Hugh Fraser (1) (1950–)

Wow – what a rollercoaster and a stonking debut from Hugh Fraser. This was another one of those books that you can't put down. It is evident from the start that Rina is a very strong female lead character. As we delve into her background, we find that she’s had such a hard life looking after her young siblings and alcoholic mother but surrounded by an amazing female support system. She's suffered so much that it's not surprising she has turned into a contract killer - she has nothing left to lose.

The writing was so vivid, perhaps too vivid sometimes – the scene near the end with Carmela still churns my stomach when I'm thinking about it now! There are some surprising twists as you don't know who is on which side in Mexico, and the way the deal goes down between Lee and Manuel really was inspired - all I'll say is metal joints! The flashbacks to Rina's teenage life in Notting Hill really captured the essence of the era; men in dark smoky pubs and women at home with the kids living in poverty. Rina reminds me of Sydney Bristow in Alias and I wouldn't be surprised to see Harm picked up for the small screen.

There were a few same-sex love scenes but they were written with enough subtlety so as not to disturb even the most faint-hearted reader. With her history, it's hardly surprising that Rina would avoid men at all costs.

Hugh's writing is excellent; I really hope it's not the last we hear of Rina Walker!

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.… (meer)

I would really recommend reading High Fraser's debut, Harm, first although you could read Threat as a standalone novel. Reading Harm first really helps you to understand Rina's background and why she makes some of her decisions.

Hugh Fraser has written a no holds barred account of a dark and depraved English aristocrat at the start of the swinging sixties. Only one woman is up to the task of revealing the macabre goings on at Ringwood Hall - our very own Rina Walker. Rina once again takes any risks necessary to complete her mission, once she knows her sister, Georgie, is safe in boarding school. Seeing this softer side to her really contrasts with the hardened assassin some people know her as. It was absolute genius to have her reading such a 'girly' book as Pride and Prejudice and I smiled each time she picked the book up.

I was completely absorbed in the story and I felt like I was hiding behind the sofa watching events unfold when Rina moved in to catch the culprit armed with her Polaroid, rather than a gun. Sometimes a photograph can be just as damaging as a gunshot.

Threat is another great British thriller by Hugh Fraser; it's so fast paced that I absolutely rocketed through it and have no doubt that we will be seeing Rina Walker again. I certainly look forward to it!

I received this e-book from the publisher, Urbane Publications, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.… (meer)