What do you think?
Rate this book
Tom Marlowe #4
Counter Attack
Some debts can only be repaid in blood.
British MI5 “Section D” agent Tom Marlowe has been burnt, his Security Services clearance restricted, and his protection from foreign agencies in discussion.
Now back in Whitehall following the events of Covert Action, Marlowe is the bottom of the ladder again, doing the jobs nobody else wants, while keeping his nose clean. But secretly, he's been returned to full status - weapons hot - and has been tasked with infiltrating a secret Government intelligence network which links back to Victorian times... and the creation of MI5 itself.
But with the clock ticking, Marlowe's off-the-books team must tread carefully - as one misstep could expose them all. From billionaires to conspiracy theorists, hackers to mercenaries, Marlowe's hunt takes him across Europe and America, culminating in a final face-off in Washington DC during a Presidential Debate. As alliances fray and a global conflict looms, Marlowe and his team must throw away the rulebook to win... but at what cost? Will they pay with their lives, their careers, or even their souls?
One thing is certain though... some debts can only be repaid in blood...
British MI5 “Section D” agent Tom Marlowe has been burnt, his Security Services clearance restricted, and his protection from foreign agencies in discussion.
Now back in Whitehall following the events of Covert Action, Marlowe is the bottom of the ladder again, doing the jobs nobody else wants, while keeping his nose clean. But secretly, he's been returned to full status - weapons hot - and has been tasked with infiltrating a secret Government intelligence network which links back to Victorian times... and the creation of MI5 itself.
But with the clock ticking, Marlowe's off-the-books team must tread carefully - as one misstep could expose them all. From billionaires to conspiracy theorists, hackers to mercenaries, Marlowe's hunt takes him across Europe and America, culminating in a final face-off in Washington DC during a Presidential Debate. As alliances fray and a global conflict looms, Marlowe and his team must throw away the rulebook to win... but at what cost? Will they pay with their lives, their careers, or even their souls?
One thing is certain though... some debts can only be repaid in blood...
- GenresThriller
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2023
397 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
62 books228 followersJack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 6, 2023
not for me
Extremely complicated plot, I found the story impossible to follow
I like lots of Jack Gatland, though not this one
Extremely complicated plot, I found the story impossible to follow
I like lots of Jack Gatland, though not this one
October 16, 2024
Counter Attack -
This was the fourth book in the series and was as good as the previous three. Whilst you could read this as a stand-alone book, I would really suggest that you start at book 1 and read them all. Some of the previous storylines would provide you with more understanding about the plot within this book. Tom and his crew are at it again, up against Orchid, but also with Rubicon, MI5, MI6 and CIA around the edges. Who can he trust, including within his own team? Can he bring down Orchid and save the world from a multi billionaire trying to run the world. It’s an action packed, page turner which comes to a proper conclusion at the end. 5 out of 5 from me. I’ll be downloaded the next in the series.
This was the fourth book in the series and was as good as the previous three. Whilst you could read this as a stand-alone book, I would really suggest that you start at book 1 and read them all. Some of the previous storylines would provide you with more understanding about the plot within this book. Tom and his crew are at it again, up against Orchid, but also with Rubicon, MI5, MI6 and CIA around the edges. Who can he trust, including within his own team? Can he bring down Orchid and save the world from a multi billionaire trying to run the world. It’s an action packed, page turner which comes to a proper conclusion at the end. 5 out of 5 from me. I’ll be downloaded the next in the series.
December 12, 2023
OUTSTANDING - What a writer!
These series of books are by far the best books I've ever read! I've finished all 3 series, and the standalones far too quickly and now have to wait, with huge impatience for the new releases. Please keep them coming! A more general review, I'm not great them, but the characters and the sheer genius of these books could not go unmentioned. Thank you and bring on the 24th 😀
These series of books are by far the best books I've ever read! I've finished all 3 series, and the standalones far too quickly and now have to wait, with huge impatience for the new releases. Please keep them coming! A more general review, I'm not great them, but the characters and the sheer genius of these books could not go unmentioned. Thank you and bring on the 24th 😀
November 26, 2023
Such an exciting book, the narrator is spectacular and the characters are well developed. Tom Marlow is on another long shot mission and he is determined to succeed. If you want action, suspence, and a hole lot of unknowns this book fills the spot. Looking forward to the next book and see what happens next.
November 18, 2023
After the first three books in the series which I enjoyed, this plummeted downhill, far far too convoluted a plot, just got far too clever for its own good, gave up at about 60% through as I literally ended up having no idea what was going on.
May 11, 2024
The usual great plot but I felt I needed a degree in IT to fully understand what was going on. Eventually I skipped large passages of the book because I was getting frustrated! Disappointed as I'm a huge Jack Gatland fan
May 24, 2024
Marlowe worked above and beyond all expectations
Marlowe yet again following orders that he knew would not get him back into MI5 which he was working towards, no matter what he does if others found out how successful he had been would cause embarrassment to various services.
Marlowe yet again following orders that he knew would not get him back into MI5 which he was working towards, no matter what he does if others found out how successful he had been would cause embarrassment to various services.
July 8, 2025
Marlow an his team are back together, facing a secret society and a host of bad guys. There are rumblings of a plot to kill the US president. Knowing he can’t let that happen, Marlow assembles the team and covertly heads to war. Good book.
August 17, 2025
Far too complicated. I have read all the previous and I know the characters but to bring practically all of them in plus a virtual world is too much. Also all if the characters changing side all the time does not help.
September 6, 2025
I found this, in general, a well written page turner, but unfortunately have to agree with a lot of the comments about the plot being overly complicated in some areas.
Theses are my first reads by this author, but I think I’ll stick around. 😃
Theses are my first reads by this author, but I think I’ll stick around. 😃
October 26, 2023
excellent as usual
One great and exciting read. So glad I am retired as I read well into the night. Looking forward to the next one
One great and exciting read. So glad I am retired as I read well into the night. Looking forward to the next one
November 6, 2023
Action packed
The story was action packed and written. Never the plot was extremely complicated and hard to follow. It also depends on remembering previous books.
The story was action packed and written. Never the plot was extremely complicated and hard to follow. It also depends on remembering previous books.
November 8, 2023
what a ride!
Holy cow! What a great plot, and what great action! Truly a fun and tense read. Ready for Book 5, Mr. Gatland!
Holy cow! What a great plot, and what great action! Truly a fun and tense read. Ready for Book 5, Mr. Gatland!
January 6, 2024
Found this overly complicated and confusing plot. Liked the previous books in the series hence the 3 stars but this one was not worth the effort. Probably done with this series.
January 22, 2024
great read
This book had me hooked immediately! Lots of twists & turns….. never knowing how exactly it would play out; really good.
This book had me hooked immediately! Lots of twists & turns….. never knowing how exactly it would play out; really good.
February 8, 2024
Truely fantastic
Wow, what a race that was. Thoroughly enjoyed this one which kept me up late as I couldn’t put it down. Now to wait for No.5.
Wow, what a race that was. Thoroughly enjoyed this one which kept me up late as I couldn’t put it down. Now to wait for No.5.
April 19, 2024
Okay but loosing it a bit in this one, i'm afraid.
April 28, 2024
Did not enjoy
To computer orientated for my ĺiking. Never will understand that avatar stuff. That is why I like reading, it relates to life.
To computer orientated for my ĺiking. Never will understand that avatar stuff. That is why I like reading, it relates to life.
May 13, 2024
Great Book
Extremely nice read. Action pack from the first page. Looking forward to the next book in the series. They keep getting better and better.
Extremely nice read. Action pack from the first page. Looking forward to the next book in the series. They keep getting better and better.
August 4, 2024
Another good read.
November 13, 2024
#4 KINDLE
January 5, 2025
Amazing series of books!
I have read 4 Tom Marlowe books in 2 weeks, I just can't put then down. If you like Bond and Bourne, you will love these.
I have read 4 Tom Marlowe books in 2 weeks, I just can't put then down. If you like Bond and Bourne, you will love these.
October 24, 2023
Fourth book of the series and I couldn’t put it down! This isn’t my usual kind of read but honestly I just love these. Come on no 5.
October 19, 2023
Counter Attack by Jack Gatland is book 4 in the Tom Marlowe series. Tom Marlowe has been relegated to the gun counter in MI5, as a consequence of previous actions. Or is that the case? He is considered a has-been by the MI5 agents he has dealings with. Marlowe is tasked by Wintergreen with taking down Orchid – quietly. That was never going to happen. Orchid is a very secret organisation that has been around for a very long time, and there is an element who want to control everything. There is action aplenty as Marlowe and his cohorts go on the offensive. It is entertaining, intriguing and fascinating with its glimpses of history. This shadowy society is portrayed very well by the author. The series is best read in order as there are back stories throughout the series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews