Tick Tock by Simon Mayo

I read this in virtually 24 hours. The pace is unrelenting. Once you start, it's impossible to put down. 

The book begins with the discovery that people are experiencing unusual ticking sounds in their ears. After Covid, naturally, there are concerns about what this is and whether it's going to be an issue. And of course, it is; otherwise, it would be a pretty dull book. The ticking starts to gain momentum, and more and more people begin to experience it and fall ill.

Although the story considers the bigger picture and we see glimpses of the impact of this new disease on the world, it focuses on three main characters. Kit is a teacher, widow and father to Rose, who becomes a key part of the story after starting a school protest. And Lilly, Kit's girlfriend, who also happens to be someone in the know about biology and viruses.

Having gone through one pandemic, the world begins to readjust to the fact that a new one is occurring. There's a return to mask-wearing, social distancing etc., as well as general panic and fear that drives some of the action in the book, as well as a growing sense of unease. 

The story unravels via links to Lilly's past, and tension continues to build. With many thrillers, there is a ticking clock element. You know the sort of thing: the bomb will blow in 2 minutes, and we, the reader, are watching the clock count down. This feels like the case with this book, although it's also a physical ticking in the heads of those suffering from this new outbreak. We, as the reader, can literally hear it alongside the characters experiencing it. The ticking and the consequences of it ramp up as we head towards the finale.

If you enjoy a fast-paced thrill ride, this is for you. Although perhaps be mindful that it does involve disease and references Covid. 

I'd definitely read more by Mr Mayo.