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Alex Pearl
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The Chair Man: A thriller in which a victim of a terrorist attack wreaks vengeance from his wheelchair Kindle Edition

by Alex Pearl (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 301 ratings
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"Well-paced thriller that kept me wondering how things would turn out. It is clearly well researched and the ultimate resolution took me by surprise. Nicely written and a very recommendable thriller debut. I hope there may be more to come." -- Goodreads

Michael Hollinghurst is a successful corporate lawyer living a comfortable, suburban life in leafy North West London. But on 7 July 2005, his life is transformed when he steps on a London underground train targeted by Islamist suicide bombers. While most passengers in his carriage are killed, Michael survives the explosion but is confined to a wheelchair as a result.

Coming to terms with his predicament and controlling his own feelings of guilt as a survivor conspire to push him in a direction that is out of character and a tad reckless. In a quest to seek retribution, he resorts to embracing the internet and posing as a radical Islamist in order to snare potential perpetrators.

Much to his surprise, his shambolic scheme yields results and is brought to the attention of both GCHQ and a terrorist cell. But before long, dark forces begin to gather and close in on him. There is seemingly no way out for Michael Hollinghurst. He has become, quite literally, a sitting target.

"Just like with Line of Duty, I love it when you start getting the back story to a character, then immediately think that they are a key part of the plot.
"Alex does this with pretty much every person in the book, leading you down several character deadends and that was a great part of the tale. Just when you think you have cracked someone's role, something crops up to shatter that idea. I would love to know how Alex conducted some of his story research, particularly on aspects such as the terrorist cells, but it's probably best not to ask too much..." -- Simon Pinell, Forward Magazine

"The nearest I ever got to a "terrorist incident" was in East London, when I heard the IRA bomb go off in Docklands in 1996. I cannot predict my reaction were I to be caught up personally in such events, but I hope I would not go the same way as Michael Hollinghurst, the central figure in this entertaining and elaborately plotted novel. It is a gripping thriller that repays careful and close reading (and I will certainly read it again)." -- Graham Smith

"Michael Hollinghurst is caught up in the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London. He survives but is left paralysed and in a wheelchair, but this doesn’t stop him from seeking revenge against those responsible. And it’s amazing what he can accomplish with a computer and a dog. The melding of real and fictional events is something I do in my books and I love seeing it in others. What really sells this story is the meticulous attention to detail, both in researching the facts of that fateful day and how terrorist cells operate, but Alex Pearl also goes into incredible detail when he’s making stuff up, and that’s why it can sometimes be hard to tell where fact ends and fiction begins, and I loved that! The short, sometimes VERY short, chapters keep the book moving along at a cracking pace without ever sacrificing detail, and much like reading Dan Brown, those short chapters constantly convince you that you always have time for one more. It’s a great, original thriller with just a sprinkling of Le Carre, Tom Clancy and Ian Fleming’s famous double-O." -- Philip Henry, author of the North Coast Bloodlines series

"It is difficult to do this brilliant book justice in a short review. Anyone interested in reflections upon modern society and the impact of terror attacks, as well as those who simply enjoy a good book, will find this an engaging and involved read. The ending will also surprise them because it is certainly not anticipated." -- T. R. Robinson

THE CHAIR MAN HAS BEEN NAMED 'A FINALIST' IN THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS

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  1. Print length
    366 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    December 15, 2019
  4. File size
    2.4 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
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  7. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Well paced thriller that kept me wondering how things would turn out. It is clearly well researched and the ultimate resolution took me by surprise. Nicely written and a very recommendable thriller debut. I hope there may be more to come."
Goodreads

"The nearest I ever got to a "terrorist incident" was in East London, when I heard the IRA bomb go off in Docklands in 1996. I cannot predict my reaction were I to be caught up personally in such events, but I hope I would not go the same way as Michael Hollinghurst, the central figure in this entertaining and elaborately-plotted novel. It is a gripping thriller that repays careful and close reading (and I will certainly read it again)."
Graham Smith, 2020

