There have been increasing incidents of a mysterious, contagious illness being experienced by young people, at first in the UK, but then all over the world. They hear a ticking noise in their ears, and other people can hear it too.

It's diagnosed as 'objective tinnitus' and at first it appears an irritation, but then it seems the implications of the condition are much more serious, and tragic. As it spreads, so does the fear and panic.

What has caused this illness and how is it transmitted? Why do young people seem particularly affected?

The story develops through a core group of characters in a London school. Parents and students seek to keep their peers, and the wider community, safe while also investigating the causes. 

I would never have thought I'd want to read something about a pandemic so soon after our lived reality, but this is brilliantly done. The palpable anxiety I was encouraged to feel for the characters was well handled in a beautifully pitched, fast paced narrative. And being a novel rather than life, there is a resolution. I really enjoyed it!

Read my interview with Simon Mayo about 'Tick Tock' here.