Book Log 2015 #16: Head of State by Andrew Marr 

It's 2017, and the UK is facing a referendum on whether or not to stay in the European Union. The factions, headed by the prime minister (pro-EU) and an opposition MP (anti-EU), have allowed an eminent historian unhindered access to both campaigns. At least until something shocking happens, and factions within the government unleash their own plots for the looming election, often at the expense of those who may know too much.

This is the first stab at fiction for Marr, who is a well-known political commentator in the UK. His knowledge of politics and media show through, but the book is let down by its attempt to be both straight and humorous, as it's never successful enough at either to really work. The story is pretty inventive, though, so kudos are due there.

It's also worth noting that the referendum is likely to happen in real life - the Conservatives committed to one by the end of 2017 in their platform for the 2015 general election. It will hopefully entail less murder than what's in the book.