When the nuclear bombs start falling, first on Washington, then on other cities around the world, American historian Jon Keller is staying at a hotel in Switzerland. In the ensuing chaos, a number of his fellow guests flee or commit suicide, but Jon is among those that remain, and he begins to chronicle events and records people's stories for the future... Tensions mount among the survivors as they slowly realise that outside help is not coming and that dangers lurk around them. Then the body of a young girl is found in one of the rooftop water tanks. Who killed her, and is her killer still in the hotel? Convinced that the establishment is hiding more secrets, Jon attempts to investigate.
The constantly shifting relationships between guests, the intense psychological and emotional pressures they experience and their not always rational responses, the feeling of always being on the brink of the irrevocable, how quickly and easily violence takes hold, all contribute to making this novel feel very credible. Despite a few overly long scenes, I found this a gripping read.
I was provided with a free electronic copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher, Atria Books, in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ***
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