Rating: 4/5
Geneva by Richard Armitage is the multi-award winning stage, screen and voice actors debut novel.
It is very clear that the close friendship Richard Armitage shares with Harlan Coben (award-winning author who’s had many books turned into series by Netflix) has paid off in terms of inspiration for Geneva. It is a thrilling read that I could definitely see one day being the solid bones of its own TV series or feature film.
So why should you read Geneva by Richard Armitage?
Richard Armitage’s debut thriller, Geneva, is an engrossing, atmospheric novel that showcases his storytelling talent, honed from years as an accomplished actor. The book is a psychological thriller with an intriguing blend of scientific ambition, moral dilemmas, and intense character drama, set against the backdrop of the secretive world of medical research in the prestigious city of Geneva.
The story follows Daniel Winter, an eminent virologist, and his wife, Sarah Collier, a renowned neuroscientist, as they head to a conference in Switzerland. What starts as an intellectual retreat quickly spirals into a web of mystery and danger. Armitage weaves a complex narrative that mixes the personal and the professional, delving into the shadows of corporate espionage, ethical concerns in medical science, and the pressure of fame.
Armitage’s writing is sharp and confident, drawing readers in with his vivid descriptions of Geneva’s snowy streets and the clinical coldness of the laboratories. He creates a sense of isolation that permeates the novel, amplifying the tension as secrets unravel. The city of Geneva itself becomes almost a character in the novel, with its elegant yet cold exterior hiding the darker undercurrents that propel the plot.
The strength of Geneva lies in its central characters. Daniel and Sarah are not only highly successful but also deeply flawed, making them compelling and very human. The psychological nuances of their relationship, as it is tested by professional competition and personal guilt, feel real and palpable. Armitage’s background as an actor shines through in his ability to flesh out their emotional lives, particularly in moments of conflict and vulnerability. He excels at building characters who are struggling with ethical grey areas, making their choices and the resulting consequences feel all the more gripping.
The plot is fast-paced, full of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. The scientific backdrop adds an intellectual edge, with Armitage exploring the implications of cutting-edge research on memory and the ethics of medical breakthroughs. While some of the scientific jargon may be dense at times, it’s balanced by the human drama that drives the story forward.
If there is a critique to be made, it’s that some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped. Certain plot threads might have benefited from more exploration, and there are moments where the twists feel a little familiar for seasoned thriller readers. However, these are minor issues in an otherwise strong debut.
Do I recommend reading Geneva by Richard Armitage?
Yes I do. Ultimately, Geneva is an impressive first novel from Richard Armitage. It’s a fast-paced, intelligent thriller that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the moral complexities of science and success. Fans of psychological thrillers with a scientific twist will find much to enjoy in this book, and it suggests that Armitage has a promising future as a novelist. I really hope this is his first of many!
And an added bonus at only 280 pages, it is not the longest thriller and can be finished off quite quickly if you have a spare few hours to yourself or want to disappear from reality (like on your commute!).
Get your printed copy today at Amazon, or on Amazon Kindle or listen to the audiobook on Audible.
Read my other book reviews here.