I enjoyed David Jackson's previous novel, The Resident, so much that I didn't even read the blurb before picking up a copy of The Rule. This meant that my introduction to Daniel evoked such feelings of protection and affection that I could completely understand everything that his dad did for him.

I absolutely adored Daniel from the start; he's so genuine, caring and enthusiastic but it broke my heart in two that he has to follow The Rule. The Rule is there for a very good reason and it's clear that his parents love him dearly, so they're only doing it to protect him. When actions outside of their control results in Daniel breaking The Rule, a chain of events is set in motion that mean the Timpson family will never be the same again.

Oh this book is really good. I experienced a wealth of emotions, predominantly relating to Daniel but I also really felt for Daniel's parents Scott and Gemma. Scott will go to any lengths to protect his son but I don't think he could have ever expected to go this far. When the police start investigating a murder, the Timpson family need to keep their cool but Gemma is a quivering wreck and Daniel is as honest as the day is long so I was constantly on the edge of my seat just waiting for someone to say the wrong thing.

With an added layer of police procedural, I really enjoyed reading about DI Hannah Washington. Hannah has a heartbreaking backstory but she is one tough cookie and when it looks like she is being thrown under the bus by her superiors, she is not going down without a fight. I also enjoyed the various interactions with career criminal Barrington Daley and some of his lines had me laughing out loud.

Brilliantly written and wonderfully plotted, The Rule is a fast-paced, gripping thriller (and a little bit of a horror as there is some wilful damage to books). It's filled with so much tension and suspense that it's impossible to put down and I couldn't read it fast enough to find out what would happen next. It's another awesome page-turner from David Jackson and I loved it!

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Daniel is 22 with learning difficulties and he's got a rule that he must not break.....and you've guessed it, he does!
This results in his family making some impossible decisions.
It's a decent family drama with some unexpected twists and turns and a good page turner and recommended beach read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview.

I'll start by saying that I loved it! So much! The Rule is about a family with an adult son who has learning disabilities. The son accidentally kills someone and his parents decide to cover up the murder to protect him. Unfortunately things don't go quite to plan and they soon find the police on the trail of 'the killer'.
Right from the first page this book had me gripped. It's such an interesting concept of diminished responsibility and how far would we go to protect our loved ones. I can honestly see how the family ended up in the situation they did as I'm pretty sure I'd do anything to protect my sons. The pure desperation of Scott, the Dad, just poured from the pages and it broke my heart how much he loved his family and was putting himself at risk for them. Daniel, the son, was such a lovable character and so innocent. It was easy to see why people wanted to protect him at all cost. Even the chapters told from Hannah's, the police detective, perspective were brilliantly written. Her grief and determination were understandable motivations for how she handled the case and the decisions she made.
I have previously read The Resident by David Jackson and really enjoyed that one but this book was even better, like in a totally different league. This was a fascinating twist on the thriller genre in that the innocent people become criminals and the criminals become the victims! If you're looking for a thriller that will mess with your head and emotions, that you can't put down, then this is the one for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest opinion.

I have read all of David Jackson's previous books and loved them all. This one was different but still a good read. Despite the violence throughout, I found it a gentle story of parental love and the lengths parents will go to to protect their children. A relatively quick read, I enjoyed it very much.

What a bitter sweet story to read in one sit!
This is a story that we know from the beginning who is the killer, how it happened and why… Because Daniel didn’t follow the “Rule”; now his parents will have to do whatever they can to keep him safe; not only from the police but from the gang that is searching for the culprit… Are you ready for it?
This is not the typical thriller we are used to, a killer without remorse that kills or a planned killing that has to be covered. We know from the beginning that this had been an accident and that Daniel’s parents don’t trust the law enough to keep their son safe, and let’s be honest I wouldn’t trust either that they will protect him. And that’s how all the story evolves, how they try to cover the “accident” from the police but at the same time they have the family’s victim that they want blood for the killing… As you can imagine, things will go south quickly and dangerously, with no one to trust or to ask for help, only themselves.
We have 3 voices in this story, Scott (Daniel’s father), Detective Inspector Hannah Washington, and Ronan Cobb, the brother of the victim. They are all involved in the story, for good or bad, and they will all give a personal touch to the case, I don’t think there’s a good or bad side in this story, only reality and life.
This is an amazing read; addictive and emotional, it’s impossible to stop reading or drop a tear at the end; these characters had marked me.
“The Rule” is the read you need this summer, unforgettable!