About the Author

Alex Pearl is also the author of 'Sleeping with the Blackbirds' - an urban fantasy written for children and young adults that has been selected by the Indie Author Project for distribution to public libraries across Canada and the US.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B082T5P1Y2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Fizgig Press (December 15, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 15, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 366 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 301 ratings

About the author

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Alex Pearl

Alex Pearl

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Alex's first novel 'Sleeping with the Blackbirds', a darkly humorous urban fantasy, written for children and young adults, was initially published by PenPress in 2011. It was longlisted by the Millennium Book Awards 2018 and selected by the Indie Author Project in 2019 for distribution to public libraries across the US and Canada. In 2014, his fictionalised account of the first British serviceman to be executed for cowardice during the First World War was published by Mardibooks in its anthology, 'The Clock Struck War'. In 2019, his psychological thriller, 'The Chair Man', which is set in London in 2005 following the terrorist attack on its public transport system, was published by Fizgig Press in 2020, and was a Finalist in the 2021 Wishing Shelf Book Awards. During the Covid epidemic, Alex conducted 100 author interviews online in an attempt to delve into the backgrounds, motivations and working methods of authors across the globe. These interviews were published in 2022 under the title '100 Ways to Write a Book', and all author proceeds are being donated to PEN International. 'A Brand to Die For' is his first comic murder mystery set in the London advertising world of 1983 and introduces readers to two unlikely and hapless protagonists, Angus Lovejoy and Brian Finkle. It is, in fact, the first murder mystery set in a London advertising agency since Dorothy L. Sayers penned 'Murder Must Advertise' back in 1933. His sequel, 'One Man Down', has been taken up by Roundfire Books.

Alex lives in NW London with his wife and two children who are far smarter than their old man.

He is quite possibly the only human being on this planet to have been inadvertently locked in a record shop on Christmas Eve.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
301 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the plot engaging and compelling with enough intrigue to keep them hooked. They describe the book as a real page-turner with an easy-to-read writing style and casual, direct tone. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and their risky situations. The book is well-researched and provides thought-provoking details. Overall, customers find the pacing perfect and the book keeps them on edge.

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PlotReadabilityWriting styleCharacter developmentDepthPacing
19 customers mention "Plot"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the plot compelling and engaging. They describe it as a well-crafted action thriller that keeps readers on their toes. The story is about a man who decides to avenge a terrorist bombing.

"...They stimulate the reader by giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, anxiety and terror...." Read more

"...nicely, characters were interesting and likable, and the premise was intriguing—and at times very exciting...." Read more

"...It’s also a suspenseful story about loyalty and self-sacrifice, exploring the humanity of your garden variety terrorist as well as your everyday..." Read more

"...line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book...." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and engaging. They praise the author's writing style and recommend it as a good read.

"...This would have been an excellent book if a thoughtful editor had been invited to cut it down to a riveting—rather than somewhat rambling—story." Read more

"...1st book I've read written by Alex Pearl; he has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of his books...." Read more

"...Nevertheless, author Alex Pearl does a good job considering all the collateral damage that can come from such an adventure, and Pearl himself does..." Read more

"...some insight into the daily life of a paraplegic makes for a good read...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the words flow nicely, the characters interesting and likable, and the tone casual and direct, almost conversational. The writing style keeps the author's voice at bay while referencing British culture and colloquialisms.

"...I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue...." Read more

"...I really wanted to love this book. The words flowed nicely, characters were interesting and likable, and the premise was intriguing—and at times..." Read more

"...The author’s writing style is crisp, an apparent harbinger of what we can expect from his other works." Read more

"...can come from such an adventure, and Pearl himself does have a nice writing style that is pleasant to read...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find them interesting and likable, even though they are at great risk. The plots are described as scary and intriguing.

