True Colours

Dan Shepherd #10

by Stephen Leather

The Russian oligarchs are the world’s new elite. They treat the world as their plaything, traveling without borders and living lives of unimaginable luxury without fear or restraint. But when an assassin starts killing off some of the world’s richest men, an oligarch with friends in high places seeks the protection of MI5. And Spider Shepherd is placed in the firing line. But while Shepherd has to save the life of a man he neither likes nor respects, he has to deal with a face from his past. The Taliban sniper who put a bullet in his shoulder turns up alive and well and living in London. And Shepherd is in no mood to forgive or forget.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Action, Spy Thriller, Mystery, Crime

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Stephen 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.

Reviews

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent read from Stephen Leather.
Spider Sheperd now works for secret squirrell as an undercover agent. Much the same thing he did for the Police but now with a licence to kill, well almost Bondish.
This story sees him guarding A Russian billionaire from a would be assassin.
Also a blast from the past turns from when Spider was in the SAS.
Here is a mystery to be solved and a murder to be committed.
All in all a good read.
As always this author delivers the goods.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spider Shepherd is an all action ex SAS ex police and now MI5. Lots of shooting. Flash backs to Afghanistan and old mates trying to avenge their friends. Set this alongside a Russian oligarch who is the last of four who is threatened by a sniper. All a world of excess but little happiness.

A good read, written at a fast pace but there is a lot of temptation to look at the end before you get there.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

the 10th book in the Dan Shepherd series by Stephen Leather and if I am really honest not quite at the same level as the previous 9 but still a 4 star rating. This really is an excellent series full of action and very strong characters and interesting sub plots. The more you read of this series the better it gets.

[Tim Corke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this from page 1, exiting every step of the way

[Esther Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Stephen Leather's Dan Shepherd series. I probably read this a long time ago but still enjoyed reading it again

[Richard Nessfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite James Bond, the protaganist of this story, Spider Shepherd is a MI5 operative who is required to protect a Russian oligarch resident in London. At the same time Spider has to deal with an unwanted ghost from his past.
The story develops steadily, and if anything tends to plod along rather than blast the reader with climax after climax. It also describes society has been changing, and the dangers in leaping to conclusions.
Overall I enjoyed the solid building of tension, and the events (on the whole) seemed a lot more realistic compared to some thrillers. The writer Stephen Leather is new to me, but I intend to seek out further novels of his based on this book, and in particular the 'Spider Sherpherd' series. A very satisfying read, and because the plot was realistic and was paced well, it had that desired quality of being "un-putdownable".

[Alistair Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first Spider Shephard book, and in fact the the first Stephen Leather book, I've read.

It was an enjoyable, fairly fast paced read with Leather managing to make you want to keep turning the pages. Although I could see the twists coming it didn't spoil the read with Leather managing to create enough intrigue and interest in the roles of the key protagonists to keep you wanting to read and see how they dealt with the twists in the story.

The book has definitely made me want to read more of Leather's novels.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 10 in the Dan 'Spider' Shepherd series. I have to say that this one doesn't quite measure up to the others in the series. The pacing seems rather more pedestrian than I have come to expect, and the writer appears to be making social comments, which although pertinent to the storyline did seem to slow things down. Several characters from Spider's past were introduced, but none of them really seemed to help move the plot along. The editing also appears to have suffered.
It was still readable, and I hope that the standard returns to normal in the next book.

[Phil Altimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

when a Russian oligarch that is bankrolling the British government is the victim of an attempted assassination spider is sent in under cover to check out his security

at the same time an old army friend meets up with spider , he has news of the man that shot spider when he was in the army

as always with Leather , the plot is great the pace is great

[Nabarun · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 10th book in the "Spider" series and its been a good ride so far!

As usual, this book also has 2 sub-plots like every other novel in this series. One plot was a bit boring and the other one was quite interesting, hence overall it was a quick exciting read.

Sub-plot 1 - Charlie brings in a baby-sitting job for Spider. A Russian oligarch who is currently living in UK, encounters a life threatening attack by a sniper. The oligarch has contacts in high places (The PM of UK, members in Parliament, WOW!) who calls in for MI5's help and Charlie tasks Spider to protect the Russian "scum-turned-oligarch" in UK soil.

