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Harry Jones #5
A Sentimental Traitor
A missile tears a passenger plane from the skies over London. Everyone on board is killed, including thirty-seven special children. As terror turns to international chaos, can the government survive...?
Who would have killed them? And why? When Harry Jones starts searching for answers, he stumbles into the middle of a plot that stretches from Russia to the Islamic revolution in Egypt, from the shores of the Caspian Sea to an ancient church in rural Wiltshire. Yet every lead he pursues finds its way back to the secret corners of Brussels and a British woman named Patricia Vaine.
She and Harry are doomed to fight their battle to the death. Their own lives, and the future of an entire continent, are at stake in what develops into the greatest political power game since the end of the Second World War. For this is a plot not just to take over one country but the whole of Europe. And in this deadly game, the victors will claim total victory - unless Harry Jones can stop them...
Who would have killed them? And why? When Harry Jones starts searching for answers, he stumbles into the middle of a plot that stretches from Russia to the Islamic revolution in Egypt, from the shores of the Caspian Sea to an ancient church in rural Wiltshire. Yet every lead he pursues finds its way back to the secret corners of Brussels and a British woman named Patricia Vaine.
She and Harry are doomed to fight their battle to the death. Their own lives, and the future of an entire continent, are at stake in what develops into the greatest political power game since the end of the Second World War. For this is a plot not just to take over one country but the whole of Europe. And in this deadly game, the victors will claim total victory - unless Harry Jones can stop them...
448 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2012
26 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dobbs
101 books371 followersMichael Dobbs was born on the same day, in the same hour as Prince Charles in 1948.
He is the son of nurseryman Eric and his wife Eileen Dobbs and was educated at Hertford Grammar School and Christ Church, Oxford University. After graduating in 1971 he moved to the United States.
In the USA he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, which he funded by a job as feature writer for the Boston Globe, where he worked as an editorial assistant and political feature writer from 1971 to 1975.
He graduated in 1975 with an M.A., M.A.L.D., and PhD in nuclear defence studies. His doctoral thesis was published as SALT on the Dragon's Tail. In 2007 he returned to Tufts where he gave the Alumni Salutation.
After gaining his PhD he returned to England and began working in London for the Conservative Party. He was an advisor to the then leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher, from 1977 to 1979 and from 1979 to 1981 he was a Conservative MP speechwriter.
He served as a Government Special Advisor from 1981 to 1986 and he survived the Brighton Bombing in 1984 at the Conservative Party Conference. He was the Conservative Party Chief of Staff from 1986 to 1987.
He was considered a masterful political operator and was called "Westminster’s baby-faced hit man", by The Guardian in 1987. In the John Major government, he served as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1994 to 1995, after which he retired from politics.
Outside of politics, he worked at Saatchi & Saatchi as Deputy Advertising Chairman from 1983 to 1986 and was Director of Worldwide Corporate Communications at the company from 1987 to 1988. He became Deputy Chairman, working directly under Maurice Saatchi from 1988 to 1991.
From 1991 to 1998 he was a columnist for The Mail on Sunday and also wrote column for the Daily Express. From 1998 to 2001 he hosted the current affairs program Despatch Box on BBC television and has also been a radio presenter.
Nowadays he is best known as the bestselling author of 17 novels (up to 2010), such as 'The Turning Point', about Winston Churchill and Guy Burgess, and 'A Family Affair', about the last days of Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street, and also a number of non-fiction works.
His writing career began in 1989 with the publication of 'House of Cards', the first in what would become a trilogy of political thrillers with Francis Urquhart as the central character. 'House of Cards' was followed by 'To Play the King' in 1992 and 'The Final Cut' in 1994.
Each of the three novels was adapted by the BBC into a miniseries and, with Ian Richardson playiing a starring role, the trilogy received a combined 14 BAFTA nominations and two BAFTA wins and was voted the 84th Best British Show in History.
His 2004 novel 'Winston’s War' was shortlisted for the Channel 4 Political Book of the Year Award. He was the winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award for best historical novel in 2008 and in 2001 was shortlisted for the C4 Political Novel of the Year. He has also been a judge of the Whitbread Book of the Year Award and lectures at dozens of literary and fundraising events each year.
Anthony Howard of The Times said “Dobbs is following in a respectable tradition. Shakespeare, Walter Scott, even Tolstoy, all used historical events as the framework for their writings. And, unlike some of their distinguished works, Dobbs's novel is, in fact, astonishingly historically accurate."
He is now a full time writer and divides his time between London and Wiltshire, where he says that he lives near a church and a pub! He is married with four children.
Gerry Wolstenholme
October 2010
He is sometimes confused with American author Michael Dobbs, who is a distant relative of his and also an author of historical books (e.g. "Saboteurs - The Nazi Raid on America").
He is the son of nurseryman Eric and his wife Eileen Dobbs and was educated at Hertford Grammar School and Christ Church, Oxford University. After graduating in 1971 he moved to the United States.
In the USA he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, which he funded by a job as feature writer for the Boston Globe, where he worked as an editorial assistant and political feature writer from 1971 to 1975.
He graduated in 1975 with an M.A., M.A.L.D., and PhD in nuclear defence studies. His doctoral thesis was published as SALT on the Dragon's Tail. In 2007 he returned to Tufts where he gave the Alumni Salutation.
After gaining his PhD he returned to England and began working in London for the Conservative Party. He was an advisor to the then leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher, from 1977 to 1979 and from 1979 to 1981 he was a Conservative MP speechwriter.
He served as a Government Special Advisor from 1981 to 1986 and he survived the Brighton Bombing in 1984 at the Conservative Party Conference. He was the Conservative Party Chief of Staff from 1986 to 1987.
He was considered a masterful political operator and was called "Westminster’s baby-faced hit man", by The Guardian in 1987. In the John Major government, he served as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1994 to 1995, after which he retired from politics.
Outside of politics, he worked at Saatchi & Saatchi as Deputy Advertising Chairman from 1983 to 1986 and was Director of Worldwide Corporate Communications at the company from 1987 to 1988. He became Deputy Chairman, working directly under Maurice Saatchi from 1988 to 1991.
From 1991 to 1998 he was a columnist for The Mail on Sunday and also wrote column for the Daily Express. From 1998 to 2001 he hosted the current affairs program Despatch Box on BBC television and has also been a radio presenter.
Nowadays he is best known as the bestselling author of 17 novels (up to 2010), such as 'The Turning Point', about Winston Churchill and Guy Burgess, and 'A Family Affair', about the last days of Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street, and also a number of non-fiction works.
His writing career began in 1989 with the publication of 'House of Cards', the first in what would become a trilogy of political thrillers with Francis Urquhart as the central character. 'House of Cards' was followed by 'To Play the King' in 1992 and 'The Final Cut' in 1994.
Each of the three novels was adapted by the BBC into a miniseries and, with Ian Richardson playiing a starring role, the trilogy received a combined 14 BAFTA nominations and two BAFTA wins and was voted the 84th Best British Show in History.
His 2004 novel 'Winston’s War' was shortlisted for the Channel 4 Political Book of the Year Award. He was the winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award for best historical novel in 2008 and in 2001 was shortlisted for the C4 Political Novel of the Year. He has also been a judge of the Whitbread Book of the Year Award and lectures at dozens of literary and fundraising events each year.
Anthony Howard of The Times said “Dobbs is following in a respectable tradition. Shakespeare, Walter Scott, even Tolstoy, all used historical events as the framework for their writings. And, unlike some of their distinguished works, Dobbs's novel is, in fact, astonishingly historically accurate."
He is now a full time writer and divides his time between London and Wiltshire, where he says that he lives near a church and a pub! He is married with four children.
Gerry Wolstenholme
October 2010
He is sometimes confused with American author Michael Dobbs, who is a distant relative of his and also an author of historical books (e.g. "Saboteurs - The Nazi Raid on America").
