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Triggers: Revenge Is Worth Waiting For
Marianne is an assassin. One of the best in the business.
Except killing isn't her business - it's her way of getting revenge. Revenge that has been a long time coming.
But there are dark forces who want to use Marianne for their own ends. Dark forces who will do whatever is necessary to acquire her skills.
But what they don't know is that Marianne has a secret. A secret that could be the death of them all.
Except killing isn't her business - it's her way of getting revenge. Revenge that has been a long time coming.
But there are dark forces who want to use Marianne for their own ends. Dark forces who will do whatever is necessary to acquire her skills.
But what they don't know is that Marianne has a secret. A secret that could be the death of them all.
- GenresThriller
312 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2023
99 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,528 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 2, 2024
Much like the protagonist, I find myself torn between conflicting opinions as to how I should rate this book.
On the one hand, I couldn't put it down! 'Triggers' was filled to the brim with action and intrigue. Many times I found myself reading longer than had I intended to because of the book's relentless pace. The protagonist was one of the main reasons for this. Having a highly skilled assassin with dissociative identity disorder made for an intriguing person (or group of people) that I found myself wanting to learn about and understand.
On the other hand, it didn't quite feel like an expert piece of literature. I tended to find a spelling or grammatical error once per chapter and the vocabulary used was somewhat limited. I would have loved to see more of a distinction between the different characters (both external and internal to the protagonist) in terms of how they spoke. Unfortunately, regardless of who was speaking - whether it was Marianne / Woody / Sophia etc., Sam or Dr Carter, each character tended to have a similar voice and manner when it came to their turns of phrase.
Overall, this book was highly enjoyable in a subjective sense. In an objective sense, there was room to improve. Regardless, it's worth a read for anyone who shares my love of the highly-skilled assassin rebelling against the system trope.
On the one hand, I couldn't put it down! 'Triggers' was filled to the brim with action and intrigue. Many times I found myself reading longer than had I intended to because of the book's relentless pace. The protagonist was one of the main reasons for this. Having a highly skilled assassin with dissociative identity disorder made for an intriguing person (or group of people) that I found myself wanting to learn about and understand.
On the other hand, it didn't quite feel like an expert piece of literature. I tended to find a spelling or grammatical error once per chapter and the vocabulary used was somewhat limited. I would have loved to see more of a distinction between the different characters (both external and internal to the protagonist) in terms of how they spoke. Unfortunately, regardless of who was speaking - whether it was Marianne / Woody / Sophia etc., Sam or Dr Carter, each character tended to have a similar voice and manner when it came to their turns of phrase.
Overall, this book was highly enjoyable in a subjective sense. In an objective sense, there was room to improve. Regardless, it's worth a read for anyone who shares my love of the highly-skilled assassin rebelling against the system trope.
May 28, 2023
Marianne is a top level assassin, using all her considerable skills to extract revenge for those who have wronged her in the most brutal way. I say “her” considerable skills, but it’s really “they” as she has severe multiple personality disorder and within her are a number of highly skilled separate identities. Hints of Joe 90 for those of us who are old. Maybe the brilliant TV series “Dollhouse” for those a bit younger. Complex stuff.
Marianne is picked up by a shadowy organisation that wants to use her skills, but also want to know who or what she is.
So Marianne is tested and given a couple of missions, how will working for the organisation impact her quest for revenge, and who, or what is she really?
A great premise, plenty of action and a plot that twists and turns. Just as you would expect from the author.
One of the twists I sussed at about 90% of the way through and, while feeling smug, obviously missed the other ones! The only slight elephant in the room is “how” the various skills were acquired but a minor quibble in yet another thrilling page turner.
Marianne is picked up by a shadowy organisation that wants to use her skills, but also want to know who or what she is.
So Marianne is tested and given a couple of missions, how will working for the organisation impact her quest for revenge, and who, or what is she really?
A great premise, plenty of action and a plot that twists and turns. Just as you would expect from the author.
One of the twists I sussed at about 90% of the way through and, while feeling smug, obviously missed the other ones! The only slight elephant in the room is “how” the various skills were acquired but a minor quibble in yet another thrilling page turner.
June 28, 2023
I am a big Stephen Leather fan but this is by far the worst of his books that I've read.
