Tom Meredith makes a bold and compelling debut with Blood in the Water, an action-packed thriller that delivers relentless tension, high-stakes drama, and a chillingly plausible threat. Set in a post-COVID world, the novel captures the lingering unease of global uncertainty while introducing an even greater danger—one that puts the UK on the brink of catastrophe.

From the very first page, Meredith throws readers into a fast-paced narrative where no one is safe. The immediacy of the threat, combined with the novel’s gripping realism, creates an atmosphere of intense suspense. The post-pandemic setting adds another layer of depth, reflecting the anxieties and vulnerabilities that still linger in society. Meredith expertly weaves these real-world fears into his storytelling, making the stakes feel all the more urgent.

The pacing is relentless, with action sequences that are both cinematic and visceral. Every chapter drives the story forward, ensuring there are no moments of respite. But beyond the action, Meredith excels at building tension through strong character development and a well-crafted plot. His characters feel real, their decisions grounded in the weight of the crisis unfolding around them.

As a debut novel, Blood in the Water is an impressive achievement. Meredith proves himself to be a strong new voice in the thriller genre, capable of delivering both gripping action and thought-provoking themes. By the time the final pages turn, readers will be left eager to see what he delivers next. If this book is any indication, he’s an author to watch.

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC. Blood in the Water by Tom Meredith is a gripping and intense thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story weaves together suspense, action, and mystery, following a protagonist who is pulled into a dangerous world of crime and betrayal. The writing is fast-paced and engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot full of twists and turns. Fans of crime thrillers and action-packed narratives will find this book hard to put down. If you’re looking for a thrilling, high-stakes read, Blood in the Water delivers an exciting experience from start to finish.

i wasnt sure whether i could get into this book. im still not quite sure whether im ready to read books based around or for the covid topics and era. so far i think authors have navigated it well. actually ive preferred those who simply avoid adding it to the timelines of their plots.
i dont think with the varying views and differing circumstances for everyone at the time that you can ever "win" for all people. noone came out or went through the period the same.
this book wasnt for me sadly. maybe for all the reasons of the above. but that is really unfair and i feel bad for seeming to write such a bad review. which im really not. as the plot and the writing was really well done. it just felt to raw for me. so maybe it might do for others.
and i dont want to think of worse happening because of or linked to that time. it seems to fuel more of the crass side of peoples characters that have made themselves loud since then.
but i think for people who arent as sensitive as i clearly am it would make a great thriller. and actually was really interesting to read the authors take on this.

A spy thriller set in a post COVID world. Action packed and fast paced, the multiple characters and viewpoints got confusing. This was not my type of novel, but the strong writing and narrative will appeal to other teaders.