Holding The Zero

A Sniper's War, A Soldier's Redemption

Holding The Zero by Gerald Seymour is a gripping and intelligent thriller set against the brutal landscape of war-torn Iraq. First published by Corgi Books in 2001, this novel combines deep character insight with razor-sharp suspense, delivering a powerful story of duty, vengeance, and survival.

The Target Is Clear. The Mission Is Not.

British sniper Gus Peake is a man haunted by failure and disgrace. Given a final chance at redemption, he’s dropped into the chaos of northern Iraq to assist a Kurdish resistance fighter—known only as “The Zero”—in the assassination of a ruthless Iraqi general. But nothing in war is simple, and the mission soon spirals into something far more dangerous.

Behind Enemy Lines, Trust Is the First Casualty

As alliances shift and hidden agendas emerge, Gus must rely on his skill, discipline, and fading belief in himself. From the highlands of Kurdistan to the streets of Baghdad, Seymour delivers a taut narrative where each shot fired carries moral weight and personal cost.

For Fans of Realistic, Character-Driven Thrillers

Holding The Zero is a masterclass in modern war fiction—tense, thought-provoking, and deeply human. Gerald Seymour proves once again why he's one of the genre's finest voices.