A gripping international thriller, perfect for fans of Homeland. Trust. Betrayal. Conspiracy. Jacob Seger is a trainee diplomat who dreams of changing the world. But on his first posting, in Beirut, he meets a handsome stranger at a party and is swept up in a passionate, obsessive, affair. His relationship with Yassim eclipses everything – until one day Jacob recognises his own face in the newspaper. He is wanted on terrorism charges. Has Yassim set him up? Is he now a pawn in a murderous plot? Jacob is being pulled into a dangerous and complicated game. He needs to learn the rules, and escape Beirut – and he needs to do it fast. At once a moving love story and a gripping adventure, The Friend is an intelligent, urgent thriller that casts light on the dark threats facing the world today. WORLDWIDE REVIEWS FOR JOAKIM ZANDER: ''Fresh, raw and exciting'' Sunday Times (UK). ''A thriller of rare ambition'' Daily Mail (UK). ''Gripping and urgent'' Irish Independent (UK). ''Timely and relevant'' Literary Review (UK). ''Both forceful and subtle... Powerfully orchestrated tension set against a strong dose of social commentary'' Independent (UK). ''An absorbing thriller in a complex world of spies, politics, terrorism and assassination... Excellent'' The Times (UK). ''A multi-layered thriller full of style, drive and immediacy'' Göteborgs-Posten (Sweden). ''Wonderfully written... A superb thriller'' Metro (Croatia). ''Intrigue, action and adrenaline mixed to perfection'' Librería Reconquista (Spain). ''A terrific page-turner rich with complex conflicts and a big, meaty, chillingly credible conspiracy'' Chris Pavone (USA). ''A riveting thriller with a great plot. What more can you ask for?'' Lokalavisen (Denmark). ''An explosive, thrilling dance fuelled by authenticity'' Il Giornale (Italy). ''A multi-layered, action-packed thriller'' Dorstener Zeitung (Germany).