Ten Days. Seven Deadly Sins
Simon Hayes
23 December 2024… Rob Tanner should have been enjoying a rare day off from his life-consuming work as Chief Operating Officer at one of the country’s largest banks. But a panicked phone call from a senior colleague forces him to put his Christmas plans on ice: more than a thousand of the bank’s accounts have seen their balances increased by a factor of ten. Exactly ten. Through the inexplicably simple addition of an extra zero. And when the inflated balances prove to be neither early Christmas gifts, nor a botched computer system upgrade, but the most sophisticated cyber attack in history, Tanner finds himself in the eye of a “Black Swan’ storm no one predicted, but anyone could have anticipated.
Tanner enlists the help of brilliant American cyber security expert Ashley Markham, but the attacks only worsen: bank balances rise remorselessly and spread to all the nation’s banks. The only clues to the hacker’s intentions are cryptic daily emails, centred on Hieronymus Bosch’s medieval representation of the seven deadly sins―and packed with colourful artistic and cultural references―taunting Tanner and the newly incumbent Prime Minister, James Allen.
With financial markets―and the very world as he knows it―on the brink of collapse, Tanner races against the clock to decode not just the bizarre emails but their deeper meaning, and the implications for who he can really trust. All the while, his former boss “The Toad” is seeking revenge… and answers of his own.
This enthralling, multi-layered debut follows the story of a disillusioned banker facing unthinkable financial Armageddon, where money has no value, stock and bond prices are meaningless, and the economy is destroyed. Can Tanner unravel the mystery of the hacker’s obsession with Bosch, sin and retribution before modern society returns to the dark ages?
My Review of ZER0 RI$K
ZER0 RI$K is more than just a thriller. It’s a wake-up call to the world. Simon Hayes draws you into his strikingly smart debut novel from the very first page with a story that will linger long after you’ve finished reading.
The story begins in London, on a cold, snowy 23rd December 2024 which, being only a few weeks into the future, felt hauntingly close to reality. The urgency is palpable, and the vivid descriptions ground you in a world that feels both familiar and terrifying. The characters, so intricately crafted, feel like people you might pass on the street or even know personally. This connection deepened my empathy as their fears, hopes, and struggles unfolded, making the stakes feel all too real.
Although my understanding of cybercrime and cybersecurity was limited, Hayes’s storytelling made the technical details accessible and compelling. I’d never heard of a “black swan” cyberattack before, but the concept—and its terrifying plausibility—left me deeply unsettled. The realism of ZER0 RI$K rivals the infamous “Post Office scandal,” where IT failures shattered countless lives in the UK. Hayes brings the same unsettling energy to this story, leaving you questioning: What if this happened tomorrow?
One of the book’s standout features is the cryptic clues woven throughout the plot. While I was gripped by the unfolding events, I knew this was a book I wouldn’t want to part with, so I ordered a paperback copy for a friend who would love solving the puzzles. Then, when a cold left me unable to read clearly, I switched to the audiobook version—and the story completely captured my attention all over again.
This dual-layer experience makes the book both a thriller and a puzzle. With references to art, music, and riddles, Hayes has crafted something that transcends the typical thriller and offers an experience that feels unique and interactive.
The plot’s pacing is relentless, spanning ten tension-filled days during the Christmas holiday period. The mix of financial crime, cryptic clues, and global investigative work gives the story a wide scope, while its focus on London’s financial district roots it in an intimate, high-stakes world. I especially appreciated the private investigators, who remind us that even in our digital age, some answers require real-world legwork. This added a layer of suspense and took the story beyond London, adding an international flavour.
The book’s snowy, festive backdrop contrasts sharply with the high-pressure stakes, enhancing the atmosphere. It’s the kind of story that draws you in completely, making you root for the good guys while fearing they might not succeed. Hayes’s writing balances tension and intrigue masterfully, making this an intense and rewarding read.
Physically, the hardback looks a big beast, but it’s a pleasure to hold. The thoughtfully chosen, easy-to-read font make it perfect for long reading sessions. Having the book in my hands helped ground me during such a gripping, reality-blurring story. A reassuring reminder that it is fiction, not fact.
For a debut, this novel is remarkably polished. Its sharp writing, ingenious premise, and tight pacing feel ready-made for a Netflix thriller series. By the end, I was left thinking: Oh my God, could this actually happen?
If you’re looking for a thriller that’s smart, immersive, and thought-provoking, ZER0 RI$K is a must-read. With its cryptic puzzles, high-stakes drama, and disturbingly realistic premise, it’s a book that will stay with you long after the final page.
The Author
Simon Hayes is an award-winning former headhunter and investment banker. His finance career took him from his home city London, where he was a top-ranked securities analyst in the Institutional Investor and Extel surveys, to the US, Hong Kong and Japan. Search led Simon back to Tokyo, where he was recognised as the “Best Headhunting Executive” in Japan by Asiamoney, then as head of a leading London-based Financial Services practice into the City’s most exclusive boardrooms.
He wrote Zero Ri$k, his first novel, whilst creating the rubriqs® people skills system, and he spent much of 2023 in Zimbabwe on a major fraud case. Born and raised in West London, Simon was the first member of his family to attend university, graduating from Trinity Hall, Cambridge with a degree in Law.
Simon Hayes can be found on Instagram and Threads has a LinkTree and a website if you are looking for more information.
The Book
- Title: Zero Ri$k
- Author: Simon Hayes
- Publisher: The Rubriqs Press
- Publication:
- Digital (25 May 2024)
- Hardback (25 June 2024)
- Audio (16 July 2024)
- Paperback (25 October 2024)
The Music
Throughout the book there are references to music, and these are listed at the end of the novel. I have put together a playlist on spotify that you can listen to should you wish: bit.ly/4iesjau
The Review
I joined the Love Books Tours ReadAlong for ZER0 RI$K in November 2024 and received a fantastic media pack, which included both digital and hardback editions of the book, along with the other items shown in the photo below. Participating in the ReadAlong, with many others, meant reading the book and engaging with the ten question cards alongside the other participants. This was such a fun activity and definitely sparked great discussions among everyone involved! Scroll down to view the quetions and my answers.
I enjoyed the book so much that I read it quickly—and then decided to read it again, well we had a whole month! A second read always uncovers details you might miss the first time! Then I fell ill and couldn’t read, so I switched to the audiobook, and it was fantastic. The narrator did an excellent job, bringing the story to life all over again.
In case it’s not clear how much I loved this book, I even bought a paperback copy for a friend—there was no way I was lending out my cherished hardback. That was, until the author kindly sent me a dedicated copy just for me. Now I have two friends hooked and reading to see what all the excitement is about. This book is simply brilliant! 10/10
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites such as Goodreads, StoryGraph, Google Play, Apple Books, Kobo, and of course Amazon and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.
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The questions
click to view on instagram – and please, do add your own response too!
💸My response to Question 1
Yes. I have had to do things I didn’t want to do – I think we all have at some point. The important thing is to learn from the experience.
As for the book, I don’t see that Rob had much choice. Things could have been different had Holly briefed Rob ahead of the presentation.
💸My response to Question 2
My childhood Christmas memories are cosy family gatherings which always make me smile.
Now I’m the adult I prefer a quieter time at home on my own where I can spend the day in PJs reading.
💸My response to Question 3
I worry about the direction the world is heading.
Growing up, we were taught the importance of manners and respect—they were foundational values. Nowadays, it feels like genuine courtesy and respect are becoming rare qualities.
💸My response to Question 4
Yes, We worked in different departments, maintaining a professional relationship as colleagues.
What began as casual flirting grew into a deep, lifelong friendship.
💸My response to Question 5
I’m not familiar with the Bond movies. However, I’m drawn to villains who have depth and a believable motivation behind their actions. When a villain’s actions stem from a compelling, even relatable reason, it makes them so much more interesting.
I’d imagine my favorite Bond villain would be one who challenges Bond not just with their schemes, but with their own story—a character who, despite being on the wrong side, has a purpose that almost makes you sympathize with them.
💸My response to Question 6
I enjoy puzzles and love the challenge of working through them, though I’ll admit I don’t always have the greatest success with cryptic clues.
Still, the process is fun and rewarding—it’s like flexing a mental muscle, and even when I don’t solve them all, I always learn something new!
The cryptic clues in the book are brilliant, and I’ve even bought a copy for a friend who I know will especially enjoy that element.
💸My response to Question 7
I absolutely love receiving a handwritten letter, especially from close friends—it feels so much more personal than an email. There’s something timeless and heartfelt about a letter that digital messages just can’t match.
However, with the rising cost of postage in the UK, it’s become less affordable than it once was, especially when email is free. Still, I think there’s something special about slowing down and taking the time to write; it reminds us of the value of truly thoughtful communication.
💸My response to Question 8
I am no good at insults but I do love a Christmas (Hallmark-style) movie so I guess it would be something along the lines of “You’re like the fake snow in every Hallmark Christmas movie—cold, unconvincing, and nobody’s buying it.”
💸My response to Question 9
I’m someone who values being early —sometimes too early!
I always factor in extra time for delays.
Once, I took a friend to a hospital appointment and, despite living only 25 minutes away, we arrived 90 minutes early — whoops!
💸My response to Question 10
I am no longer able to work due to medical reasons, so I don’t use acronyms daily.
However, in the bookish world where I spend most of my time, acronyms are common, and it can be tricky to figure them out—especially if they reference a book I’m not yet familiar with.
It definitely keeps me on my toes!
MoMoBookDiary 
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