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The Recruit

'Everything a great thriller should be' Lee Child
3.94 goodreads logo

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( 740 ratings, 131 reviews)
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 Recruit by Alan Drew is a gripping crime thriller that explores themes of extremism and prejudice. The story follows a detective as he investigates a series of hate crimes in a seemingly idyllic community. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets and is forced to confront the dark undercurrents lurking beneath the town's surface.
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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?

This compelling crime and thriller novel dials into the darker side of a Southern California community. You might enjoy it if you're intrigued by complex detective stories woven with themes of racism, extremism, and the challenges of facing personal and social demons. The gritty setting and emotionally charged plot deliver an intense, immersive experience.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A series of murders and mysterious hate crimes rock a quiet Californian town, leading a cunning detective into the crosshairs of a network of white supremacists in this can't-put-it-down thriller

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

Superbly realised. You'll go a long way before you find a better-written thriller this year – THE TIMES

Breathtaking . . . filled with twists and turns – JEFFERY DEAVER

Featured on The Times' Best Summer Reading of 2022

Featured on Crimereads' Most Anticipated Crime Books of 2022!

______________

A small town. A deadly secret. A race against an invisible killer . . .

Southern California, 1987. Rancho Santa Elena might look like paradise, but a series of violent hate crimes are disturbing the peace. When Detective Benjamin Wade starts investigating, it becomes clear that the locals are hiding a secret – one they'll die to protect.

With forensic expert Natasha Betencourt at his side, Ben uncovers a mysterious gang of youths involved in the town's growing white power movement. What he doesn't know is that they are part of something much bigger – a silent organisation of terror who are luring young men in using new technology.

Ben zeroes in on the gang's freshest young recruit, hoping he will lead him to the mastermind of the operation. But as he digs deeper, he is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and his community. And as Ben comes closer to discovering the truth, the killer is drawing closer to Ben. . .

*

Praise for Alan Drew

Everything a great thriller should be – LEE CHILD

A vivid portrait of a seedy world – GRAHAM MOORE

Revises the old detective story and turns it in several fascinating directions – COLUM MCCANN

A clarity and wisdom reminiscent of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch – DAILY MAIL

Smart, chilling, and impossible to put down – WILLIAM LANDAY

The sort of magically absorbing novel that keeps you turning the pages and checking the locks on the door – LAUREN GRODSTEIN

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?

The book The Recruit by Alan Drew is praised for its gripping and stylish nature, offering a fast-paced plot filled with unexpected twists and rich psychological insights. Reviewers highlight the novel's ability to weave vital themes relevant to contemporary times with compelling storytelling. The vivid depiction of a complex world both repels and captivates readers, making it a compelling read.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786493743

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 June 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Corvus

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 301g

Pages: 432

About the Author

Alan Drew is the author of Shadow Man, a literary thriller. His critically acclaimed debut novel, Gardens of Water, has been translated into ten languages and published in nearly two-dozen countries. He is a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where he was awarded a Teaching/Writing Fellowship. An Associate Professor of English at Villanova University where he directs the creative writing program, he lives near Philadelphia with his wife and two children. Learn more about his books at www.alan-drew.com.

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