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Alec Mercer #1
Dead Underground
Set in 2026, this adrenaline pumping spy fiction thriller revolves around a spy by the alias Alec Mercer and the world-renowned researcher in particle physics Dr. Élénoré Bassét as they take on the world, dominated by international corporations, corrupt governments and loyal but ignorant soldiers.
They find themselves placed on top of the international terror watch-lists and hunted by every covert actions and intelligence agencies, hot on their trail, either to kill them or to capture them, they escape from the jaws of death, surviving off-the-grid. They soon realize that the recent turn of events which threw them in a lashing torrent, did not happen simply because of bad luck, but was a result of individual dreadful events in their past, which had entwined their fates into that twirling vortex which made them run the gauntlet for their lives’.
The year is 2026. It is both grim and dark. The world is on the verge of destabilization. Our world is no more sustainable. The energy crisis. Immediate profits are destroying any future hope. International tensions arise as the balance of power shifts. And the masterminds of these elaborate schemes are so powerful and influential that none can stop them.
History is repeating itself… question is, will they survive?
They find themselves placed on top of the international terror watch-lists and hunted by every covert actions and intelligence agencies, hot on their trail, either to kill them or to capture them, they escape from the jaws of death, surviving off-the-grid. They soon realize that the recent turn of events which threw them in a lashing torrent, did not happen simply because of bad luck, but was a result of individual dreadful events in their past, which had entwined their fates into that twirling vortex which made them run the gauntlet for their lives’.
The year is 2026. It is both grim and dark. The world is on the verge of destabilization. Our world is no more sustainable. The energy crisis. Immediate profits are destroying any future hope. International tensions arise as the balance of power shifts. And the masterminds of these elaborate schemes are so powerful and influential that none can stop them.
History is repeating itself… question is, will they survive?
- GenresThriller
245 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2013
5 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Jaideep Bhoosreddy
1 book11 followersJaideep Bhoosreddy is one of the youngest novelists in the Indian subcontinent, who likes writing novels and short stories of various genres. He is an avid reader and enthusiastic explorer. He travelled across many parts of the world and draws his experiences from abroad for his novels.
His profound interest in the military intelligence, world politics and his scientific knowledge and bureaucratic exposure from his family background provides well-rounded, deeply researched novels for his readers. His non-linear writing style captures the readers with surprises and intrigues whilst maintaining a gripping suspense in them.
He lives in New Delhi with his parents and a younger brother and is currently working on a new book.
His profound interest in the military intelligence, world politics and his scientific knowledge and bureaucratic exposure from his family background provides well-rounded, deeply researched novels for his readers. His non-linear writing style captures the readers with surprises and intrigues whilst maintaining a gripping suspense in them.
He lives in New Delhi with his parents and a younger brother and is currently working on a new book.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 28, 2013
Hehe. If I'm gonna say anything I will say this. I wrote it keeping myself in mind as the reader and so I would recommend it to people who like suspense, action, thriller, fast chases, unexpected turns in plots as I do. But I'm hardly the best critic, and definitely not for this.
November 3, 2013
its a great book to have in hand...actually unputdownable and a real page-turner...
Don't miss out on it...Jaideep looking forward for the next one desperately... kudos... :)
Don't miss out on it...Jaideep looking forward for the next one desperately... kudos... :)
October 12, 2013
A great book. After reading Jaideep's dead underground and being completely immersed and engrossed into every chapter, I was a very impressed to find such fine talent at such young age.
it was an exciting novel that I enjoyed. Any reader who loves mysteries would love this book. Even if you are not a mystery fan, it is guaranteed that this book would be fascinating to read
it was an exciting novel that I enjoyed. Any reader who loves mysteries would love this book. Even if you are not a mystery fan, it is guaranteed that this book would be fascinating to read
October 16, 2013
Having the readers taken by awe this young novelist had made a remarkable step in the world of fiction. Weaving the Interpol and CBI into a very well written plot the story proves to be a fine master piece. And the punch line, "TURNS YOU WON'T SEE COMING" justifies itself every bit.
I would recommend this book to all the fiction lovers and suspense lovers
I would recommend this book to all the fiction lovers and suspense lovers
October 6, 2013
an incredible effort...Jaideep has chipped in with a masterpiece...an adrenaline pumper indeed...!!! i would go on to suggest this to all the fiction lovers, the 'sensible fiction lovers' (to be precise)to peep carefully through the pages...you are gonna enjoy this for sure!
Read
October 6, 2013its a book with elusive combination of sci-fi and present day political and economic scenario...the book also cleverly acquaints one with all those dirty games that have always been there in the business industry.
October 14, 2013
this book is fantastic with lots of turn and twist...the character description is soo in-depth and vivid as if they r jumping out of the book.
it had all sci-fi, dirty bussiness politics, CIA, FBI, interpol, all club in an elusive manner. i would go on to suggest this to all the fiction lovers.
it had all sci-fi, dirty bussiness politics, CIA, FBI, interpol, all club in an elusive manner. i would go on to suggest this to all the fiction lovers.
February 16, 2014
By Jaideep Bhoosreddy. Alec Mercer # 1. Grade: A
A futuristic thriller set in 2026 that combines nuclear weapons, the lone secret service agent-turned-rogue as a one-man army against the system? Written by a young Indian author?
Piqued your interest, didn’t it? So Dead Underground is the debut by young Jaideep Bhoosreddy featuring the daredevil Alec Mercer – an indie publication. The book is really a mile-a-minute thriller that paints all the right numbers in terms of being a scorching read. Vrooming from zero to one-eighty before you hit the end of the first few chapters. You’re hanging onto that seat belt as the narrative flies without a breather – going from a nuclear research laboratory set in the Swiss Alps to the humid crowded streets of Brazil. Alec Mercer is an agent in disguise, the one-man protection detail for a nuclear physicist Ellenor who is harbouring the secrets to solving the energy crisis for the world. When her base laboratory is destroyed by mercenaries on hire by corporate bigwigs in a race to acquire the data files and trade secrets to this energy source, the lovely Ellenor and Mercer are the only ones who escape. Now they are on the run with pretty much all the secret service agents and goons on hire for big corporate honchos hot on their trial. The book follows them in a deadly cat-and-mouse chase. Can the ruthlessly efficient Mercer turn the tables against his adversaries with such high odds stacked up against him?
The allusion to the book being set in 2026 is pretty hurriedly dealt with – a looming energy crisis. Ecological disaster in the making and the whole world scrambling in an arms-up race to get a solution/ready itself. Jaideep uses clever plot devices like BBC Broadcasts and Newspaper clippings as running commentaries to give us background into the energy crisis. A prologue sets up a back history to the entire research aspect as well. Jaideep cranks up the tension lever to high right into the second or third chapter where we encounter the research facility where Ellenor works being infiltrated by highly trained mercenaries to acquire the data files and from here on, the story just takes off on jet-fuel.
The author writes his action sequences pretty well and the plot has its mandatory twists and massive reveals for a thriller. Mercer comes across as an unbelievably efficient lone survivor against the system – a regular menacing badass who can give it back in full measure to the villains.
Coming to minor quibbles that annoyed me: I wasn’t completely convinced about Ellenor’s part – maybe because she sadly doesn’t get much feature time. Maybe this was a conscious decision as the author introducing us to Mercer wanted to give full attention to our hero. Jaideep sacrifices a lot of the plot in favour of pacing. Maybe for a thriller, this was apt but I wasn’t buying into the same. Also being an indie publication, the book suffers from a lot of grammatical errors and could do with some structural edits. A deft editor could do wonders as the plot goes slack in a lot of places and the writing could be a lot tighter. But I would put that down as the initial hiccups of a debut author – Jaideep tends to get carried away by the action, just a little. Not that I didn’t enjoy it. And try as I might – didn’t get around to understand why the story was set in 2026 and was also labelled as sci-fi. Apart from the looming energy crisis of course.
