The first two books in my Pendulum series, Pendulum and Freefall, examined the impact of technology on our society. In Aftershock, the third outing for now battle-hardened photojournalist John Wallace, FBI agent Christine Ash and Metropolitan Police detective Patrick Bailey, the trio are still on the trail of what remains of the secretive Foundation, but this time I’m interested in the nature of belief.
This isn’t a swerve in direction: our tech-driven society of online interactions, instant gratification and mass consumerism has left many people adrift, isolated and seeking answers to life’s big questions. But in a world of fake news and virtual friends, who do we trust and where do we turn for answers? And are we more vulnerable than ever to those who would seek to prey on our insecurities? These are some of the issues explored in this thrilling conclusion to the trilogy as Aftershock introduces readers to two of the darkest and most diabolical characters I’ve had the pleasure to write: the manipulative and dangerous Arno and Beth.
Like the very best manipulators, Arno and Beth use a variety of techniques to acquire power. Humans are a dangerously credulous species, and even the cynical members of the Foundation aren’t immune to a yearning for a direction and leadership. People seek order in chaos, we search for patterns and latch onto theories that offer simple solutions to bewildering situations. These qualities mean we can be easily manipulated by people or propaganda that seems to meet our needs.
In a world of fake news and virtual friends, who do we trust and where do we turn for answers? And are we more vulnerable than ever to those who would seek to prey on our insecurities?Confirmation bias leads us to seek out information that validates our political, social or economic worldview, and we rarely challenge the integrity of the data or the motivation of the source if it backs our pre-established understanding. Instead we accept it blindly, like an acolyte in a cult, allowing ourselves to retreat deeper into a bubble, to be radicalized without knowing it. Rather than protecting us from manipulation, our connected world has arguably made us more vulnerable than ever, and Aftershock explores just how dangerous that vulnerability can be.
If like me you find manipulative masterminds endlessly fascinating, you might want to check out some of my favorites:
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Even behind bars, notorious psychopath Dr Hannibal “the Cannibal” Lecter is an arch-manipulator, who trades his insight into the depraved minds of serial killers for access to FBI rookie Clarice Starling’s mind. A brilliant portrayal of a twisted mind, famously brought to life on the big screen by Anthony Hopkins.
The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Charming, talented and utterly ruthless, Tom Ripley will do anything to preserve the life he’s created for himself. A glittering gem of a book from a writer at the peak of her game.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
She may not be a criminal mastermind but housekeeper Mrs Danvers is a master of the dark arts of manipulation. She deftly persecutes the new Mrs de Winter in a chilling story that stays with you long after you finish the final chapter.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This genre-defining thriller is completely addictive. When Nick Dunne’s beautiful and talented wife goes missing, he’s the number one suspect. But who’s manipulating who in this addictive psychological thriller?
Dr No. by Alexander Fleming
A sinister recluse with metallic pincers for hands, the evil Dr No tells James Bond “all the greatest men are maniacs” before testing the super spy to the limit with his sadistic games. Chilling.
Your Truth or Mine by Trisha Sakhlecha
When a young woman goes missing, a couple are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about their relationship and themselves. A suspenseful debut where you never quite know who is telling the truth.
The Last Mrs Parrish by Liv Constantine
Amber Patterson is driven by ambition and envy. She’s determined to get the lifestyle she feels she deserves and nothing will stop her. A real page-turner with a shocking twist, this is a masterclass in manipulation and deceit.
The Adventure of The Final Problem by Arthur Conan Doyle
The ruthless and cunning Professor James Moriarty is the Machiavellian figurehead of a vast criminal enterprise and the perfect match for Conan Doyle’s brilliant sleuth Sherlock Holmes. A template for criminal masterminds ever since.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis pit their wits against the villainous Cardinal Richelieu who is set on orchestrating war between England and France. The finest swashbuckling thrills and a study in royal intrigue and deadly power plays.
The Neighbour by Fiona Cummins
Garrick and Olivia Lockwood and their two children move into 25 The Avenue looking for a fresh start. They arrive in the middle of a local panic as police hunt a serial killer dubbed ‘The Dollmaker’ by the media. This criminal mastermind misdirects everyone as they continue to terrorize suburbia. The Neighbour is a tense, twisting tale that will leave you unable to look at your neighbors the same way again.
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
Lord Voldemort is an off-the-scale bad guy. Constantly plotting and scheming in the background, possessed of huge ambition and a lust for revenge, the Dark Lord is a master of manipulation.
A Song of Ice & Fire series by George R. R. Martin
This epic fantasy series is packed with ruthless characters and arch-manipulators as they all vie for power. Take your pick of villains, from the scheming Cersei Lannister to the sadistic Ramsay Bolton. A masterclass in thwarted ambition, revenge and lust.
