What do you think?
Rate this book
Nick Sullivan #1
Fallout
The British Government is being blackmailed by criminals who have got their hands on a quantity of plutonium left over from the cold war. Only one man knows their identity and can prevent a catastrophe but he is on the run for a murder he didn’t commit and has no intention of being found. As the authorities attempt to hunt him down, the clock is ticking and they are running out of time. They pin their hopes on the fact that a bunch of amateurs won’t have nuclear technology and the worst they’ll come up with is a dirty bomb. With luck, the carnage can be limited. A few people might die in the explosion but the majority will run away at the first sign of danger and the radiation will drift harmlessly into the atmosphere. But what if the terrorists have found a way of keeping the radiation near to the ground, encouraging people to hang around breathing in death and when they invite them to their own slaughter they come willingly?They would be dangerous then...wouldn’t they?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2011
10 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 24, 2022
Nick Sullivan and his boss Tim Wellerby are cruising when they come across another vessel sitting dead in the water, so they go alongside to offer assistance, and so begins this intriguing nautical thriller.
The old boat’s crew comprises a trio who seem to know little or nothing about sailing, but strangely have packed sophisticated top of the range scuba equipment.
Leaving Tim aboard the stricken vessel, Nick goes back on board his cruiser for some tools. As he emerges from the cockpit he watches in horror as one of the men cuts Tim’s throat and throws him into the sea. Nick makes an instant decision, quickly leaping into the sea (with a lifebelt) to escape an otherwise certain death.
After being rescued by fishermen, Nick reports the murder to the Police but that’s when his troubles take an even more perplexing turn. It transpires that his boss (the late Tim Wellerbey) was having an affair with Nick’s pregnant wife.
It transpires that Tim was about to fire Nick from his high-flying city job. There’s no sign of the broken down vessel, or the three men. Nick’s motor cruiser has been found moored up in a marina and unsurprisingly the Police seem convinced that Nick is Tim’s killer (as he has a clear motive).
Nick’s best friend Ed (a Police sergeant based in Sussex), advises him to turn himself in; but Nick decides that trying to find the men and clear his name is his only realistic option. Ed’s sister Annelies offers to help Nick and we’re taken on a whirlwind tour of Sussex, Hampshire, London and Kent, as Nick and Annelies do their best to track down the three mysterious men, while all the time being pursued themselves by the forces of law and order.
Throw in the kidnapping of an M.P.s wife, weapons grade plutonium, dirty bombs and sixty million Sterling in diamonds and you have a pacey, yet intimate tale with a protagonist relying on instincts rather than an abundance of technology and gadgets. Compelling read!
The old boat’s crew comprises a trio who seem to know little or nothing about sailing, but strangely have packed sophisticated top of the range scuba equipment.
Leaving Tim aboard the stricken vessel, Nick goes back on board his cruiser for some tools. As he emerges from the cockpit he watches in horror as one of the men cuts Tim’s throat and throws him into the sea. Nick makes an instant decision, quickly leaping into the sea (with a lifebelt) to escape an otherwise certain death.
After being rescued by fishermen, Nick reports the murder to the Police but that’s when his troubles take an even more perplexing turn. It transpires that his boss (the late Tim Wellerbey) was having an affair with Nick’s pregnant wife.
It transpires that Tim was about to fire Nick from his high-flying city job. There’s no sign of the broken down vessel, or the three men. Nick’s motor cruiser has been found moored up in a marina and unsurprisingly the Police seem convinced that Nick is Tim’s killer (as he has a clear motive).
Nick’s best friend Ed (a Police sergeant based in Sussex), advises him to turn himself in; but Nick decides that trying to find the men and clear his name is his only realistic option. Ed’s sister Annelies offers to help Nick and we’re taken on a whirlwind tour of Sussex, Hampshire, London and Kent, as Nick and Annelies do their best to track down the three mysterious men, while all the time being pursued themselves by the forces of law and order.
Throw in the kidnapping of an M.P.s wife, weapons grade plutonium, dirty bombs and sixty million Sterling in diamonds and you have a pacey, yet intimate tale with a protagonist relying on instincts rather than an abundance of technology and gadgets. Compelling read!
December 22, 2017
Fallout
The blurb for this book intrigued me, the book itself didn’t disappoint.
Fallout is a fast paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. The British Government is being blackmailed by criminals who have got their mitts on some plutonium left over from the Cold War...and there begins a tangled web that will keep you thoroughly entertained. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be seeking out more by this author. Four well deserved stars from purplebookstand.
The blurb for this book intrigued me, the book itself didn’t disappoint.
Fallout is a fast paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. The British Government is being blackmailed by criminals who have got their mitts on some plutonium left over from the Cold War...and there begins a tangled web that will keep you thoroughly entertained. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be seeking out more by this author. Four well deserved stars from purplebookstand.
September 19, 2018
Audiobook Review
As soon as this began it took off at full pace!
Plutonium is being used to blackmail the government & the guys doing this are a mixed bunch & none of them are appealing. To be honest neither are the police!
Nick though is an unassuming guy who is thrown into this head first. A likeable character and his new friend from MI5. I’m going to read or listen to more to find out where they go from here.
Narrator kept the pace going & voices differently per character, great job there.
As soon as this began it took off at full pace!
Plutonium is being used to blackmail the government & the guys doing this are a mixed bunch & none of them are appealing. To be honest neither are the police!
Nick though is an unassuming guy who is thrown into this head first. A likeable character and his new friend from MI5. I’m going to read or listen to more to find out where they go from here.
Narrator kept the pace going & voices differently per character, great job there.
December 23, 2017
Fallout has a gripping plot line, we have some very nasty criminals who will stop at nothing to get what they want, that being to blackmail the British Government over some plutonium they have got their hands on, pay up or it will be released onto the public, enter Nick Sullivan the protagonist a man on the run, wrongly accused of a crime, who at times I wanted to shake him!, though it gives us a good insight as to why he makes the choices he does, and lays the ground for book 2. Well written, kept me intrigued throughout ,with threads very nicely tied up in a good British thriller , looking forward to reading more from Karla Forbes. Definitely recommended.
December 23, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable read! Couldn't put it down!
Made a refreshing change to read a crime book from the accused's point of you. As someone else said, a daily straight forward story, but so well written.
Looking forward to reading book two.
Made a refreshing change to read a crime book from the accused's point of you. As someone else said, a daily straight forward story, but so well written.
Looking forward to reading book two.
April 30, 2020
4 Stars – that is pretty good as far as I aom concerned – This is a great book, why didn’t I give it 5 stars? well, I think it needs to be a super book for 5 stars, but this is great, fast paced, well written, easy to follow (I sometimes do other things while listening to an audiobook and if it is tough to follow, I get lost.)
Full of exciting moments, it gets faster paced as the book evolves. Nick is a very interesting character who we learn about as the book goes on. There are good guys, some really bad guys, some people who just got mixed up in the middle… a bit of everything, including romance, but not enough to put your off if you don’t like romance.
Good ending, nice and satisfying
Full of exciting moments, it gets faster paced as the book evolves. Nick is a very interesting character who we learn about as the book goes on. There are good guys, some really bad guys, some people who just got mixed up in the middle… a bit of everything, including romance, but not enough to put your off if you don’t like romance.
Good ending, nice and satisfying
September 27, 2018
Nick Sullivan is out sailing with his boss when they come across 3 men in a boat with engine troubles. Nick's boss boards to try to help and one of the men cuts his throat. Nick has to dive overboard to escape. That's where his troubles begin as the police don't believe his story and he goes on the run to try to clear his name.
I hadn't read anything else by Karla Forbes so didn't have any expectations so was pleasantly surprised to listen to a very well written, fast paced thriller. The story draws you in from the start and there are plenty of twists and turns. Nick is a very likeable, believable character, though has far more than his share of bad luck.
Craig Bowles narration was excellent and he coped very well with the different voices.
The book left me wanting more Nick Sullivan action and I am disappointed to see that Audible UK doesn't have any of the other books in the series in its catalogue!
I hadn't read anything else by Karla Forbes so didn't have any expectations so was pleasantly surprised to listen to a very well written, fast paced thriller. The story draws you in from the start and there are plenty of twists and turns. Nick is a very likeable, believable character, though has far more than his share of bad luck.
Craig Bowles narration was excellent and he coped very well with the different voices.
The book left me wanting more Nick Sullivan action and I am disappointed to see that Audible UK doesn't have any of the other books in the series in its catalogue!
May 21, 2020
This is the first Nick Sullivan book, which takes you on an action packed adventure, full of murder, mystery and suspense as Nick sets out to prove his innocence. I found it a little slow to get into Nick's character and the story, but once it did it kept up the intense pace and thrills all the way through. The narration was great and captured what was happening and the characters. I'm looking forward to meeting Nick again in the next installment.
December 23, 2017
Fall out by karla forbes.
The British Government is being blackmailed by criminals who have got their hands on a quantity of plutonium left over from the cold war. Only one man knows their identity and can prevent a catastrophe but he is on the run for a murder he didn’t commit and has no intention of being found.
A good read with good characters. Found it a little slow in places. 4*.
The British Government is being blackmailed by criminals who have got their hands on a quantity of plutonium left over from the cold war. Only one man knows their identity and can prevent a catastrophe but he is on the run for a murder he didn’t commit and has no intention of being found.
A good read with good characters. Found it a little slow in places. 4*.
September 20, 2018
It's a jolly good job that the strap line to 'Fallout' is, 'The First Nick Sullivan Thriller' as this fact paced, action packed story will leave you wanting more. From the first paragraph you are drawn into a mystery, which swiftly becomes something much more sinister. Every time you think, "Well, things can't get any worse for Nick, somehow, they do". I'm pretty sure Nick Sullivan's middle name isn't 'Lucky'! I must give credit to Craig Bowles' narrating. Full disclosure here, at the beginning I wasn't sure I was going to love his narration. By the end, not only did I love his narration but I'd changed my name to Melanie-Craig and I've taken up bowls! Karla Forbes has created a great character in Nick Sullivan. He's likeable and engaging and I was very invested in what would happen to him. A great first book that has left me eager with anticipation for Book 2. If I may be so bold as to recommend you treat yourself to Fallout, you can thank me later!
September 27, 2018
loved this audio. This poor guy narrowly escapes with his life after offering help to the crew of a disabled ship and then finds himself a wanted man for murder of his best friend whilst trying to find the men responsible and prove his innocent. I was hooked from the first word
September 23, 2018
Absolutely LOVED it, yes, I guess that I am biased as I read it several times whilst narrating the Audio Book however, taking that out of the equation, if you don't want to hear the book then at least READ it, you won't be disappointed and.... AND, there are another 8 books in the series. Just finished '2' and am currently narrating it.... I would warn though that if you want a book where you may only feel like reading a few pages, this one may see several hours pass without you even realising it!
July 15, 2012
Really enjoyable, fast-paced British thriller. Liked the characters of Nick and Annelies and thought the plot was interesting without being too intricate. There was some nice bits of humour in there too. It's often difficult to find British written thrillers so this was a real find. Will be reading the others in the series in due course.
November 26, 2020
Fallout opens with a prologue which is set in 1979 and finds a German man, Hubner on board a capsizing fishing trawler en route to England from Rostock in East Germany. While everybody else on board is trying to escape, Hubner returns to his cabin to retrieve the heavy suitcase he has with him. However, the skipper of the boat has other ideas as he turns on the man he describes as a STASI pig.
The next scene also takes place on a boat but we are now in 2013 and on board a luxury sports cruiser belonging to successful banker, Nick Sullivan. He is with his best friend and boss, Tim Wellerby but it seems that Tim has something he needs to tell Nick and it looks as if this boat trip isn't going to end well either. Exactly how badly only becomes clear when the two men offer their help to a stricken powerboat. Nick's instincts tell him that the three men on board the rusting craft have something to hide and voices his concerns to Tim. Moments later he is horrified to discover just how right he was to be suspicious of these men and is soon fighting for his life.
The exciting opening is a fabulous introduction to this high-octane thriller and as Nick's life is turned completely upside down, he and the readers are scarcely given time to draw breath. His comfortable life with a platinum credit card, yacht and Aston Martin means nothing as he recognises the police don't believe his story and instead suspect that he is a killer. Realising his only hope is to find the men who are really guilty, he makes a bold decision to go on the run. I wasn't sure how I felt about Nick at first; that may be due in part to rich bankers not being naturally sympathetic characters but he also makes a visit to an old friend and by coercing his help by mentioning something in their past, I questioned what sort of man he really was. However, I soon found myself warming to him and enjoyed following a character who has to deal with a complete change in their circumstances.
While Nick desperately tries to hunt down the three men, they are busy putting another plan into action and it soon becomes evident that their intentions extend far beyond simple murder. These are brutal, uncompromising men and there are some horrific scenes here which underline just how cold and calculating they are. It's chilling to see how little they value the lives of others and as they work towards their end game, their ruthlessness is horrifying. The story effectively becomes two interlinked cat-and-mouse races against time; Nick doggedly pursues the killers while trying to evade capture by the grimly determined DI Mason, a man who isn't easily swayed when he decides somebody is guilty while the police and MI5 agent, Mark Anson try to hunt down the men who claim to have a dangerous stash of plutonium - and Nick is their only lead...
Although there are many who doubt Nick's story, Annelies Burdon decides to help him and I loved the inclusion of this strong-willed woman who, despite having feelings for Nick doesn't allow him to call all the shots. She has a less physical presence in the book as it progresses which makes sense for the plot and introduces further potential conflict but I must admit to missing the sparks that fly between the two.
The multiple viewpoints allow the reader the privilege of following Nick, the villains, the police and more, including some of those unfortunate to fall victim to the gang's uncompromising plans. Having this overview really adds to the tension and as the strands of the storyline become ever more intertwined, the suspense becomes almost unbearable. I loved that this isn't merely a case of an innocent fugitive needing to clear his name or a daring plot to blackmail the Government but instead seamlessly combines what would undoubtedly be two riveting action thrillers into one heart-pounding, rollercoaster of a read! I have no idea if the gang's plan is possible but that doesn't matter because it always feels plausible - as do the actions of the increasingly beaten down and clearly ill Nick - and I was completely engrossed throughout.
Fallout is an excellent introduction to this series and is just what I'm looking for in action thrillers - a fast pace, a complex plot that kept my pulse racing, some welcome touches of humour amidst the drama and characters I believed in. The ending sets the scene perfectly for more and I'm intrigued to discover what lies in store for Nick Sullivan in the future.
The next scene also takes place on a boat but we are now in 2013 and on board a luxury sports cruiser belonging to successful banker, Nick Sullivan. He is with his best friend and boss, Tim Wellerby but it seems that Tim has something he needs to tell Nick and it looks as if this boat trip isn't going to end well either. Exactly how badly only becomes clear when the two men offer their help to a stricken powerboat. Nick's instincts tell him that the three men on board the rusting craft have something to hide and voices his concerns to Tim. Moments later he is horrified to discover just how right he was to be suspicious of these men and is soon fighting for his life.
The exciting opening is a fabulous introduction to this high-octane thriller and as Nick's life is turned completely upside down, he and the readers are scarcely given time to draw breath. His comfortable life with a platinum credit card, yacht and Aston Martin means nothing as he recognises the police don't believe his story and instead suspect that he is a killer. Realising his only hope is to find the men who are really guilty, he makes a bold decision to go on the run. I wasn't sure how I felt about Nick at first; that may be due in part to rich bankers not being naturally sympathetic characters but he also makes a visit to an old friend and by coercing his help by mentioning something in their past, I questioned what sort of man he really was. However, I soon found myself warming to him and enjoyed following a character who has to deal with a complete change in their circumstances.
While Nick desperately tries to hunt down the three men, they are busy putting another plan into action and it soon becomes evident that their intentions extend far beyond simple murder. These are brutal, uncompromising men and there are some horrific scenes here which underline just how cold and calculating they are. It's chilling to see how little they value the lives of others and as they work towards their end game, their ruthlessness is horrifying. The story effectively becomes two interlinked cat-and-mouse races against time; Nick doggedly pursues the killers while trying to evade capture by the grimly determined DI Mason, a man who isn't easily swayed when he decides somebody is guilty while the police and MI5 agent, Mark Anson try to hunt down the men who claim to have a dangerous stash of plutonium - and Nick is their only lead...
Although there are many who doubt Nick's story, Annelies Burdon decides to help him and I loved the inclusion of this strong-willed woman who, despite having feelings for Nick doesn't allow him to call all the shots. She has a less physical presence in the book as it progresses which makes sense for the plot and introduces further potential conflict but I must admit to missing the sparks that fly between the two.
The multiple viewpoints allow the reader the privilege of following Nick, the villains, the police and more, including some of those unfortunate to fall victim to the gang's uncompromising plans. Having this overview really adds to the tension and as the strands of the storyline become ever more intertwined, the suspense becomes almost unbearable. I loved that this isn't merely a case of an innocent fugitive needing to clear his name or a daring plot to blackmail the Government but instead seamlessly combines what would undoubtedly be two riveting action thrillers into one heart-pounding, rollercoaster of a read! I have no idea if the gang's plan is possible but that doesn't matter because it always feels plausible - as do the actions of the increasingly beaten down and clearly ill Nick - and I was completely engrossed throughout.
Fallout is an excellent introduction to this series and is just what I'm looking for in action thrillers - a fast pace, a complex plot that kept my pulse racing, some welcome touches of humour amidst the drama and characters I believed in. The ending sets the scene perfectly for more and I'm intrigued to discover what lies in store for Nick Sullivan in the future.
June 20, 2020
It started off pretty interesting. Nick and his best friend are out sailing, come across another boat in distress, offer assistance, and BOOM! Nick is now in the middle of this dangerous game of cat and mouse. His life is left in tatters. His best friend is dead, the police think he did it, his wife leaves him, and he’s on the hunt for the real killers. The first few hours really drew me in and I was committed to finishing the book.
Nick himself turns out to be pretty selfish. Despite the excellent beginning, I never really grew to like Nick. He’s an OK guy, a bit self-centered, who is now caught up in extraordinary circumstances. He’s addicted to action and adrenaline. Yes, he wouldn’t mind saving hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people, but it’s really the rush of danger that has a hold on him.
The ladies are underutilized as well. I can only recall 3 – Nick’s wife, a new love interest (Annalise), and the wife of some government official. In each case, the women are sexualized and two of them need rescuing or saving from danger. For the most part, they don’t really contribute to the plot except for one who has to exit the story permanently. I was disappointed that Annalise at least didn’t get a real role.
I did really like the plot hatched by the bad guys. They have managed to get their hands on some plutonium and they are plotting something far worse than a few dirty bombs. One of them is pretty clever and Nick uses that to his advantage later in the story. The pacing is pretty good – never a dull moment. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Craig Bowles has a good voice for Nick Sullivan. It’s a steady pace, clear speech. However, I did feel that sometimes he sounded more like a news reporter or perhaps a sports reporter. Bowles had different voices for all the characters but sometimes he slipped into that reporter’s voice and the different character voices kind of blended together. Bowles did have a good female character voice, but all 3 ladies had to share it. But there were never 2 or more ladies in any one conversation so it was easy to keep their characters apart. There were no tech issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
Nick himself turns out to be pretty selfish. Despite the excellent beginning, I never really grew to like Nick. He’s an OK guy, a bit self-centered, who is now caught up in extraordinary circumstances. He’s addicted to action and adrenaline. Yes, he wouldn’t mind saving hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people, but it’s really the rush of danger that has a hold on him.
The ladies are underutilized as well. I can only recall 3 – Nick’s wife, a new love interest (Annalise), and the wife of some government official. In each case, the women are sexualized and two of them need rescuing or saving from danger. For the most part, they don’t really contribute to the plot except for one who has to exit the story permanently. I was disappointed that Annalise at least didn’t get a real role.
I did really like the plot hatched by the bad guys. They have managed to get their hands on some plutonium and they are plotting something far worse than a few dirty bombs. One of them is pretty clever and Nick uses that to his advantage later in the story. The pacing is pretty good – never a dull moment. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Craig Bowles has a good voice for Nick Sullivan. It’s a steady pace, clear speech. However, I did feel that sometimes he sounded more like a news reporter or perhaps a sports reporter. Bowles had different voices for all the characters but sometimes he slipped into that reporter’s voice and the different character voices kind of blended together. Bowles did have a good female character voice, but all 3 ladies had to share it. But there were never 2 or more ladies in any one conversation so it was easy to keep their characters apart. There were no tech issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
September 27, 2020
This superb novel is thrilling from the opening pages and never loses its pace. I was immediately drawn to Nick Sullivan and, despite the flash car and gold Rolex, was rooting for him from the start. The first personal blow he encounters, I instantly felt sorry for him. I loved his quirks; his endless quotes, his resourcefulness and his gallows humour. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have on my team.
Right from the opening chapter Nick is framed for murder, which is bad enough, but then because of ‘wrong time, wrong place,’ he ends up getting involved in something much more frightening and something which could have devastating effects for the rest of the country. On the run, Nick is left to figure out what the three men, he and his friend rescued, were up to four miles off the Kent coast. The police are chasing Nick, and Nick is chasing the men. Thank goodness for Annelise – his blossoming relationship with her is a real tonic to the action and I love the scene with the left-overs meal. The chase episode involving her left me short of breath and is one of my favourite parts of the whole book.
This novel is full on action, peppered with mysteries which need piecing together. First, Nick must trace the boat and figure where the three men have gone. Forbes’s description of the baddies; Fox, Wilson and Hubner is frightening – they are terrifying, and all have committed horrific crimes in the past. Fox is particularly unpleasant, though Huber is definitely the one to watch. The incident with Sarah Feltham will leave you cold and, just a warning, some of the scenes are brutal. It shows you can trust no one and, as the story races to the end, there is a brilliantly played out disintegration of trust.
This is a story where knowledge of boats is a matter of life and death, and where friendships are tested to the absolute limits. Fully of dirty bombs, kidnapping, nuclear weapons, remote caravan parks and spooks – this is a rip-roaring read with an absolute gem of an ending. Bonfire Night this year will take on a slightly different slant for me – and at last I’ve found the perfect excuse not to help my husband with the gardening.
Right from the opening chapter Nick is framed for murder, which is bad enough, but then because of ‘wrong time, wrong place,’ he ends up getting involved in something much more frightening and something which could have devastating effects for the rest of the country. On the run, Nick is left to figure out what the three men, he and his friend rescued, were up to four miles off the Kent coast. The police are chasing Nick, and Nick is chasing the men. Thank goodness for Annelise – his blossoming relationship with her is a real tonic to the action and I love the scene with the left-overs meal. The chase episode involving her left me short of breath and is one of my favourite parts of the whole book.
This novel is full on action, peppered with mysteries which need piecing together. First, Nick must trace the boat and figure where the three men have gone. Forbes’s description of the baddies; Fox, Wilson and Hubner is frightening – they are terrifying, and all have committed horrific crimes in the past. Fox is particularly unpleasant, though Huber is definitely the one to watch. The incident with Sarah Feltham will leave you cold and, just a warning, some of the scenes are brutal. It shows you can trust no one and, as the story races to the end, there is a brilliantly played out disintegration of trust.
This is a story where knowledge of boats is a matter of life and death, and where friendships are tested to the absolute limits. Fully of dirty bombs, kidnapping, nuclear weapons, remote caravan parks and spooks – this is a rip-roaring read with an absolute gem of an ending. Bonfire Night this year will take on a slightly different slant for me – and at last I’ve found the perfect excuse not to help my husband with the gardening.
November 18, 2020
I’m exhausted after that! I must stop using the term ‘roller-coaster of a ride’ but I can’t think of anything else appropriate. The tension and excitement never let up.
Poor Nick! One minute he’s a rich financial whizz kid with a posh house, a beautiful wife and an Aston Martin – the next he’s witnessed the brutal murder of his friend by three unknown men, but no-one believes him and he is on the run. He has motive you see, and opportunity. But to say much more would be a spoiler.
Ed is his childhood friend and the only person he can turn to for help. But Ed is a Police Officer and to help a murderer on the run (even if he is innocent) would put his job in jeopardy. But someone else wants to help – Ed’s sister Annelies, who has always had a crush on Nick – but she wouldn’t would she?
The three men Nick witnessed have a quantity of plutonium left over from the Cold War. They are going to use it to blackmail the government into handing over 60 million quid’s worth of diamonds in exchange for not releasing a number of plutonium ‘dirty bombs’ into the atmosphere. And Nick is going to follow them. They have a car and a white van. Why do they need two vehicles? What exactly is in the back of the van and why is it kept padlocked? The mysteries – and the bodies – are piling up and the plot gets more and more complicated. Once I got to around two-thirds of the way through, I just couldn’t stop reading. It was too exciting.
In her Twitter profile it says that Karla writes about: ‘murder, terrorism, blackmail, revenge, war, death and plutonium’. I think that sums it up nicely don’t you think.
Many thanks to @damppebbles for inviting me to be part of #damppebblesblogtours
Poor Nick! One minute he’s a rich financial whizz kid with a posh house, a beautiful wife and an Aston Martin – the next he’s witnessed the brutal murder of his friend by three unknown men, but no-one believes him and he is on the run. He has motive you see, and opportunity. But to say much more would be a spoiler.
Ed is his childhood friend and the only person he can turn to for help. But Ed is a Police Officer and to help a murderer on the run (even if he is innocent) would put his job in jeopardy. But someone else wants to help – Ed’s sister Annelies, who has always had a crush on Nick – but she wouldn’t would she?
The three men Nick witnessed have a quantity of plutonium left over from the Cold War. They are going to use it to blackmail the government into handing over 60 million quid’s worth of diamonds in exchange for not releasing a number of plutonium ‘dirty bombs’ into the atmosphere. And Nick is going to follow them. They have a car and a white van. Why do they need two vehicles? What exactly is in the back of the van and why is it kept padlocked? The mysteries – and the bodies – are piling up and the plot gets more and more complicated. Once I got to around two-thirds of the way through, I just couldn’t stop reading. It was too exciting.
In her Twitter profile it says that Karla writes about: ‘murder, terrorism, blackmail, revenge, war, death and plutonium’. I think that sums it up nicely don’t you think.
Many thanks to @damppebbles for inviting me to be part of #damppebblesblogtours
October 12, 2018
I listened to this novel on audio, and I have to admit, at first I wasn’t taken with the narration. And I couldn’t really put my finger on why. But I did say ‘at first’ because by the time I was half-way through, all was fine, and by the end, I found myself hoping that it is Craig Bowles narrating the rest of the series.
And whilst this is clearly marked as book 1 in the Nick Sullivan thrillers, I was wondering how an on-the-run banker could become a main series character. And I was pleased to find that question resolved itself nicely at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. The story is character-driven and moves along quite nicely, and despite some early deaths, it never feels hurried. I liked the idea of the protagonist being a wanted man, trying to avoid the police whilst trying to track down the real criminals. And with their crimes being far worse than Nick could ever imagine, and Nick’s own life becoming more and more in jeopardy, the stakes are high.