After reading The Resident last year, I couldn’t wait to read David Jackson’s new novel and it is just as addictive.

The Rule isn’t just good… it’s FANTASTIC!

After an unfortunate meeting of three strangers in a lift, two worlds collide, resulting in a series of horrible events. Jackson spins the common crime narrative on its head whereby the innocent are in fact the criminals.
I loved this viewpoint and I willed the Thompson family to be ok and have the ability to protect Daniel.

“Inside that large hulking frame of a man was an eight-year-old. Still simple and pure and kind.”

I really enjoy books that allow you to question your own morals. I often wondered to what lengths I would go to protect a loved one - maybe not as far as Daniel’s father Scott, but I could see why he was making his decisions. Albeit they were often messy, showing that he really didn’t belong in the world of criminality. After all prior to the lift incident, the Thompson’s were just a law abiding family.

In my opinion, this is crime fiction at its very best. The storyline is laced with darkness, twists and violence. Characters continually question their morals and are willing to protect theirs at all costs. It has the workings of a gritty 6 part TV crime drama and I am willing to pitch for it!

If crime fiction is your thing I highly recommend.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thanks to NetGalley and the tagged publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Rule should not be broken. Daniel should avoid physical contact with others as much as possible. Daniel is looking forward to his birthday, he wants fish and chips for his tea, a chocolate caterpillar cake, and comics featuring his favourite superhero, Daniel turns 23 years old next week, however without realising his own strength he kills a stranger. His parents will do anything to protect him abs now the whole family is in damaged. How far would you go to protect your family.

David Jackson has written an absolutely brilliant family based thriller with an interesting end you will not guess. Daniel is such a likeable character who you already feel sorry for. I would throughly recommend this book and give it 5 stars

The Rule by David Jackson is an absolutely mesmerising fascinating story, which keeps the reader enthralled until the very end. This storyline kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. It may be one of the best books I have read this year.
Highly recommended

When the email came through asking if I'd like to be a part of the blog tour for David Jackson's new book I jumped at the chance. All I knew was that it was called The Rule. I absolutely loved his previous book The Resident, and still to this day check my bedroom for holes 🙈

So when the book dropped into my Kindle I was eager to read and still had no clue what it was about, I went in blind only knowing to #FollowTheRule I instantly fell in love with the main character Daniel. I have to hold my hands up and admit I was a bit hesitant as to where the plotline was going concerning his character, but I needn't worry. I fell hook, line and sinker for this superb story.

Daniel is a gentle giant, honest to the core and wouldn't dream of hurting anyone. In the book Jackson hinted at Lennie from Of Mice and Men, and Daniel is just like him. His parents Scott and Gemma naturally think the world of Daniel and want only the best for him. Their love for him is strong. They know Daniel's weaknesses and that is why they imposed The Rule.

Oh boy does this story take on a deeper level than just a thriller. There is dark humour interspersed through the narrative. I felt guilty at times laughing at some of the things, which is testament to Jackson's writing ability. Should I find this funny? And then just as you come over the awkward feeling you're then lobbed an emotional blow. The Rule really wrecks with your emotions.

As I've said before Daniel was a truly wonderful character, I was however on edge wondering when his honesty would spill over and blow his world apart.

Scott does everything in his power to protect his family. I was rooting hard for him, even thougj some of his actions were very foolhardy and I was rolling my eyes. But the intentions were there.

I want to go on and on about how great the story is, but really the best thing is for you to read The Rule yourself. Take Daniel into your heart and ask yourself what would you do to protect him 💞

Many thanks to Viper Books for my gifted copy and for inviting me onto the blog tour.

Wow, The Rule was great. I found it a quick read that had plot twists I didn't see coming. I haven't read anything by David Jackson before but I will be in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Another amazing read by David Jackson who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors!
What would you do to protect your family? Most people will do anything and everything in their power.
Daniel's life is not too shabby in his eyes. It is nearly his birthday and he is extremely excited about this because it means his favourite chippy meal and a Colin the Caterpillar cake. He might even get an Adam-9 comic or two. He loves to draw and he's even able to get home by himself. He is nearly 23. Life is grand..... until he breaks THE RULE..... This triggers a chain of events that will end in tragic consequences.
Hannah Washington is a DI who has just gone back to work after a very tough case. She also lost her daughter tragically but for some reason, she is still seeing her when she's out on cases. What does this mean; why does it feel like her daughter's soul can't rest and why is she always seeing her when bad things are about to happen.
Soon she is tasked with investigating the brutal murder of a known gangster. Is it turf related or something more tragic?

David is brilliant when it comes to character development. In his books, good people can do bad things and even the villains show glimpses of humanity and at times you find yourself rooting for them to do the right thing. The question is....will they?
Another brilliant read that was very hard to put down!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper books, Serpentine for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

Right…. I genuinely don’t think I can write a review good enough to do this book justice. But oh my actual days, has David Jackson done it again! The Rule is the epitome of a page-turner. So original!

David masterfully demonstrates how a parent will go to extraordinary lengths for their child. Scott’s son accidentally kills a man, leaving Scott in the unenviable and pitiful situation of watching his vulnerable son go to prison, or choosing to cover it up. Of course, he chooses the latter and with that a spiral ensues, culminating in an epic sh*tstorm of violence, blackmail, panic, heartache, and bad choices.

Along for the ride is Ronan Cobb, the brother of the deceased who is resentful of, and somewhat disgusted, by his mother yet still desperate to please her and gain her respect. Whoever is responsible for his brother’s murder must pay. Then there’s DI Hannah Washington, clawing through her own struggles and determined to bring the killer to justice.

The Rule is a whirlwind of desperation, hope, love, empathy, and sheer moral confusion. It gripped me from the very beginning and I was hooked right to the very last word! A pulse pounding pace of a book, it is a literary version of Muse’s Knights of Cydonia!! The characterisation is masterfully executed, and David’s razor sharp one liners and dry humour is what gives his books an edge over others.

I was so utterly invested in all three main characters and genuinely wanting each of them to come out on top (which is a total head scratcher, as to root for one surely meant a dire outcome for the other two!!) I’m actually suffering from book hangover here, which I never get with stand-alones.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Buckle up and prepare for a nail biting ride!

The Rule by David Jackson is a revelation; it is so refreshingly different from so many mainstream thrillers. Well-written, great characters and a plot-twist that I didn't see coming!!

Daniel has learning disabilities, he cannot tell a lie and loves Adam-9, a successful tv show starring a superhero that comes to the rescue. He even has a briefcase to be more like his hero. He was a polite young man but the kids would taunt him and call him names but Daniel had been taught not to fight back. If he broke the rule, bad things happened. Plus he was looking forward to his birthday in just over a week when he hoped for a fish and chip tea. Daniel and his dad went to the cinema where they had a great time, things only went wrong when they got back to the block of flats. Scott used the lift and it stopped at the eighth floor, a guy got on and the lift started up again. Daniel and the guy argued. On the twelfth floor, the guy pushed Scott, then Scott pushed the guy, then the guy was dead. Daniel had protected his father.

Daniel picked the man up and took him to the flat as Scott instructed. During the night Scott got rid of the body and took it downstairs to the car. The next day he took it to the tip for disposal hoping it would give them a few days before the body was found. He was sure he had dealt with it the best way possible, he hadn’t wanted to lose Daniel to the authorities, he had to protect him. Little did he know of the trouble that was heading his way…..and what he would be prepared to do to save his family, including murder.

