I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have a neighbour who loves conspiracy theories. Whenever he gets the chance, he talks to me about the latest conspiracy theory he has heard about. What’s more, he strongly believes in each one. At one point in time, I would have laughed it off. However, ever since it became known that the NSA spies on people using technology, I’ve had to change my mind. When I read the premise of this book, it reminded me of my neighbour and I knew I had to read it. I’m surprised by how quickly I finished the novel, which is a testament to its addictive nature.
Dr. Maria Martinez is a brilliant plastic surgeon who has Asperger’s Syndrome. She has a very high IQ, an eidetic memory, and an incredible ability to decipher codes and patterns. She is also convicted of killing a priest. In an English prison, she is far away from her home and family in Salamanca, Spain. Although DNA evidence places Maria at the scene of the crime, she maintains that she is innocent. Amidst accusations that she is lying, Maria begins to remember things…. a strange room, strange people, being tested upon….but she still does not recollect ever committing murder. As Maria begins to put the pieces together, she starts to suspect that she may be at the heart of a conspiracy involving MI5, and a project known as Callidus. Who can she trust? Who are her friends and who are “handlers” that are watching her every move? Maria must find out what her role is in Project Callidus – before it is too late!
At first, I found myself a bit confused when reading this novel. It was hard for me to keep track of what exactly was happening. But very quickly, I got accustomed to the style of the author and the way that the story jumps back and forth in time. Maria’s character is extremely unique and the author has done a very good job in portraying the various behavioural and analytical aspects that come with a diagnosis of Asperger’s. The more I read, the more I liked Maria, and the more confused I got with what was the actual truth (which is the whole point of the story)! By the end of the novel, I was on tenterhooks and I just HAD to know what was going to happen next. I don’t think I have ever been this sad to have a novel finish! I hope the author is going to release the sequel to this novel soon because I just HAVE to know what happens to Dr. Maria Martinez! For those of you that like action-packed conspiracy novels with lots of murder and mystery, this is the story for you! It was just released on September 6th, so don’t waste any time in getting your hands on it!
Happy reading ~