I came across author David Jackson’s writing last year when he released the excellent ‘The Resident’ and was so impressed I plan to read more of his books. ‘The Rule’ is a very enjoyable thriller that had me turning those pages trying to find out what was going to happen. Interesting characters, decent plot and totally addictive. Pushes the realms of belief at times but it’s fiction and makes great reading.

Daniel is twenty two and a vulnerable adult with the ways of a child. He still has the mind of a child, hates physical contact and needs his parents protection everyday to keep him from harm. Daniel is childlike but with the strength of a large man so when a stranger picks on him it results in trouble. With a strangers dead body Daniel’s parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. Daniel meant no harm, he just doesn’t know his own strength leaving his parents with a difficult situation. They dispose of the body to protect him but inevitably this is going to lead to further problems with not only the police but with the dead mans family.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Serpent’s Tale for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting mix of characters
Unique plot
Well written
I enjoyed this book but thought it was going to be darker.

What a very clever concept - ordinary people getting involved in an extraordinary scenario and police officer with issues. One sympathises with all the characters (apart from the baddies of course) and the denouement is pleasingly handled.

Is justice done? Not especially but I felt that natural justice did follow through.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in the course of one day. Highly recommended and I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.