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Creasy #3
The Blue Ring
The Blue Ring is a criminal cartel making millions out of drugs and prostitutionCreasy - loner, ex-mercenary has a personal reason for wanting their deadly activities stopped.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
83 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Quinnell
30 books146 followersA. J. Quinnell was the pen name of Philip Nicholson, a mystery and thriller writer. He is best known for his novel "Man on Fire", which has been adapted to film twice, most recently in 2004 featuring Denzel Washington.
When the author was preparing to publish his first book, "Man on Fire", he wanted to keep his real identity a secret. During a conversation in a bar, his agent, Chris Little, told him he could use a pseudonym. The author chose "Quinnell", after the rugby union player Derek Quinnell and "A. J." from the initials of the bartender's son.
Nicholson frequented Gleneagles bar in Mġarr, Gozo, the town where the Malta ferry disembarks. He could often be found drinking vodkas with soda. He wrote late at night and through until the morning, always standing up.
The author's best-known creation was the character of Marcus Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion.
When the author was preparing to publish his first book, "Man on Fire", he wanted to keep his real identity a secret. During a conversation in a bar, his agent, Chris Little, told him he could use a pseudonym. The author chose "Quinnell", after the rugby union player Derek Quinnell and "A. J." from the initials of the bartender's son.
Nicholson frequented Gleneagles bar in Mġarr, Gozo, the town where the Malta ferry disembarks. He could often be found drinking vodkas with soda. He wrote late at night and through until the morning, always standing up.
The author's best-known creation was the character of Marcus Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 18, 2017
Ok, yes, I loved the film "Man of Fire". One of my favorites. Then I discovered there were a series of books based on Creasy. A different Creasy from the movie, but the spirit and heart/soul of the character was still there. I have read the first two books in this series and loved them both. The Blue Ring is now included as well. Only 2 more Creasy novels left and I will space them out and prolong my desire to zip thru them. Then I branch off and read some other A.J. Quinnell novels. I like his style. Creasy makes a career out of getting revenge, but he plans things out so well. Like watching a master artist painting on a canvas. Lucky for me this book and other Creasy novels are available as KOLL books from Amazon.
October 7, 2021
I think I should go easy on this book because it was published in a different era and for a different audience. But it is not good enough. There is a main plot line which is what our main characters are working at. This all is filled up with a lot of sub-plots and side stories of other less important character to give a familial feeling. It doesn't work. Also in a thriller you have a storyline which is the main cause of the events in the story. That is not enough. There should be problems within that story itself occurring multiple times. You cannot have a smooth and straight and peaceful execution in an action thriller. You can't build up the protagonist to be the most dangerous soldier and assassin and have everything happen without a hitch and so, not give him the chance to prove all that. This makes the book boring and predictable. I just read and finished it because I want to complete the series.
March 18, 2013
This was the first book that I read of this author.
It made me want to stand up and cheer for the main character.
He starts killing the bad guys at the bottom of a crime ring
and doesn't stop until he reaches the top.
It made me want to stand up and cheer for the main character.
He starts killing the bad guys at the bottom of a crime ring
and doesn't stop until he reaches the top.
August 21, 2018
“I lost half a useless finger and gained a lovely handkerchief.” Ahh... Creasy... :-) I love that guy!
This story is also about revenge, but this time it is Michael, Creasy's son, who spearheads the mission. He is after the Blue Ring, a group that may have turned his own mother into a drug addicted prostitute, and countless other girls in the past two decades. Creasy, Michael, and their gang of friends/mercs take on the Blue Ring - with a vengeance! And along the way, the add Juliet to their family!
It's a nice, action filled story, and a good third book in this series. I really like Creasy, and I'd like to see him more on his own, but the group he gathers is fun too! I'm eager to read the fourth title soon!
On an aside, I was shocked at how much the prologue mirrors the plot of the movie "Taken", with Liam Neeson. That movie came out in 2008, fifteen years after this book was published. This book even has a bit about Albania, which is also in the movie. I wonder if Mr. Quinnell deserves a little bit of that movie money?...
This story is also about revenge, but this time it is Michael, Creasy's son, who spearheads the mission. He is after the Blue Ring, a group that may have turned his own mother into a drug addicted prostitute, and countless other girls in the past two decades. Creasy, Michael, and their gang of friends/mercs take on the Blue Ring - with a vengeance! And along the way, the add Juliet to their family!
It's a nice, action filled story, and a good third book in this series. I really like Creasy, and I'd like to see him more on his own, but the group he gathers is fun too! I'm eager to read the fourth title soon!
On an aside, I was shocked at how much the prologue mirrors the plot of the movie "Taken", with Liam Neeson. That movie came out in 2008, fifteen years after this book was published. This book even has a bit about Albania, which is also in the movie. I wonder if Mr. Quinnell deserves a little bit of that movie money?...
June 3, 2018
Third time around
It's a rare sequel that equals its predecessor, and I can't remember a trilogy that ended as strongly as it began. That said, it was a good book, but the concept is wearing thin. As third installs go, I've certainly read worse, but the folks who will enjoy this book the most are the ones who have already fallen in love with the characters, the settings, and author's unique narrative voice. If that's your boat, the novel delivers. The impact of the cold solo assassin with nothing to lose and a debt to settle is sorely lacking anymore, but I had found Quinnell's work to go over like sex and pizza- even when it's bad, it's pretty good...
It's a rare sequel that equals its predecessor, and I can't remember a trilogy that ended as strongly as it began. That said, it was a good book, but the concept is wearing thin. As third installs go, I've certainly read worse, but the folks who will enjoy this book the most are the ones who have already fallen in love with the characters, the settings, and author's unique narrative voice. If that's your boat, the novel delivers. The impact of the cold solo assassin with nothing to lose and a debt to settle is sorely lacking anymore, but I had found Quinnell's work to go over like sex and pizza- even when it's bad, it's pretty good...
April 6, 2023
Book 3 of the Creasy series sees Creasy and his crew target a secretive sex trafficking ring (not unlike the movie Taken). All the same flaws are still here but the author has built up this family of characters around Creasy that is rather touching at times. Juliet was definitely the character that made the least sense to me. I found it very strange how she rebounded from her initial predicament and attached herself to Creasy/Michael. I enjoyed it overall and will continue with this thriller series.
May 31, 2024
One of the very best action series that you will read. The story of Creasy and now his son Michael is paramount. I'm disappointed that there was only one movie with strays drastically from the original published work. Creasy has been though more hardship than you would think a single person can handle, but this book was more about redemption than pain. You get a glimpse of another side to Creasy besides an assassin. I will continue this series and at this rate I will finish all 8 books at some point as well.
January 24, 2025
The novel begins when Creasy's adopted son discovers the tragic truth about why his mother abandoned him after his birth. On her deathbed, his mother told him about how an organisation was forcing young girls into drug addiction and abuse. But when the son tries to avenge his mother's death with Creasy, they discover a highly secretive cult society that is the most powerful and unattainable. Now the preparation for war begins with a specialised team. An action-packed thriller. My rating is 3.9 out of 5.
January 3, 2018
Excellent read
Quinnell’s narrative strength derives from warm, yet deadly characters. With each book he adds another layer to Creasy. The Blue Ring is no exception. Fans and novices alike will appreciate the intricate romp into the world of espionage most know nothing about. However fascinating, at the heart of the story is something we all crave: justice.
Quinnell’s narrative strength derives from warm, yet deadly characters. With each book he adds another layer to Creasy. The Blue Ring is no exception. Fans and novices alike will appreciate the intricate romp into the world of espionage most know nothing about. However fascinating, at the heart of the story is something we all crave: justice.
January 15, 2023
a fabulous read- tactical and engaging
Like the last book and the last , AJ Quinnell hasn’t disappointed me yet! Fast paced action , emotional scenes , brilliant story …On to the next!
Like the last book and the last , AJ Quinnell hasn’t disappointed me yet! Fast paced action , emotional scenes , brilliant story …On to the next!
