Deadly Diplomacy by Jean Harrod Review

Deadly Diplomacy is a fast-paced, gripping thriller that will make you believe it is real!

Deadly Diplomacy by Jean Harrod is her debut novel and the first in the Diplomatic Crime Series (the second book in the series, Deadly Deceit, is available from 16 June 2016).

Jessica Turner is a British diplomat and currently based at the British Consul in Canberra, Australia and is haunted by the death of her husband and 3 year old daughter in a car crash, which she blames herself for. When a high-ranking British businesswoman is murdered at a hotel resort in Queensland Jess has to travel to Brisbane to help with the victim’s family, in this case her journalist sister, and liaise with the police.

DI Tom Sangster is tasked with the investigation as the murder has government interest, the victim was involved in a multi-billion dollar energy negotiation with the Chinese government to supply liquid natural gas (LNG) and she was suspected of taking bribes.

When Susan, the victim’s sister, phones Jess asking for help and terrified of the police the case is taken to a new level with government ministers, the intelligence community and key players within the business world all seeming to have something to hide. When Susan runs off with her sister’s diary a killer is soon on their tail and a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse begins. The killer is on the hunt and likes it!

With Jess and Tom both investigating different pieces of the puzzle they are soon forced to work together to get to the bottom of the mystery and stop a very dangerous killer.

Overall Deadly Diplomacy is expertly written and I would never have guessed this was the author’s first novel. It is fast-paced, gripping, exciting and tension filled making you feel you were there witnessing the events as they unfold.

The characters all have great depth and have not been overly glamorised and feel like real people. With the author being a former British diplomat herself this shows in Jess’ character and makes the workings in diplomatic service normal and not overblown or too far understated to make it dry or boring.

Deadly Diplomacy is a fast-paced, action-packed, totally engrossing read that builds the tension and suspense very well.

The Diplomacy Crime Series is sure to be a winner with murder, political intrigue, great characters, exotic locations and extremely well written. I have already read the second novel, Deadly Deceit, and you can read that review here.

I will definitely be reading more work by Jean Harrod in the future and can recommend her work.

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £6.99 (Paperback) / £1.99 (Kindle)

Available to buy from Amazon here.

For more information on Jean Harrod and the Diplomatic Crime Series visit www.jeanharrod.com.

5Star

Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of this book for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review.
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