"...The plots are scary, the characters are at great risk and they make the reader really want to turn the pages...." Read more

"...I really wanted to love this book. The words flowed nicely, characters were interesting and likable, and the premise was intriguing—and at times..." Read more

"...I loved the chemistry between the characters. I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review." Read more

"Sketchy Islamists, a rich and likeable guy in a wheel chair who’s out for revenge and a detailed-filled plot line that includes some insight into..." Read more

4 customers mention "Depth"3 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the book's depth. They find it well-researched and impressed with the author's detail about the life of Michael as a tetraplegic. The book provides readers with thought-provoking insights.

"...I was very impressed with the author's detail about the life of Michael as a tetraplegic...." Read more

"What makes this book so good is it’s basis in truth and the factual detail...." Read more

"...book, the story got bogged down with extraneous characters and even more details. In storytelling, it’s important that details have a payoff...." Read more

"This is a great read; not just a thriller but also food for thought. I can thoroughly recommend this book." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing. They find it fast-paced and engaging, keeping them hooked until the end.

"...It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of thriller and suspense will want it...." Read more

"...Glad I didn't give up.. Fast pace thriller that will keep you on edge. Great plot and characters that balance out the book...." Read more

"Nicely paced read..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Piaras
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping thriller from start to finish.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Thriller is a genre that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements. They stimulate the reader by giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, anxiety and terror. A thriller usually has highs and lows in the story keeping readers on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next or how the hero/heroine will overcome the antagonist's latest evil doings. The plots are scary, the characters are at great risk and they make the reader really want to turn the pages.

    The Chair Man by Alex Pearl is a thriller that does all of the above… and more. It’s a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this thriller and suspense that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London, this thriller had me turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.

    The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Michael Hollinghurst is a successful corporate lawyer living a comfortable, suburban life in leafy North West London. But on 7 July 2005, his life is transformed when he steps on a London underground train targeted by Islamist suicide bombers. While most passengers in his carriage are killed, Michael survives the explosion but is confined to a wheelchair as a result… Coming to terms with his predicament and controlling his own feelings of guilt as a survivor conspire to push him in a direction that is out of character and a tad reckless. In a quest to seek retribution, he resorts to embracing the internet and posing as a radical Islamist in order to snare potential perpetrators… Much to his surprise, his shambolic scheme yields results and is brought to the attention of both GCHQ and a terrorist cell. But before long, dark forces begin to gather and close in on him. There is seemingly no way out for Michael Hollinghurst. He has become, quite literally, a sitting target.’

    I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of thriller and suspense will want it. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommended it. A well-deserved five stars from me.
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  • Lynda M
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great premise but ...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Alex Pearl is a good writer, and I appreciated the way he used an even hand as he wrote about both the Western way of life and that of British jihadists. Yes, the life of his protagonist, Michael, was radically changed after a London Underground terrorist attack left him a quadriplegic, but Pearl also explored how prejudice and personal hardships impacted the terrorists’ lives. This established not only a level playing field but also boosted the conflict and tension in the first half of the book.

    Pearl broke the story into two parts—the first how Michael got himself into trouble and the second how he got himself and family out of trouble. The first half worked for me, with the exception of too much detail and description. Some readers enjoy that. I don’t, but I know there are varying opinions on this. On the plus side, I learned a lot about London, medical procedures, service dogs, among other things.

    But by the second half of the book, the story got bogged down with extraneous characters and even more details. In storytelling, it’s important that details have a payoff. They need to be like puzzle pieces that come together to form a whole—not just a slew of interesting factoids. Unfortunately, too much information in the second half cut down on tension and suspense. Even Michael got lost, showing up only intermittently until the closing chapters.

    I really wanted to love this book. The words flowed nicely, characters were interesting and likable, and the premise was intriguing—and at times very exciting. This would have been an excellent book if a thoughtful editor had been invited to cut it down to a riveting—rather than somewhat rambling—story.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mike Logsdon
    5.0 out of 5 stars A taut, three-dimensional thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    In Alex Pearl’s “Chair Man,” a successful London attorney named Michael Hollinghurst has been crippled in a suicide bombing in a London subway. Now a quadriplegic, Michael decides to exact revenge on those responsible for the attack. He goes on the Internet where he devises what he thinks is an ingenious trap, but it soon backfires when it gets the attention of the British authorities -- and a local terrorist cell. Though he’s eventually placed in protective custody, it becomes evident that it’s not enough to keep him from ending up on the terrorists’ radar.