The main character is effectively a superhero, fuelled by multiple personality disorder, and somehow able to overcome the might of the British state, the best of the SAS and numerous other adversaries. Even suspending disbelief this was difficult to get on board with. Perhaps marketing this as some kind of science fiction might have been more appropriate.
The ending was pretty obvious from when it was introduced. I could see what was coming a mile off.
The only reason this gets 2*s is because I generally love Stephen Leather as an author, and because the scenes involving the kills were interesting, albeit implausible. I did read it quickly although that was because I was on a 12 hour flight over the Atlantic so didn't have much else to do.
The main character is effectively a superhero, fuelled by multiple personality disorder, and somehow able to overcome the might of the British state, the best of the SAS and numerous other adversaries. Even suspending disbelief this was difficult to get on board with. Perhaps marketing this as some kind of science fiction might have been more appropriate.
The ending was pretty obvious from when it was introduced. I could see what was coming a mile off.
The only reason this gets 2*s is because I generally love Stephen Leather as an author, and because the scenes involving the kills were interesting, albeit implausible. I did read it quickly although that was because I was on a 12 hour flight over the Atlantic so didn't have much else to do.
June 17, 2023
A little political
So I've read S. Leather for years. Nearly everything. But I'm not appreciating his dip into transgender issues. If you have a penis, you are a boy, if you have a vagina you are a girl, the end.
Other than the obvious attempt to placate the whole, gay/transgender community, it was a good read.
So I've read S. Leather for years. Nearly everything. But I'm not appreciating his dip into transgender issues. If you have a penis, you are a boy, if you have a vagina you are a girl, the end.
Other than the obvious attempt to placate the whole, gay/transgender community, it was a good read.
September 28, 2023
Impressed
Not what I usually read, saw this advertised and read the free preview, was so impressed I purchased the full book. I read this book in basically one sitting. Won't spoil in for future readers but did not expect the ending.
Will be reading more of Stephen's work in the future
Not what I usually read, saw this advertised and read the free preview, was so impressed I purchased the full book. I read this book in basically one sitting. Won't spoil in for future readers but did not expect the ending.
Will be reading more of Stephen's work in the future
October 12, 2023
Triggers excellent book
I have never read a book like this before about 8 personalities being experts in their own fields in one body. expertly written by my favorite author Stephen Leather it was excitement from start to finish and what a finish and I wonder if there is a sequel to this excellent book and if there are I can't wait to read it
I have never read a book like this before about 8 personalities being experts in their own fields in one body. expertly written by my favorite author Stephen Leather it was excitement from start to finish and what a finish and I wonder if there is a sequel to this excellent book and if there are I can't wait to read it
October 14, 2023
This is a killer stand-alone novel by one of my fave authors. Ok, it may be a little OTT, but it’s fiction, and a great piece of fiction. With 70-odd books to his name, there have been some lesser novels in the catalogue but this is truly one of the best. Excellently written and, as always, narrated perfectly by Paul Thornley.
Well done, Stephen!
Well done, Stephen!
December 20, 2024
Stephen Leather is one of my favourite authors but some of his books can feel like he's churning them out. This isn't one of those. It's a fantastically imaginative premise, brilliantly executed with multiple twists and a genuinely affecting climax. I won't say anything about the plot but if you enjoy imaginative thrillers, you should read this book.
July 22, 2023
Not for me
I'm sorry - I've really enjoyed all that I've read of Stephen's but have given up on this one after a few chapters. It's just too far out there. All the switching of personalities doesn't appeal to me.
I'm sorry - I've really enjoyed all that I've read of Stephen's but have given up on this one after a few chapters. It's just too far out there. All the switching of personalities doesn't appeal to me.
September 24, 2023
An unusual story. Takes awhile to understand the multi personality thing going on but then things start to make sense. Really hope that Mr Leather gets Charlotte Button killed in one of his future stories.
November 12, 2023
A excellent story Marianne is a top level assassin, using all her considerable skills to extract revenge for those who have wronged her in the most brutal way but not all is at it simes. Great twist at the conclusion of the story.
May 17, 2025
Triggers, Wow.
This story got more and more interesting as I read. It was a unique plot that kept me guessing. Although I did work out the story around the last kill. That was predictable, however the ending was a good twist. Well done.
This story got more and more interesting as I read. It was a unique plot that kept me guessing. Although I did work out the story around the last kill. That was predictable, however the ending was a good twist. Well done.
December 3, 2025
Triggers: Revenge Is Worth Waiting For
That was a very interesting book to read I wish their was a book 2 of this that would have been worth it, from the start it was going to get interesting and just got better very well worth it...
That was a very interesting book to read I wish their was a book 2 of this that would have been worth it, from the start it was going to get interesting and just got better very well worth it...
May 31, 2023
A very clever twist, by Stephen Leather
Very clever plot, keeps one guessing right to the end, Stephen Leather at his brilliant best. So good to see Charlie still active
DED
Very clever plot, keeps one guessing right to the end, Stephen Leather at his brilliant best. So good to see Charlie still active
DED
June 7, 2023
Triggers.
Great book.could hardly put it down 👍👍 what's next . what's the follow up to this.looking forward to it.cheers. Triggers.
Great book.could hardly put it down 👍👍 what's next . what's the follow up to this.looking forward to it.cheers. Triggers.
June 7, 2023
Triggers
This is typical Stephen Leather, absolutely brilliant. Still like the one that got me hooked years ago....Dan Shepherd. Keep up the great work 👍
This is typical Stephen Leather, absolutely brilliant. Still like the one that got me hooked years ago....Dan Shepherd. Keep up the great work 👍
June 12, 2023
Good with a twist
A good and easy read. Typical Stephen Leather. I wish he could write faster ;-). I always enjoy the SAS plots and the way several of his book series tie together.
A good and easy read. Typical Stephen Leather. I wish he could write faster ;-). I always enjoy the SAS plots and the way several of his book series tie together.
June 12, 2023
As always Stephen Leather hasn’t let me down ( and I have them all ) a great book, a great twist at the end, hope there’s a sequel,
June 25, 2023
Briiliant
What a great book to read it was so different from what I've read before. Multiple personalities using different skills makes for an interesting read.
What a great book to read it was so different from what I've read before. Multiple personalities using different skills makes for an interesting read.
July 7, 2023
Confused claptrap
What a pointless load of rubbish. Not an iota of reality crept into this book.
Hard to take Leather as a serious writer anymore.
What a pointless load of rubbish. Not an iota of reality crept into this book.
Hard to take Leather as a serious writer anymore.
July 30, 2023
one of the best books i had read in a long time. the plot, pace and story are all first class.
August 14, 2023
Worthless pirated trash from a bitter little man! Don’t waste your time!
August 25, 2023
Interesting
I really enjoyed this book. Quite different and intriguing storyline. I do wish it was a bit longer of a story.
I really enjoyed this book. Quite different and intriguing storyline. I do wish it was a bit longer of a story.
September 19, 2023
Brilliant very enjoyable
I have read many of Stephen leather books
All well worth it, he has an agile mind and is a great storyteller.
I have read many of Stephen leather books
All well worth it, he has an agile mind and is a great storyteller.
September 25, 2023
Took me a wee while to get into, and there was a lot of suspension of disbelief, but in the end it was a good fun thriller that kept the pages turning.
September 27, 2023
Brilliance
A great read as always from Mr Leather
A good use of familiar characters and newbies to produce a real page turned
A great read as always from Mr Leather
A good use of familiar characters and newbies to produce a real page turned
November 10, 2023
Ohh, Triggers is one interesting action thriller. I wouldn’t say the plot is brilliant but surely it is veryi entertaining. And the twist, well played Mr. Leather….very well played.
November 16, 2023
Not as good as I expected
November 22, 2023
great book.
Well written as expected and excellent plot. I want more. Such complex characters- can’t predict at all where it’s going.
Well written as expected and excellent plot. I want more. Such complex characters- can’t predict at all where it’s going.
December 3, 2023
A really good read
Couldn't put the book down a really good enjoyable read like all the other Stephen Leather books. I hope Woody and Dan Spider Shepard become partners in a Stephen Leather book
Couldn't put the book down a really good enjoyable read like all the other Stephen Leather books. I hope Woody and Dan Spider Shepard become partners in a Stephen Leather book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews