A review by rowena_m_andrews
The Failsafe Query by Michael Jenkins

3.0

While, I did enjoy Jenkins’ writing and he knows just how to grab the readers’ attention, and how to build up a world and narrative that is engaging and realistic, I do feel as though there were some pacing issues in this book. Particularly between the first and second halves of the novel, which in places feel almost like they could have been different books and might have worked better if they had been broken up and interwoven throughout the book. That said, I did enjoy the backstory that was built up during the first half of the book and felt that it really added to Sean’s character, and adds essential groundwork for the next book and any future books. That aside, once we hit the second part of the book, the pace picks up, and the plot pulls you completely into the unfolding events and does not let go.
As with the second book, I feel that this book – and perhaps the author’s – greatest strength lies in the sheer plausibility that Jenkins builds into his characters and plots, and the level of detail that shines through the writing that speaks of considerable experience and research. There are some places perhaps where the technical details are a bit too much, but personally, I really enjoy the detail, and the added sense of realism it gives the book and would argue it is very much a strength of Jenkins’ writing.
The Failsafe Query is everything you want a thriller to be, high stakes and lots of twists and turns, that leave you trying to catch your breath, while simultaneously needing to know what happens next. The action was well-done, the suspense kept you on the edge of your seat, with a great main character with Sean Richardson. A very enjoyable read, and definitely one for anyone who enjoys thrillers.