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The Rizwan Sabir Mysteries #1
Hard Kill
Novel Ideas Book of the Year 2013.
London. The city is reeling from a series of deadly attacks by a new radical terrorist group. One man is on the front-line.
Rizwan Sabir.
A former al-Qaeda operative, he was lifted by Counter-Terrorism Command - and now battles his old comrades.
Terror has a new enemy - and he's taking no prisoners.
Working above the law and below government radars, Riz must lead a dangerous double life with the help of Holly "Bang-Bang" Kirpachi, a Burlesque dancer and internet hacker with a talent for breaking codes - and bones.
With time running out, Riz must put his life on the line to identify the terrorists.
And silence them forever - before he is silenced himself.
'Hard Kill' is a tough, realistic thriller that will grip readers from the first page. It is perfect for fans of Andy McNab, Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy.
Hard Kill was originally published as 'Riz'.
London. The city is reeling from a series of deadly attacks by a new radical terrorist group. One man is on the front-line.
Rizwan Sabir.
A former al-Qaeda operative, he was lifted by Counter-Terrorism Command - and now battles his old comrades.
Terror has a new enemy - and he's taking no prisoners.
Working above the law and below government radars, Riz must lead a dangerous double life with the help of Holly "Bang-Bang" Kirpachi, a Burlesque dancer and internet hacker with a talent for breaking codes - and bones.
With time running out, Riz must put his life on the line to identify the terrorists.
And silence them forever - before he is silenced himself.
'Hard Kill' is a tough, realistic thriller that will grip readers from the first page. It is perfect for fans of Andy McNab, Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy.
Hard Kill was originally published as 'Riz'.
- GenresThriller
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2012
16 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Flowers
27 books81 followersCharlie Flowers is the author of the bestselling "Riz" thriller series.
Charlie was born in Eastern Europe sometime in the late Sixties and arrived with his family in Britain in 1975. After training as a journalist in London he had a varied career as reporter, roadie, truck driver and record label boss. He is a member of the Crime Writers' Association and International Thriller Writers Inc., and is published by Lume Books and Black Dove Books.
Charlie was born in Eastern Europe sometime in the late Sixties and arrived with his family in Britain in 1975. After training as a journalist in London he had a varied career as reporter, roadie, truck driver and record label boss. He is a member of the Crime Writers' Association and International Thriller Writers Inc., and is published by Lume Books and Black Dove Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 29, 2013
As an English teacher, I normally find myself squirming or taking mental notes of criticism whenever reading fiction, preferring to read academic journals. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the book “Riz” was engrossing enough to make me want to read all the way to the end in just one sitting.
The characters have a very realistic flavor of authenticity and the Pakistani culture is accurately portrayed, which was unexpected. Being from the same ethnicity as the main characters, I could see that the author, who appears to be a non-Pakistani, had obviously put a lot of effort into research to ensure this authenticity.
The book has several themes that flow through the storyline including love, overcoming adversity and the tribulations of having a traditional cultural background but growing up in a liberal society. It also combines comedy with violence, which though initially appears an odd couple, is perhaps a balanced approach to the sensitive subject of terrorism and war.
The only parts I had some issue with was the use of strong, explicit language but I guess the nature of the storyline could not be effective enough without it. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and went on to read book 2 and 3 of this trilogy, each of which contributes to a further understanding and extension of reading enjoyment.
The characters have a very realistic flavor of authenticity and the Pakistani culture is accurately portrayed, which was unexpected. Being from the same ethnicity as the main characters, I could see that the author, who appears to be a non-Pakistani, had obviously put a lot of effort into research to ensure this authenticity.
The book has several themes that flow through the storyline including love, overcoming adversity and the tribulations of having a traditional cultural background but growing up in a liberal society. It also combines comedy with violence, which though initially appears an odd couple, is perhaps a balanced approach to the sensitive subject of terrorism and war.
The only parts I had some issue with was the use of strong, explicit language but I guess the nature of the storyline could not be effective enough without it. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and went on to read book 2 and 3 of this trilogy, each of which contributes to a further understanding and extension of reading enjoyment.
May 7, 2013
The chapters were filled with reality and violence which normally would be a difficult combination to achieve in a book but the words flowed easily for Flowers I thought - brilliance at work and one couldn't help wanting more of the gum chewing , boots wearing, wonky eyed "on her best behaviour" rogue Holly. On the whole, it was gripping, a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
September 8, 2016
Wow, this really is an amazing book. It has the most wonderful and unique characters, with a thrilling plot from the very beginning of the story, right through to the end. Lots of Action and a few laugh out loud moments really made this an enjoyable read. Rizwan Sabir was well on his way to becoming a fully-fledged al-Qaeda terrorist. He decided as a teenager that he wanted to serve the jihad cause and kill the Infidels. Luckily for Riz that didn’t eventuate when the terrorist operation he and his fellow friends had planned, was uncovered by the authorities. So Riz was rounded up and charged before he could even use some of his training. Being locked up made him realise that maybe he was on the wrong side, and when Colonel Mahoney rocked up and offered to get him out, Riz jumped at the opportunity. All he had to do in return was to join the Counter Terrorism unit to find and fight the terrorists. Riz teamed up with his cousin Holly Kirpachi and her friends the Black Eyed Girls. He certainly needed their help when the Colonel asked Riz to go undercover in Syria and join al-Qaeda to find out, what terrorist attack they were planning for the UK. Riz was certainly worried that someone might recognise him from his younger days, but when he showed them what he could do with weapons and bombs, he became a well-liked brother. The Black Eyed Girls are there to help him, and they aren’t afraid to cut the odd terrorist head off. I was pretty happy to see that the Author has continued on with this series into another book. Do yourself a favour and read this absolutely fabulous story.
May 6, 2013
I loved this book. Riz, a 29yr old British Pakistani has been through all stages of crime and violence until he comes to his senses in prison and realises the jihad is a load of boll**ks.
He starts working for a shady off the map group attached vaguely to the MOD to pursue the jihadis and wreck their plots. His cousin, Bang Bang Kirpachi, is a computer whizz, and works with a group of girls in their own off the wall combat against jihadis and those who would seek to tie them to the kitchen.
I love the rampant feminism full of energy, humour, brilliance of these young women who, not content to let their destiny be decided by a bunch of mad mullahs, take them on and blow their brains out. They can hack into complicated computer systems, fly helicopters, use all types of weapons, and have a hilarious gung-ho attitude.
Riz teams up with the Black-eyed Girls for a death-defying adventure that takes him to a raid in Syria and a terrorist group in Derby. Will they manage to thwart the jihadi loonies and save Stratford from an explosive end?
Well-written, this is a fantastic thriller, full of suspense and surprises. Highly recommended.
He starts working for a shady off the map group attached vaguely to the MOD to pursue the jihadis and wreck their plots. His cousin, Bang Bang Kirpachi, is a computer whizz, and works with a group of girls in their own off the wall combat against jihadis and those who would seek to tie them to the kitchen.
I love the rampant feminism full of energy, humour, brilliance of these young women who, not content to let their destiny be decided by a bunch of mad mullahs, take them on and blow their brains out. They can hack into complicated computer systems, fly helicopters, use all types of weapons, and have a hilarious gung-ho attitude.
Riz teams up with the Black-eyed Girls for a death-defying adventure that takes him to a raid in Syria and a terrorist group in Derby. Will they manage to thwart the jihadi loonies and save Stratford from an explosive end?
Well-written, this is a fantastic thriller, full of suspense and surprises. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2013
I found this book in a scottish bunkhouse, i was taking a day off from climbing and had a powerful head cold. it's one of those books which you just know the author had fun writing, probably too much left handed fun. This time would have been better spent doing some research? i think mister flowers has confused the BBC's Spooks series with a documentary. Hanif Kureishi's Black Album discussed the same aspects infinitely better 20 years ago and Mohsin Hamid's The Reluctant Fundamentalist pisses all over this nonsense. Even Andy McNabb is way ahead of this schoolboy rubbish. Avoid unless you're miles away from civilisation and this is the only book left. Even then, you'd be better off just imagining your own story.
May 6, 2013
A rip-roaring; peddle to the metal; roller-coaster joyride of a read, intrigue, plots, girls, guns and mayhem. Flowers knows his stuff backwards - and it shows... the attention to detail is superb!
With engaging characters and laughs and shocks galore, this certainly isn't a book for the faint hearted, be warned though - if you pick it up, you'll be sure not to put it down until the last breathless page has turned.
Riz is a cracking good read!
With engaging characters and laughs and shocks galore, this certainly isn't a book for the faint hearted, be warned though - if you pick it up, you'll be sure not to put it down until the last breathless page has turned.
Riz is a cracking good read!
April 30, 2013
Gripping. A great Spy Thriller, I couldn't put it down. Some fantastic and engaging characters, and I was left wanting the next book as soon as possible, to see what happens next!
It's kind of like James Bond... but for this century. Less cold war, more cyber warfare, but with entertaining wit and pithy dialogue alongside the action and drama.
It's kind of like James Bond... but for this century. Less cold war, more cyber warfare, but with entertaining wit and pithy dialogue alongside the action and drama.
May 7, 2013
What an AWESOME book! This is one of the most realistic depictions of how these operations work in real life. Forget about the "Hollywoodization" that seems to be the mark of most other books - this is the very real deal.
Seriously, this book will hold you hostage right until the very end!
Seriously, this book will hold you hostage right until the very end!
May 10, 2013
Riz - is a refreshing thriller - almost on a classic pulp level but, stands out on its own. Hints of Len Deighton, Robert Ludlum & even Tarantino's dry sarcasm come to mind. The Author has (Very well) researched the subject matter and injects the right balance of humour, which so easily could of been too much.
The characters are well drawn out, namely Riz himself and Bang-Bang.
And the story arc is well drawn out, niether boring or dragging. My only negative thought was that i wanted more. I read in one sitting and thats rare for myself. I have heard rumors of a possible film in the works, i for one will be in the queue..
The characters are well drawn out, namely Riz himself and Bang-Bang.
And the story arc is well drawn out, niether boring or dragging. My only negative thought was that i wanted more. I read in one sitting and thats rare for myself. I have heard rumors of a possible film in the works, i for one will be in the queue..
September 19, 2013
Plenty of action in this one! A fun little story with many standout characters. Well written and not overly complex, just a good enjoyable read. Charlie Flowers has a winner in this series the main character Riz and the black eyed girls will have you wanting more for many books to come. I would suggest that if your looking for a nice quick action packed read, then give this one a shot. The humor mixed with a well told story woven in amongst death is very hard to accomplish.... And Mr. Flowers did it! I'm a fan, now on to book #2 of the series.. A rock solid 4 stars!
July 29, 2013
Long story short: I can't wait for the movie! Although I expect that the movie will, like most movies, not do this book justice. Its a quick read. (I'm proud to say that I first read it when it was just titled RIZ.)
July 30, 2013
I'm not spoiling anything! It reads like a movie. The tension is awesome! Your in the character from the start and you are gonna finish it because you want to know the end. Love,drama, excitement, fiction and your fantasy get triggered all the way.
October 16, 2012
Flowers files between Fleming and Forsyth, and is a happy fit there. And Bang Bang Kirpachi has the best name in fiction since Kissy Suzuki.
March 23, 2013
Charlie's fictional approach to life made this recent offering seem effortless.
May 8, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this - steamed along at about a million miles an hour with laughs and action, excellent fun and almost too exciting to read on the tube!
March 3, 2015
“Hard Kill” by Charlie Flowers is the kind of book I couldn’t put down. Even when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about it. This is one fast paced, edge of the seat, gripping story about a young Muslim, former al-Queda operative who is now working with Counter Terrorism in England. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Riz Sabir is a sharp young man with street smarts that do him in good stead as he pursues terrorists through the streets of London. Along with his cousin Holly (Bang Bang) Kirpachi and her group of ladies known as the Blackeyes Riz take on a faction of terrorists bent on turning London into a war zone. All the characters are lively and so real I could visualize them easily. The language is quick and often colloquial giving the reader the feeling of being part of the action. With moments of tension so thick I found myself holding my breath followed by scenes of action that had me practically jumping up and down the story was timely and terrifying. With an awareness of the dangers faced from jihadists while incorporating the everyman side of Islam, Flowers is able to show the conflicting elements of a population torn by extremes. Flowers displays a knowledge of the skills and style of radical terrorists that is mind blowing. Without giving anything away I will say the end left me begging for more, so much so that I immediately purchased book two “Danger Close”. I would recommend readers check out the Glossary before reading to familiarize themselves with the terminology throughout the book. It’s well worth it. Overall this is a book that never slows down and demands to be read.
March 23, 2013
I recently bought a copy of Riz and used it as toilet roll, it seemed to leave more shit on my arse than was originally there.
May 1, 2013
I had always dismissed the infinite monkey theorem until I had the misfortune to read this drivel.
