The Power Behind The Throne: The Royal Thriller

by Sally Nicoll

“The Power Behind The Throne gripped me from start to finish. Would make a fantastic film. Keen to meet.” Malcolm Craddock, Producer & Chief Executive, Picture Palace Productions, makers of 14 acclaimed Sharpe films, based on the books by Bernard Cornwell.“You have certainly written a big international thriller in the grand tradition of a Ludlum or a Forsyth, and I congratulate you on that. I look forward to seeing you on the bestseller lists.” Sue Fletcher, Deputy Managing Director, Hodder & Stoughton.About THE POWER BEHIND THE fiercely controversial story that exposes evil at the heart of the British establishment. Three of the UK’s most powerful men will stop at nothing to protect the monarchy… and that includes the murder of American architectural student Jack Hollander – the one man who can stop Prince Charles from fulfilling his destiny. AMAZON “Move over Jeffery Archer! The King is dead, Long live the new Queen, Sally Nicoll.” ~ Jonathan Fingerhut“If you love a conspiracy theory you'll love The Power Behind The Throne. It may all be more close to the truth than we realise.” ~ Catherine Pace O’Shea“Clever blend of fiction and fact, and a superb twist at the end.” ~ Primrose“Written in short chapters that feel almost like news broadcasts, the book has more gasps, twists and sub-plots than it is reasonable to withstand. At times I had to force myself to stop reading just to pause for breath. And you get to find out what really happened in that tunnel in Paris. Possibly.” ~ Rogersway“The kind of reading pleasure you get from people like Ludlum and Baldacci. Including a brilliant sting in the tale ending you won't see coming. (As an author I wanted to stand up and cheer.)” ~ Beverly SwerlingFast paced, spicy, and lacking in deference for the major institution in the UK. I couldn't see the end coming and was hooked from page one. Highly recommended!” ~ Kenny“The Power Behind The Throne is more than just an inspired concept; it is a perfectly executed inspired concept. I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed reading this book. Nicoll has created a truly unique thriller, dark and gripping but incredibly witty and fun. Each scene is painted with fantastic touch and control while the characters and their relationships with one another are as central to the success of the book as the rollercoaster plot.” ~ Thomaz Steuerman“I truly had no idea what would happen next and how it would all end, it kept me up till 2am, and it was totally worth it.” ~ F E Drake“As an avid James Patterson reader, in Sally Nicoll have we found the English equivalent?” ~ Kevin LeggettThe Power Behind The Throne. It could never happen. Could it? Download now and decide for yourself…

Genres: Thriller

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2011

About the author

Sally Nicoll is a former journalist, broadcaster and advertising copywriter.

Her first book, BETS AND THE CITY, a comedy memoir of her brief yet eventful career as a day trader, was a surprise bestseller in the UK.

Sally's fiction debut is a high stakes political thriller, THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE, which poses the question: 'What if the true heir to the British Throne were a student from Seattle?"


AMAZON REVIEW: " Could this happen to the Royal Family? You bet it could. A fantastic book from start to finish. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Unable to put it down. As an avid James Patterson reader, in Sally Nicoll have we found the English equivalent? A highly recommended read."

Sally is a devout follower of Tottenham Hotspur football team

Reviews

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book! It's like Jeffrey Archer but written better! Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book was well written and reasonably gripping my biggest problem with it is the premise itself. I just find it impossible to believe that anyone would be willing to kill (multiple times) to protect the reputation of Prince Charles. Especially as the book itself says there’s a perfectly good and popular heir to the throne in Prince William. This makes the whole story completely ridiculous. It is however quite entertaining if you can suspend your disbelief.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather silly story woven around the royal family. After I'd read it I was surprised to discover that the author lives in London, as I'd assumed it was written by someone who'd never been there.

[Laura Macmillan · Rating 2 out of 5]

For all the hoopla about how Sally Nicolls is to be the next Baldacci or Archer, I found that this book was badly written and just plain silly. An interesting premise -- that Prince Charles had an illegitimate son about to come out of the word-work just as Queen Elizabeth is dying -- but one that never lived up to its promise. Baldacci and Archer have nothing to worry about in this author, if this effort is any indication of the quality of her usual work. Disappointing.

[Todd Fonseca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power Behind the Throne – A Royal Thriller

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Sally Nicoll
Format: Kindle

After decades of serving as the world’s most famous monarch, Queen Elizabeth lies on her death bed days away for succumbing to cancer. The world readies itself for the reign of King Charles III. But one man can bring down the Monarchy – an American named Jack Hollander – and he doesn’t even know it. Hunted by a shadow organization, Jack’s family and friends are taken out one by one as he searches for the truth that leads straight to Prince Charles himself.

Sally Nicoll’s “The Power Behind the Throne” is a fascinating look into England’s monarchy, its history, and its importance in England’s geopolitical position in the world. What would the UK be like without its monarch? Just another EU country? Nicoll explores the fragile nature of the royal family and how they act as much more than a symbolic representation of England’s past. She also illustrates how the monarchy’s power and influence is reliant on the public’s perception.

While some reviewers have commented that their suspension of disbelief had been stretched regarding the shadow organization hunting Jack Hollander and its associated power within the ranks of public officials, this did not bother me in the slightest. What did frustrate me, however, were the choices Jack made regarding his flip flop feelings toward his girlfriend (she displays her own drastic back and forth feelings as well) and his sudden murderous plot toward his father. These seemed a bit out of character disrupting the flow of the story.

None-the-less, I found “The Power Behind the Throne” to be an engrossing novel that had me reading “just one more chapter” keeping me up late at night. The implications and future of the monarchy was fascinating and educational. At only $0.99 on Kindle, “The Power Behind the Throne” is a bargain worth a look!

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has received many glowing reviews. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectation. That is not to say that it is a bad book, it just didn't hit the right notes with me. I'll try and explain why.

I feel as though this book is trying to be too many things to too many people. It's a Royal, political, romantic, erotic, suspense, thriller which, in my view, doesn't fully deliver in any genre.

The Royal connection, and the inclusion of one particular significant past event, means that this book would be a conspiracy theorist's dream. I, however, am not a conspiracy theorist so came at it from a different perspective, which may explain why I didn't settle into it.

The plot itself isn't a bad one, but I felt a little uncomfortable by the inclusion of the current Royal family.

The book is so full of 'Americanisms' that I would have put my money on the author being American but, it would appear, she is English - playing to the massive US interest in the British Royal family no doubt.

Finally, where, oh where, did the author find the phrase 'Jesus Laughing Christ'? I've never come across it before and it appears in the book so often that it became irritating.

[Lisa Hapney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of political thrillers. I'm essentially a science fiction / fantasy geek who likes a little mystery or romance from time to time, but I do like to drop into other genres occasionally if I spot something interesting. I read the first 89 pages of this book on Ms. Nicoll's web page and then bought the book because I was curious to see how it ended, which turned out to be a good purchase. Her story of Jack Hollander's adventures was definitely interesting and entertaining. All in all it was well-written and moved along at a good pace. I was interested in the predicament of the main character, young Jack Hollander and his lady love, as well as his unwitting involvement in an international intrigue through no fault of his own. Mr. Hollander's situation takes him into unexpected situations with plenty of twists, turns, and excitement to keep the reader interested. I would hate to give away more than that, but I really enjoyed the ending. If you enjoy political thrillers, I think that you'll enjoy this one.

This review was originally posted at http://tjsbookblog.blogspot.com/

[Beverly Swerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a look at what the Brits might actually do to protect all that glittering fairy-tale pomp of trumpets and golden carriages. This thriller catches you on the first page and doesn't let you stop turning them until you're done. It's hard to summarize the plot without spoilers, but there's a young American kid (Jack Hollander) who discovers that he has the power to bring down the monarchy, which makes him the target of a mysterious and sinister group of men who have sworn to protect the throne at any cost. Jack becomes the hunted, until he learns to be the hunter. It's a recipe for lots of action and the kind of reading pleasure you get from people like Ludlum and Baldacci. Including a brilliant sting in the tale ending you won't see coming. (As an author I wanted to stand up and cheer!) Plus if you know London you'll love all the you-are-there details. Guaranteed to make you want to get on a plane as soon as you finish the book. Meanwhile, if you're staying home, this is the summer's best beach read.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Queen Elizabeth II lies on her deathbed, a secret society dispatches an assassin to the United States to kill a young man named Jack Hollander. For generations, this group has protected the interests of the crown, but how can this young American lad be a danger to the royal family?

If lese-majeste was still a crime, Sally Nicoll would be in jail for writing "The Power Behind the Throne". Let's just say that all kinds of conspiracy theories find a home in this book, from Prince Philip's role in the secret society to Princess Diana's death. At first the premise of this novel seems unlikely, but the story is a page turner. I was totally on board within a few chapters and more than willing to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride.

This book cost me several hours of sleep. Be warned that you will resent any interruptions that make you put it down.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does England need the monarchy? As the Queen lies dying the nation holds its breath waining . . . from the Royals to the prime minister to the press to the person on the street. While others wait, a secret organization, the Sceptre Committee founded by Lord Louis Mountbatta and bound to protect the monarchy 'by all means possible,' works to insure that the succession is not challenged.

The author describes the three leaders of the Sceptre as the "three stooges" and they seem to act that way.There might be one goal but there are different opinions about how to achieve it. Lord Robert Dunstan wants to kill any who threatens to reveal the identity of Jack Hollander. Sir Gerald Akehurst prefers a more nuanced approach while Barry Bell wants to protect his media fortune. They bumble about aided by a few hired professionals.

I won't reveal the final outcome.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wouldn't have been something I would have picked out myself, I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. This book took me almost a week to read, when I usually can get through a book of this size in just a few days. I noticed several small irregularities in the grammar and an over use of the phrase "Jesus Laughing Christ" which may be attributed to the author, who is from the UK. The characters are believable, although the drastic change in some from the beginning to the end of the book wasn't. There were two characters in particular that did this; the American assassin (Mr. Frampton) and Mrs. Akehurst. Once I got about 3/4 of the way through the book, it picked up speed and I was able to enjoy it until the last few chapters.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not the greatest book I have ever read. I liked the premise of the book, but it was a little too farfetched. The idea of an illegitimate son that will topple the monarchy?? How many of them have there bee? And after all that occured between Charles and Diana, and all the cheating, who would really care at this point!?

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't my usual choice of genre, but I'm so pleased to have read it.
A subject that is close to the heart of any Brit with twists and turns coming at you from all over the place, not to mention an ending that I really hadn't expected.
The dialogue was good. Very believable and flowed well.
I shall keep my eye out for more work by this author.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a brave (but weirdly viable) plotline but it works brilliantly and it's a great read! There are plenty of characters to get to know but they weave in and out easily enough and some of them you really learn to like! I would definitely recommend this as an alternative read if you're a thriller lover and also whether you're a monarch fan or not!

[Radiocowboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this cracking thriller. Based around a very original idea it is fast paced, spicy, and lacking in deference for the major institution in the UK. I couldn't see the end coming and was hooked from page one. An excellent read - Highly Recommended ! Roll on the next Sally Nicholl book !

[Ann Foweraker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Sally Nicholl's authorial voice and it settled me into the book quickly. I found this an enjoyable and fairly fast read and was pleasantly surprised at the ultimate intentions of the main protagonist, another author may have played it differently (Won't say more so as not to spoil)

[WiLoveBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one kept me on my toes. Fast paced and unpredictable with lots of action.