Single Source by Peter Hanington

A Single Source by Peter Hanington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Arab Spring was a media dream, the only story, you had to be there. William Carver however finds out some disturbing truths and starts to track them despite the protests of his editor. Yes there is always money to be made where there is unrest. The story centres on two schemes both common, illegal and international. Corruption and people trafficking. The most harrowing is the story of two brothers making the trip from Eritrea to Europe and describes in some details the horrors the thousands pay large sums of money to undertake. The book is using real life events and opening up the details of events going on from day to day in the real world.

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Goodbye Paris by Mike Bond

Goodbye Paris by Mike Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book with normal special forces action and thrills, but what makes it great is the integration of Islamic terrorism. The author cleverly avoids tagging every Muslim a terrorist but shows them as terrorist who have hijacked a religion. Paris could be doomed with report that Mustapha has arrived or is about arrive and could only mean trouble. Not only does it provides exciting action, it also raises some important questions for European societies on how the surge in Islamic migrants are integrated into local cultures or prevented from entry. The terrorists have been able to hide easily without restriction and this is multiplying the danger, sobering.

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Tokyo Firewall by Elizabeth Wilkerson

Tokyo Firewall: a novel of international suspense by Elizabeth Wilkerson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sadly this could have been a five star book but the author made the character appear to be a bit thick and naive for the hot shot lawyer she was meant to be. The plot was fine but it became apparent very early on that Allison was not the one in trouble and all the suspense was dissipated. The book however was entertaining enough to give three stars. I did like the trawl through old tech of dial up computing, bringing back memories of myself travelling and using the old tech. Perhaps if the author had concentrated more on the suspense it would have been worthy of better praise.

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One way by S. J. Morden

One Way by S.J. Morden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great combination for me, greedy corporations and Sci Fi. The story has an unusual setting - Mars but the motives and competing agendas are fairly regular. Convicts are recruited to swap there life sentences for life on Mars building the first base there. The story follows Frank Kittridge and his interaction with the other convicts and the only company man Brack. It moves along at a quick pace even although the storyline spans years but retains adventure, mystery and twists all the way. Interestingly the author also paints a realistic picture of what life on Mars may be like for the first residents. Recommended

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The Island by Ragnar Jonasson

The Island by Ragnar Jónasson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is perfect example of Nordic Noir. Set in Iceland Hulda is a police detective who picks up an unusual case of a suspicious death on a uninhabited island. It has to be one four friends as no one else was on the island or was there. The writing is very smooth and easy to follow building the tension as it goes without giving any major clues. Yes it is just a glorified "who done it" but it combines it with the problems of life in Iceland, long days or nights and the struggle with mental health. Unfortunately I expected more thrills hence only three stars but it was entertaining nonetheless.

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Out of the Dark by Gregg Hurwitz

Out of the Dark by Gregg Hurwitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My type of book, dark dealings by the executive. With fake news getting a very high profile it makes you wonder what are they hiding. This book explores one of those dark programmes that no one has responsibility for but this one was the baby of the current Potus when he was at the DOD. Orphans taken from their foster homes and turned into killing machines. Orphan X decides that he is under threat if he himself does not remove the controller - the president. This is a well written story of evil turned to good or at least that what we hope. Thrilling throughout with some great action. Recommended .

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Secret Service by Tom Bradby

Secret Service by Tom Bradby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kate an agent on the Russia desk in MI6 is convinced there is a mole in her office but who is it. Good spy thriller with action and surprising twists. The author makes it a very easy read, no complications or complex plots. The book explores the delicate relationships between Russia and other states showing how these relationships are shrouded in total mistrust. Not your George Smilely novel but for me a better alternative and more entertaining.

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