This rreview is written with thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read and review The Rule.

Blurb:

Daniel is looking forward to his birthday. He wants pie and chips, a big chocolate cake, and a comic book starring his favourite superhero. And as long as he follows The Rule, nothing bad will happen.

Daniel will be twenty-three next week. And he has no idea that he’s about to kill a stranger.

Daniel’s parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. They know that Daniel didn’t mean to hurt anyone, he just doesn’t know his own strength. They dispose of the body. Isn’t that what any loving parent would do? But as forces on both sides of the law begin to close in on them, they realise they have no option but to finish what they started. Even if it means that others will have to die…

Because they’ll do anything to protect Daniel. Even murder.

Review:

The Rule is the first book I have read by David Jackson and it definitely packs a punch. His writing style is unique: fast paced and action packed but with a healthy do else of humour, which often lightens some very tense moments. 

The central characters in The Rule are the Timpson family. Daniel has a learning disability and I loved the way that this was portrayed. He was vulnerable but I never felt as though he was underestimated. He was a character I immediately liked and I hoped that things would work out well for him. He is supported by his family, and although they do make some questionable decisions, I did feel some sympathy for them. 

We also meet the detective in charge of the investigation, Hannah Washington. Hannah is a character with several layers. She has her own demons and it was interesting to see how this affected her work and how she would grow as the book progressed. 

The Rule is well plotted, although there are times when as readers, we have to suspend our disbelief. There are lots of twists and turns – I didn’t always know where the story was going but I enjoyed the ride!

The Rule is available from Amazon.