A plane explodes over the Atlantic Ocean, killing hundreds of passengers, including controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor. It appears to be a clear-cut case of terrorism. But as criminal barrister Michael Devlin is about to discover, everything is not as it seems.
Also suspecting there are shady forces at work, intelligence agent Joe Dempsey is driven to investigate. Who would have wanted this potential new president out of the way – and who would commit mass murder to do it?
All the way to the top of the US government, someone is determined to stop Dempsey and Devlin from discovering the truth. At any cost.
Power Play was first published at the start of the first lockdown which is when I read it and I absolutely loved it. I'm delighted the decision has been made to re-release it now and look forward to seeing it become a huge success. I'm thrilled to be re-sharing my review to celebrate Publication Day MKII!
The explosive beginning to Power Play which sees Flight PA16 from London to New York blown up over the Atlantic Ocean killing five hundred and thirty-four people on board - including probable presidential candidate, Dale Victor - immediately announces that this is not going to be a slow-burner. Unsurprisingly, the tragedy is soon assumed to be an act of terrorism (particularly as an explosion at altitude is unlikely to be anything other than a bomb) but as the story unfolds it becomes clear that the truth is even more disturbing.
This is the third book in the Dempsey and Devlin series but the first I have read; it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone, however, and any minor spoilers from the previous novels definitely won't stop me from reading them - and that's something I'm planning to do because I absolutely loved this complex, riveting thriller. Now and again when I'm reading some books there comes a wonderful moment where although I'm fully immersed in the story, I can't help but pause to appreciate just how much I'm enjoying it and I experienced that with Power Play.
Arguably, one of the most insidious consequences of terrorism is the way in which world leaders and governments are able to change the narrative to suit their intentions but what if they engineer atrocities to remove individuals who are threatening to ask difficult questions? It's a disturbing premise and as the book progresses and shocking revelations come to light, perhaps the most frightening aspect is that it's all only too plausible. It's certainly something Joe Dempsey has to consider as he discovers that the real reason for bringing down a plane might be to hide an inconvenient truth rather than to further any extremist cause.
Although the death of Dale Victor may implicate the White House, Power Play is set in various locations reflecting our global connections as it entangles the two protagonists, Dempsey and Devlin on the opposite sides of the Atlantic. Joe Dempsey is in New York working with agents around the world as part of the International Security Bureau, a multi-national intelligence agency formed by the UN and when Elizabeth Kirk, Director of the ISB asks him to make some enquiries into the attack, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous - even life-changing - investigation. Meanwhile, in London Michael Devlin is called to represent the Syrian immigrant who has admitted to planting the bomb on the doomed aeroplane.
One of the many strengths of Power Play is that the multiple narrative strands means readers are allowed glimpses of the full story without the truth being revealed until late into the book. Whether through the chapters featuring Mansour, the alleged Islamic terrorist or the secretive White House meetings, this clever, intricately plotted novel brilliantly examines a number of uncomfortable yet important issues; the racism and Islamophobia which exists in our political and legal institutions; the increasingly powerful big businesses who are able to interfere with political agendas; and the rising spectre of fake news used to build - or destroy - careers.
At over 500 pages, this isn't a short book but not a word is wasted in a dark and twisted plot which includes war crimes, alleged terrorism and corruption at the very highest level. The breathtaking action scenes may have kept my heart pounding but it's the scarily believable suggestion that not all is as we may perceive it to be which proves to be the most sinister element of the novel. Most of the action is centred on Dempsey's involvement and his scenes are packed with fast-paced, high octane thrills but Devlin has his moments too - the global reach of the antagonists here means nobody is safe. Although their respective backgrounds mean they approach dangerous situations differently - Dempsey is a highly trained and skilled operative whereas Devlin is an instinctive street-fighter, the pair are both deeply affected by their pasts and the brutal violence they have borne witness to - and participated in. Devlin's fear for his loved ones and Dempsey's guilty regret for some of his past actions perceptively underlines the deep psychological impact of their experiences.
Power Play is everything I was hoping for and more; this compelling political thriller is packed with twists and turns and is brilliantly plotted, edge-of-the-seat exciting and sharply insightful throughout. I loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough, it is easily one of my favourite reads of the year.
Power Play is published by Elliott & Thompson, purchasing links can be found here but please consider supporting independent bookshops whenever possible.
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