September 26, 2024
Dar viena puiki Creasy istorija. Viskas, ko reikia: Viduržemio jūra, šeimos peripetijos, žmonių grobimas ir slapta okultinė organizacija. Ir, aišku, herojus, kuris ir toliau išlieka "death on a cold night". Vis labiau gaila, kad Quinnell Lietuvoje neatrastas ir neatrandamas autorius.
January 31, 2019
FANTASTIC!!!
Creasy and his team are a breed apart. The action and intrigue are unmatched. I was not ready for this one to end
Creasy and his team are a breed apart. The action and intrigue are unmatched. I was not ready for this one to end
August 25, 2019
Another great book. Love the Creasy series.
October 31, 2019
Back to old form + the c team
Preferred this to the previous book and great to have Creasy's team in the mix. Great characterization even on secondary roles in story.
Preferred this to the previous book and great to have Creasy's team in the mix. Great characterization even on secondary roles in story.
January 8, 2020
Great end to the series
Plenty of action and more twists. Great to see Creasy in action again. Good plot and easy reading. Not sure I buy the ending given The Blue Ring status.
Plenty of action and more twists. Great to see Creasy in action again. Good plot and easy reading. Not sure I buy the ending given The Blue Ring status.
June 18, 2020
Perfecto.
August 1, 2020
Another great Creasy novel. Creasy is now a bit older so Michael and assorted cohorts come into play but in the end Creasy is his old self taking on protagonists who define sheer villainy and depravity. Terrific fast paced read.
January 8, 2021
His books keep getting better. I look forward to completing the series.
May 31, 2021
Solid action adventure popcorn novel
You read an AJ Quinnell novel for breadth not depth. They are quick reads and an excellent way to lose yourself for a few hours.
You read an AJ Quinnell novel for breadth not depth. They are quick reads and an excellent way to lose yourself for a few hours.
July 23, 2021
Loved the book. Very very engrossing plot, fast action and also brings out the dark practices still practiced by humans and their threat to humanity.
October 25, 2022
Just Fantastic
It doesn't get any better than this. This series is my favorite and I wish there were 20 left to read.
It doesn't get any better than this. This series is my favorite and I wish there were 20 left to read.
July 9, 2024
A Highly Skilled Writer
I enjoy AJ’s writing style. He makes his characters believable and builds suspense to make his plot exciting. I recommend this story to prospective readers.
I enjoy AJ’s writing style. He makes his characters believable and builds suspense to make his plot exciting. I recommend this story to prospective readers.
May 25, 2023
I love the movie Man on Fire and I'm embarrassingly late to the books. This is as good as the ones that came before it.....
It's long building up to the end scene which, surprisingly, wraps up pretty quickly.
It's none the worse for that though as the characters develop.
Straight on to the next one!!
It's long building up to the end scene which, surprisingly, wraps up pretty quickly.
It's none the worse for that though as the characters develop.
Straight on to the next one!!
March 15, 2012
Juliet was an interesting and tragic character that was added to the family. However, my favorite additions in this book were Jens and The Owl. I thought that it was great how seamlessly they both came into the operational group. Also, I liked the first party scenes from the girls who had already been kidnapped. And, I loved Michael's role in saving Juliet- it seemed to awaken his heart again.
July 2, 2024
I started reading this series after seeing Denzel Washington play Creasy, and I really wanted to see how Creasy was written. There is an 80's version of the movie, and both that and the recent one are good adaptations. It was interesting what characteristics were the same, and how they differed. It really made me want to read all the books, and go to Gozo.
August 18, 2008
Probably the darkest and yet most satisfying revenge stories around. With my favorite character of any books. Also introduced a great new character.
April 12, 2011
Creasy and his son, Michael, go after a child sex-slavery ring that brings all the other old mercs into the fold.
July 9, 2013
Fantastic am lovin these Creasy books. Great characters and fast paced storyline.
August 24, 2013
Picked this book up while on holiday for something to read. Fell in love with Creasy and Michael and was enthralled in the story so much that I had to get the set. Cannot recommend highly enough.
September 11, 2016
Not my cup of tea
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews