The 3rd Woman: A Thriller

An award-winning journalist delivers a chilling and unique thriller, in which a daring reporter's investigation into her sister's death draws her into the crosshairs of enemies determined to keep their secrets safe—at any cost.

The United States and China have struck a shocking bargain: In return for forgiving trillions in debt, the People’s Republic of China—now the world’s dominant global superpower—has established a permanent military presence on US soil. Years of decline have left America economically vulnerable, and evidence of China’s cultural and political dominance is everywhere.

Journalist Madison Webb is obsessed with exposing the lies and corruption that have corroded her once great society. When her sister is savagely murdered, the police insist it’s an isolated crime. But Madison suspects the cops are hiding something. Digging for answers, she discovers her sister’s death may be one of many . . . and part of a dangerous conspiracy. Even though her life is on the line, Madison refuses to give up on the story. And sooner or later, she will have to confront the consequences of exposing the powerful forces intent on hiding the truth.

The first two murders went unnoticed. The third will change everything. . . .

She can't save her sister.

Journalist Madison Webb is obsessed with exposing lies and corruption. But she never thought she'd be investigating her own sister's murder.

She can't trust the police.

Madison refuses to accept the official line that Abigail's death was an isolated crime. She uncovers evidence that suggests her sister was the third victim in a series of killings hushed up as part of a major conspiracy.

She can expose the truth.

In a United States that now bows before the People's Republic of China, corruption is rife—the government dictates what the "truth" is. With her life on the line, Madison must give up her quest for justice—or face the consequences. . . .

“The story, spiced with murder and torture, is engrossingly labyrinthine.” - Sunday Telegraph

“The United States’ debt to China has changed the balance of power dramatically in this convincing near-future thriller from Freedland...who keeps the pages turning and unveils a twist that few will anticipate.” - Publishers Weekly

“Excellent…. This is an intelligent, finely crafted mystery, a speculative thriller that brilliantly channels the anxieties of our time.” - New York Times Book Review

“The writing is concise and compellingly readable.… Freedland has another winner here.” - Booklist

“Excellent…. Think of this novel as a gritty, noirish crossbreed of Blade Runner and L.A. Confidential.... This is an intelligent, finely crafted mystery, a speculative thriller that brilliantly channels the anxieties of our time.” - New York Times Book Review

“Boldly imaginative…. A magnetic heroine in a heart-racing story.” - A. D. Miller, author of Man Booker-shortlisted Snowdrops

“A killer novel…full of intrigue, plotting, and duplicity.” - Piers Morgan

“Nobody does the high-IQ, high-octane thriller better than Jonathan Freedland.” - Tony Parsons

“Jonathan Freedland’s inventive, thought-provoking political context gives the good plot added bite, depth and intelligence.” - The Times (London)