Overall, a commendable effort from a youngster getting into the choppy waters of writing a thriller. Passion and love for the genre shines through. Earnest writing that could definitely benefit from some good editing. Dead Underground gives us a new badass hero to root for and a bright new talent.
Originally reviewed at Vaultofbooks.com, a close-knit community of fanatical readers. We are looking for perceptive readers who can write well, and we are eager to provide lots of free books in exchange for reviews. Shoot us a mail at contact@vaultofbooks.com
A futuristic thriller set in 2026 that combines nuclear weapons, the lone secret service agent-turned-rogue as a one-man army against the system? Written by a young Indian author?
Piqued your interest, didn’t it? So Dead Underground is the debut by young Jaideep Bhoosreddy featuring the daredevil Alec Mercer – an indie publication. The book is really a mile-a-minute thriller that paints all the right numbers in terms of being a scorching read. Vrooming from zero to one-eighty before you hit the end of the first few chapters. You’re hanging onto that seat belt as the narrative flies without a breather – going from a nuclear research laboratory set in the Swiss Alps to the humid crowded streets of Brazil. Alec Mercer is an agent in disguise, the one-man protection detail for a nuclear physicist Ellenor who is harbouring the secrets to solving the energy crisis for the world. When her base laboratory is destroyed by mercenaries on hire by corporate bigwigs in a race to acquire the data files and trade secrets to this energy source, the lovely Ellenor and Mercer are the only ones who escape. Now they are on the run with pretty much all the secret service agents and goons on hire for big corporate honchos hot on their trial. The book follows them in a deadly cat-and-mouse chase. Can the ruthlessly efficient Mercer turn the tables against his adversaries with such high odds stacked up against him?
The allusion to the book being set in 2026 is pretty hurriedly dealt with – a looming energy crisis. Ecological disaster in the making and the whole world scrambling in an arms-up race to get a solution/ready itself. Jaideep uses clever plot devices like BBC Broadcasts and Newspaper clippings as running commentaries to give us background into the energy crisis. A prologue sets up a back history to the entire research aspect as well. Jaideep cranks up the tension lever to high right into the second or third chapter where we encounter the research facility where Ellenor works being infiltrated by highly trained mercenaries to acquire the data files and from here on, the story just takes off on jet-fuel.
The author writes his action sequences pretty well and the plot has its mandatory twists and massive reveals for a thriller. Mercer comes across as an unbelievably efficient lone survivor against the system – a regular menacing badass who can give it back in full measure to the villains.
Coming to minor quibbles that annoyed me: I wasn’t completely convinced about Ellenor’s part – maybe because she sadly doesn’t get much feature time. Maybe this was a conscious decision as the author introducing us to Mercer wanted to give full attention to our hero. Jaideep sacrifices a lot of the plot in favour of pacing. Maybe for a thriller, this was apt but I wasn’t buying into the same. Also being an indie publication, the book suffers from a lot of grammatical errors and could do with some structural edits. A deft editor could do wonders as the plot goes slack in a lot of places and the writing could be a lot tighter. But I would put that down as the initial hiccups of a debut author – Jaideep tends to get carried away by the action, just a little. Not that I didn’t enjoy it. And try as I might – didn’t get around to understand why the story was set in 2026 and was also labelled as sci-fi. Apart from the looming energy crisis of course.
Overall, a commendable effort from a youngster getting into the choppy waters of writing a thriller. Passion and love for the genre shines through. Earnest writing that could definitely benefit from some good editing. Dead Underground gives us a new badass hero to root for and a bright new talent.
Originally reviewed at Vaultofbooks.com, a close-knit community of fanatical readers. We are looking for perceptive readers who can write well, and we are eager to provide lots of free books in exchange for reviews. Shoot us a mail at contact@vaultofbooks.com
February 13, 2014
This book reads like a deft thriller - vrooming from zero to one-eighty in the first few seconds and we're left hanging onto the tail-bits as the narrative steps up pace and never lets up.
