
The Whistleblower (Paperback)
Robert Peston (author)Published: 07/07/2022

The worlds of media and power politics entwine dangerously in this gripping, 1990s-set political thriller from the award-winning journalist and author of WTF?
1997. A desperate government clings to power; a hungry opposition will do anything to win. And journalist Gil Peck watches from the sidelines, a respected commentator on the sport of power politics. He thinks he knows how things work. He thinks he knows the rules. But when Gil's estranged sister Clare dies in a hit-and-run, he begins to believe it was no accident. Clare knew some of the most sensitive secrets in government. One of them might have got her killed.
As election day approaches, Gil follows the story into the dark web of interests that link politics, finance and the media. And the deeper he goes, the more he realises how wrong he has been. Power isn't sport: it's war. And if Gil doesn't stop digging, he might be the next casualty.
Publisher: Zaffre
ISBN: 9781838775261
Number of pages: 432
Weight: 315 g
Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 24 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'There's a winning energy as the action zips around between the different elite milieux, and Gil - plainly the young(ish) Peston - is a fascinating mix of self-criticism and self-congratulation ? SUNDAY TIMES
'An engaging tale of government secrets...this debut novel is a hell of a read ? The Observer
'This enjoyable, intelligent thriller will be catnip for news junkies ? GUARDIAN
'[A] cracking debut. This is House of Cards country, with double-dealing seen as a way of life . . . His dark view of the Westminster jungle is hugely refreshing ? DAILY MAIL
'A rollicking read . . . His portrayal of 1990's London is fun and dripping with drink, drugs, private members clubs and an eye for designer clothes, while news junkies and political addicts will enjoy trying to put the real names to some of the characters ? EVENING STANDARD
'A cracking read . . . Peston's portrayal of champagne-fuelled 1990s London is vivid and lifelike . . . His enthralling debut thriller takes us right into the heart of a fictional government machine and media circus. ? FINANCIAL TIMES
'Secrets, spies, sex, betrayals, murder and a scandal that leads all the way to the top of British politics . . . A gripping read ? RADIO TIMES
'A romping thriller ? INDEPENDENT
'A gripping thriller . . . Fascinating and disturbing ? DAILY EXPRESS
'This compelling story includes characters drawn from major players in politics and the media. Peston has dug deep into his experiences for this tale of power, money, sex and dodgy dealings ? THE SUN, Pick of the Week
'The authentic incidental details about how politics and journalism really work are fascinating ? DAILY MIRROR
'Wicked fun . . . Remarkably vivid in his descriptions of London in the 1990s, evoking the time and many of the places within the corridors of power with flinching accuracy ? CRIMETIME
'An intelligent, elegant and gripping thriller ? RORY CLEMENTS, Sunday Times bestselling author of HITLER'S SECRET
'Robert Peston is a classy writer and this is a really compelling thriller that peels back the curtain to take you right to the heart of the political action. A genuine page-turner ? TOM BRADBY, bestselling author of SECRET SERVICE
'Incredible, unputdownable, riveting, revelatory, brave. Wow. Exudes authenticity. So timely and courageous. A strident, erudite, compelling cri de coeur. ? DAMIEN LEWIS, Sunday Times bestselling author of SAS Great Escapes
'A riveting tale of power, wealth, intrigue and sex. Great storytelling combined with lavish helpings of Peston's unique insight into how Britain really works ? NICK ROBINSON
'A compelling, gripping page-turner of a thriller. Robert has brilliantly drawn on his three decades watching politics from the inside and turned all that gossip, insight and intrigue into a cracking read ? ED BALLS
'Robert Peston's first work of fiction marks the debut of a truly brilliant thriller writer. The pace, intrigue and plot will keep you turning the page - and guessing - till the end. An exceptional book from one of the great journalists of his times ? MATTHEW D'ANCONA
'About the political intrigue around Whitehall correspondent Gil Peck, whose sister is killed in a suspicious hit-and-run accident ? INDEPENDENT, 'Books to look out for in 2021'
'The journalist's debut thriller is set amid dodgy interests in 1997, with New Labour on the brink of power. ? GUARDIAN, '2021 in books: what to look forward to this year'
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“Clever book terrific plot don’t miss !”
This is a very clever book as expected from this author. Love the way he maintains the credibility of the story even in his cover blurb. Certainly a riveting thriller something a little bit different but hints from... More
“Let's hope that he continues to write such exciting and page turning fiction.”
Set in 1997, in the run up to a general election in Britain, our protagonist is a financial journalist called Gil Peck. Believing that his work is the greatest priority in life, Gil has become estranged from his... More
“Worth a read if you enjoy political thrillers”
The Whistleblower is a fast-paced, detailed political thriller set in the late 90s on the cusp of a general election. The main character is Gil Peck, a bike-riding journalist who will go to almost any length to secure... More
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