Book Review | A Knock at the Door by T.W Ellis
T.W Ellis’ latest novel is a fast-paced and addictive story which kicks off with a simple knock at the door.
Meet Jem and Leo. Happily married and residing in their glorious 3 bed home in a secluded suburb. Leo, an international wine seller, has just left the house, bound for a business trip in New York. Only minutes later comes a knock at the door. Jem, usually one to put on a brave face to mask anxiety issues, wouldn't typically answer the door to a stranger. But of course, this must be Leo, forgetting his passport or something, right? Wrong.
Enter the FBI. Agent Messer and agent Wilkes – on this occasion, bearers of bad news. Stark enlightenment for Jem, as she quickly made aware that Leo is not who he says he is. It turns out she is married to a criminal. As the news sinks in, the phone starts to ring, and she finds herself speaking with agent Carlson, also from the FBI. Carlson's quick to warn Jem that the two agents in her living room are not legit and danger is imminent. Get out, run!
Decision time - What to do, stay or go? Who to believe, Messer & Wilkes or Carlson? But Messer & Wilkes have badges? But Carlson has more information? But Leo…her husband. Surely, he can't be a criminal?
What follows in quick succession is the ultimate fast-paced mission in which Jem is forced to think on her feet and avoid the danger zone. As the plot unfolds with a twist here and a turn there, more characters join the fray, but who can Jem trust in the end? Well, only one way to find out!
T.W Ellis is a pseudonym for Tom Wood. I'm sure there's a no bigger fan of Wood than I. Ok, perhaps my Father as he introduced me to the Victor series (my favourite) many years ago. As soon as I saw A Knock at the Door, I did not hesitate to purchase.
He is known for creating super wicked characters and making badass assassins admirable. Of course he's done it again with here, with what is his first psychological thriller.
I devoured this book in 24 hours flat. Reading until heavy eyelids take over, to it being the first thing I reach for in the morning. It goes without saying that this is the kind of story that begs to be read in one sitting. I love fast-paced thrillers that keep us on our toes, keep us guessing in which direction will the plot suddenly turn. Ellis expertly balances the pace between 'I want more' and 'I can't keep up'.
Narrated in real-time spanning across less than 24 hours, there is not much time for character development, which in this case is no problem. Ellis brings in just enough background history to the main characters to bring us up to speed, though none are quite as they appear. The focus is on the plot, what happens next, and when will the following twist come whirling by?
A Knock at the Door lives by its genre – a psycho-thriller that will keep you guessing from cover to cover. Succinct, catchy and addictive - how quickly will you tear through it?