I’m looking forward to what Nick Sullivan gets up to in book 2!
And whilst this is clearly marked as book 1 in the Nick Sullivan thrillers, I was wondering how an on-the-run banker could become a main series character. And I was pleased to find that question resolved itself nicely at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. The story is character-driven and moves along quite nicely, and despite some early deaths, it never feels hurried. I liked the idea of the protagonist being a wanted man, trying to avoid the police whilst trying to track down the real criminals. And with their crimes being far worse than Nick could ever imagine, and Nick’s own life becoming more and more in jeopardy, the stakes are high.
I’m looking forward to what Nick Sullivan gets up to in book 2!
October 18, 2020
If you like your thrillers brutal and uncompromising as well as tense and exciting, welcome to the world of Nick Sullivan.
Nick is a high-flying banker with a beautiful wife, big house, nice car and a boat. Yes, he has it all, until he and his best friend stumble into the path of three psychos hell bent on inflicting carnage across England. In a matter of hours, Nick has lost everything and is Britain’s most wanted man.
Karla Forbes really knows how to turn the screw, cranking up the tension with every turn of the page, and we readers get dragged right through the wringer alongside the hero. We’re with him for every punch, every setback, every kick in the guts, and from start to finish there’s no let-up. How does this guy keep going, you’ll find yourself asking. But keep going Nick does, and we along with him. Fallout is an exhilarating read, full of twists, turns, curveballs, tragedies and life-lessons. One warning though, you’re going to feel bruised by the end of it, but don’t let that put you off.
Enjoy the ride!
Nick is a high-flying banker with a beautiful wife, big house, nice car and a boat. Yes, he has it all, until he and his best friend stumble into the path of three psychos hell bent on inflicting carnage across England. In a matter of hours, Nick has lost everything and is Britain’s most wanted man.
Karla Forbes really knows how to turn the screw, cranking up the tension with every turn of the page, and we readers get dragged right through the wringer alongside the hero. We’re with him for every punch, every setback, every kick in the guts, and from start to finish there’s no let-up. How does this guy keep going, you’ll find yourself asking. But keep going Nick does, and we along with him. Fallout is an exhilarating read, full of twists, turns, curveballs, tragedies and life-lessons. One warning though, you’re going to feel bruised by the end of it, but don’t let that put you off.
Enjoy the ride!
November 24, 2020
Fallout by Karla Forbes is the first in a series featuring Nick Sullivan. I have a few books lately that I have said they have grabbed me immediately and Fallout is another one that did this! The government is being blackmailed by a group of terrorists with Plutonium that was left over from the Cold War. The only person who has a clue who these terrorists are is Nick. The only problem is Nick is on the run and really doesn't want catching!
Here we have a character that is always trying or wanting to do the right thing, his intentions are good...but he is a bit of an adrenaline junkie, plus being a tad selfish on top of this too. It made for an intriguing and pretty interesting read! The fact that Nick gives me the feeling that I want to cheer this oddly flawed and realistic bloke on had me on the edge of my seat at times. I really got into this book and didn't come up for air for hours at a time. I will be looking for book 2, I want to know what's next for Nick.
Thanks to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Dark Stroke Books for the copy of the book to do this review today.
Here we have a character that is always trying or wanting to do the right thing, his intentions are good...but he is a bit of an adrenaline junkie, plus being a tad selfish on top of this too. It made for an intriguing and pretty interesting read! The fact that Nick gives me the feeling that I want to cheer this oddly flawed and realistic bloke on had me on the edge of my seat at times. I really got into this book and didn't come up for air for hours at a time. I will be looking for book 2, I want to know what's next for Nick.
Thanks to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Dark Stroke Books for the copy of the book to do this review today.
November 22, 2020
5 Stars from me!
Wow! Packed with excitement, danger, intrigue and peril - I loved it!
I absolutely adored Nick Sullivan and the enigmatic MI5 guy - I'd want those two in my corner if I were ever in a spot of trouble!
The storyline is well plotted and the tension just doesn't let up, it is jammed full of 'oh god how will he get out of this one' situations that are all thrilling to read. I was completely engrossed in this story.
I didn't particularly enjoy the women in the book being quite so secondary to everything but I guess this is a spin on a James Bondesque trope and it certainly didn't spoil the book for me, just an observation.
Super delighted to note this is book 1 in the Nick Sullivan series and I already can't wait to read book 2.
Wow! Packed with excitement, danger, intrigue and peril - I loved it!
I absolutely adored Nick Sullivan and the enigmatic MI5 guy - I'd want those two in my corner if I were ever in a spot of trouble!
The storyline is well plotted and the tension just doesn't let up, it is jammed full of 'oh god how will he get out of this one' situations that are all thrilling to read. I was completely engrossed in this story.
I didn't particularly enjoy the women in the book being quite so secondary to everything but I guess this is a spin on a James Bondesque trope and it certainly didn't spoil the book for me, just an observation.
Super delighted to note this is book 1 in the Nick Sullivan series and I already can't wait to read book 2.
December 23, 2020
Review:
Fallout by Karla Forbes is an intriguing novel following Nick. The first few chapters got me really excited to read this one.
Nick is one of those characters that you cheer on because you know he has a good intentions but he is also a bit selfish and an adrenaline junky. This makes him somewhere in the middle on the relatable scale, but I thought he was excellently written. He’s definitely realistic.
The pacing is excellent. I was never bored. I really was invested in the story. I enjoyed this one!
Rating:
4/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Damppebbles Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
Fallout by Karla Forbes is an intriguing novel following Nick. The first few chapters got me really excited to read this one.
Nick is one of those characters that you cheer on because you know he has a good intentions but he is also a bit selfish and an adrenaline junky. This makes him somewhere in the middle on the relatable scale, but I thought he was excellently written. He’s definitely realistic.
The pacing is excellent. I was never bored. I really was invested in the story. I enjoyed this one!
Rating:
4/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Damppebbles Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
February 7, 2022
This is a new author to me but I really enjoyed the plot, the females could have been a bit more developed for me but then I get that the story was all about Nick. He was quite a fun character to listen to, given how self centered he was and then how he grew on the 'journey'.
The narration worked really well and it was very engaging.
As I listened to this during a road trip, I was more than impressed that the story and narration actually kept my teenage daughter's attention - she listened to this instead of putting her headphones in. So this was a win win it appeals to a varied audience.
I was given a free copy by the narrator but the review is entirely my own.
The narration worked really well and it was very engaging.
As I listened to this during a road trip, I was more than impressed that the story and narration actually kept my teenage daughter's attention - she listened to this instead of putting her headphones in. So this was a win win it appeals to a varied audience.
I was given a free copy by the narrator but the review is entirely my own.
October 8, 2018
This book is great. it moved with lots of pace and fury and the story was good and believable. this won't be the last book from this author. Really enjoyable story line. Must admit that I had this on audible and I found the first few chapters hard - cant put my finger on it - maybe as its a British narrator and ive listened to a lot of American narrators recently but I carried on and am so glad I did as it was a brilliant listen and unlike any story ive listened to previously.
October 16, 2018
This is the first book in a new series to me, which I love as it means no annoying back story and having to catch up with what happened previously.
This is a very fast moving book, which never let up from the start to the end.
The book is a great thriller, with lots of intrigue and questions asked, all of which are answered by the end of the book.
THe narrator read the book brilliantly and kept me engaged throughout
This is a very fast moving book, which never let up from the start to the end.
The book is a great thriller, with lots of intrigue and questions asked, all of which are answered by the end of the book.
THe narrator read the book brilliantly and kept me engaged throughout
May 6, 2019
A great mystery, entertaining, a fast read, a gripping story.
I loved the fast paced rhythm, I loved the main characters, I loved the story in itself, pretty believable.
Nick is smart, smug, calm, down to earth. A good combination, given the situations he is faced with all along.
The book starts pretty well from the first pages and you find it hard to put it down, wondering what is happening next.
I loved the fast paced rhythm, I loved the main characters, I loved the story in itself, pretty believable.
Nick is smart, smug, calm, down to earth. A good combination, given the situations he is faced with all along.
The book starts pretty well from the first pages and you find it hard to put it down, wondering what is happening next.
May 8, 2018
This is the first of Karla's books I have read and I absolutely loved it. She has written a pacy page-turner and Nick Sullivan is a very likeable hero. Karla writes beautifully and I enjoyed this so much O bought the next 2 in the series.
March 1, 2021
Although it was quite an exciting ride i couldnt really get to liking Nick. I feel for him with all the bad luck he had which kept me listening to the end. Just as you think he is getting a break something else happens. Full of suspense and a great ending.
December 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, in particular, Nick. The story keeps you on your toes from beginning to end, fantastic. I would certainly recommend this book.
September 25, 2019
Good read.
Very easy to read with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed it and will recommend it to everyone enjoying this type of book.
Very easy to read with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed it and will recommend it to everyone enjoying this type of book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews