Back of the Book

If the police always know where I am, how do I kill you?
Ten years of embedded technology – ‘iMe’ – has led to complete control and the eradication of crime. You can’t get away with anything, least of all kidnapping or murder.

Then the impossible happens. A body is found, and the killer is untraceable.

DI Clive Lussac, without the technology he has come to rely on, must remember his old time detective skills if he and his young partner DC Zoe Jordan are to track the killer down before time runs out for the next victim…

Book Review

Having been recommended “Proximity” by Jem Tugwell through the enthusiastic endorsement of a fellow blogger, my expectations were set high. However, my experience with the novel turned out to be a mixed bag.

Undoubtedly, the futuristic elements woven into the narrative were a standout feature for me. Tugwell crafts a world immersed in a decade of advanced technology called ‘iMe,’ where crime has been eradicated, and individuals are under constant surveillance. This premise, with its implications for privacy and control, drew me in initially, sparking my curiosity about how such a society would function.

Regrettably, my enthusiasm waned as the plot unfolded. The narrative progression felt sluggish, and I found myself struggling to maintain focus. The size of the book, while not inherently problematic, added to the challenge, especially as the pace failed to pick up. In a story that hinges on tension and mystery, a faster tempo might have better sustained my interest.

One of the novel’s critical aspects that fell short for me was the character development. Both DI Clive Lussac and DC Zoe Jordan, pivotal figures in the plot, failed to resonate with me. A more profound connection with the characters could have compensated for the slower pace, but unfortunately, that emotional investment was lacking. Without a compelling attachment to the characters, the unfolding events didn’t carry the weight or impact they could have.

The central question posed by the book, “If the police always know where I am, how do I kill you?” is undoubtedly intriguing. The mystery of an untraceable killer in a society where technology seemingly leaves no room for crime adds a layer of suspense. However, the execution of this premise left me wanting more. The resolution of the mystery didn’t pack the punch I had hoped for, and the climax didn’t deliver the level of satisfaction I crave in a crime thriller.

Proximity offers a glimpse into a fascinating dystopian future, but the slow pace and lack of character engagement left me yearning for a more gripping narrative. While the exploration of a world without crime is compelling, the novel falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential for a dynamic and immersive storyline.

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