‘See No Evil’ by Michael Ridpath

Published by Michael Joseph,
27 April 2006.
ISBN: 978- 0-718-14677-1 (HB)

Following his departure from the financial institution Bloomfield Wess Alex Caulder is now part owner of a flying school based at Langthorpe Aerodrome. He receives an unexpected visit from his old friend Kim whom he hasn’t seen for 10 years. Kim is now married to Todd van Zyl, son of the South African newspaper tycoon Cornelius van Zyl. Todd wants Alex to investigate the death of his mother eighteen years ago. Todd had always believed his mother had been killed by guerrillas - shot at a game reserve near Cape Town - but the recent discovery of a letter written shortly before her death suggests the crime is closer to home. Although reluctant Alex agrees to make some tentative enquires which bring him once again into the sphere of his old enemy at Bloomfield Weiss.

Alex is a gambler, what else are money market traders? And can easily be drawn into taking a risk, but this time the risk puts Todd into a coma and Alex has to take stock of what’s important. Family loyalties are severely tested in this undertaking.

The story opens in South Africa in 1988 when fear is committed to paper and the story switches between the past and the current day, so that we build up a picture of the situation before the event. The story is both colourful and powerful, presenting a picture of money and idealism - which is the most inspirational, or the more powerful?

As with all Michael Ridpath’s stories the stakes are extremely high and the tentacles of this cover-up stretch far, culminating in a surprising ending.

I have read and enjoyed all Michael’s books, and this is one of the most gripping, although Trading Reality still remains a firm favourite.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes

Michael Ridpath was born in Devon in 1961, but brought up in Yorkshire. He was educated at Millfield, Merton College, Oxford. Before becoming a writer, he worked in the City of London as a bond trader.  He has written eight thrillers set in the worlds of business and finance. In 2010 he published the Where the Shadows Lie, the first in the Fire and Ice series featuring an Icelandic detective named Magnus Jonson. In between the writing the series he has published three standalone novels. He lives in London.

http://michaelridpath.com/