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 28, 2015
Dobbs finds his groove in a great mystery thriller sure to win back some fans left unimpressed with previous Harry Jones stories. A missile decimates a plane over London, killing all on board, including thirty-seven children. The UK and US governments begin questioning who could be behind this and for what reason. When an Egyptian national is fingered, he's located and covertly captured by Russian officials. Interrogation leads to his death in custody, without revealing the entire story behind the attack. The case seems closed, but the motive remains unknown and the West demands answers. Member of Parliament and former military hero Harry Jones begins investigating at his Prime Minister's request, but comes up empty. Soon, with an election on the horizon, false assault charges are brought against Jones and the electorate show signs of skepticism towards his behaviour. Jones also finds his personal finances are non-existent. Someone has obviously begun pulling strings to sully Jones and besmirch his reputation. However, Jones has a few tricks up his sleeve and tries to learn the truth about the crash and Russian involvement before he's eliminated. A lone, but powerful employee of the European Union, cached away in Brussels, may hold the truth to it all, leaving Jones in a heated confrontation with Patricia Vaile in a last-ditch attempt to salvage his reputation. Dobbs returns to his stellar style in this fifth instalment of the Harry Jones series.
As though he read my reviews and ideas, Dobbs injects a great deal of politics into every aspect of this novel. There is great parliamentary commentary, interesting UK-EU interactions, and the ever-flogged Middle East terrorist theme that fill the pages of the book, alongside Jones' usual sleuthing and burgeoning love interest. Dobbs creates a highly personal Harry Jones, showing the depths of his vulnerable side, with just enough gumption to ensure the reader sees a ray of hope at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Well crafted to the final page, Dobbs has found himself and keeps readers wanting more Harry Jones.
Kudos, Baron Dobbs for your work. A great rejuvenation in your storytelling has me hooked anew.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
As though he read my reviews and ideas, Dobbs injects a great deal of politics into every aspect of this novel. There is great parliamentary commentary, interesting UK-EU interactions, and the ever-flogged Middle East terrorist theme that fill the pages of the book, alongside Jones' usual sleuthing and burgeoning love interest. Dobbs creates a highly personal Harry Jones, showing the depths of his vulnerable side, with just enough gumption to ensure the reader sees a ray of hope at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Well crafted to the final page, Dobbs has found himself and keeps readers wanting more Harry Jones.
Kudos, Baron Dobbs for your work. A great rejuvenation in your storytelling has me hooked anew.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 15, 2015
Pure rubbish. I'm shocked this is the same author who gave us Francis Urquhart.
December 22, 2013
Disappointing; banal.
May 23, 2015
Best book since Smiley's People
Fast paced and full of intrigue. Fascinating and exciting and very well written. A great vacation book! John La Carte would be proud.
Fast paced and full of intrigue. Fascinating and exciting and very well written. A great vacation book! John La Carte would be proud.
August 8, 2021
Page-turner; the type of book which should be finished in one seating! Unfortunately, I've got short attention span 😅. The plot was fast developing and straightforward. Would definitely consider reading 📚the other Harry Jones series.
December 29, 2021
Mr Dobbs’ book starts out a bit overwhelmingly, for me in the states, with a plethora of characters and Euro-British information that are required for plot development. No problem there, just a heads up. After that it’s a wild ride !
I highly recommend this book A Sentimental Traitor. The ‘current events’ tie ins and the final warning, so to speak, of how intelligence services can be abused, Cambridge Analytica anyone (?), makes this a great read. Dobbs really cares about his character development craft. I put him in the John Grisham eschelon of novelists.
I highly recommend this book A Sentimental Traitor. The ‘current events’ tie ins and the final warning, so to speak, of how intelligence services can be abused, Cambridge Analytica anyone (?), makes this a great read. Dobbs really cares about his character development craft. I put him in the John Grisham eschelon of novelists.