May 13, 2013
Riz is a fast paced novella and liberally peppered with guns, bombs and blood. It takes place in contemporary London at the time of the 2012 Olympic Games, Riz is employed to get inside a terrorist cell and nullify them, to this end he associates himself with a group of cyber-hacking, gun-toting, helicopter flying girls known as the Hur al-hyn, Cheerleaders or Black Eyed Maidens. This then is where life imitates art imitates life. Flowers heads up a pro-Muslim / anti extremism group called the Cheerleaders who are variously a group armed with the cultural weapons of mass destruction - according to themselves, or possibly a group of lunatic fringe internet trolls and bullies - according to a handful of right wing bloggers. Is Flower's vision of heavily armed babes taking on Islamic terrorists just fantasy then, or does it cross over into the real world, it certainly adds a level of intrigue to a fairly strait-forward narrative.
Flowers mixes a fast paced spook story with gore in abundance as the Hur al-Hyn ladies launch themselves against their nominated foes in a visceral frenzy, look away if the thought of teenage girls playing football with severed heads is likely to upset or offend. The plot builds in a vivid cinematic style to an apocalyptic fire-fight and leaves a plot thread hanging for the follow up novel.
Mostly I really enjoyed Riz, but where it could do with a little more work was a broader look at the both the moral reasoning and background of both Riz and the Hur al-Hyn girls, their motives seemed slightly glib and glossed over. The blur of acronyms didn't help clarity at a couple of points. Amidst the general carnage and welter of gunfire and explosions though these are only minor criticisms. Riz, despite the title, isn't a mystery, it's a fast paced action adventure novel, a sort of boys own rush crossed with Die Hard and the opening ten minutes of Saving Private Ryan. Gun filled, blood drenched, high octane mayhem.
Flowers mixes a fast paced spook story with gore in abundance as the Hur al-Hyn ladies launch themselves against their nominated foes in a visceral frenzy, look away if the thought of teenage girls playing football with severed heads is likely to upset or offend. The plot builds in a vivid cinematic style to an apocalyptic fire-fight and leaves a plot thread hanging for the follow up novel.
Mostly I really enjoyed Riz, but where it could do with a little more work was a broader look at the both the moral reasoning and background of both Riz and the Hur al-Hyn girls, their motives seemed slightly glib and glossed over. The blur of acronyms didn't help clarity at a couple of points. Amidst the general carnage and welter of gunfire and explosions though these are only minor criticisms. Riz, despite the title, isn't a mystery, it's a fast paced action adventure novel, a sort of boys own rush crossed with Die Hard and the opening ten minutes of Saving Private Ryan. Gun filled, blood drenched, high octane mayhem.
May 31, 2013
"Riz" doesn't give much away as a title. I think many people will be unsure of what to expect from this book.
Let me ask you a question... Did you ever read those great thrillers from the 50's and 60's? The books that highlighted the weird and wonderful ways that spies operated. Those authors namely Fleming and Deighton created a whole new sub-genre and at the same time created a trend that hasn't yet expired...
Then we had the super authors... Guys like Tom Clancy and Patterson who have all dabbled in the espionage genre...
"Riz" is the modern day answer to Deighton... An espionage novel that deals with contemporary issues.
Let's talk about the writing. Charlie Flowers writes fluently and researches like a pro! He has a style that really reaches back to those great writers of the past. He is also squarely in the modern day and has an amazing way with his characters. I haven't felt a character in a book for a long time. Flowers created a book that kept me sitting up till dawn reading away.
I needed to know what was going to happen next...
I finally did, and I can tell you that you will want to know too...
Read this book and thrill to some of the best modern day writing in the thriller world.
Let me ask you a question... Did you ever read those great thrillers from the 50's and 60's? The books that highlighted the weird and wonderful ways that spies operated. Those authors namely Fleming and Deighton created a whole new sub-genre and at the same time created a trend that hasn't yet expired...
Then we had the super authors... Guys like Tom Clancy and Patterson who have all dabbled in the espionage genre...
"Riz" is the modern day answer to Deighton... An espionage novel that deals with contemporary issues.
Let's talk about the writing. Charlie Flowers writes fluently and researches like a pro! He has a style that really reaches back to those great writers of the past. He is also squarely in the modern day and has an amazing way with his characters. I haven't felt a character in a book for a long time. Flowers created a book that kept me sitting up till dawn reading away.
I needed to know what was going to happen next...
I finally did, and I can tell you that you will want to know too...
Read this book and thrill to some of the best modern day writing in the thriller world.
