A Matter of Time: The tense and thrilling hostage thriller, nominated for the McIlvanney Prize

DI Helen Birch is alone and unarmed when she enters an abandoned Borders farmhouse to negotiate with a killer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Here is the rephrased text:

The day began with the first shots fired at 8 a.m., marking the start of a tense and unpredictable sequence of events. As the hours passed, the situation escalated rapidly. By 1 p.m., the police had confirmed that a gunman had taken a hostage, creating a desperate situation that required swift action. By 5 p.m., a full-scale siege had been declared, with the police and emergency services mobilizing to resolve the crisis.

In the midst of this chaos, Detective Inspector Helen Birch took matters into her own hands. Despite being alone and unarmed, she bravely walked into an abandoned Borders farmhouse, determined to negotiate with the killer. Birch's arrival was a surprise to the gunman, who had expected to face a more formidable opposition.

The negotiation was intense, with both sides holding their ground. Birch used her years of experience and expertise to try to understand the gunman's motives and find a way to end the standoff peacefully. However, the situation remained volatile, and there was always the risk of a tragic outcome.

As the night wore on, the tension continued to mount. The clock ticked away, and time was running out for both the hostage and the killer. But Birch remained calm and focused, refusing to give up despite the overwhelming odds.

Finally, after hours of intense negotiation, the gunman surrendered. The hostage was rescued, and the crisis was over. Birch's bravery and determination had saved the day, and her actions were hailed as a hero.

The outstanding new novel from the highly acclaimed author of All the Hidden Truths and What You Pay For, both shortlisted for the CWA Golden Dagger, tells the gripping story of one day, one woman, and one chance to get everyone out alive. With her exceptional writing and intricate plot, author Kate Atkinson has once again delivered a masterpiece that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529327441