Adam Colclough lives and works in the West Midlands, he writes regularly for a number of websites, one day he will get round to writing a book for someone else to review.
Alex Hoffmann is a legend in the closed world of investment banking, the creator of an algorithm capable of generating seemingly limitless profits. A man with the world at his fingertips, until one day everything goes wrong. A break-in at his mansion in an exclusive suburb of Geneva sets in motion a train of events that could destroy everything he has built and, maybe, even cost him his life.
First published in 2011 this is a that seems even more prescient when read a decade on. Harris taps into concerns that are both very modern and as old as humanity itself. Particularly the extent to which we allow ourselves to become reliant on technology while at the same time thinking that it is something we will always be able to control, and the power of greed to override conscience.
As ever Harris delivers a solidly thrilling narrative wrapped around an idea that is original and, given how often we are prompted to do one thing or another by helpful algorithm, more than a little unsettling.
The same can be said for the rapid descent of Alex Hoffmann from master of the universe to a fugitive from someone, or something that is determined to destroy him. Harris has created a tragedy worthy of the Greeks played out in the world of high finance.
As a primer for the TV show based on it soon to air as a Sky Original this novel is an invitation to what is likely to be appointment viewing.