July 5, 2019
I normally like Michael Dobbs as an author he has written some great books, but I found this book to be almost unreadable. The characters were unlikable, the plot unbelievable.
July 16, 2016
I have enjoyed interesting heroes in novels before but Harry Jones may win the "Most Interesting" prize. He is a war hero, he is independently wealthy and a member of the British House of Commons. This one opens with an unknown trio of men on a fishing boat in the North Sea lining up the sights of a Russian shoulder mounted missile launcher targeting a British Airbus on a routine flight from Brussels to London. The passengers aboard the airplane include 37 children of American diplomats stationed in London. We are introduced to Patricia Vaine who is the head of EATA, the intelligence service of the European Union, who desires to take over the EU using the destruction of Harry Jones, the British Prime Minister and others to accomplish her objective.
September 5, 2014
Not for me this one. Got 150 odd pages in and had to put it down.
There was nothing really happening. The idea had so much potential but all I really got from it was akin to a boring day at the office. It was readable, but I've better books to be going on with.
The writing style was so-so, story telling very slow with nothing of value bulking it out.
Characters were thin, cold, with an odd sense of perversion.
The author's knowledge of how internal government and the EU work was probably on the money though I'll give him that.
I think this is what you get when a stuffy old Tory writes a book.
There was nothing really happening. The idea had so much potential but all I really got from it was akin to a boring day at the office. It was readable, but I've better books to be going on with.
The writing style was so-so, story telling very slow with nothing of value bulking it out.
Characters were thin, cold, with an odd sense of perversion.
The author's knowledge of how internal government and the EU work was probably on the money though I'll give him that.
I think this is what you get when a stuffy old Tory writes a book.
August 10, 2024
A good read lots of twists
June 10, 2012
A quick read, but compelling.
Strongest Harry Jones book yet I think. Don't go looking for intellectual stimulation, but if you'd like a straightforward thriller, give this a go.
Recommendation? Read.
Strongest Harry Jones book yet I think. Don't go looking for intellectual stimulation, but if you'd like a straightforward thriller, give this a go.
Recommendation? Read.
December 8, 2019
An intriguing political thriller from the creator of House of Cards.
I wasn't really sure what to expect going into this. I had assumed it was a general thriller in the line of Lee Child, David Baldacci, etc, but instead focused more on political machinations than direct action. A plane has been shot down in British territory, killing over a hundred people including a group of schoolchildren. MP Harry Jones takes an interest in the attack, sensing there is more to it than it seems. What follows is a game of political power struggle and cat and mouse over the future of Europe.
I rather enjoyed this story. It was interesting to have Dobbs' inside knowledge of how the world of politics and government works, and how important reputation and rumours can be to a politician's career. There was a good level of suspense and mystery, making me want to figure out what's going on alongside Harry. Characters were good if not a little archetypal at times.
There wasn't much I didn't like about this. If anything, I found that Dobb's own political opinions and ideals were perhaps a bit too prevalent in his writing and story. The whole EU as a power hungry body bent on taking everything away from the British was blatantly reflective of his conservative positions. Aside from this the story was good.
A Sentimental Traitor was a fun read, and I'll likely read Dobbs' work again.
I wasn't really sure what to expect going into this. I had assumed it was a general thriller in the line of Lee Child, David Baldacci, etc, but instead focused more on political machinations than direct action. A plane has been shot down in British territory, killing over a hundred people including a group of schoolchildren. MP Harry Jones takes an interest in the attack, sensing there is more to it than it seems. What follows is a game of political power struggle and cat and mouse over the future of Europe.
I rather enjoyed this story. It was interesting to have Dobbs' inside knowledge of how the world of politics and government works, and how important reputation and rumours can be to a politician's career. There was a good level of suspense and mystery, making me want to figure out what's going on alongside Harry. Characters were good if not a little archetypal at times.
There wasn't much I didn't like about this. If anything, I found that Dobb's own political opinions and ideals were perhaps a bit too prevalent in his writing and story. The whole EU as a power hungry body bent on taking everything away from the British was blatantly reflective of his conservative positions. Aside from this the story was good.
A Sentimental Traitor was a fun read, and I'll likely read Dobbs' work again.
February 26, 2017
A terrorist missile brings down an airliner, killing all on board including a group of children. There has to be an explanation. What we need is a hero who can find it. Meet Harry Jones, rich by inheritance, with a star military record and a seat in the House of Commons.
When Harry investigates, things go wrong for him, too many things to be just bad luck. The villainy comes from within a rogue European department, pitiless and above the law. It seems that Harry has no chance.
The story is compelling, through every stage of the intriguing fightback. The showdown brings further surprises and a classic climax.
A very well written thriller.
When Harry investigates, things go wrong for him, too many things to be just bad luck. The villainy comes from within a rogue European department, pitiless and above the law. It seems that Harry has no chance.
The story is compelling, through every stage of the intriguing fightback. The showdown brings further surprises and a classic climax.
A very well written thriller.
September 13, 2022
I have never been so angry reading a book. This book makes me want to throw it across the room or to toss it to the fire (as the writer said in his acknowledge words) but I couldn't bare to do it. It was awesome, tho I understand nothing about the politics stuff. I was satisfied with the ending. I was upset that Harry spent almost all of the time drunk and did little about what was happening to him. I like Jemma. She's a clever woman. It was good to know she stayed with Harry.
April 2, 2019
Amateur spy on Europe, more grief for Harry
A likeable spy thriller that romps between Brussels, London and the home counties, and as Harry starts asking why a plane full of children is not by a missile an route from Brussels to London, his life spirals out of control, taking those dear down with him! Topical, entertaining, Dobbs weaves a good story.
A likeable spy thriller that romps between Brussels, London and the home counties, and as Harry starts asking why a plane full of children is not by a missile an route from Brussels to London, his life spirals out of control, taking those dear down with him! Topical, entertaining, Dobbs weaves a good story.
December 24, 2021
Not as good as the previous Harry Jones novels. Plot is a bit contrived with a lot of ‘just go with it’ as this is totally unbelievable moments.
However love Dobbs writing and you need to read this one to move on to the next.
However love Dobbs writing and you need to read this one to move on to the next.
January 16, 2022
Hi almost read this in one go. A lot of fun with plenty of twists. Guess I shouldn't enjoy it so much as the author has a very Eurosceptic view. No doubt now of course we are out of the "EU" and the British Government can balls it all by themselves.
March 18, 2023
I had to DNF this book because of the sexist & racist comments and undertones. One of the characters says, “one dead Arab is as good as another, isn’t that the way it goes?” (Pg 94) YIKES this was definitely written by a CIS white man 😳
August 19, 2024
Hadn’t realised there were previous Harry Jones thrillers. Probably should give this 4 stars but I felt the machinations of the EU security chief in trying to destroy Harry were a bit beyond belief. Checked the publication date & this was written well before Brexit.
October 4, 2020
Another Dobbs tale of the damage wrought by the desire for power.
February 8, 2021
Very well written, very readable – intelligent, interesting – a real page turner
March 15, 2017
Not his best
This is the first book of Michael Dobbs I did not enjoy. Hard to get going until Harry Jones finally made an appearance. But the story was so involved that it became difficult for me to get to grips with it. Sorry Michael!
This is the first book of Michael Dobbs I did not enjoy. Hard to get going until Harry Jones finally made an appearance. But the story was so involved that it became difficult for me to get to grips with it. Sorry Michael!
August 31, 2020
Great book
Wonderful writing, good plot, kept me enthralled. I’m enjoying the Harry Jones series of books. I would recommend this book - but read the books in order.
Wonderful writing, good plot, kept me enthralled. I’m enjoying the Harry Jones series of books. I would recommend this book - but read the books in order.
March 21, 2013
With Dobbs' novels you know what you're going to get; some nice people, some horrible people, a totally implausible plot and some interesting locations. Its been like that since House of Cards.
A Sentimental Traitor is bang up to date. The government is tottering and the economic forecast is bleak. Terrorism is a global threat. There are several threads to the story. Once these start to come together, the pace picks up and it becomes a bit of a page turner. The hero (and heroine) are both vulnerable, attractive and heroic. The villain (a woman) is a true hiss and boo merchant. There are plenty of other interesting characters.
Dobbs always does his research thoroughly which makes the leap into the improbable easier to take. He writes simply and well, doesn't overuse bad language or explicit violence and keeps the reader entertained.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil (www.thebluepencil.co.uk)
www.davidlowtherblog.wordpress.com
A Sentimental Traitor is bang up to date. The government is tottering and the economic forecast is bleak. Terrorism is a global threat. There are several threads to the story. Once these start to come together, the pace picks up and it becomes a bit of a page turner. The hero (and heroine) are both vulnerable, attractive and heroic. The villain (a woman) is a true hiss and boo merchant. There are plenty of other interesting characters.
Dobbs always does his research thoroughly which makes the leap into the improbable easier to take. He writes simply and well, doesn't overuse bad language or explicit violence and keeps the reader entertained.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil (www.thebluepencil.co.uk)
www.davidlowtherblog.wordpress.com
June 2, 2013
I had always been drawn to stories that not only depicts real life situations, but also something that is about crime-solving and deceit and characters outsmarting each other. I think this book didn't fail to give a very mind-blowing opening and each turn of event just kept getting interesting.
Once I started reading this book I just cannot put it down. I want to know what will happen next and it has kept me wanting to keep turning the page so I can find out how it will end. This book has given me a good ride with its element of suspense and shocking turn of event.
The characters are very alive, with their own set of strengths and flaws. They represent real life people - people who are after power; people who wants to manipulate situations or other people.
The story is very nicely told in each page. Although to be honest, I find the ending a bit unappealing. But maybe its just me.
Once I started reading this book I just cannot put it down. I want to know what will happen next and it has kept me wanting to keep turning the page so I can find out how it will end. This book has given me a good ride with its element of suspense and shocking turn of event.
The characters are very alive, with their own set of strengths and flaws. They represent real life people - people who are after power; people who wants to manipulate situations or other people.
The story is very nicely told in each page. Although to be honest, I find the ending a bit unappealing. But maybe its just me.
October 4, 2013
Fifth in the Harry Jones series. Great characterisation, plot and dialogue - up to the final few chapters. Felt like an anti-climax, after all the plotting and action, in the way the denouement was arrived at. Personally, I'd like to have seen more - retribution against the evil-doers; greater explanation for what lay behind it all; just felt a little rushed towards the end. Otherwise, would have given five stars.
May 26, 2014
This was my first Michael Dobbs book, having seen the original House of Cards many years ago I was interested to see what this would be like. Certainly not as good as House of cards but a fairly fast moving thriller with plenty of political intrigue and the ability to make the EU sound almost interesting (an achievement in itself).
An interesting opening sequence but some of the main protagonists decisions were a little difficult to believe. Good enough that I would try another one.
An interesting opening sequence but some of the main protagonists decisions were a little difficult to believe. Good enough that I would try another one.
April 26, 2013
A nicely paced political thriller in the Harry Jones series. Easy to follow without a huge, confusing reveal at the end that leaves the reader scratching their head, but instead this one eased you along with just enough information for to follow both sides of the plot.
June 6, 2013
Although I'm new to the Harry Jones thriller series, I'll be looking for more from this author. With a setting in England, the story was a little slow to develop, but heated up quickly and was hard to put down.
September 2, 2014
Great political drama worth reading. It took me a while to get into the British politicians minds but once I got it, it was a great book.
This was my first Michael Dobbs read and I intend to add to my collection.
Great writer.
This was my first Michael Dobbs read and I intend to add to my collection.
Great writer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews