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Dan Shepherd #8
Fair Game
Dan "Spider" Shepherd is working for MI5, investigating Somali pirates with links to terrorism in Britain. Meanwhile, the crew of a yacht (including the prime minister's god-daughter) has been kidnapped by the pirates and is being held hostage in Somalia. A covert operation run by MI5 hopes to kill two birds with one stone. Shepherd will go undercover on a container ship they know will be targeted by the pirates, and hopefully will discover not only where the yacht's hostages are being held but also the ringleaders behind the terrorist plans. At the same time though, Shepherd is being hunted down by the Real IRA. And now that he's on the container ship his family are alone and vulnerable.
544 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
145 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,530 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 13, 2011
Spider spins another thrilling web of action & intrigue!
Dan (Spider) Shepherd works for MI5 and ‘Fair Game’ is the latest in the present series of eight tales of his undercover escapades.
The story begins with Spider working undercover in Ireland. After a very brief sojourn at home, his next assignment involves Somali Pirates who have seized a yacht complete with five crewmembers. Intelligence garnered by MI5 suggests plans are also afoot to seize a container ship. The pirates have connections in London so their activities have implications and possible repercussions in the UK.
Familiar characters are still in the background: Spider’s son, Liam; the au pair Katra; his MI5 controller, Charlotte Button; and psychologist, Caroline Stockmann.
I have long admired the authors astonishing ability to write stories that capture a reader’s attention and the Dan Shepherd series is one I have followed with enthusiasm since the publication of the first in the series, Hard Landing. The author has the knack of transporting his readers into a carefully crafted world where they can immerse themselves in Spider’s exploits.
The scenarios are bang up to date with such well researched, topical story lines that it makes these fictional works more than plausible. Combine this with the talent to correctly pace the narrative and deftly weave necessary detail and explanations into the story and you begin to understand why the books are such hugely successful bestsellers.
Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Spider Shepherd books but think ‘Fair Game’ is right up there with the best and reinforces Stephen Leather’s international bestseller status.
Each of the books can be read as standalone novels – but be warned, once you’ve enjoyed this, you’ll want to read all in the series.
If you only read one book this year, I would emphatically recommend this; if I could award five stars plus, I would certainly do so.
The order for the series and the dates first published are:
Hard Landing (2004); Soft Target (2005); Cold Kill (2006); Hot Blood (2007); Dead Men (2008); Live Fire (2009); Rough Justice (2010).
I believe all have now been released to download as ebooks.
Dan (Spider) Shepherd works for MI5 and ‘Fair Game’ is the latest in the present series of eight tales of his undercover escapades.
The story begins with Spider working undercover in Ireland. After a very brief sojourn at home, his next assignment involves Somali Pirates who have seized a yacht complete with five crewmembers. Intelligence garnered by MI5 suggests plans are also afoot to seize a container ship. The pirates have connections in London so their activities have implications and possible repercussions in the UK.
Familiar characters are still in the background: Spider’s son, Liam; the au pair Katra; his MI5 controller, Charlotte Button; and psychologist, Caroline Stockmann.
I have long admired the authors astonishing ability to write stories that capture a reader’s attention and the Dan Shepherd series is one I have followed with enthusiasm since the publication of the first in the series, Hard Landing. The author has the knack of transporting his readers into a carefully crafted world where they can immerse themselves in Spider’s exploits.
The scenarios are bang up to date with such well researched, topical story lines that it makes these fictional works more than plausible. Combine this with the talent to correctly pace the narrative and deftly weave necessary detail and explanations into the story and you begin to understand why the books are such hugely successful bestsellers.
Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Spider Shepherd books but think ‘Fair Game’ is right up there with the best and reinforces Stephen Leather’s international bestseller status.
Each of the books can be read as standalone novels – but be warned, once you’ve enjoyed this, you’ll want to read all in the series.
If you only read one book this year, I would emphatically recommend this; if I could award five stars plus, I would certainly do so.