November 8, 2013
The first of this authors books I've read and it certainly packs lots of blood and action. Just the ticket for a blockbuster movie. It has a different twist on the 'special forces' approach in that they are second to 'Riz' and his gang of 'Black-eyed girls' as he takes on the terrorists, Riz seems to be a little lacking in knowing the difference between the political left and the political right and their shoot first, ask questions after approach doesn't help keep the death toll down. It's great fun though, thanks to those 'Black-eyed girls'.
July 30, 2013
Loved it!
July 30, 2013
A proper riveting, well researched read
August 14, 2013
If you are a fan of pulp fiction, then this is a book for you! Personally not really a genre i like, but the adventure kept me going and engaged all the way til the end. It will make a good movie!
June 1, 2016
This is a well written story which rolls along at a really good pace.
A fantastic thriller, full of suspense and surprises.
Highly recommended.
A fantastic thriller, full of suspense and surprises.
Highly recommended.
August 15, 2016
Loved this -- as soon as I finished it I downloaded the next in the series, which is high praise considering how much I have on my TBR pile. Fast moving, terrific characters, atmosphere & language
February 5, 2020
Action thriller about the exploits of a reformed (?) East London terrorist. Amusing with some interesting characters but the action is of the cartoon bloodbath variety so becomes rather tedious.
August 18, 2021
Lots of action
I was tempted to say this was a little over the top, sadly however I feel In would probably be wrong. Lots of action though if that's your thing.
I was tempted to say this was a little over the top, sadly however I feel In would probably be wrong. Lots of action though if that's your thing.
April 4, 2024
Enjoyable quick read but so many strands left dangling. It probably suits a younger audience but you know its a enjoyable page turner so give it a go
April 12, 2015
In this world of the rehashed, remastered & reimagined it is truly wonderful when you find an original gem! And that is what Hard Kill is: a real gem of a book! From the superb detailed descriptions of the operations to the crazy characters responsible for making these ops happen, Hard Kill reads like a refreshing breath of fresh air! A real rose amongst the thorns of the predictable! Riz Sabhir, the hero holds the story in a voice that is both reflective and insouciant. He's trained, he knows what's what & gets what he has to done! The most pragmatic and fast thinking spy since Bourne, but with a hilarious audacity that brings you closer to him. That closeness means you invest in him, care about him. He's probably the most real and believable spy ever encountered in the written word. What makes for a real difference is despite the very masculine tone, the brutal actions & horrific kills, who's leading the way with Riz is a girl gang 'The Blackeyed Girls'. They shift the dynamic of the book which would otherwise have been a testosterone fest. I love 'Girls' Bang-Bang, Fuzz, Calamity and all. They live in a world of dichotomy. Bullets flying, helicopter diving, life on the edge one minute and next they're cooking samosas in their mother's kitchens, kareokeing and dressing up. Despite Bang-Bang's incredible ability to kill, maim and destroy the enemy, there is a sense vulnerability, so poignantly described by Flowers throughout that touches, and makes for genuine sadness. Other reviews have referenced the similarity of the ‘Girls’ to ‘Charlie’s Angels’ but that’s doing the ‘Blackeyes’ a grave disservice. The ‘Blackeyes’ have a passionate fervour, an unquenchable thirst to take out the baddies, whatever way possible. No one controls them, and they answer to no one. Certainly, not a smooth talking multimillionaire on the end of telephone. They are their own, and they’re a force to be reckoned with. An amazing new creation! The tech side of the book was incredible, and very telling. Bang-Bang's a master hacker but with virtually no mention of an education supporting this capability, you're left with the idea that she 'picks up things along the way'. Clearly possessing rapid assimilation, she's the by-product of an emerging tech world where share, hack and redeploy are the staples of progress. This is a world created and owned by the young, as it fits their psyche of youth. Bluetoothing stuff, bruteforcing passwords and virtual meeting places where avatars have multiple fox tails, isn't fiction, it's very fact. And it's for that reason Hard Kill is a wakeup call. Disenfranchised and disaffected doesn’t mean ‘don’t know how’. Riz started out bored, slipped in with the wrong crowd, and ended up incarcerated, at the mercy of those waiting to radicalise him. He was given the chance to redeem, and he found his way back. But extremism of any kind is only targeted at those that are forgotten, the ones who have nowhere else to go. Hard Kill exemplifies this so well, and along with all the gritty action, humour and suspense is why it is such an outstanding and affecting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews