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Once again Ken Follett has produced a treat of a read in his latest literary offering – Whiteout. In this, his 17th novel, internationally best-selling author, Follett draws the reader into an “oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive” scenario. He hasn’t lost any of his literary touch, still managing to produce a superb thriller on a par with his first Best Seller – Eye of the Needle.

The thriller’s central characters are the Oxenford family and the recently employed Toni Gallo, Head of Security at the Kremlin. It also brings in the current and very topical consequences of Chemical Warfare. Providing a new slant on terrorism without the need of stereotypical East versus West, or James Bond and his gadgets.

Set eerily within the remote and bitterly snow clad Scottish highlands, the thriller transpires over a 24-hour period, on what should be a routine and pleasurable Christmas Eve. Masterfully within the first few pages, the basis of the story swiftly begins to unravel when a theft is discovered at the “Kremlin”, a pharmaceutical research company, owned by the brilliant and immensely wealthy Microbiologist Stanley Oxenford. Shortly after the theft’s discovery, a man is found dead, dead from a violent and brutal slaying, almost unbelievably but certainly caused by his own doing. But this is just the start, a red herring perhaps to wet your appetite, or maybe it isn’t.

As the Scottish blizzard sets in making conditions treacherous - in more ways than one - the three Oxenford siblings arrive at their Father’s remote home; all prepared to spend obligatory celebrations within the confines of their decade-old family traditions. They not only arrive with their respective partners, children and gifts, they also drag along an assortment of baggage, including: love, greed, anger and the despicable quality, betrayal. One of them is out to seek revenge, to cover their back at any cost, to repay a debt, to damage the reputation of the Kremlin. And if this means the destruction of their family, then so be it, it will be done. But not everything goes to plan and the horror of realisation soon becomes apparent.

What I really liked about this book is the way the story unfolds at a good pace, not leaving you wondering when something is going to happen. Another plus would be the omittance of endless pages of description to bog you down; the language used is sufficient to not require this, while still providing an excellent read. The characters are convincingly believable, and may leave you wondering about the loyalty or intentions of your nearest and dearest, as well as the ease of chemical warfare.

Whiteout is a really enjoyable read that no doubt will be devoured by Ken Follett fans. For new readers of this genre you won’t be disappointed.