29 Seconds

Given the opportunity to make someone permanently disappear with no repercussions, would a decent person take it? That’s the question posed by this uneven thriller from British author Logan (Lies). London literature professor Sarah Haywood, who’s married with two young children, has been working toward a full-time teaching position at Queen Anne University for years. The only thing standing in her way is her lecherous department head, charming and charismatic Alan Hawthorne, whose fame and position have allowed him to assault women for decades with no consequences. When Haywood is given the chance to have the man who’s destroying her career killed, she takes it—but the results of her decision are unanticipated. Though short chapters help sustain the brisk pacing and nonstop action keeps tension high, the contrived story line (particularly how Haywood gets the chance to strike back at her harasser) and clichéd characters (Hawthorne is Harvey Weinstein in corduroy trousers and a cravat) make this a predictable and less than satisfying reading experience. Hopefully, Logan will return to form next time. [em]100,000 announced first printing. Agent: Camilla Wray, Darley Anderson Literary (U.K.). (Sept.) [/em]