GOING DARK

In this London-based novel, the deputy director of MI5 must untangle herself from blackmail; an enraged woman vows to regain her husband’s affection; and international terrorists rev up their demands.

In Duncan’s (Quantum of Evidence, 2018, etc.) series opener, MI5 Deputy Director Deborah Mackenzie fears a male escort may expose their relationship. The man, Connor “Black Irish” O’Connor, is “a rising star in the exploding cybersecurity galaxy” who enjoys a double life trysting for cash and may be participating in the dark arts of international terrorism. Under false pretenses, Mackenzie tasks MI5 surveillance officer Kate St. Claire with digging up dirt on the gigolo that she can use to silence him. Kate just completed a period of compassionate leave following the deaths of her parents, Lord Jonathan St. Claire and his wife. A car bomb killed the pair and gravely injured Kate. The auto was Kate’s Alfa Romeo Spider, parked in the garage of her Mayfair Mews house when Lord Jonathan turned on the ignition. The previous evening was such a happy one for Kate, one she shared with Tariq Kassar, the Lebanese banker she dated since her father introduced them 16 months earlier. But Kate’s relationship with Tariq incenses his estranged wife, Nadia Sultan, unafraid of violence and accustomed to stalking her replacement. Suspiciously, Tariq virtually disappears after the explosion, leading some to believe that he’s involved in nefarious activities and that he may have rigged the Spider. Yet Kate believes her beau simply dumped her and that the bombing was connected to one of her work assignments. Duncan juggles numerous plots, most of which come together but some of which undoubtedly will be tackled in later books in the series. It’s refreshing to have strong, culpable female characters whose actions range from engaging in questionable activities (nude modeling, affairs with married men) to committing murder. Several characters have multiple aliases, which can be confusing. But descriptions are rich, and the pace is fast and furious as Kate seeks answers to professional and personal problems in England, France, and Morocco.

A dark thriller to keep the reading lamp turned on long into the night; recommended.