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Harry Jones #6
A Ghost at the Door
'Tell me about your father.'Five short, razor-edged words that rip the world of Harry Jones to pieces.He barely knew his father Johnnie and hated what little he did know, yet no man is able to escape the shadows of the past.Harry has already lost almost everything - his seat in parliament, his reputation, his fortune. There is little left apart from his love for the headstrong Jemma, and now he must risk losing her and even his own life to uncover the truth about his dead father.What starts as a gentle enquiry uncovers a trail of murder and guilt-ridden love that dates back to Johnnie's student days. Harry's search leads from a burning house in Bermuda to a graveyard in Greece, from the croquet lawns of his father's Oxford college to the altar of one of Wren's finest London churches. At every turn Harry discovers that the childhood world he thought he knew, was false, along with almost everyone in it. Only when he confronts his own death does he realize that all along he's been used as a pawn in a far larger game.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2013
18 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dobbs
101 books372 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 4, 2015
Dobbs has waited six novels to concoct a Harry Jones-centric premise, but pulls out all the stops as he does so in this thriller. During a lazy afternoon together, Jones and his girlfriend Jemma make a promise to one another, followed soon by five words that change their entire relationship, and much of Harry's life: 'Tell me about your father.' Johnnie Jones was hated by his son, who did all he could to distance himself from the man who left him a fortune. After losing most everything over the past year, Jemma is all Harry has left, but he must make the calculated risk losing her to uncover the truth about his dead father. As Jones begins with some general research, he uncovers that there was a group of seven undergrads, some of whom have died in mysterious ways. The deeper Jones digs the more bodies pile up and the deadlier things become. The stress of his investigation forces Jemma to make some tough decisions, which could come back to haunt her. What secrets did Johnnie take to his grave and who is trying to snuff out anyone who might want to share this with the younger Jones? Dobbs entertains the reader with some fascinating insight into the Harry Jones backstory and keeps the reader guessing from page to page.
While the Jones series has ebbed and flowed, it is well worth the invested time. At times political, the series is full of thrills and dry wit. It has kept me intrigued, even when the storylines proved a little less than enticing, as I hoped to see Harry Jones in new and mysterious ways. Dobbs lays out the groundwork for an exciting character and one who is ever-evolving, even as he holds a flame for being the next Bond. Dobbs constructs wonderful plots and some very fast-paced story arcs, all of which take Harry and the reader all over the world. Plausible, while still a little mystifying, but always well-worth the reading investment.
Kudos, Baron Dobbs for your work. I hope we can expect more from Jones in the coming years. I know I'll tune in.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While the Jones series has ebbed and flowed, it is well worth the invested time. At times political, the series is full of thrills and dry wit. It has kept me intrigued, even when the storylines proved a little less than enticing, as I hoped to see Harry Jones in new and mysterious ways. Dobbs lays out the groundwork for an exciting character and one who is ever-evolving, even as he holds a flame for being the next Bond. Dobbs constructs wonderful plots and some very fast-paced story arcs, all of which take Harry and the reader all over the world. Plausible, while still a little mystifying, but always well-worth the reading investment.
Kudos, Baron Dobbs for your work. I hope we can expect more from Jones in the coming years. I know I'll tune in.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 27, 2024
I started this book back in 2021 and then misplaced it when moving from California to Texas. I finally found it some three years later so restarted it from the beginning and finished it. I bought this after watching the original, British version of House of Cards because it was written by the same author and sounded interesting. I was looking for and expecting it to be a political thriller whereas it turned out to be of the more conventional variety, however it is very well written, zips along at a cracking pace and arrives at a slightly surprising but satisfying conclusion. Once (if?) my to-read backlog is reduced, I shall return to this author and these characters.
June 18, 2025
I can't say I didn't enjoy this, or at least I got through it very quickly, but there's nothing really memorable about the novel. It all felt quite familiar and predictable, and none of the characters was particularly likeable. If anything bad happened to them it was hard to feel any sympathy, and it's hard to see why anyone would tolerate Harry Jones's charmless, self-centred neediness for much longer than it took to get to the end of this book.
April 21, 2022
This is the first Dobbs that I have read. It is a fast-paced, easy read, but I worked out the main twist, far too early on in the story. The characters are stock, too .. the women in our hero's life are beautiful and desirable, the police are caricatures, Jones is flawed, brave, and has a cat's nine lives.
January 29, 2019
Slow starter...
Not the best of Michael’s books. The story starts with incredibly slowly, limos along at varying speeds, then races towards an end that a nice little twist that I hadn’t seen coming. It’s one of his few books I almost gave up on half way through.
Not the best of Michael’s books. The story starts with incredibly slowly, limos along at varying speeds, then races towards an end that a nice little twist that I hadn’t seen coming. It’s one of his few books I almost gave up on half way through.
August 28, 2019
This novel was easy to read and takes the reader on an enjoyable, mystery ride. The plot flows well and carries a couple of surprises. Harry and his relationship woes add to the story, as he battles to clear his name and expose the true perpetrators and the plot.
May 9, 2020
Really enjoyed this read. A real page-turner. My first read of a Michael Dobbs Harry Jones thriller. Great pace and a great setting for a terrific whodunnit. Read about Harry Jones hunt as to the circumstances of the fate of his father and the mystery surrounding it. Escapism at its best.
July 16, 2024
This book took a while for me to become interested. The plot is passable but the ending weak.
I picked this book because Michael Dobbs wrote A House of Cards and the British version of the TV series was brilliant. This book doesn't live up to that.
I picked this book because Michael Dobbs wrote A House of Cards and the British version of the TV series was brilliant. This book doesn't live up to that.
June 19, 2019
Slick but not entirely predictable.
December 3, 2020
Slow, confusing and not with enough punch 😕
March 18, 2021
Formulaic and predictable but probably suitable as a light holiday read. A bit disappointing considering his convoluted and witty back catalogue.
June 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book, more so than some of his others books. The author writes in an easy read format that has created a page turner - which can also cause one to be late for meetings!
November 26, 2023
My first Micheal Dobbs book. Good read. Lots of excitement
Dad's can be arseholes.
Dad's can be arseholes.
December 13, 2024
Could not put it down
Excellent page turner, couldn't put it down. Sorry that was the last of Harry Jones series.
Will have to read other Michael Dobbs books.
Excellent page turner, couldn't put it down. Sorry that was the last of Harry Jones series.
Will have to read other Michael Dobbs books.
August 16, 2025
I've enjoyed Michael Dobbs other books but this was somewhat boring and ridiculous. Think he's run out of ideas for his character Harry Jones
June 2, 2014
It have a few concerns about this book. I love thrillers and this was not what I thought it could be when I finished reading. I had not read a Michael Dobbs book for years and it is interesting to pick up a thriller series at book 6. It kept me entertained, but I always felt that something was missing in the story. Perhaps we needed to hear from the killer earlier in the book.
I had guessed the ending of the book in the first chapter. When the picture was introduced I was also able to guess who the killer was, but not know their name. While I acknowledge that these technics are available for use in thrillers, I think the reader needs to kept on their toes a little more.
The one character I did like was Delicious. I think she was more interesting than the UK police in the book.
I don't intending going back and reading any more of the Harry Jones series. But it was a decent read.
I had guessed the ending of the book in the first chapter. When the picture was introduced I was also able to guess who the killer was, but not know their name. While I acknowledge that these technics are available for use in thrillers, I think the reader needs to kept on their toes a little more.
The one character I did like was Delicious. I think she was more interesting than the UK police in the book.
I don't intending going back and reading any more of the Harry Jones series. But it was a decent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2013
It's a fast-paced novel packed with exciting twists and turns, although I did work out the ending before I got there. Certain elements of the plot were slightly unbelievable, such as Harry coming out almost unscathed after driving off a cliff, girlfriend Jemma's reactions and the cheekily named Delicious Hope, the friendly Bermudan cop, but if you are willing to suspend belief, knowing that - like big screen Hollywoodian heroes - Harry will come out on top with barely a scratch even when the odds are stacked against him, it's an enjoyable read.
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
October 19, 2013
As I appear to be the first to finish this book on Good Reads I'd better write a review! This is the 6th in the Harry Jones series - not the best but still a great read. I first came to Harry Jones with The Lord's Day which was a cracking thriller if not a little implausible. This one finds a very different Harry; a darker Harry in search of the truth about his dead father. It moved along at a good pace, though the final twist was fairly obvious, as was the identity of the bad guy. Still it was a good page turner and I look forward to the ext one in the series.
August 25, 2016
So much about this book is preposterous, starting with the basic plot premise of a search for a father. Never having read a book by this author before I was tempted to discard it, but it dawned on me 100 pages in that this was to be taken with a large punch of salt, a bit like a James Bond fantasy. That said it is cliche ridden, the outcome is very predictable, but not always badly written, and yet as a holiday read it was fairly enjoyable.
February 6, 2014
I have enjoyed the Harry Jones series, but this one left me a bit flat. Plot lines were inplausible and the ending a bit predictable. The story was well wriiten and some interesting places visited, hopefully the next chapter in the story will make up for it!
January 3, 2015
A book I really enjoyed, a bit of mystery and the opportunity to make your own mind up before the plot was revealed. Tough going on the relationship front of the main character but I can forgive it that for the rest of the intrigue.
June 24, 2016
4.5/5
My first book of Harry Jones series, you can enjoy the book even if you're not from 1st Jones book.
Bit predictable, But characters are made brilliantly! That is why I have given 4.5
Looking forward to read #Old Enemies (the #7th)
My first book of Harry Jones series, you can enjoy the book even if you're not from 1st Jones book.
Bit predictable, But characters are made brilliantly! That is why I have given 4.5
Looking forward to read #Old Enemies (the #7th)
January 22, 2014
Harry jones books are always a good read - only spoiled by the fact it is obvious who the bad guy is. I bit more of a mystery would have improved the story for me.
February 24, 2014
Dobbsy phoned in another one....
July 2, 2014
A good holiday read. I've not read this series before and enjoyed the style. Plot was a bit predictable but the story is still good.
June 28, 2014
Recommended by Barbara
Read this book in Townsville
Read this book in Townsville
October 28, 2014
A really good yarn. Delicious and Harry tho should have had each other for lunch
May 17, 2015
Not read Michael Dobbs in years. Not realised this was 6th book but didn't matter loved it over the course of five nights
June 8, 2014
Another excellent entry in Michael Dobbs' s Harry Jones series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews