Westwind

Westwind cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Technical
  • ID: 8558
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780316497909
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2020-01-07
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Westwind is a gripping cat-and-mouse thriller that delves into the political tensions of an era marked by espionage and isolationism. As the Americans withdraw troops from Europe, Britain finds itself caught in the middle, facing loyalties on both sides. The story takes a dramatic turn when a space shuttle crash leaves a British citizen, Mike Dreyfuss, vilified by the US press. Meanwhile, Martin Hepton, at English ground control headquarters, loses contact with the most advanced satellite in Europe. When a colleague disappears under suspicious circumstances, Hepton realizes the stakes are higher than anyone imagined, and he must evade a trail of enemies to uncover the truth. This timeless classic, written by an Edgar Award-winning author, explores themes of betrayal, conspiracy, and the delicate balance of international relations. With its intricate plot and high-stakes tension, Westwind keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning who they can trust in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Reviews
Jen Meds Book Reviews · 2024-10-07
exciting 4.50

The book is a fast-paced blend of science fiction, thriller, and conspiracy, filled with intrigue and tension. It keeps readers engaged with its puzzling elements and high stakes.

This reviewer really enjoyed the book's pace and the way it blends different genres. They found it packed with intrigue and tension, making it a gripping read. The puzzling elements and high stakes keep the pages turning, and it's clear that the reviewer appreciated the complexity and excitement of the story. However, they also noted that the book's genre-blending might not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy a mix of science fiction, thriller, and conspiracy, it's a standout choice.


Quick quotes

    Westwind is somewhere between science fiction, thriller and conspiracy novel, but it is packed with pace, intrigue, threat and exactly the kind of puzzling ...

    It is a fast-paced and engaging read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The book's blend of genres makes it a unique and captivating experience.

mixed 3.00

The action-packed scenes are thrilling, but the plot feels thin and underdeveloped.

This reviewer enjoyed the action-packed scenes and the thrilling moments in the book. However, they felt that the plot was thin and underdeveloped, which made the overall reading experience somewhat unsatisfying. They appreciated the author's ability to create exciting moments but wished there was more substance to the story. The reviewer found the book to be a quick and entertaining read, but one that could have benefited from a stronger plot.


Quick quotes

    It left me feeling that Rankin was more interested in the action parts of the book than in ensuring there was a solid plot beneath them.

    The action scenes are thrilling and well-executed.

    The plot feels thin and underdeveloped, which detracts from the overall reading experience.

Crime Review · 2020-01-31
disappointing 2.00

The book falls short of the usual standards expected from the author, with an uneven plot that feels disjointed.

This reviewer was disappointed with the book, feeling it didn't meet the usual high standards of the author. They found the plot uneven and disjointed, which made it hard to fully enjoy. Despite some strong elements, the reviewer felt that the book lacked the cohesion and depth that typically make the author's work so compelling. They appreciated the effort but felt it fell short of expectations.


Quick quotes

    This uneven 'lost classic thriller', according to its own publicity, is nowhere near the usual standard readers have come to expect from Rankin.

    The plot feels disjointed and lacks the cohesion that typically makes Rankin's work so compelling.

    It's a disappointing read that falls short of the high standards set by the author's other works.

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