    The novel not only shares with us Michael’s universe, marked by a well-to-do lifestyle (he has enough means by which to comfortably retire), it also provides the reader with a glimpse into the shady world of Islamicism and its underworld mien, and provides us with an idea of why jihadists, who are almost always young, perpetrate such ghastly crimes. In this sense, the book deviates a bit from the traditional good guy vs. bad guy paradigm.

    Indeed, the story depicts two cultures that have coexisted for ages, only now to find their relationship has been marred. And, in a broader sense, since they’ve lived in the same country, they share many of the same cultural affinities. Tea is one example. At one point, for instance, the terrorist Qssim tells Noorani, the one responsible for altering his appearance, that “I could murder a cup of tea if there’s one on offer.” Moreover, one of its characters, Lelah Hasan, is a Muslim who works as a data analyst for a government counterterrorism unit, whose patriotism spurred her to take the job. These are people who should be united as one, but Fate has decided otherwise.

    Suspense mounts as a local terrorist cell, led by a cold, soulless woman named Benazir, successfully tracks Michael down and blackmails him. He has a trick up his sleeve, and it leads to a bittersweet ending that comes as a complete shocker. In fact, the twist at the end was never telegraphed. It seems a bit contrived, as it appears to have come from almost out of nowhere. But it works in a strange sort of way.

    The book is a well-done action-thriller, sort of a cross between Ludlum and Ian Fleming. It’s also a suspenseful story about loyalty and self-sacrifice, exploring the humanity of your garden variety terrorist as well as your everyday bloke and how their paths too often cross. The author’s writing style is crisp, an apparent harbinger of what we can expect from his other works.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ian R Hammocks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in Canada on June 23, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Well written narrative that is tight, logical and sympathetic to us all. Let’s hope that there is a sequel in the not too distant future.
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  • ruchitamathur
    5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put this book down.
    Reviewed in India on September 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Micheal Hollinghurst has been a victim of a terrorist attack. He was successfully person. He is confined to a wheelchair. His wife leaves him at this point. What follows is a tale of cunningness and planning as Micheal decides to take revenge on the people responsible for all this.

    His daughter Natasha and son ben help him since he is in a wheelchair out. Unknown to them Michael plans to get the terrorist at their own game. How he does this is amazing since he's confined to a wheelchair.

    But the intelligence agency finds out through emails that he has written to them. He is arrested. But he is determined to succeded. His friend Hugo decides to help him.

    The story plot is fast-moving. I would recommend this book to anyone.
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  • T. R. Robinson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to do this brilliant book justice.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    On 7 July 2005 there were four separate but co-ordinated terrorist suicide attacks in London, England. Three were on trains in the London Underground (Tube; Metro) and one on a bus. The day has since become known, among British citizens at least, as 7/7. It is often deemed the equivalent of the infamous United States of America’s 9/11. Though not as extensive as 9/11 it was still traumatic and devastating. There were fifty-six, mixed race, deaths (including the bombers) and seven hundred and eighty-four injuries.

    The tone, ethos, and background for this tale are established up front by the author’s dedication:

    ‘In memory of the victims of the London 7/7 atrocity and all other terrorist outrages.’

    The tale commences with the introduction of the protagonist, a survivor, despite his serious injuries, of the bombings. The reader soon learns what is to be the driving force behind the subsequent events: desire for reprisal and revenge against those for dominance and destruction. Throughout, all characters are introduced in well rounded form which enables the reader to visualise, identify, and, where appropriate, empathise, with them.

    The story unfolds from all perspectives: terrorist, victim, colleagues, medics, security personnel, friends, and family. It is to the author’s credit that he has attempted, with great success it must be said, to comprehend and understand the motivations, philosophies, and frustrations involved. It is obvious a considerable amount of research went into this remarkable tale for which the author should be commended.

