If you love thrillers and crime-themed books with an element of mystery in them then you would love Black Matter by Gareth Parker. This is the first book in a three book series and trust me, it is gripping from the very start till the very last page. Here’s a little synopsis of the story as well as our review of this gripping book – Sypnosis of the story, “The future is now… it’s terrifying!!! Humanity locks jaws with the ever-increasing human desires towards highly advanced technological innovations making the world a dangerous place. Unanticipated horrific consequences unfold for Tommy McGregor when he partakes in a new high-tech innovation to enhance his health and wellbeing. He thought it would make him healthier, better looking and live forever…DI Valentina is out of her comfort zone when she’s tasked to track down a killer, unknown to her, hidden behind a digital mask. The future has already fallen upon humanity as she soon discovers, nothing is as it seems anymore as society embarks in technology that’s already here. A terrifying mystery, it feeds your imaginative mind’s eye – a fast-paced “whoisit” thrilling crime, novel that will leave you guessing until the end, (or will it?) As it leaves the hairs on your arms stand on end as you uncontrollably turn each page in this 3 part series”.
What I thought of the book
I love watching thrillers and crime show but it has been a while since I picked up a crime thriller book. One of my new year resolutions for 2019 includes reading more books, hence I decided to break my norm and challenge myself by reading Black Matter. To me, this book was interesting and captivating from the start (I also have to add gruesome at times so if you are reading it at night…), I was not a fan of the act of crime that takes place in the book but at the same time I could not put down the book and had to keep reading. It also took me just a couple of days to finish reading the 300-odd page book which is surprising for me as I can be a slow reader at times. What I loved most about the book is its unpredictability factor, I could not guess who was behind the crimes until the very last page. It also makes you as a reader question technology and what the future holds for us and how this will affect us in the long run. Crime as we see if now is changing in the face of development and this book showcases that very well.
Gareth has a talent not only in keeping the reader excited about the plot but curious and engaged throughout the whole read. I can’t remember one bit where I skipped the pages or predicted the outcome (which I am very so often know to do when I read a book). I would have liked more vivid descriptions of the characters in the book or the scenery/location of each location, as the description provided was not detailed enough for me to image the character. Definitely, a must read for those who love a little bit of crime read. I really can’t wait to read Gareth’s other two books and wonder if it will be exciting as Black Matter.
How much is the book and how can you buy it
The paperback copy of the book retails on Amazon for £4.99 (pre-order price) and you can purchase a copy here. The book is also available in other formats such as Mobi, Epub and PDF.
About the author
Gareth Parker is the author of his debut novel, Black Matter. Book one of three-part series that explores the depts of the unfolding high-tech world we now live in, making it dangerous place. Gareth was born in the UK in 1981. A family man spent much of his working life in South Wales working in a professional capacity. One day he made the decision to write about an idea he had learnt about. Still working full time for a large organisation, he enjoys reading all manner of books, and spending time with his world, his family.
About the book
Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
ISBN: 978-1731038012
Number of pages: 326 pages
Product Dimensions: 14 x 2.1 x 21.6 cm
You may also want to read this:
Book Review: The Bespokist Society Guide to… London by Jeremy Liebster
Book Review : The Warrior’s Bride Prize by Jenni Fletcher
Book Review : Everybody Works in Sales by Niraj Kapur
Book Review: On The Bright Side : The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen
40 comments
It certainly sounds interesting – and although gruesome in parts, I love that you described this book as one you can’t put down! I might have to check it out 🙂
I am, imagine reading this in the night, and for someone who does not like gruesome facts, but I still could not put the book down
I’m a big fan of this genre, and I’m always looking for a new author. I can’t wait to give this a read!
Sounds like a book my mother in law would love. Going to pass this one on.
I’ve never heard of this author before, but will keep an eye out now. I always like a good thriller!
Great review. The book seems interesting to read, i love the back cover Gareth parker would have put in good effort in this book. I will definitely get one
Yes he did Matthew, glad you’ve spotted that. Yes it is an interesting read, if you like a bit os suspense and thrill
This looks spine chillingly good. The kind of book you just can’t put down – good fiction with a believable quality about it.
Absolutely, you’ve said it perfectly Fiona
Never have heard of this author before. Looks very interesting. I will be recommending it to my friends too.
This is Gareth’s first book Hola and its really good as well.
Great review! I think my mom would really enjoy this book, I’ll have to pass this article along to her!
Glad to hear that Erin, please send her the link
This is a great review! I like watching thrillers, but it’s been a while since I’ve read one. This series sounds really intriguing. I love books that I can’t put down. I’ll have to check this out.
Hope you do, it is a great book to read if you love thrillers and a bit of excitment
Hope you do, it is a great book to read if you love thrillers and a bit of excitement
This sounds like our kind of book! Crime and technology, makes you wonder about the dark web
Yes it certainly does, what does the future hold for us? …You’d have to read to find out
I do like suspense and thriller themes. Eager to read this author after going through your review of his thriller book.
Glad to hear that Indu, hope you enjoy it
I am a huge fan of intense crime books and shows! This book sound like it would be right up my alley… Thanks for sharing 🙂
Your welcome Shar, its totally gripping so be warned for some chills and exciting story line
This books sounds interesting. I would love to give it a read. Thanks for sharing your review.
Your welcome Sue, glad you enjoyed reading our review
Great review; I’ve been looking for a new thriller or true crime novel! This reminds me a little of the series, Black Mirror; I’ll check it out!
Yes please do Sara, you would enjoy the read
I have got back into reading recently and am on the look out for more books – this sounds right up my street
Glad to hear that Kara, I totally enjoyed reading it
It actually sounds like a pretty good book.
Yes it is, especially since its the Author’s first book as well.
Thanks for the book recommendation. I’m always looking for good books to read and this one looks right up my alley.
Glad to hear that Debra
Sounds like a book worth checking out. I, too, want to read more in 2019.
Reading is so important and I find that we keep giving the excuse that not having enough time for not reading enough. So its good to get started to read different books.
Such a great review! I think I’m going to have to consider reading this one after I’m finished with my current book.
Thanks Tiffany, you would enjoy reading the book
Sounds like a really great read. I definitely need to check it out. xo
Hope you do Suzanne
This sounds like the kind of stories I’d enjoy, I didn’t know the author, but I love discovering new ones!
He is a new author but a fab attempt for his first book