For Your Own Protection, by Paul Pilkington, is a superb crime thriller involving an unlikely hero in Matt Roberts – a City banker turned teacher!
Matt Roberts has taken a year off from his job in a bank in the City of London after the long-term relationship with the mother of his son breaks down. His sister has persuaded him to do some voluntary teaching in basic maths and accounting for ex-offenders and he is enjoying it and finding it rewarding.
While trying to get on with his life he is convinced the woman he is seeing is stalking him. When an encounter in a pub gives him a sinister warning it sets off warning bells. When his 4½ year old son goes missing at the swimming pool he becomes more alarmed and soon learns some devastating news. He now has to try and unravel the truth in order to protect his family.
Overall, For Your Own Protection is a fast-paced mysterious thriller set in the world of City bankers and criminals of vastly different, but deadly, backgrounds.
With a great mix of eclectic characters, the story builds slowly with enough tension and twists to keep your attention and, more importantly turning the page.
The story is well-written and well told. It is complex but easy to follow and very believable with realistic and engaging characters, most people can relate Matt’s struggles of depression and tiredness with his job and need for change, break ups etc.
I would have liked the character of Harvey, the ex-gangster trying to get his life back on track, to have had a greater part but other than that it was a fantastic, thrilling read packed with suspense and some great twists and turns.
This is the first novel I have read by Paul Pilkington and will definitely be reading more.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £8.99 (Paperback) / £1.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
