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The Sandpit

A sophisticated literary thriller for fans William Boyd and John Le Carré
By Nicholas Shakespeare
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Sandpit by Nicholas Shakespeare is a gripping crime and thriller novel set in a world of international intrigue. The story follows John Dyer, a journalist recently returned to Oxford, who becomes entangled in a mysterious disappearance involving a fellow parent from his son’s school. As secrets unravel, Dyer is drawn into a complex web of espionage and deception, compelling him to uncover the truth in a high-stakes world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy a gripping psychological thriller with intricate plots and rich character development, you might be drawn to this novel. It weaves elements of espionage and suspense against the backdrop of Oxford's academic world, offering a tantalising exploration of secrets and betrayal. The layered storytelling might captivate those who appreciate intelligent prose and unexpected twists.

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The Sandpit

Leandro's schoolmates are the children of powerful people, and a chance conversation with another father, Iranian scientist Rustum Marvar, sets Dyer onto a truly dangerous path.

Then Marvar disappears.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A sophisticated thriller about a missing nuclear scientist—perfect for fans of Robert Harris, William Boyd and Charles Cumming.

'A remarkable contemporary thriller... A triumph' - WILLIAM BOYD

A journalist becomes embroiled in a world of secrets and paranoia when a nuclear scientist goes missing.

When John Dyer returns to Oxford from Brazil with his young son, Leandro, he expects a quiet life. His time living on the edge as a foreign correspondent is over.

But these rainy streets turn out to be just as treacherous as those he used to walk in Rio. Leandro's schoolmates are the children of powerful people, and a chance conversation with another father, Iranian scientist Rustum Marvar, sets Dyer onto a truly dangerous path.

Then Marvar disappears. Soon, sinister factions are circling, and become acutely interested in what Dyer knows about Marvar's world-changing discovery...

'An absorbing thriller with shades of John le Carre' - Evening Standard

'Exciting... A page-turner' - Daily Telegraph

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Nicholas Shakespeare's novel has been praised for its sophisticated prose and the influence of John le Carré, blending social comedy with a thrilling narrative set in a boys' school. It's described as well-written and exudes an escalating sense of menace and paranoia, reminiscent of old-school thrillers. The book is highly regarded as a contemporary thriller with complex human themes, capturing readers with its brilliant observation and captivating narration. It's noted for its vivid depiction of Oxford and its exploration of global and ethical dilemmas.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529111842

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 July 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 311g

Pages: 448

Collections

Crime & Thriller Featured Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Nicholas Shakespeare Penguin Books Spy & Espionage Thriller

About the Author

Nicholas Shakespeare was born in 1957. The son of a diplomat, much of his youth was spent in the Far East and South America. His books have been translated into twenty-two languages. They include The Vision of Elena Silves (winner of the Somerset Maugham Award), Snowleg, The Dancer Upstairs, Inheritance, Priscilla, Six Minutes in May and acclaimed biographies of Bruce Chatwin and Ian Fleming. His most recent thriller featuring John Dyer was The Sandpit. He has been longlisted for the Booker Prize twice, was a Visiting Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

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