The next day the body is found at the tip and makes headline news. They get DI Hannah Washington to head the case and find the killer of Joey Cobb. One afternoon, Daniel comes home to find her being attacked in the foyer, the attacker legs it and Daniel takes her to the flat to recover. Another day, Daniel meets Ronan, Joey’s identical twin brother so he believes the man isn’t dead.

I really enjoyed this book the more I read it. It seemed to grow in pace and tension, it took hold of you and you didn’t want to put it down! I read it in two sittings. Great writing and very descriptive. Brilliantly thought out plot.

Scott and Gemma Timpson and their son Daniel are struggling financially. Daniel has learning difficulties but is physically big and doesn't know his own strength, hence the titular rule preventing him from touching others. When Daniel accidentally kills someone, Scott disposes of the body but the police are looking for the murderer. Scott becomes more involved in a criminal underworld as grieving detective Hannah tries to solve the case.

Hannah is a fascinating character as she recently lost her daughter and still regularly sees her and talks to her. It's incredibly moving as she and her husband deal with their grief and their new life without their daughter. I lost a child a few years ago so this definitely hit home but Jackson's writing is sensitive and well written.

As with all of Jackson's books, The Rule is incredibly fast paced with psychologically complex characters and fascinating settings. The high-rise building that Daniel lives in, and which is central to much of the plot, is incredibly atmospheric and menacing. As with Jackson's last book, The Resident, the building becomes increasingly claustrophobic and dangerous and the tension never lets up throughout. There are plenty of surprises as Scott will do anything to protect his family and becomes the type of person he never expects to become.

I'm a huge fan of Jackson's books and I can't recommend The Rule highly enough

Rules are meant to be broken right? Unless you’re Daniel Timpson,a (nearly)23 year old man with learning difficulties who lives with his mum and dad, Scott and Gemma in flat 1204 Erskine Court. This gentle giant who is pure, kind and polite and loves nothing better than to emulate his favourite comic book hero Adam 9, knows how important it is NOT to break The Rule. And he ALWAYS tells the truth. Unfortunately sometimes accidents happen and when The Rule gets broken one weekend and a man ends up dead the ramifications for Daniel and his parents are dangerous and life threatening. David Jackson returns with this darkly comic thriller which has to one of my favourite crime reads of the year so far.

I only discovered this fantastic crime writer last year when I read Resident Evil, a novel that I found compelling and terrifying in equal measure. I’m not ashamed to admit there followed a few sleepless nights even though I went to bed with the lights on! So I guess I was anticipating being frightened out of my wits once more which is why The Rule took me by complete surprise (in a good way). The comedy element is strong with David Jackson’s dark sense of humour complimenting the grittier side to this storyline to the extent I thought I was reading a comedy of errors but I can assure you The Rule is so much more than that. The author displays a wonderfully humane attitude towards the characters unfortunate enough to become embroiled in an alien world where crime can sometimes prove very lucrative as well as perilous. He renders them endearing and likeable, if not wholly lovable and you can’t help cheering these unlikely law breakers on from the sidelines. I made the mistake of starting this book early one morning before work and ended up most disgruntled that I couldn’t just stay home and binge read it in one sitting. Let’s just say there was a certain amount of surreptitious under the desk reading going on that day!

In a dark, murky world saturated by villains and lowlifes the Timpson’s goodness shines like a halo of light but how long can that last when all three are co-conspirators in a fatal albeit accidental crime? Desperate times call for desperate measures and as Scott traverses the boundary from morally upright to morally corrupt you know this loving family man will stop at nothing to keep his wife and child out of harms way. As every twist and turn, some of which you can anticipate and others less so, lands the Timpson family further in hot water, Gemma and particularly Scott act increasingly out of character and you wonder how they can possibly extricate themselves from this sordid mess. With detective Hannah Washington and other less savoury characters in hot pursuit of the killer who will eventually gain the upper hand and claim victory? David Jackson writes another addictive and pacy (and wickedly witty) thriller in true comic book hero fashion where the forces of good wage battle against the forces of evil and there’s not a cape in sight, only a parka and a briefcase!!! Without giving the game away I’m of the belief there’s more than one hero in this storyline!

