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The Infidel
Book by Bob Shepherd
405 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Bob Shepherd
37 books17 followersBestselling author Bob Shepherd is an ex-SAS soldier and security advisor. During his twenty years of service with 22 SAS Regiment, Bob participated in the Oman campaign, the Iranian Embassy siege in London, The Falklands War, the first Gulf War and Bosnia. He left the Regiment in 1994 as a Warrant Officer and went to work on the international security circuit as an advisor to media, diplomats and VIPS. Bob’s work in the private sector has taken him to some of the most volatile places on earth including Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He is a regular media commentator on security issues and has appeared on CNN International, BBC One, BBC World, BBC Radio and SKY News. For more information on Bob or to read his insights on security issues and politics, please visit his blog; www.bobshepherdauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 30, 2024
It is a heartbreaking story of a strong man who was broken by that country.
May 18, 2016
Not normally something I would pick up but I loved this. Blockbuster stuff.
This follows the story of ex SAS soldiers John and Dusty as they manage to piss off a local Afghan politician by killing his nephews(they fired first). They go on the run from everyone and end up helping an Afghan village fight insurgents but not everything is as it seems. There are some serious betrayals in this book and some tear jerkin moments.
After reading this before bed last night, I ended up dreaming about the Taliban attacking Owlsmoor Shops(a crap part of Sandhurst).Not sure what the outcome of that was as I drove off.
I would say this is an airport/holiday read just because of it's easy reading quality, the pages fly by and I will look out for more books by Shepherd.
This follows the story of ex SAS soldiers John and Dusty as they manage to piss off a local Afghan politician by killing his nephews(they fired first). They go on the run from everyone and end up helping an Afghan village fight insurgents but not everything is as it seems. There are some serious betrayals in this book and some tear jerkin moments.
After reading this before bed last night, I ended up dreaming about the Taliban attacking Owlsmoor Shops(a crap part of Sandhurst).Not sure what the outcome of that was as I drove off.
I would say this is an airport/holiday read just because of it's easy reading quality, the pages fly by and I will look out for more books by Shepherd.
October 8, 2021
An ok read!
May 22, 2013
I would like to start off by saying that I fell in love with this book and its characters. I think the writing was fantastic and pulled you in. You were able to connect with the characters and it left you wanting more. It left you wanting to know more about the characters.
This story follows a few characters throughout (Haider – The Interpreter, Rudy – The Journalist, Howard – The Lieutenant Colonel for example) but I feel the most important were the two Scottish Ex-SAS Soldiers John Patterson and Malcolm “Dusty” Miller.
Both characters were strong and likable and I found myself drawn to them through their plight. But to be honest I felt I connected with them right from the get-go. Maybe it was my Australian upbringing that was able to enjoy the laid-back Scottish humour or maybe it was just that you feel right from the first time you meet them that these are good men. You want them to be okay.
First off, I would like to talk about John Patterson. This man oozed of experience, intelligence, leadership and loyalty. He didn’t take himself too seriously but at the same time he took his job and the safety of his men VERY seriously. He comes across as a guy that had integrity and honour and this does show throughout the book. But you can tell there is an underlying pain in the background.
Then there is Dusty Miller. This man had me smiling from some of his first lines of dialogue. He is full of sarcasm and smart arse remarks and always ready with a quick one liner. He is younger than John and a little more of a wild card. You witness early that while he seems on the level? He has his own operations running in the background. Private background operations aside? You don’t get the sense that he would ever knowingly put his team or his friends at risk. He, once again, is a good guy and as the story goes on you will see an intense loyalty within him that I think was one of the highlights of the book for me personally. He’s like the comic relief, the smart mouth companion/friend that becomes (for me) the most important part of their journey.
Through the journey, we learn more about these people and their character and what I loved the most is that these characters evolved. And who wouldn’t when going through what they go through. The journey is a dangerous one as John and Dusty trek through Afghanistan to try and reach safety of Dogram and clear their name.
This was beautifully written with passion and care and made me feel with the characters. What it came down to, for me, was the very real and strong and desperate friendship of two people who had gone through hell and would do anything for each other. Bob Shepherd didn’t let down. A story well told.
This story follows a few characters throughout (Haider – The Interpreter, Rudy – The Journalist, Howard – The Lieutenant Colonel for example) but I feel the most important were the two Scottish Ex-SAS Soldiers John Patterson and Malcolm “Dusty” Miller.
Both characters were strong and likable and I found myself drawn to them through their plight. But to be honest I felt I connected with them right from the get-go. Maybe it was my Australian upbringing that was able to enjoy the laid-back Scottish humour or maybe it was just that you feel right from the first time you meet them that these are good men. You want them to be okay.
First off, I would like to talk about John Patterson. This man oozed of experience, intelligence, leadership and loyalty. He didn’t take himself too seriously but at the same time he took his job and the safety of his men VERY seriously. He comes across as a guy that had integrity and honour and this does show throughout the book. But you can tell there is an underlying pain in the background.
Then there is Dusty Miller. This man had me smiling from some of his first lines of dialogue. He is full of sarcasm and smart arse remarks and always ready with a quick one liner. He is younger than John and a little more of a wild card. You witness early that while he seems on the level? He has his own operations running in the background. Private background operations aside? You don’t get the sense that he would ever knowingly put his team or his friends at risk. He, once again, is a good guy and as the story goes on you will see an intense loyalty within him that I think was one of the highlights of the book for me personally. He’s like the comic relief, the smart mouth companion/friend that becomes (for me) the most important part of their journey.
Through the journey, we learn more about these people and their character and what I loved the most is that these characters evolved. And who wouldn’t when going through what they go through. The journey is a dangerous one as John and Dusty trek through Afghanistan to try and reach safety of Dogram and clear their name.
This was beautifully written with passion and care and made me feel with the characters. What it came down to, for me, was the very real and strong and desperate friendship of two people who had gone through hell and would do anything for each other. Bob Shepherd didn’t let down. A story well told.
December 25, 2012
Absolutely loved the drama and the excitement right till the end. I don't want to divulge details and spoil it for any readers but I loved the attention to detail especially of the Afghan/Pathan culture nuance displayed by Bob. He has successfully managed to capture most of the features of the Afghan race for me, loyalty, honour, Islam, and family and clan ties. The whole novel kept me guessing and on the edge. I loved the end as well as I thought it also reflected the proper attitude of the Afghans. This novel is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the Pathan race. The only slightly challenging bits for me were the battle and weapon details etc which are difficult for someone with limited combat experience. I would recommend this novel with Bob's other master piece called the 'Good Jihadist.'
October 24, 2013
I don't know if this was a homage or a rip off. This was a kind of modern retelling of Rudyard Kipling's The Man who would be King. Following basically the same story of two down and out ex-soldiers in Afghanistan. Theres the Kipling plot and another twisted with it of mercenaries, corruption. The latter seemed more interesting. A reporter even has a anagram of Rudyard Kiplings name. It follows familiar paths like all US soldiers are stupid and trigger happy. Also the plot finishes really quickly it seemed like about a hundred pages could be missing. An OK read but lacks something to make it really worthwhile.
October 29, 2016
I enjoyed this. I enjoyed being taken into the Hindu Kush and to feel the life of Nuristan. There were echoes of Kipling 'Man Who Would be King'.
April 13, 2021
The story centres around two SAS veterans who are now part of the private security industry as they become ever more important in the War on Terror in the mid-late 2000’s. Leading a contract to train the local Afghans to take on the counter-narcotics programme, our main characters John Patterson and Dusty Miller realise that the vetting process is not all it should be, but when the SAS men push back on two recruits, the internal politics of keeping local officials on side is deemed more important. Suddenly John and Dusty are on the wrong side of the argument, and things go rapidly downhill.
Forced to go on the run, John and Dusty head to remote Nuristan, a mountainous Afghan province known as a terrorist haven. However, their refuge and potential route to safety ends up pushing them deeper into the conflict, and the internal struggles between the local villages and tribes. Hiding out in a tiny village, the SAS men become part of the community, helping them fight the local al-Qaeda and unwittingly their own forces. But, is everything as it seems?
This was not entirely what I expected – and perhaps a good thing. Although I do not know a lot about Bob Shepherd, one assumes one or both main protagonists have hefty chunks of him in them. It is clear Shepherd knows what he is talking about and has been to the places he describes in the book. The Infidel is full of action and tries to provide an insight into the complexities of the security industry and the conflicting priorities of the politicians vs. the soldiers. A decent read – I am a bit surprised the author has only written one other novel (The Good Jihadist, which the synopsis suggests might be similar to Frederick Forsyth’s The Afghan) – I am assuming ‘The Circuit’ is more autobiographical.
