12 June 2026

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the review copy. This was my first book by Matthew Reilly.

The story follows Sam Speedman, a detective on the autism spectrum who stumbles upon evidence of a vast modern-day slave trafficking operation still active in the American South.

This fast-paced, action-packed thriller keeps you turning the pages as Sam uncovers layer after layer of a deeply disturbing conspiracy.

When a dead baby is discovered hidden inside an old doll after a hurricane, Sam finds the clue he needs to reopen a seven-year-old missing persons case. He teams up with FBI agent Audrey to investigate. When they eventually locate Latoya and arrest the man who held her captive, the case appears to be closed. However, after Audrey is promoted and Latoya suddenly dies, Sam is not convinced. The solution seems far too convenient. As he continues digging, he uncovers links between several wealthy Southern families and an extensive illegal slave-trading network. What begins as a cold case quickly grows into something much larger and far more dangerous than he ever imagined.

The writing is crisp, direct, and filled with factual detail that helps the reader understand Sam’s methodical way of thinking. There is very little unnecessary dialogue or wandering off-topic, which suits both the character and the story. The result is a focused narrative that moves quickly from one revelation to the next.

I enjoyed the fact that this was a quick, engaging read that wasted no time getting to the heart of the story. However, I was less enthusiastic about the graphics scattered throughout the book. Rather than enhancing the reading experience, I found them somewhat distracting.

Sam Speedman is not your typical action hero. He is a geeky, socially awkward detective with thick glasses and a brilliant analytical mind. Because of this, some of the action scenes occasionally felt a little unrealistic. Despite that, Sam is an excellent protagonist. His ability to recognise patterns, notice details others miss, and remain relentlessly committed to finding the truth makes him easy to root for. He is intelligent, kind-hearted, and genuinely passionate about his work.

If you can look beyond some of the more improbable action sequences, you’ll find an entertaining thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy underdog heroes taking on powerful opponents. The subject matter is dark, but the mystery is compelling, and the pacing never lets up.

This is not a book I would normally have picked up myself, but the historical connections to the South and the exploration of modern-day slavery made it a fascinating and entertaining read.