I take my hat off to the author for a great plot line and fabulous characterisation. I took Daniel straight to my heart, his childlike innocence in stark contrast to his Herculean strength. All he wants is a quiet life, looking forward to his 23rd birthday when he can have chippy chips and a Colin the caterpillar cake and maybe even a new phone. Naturally he’s the reason why Scott and Gemma fight tooth and nail to preserve and protect the status quo which is no mean feat given the circumstances! Everything these two do is performed out of love no matter how far out of their comfort zone they travel. I was witnessing unconditional love at its fiercest. Then there is the paranoid DI Hannah Washington fighting to regain control of a personal life beset by tragedy. Taking on this case could be the final nail in the coffin in terms of her once illustrious police career. She’s already at rock bottom and so the only way is up as long as she can prove her bosses wrong and apprehend the killer. The author presents you with an awkward dilemma. On the one hand you want this woman to redeem herself professionally yet you spend half the time hoping and praying she misses the clues that are right before her very eyes. Even the villains of the piece (bar one!) possess some redemptive qualities.

I don’t think I’ve read a crime novel where you’re wrung through the emotional mill quite so much as in this one. From laughing uproariously in the beginning to feeling immense waves of pity, heartache and sadness for the Timpson family as well as Hannah to utter horror and then glee at the way events transpire, I recommend The Rule without hesitation. How David Jackson pulls the final trigger to call time on this good versus evil storyline is simply spot on, clever and dare I say even a teensy bit tear jerking? This novel is a triumph! My only criticism? It’s too short!

My thanks as always to the publisher Viper and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

The Rule is the latest scintillating standalone addition to Jackson’s canon in which two parents go to any and all lengths to protect their beloved son. Daniel Timpson is a 22-year-old man who is about to turn 23 and resides with his doting parents, Scott and Gemma, who would do anything for their vulnerable son. He has the mental capacity of a child of around 8 years old but the unbridled strength of any young man his age, however, he is usually a placid, calm natured gentle giant who still desires those childlike pleasures we all loved as a pre-teen. He even has a part superhero part imaginary friend known only by his call sign Adam-9, a secret agent with many hidden skills and a briefcase full of helpful items from a comic strip Daniel loves to dip into. Nowhere is his love of innocent childhood pursuits more obvious than on his birthday when for one day only, his diet will be shed in favour of special treats. He would have his favourite chippy meal of all time, which was steak pie with chips and gravy, and then his mum would bring out a Colin the Caterpillar cake. He was excited to think about the comics and toys he would receive as presents too. Daniel had been set a rule a long time ago by his caring family who could see that he was not capable of understanding his own strength and to keep him safe, they warned him he should never touch, not even in an affectionate manner, strangers or animals in case he accidentally overpowered and hurt them unwittingly.

Living in a dilapidated area full of drugs and crime, Scott and Daniel are one day in the lift in their apartment complex when they are joined by a man in his twenties. Eventually, the man’s backpack falls to the floor revealing bags of white powder, wads of cash and a semi-automatic pistol. Worried about what the father and son saw he asks them and innocent Daniel, not understanding the perilous situation, tells him exactly what he saw. This leads to Daniel killing Joseph Cobb as he begins to assault his father. An overreaction, you might think. Perhaps manslaughter or worse. But when you throw in the fact that Daniel has learning difficulties, this judgment becomes less concrete. And then there are Daniel’s parents, who decide to cover up the killing. Certainly a crime here, but can you honestly say that you would act any differently if you were faced with the prospect of your vulnerable child being taken away from you and perhaps put in prison or an institution? This is a riveting, unusual and briskly paced thriller with vivid, believable characters, darkly funny moments and some emotionally moving parts, but the aspect I liked about it the most was that it was morally grey, and Jackson’s impressive skill in building Daniel to be relatable and complex meant you were willing to overlook his crimes. It's empathetic, suspenseful, mysterious, disturbing, engrossing and intelligent, but unfortunately the dismemberment and cover-up don't stay secret for long. Highly recommended.

