Bibliofemme Reviews
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The Murder Exchange by Simon Kernick 
(Published by Black Swan)
When ex-mercenary Max Iversson is introduced to night-club owner Roy Fowler, he senses immediately that the man is trouble. Fowler wants security for a meeting with a group of 'businessmen' who are looking to buy his club. Five grand for a couple of hours' work is too tempting a proposition to turn down, so Iversson - against his better judgement - accepts the job.
When Max and two colleagues accompany Fowler to a deserted London industrial estate for the meeting, it turns into a bloodbath. Three men end up dead and Iversson escapes but now he's on the run from a triple homicide.
Detective Sergeant John Gallan is investigating the fatal poisoning by snakebite of a doorman who worked at Fowler's club. Leads are scarce and when they do appear, so do bodies.
Unbeknownst to each other Gallan and Iversson are heading in the same direction, towards a final confrontation from which neither man is likely to emerge in one piece.
With The Murder Exchange, Simon Kernick has produced a finely-honed thriller, which unravels with admirable unpredictability.
July 2004
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