'From beginning to end China Lake is a book that no reader of thrillers will be able to put down. Great characters, dynamic plot, nail-biting action -- Meg Gardiner gives us everything.' -- Elizabeth George 'compelling tale, a powerful mix of murder, terrorism and a wealth of dark secrets.' -- Publishing News 'With a colourful cast of richly delineated characters, a protagonist with whom the readers will easily identify -- all big-hearted, quick-tongued and hair-trigger-tempered -- this novel provides a fast-paced ride through some of the more dubious nooks and crannies of the American dream and is an impressive opening salvo by a Surrey-based expatriate who hits the bookshelves running.' -- Maxim Jakubowski, Guardian 'Sure-footed, action-packed' -- Bookseller 'China Lake makes a strong impression. The story grips and Ms Gardiner is a welcome addition to the ranks of American thriller writers.' -- Sunday Telegraph 20020804 'With energetic, punchy prose and a breathless, action-thriller plot, China Lake is an assured debut. Evan Delaney is a great character, and Gardiner is a writer to watch.' -- Manchester Evening News 20020804 'A great first novel. Fast and hard-edged. Buy it, read it' -- Hull Daily Mail 20020809 'Meg Gardiner's writing crackles with energy' -- Writers Forum 20020809 'This is ... a cracker, with memorable characters, memorable lines and a plot that races along to an explosive ending. A great summer read.' -- Huddersfield Daily Examiner 20020809 'Religious fundamentalism, anti-Aids crusaders, nutty relatives, and a Waco-style shootout: they're all here in the exciting mix that Gardiner expertly stirs up. Great stuff.' -- Independent on Sunday 20020809