‘The Rule’ – David Jackson

The Rule is simple. Don’t touch anyone. This is to protect people, to stop someone getting hurt. Twenty-three year old Daniel can follow this rule, just one of a number of rules that he follows to keep himself safe. But one day he forgets the rule…and it sets off a devastating sequence of events.
Daniel lives with his mum and dad in a pretty run-down area. He leads a simple life, but when he sees his father being attacked by a man in the lift – the man whose backpack contains bags of white powder, bundles of money and a gun – Daniel knows what he has to do.
Unfortunately, Daniel’s strength results in him killing this man. A tragic accident, but out of concern for how their son might be treated by the police, Daniel’s parents do not do what most would. They cover up the crime…and so begins a terrifying few days as the consequences of their actions catch up with them.
While we cannot help but be invested in the events surrounding Daniel and his family, I really liked the way we also got the story of Hannah, the lead officer investigating the murder (because, of course, this is discovered pretty quickly) and how she is forced to confront her own demons in the course of this investigation.
The story itself is so out of the everyday, but the care with which the characters are presented means you cannot help but follow each twist and turn in desperation of seeing how things pan out.
The Rule is a fast-paced story, but one which draws you in. You’re exposed to a dark underbelly, and though some of the choices made by these characters are definitely putting them on the wrong side of the law it’s hard not to hope things work out for them.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this in advance of publication.