The order for the series and the dates first published are:
Hard Landing (2004); Soft Target (2005); Cold Kill (2006); Hot Blood (2007); Dead Men (2008); Live Fire (2009); Rough Justice (2010).
I believe all have now been released to download as ebooks.
July 16, 2011
One has to admire the author's bravery. He has taken his popular British Police undercover operative "Spider" Shepherd and moved him into the UK Intelligence Services. Partly, I think, it is because the controls and political correctness of the Police, did not give sufficient wriggle room to take his character where Mr Leather wanted to go. So now Shepherd and his boss are with MI5 and the story starts in explosive fashion as Spider breaks cover in Ireland to halt the execution of another undercover agent. This action will have consequences for Spider as he moves onto his next assignment.
Spider finds that the new world is different, but the problems that made his previous role difficult still exist. Spider does speak for "everyman" in his frustrations that sometimes we are our own worst enemies in that overly liberal attitudes create many problems and then dilute our ability to resolve them. So it is a slightly jaded and frustrated Spider that goes undercover to identify how Somali pirates are identifying target ships and then a situation arises where Spider needs to get a lot closer to the action, not knowing that the fall-out from his previous assignment is still slowly catching up with him.
Stephen Leather's bravery in letting Spider evolve into a new role and reflecting changes in society does not detract from another winning thriller. This balances plot and action perfectly and while there are references to the previous books and characters, they will not stop you enjoying this if you haven't read them. Having said that, this is a great series that deserves being read from the very start.
Spider finds that the new world is different, but the problems that made his previous role difficult still exist. Spider does speak for "everyman" in his frustrations that sometimes we are our own worst enemies in that overly liberal attitudes create many problems and then dilute our ability to resolve them. So it is a slightly jaded and frustrated Spider that goes undercover to identify how Somali pirates are identifying target ships and then a situation arises where Spider needs to get a lot closer to the action, not knowing that the fall-out from his previous assignment is still slowly catching up with him.
Stephen Leather's bravery in letting Spider evolve into a new role and reflecting changes in society does not detract from another winning thriller. This balances plot and action perfectly and while there are references to the previous books and characters, they will not stop you enjoying this if you haven't read them. Having said that, this is a great series that deserves being read from the very start.
December 5, 2012
Finally, I've made my way through eight of Stephen Leather's series featuring Dan "Spider" Shepherd; the only one remaining is the newest, False Friends, which was released this past August (and I have yet to get). It's been a great ride, and while some of the books are better than others - as is the case with most authors who write a series of books based on a single character - I can honestly say I've enjoyed each and every one.
In this one Shepherd, who's now with MI5 but continues to work for the same boss, the very capable Charlotte Button, finishes up an undercover assignment that goes awry - blowing his cover and opening up the possibility that he, his son Liam and au pair Katra could be tracked down by Irish militants. A new assignment, though, means there's no time to worry about such matters.
As usual, Shepherd does find time to express his conflict over the fact that increasingly, law enforcement's hands are tied as a result of over-emphasis on politically correctness and protecting human rights that the bad guys and gals rarely get the punishment they deserve. Besides that, he still wrestles with guilt over not being there for his son, who has suddenly decided he wants to go away to boarding school.
But of course, an assignment interrupts his thoughts, and he's assigned first to work in a boring office job in an effort to infiltrate a Somali money-laundering operation. That accomplished, he expects to get in some quality time at home, but alas, that's not in the cards now, either. Instead, he's sent to sea on a huge cargo ship that's thought to be the target of pirates who are actively capturing ships and their crews and passengers, then demanding that the ship-owners pay large ransoms in exchange for the safe release of the prisoners. It's become big business on the high seas, and the basic plan is to catch these particular pirates in the act.
There's plenty of action, plenty of murder and mayhem and even a couple of big surprises along the way - one that threatens to change Shepherd's outlook on life permanently.
In this one Shepherd, who's now with MI5 but continues to work for the same boss, the very capable Charlotte Button, finishes up an undercover assignment that goes awry - blowing his cover and opening up the possibility that he, his son Liam and au pair Katra could be tracked down by Irish militants. A new assignment, though, means there's no time to worry about such matters.
As usual, Shepherd does find time to express his conflict over the fact that increasingly, law enforcement's hands are tied as a result of over-emphasis on politically correctness and protecting human rights that the bad guys and gals rarely get the punishment they deserve. Besides that, he still wrestles with guilt over not being there for his son, who has suddenly decided he wants to go away to boarding school.
But of course, an assignment interrupts his thoughts, and he's assigned first to work in a boring office job in an effort to infiltrate a Somali money-laundering operation. That accomplished, he expects to get in some quality time at home, but alas, that's not in the cards now, either. Instead, he's sent to sea on a huge cargo ship that's thought to be the target of pirates who are actively capturing ships and their crews and passengers, then demanding that the ship-owners pay large ransoms in exchange for the safe release of the prisoners. It's become big business on the high seas, and the basic plan is to catch these particular pirates in the act.
There's plenty of action, plenty of murder and mayhem and even a couple of big surprises along the way - one that threatens to change Shepherd's outlook on life permanently.
April 29, 2012
I liked this, the latest outing for Dan 'Spider' Shepherd. The book takes us on a journey involving Somalian Pirates ( Forget Johnny Depp, these pirates mean business ) , Irish terrorists with a grudge , and Muslim fanatics. As usual , the story builds and builds and ends with a gripping finale, a feat that many writers can't seem to manage these days.
The next Spider Shepherd book is due in July, I can't wait
The next Spider Shepherd book is due in July, I can't wait
August 30, 2011
Great thriller writer. Knows his craft. Spider Shepherd fits the bill as a hard man, the kind of alter ego many male readers might aspire to, although preferring to let Shepherd dish out and take the punishment. I rank Leather alongside the top writers of this genre.
December 27, 2025
Another great read in the Dan 'Spider' Shepherd series.
This one centred around Somali pirates and the capturing of a valuable ship in the Gulf of Aden.
Some surprising twists including a follow on from the last book....
This one centred around Somali pirates and the capturing of a valuable ship in the Gulf of Aden.
Some surprising twists including a follow on from the last book....
May 1, 2023
Great adventure writing with Spider Shepherd in his usual position of being undercover and in danger. As one assignment ends, another one soon emerges this time its kidnappings in Somali and piracy. Its a race to secure the release of the hostages and prevent further atrocities and no-one does it better.
March 11, 2017
Book 8 in the Dan 'Spider' Shepherd series. I am very pleased to say that unlike many such books of this type, this series has never felt stale. Since the beginning of the series, the reader has followed Spider's career path since leaving the SAS. He has worked as an undercover Police Officer, been a member of the Serious Organised Crime Agency, and in this book he now works for MI5, the British Secret Service.
The whole book is fast paced, but everything is well told. The Real IRA feature, as do Somali pirates, perhaps there appears no obvious link but with careful writing everything slots neatly into place. Some characters and events from previous books in the series are revisited, which helps give an extra twist along the way.
The whole book is fast paced, but everything is well told. The Real IRA feature, as do Somali pirates, perhaps there appears no obvious link but with careful writing everything slots neatly into place. Some characters and events from previous books in the series are revisited, which helps give an extra twist along the way.
October 26, 2013
If you like action and violence there's plenty of it in this book. It starts out with an undercover operation within the Real IRA not going according to plan and Dan 'Spider' Shepherd beating a hasty retreat back to the UK mainland. MI5 Intel have been keeping tabs on 'Crazy Boy', a powerful man in the London Somali community who they believe to be behind shipping that is being hijacked and the crew taken hostage off the coast of Somalia. When the crew from a private yacht being sailed from Dubai to Sydney are taken and Intel is received that a large container ship has been targeted, Spider is placed on board as a consultant from head office, ready and waiting for the pirates when they arrive. The workings of a big container ship was obviously extremely well researched and to a certain extent it was relevant to the story to understand the layout and workings but I felt the storyline dragged because of this without much being gained.
On a positive note the portrayal of the Somali kidnappers was really well done, their almost childlike erratic behaviour and violent treatment of their captives was truly quite scary. As always the scene setting and locations was very well researched and easily visualised.
Not my favourite book in the series, at times it seemed that Spider was the only operative available to MI5 as he dashed from scenario to scenario. Don't get me wrong this was not a bad book by any means; I've read all of the series so far and will continue to do so. I was torn between giving it a 3 or 4 star rating, and settled on a 4 as parts of it, in particular the portrayal of the Somali kidnappers was really well done.
On a positive note the portrayal of the Somali kidnappers was really well done, their almost childlike erratic behaviour and violent treatment of their captives was truly quite scary. As always the scene setting and locations was very well researched and easily visualised.
Not my favourite book in the series, at times it seemed that Spider was the only operative available to MI5 as he dashed from scenario to scenario. Don't get me wrong this was not a bad book by any means; I've read all of the series so far and will continue to do so. I was torn between giving it a 3 or 4 star rating, and settled on a 4 as parts of it, in particular the portrayal of the Somali kidnappers was really well done.
April 20, 2013
It seems to me that sequels seldom match up to the originals in either books or movies, and "heroes" quickly become dated, with a few exceptions - DeMille's John Corey and Leather's Dan Shepherd. Amazingly, 8 books in, I'm not yet bored with "Spider". I'd recently read a Wilbur Smith pirate adventure and wasn't keen to read another, but this was so much better, perhaps because of the clever inter-weaving of 3 story lines. The only thing which always seems a little stilted to me is Spider's relationship with his son, but perhaps that's inevitable in an "action adventure".
February 14, 2012
Stephen Leather is one of my all time favourite authors and Fair Game did'nt dissapoint. Dan 'Spider' Shepherd is up and running from the first page and the action and story is full on and fast paced. In this novel he is up against Somali Pirates who are holding hostages.
August 19, 2025
what a great book, Somali pirates seize the crew of a yacht off the coast of Africa and they have friends in government, spider is put onto a ship that they know is targeted by the pirates. but there is much more to it than that
well written and well paced
a great read
well written and well paced
a great read
November 29, 2011
I adore Stephen Leather books and this one doesn't disappoint. A great modern plot with Somali pirates, with Dan Shepherd living up to his usual hero status.
April 14, 2013
Extremely good and solid story
November 26, 2016
Good book
December 13, 2025
This was a fantastic yarn. I was once again impressed by Leather's powers of cultural exploration. He instantly made the world feel immersive by introducing norms, traditions, and nuances of Somali culture while advancing the story. I believe his journalistic background plays some part in this.
The subplots are awesome, as is the range of palpable locations.
The characters are complex, really quite alive. The villains are evil in a humanized way, and the heroes noble in a soberingly contaminated way. Much of the novel's raw gravity comes from that.
The ex-SAS, now MI5 undercover officer, Dan Shepherd, gets into some tricky situations that have a genuine racing-pulse effect.
There was much humor in this book. And that's great because there are also some serious stakes.
As always, Leather's style of writing leans heavily tactical. You learn a lot about weaponry reading him, and particularly shipping (whatever it's called) from reading this one. That gives the book an additional rewarding sense of feeling you've learned specialized knowledge throughout the experience. This feeling can be so intoxicating I've found myself believing I wouldn't be totally lost at the controls of a freighter.
I must mention before finishing off that Leather has right-wing sympathies that constantly rear their head and even invade his work. Thankfully, they have a degree of nuance and he's not preachy, but you're left in no doubt of where the narrator stands when you read between the lines. And after reading several Leathers, you discover the narrator's views are the author's.
In any case, bon appetit. It's a thrilling tale.
The subplots are awesome, as is the range of palpable locations.
The characters are complex, really quite alive. The villains are evil in a humanized way, and the heroes noble in a soberingly contaminated way. Much of the novel's raw gravity comes from that.
The ex-SAS, now MI5 undercover officer, Dan Shepherd, gets into some tricky situations that have a genuine racing-pulse effect.
There was much humor in this book. And that's great because there are also some serious stakes.
As always, Leather's style of writing leans heavily tactical. You learn a lot about weaponry reading him, and particularly shipping (whatever it's called) from reading this one. That gives the book an additional rewarding sense of feeling you've learned specialized knowledge throughout the experience. This feeling can be so intoxicating I've found myself believing I wouldn't be totally lost at the controls of a freighter.
I must mention before finishing off that Leather has right-wing sympathies that constantly rear their head and even invade his work. Thankfully, they have a degree of nuance and he's not preachy, but you're left in no doubt of where the narrator stands when you read between the lines. And after reading several Leathers, you discover the narrator's views are the author's.
In any case, bon appetit. It's a thrilling tale.
April 26, 2020
Fair Game is the eight book in the series and as I can testify can be read as a stand-alone without having to concern yourself too much with back story and multiple book arcs.
Normally I read a series from book 1 but with the Dan Shepherd series I was given a book that I was told would be ‘right up my street’. It was book 10 in the series. I have been hooked ever since but have been reading any I can find and in no particular order. Stephen Leathers character is a Jack Bauer style good guy who tackles the villains on there terms. Above the law and in the shadows. Plenty of action here and quite a few intermingled plots that some how come together by the end. A good read on a summer holiday, though not if you’re on a yacht near the coast of Somalia!
Normally I read a series from book 1 but with the Dan Shepherd series I was given a book that I was told would be ‘right up my street’. It was book 10 in the series. I have been hooked ever since but have been reading any I can find and in no particular order. Stephen Leathers character is a Jack Bauer style good guy who tackles the villains on there terms. Above the law and in the shadows. Plenty of action here and quite a few intermingled plots that some how come together by the end. A good read on a summer holiday, though not if you’re on a yacht near the coast of Somalia!
November 24, 2021
This was another good book in the Dan Shepherd series and an enjoyable read. It did however feel just a little bit sloppy here and there.
At the start, the move from SOCA to MI5 seemed a bit abrupt though. It was clearly on the cards from the previous book but I felt like I'd missed something given that this story started with Dan having joined Charlie in MI5.
Whilst it was a fun twist, and made use of Spider's trick memory - I still don't really understand why they had to seize the ship to add the container. If they were able to get a computer virus on board in Kirachi why not add the container there too?
Overall though, a good read with a few nice twists and turns.
At the start, the move from SOCA to MI5 seemed a bit abrupt though. It was clearly on the cards from the previous book but I felt like I'd missed something given that this story started with Dan having joined Charlie in MI5.
Whilst it was a fun twist, and made use of Spider's trick memory - I still don't really understand why they had to seize the ship to add the container. If they were able to get a computer virus on board in Kirachi why not add the container there too?
Overall though, a good read with a few nice twists and turns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2018
Twists & Turns all the way 👍
An eye for an eye the bible says. live by the sword die by the sword ! I did not believe in the death penalty. As our countries Ireland and England are been over shelled by murderers rapists criminals & terrorists someone must take a stand when the evidence is Crystal clear & without doubt. Thanks Dan ! Fictional it might be. But if there was a position available in the Element. My CV would be 1st. Great read.
An eye for an eye the bible says. live by the sword die by the sword ! I did not believe in the death penalty. As our countries Ireland and England are been over shelled by murderers rapists criminals & terrorists someone must take a stand when the evidence is Crystal clear & without doubt. Thanks Dan ! Fictional it might be. But if there was a position available in the Element. My CV would be 1st. Great read.
March 2, 2021
Spider Shepherd doing what has to be done.
Spider Shepherd is yet again involved in taking out the bad guys which he does without remorse as he knows that if he doesn't that innocent people will die.
He is a one man band and uses his abilities and professional training to the challenge of ridding the world of dangerous people who would harm the innocent civilians who get caught up in this world 🌎of criminals and terrorists.
Spider Shepherd is yet again involved in taking out the bad guys which he does without remorse as he knows that if he doesn't that innocent people will die.
He is a one man band and uses his abilities and professional training to the challenge of ridding the world of dangerous people who would harm the innocent civilians who get caught up in this world 🌎of criminals and terrorists.
January 14, 2023
Spider's Web catches many things, sometimes unwanted
Great Spider Shepard novel, Somali pirate's plan, an audacious capture. Spider is focused elsewhere when it is planned. However, he is soon heavily involved in righting the wrongs and resolving the issues in his normal, cool, calm, and calculated manner. Come the culmination, has he crossed the line? I leave it to you to decide. Great thriller.
Great Spider Shepard novel, Somali pirate's plan, an audacious capture. Spider is focused elsewhere when it is planned. However, he is soon heavily involved in righting the wrongs and resolving the issues in his normal, cool, calm, and calculated manner. Come the culmination, has he crossed the line? I leave it to you to decide. Great thriller.
August 26, 2023
My favourite in the series so far, Wow.
There was a twist from earlier in the series, which did not come as a total surprise to me. Perhaps I had been in denial but it was a welcome twist in my opinion.
The final chapters had me on the edge of my seat. Liam and Ketra particularly, those were very tense chapters.
There was a twist from earlier in the series, which did not come as a total surprise to me. Perhaps I had been in denial but it was a welcome twist in my opinion.
The final chapters had me on the edge of my seat. Liam and Ketra particularly, those were very tense chapters.
February 11, 2025
A Brilliant Roller coaster ride read
I am on a Stephen Leather marathon read bing of the Dan Spider Shepard books. The story, dialogue and plotting is well constructive and unputtable.
This is my second time I read this book and still gripping than before.
Overall a brilliantly written book. Best wishes Sean
I am on a Stephen Leather marathon read bing of the Dan Spider Shepard books. The story, dialogue and plotting is well constructive and unputtable.
This is my second time I read this book and still gripping than before.
Overall a brilliantly written book. Best wishes Sean
May 22, 2018
Brilliant
This is another brilliant addition to the spider shepherd series highly recommended to all thriller fans, if you havent discovered stephan leather yet you are missing out.
This is another brilliant addition to the spider shepherd series highly recommended to all thriller fans, if you havent discovered stephan leather yet you are missing out.
July 15, 2018
Stephen Leather writes a pretty good thriller. This is about islamic terrorists and two muslims raised in England who are helping MI5 fight the bad guys. Interesting conflicts that the two young men have working against the bad guys.
May 19, 2020
More of the same Spider Shepard hijinks. Leather does a good job of setting up at least three threads of story, then mostly wrapping them up at the end in a semi-logical manner. This one has two main storylines of Somali pirates, augmented with a Saudi dirty bomber subplot.
May 30, 2022
Fair game
Another excellent book by Stephen Leather that's full of excitement and intrigue with an edge of your seat story line. I've read plenty of Stephen Leather novels and every one has entertained me to the fullest Well done Stephen keep it up
Another excellent book by Stephen Leather that's full of excitement and intrigue with an edge of your seat story line. I've read plenty of Stephen Leather novels and every one has entertained me to the fullest Well done Stephen keep it up
September 28, 2022
Fair Game
Another excellent Spider Shepherd thriller, this time a yacht has been seized by Somali pirates with one very important hostage in board. Back in the UK a woman wants revenge on Dan Shepherd for the death of members of her family
Another excellent Spider Shepherd thriller, this time a yacht has been seized by Somali pirates with one very important hostage in board. Back in the UK a woman wants revenge on Dan Shepherd for the death of members of her family
August 25, 2017
It's a good book but not one of Stephen Leathers best.
August 28, 2017
Fair Game
Had to 're read this to remind me of Dam Shepherds progress, just as good the second time round.Top marks
Had to 're read this to remind me of Dam Shepherds progress, just as good the second time round.Top marks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews