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Released: 28/03/2018

ISBN: 9781788038065
eISBN: 9781788034043

Format: Paperback/eBook

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The Code

by Nick Thripp

A fast-paced novel of revenge and rivalry where nothing is as it seems.

Highlights themes such as the abuse of power in relationships, both personal and professional, and how easy it is ‘to live a lie’.

Edgy and exciting, The Code focuses on three schoolboys and how one’s deep grudge and hidden desire to get even with the other two changes the course of their lives forever. Featuring a clandestine liaison, professional manipulations and abuse, rivalry between sisters and an endless cycle of machinations and lies, the book combines the character development of literary fiction with the pace of a thriller. The ruthless and ambitious John Beart skilfully manipulates the nameless Narrator until he’s in his professional thrall, trapping him there as the emotionally-charged plot charges toward its seemingly inevitable conclusion. Can anyone break free from the negative spiral before it’s too late?

While The Code deals with serious subjects, such as Imposter syndrome, it’s often very funny, if tinged with sardonic humour. The book’s themes of unfulfilled love, sibling rivalry, revenge and the need to find personal fulfilment should strike a chord with readers, as will the unnamed narrator established as an ‘Everyman’ readers can relate to.

‘The Code is a vivid and compelling literary thriller that balances emotional tension, physical action and internal growth.’

Kevin MacNeil, poet, playwright and author of ‘The Brilliant and Forever’, ‘Stornaway Way’ and ‘A Method Actor’s Guide to Jekyll and Hyde’

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'The Code is a vivid and compelling literary thriller that balances emotional tension, physical action and internal growth.' Kevin MacNeil, poet, playwright and author of 'The Brilliant and Forever','Stornaway Way' and 'A Method Actor's Guide to Jekyll and Hyde'

Book Reviews

What a clever book, could not put it down,it was the cover that made me pick it out,glad I did....the musical backdrop as the time progresses is very clever and the twisting plot with inserted subliminal clues will keep the pages turning...gr8 holiday read....recommend.

by Paul Muggleton

An excellent and gripping story with compelling characters, especially the charismatic John Beart. The accessibility of the writing conceals subtlety of both character and plot. Much is left to the reader to work out from hints and allusions. What, as just one example, was the bond between Rachel and Beart which the Narrator couldn’t understand? I finished the book some weeks ago and I’m still pondering. A great, thought-provoking read.

by Tony Allen

This thought-provoking and wryly humorous novel had me in its grip from start to finish. The characters display ruthlessness, ability, ineptitude, shamelessness and fortitude. Few of them realise the fragility of their situation; each has a questionable definition of success. What a beautifully told and clever story this is.

by Michael

A gripping story and a moral tale in one underlined by the sardonic sense of humour the Narrator needed for survival in a bleak dystopian world dominated by revenge, dishonesty, greed, selfishness and a lack of compassion. There is much implicit social comment in the unfolding story which tells us a lot about ourselves and what we are in danger of becoming if we do not beware of the game we may end up playing and fail to crack the code. A great read that was hard to put down.

by Mike Ryan

Great holiday read.....pacy with several unexpected twists

by Tony Gaskell

Captivating read. Wonderfully crafted with a lovely style of writing. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have recommended it to the local bookclub.

by Stella

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