Sub-plot 2 - The taliban fighter/murderer who had shot Spider back in Afghanistan in 2002 has resurfaced in UK and caught the attention of Spider's old comrade from SAS, Lex Harper, who is an outlaw and lives in Thailand which seems to welcome that community of people - money + criminals. Apart from shooting Spider, the taliban fighter had also killed a SAS Captain (Todd) and 3 para soldiers. So, this is a kind of revenge best served cold, after 10+ years.

Both the sub-plots are cultivated well, going into the roots of Russian system - how the dismantling of USSR created an opportunistic Russia where the birth of most Oligarchs took place on the backbone of heinous crimes and murders and also going into the Taliban system in Afghanistan where a fistful of people controlled the rule with blood money and arms.

As usual, Spider does justice in both the subplots and the 120 pages are again tense and edge of seat till you finish. But for me, the best part of the book were the last 5 pages where Charlie Button meets up with Lex Harper and gets him to agree to become her paid assassin whenever she needed someone to carry out a discreet contract! The dark side of Charlie is so cold, eerie and scary that her character emerges with a new shade after this encounter. Would be exciting to read how the author exploits this side of her character and plot in the coming books of the series.

Good book, almost a 5, except for the lengthy explanations (almost like mansplaining!) of russian and taliban history which felt a bit dragged.

[Ian Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

“True Colours” by Stephen Leather (2013) First Edition

Overall Rating 8/10 – Shoot to kill

Plot
Dan “Spider” Shepherd is seconded to help protect a Russian oligarch who M15 is being targeted by a political assassin. He joins the large bodyguard team that surround the tycoon and soon becomes suspicious that the assassin by be closer than everyone thinks. Meanwhile, one of his ex-SAS buddies who has since turn to crime, turns up on his doorstep having happened across an Afghan Taliban fighter that put a bullet through Shepherd’s shoulder back in 2002. It seems he is now living life in London so Shepherd re-assembles his old team to take him out. Trouble is, murder is illegal …

Writing Style
As with all his earlier works in this series, Leather writes with short, punchy prose with “bang up to date” elegance. Easy to read, nothing extraneous – just relax and let the story unfold around you. So easy to feel you are actually there with Shepherd.

Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)

Critique
Another brilliant performance by this British writer of Crime Fiction. His characters are well developed with oodles of background – I feel like I have known them all my life. Moreover, I feel like I can’t live WITHOUT them in my life – especially the delectable Charlotte “Charlie” Button, the inverted armadillo M15 handler of our protagonist. (Hard on the inside, soft on the outside).

I had considered, reading this instalment, that the plot was slow to develop. It started with a “fizz” and a “bang” then seemed to drift along for a while before, at around the halfway mark, it picked up to a dazzling ending. However, I have come to realise that this is the author’s strength. It allows the reader to fall hopelessly into the depths of the story to the point you cannot escape except by finishing the book.

Stephen Leather is the British Vince Flynn (creator and author of the “Mitch Rapp” series) and every bit as good.

[Sue Morcumb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another double story in one book, takes a lot of concentration to write two stories within one book and not lose the web of intrigue another book well written, grammar is definitely American and not English and some of the spelling is not quite right either, needs a Spell Check or a Proof Reader to go over his book before they go to print. I do not know if Stephen Leather types his books, but I would gladly type up his books as I could make sure that they were Grammatically correct and that there were no spelling mistakes either, but, saying all those negative things, it was an excellent read and did not take long at all, a very good weave of intrigue and comradeship with Spider and his fellow soldiers and their level of help and loyalty is great, he must have been a good soldier, not sure about the Lady Button, will see what she is up to in the next book as she is now sneaking around one of Dan Shepherds friends asking if he is an Assassin but I do not think she will get very far with any of his friends, he has a great work ethos and personal integrity which is nice to see. On to the next book.

[Mr Roy Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this Stephen leather series as there is never just a single story line. Spider never has a simple job and there are always links to his former SAS days and his buddies of old. This was up to date and topical with the Russian money and buying up London, but always with a shady past. The Taliban link was incorporated well into the story and had a surprising, but rewarding end. I did not see Spider as a cold blooded killer. But what about the sting in the tail at the end with Charlotte Button meeting up with Lex in Thailand? No doubt that will play out in later books. The disappointing aspect is the lack of contact with Liam and Katra. They only got a small mention in this book, similar to the last book. Why? They were such a large part of the early books and it is almost as if Mr Leather does not know what to do with Liam and Katra and how to keep them in the book.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. A lot of action but it's unreal.
he Russian oligarchs are the world's new elite. They treat the world as their plaything, travelling without borders and living lives of unimaginable luxury without fear or restraint.

But when an assassin starts killing off some of the world's richest men, an oligarch with friends in high places seeks the protection of MI5. And Spider Shepherd is placed in the firing line.

But while Shepherd has to save the life of a man he neither likes nor respects, he has to deal with a face from his past. The Taliban sniper who put a bullet in his shoulder turns up alive and well and living in London.

And Shepherd is in no mood to forgive or forget.

[John Thurlbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen continues to deliver gripping, intricately crafted characters and story lines.

In this book, he mixes Spider's latest task with an episode from his former life and action in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban. Skilfully woven, the plot threads move back and forth, keeping up the suspense, even when you can anticipate what might happen next.

His latest task involves him in protecting a Russian oligarch, and the final scenes of that story kept me awake till I'd read the book!

I love Spider!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by the Author. I know I know its the 10 in the series. Well, I had the physical book, listened to the Audiobook in order to make more space. Anyway my review. I liked it, works perfectly fine as a standalone. Looking forward to reading more by the Author.

I liked how it was based on a mission from his past but then also one of his future missions. The switching between the two was fine, it was clear what was the past and the present. It was also nice to see his old teammates come back and all come together. The Russian elements were interesting.

[Mr Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Dan Shepherd read so maybe I'm doing the character an injustice by not reading more of his back story but as a stand alone book I found it very mediocre. There was nothing that really capture my attention and the story just seemed too textbook to me.

Most agent / spy / thriller characters can be pretty overly analytic and cautious but Dan took this a step to far in my opinion.

It wouldn't put me off trying another Dan Shepherd book in the future but I think it would have to be after I've read every Orphan X and Jack Reacher first!

[Chris Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

It starts off reasonably well and then just moves into a sludgy slow plod, until the last 50 or so Pagès when the twists and turns come out and the book finishes.
Some reasonably thrilling bits but really not a book that you. couldn't put down.
I am probably not going to read another by this author.

[Adrian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 350 pages was like a cut and paste of the previous books in the series and droned on and on. The Russian story also seemed incidental to the Taliban story. That's enough Spider Shepard books for me.

[Christopher Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good read and a great continuation of the series. The fact that the two plot lines never really interacted was a good twist. It was also nice to see that some proper detective work avoided violence.

Perhaps a little slower than the previous stories. I missed the Liam and Katra’s involvement (which always made Dan seem a little more normal and a little less action man) but that was probably made up by the introduction of Lex and other friends.

All in all a good solid read.

[Shane Headlam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome thriller with gripping characters which will keep you glued to each magnificent page. You will finish this book and definitely be amazed that such action can explode of the page so effectively.

[Lucinda Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIGHT TIME
Just as details of Russia and its people are in the forefront of the news, a story about being a bodyguard to an oligarch hit home. Tense, fast moving and exciting, just the way I like my books.

[Paul Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it entertaining and would probably try another in the series. My favourite parts of the book were the beginning and middle. One thing that I disliked was that the book didn't seem to have clearly defined chapters.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Least enjoyable Spider book of the series.

Decent premise but the whole oligarch story just didn’t really move along.

Taken a strong dislike to Lex Harper right from the off and his Easter egg the the closing pages to future stories left me feeling gutted.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit disappointing as have enjoyed the previous in the series with a mix of action, intrigue and spying. This offering had two stories both very much about social and political stances rather than spying and action. Not bad but found it a little to much padding for my tastes.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Enjoyed it from start to finish, the whole series is riveting and I hope there is many more. Thankyou Stephen

[Richard Outram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a master of inter twining plots.
Another great read.

[Katlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another great story in the Spider Shepherd series. As usual full of action and intrigue with a great range of characters. These stories just keep getting better.

[Carisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5