Forced to go on the run, John and Dusty head to remote Nuristan, a mountainous Afghan province known as a terrorist haven. However, their refuge and potential route to safety ends up pushing them deeper into the conflict, and the internal struggles between the local villages and tribes. Hiding out in a tiny village, the SAS men become part of the community, helping them fight the local al-Qaeda and unwittingly their own forces. But, is everything as it seems?
This was not entirely what I expected – and perhaps a good thing. Although I do not know a lot about Bob Shepherd, one assumes one or both main protagonists have hefty chunks of him in them. It is clear Shepherd knows what he is talking about and has been to the places he describes in the book. The Infidel is full of action and tries to provide an insight into the complexities of the security industry and the conflicting priorities of the politicians vs. the soldiers. A decent read – I am a bit surprised the author has only written one other novel (The Good Jihadist, which the synopsis suggests might be similar to Frederick Forsyth’s The Afghan) – I am assuming ‘The Circuit’ is more autobiographical.
February 12, 2020
Compassion gets you killed in Afghanistan
SAS veterans, John Patterson and Dusty Miller, are working in Afghanistan as private security contractors for the ShieldGroup. Preserving the NATO-Afghan alliance is paramount, but cheap Afghan heroin has been flooding the streets of Britain. SOCA, the U.K’s answer to the FBI, has outsourced training the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) to the ShieldGroup. But, in this insurgent-rich country, potential attackers are everywhere.
Kabul Cub Correspondent Rudy Lipkingard’s wants to develop a reputation like that of his hero, BBC correspondent, John Simpson. It becomes apparent that the West is not winning the war against terror; most generals are still active warlords. Many are involved in the opium trade and some also maintain ties with militant groups; but no-one wants the world to know this uncomfortable truth. Is Rudy ready to put his life on the line for a story that tells the truth?
SAS veterans, John Patterson and Dusty Miller, are working in Afghanistan as private security contractors for the ShieldGroup. Preserving the NATO-Afghan alliance is paramount, but cheap Afghan heroin has been flooding the streets of Britain. SOCA, the U.K’s answer to the FBI, has outsourced training the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) to the ShieldGroup. But, in this insurgent-rich country, potential attackers are everywhere.
Kabul Cub Correspondent Rudy Lipkingard’s wants to develop a reputation like that of his hero, BBC correspondent, John Simpson. It becomes apparent that the West is not winning the war against terror; most generals are still active warlords. Many are involved in the opium trade and some also maintain ties with militant groups; but no-one wants the world to know this uncomfortable truth. Is Rudy ready to put his life on the line for a story that tells the truth?
August 5, 2019
Story of two SAS (British Secret Service Army) in Afghanistan. A little more military than I normally would be able to handle but this story was interesting. A bit slow in the middle but building the story for the big finale for the main character (John Patterson) and his mate Dusty Miller who starts the story with a journalist. Everyone in this book is at fault for the world's ills (the tone of the book, not my imagination) from citizens back home that only want sensationalism in their war coverage; leaders; military brass; the paid for hire soldiers, the regular soldiers; journalists; the people killed in the war; everyone.
September 9, 2019
Liked it but not the ending... But it is not my story, it's the author's.
One thing I enjoyed most about this book is the fact that it took me to the intricacies of the war and the un-told stories: of what happens at the planning table, the effects on casualties and many other issues like what reporters go through reporting from the war front.
Will readily recommend it.
One thing I enjoyed most about this book is the fact that it took me to the intricacies of the war and the un-told stories: of what happens at the planning table, the effects on casualties and many other issues like what reporters go through reporting from the war front.
Will readily recommend it.
July 7, 2017
I didn't dislike this book, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted too.
I loved the premise and all the background to it. But felt confused quite a lot of the time also.
Might re read it sometime.
I loved the premise and all the background to it. But felt confused quite a lot of the time also.
Might re read it sometime.
September 14, 2018
Decent
A bit rambling but quite entertaining and decently written. Not a patch on James Deegans work sadly, but worth a read for the price.
A bit rambling but quite entertaining and decently written. Not a patch on James Deegans work sadly, but worth a read for the price.
February 9, 2020
Just couldn’t put this book down.
What can I say about a book that keeps you gripped from start to finish, absolutely brilliant just had to finish it.
What can I say about a book that keeps you gripped from start to finish, absolutely brilliant just had to finish it.
Read
April 7, 2020Brilliant read
December 6, 2020
The bravest of the brave
The book is well written and shows the corruption that was present among senior management, senior officials and at times senior officers.
The book is well written and shows the corruption that was present among senior management, senior officials and at times senior officers.
June 12, 2013
Having read and enjoyed Bob Shepherd's non fiction book 'The Circuit' when I saw this novel by him in the bookstore I thought I'd give it a shot: After all people with first hand experience often can provide a more realistic image than lounge chair warriors.
It takes a little while to warm up, and I found it took some getting used to the untitled swapping from past to present, chapter by chapter, which was actually rather jarring until you grasp the pattern in your mind.
The characters are believable and likeable, the plot is realistically possible and the ending is good (although part of me does prefer stories that 'resolve' rather than leave it up to the readers mind).
I do have to say I did prefer his non fiction work though, if I was going to read one of them again, it would be 'The Circuit'.
It takes a little while to warm up, and I found it took some getting used to the untitled swapping from past to present, chapter by chapter, which was actually rather jarring until you grasp the pattern in your mind.
The characters are believable and likeable, the plot is realistically possible and the ending is good (although part of me does prefer stories that 'resolve' rather than leave it up to the readers mind).
I do have to say I did prefer his non fiction work though, if I was going to read one of them again, it would be 'The Circuit'.
February 23, 2019
It's a satisfying novel in every way. It's hard to put down.
I've learned a few things about Afganistan and the war. It reflects the shocking facts in another non fiction book I've read about Afganistan, Investment in Blood, by Frank Ledwidge, published by Yale University Press.
And yes, the Americans seem often self-centred with a national sense of superiority over the rest of the world.
I love the description of the landscape and the nature of Nuristan.
The characters are colourful and the main characters have depth and are likeable. The ending has a good twist and it's worth of an epic story.
The plot wasn't a run of the mill for "bad boys action" novels at all. It's humane and engaging.
I recommend it as a fast and exciting read.
I've learned a few things about Afganistan and the war. It reflects the shocking facts in another non fiction book I've read about Afganistan, Investment in Blood, by Frank Ledwidge, published by Yale University Press.
And yes, the Americans seem often self-centred with a national sense of superiority over the rest of the world.
I love the description of the landscape and the nature of Nuristan.
The characters are colourful and the main characters have depth and are likeable. The ending has a good twist and it's worth of an epic story.
The plot wasn't a run of the mill for "bad boys action" novels at all. It's humane and engaging.
I recommend it as a fast and exciting read.
April 19, 2016
I had high hopes of this book, but having read the author's non-fiction account in The Circuit I shouldn't have been surprised. The author seems to have quite a different view to most ex-soldiers, and this carries over into his first fiction work.
The characters were believable but I found the lead man, John, difficult to like. The broad view that Americans are trigger happy morons got thrashed and was pretty tiresome.
The insight into the life of Afghani villagers was interesting and I would probably try the author's next book despite finding this one hard to get through.
The characters were believable but I found the lead man, John, difficult to like. The broad view that Americans are trigger happy morons got thrashed and was pretty tiresome.
The insight into the life of Afghani villagers was interesting and I would probably try the author's next book despite finding this one hard to get through.
November 7, 2016
A fantastic modern war story really showing the futility and waste of it all. With all the courage, integrity and skill John and Dusty changed nothing. All the participants had different agendas and loyalties. Even Rudy. the journalist, finally realised that nobody wanted to know the true story or even care. Too many hidden agenda, too many factions and little or no progress, Just more death and destruction and distrust. A sad indictment of society really but nothing changes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2015
This was a really good read. It show ruthlessness of the West and the animalistic of tribal life in Afganistan where animals are treated better than women, and then the USA millitary come in make even worse. In the middle of this is 2 Scotsmen trying to clear their name. A damn good read.
June 1, 2011
Terrific!
A fascinating story with great insight on and respect for the local population, background, politics etc.
A fascinating story with great insight on and respect for the local population, background, politics etc.
July 20, 2011
Took me a while to get into this, but pleased I did. Rattling good story with (presumably) authentic detail of the effects of the war in Afghanistan. Some interesting UK/US issues too.
January 3, 2013
A rattling good yarn, told in a contemporary manner, authentic and held me to the end.
September 21, 2014
A slow start, but it picked up nicely.
July 2, 2013
Readable and exciting.
February 18, 2014
Really enjoyed this book. Better than Chris Ryan. On edge until the last words in the book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews