I found this a very enjoyable thriller that takes its own sweet time to get going but eventually develops into a fascinating and exciting read.

The plot might have seemed implausible when it was written a couple of years ago, but it becomes more frighteningly realistic with every passing day. Basically, a cabal of powerful individuals plots to harvest everyone's information and monetise it. Sounds familiar already, doesn't it? Ranged against them is an equally shadowy counter-organisation, who are supposedly a grass - roots resistance but seem to have access to huge resources. I liked the hints that they may also not be what they seem...

The author spends time at the beginning to establish the main characters, although this results in numerous plot lines that dead-end once the main story gets going. I liked the characters and thought them well defined, although yet again we have a glamourisation of alcoholism which is not only unrealistic but also a bit sad. Surely there are other ways to give characters an edge rather than making them a hopeless drunk (albeit one who is also somehow charismatic.)

The ending is quite abrupt and ambiguous, which I imagine will infuriate some people. I liked it though. There is clearly scope for a sequel, which would be great, although part of me hopes Shafer just leaves it there, allowing us to complete the story for ourselves.