Number Ten (Downing Street) by Robin Hawdon
British ‘WEST WING’ meets the ‘BOURNE’ stories – View Screenplay.
Unknown forces attempt to assassinate radical new British Prime Minister, James Torrence. No one knows whether they were organised by business magnates, criminal oligarchs, or jihadist extremists, all of whom are threatened by his actions. What is known is that they are getting information from inside Number Ten Downing Street.
Paul Gunter, bright young member of the PM’s staff, is arrested by MI5 in the middle of the night, and finds himself falsely implicated in the assassination attempt. He has to fight for his life against all involved parties, using his inside knowledge of Downing Street processes, and the reluctant help of senior staff member, Andrea Holt, to extricate himself.
Will the pair survive against vastly superior forces? Will James Torrence and his fragile government endure amidst the revelations? Will love win out against political intrigue? Suspense, romance, and high action ranging across modern London’s extraordinary cityscape and beyond.
Amazon Reviews
A glorious thriller! – Linda Hill (Top Amazon Reviewer)
“Wow! Number Ten begins in explosive fashion and maintains a high-octane, fast pace until the very last word. Reading Number Ten felt akin to riding a rather breathtaking fairground ride and I hardly had time to catch my breath. Although this is fiction, so many similar events to those in the plot have happened recently here in the UK and abroad, that any suspension of disbelief simply evaporated. The action felt real, vivid and only too scarily possible.
It is obvious that Robin Hawdon writes with a director’s eye. He understands exactly what information is needed to create setting and to drive the action, making reading the book an almost cinematic experience. Number Ten would translate into the most fabulous television series because the pace is perfect and there are surprises that shock in a scenario that is utterly believable. I found the quality of the writing completely engaging. I think the natural quality of the direct speech adds to the sensation that Number Ten is something special.
It came as no surprise to me that there is corruption in the heart of power and that a minion like Paul can be used and abused by both that power and external forces. Themes of corruption, love, loyalty, betrayal, threat, politics in many forms – I could go on – weave their way through this exciting story so naturally, making Number Ten all the more captivating.
If I say that I had to give up trying to sleep at three in the morning because I only had 40 pages or so left to read and I kept wondering what was happening in my absence, you’ll know how powerful a hold the narrative had on me. Number Ten is a glorious thriller that kept me enthralled throughout. I really recommend it.”
Superb Thriller – Mark F. (Top Amazon Reviewer)
“I never can resist a book that involves my ex work, some are good, this was outstanding. The author has obviously done much research into the working of Number Ten, Parliament and all things associated with it, delivered in an interesting and very ‘readable’ way. I loved it. I found the whole story absorbing and very up to date ( re the current political climate ) and there was a fabulous twist at the end. A really good tight thriller that I would recommend even if this is not your normal genre. 10/10
A Really Thrilling Read – P.S.
“Rarely have I devoured a book so voraciously. The pace is relentless and the plot intriguing. Must be a sure-fire candidate for a film or TV serial.”
International Thriller Award
Other Novels by Robin
