twisty thriller with complex characters and surprises round every corner. Add to that the stunning Swiss winter setting and a high-tech invention to give an absorbing modern novel. This is a new activity for the actor Richard Armitage, but one that is definitely worth pursuing on the basis of this debut novel.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

Enthralling and captivating!! A fantastic brilliant new thriller!! Loved it!! Gripping from first page to last, there is no let up!
Sarah a world renowned Nobel Prize winning scientist has retired from the public life to be a mum for Maddie and to help look after her dad who has suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s. When her husband persuades her to take a trip to Switzerland and to Geneva to witness a new scientific breakthrough, even with her own health issues, at the famous Schiller Institute, she goes.
Exciting twists and well written turns this is a great debut thriller!! Perfect holiday reading.
Espionage, mental health, and Alzheimer’s all dealt with artfully and sensitively.
Thank you NetGalley and Faber and Faber for the early read!! Loved it!!