A gripping international thriller, perfect for fans of Homeland. Trust. Betrayal. Conspiracy. Jacob Seger is a trainee diplomat who dreams of changing the world. But on his first posting, in Beirut, he meets a handsome stranger at a party and is swept up in a passionate, obsessive, affair. His relationship with Yassim eclipses everything - until one day Jacob recognises his own face in the newspaper. He is wanted on terrorism charges. Has Yassim set him up? Is he now a pawn in a murderous plot? Jacob is being pulled into a dangerous and complicated game. He needs to learn the rules, and escape Beirut - and he needs to do it fast. At once a moving love story and a gripping adventure, The Friend is an intelligent, urgent thriller that casts light on the dark threats facing the world today. WORLDWIDE REVIEWS FOR JOAKIM ZANDER: 'Fresh, raw and exciting' Sunday Times (UK). 'A thriller of rare ambition' Daily Mail (UK). 'Gripping and urgent' Irish Independent (UK). 'Timely and relevant' Literary Review (UK). 'Both forceful and subtle... Powerfully orchestrated tension set against a strong dose of social commentary' Independent (UK). 'An absorbing thriller in a complex world of spies, politics, terrorism and assassination... Excellent' The Times (UK). 'A multi-layered thriller full of style, drive and immediacy' Goeteborgs-Posten (Sweden). 'Wonderfully written... A superb thriller' Metro (Croatia). 'Intrigue, action and adrenaline mixed to perfection' Libreria Reconquista (Spain). 'A terrific page-turner rich with complex conflicts and a big, meaty, chillingly credible conspiracy' Chris Pavone (USA). 'A riveting thriller with a great plot. What more can you ask for?' Lokalavisen (Denmark). 'An explosive, thrilling dance fuelled by authenticity' Il Giornale (Italy). 'A multi-layered, action-packed thriller' Dorstener Zeitung (Germany).

Smart, gripping and urgent, this is the new thriller from the bestselling author of The Swimmer. Perfect for fans of Homeland.

About the Author
Joakim Zander was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Growing up, he lived in Syria and Israel. He has worked for the European Parliament and the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, before coming back to Sweden, where he now lives. His first novel, The Swimmer, was sold to 30 countries around the world. His second, The Brother, was shortlisted for Sweden's Crime Novel of the Year award. Elizabeth Clark Wessel is a poet, translator and small press editor based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Reviews
A moving love story and a gripping adventure, The Friend is an intelligent thriller that untangles the complexities of international politics and reveals the dark threats facing the world today * The Bookseller *
The continued theme of Russian stirring of disaffection in Europe is certainly very topical, and with non-stop action and memorable characters the book could appeal to a wide audience * Crime Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9781788547079
Author Joakim Zander
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Head of Zeus
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC