Many thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Ive never read anything by Simon Kernick before, and the thrillers of this type which I've read before have all been set in America. I loved that this was set in the UK and that it was MI5 and the Met not the FBI and NYPD! I loved the front cover with the picture of 'the gherkin', and started this book with high hopes.
The story opened well and I was immediately gripped by the notion of the main character having lost his memory following a car accident. It was quite clear that things weren't what they seemed with Matt's sister, nurse Tom and the dodgy Dr Bronson, and I couldn't wait to find out Matt's real story.
The story continued at breakneck speed and was a real page turner with the protagonist lurching from one disaster to another. Some characters were well developed, if not particularly likeable. Others, such as Jack Duckford, seemed undeveloped and not really necessary in the story. And others, such as the Ukrainian oligarch and the home secretary, Garth Crossman, are essential to the story but hardly even mentioned.
This novel does have the feeling of being part of a series. Sean Egan and Tina Boyd have quite a history which I would imagine could fill a few books! Like previous posters, I was unsure how to feel about Sean Egan. At times I was on his side and was willing him to get to safety. But at times he is really unlikeable. He shoots people without a second thought, has an abandoned wife and child, wants to sleep with every woman he meets and has a conviction for rape in his recent past.
I was a little disappointed in the ending of 'Final Minute'. Although everything was explained and 'wrapped up', I couldn't help but think it was a bit of an anti climax. I was hoping for a big scandal involving the government and felt a bit short changed.
All in all, an enjoyable read. I will read more by Simon Kernick and have passed this onto my husband as I think it's right up his street!