Perhaps a homage to the more successful ones like Jack Reacher from Lee Child and probably the Hunters series from Chris Kuzneski or the footsteps of David Baldacci (I admit, I'm not a follower of this genre internationally and am woefully under-prepped in terms of knowing the others)
Its a pretty decent read from a first-time author and Jaideep has all the trappings to be one of the finest in thriller writing. He writes with passion and energy and the pacing is brutal - we're racing with Mercer and the beautiful Ellenor right from the word go.
The book being an indie-published one has the typical quibbles associated with one - myriads of errors in terms of copy and some gaping structural edits left undone. It could definitely have been polished with some defter cautious editing. Jaideep sacrifices a little on the plot and logic when it comes to the action and thriller bits - perhaps a conscious choice but a thriller definitely needs a meatier backstory to get the reader invested.
The plot devices are all there - pretty nifty in terms of using newspaper cuttings and TV program shows being showcased to roll the plot along. However, in an effort to bring and cram in a few bits, the narrative feels a bit loose and scattershot.
I've never read a self-pub/indie within India and was pleasantly surprised by this one. But the explosive action and the gritty protagonist Mercer kept me going - was sufficiently invested enough to follow their fates till the end.
Perhaps a homage to the more successful ones like Jack Reacher from Lee Child and probably the Hunters series from Chris Kuzneski or the footsteps of David Baldacci (I admit, I'm not a follower of this genre internationally and am woefully under-prepped in terms of knowing the others)
Its a pretty decent read from a first-time author and Jaideep has all the trappings to be one of the finest in thriller writing. He writes with passion and energy and the pacing is brutal - we're racing with Mercer and the beautiful Ellenor right from the word go.
The book being an indie-published one has the typical quibbles associated with one - myriads of errors in terms of copy and some gaping structural edits left undone. It could definitely have been polished with some defter cautious editing. Jaideep sacrifices a little on the plot and logic when it comes to the action and thriller bits - perhaps a conscious choice but a thriller definitely needs a meatier backstory to get the reader invested.
The plot devices are all there - pretty nifty in terms of using newspaper cuttings and TV program shows being showcased to roll the plot along. However, in an effort to bring and cram in a few bits, the narrative feels a bit loose and scattershot.
I've never read a self-pub/indie within India and was pleasantly surprised by this one. But the explosive action and the gritty protagonist Mercer kept me going - was sufficiently invested enough to follow their fates till the end.
December 6, 2013
Really interesting book..the story line is great and you can easily see whatever is happening, in front of your eyes...the starting is good..i mean really fast pace(which is good and exciting)...one can clearly in his mind see whatever is happening in the lives of the characters.
the detailed description of nearly all the spy agencies of the world is commendable..
when Alec and Elenore are on the run that part is really thrilling.
technologies,escapes , way of execution of a plan is shown brilliantly.
well...the book becomes a little slow in the middle...but i guess that's necessary to build the story....but the again the book comes back to its original pace and is really "unputdownable"...the ending of this book is just Awesome!!! I've never seen this type of climax and ending in any book or even a movie....luved this book..kudos to the writer.
the detailed description of nearly all the spy agencies of the world is commendable..
when Alec and Elenore are on the run that part is really thrilling.
technologies,escapes , way of execution of a plan is shown brilliantly.
well...the book becomes a little slow in the middle...but i guess that's necessary to build the story....but the again the book comes back to its original pace and is really "unputdownable"...the ending of this book is just Awesome!!! I've never seen this type of climax and ending in any book or even a movie....luved this book..kudos to the writer.
January 28, 2014
A fast paced thriller, set in the future when life has more gadgets than we can imagine today. Yet the basic human qualities of deceit, loyalty, greed, treachery, sacrifice and love transcend the borders of time. So we have a super hero, Alec Mercer, who could be a hero from the Greek age or our very own Captain America. He uses his brain, brawn and brotherhood (contacts from his erstwhile service with a secret service agency) to vanquish the evil forces. And like a true Greek hero, he is not afraid to go down if required. Well Done Alec Mercer!