    Throughout the reader is kept engaged, suspecting but not quite sure of where the tale is going and frequently surprised by where it does take them. The style flows easily building upon each block as the reader progresses. Nevertheless, despite the steady onward flow, the read should not be rushed: there is considerable content to be absorbed including many valid observations on life and society and how it has changed. It would be easy to miss much of value if the reader does not take time to assimilate each element.

    Alex Pearl has made this a realistic and relatable story by avoiding unnecessary frills other authors may have been tempted to incorporate. The reader will have no difficulty comprehending and identifying with the, sadly, modern scenarios. Though the plot, in association with the various sub-plots, may appear complex it is not really and is in no way cumbersome. Each event smoothly transitions to the next.

    It is difficult to do this brilliant book justice in a short review. Anyone interested in reflections upon modern society and the impact of terror attacks, as well as those who simply enjoy a good book, will find this an engaging and involved read. The ending will also surprise them because it is certainly not anticipated.
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  • Escobar
    4.0 out of 5 stars A well-researched, fast-paced thriller
    Reviewed in Germany on January 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    More than a touch of John Le Carré in this. All aspects of it are incredibly well researched for a start - it truly feels like the author comes from the world of espionage and knows what he's talking about. The plot juggles multiple characters and storylines and moves along at a good rate. What I liked most probably isn't something that would immediately jump out to a reader, but: it's so English. Every time I picked it up again, I was whisked away to the UK ca. 2005/2006 and it was very welcome. I haven't lived there for 10 years now, but it gave me a strong desire to go home.

    On a more conventional note, I was surprised and very pleased at how Pearl pulls the rug from under the reader's feet at the end of Part One. Without getting into spoilers or naming names, I thought I had the setup sussed and was all ready to see how it would play out and then BAM. The whole plot gets turned on its head and the focus turns to a character who had seemed on the verge of being written out of the story. And what a great character he is: he's the most lived in, from his conflicted identity to his impulsive behaviour to his soul searching to the way he talks.

    There were a few too many new characters introduced from around page 250 onward (Vladimir, Rebecca, Damien, Samantha, James, Stewart), and I would've liked a tighter focus on Michael and his fears/resolution to carry his slightly insane plan through to the end. Benazir is also complex without getting the spotlight enough. Total fist-pump of an ending, though.
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  • Keith Crawford
    4.0 out of 5 stars A solid, interesting thriller - not an exploration of disability (which is fine!)
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Corporate Lawyer Michael, severely injured in the 7/7 terrorist attacks, left wheelchair bound and thirsty for revenge, is on a quest to track down British jihadists that will drag his friends and family into mortal danger.
    I am a disabled veteran, with some counter-terrorism training and experience, who was forced to use a wheelchair for 6 years during which time I retrained as a corporate lawyer. Oh boy.
    What I like most about The Chair Man is how it shows the way one mind-blowingly, head-slapping stupid choice spirals out of control, dragging more people into its mess, who in turn demonstrate the sort of awful decision-making that is actually very realistic in the world of espionage. It is hypnotic and you cannot look away; you will root for the most unexpected, hopeless characters. I loved the moments when I found myself sort of cheering for the terrorists.
    I had a hard time empathising with Michael. This is an upper middle-class white male with massive wealth, extraordinary medical support, friends and family who love him without question or awkwardness, and back him one hundred per cent. Michael is so badass that he is giving piano lessons within a similar amount of time that I was still struggling to bathe myself. Let us say our experiences of injury were basically opposites.
    Eventually I accepted that this was my problem, and the author had made the right choice: this is a book about revenge spiralling out of control, not the grim and rather desperate nature of becoming disabled. You cannot have too much “another day of shitting yourself” get in the way of a good thriller. And this is a good, fun thriller. I particularly enjoyed the attention to period detail – I remember back in the day when we all started to get excited about tracking mobile phones – and Pearl’s research and pacing give this the feel of a more cerebral Bourne novel. If you are looking for suspense in slightly unusual packaging, this is a good choice.
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