Blowback

Eric Murphy’s latest novel, Blowback, hits all the marks for a first-rate political thriller. After a recent professional disgrace, former investigative journalist Ruland Nash is desperate to redeem his career—and escape the dull purgatory of golf course reviewing. When he narrowly survives a bombing in Putin’s Moscow, Ruland is determined to expose the culprits . . . But the Albanian hit squad sent to silence him is just as determined to succeed. Ruland soon joins forces with British ex-commando Monty Havel, and together, they’re thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse as they’re hunted by bomber Miro Daut and a ruthless network determined to keep the truth buried.

From Moscow to Marrakesh and beyond, this fast-paced thriller takes readers on a heart-pounding ride as they follow Ruland’s globe-spanning pursuit, unearthing a tangled web of deceit and corruption. Borders are crossed, allegiances are questioned, and the truth becomes harder to track than the bodies left in their wake. The structure—guided by Ruland’s in-progress article—grounds the action as readers follow him across America, Russia, England, Morocco, Italy, Spain, and Wales.

Murphy expertly weaves together current political tensions, suspense, and astute quips to create a plot that will astound even the most avid thriller enthusiast. Think Robert Ludlum meets John le Carré, with breakneck pacing and plenty of unexpected twists. Humorous moments offer brief reprieve, but the narrative reels readers back in with every brutal turn. One moment you’re laughing at Monty’s dry humour, the next you’re dodging bullets in a foreign city. It’s rare to find a political thriller that keeps you informed, entertained, and constantly on edge—but Blowback delivers on every front. Drawing on real-world dangers faced by journalists under authoritarian regimes, Murphy explores themes of corruption, terrorism, and international power struggle.

Perfect for fans of high-stakes international thrillers, shadowy conspiracies, and amateur detectives, Murphy’s Blowback is an unputdownable race to the finish and it’s sure to keep readers waiting for the other shoe to drop, or rather, for the next body to drop. The only question left: how far will this journalist go to uncover the truth—and will he survive long enough to write it?

—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW

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