What the heck was that. Felt like a very basic version of John Marrs’ Passengers, but somehow *even more* unrealistic, and just entirely cheesy and predictable. Nearly gave up at 50%.. the second half was better as it was more fast paced, but overall rather ridiculous.

I'd give this book a million stars if I could!

I have read a few Linwood Barclay books before, but this one was completely different! Look Both Ways is set on Garrett Island, where an experiment is taking place using self-driving vehicles called 'Arrivals'. From early on, we know it isn't going well as the cars are infiltrated and they become destructive. The usually quiet island suddenly becomes the backdrop for some truly horrific events and somewhere that everyone is trying to escape.

I have to admit, I really liked this book! The story isn't something that would usually appeal to me, but I liked the characters and enjoyed watching the different stories all come together.

As always, the book was well written and I felt completely invested in the story.

My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me an ARC in return for an honest review.

An intriguing concept handled in a workmanlike fashion without many surprises. The people of the fictional Garrett Island, a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, agreed to an experiment / publicity stunt that turned the community into an all-autonomous vehicle town; they had no idea what they were letting themselves in for. The target of a piece of corporate subterfuge, the experiment immediately goes awry, with the “Arrival” vehicles unleashed against the townspeople as predators. The result is cinematic attacks on the mall and rescue vehicles arriving from the mainland on a ferry, kids in peril, and townspeople banding together to defeat the angry cars. With 432 pages to work with, I would have thought we could have gotten some insight into a smooth running town of self-driving cars, to let the tension build a little, but Barclay opted for instant action instead. I’m sure we’ll see this theme again, however, and it will be interesting to see what other authors do with it.

I have read and enjoyed several books by this author but this one wasn’t a favourite for me. I found some of the plot twists predictable and unlikely. I can see others have given very positive reviews.

A quick and easy read, enjoyed it. Predictable but a good twist near the end. 3.5/5

Once I got past seeing my name on almost every page, I flew through this book. While not the usual Linwood Barclay suspense, it was still the usual character driven plot. Even the cars became characters. A light, quick read to brighten up the cold winter days...

I always love Linwood Barclay's novels, but I think this is my favourite in recent memory. He says it is a little different for him. It is brilliant and terrifying, especially in the age of rapidly expanding AI capabilities. The solution is brilliant. So great.