I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay

As a former teacher, the premise of this book definitely sent shivers down my spine. A vulnerable ex-student makes the decision to blow up his old school to get rid of his bad past experiences. It is a scenario I have thought about, several times, but the positive is that there have been practically none in England. In the United States, where this story is set, there is a practised protocol for such events. Scary stuff.

The book opens well. An English teacher is in full flow with his lesson (studying  The Road by Cormac McCarthy) with one eye on the strange young man passing through the school grounds. When he realises what is happening, the practice is turned into protective action. This is interesting to see how things are done in the USA. The teacher stops the attacker from killing many people and is deemed a hero.

However, the consequences are far reaching and the event triggers a host of other incidents. Everything happens quickly but doesn't appear rushed at all. The chapters are short and tense and really have that 'thriller' aspect running through them. With all of these complex layers of plot it may be easy to let a little fact escape - but I assure you it will be relevant.

The characters are realistic and respond in a way that is relatable. Hard decisions are made without the familiar overzealous attitudes often seen in thrillers such as this. There is panic and wobbly moments. The only parts I am not keen on are car chase and gun scenes, but I have to remind myself that this is set in America and things are a little different, like when someone takes a 'couple of shots' he means he is taking photographs.

A clever, taut and well constructed story as well as being a very human one. Recommended.

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Published by HQ on 1 August 2024.
​Advance review copy supplied by the publisher.

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