[Ad-gifted] We have another book review titled Zero Risk by Simon Hayes, this time for thriller or sci-fi fans.
Based on a cyber-attack that takes place at a National Bank, its CEO has to find out what’s going on and how to solve the crime without the potentially disastrous consequences that would come if a bank were to collapse.
This debut novel by Simon Hayes, who has previously worked as an investment banker, has the perfect amount of background knowledge to make this an almost believable tale. Although totally fictional, could this really happen? Considering the story in the book takes place in December 2024, and I am now reading this in October 2024, is it predicting the future?
Surely, of course not – but as you will come to realise reading this review, the book is captivating enough to make you question everything! Keep on reading to find out what I thought of the book.
What I thought of Zero Risk
Firstly, let’s talk about how easy this book was to get into. Pretty much from the first page, I was already looking forward to what was to come. Considering this is Simon Hayes‘ first book, it easily gives John Grisham (a go-to for thrillers) and James Patterson a run for their money! Thrillers, when written badly, are hard to get into, but this one simply isn’t. It’s so good from the get-go that you won’t be able to put it down.
I don’t like to give too much away, so here is a little synopsis without getting too far into the book. The book is centred around Rob Tanner – when telling my dad this, he noted that this was the name of sixpence in old money, which was interesting to know, as his driver calls him Six in the book. Tanner is the CEO of a National Bank that is under cyber attack and at risk of creating disastrous consequences. The story follows Tanner trying to work out who the culprit is. The book is incredibly layered it’s hard to tell you about all the little details you find along the way, but as you can tell from the small snippet about Tanner’s name, it’s more than just a simple story that, although it has a linear format, still manages to keep the intrigue – keeping you guessing throughout.
You can read a bit of Boris in the Prime Minister’s character. It’s written and set slightly in the near future (Christmas 2024), so you can/could compare events that were happening in the book, to things that could be happening now. There is a bit of the female James Bond in Holly, so it’s easy to go with the fantasy of the character. It also has a slight romantic interest intertwined within it too. But for those who want to know what makes it thrilling, it’s all the questions around the whodunit aspects. You get a feeling midway through that the culprit is someone on the inside at the bank. However, more questions need to be answered. Of course, as it goes on, you are still led down a few other paths – but from my viewpoint, this is definitely a good read and one to try if you love this genre of books.
Where can you get your copy of Zero Risk and how much is it?
You can get yours here on Amazon. It is currently priced at £13.07 for the hardcover, £9.99 for paperback and £4.99 for the Kindle edition. Do check the link for the exact pricing as this might change.
About the book
Publisher : The Rubriqs Press
Format : Hardcover
Number of pages : 592
ISBN-13 : 978-1738462407
Book dimensions : 19.8 x 12.9 x 19.8 cm
About the Author & The Rubriqs Press
Simon Hayes is a former award-winning headhunter and investment banker. With his finance knowledge and having been ranked a top securities analyst, he couldn’t be better placed to write a cyber-thriller. His first-ever novel is Zero Risk, starring a bank CEO Rob Tanner, and centered around a cyber-attack on the bank and its customers’ finances! The Rubriqs Press is his own publishing company, which has allowed him to self-publish his first novel.
Born and raised in West London, he was the first of his family to attend University and after graduating from Trinty Hall, Cambridge, with a degree in Law, he went on to his successful financial career. He now lives near Tower Bridge and spends his Saturdays supporting Brentford FC. He has two grown-up children, India and Ivo.
Review by : Lex Ward
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* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are my own.
16 comments
I have to say you have me hooked on wanting to read the book ,especially as you have already mentioned it was very easy to get taken into the book from the first page, another book on my to read list
How wonderful, let us know what you think of it once you have read it
I have to give this one a look! I love thrillers like this, and putting him in the same sentence as Grisham or Patterson has me itching to give it a read!
How wonderful to hear that Beth, hope you get a copy
This sounds like a good one! I love books like this that have a ton of intrigue and have me guessing who’s who and why they’re doing what they do.
Agree, can’t deal with a boring book if you ask me
Sounds like the book follows a very unique and interesting job! Thank you for sharing this book review.
You are welcome Jupiter
I will get it! Thanks a lot for the recos, this seems like a good thriller read to grab before the holidays. Thank you so much.
It absolutely is
This book makes me think of the TV show black mirror. Those kinds of stories that are so scary because you can see them really happening. I need to give this a go x
Yes indeed Rhian, you will be surprised
This sounds like a thrilling read! The concept of a cyber-attack at a national bank with high stakes and real-world implications is both timely and gripping.
It is something which could happen in this day and age, so quite relatable
I’d be worried that the topic of the book wouldn’t grip me, but you’ve made it sound like a real page turner. I will have to give it a go
Yes do check the book out