In the chilling winter of 1979, the world stands on the brink of transformation, and so does the life of Allie Burns, a determined investigative journalist fighting to carve her name in the tumultuous landscape of a male-dominated newsroom. Val McDermid, Britain's undisputed Queen of Crime, introduces us to a world where the quest for truth is as dangerous as it is compelling. Allie, one of the rare women in her field, knows that the only way to gain respect among her peers is to unearth a story so explosive, it cannot be ignored. Her relentless pursuit leads her and fellow reporter Danny Sullivan into the depths of corruption, terror, and murder, making them targets of formidable foes who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. As Allie digs deeper, she stumbles upon a terrorist threat that hits alarmingly close to home. With the stakes higher than ever, she devises a perilous plan to expose the truth, fully aware that a single misstep could be deadly. "1979" is not just a journey back in time; it's an intricate dance on the razor's edge of ethical journalism, a testament to the courage of those who seek to shine a light in the darkest corners of society. McDermid masterfully weaves a narrative that is as much about the fight for equality and recognition as it is about solving a chilling mystery, making "1979" a gripping addition to her illustrious body of work.