This is a compulsive and superbly woven contemporary political thriller mixed with a family drama and a timely and page-turning thriller revolving around government conspiracies. Gil isn't a particularly likeable character, but what he lacks in that department he makes up for by being a fascinating bloke who has a seemingly insatiable appetite for blowing up politicians’ best-laid plans, regardless of party or ideological allegiance. He enjoys controlling the narrative and wanders ”between the communities of politicians, financiers and businessmen, trading nuggets of information" until he has enough to tell a tale that you’ll pay to read. Combining his unprecedented knowledge of the inner workings of politics, business and power together with his unparalleled sense of a good story - having broken so many over his career - Peston has crafted an insightful, sardonic, terrifying and excellently paced thriller with a distinctive cast of characters, ample use of twists and misdirection, and an engrossing plot centred around the interaction between media, politics, government and the use of spin. Highly recommended.