This book is all about choices. It examines the choices a father might take to protect his family, it demonstrate the choices our law enforcement staff make and the compromises that keep the world turning. The Rule features a cast of interesting characters who are all well drawn and a world created that we are drawn to. The plot spirals quickly and it is a compulsive read. Another great feature to look out for are the quips and oneliners, they lend some light relief. Having read The Resident previously and enjoyed it I was pleased that this book wasn't a disappointment. This book will make a great movie filled with tension, dark humour and a feeling that a kind of equilibrium has been restored.

So finally we come full circle to the theme of choices - its your decision whether or not to read The Rule. What have you got to lose?

.#TheRule #NetGalley

I loved “The Resident”, an excellent thriller that kept me on the edge.
I was happy when I was approved for the ARC of “The Rule” but I wasn’t expecting an adrenaline-fuelled and emotionally charged experience.
I cried a lot, I laughed and rooted for the good/bad guy.
Please don’t think this is a sappy book, there’s not an ounce of sentimentality in this story as it’s gritty, fast paced, and the growing tension keeps you on the edge.
But it’s the story of common people involved in something unexpected and totally out of their experience or comfort zone.
I volunteered in charities, and I met people like Daniel, Scott and Gemma. They fight every day, and they fight because they love their son/daughter. Daniel in the book is a lovely and happy guy but his father and mother have to face the reality that he will never be independent, he will be their baby as long as they live.
It’s called love and it’s what makes them go on.
The author did an excellent job in describing the psychological reasons behind Scott’s actions: he’s a good honest man but he loves his family and wants to fight for their welfare.
Scott and Gemma are alone in their battle and Scott will do everything that is needed even he doesn’t think it’s right.
He’s a great character and I rooted for him hoping for the best.
Daniel is sweet character, I liked how the author created a realistic character and there was nothing pietistic in his descriptions. His characters reminded of boys I met when I was volunteering.
I also loved Hannah, her grief and her desire to redeem herself after some errors.
The author is a master storyteller and builds the story involving you in the events that bring to the cathartic final part. There’s blood, violence and despair.
I was moved by Scott and Hannah battles, but the last chapter make me cry buckets as it was bitter-sweet, a sort of closure and start of something new.
I don’t know if I wrote something meaningful, it was a sort of flow of consciousness and I find hard to be logical, I hope I was able to make you understand because I loved this story so much and wasn’t able to put it down.
Please read it, take your time and enjoy this story, I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to Viper and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Rule - is not to touch people. Thats Daniel's rule, he nearly 23 but has learning difficulties and is stronger than he knows. When he's touched people before, they have often left being hurt and not gone near Daniel again, he doesn't understand why, he says sorry and doesn't mean to hurt anyone.

Daniel lives with his Mum and Dad, Gemma and Scott in a tower block in London, he has friends at the club he attends and goes there, taking his briefcase with him. He adores his briefcase, its just like Adam 9's, Daniels favourite super hero and Adam keeps all his equipment in it.

When Daniel and Scott encounter Joey Cobb in the lift on their way home, and Joey becomes aggressive. Daniel steps in to defend his Dad. This encounter ends up nearly costing Scott his life and that of his family. As the story unfolds its clear the lengths Scott will go to to protect them.

DI Hannah Washington is brought in when Joey Cobb is found dead. She is the one that needs to find the link, the who, what and why. And she has no idea where to start other than Joey's mobile marking him at being in that tower block too. Of course, no one knows anything, or or they do they aren't prepared to tell.

I have to admit to enjoying David's book - his previous Viper publication The Resident, was also extremely enjoyable, I really liked it. The Rule does go to the extremes too, but I think it enhances the book and gives a fun side. We all read stories inn the paper and think ..what!??! But who knows how far people would really go to protect their families against harm.