Stay Alive

Race Against Time and Relentless Pursuit

The novel kicks off with a frantic mother fleeing for her life, clutching her daughter and running from assassins after witnessing a shocking crime. With nowhere safe to turn, she makes a desperate call for help, setting off a rapid sequence of events. Detective Mike Bolt answers the plea, instantly drawn into the chaos. He soon realizes that what appears at first to be a simple case balloons into something far more sinister—the mother is being hunted by professionals, and her survival is crucial to exposing a much bigger threat. The tension is palpable from the opening pages, with each movement of the characters shadowed by imminent danger.

Trust, Betrayal, and Shifting Loyalties

Simon Kernick’s storytelling remains tight and suspenseful as Detective Bolt grapples with uncertainty at every turn. Trust is a fragile commodity; Bolt can rely on almost no one, as shifting allegiances and secret agendas muddy the waters. Old friends, colleagues, and even family members may be hiding dark motives. With each revelation, Bolt is forced to choose who to believe, knowing that a single misstep could be fatal—not just for him, but for the innocent lives he is trying to protect.

The Depths of Corruption and Conspiracy

As Bolt and the mother are relentlessly pursued through London’s underbelly, the scope of the conspiracy becomes evident. Kernick explores the depth to which criminal enterprises have infiltrated the city, manipulating police, politicians, and ordinary citizens alike. The darkness is pervasive, and the line between hero and villain blurs as every character strives for self-preservation. Even those who seem trustworthy may be compromised, raising constant questions about integrity and moral resolve in desperate circumstances.

Survival Instincts and Moral Choices

Central to the plot is the theme of survival, driving each character’s actions. The mother’s protective instincts are tested to their limits as she does whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe. Bolt, too, is forced to confront his own vulnerabilities, risking his career and life to pursue the truth. They must rely on quick thinking and gut instinct as much as training, as the plot ratchets up the suspense with clockwork intensity. Choices are made in split seconds, with life-or-death consequences.

The conclusion unravels the conspiracy and betrayal, offering a satisfying yet realistic resolution. Not all wounds are healed and not every secret stays buried, reflecting the complexity of both the people and the city they inhabit. Kernick leaves readers breathless, questioning how far anyone should go to stay alive. His novel is a masterclass in tension and survival, with a relentless pace that grips until the final page.