What happens when a rogue FBI agent has nothing to lose?
Jack Heath's latest Timothy Blake thriller, Hideout, hammers home the moral dilemmas this anti-hero encounters when he rocks up at an isolated house in Texas to confront a criminal. Unfortunately there are also a group of psychopaths – the Guards – present and a bunch of desperate people chained up in the renovated slaughterhouse. Luckily the Guards think Blake is one of their online associates, Lux, thus presenting him with the opportunity to dish out retribution while figuring out how to deal with the horrific situation.
If you are not already familiar with Heath's Timothy Blake, here is our review for the first novel, Hangman.
In order to understand the Blake's back story and the character relationships it is best to read Hangman and Hunter prior to Hideout.
TW for the overall violence, murder, torture, extortion, drug use, abuse, DV, and nearly every horrible thing humans do to each other. Saying that, you probably watch worse on TV and in films. Read Hangman and Hunter prior to Hideout and if you find the content in them too much then don't pick up Hideout. This book is NOT suitable for children/minors.
Hideout is not a run-of-the-mill thriller where the good guy takes down the bad guys and everyone returns home in time for tea. In Hideout one somewhat bad guy – with a handful redeemable qualities – takes on a group of even worse bad guys in order to prevent other people from suffering. Heath has crafted a complex storyline which explores how intolerance, inequality, poverty, and social media outrage can lead to catastrophic, life changing events. Parts of the story, particularly near the climax, feel eerily similar to incidents in America this year.
Featuring shifting alliances, 21st century manipulation, and the appearance of someone from Blake's past, Hideout follows Blake as he lends a hand to outwit on the original vigilantes and demonstrates how his morals are somewhat more admirable than those who think they have the higher moral ground.
As per the previous books, Heath is particularly apt at causing readers to wonder what the hell else can go wrong in Blake's life?! Blake's ability to not react to the horrid things the Guards do and impersonate someone else saves his butt time after time. He's smart enough to survive; however, also acknowledges his own fragility and is resigned to dying – providing he achieves his goal first.
Beneath the layers of cruelty and manipulation, Heath offers a social commentary of how some people justify inflicting nefarious acts on others. The Guards Blake infiltrates believe the 'talent' receive what they deserve due to their supposed morally reprehensible crimes. However, what happens if you are anonymously accused of something horrendous and you don't receive the opportunity to defend yourself? Heath is of course alluding to the culture of social media where one anonymous accusation can cause a furore and ruin lives – or in some cases, end them. The consequences of a malicious accusation or hidden agenda are on full display in Hideout, with multiple scenes highlighting the desperation of people trying to survive and the depravity of those who think they are qualified to be judge, jury, and executioner.
Hideout's resolution suggests Blake may have new employment opportunities available with the revelation that another of America's intelligence agencies – the CIA – recognise his talents.
Overall, the flock will be pleased to hear that no lambs are harmed in this novel as the psychopathic Guards are vegetarian and embrace sustainable living.
The Verdict
Lachie: It was lovely to become reacquainted with the talented Mister Blake. I devoured Hideout and was pleased to see Heath maintained his usual standard of riddles and twisted scenarios. I look forward to reading about Blake's next adventure.
Layla: A bit too chilling for my tastes. However, kudos to Heath for casting the antagonists as eco-friendly vegetarians.
God-Mahh: Waiting on an situation where Blake can't chew his way out of trouble. Book 4 please.
Hideout is available in December 2020 and published by Allen & Unwin in Australia.
Disclaimer: Lachie received a copy of Hideout from Allen & Unwin in his P.O. Box.
However, this review is not paid, sponsored, or endorsed by the publisher or author.
It is Godd-Mahh, and Lachie’s, own opinions, which probably should not be taken as gospel.
Although Heath is also a children’s author the TIMOTHY BLAKE BOOKS ARE NOT FOR CHILDREN.
Please don’t let them read it, or you may end up paying for therapy.
