Info
Written By: Andrew Wood.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a physical copy of the book for the purpose of this review.
Overview
"Death of a Union" is a gripping geopolitical thriller set against the tumultuous backdrop of the UK's infamous 1984 miners' strike. George McDonald is a union leader, on the verge of exposing staggering corruption within Arthur Scargill's National Union of Miners, where millions have vanished. However, sinister forces, including a shadowy KGB agent and fellow union leaders, conspire against him, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Fast forward four decades and Scotland is on the verge of becoming an independent nation under dynamic new leadership, transforming the SNP from a joke into a powerhouse of positive change. But this new direction leads Scotland into uncharted territory, forming unconventional alliances, particularly with China. These alliances draw the ire of Whitehall and Washington, triggering alarms on both sides of the Atlantic.
As the political landscape intensifies, MI5 reopens the Pandora's box of George McDonald's corruption case. The echoes of the past resonate in the present, thrusting Scotland's First Minister into a web of intrigue and peril. Amidst political maneuvering, covert operations, and the weight of untold secrets, "Death of a Union" becomes a riveting tale of power, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Overview taken from the official book press release.
Review
Being an 80's child I vaguely remember the miners strikes however being born in 81 I was a little young to remember it fully and the area I loved wasn't reliant on the mining industry, however growing up I have since learnt the impact that the mining strikes had on not only the mining industry but the whole countries infrastructure as a whole.
The well documented stand off between two determined leaders, Margaret Thatcher and Arthur Scargill, very nearly brought the country to it's knees. I have always been under the impression that Arthur Scargill was a saviour of the working man however having read this book my opinion of this man has changed in a dramatic way.
The unique way in how this book is written creates two almost separate story arcs that eventually entwine together forming one of the most gripping books I've read in a good while.
The book follows the lives of George McDonald and Maggie McGowan both have an agenda to right the wrongs of previous corrupt leaders and fighting for the working man, George looks at investigating the blatant corruption of the upper leaders of the Union and the mysterious disappearance of millions in donations no matter how dangerous this path may be.
Maggie McGowan is the widow of billionaire businesman Robbie Gordon having made a fortune building an iconic brand of Scottish Whisky. Before his death it was Robbie's wish to run for office with his sights set on the main job of SNP leader and first minister of Scotland, having past before this could be achieved Maggie decides to take this path on in the memory of her husband and change Scotland for the better.
Having risen from the picket line to the offices of the Union George is firmly on his mission to get to the top seat and have the opportunity to change the lives of those fighting on the picket lines which is why he joined the Union in the first place not knowing that essentially it's a rich boys play ground where at any opportunity the lives of those at the top are made more and more comfortable while those on the pickets are struggling to even put food on their families tables.
The sudden influx of flash cars and suits accompanied with luxury holidays gives George a suspicion that not all is what it seems in the offices of the Union and makes it his life's work to rid the Union of all it's corruption but to take on the suits is a very dangerous game to play tha could well have deadly consequences.
The book itself does jump between the different timelines of the two main characters but it never feels disjointed and the two storylines run in parallel with each other with a very big twist at the end that makes the drive of both characters make sense.
I loved the way Andrew Wood took the time to build the characters up so you got to know the background to each that in turn made the entire story make sense. I genuinely couldn't put this down and just had to read more. Well written from start to finish with a story from an iconic moment in modern times.
Summary
Time now then for me to put my thoughts into a summary, overall I would say that Death of A Union was one of if not the best book I have read in recent times, once I begun the book I couldn't put it down the reality of the story gave a unique rawness to the writing had me gripped to each page.
The desperate emotion of the workers and their families hit hard and the corruption from those that were supposed to be fighting for them appalled, the book gave me everything and more.
Verdict-Out of 5 ⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
EXCELLENT
I give Death of a Union an excellent score of 5 ⭐, an incredible read that I couldn't put down. It gave me everything I could have wanted from a book, gripping and emotional a definite eye opener.
Death of a Union is available now where all good books are sold.
This review was my part of a book tour please also check out the other bloggers on the tour.
Note on the author:
Born in Oxford, England, to Scottish parents, Andrew Wood's journey has been as diverse as his accomplishments. From a chain of several hundred karate schools in Southern California to the founder of a golf marketing agency in Florida. Most recently he launched a worldwide horse training portal. Author of over 50 books in various genres, including sales, marketing, leadership, creativity, travel, and personal development. His fiction weaves a captivating tale that reflects his dynamic life experiences including travel to over seventy countries. He has homes in Crystal River, Florida, and Sandwich, Kent, where he enjoys playing golf at Prince's. For more information on Andrew Wood and his works, visit his website
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