December 1, 2013
One of the best novels that I have read in a long time. Its simply unbelievable to know that such a young author has come out with a gem. The plot has been dealt with brilliantly, a racy style keeping the reader engrossed and asking for more... Wish to read more of Alec Mercer in the next novel... I refuse to believe that he is truly dead.
November 3, 2013
A very well researched plot interwoven with recent scientific developments and dirty politics. Powerful Men trying to change the fate of countries and their people. Their masks uncovered with ease. A mystery with lots of twists and turns. A must read for all those suspense fiction lovers.
March 5, 2014
2014: Two scientists, Nobel Prize winners, Dr Giuseppe Beauvais and Dr Gaulle Carlisle are among 283 scientists killed in a massive Gamma explosion at CERN.
2026:
Elenore Basset, a senior scientist and researcher at CERN bases her research on her paper on Advanced Theory of Relativity.
Richard Meyers, CEO and Chairman of Bearing Oil and Petro Tech International wants to destroy the research and researchers. He is behind the 2014 explosion and CERN and wants to do the same again.
Aisha Summers, detective with FBI, not recruited but selectively called for the job.
Alec Mercer is the alias of an ex-Navy Seal, a CIA Operative is assigned the job as a security officer at CERN but is actually there to protect Elenore Basset.
When Elenore’s laboratory is destroyed, Mercer helps Elenore escape. They are labeled as the most wanted terrorists and are on the run with both secret service agents and hired goons after them.
Will they make it alive? Will Meyers be successful in his mission? Will Detective Summers be able to catch Meyers? Read the book to find out.
The action scenes have been described well that I could feel I was sitting in a movie hall and all the action was happening in front of me.
Overall an unputdownable book. A good workdone Jaideep.
reveiw at http://wp.me/p3cEWT-iv
2026:
Elenore Basset, a senior scientist and researcher at CERN bases her research on her paper on Advanced Theory of Relativity.
Richard Meyers, CEO and Chairman of Bearing Oil and Petro Tech International wants to destroy the research and researchers. He is behind the 2014 explosion and CERN and wants to do the same again.
Aisha Summers, detective with FBI, not recruited but selectively called for the job.
Alec Mercer is the alias of an ex-Navy Seal, a CIA Operative is assigned the job as a security officer at CERN but is actually there to protect Elenore Basset.
When Elenore’s laboratory is destroyed, Mercer helps Elenore escape. They are labeled as the most wanted terrorists and are on the run with both secret service agents and hired goons after them.
Will they make it alive? Will Meyers be successful in his mission? Will Detective Summers be able to catch Meyers? Read the book to find out.
The action scenes have been described well that I could feel I was sitting in a movie hall and all the action was happening in front of me.
Overall an unputdownable book. A good workdone Jaideep.
reveiw at http://wp.me/p3cEWT-iv
February 24, 2014
An amazing book by a young author who appears matured well beyond his age. The story is fast paced and action packed. The details are well researched and appear authentic. We will hopefully see more of Alec Mercer
May 11, 2023
It is a wonderful science fiction by a very young and talented author who during his pre-college days has written this scientific treatise and he explains beautifully, in scientific lingo and background, the fight of the world Titans who control fossil fuel of the world and who would go to any extreme end to stop the new and sustainable green fuels, which are environmentally safe. Every country, be it, developed or developing or under developed would need the green fuels in big quantity for welfare of their citizens. Congratulations to the young author Jaideep. Wish he pens' more such goid reads.
July 26, 2017
Set in 2026, this adrenaline pumping spy fiction thriller revolves around a spy by the alias Alec Mercer and the world-renowned researcher in particle physics Dr. Élénoré Bassét as they take on the world, dominated by international corporations, corrupt governments and loyal but ignorant soldiers.
They find themselves placed on top of the international terror watch-lists and hunted by every covert actions and intelligence agencies, hot on their trail, either to kill them or to capture them, they escape from the jaws of death, surviving off-the-grid. They soon realize that the recent turn of events which threw them in a lashing torrent, did not happen simply because of bad luck, but was a result of individual dreadful events in their past, which had entwined their fates into that twirling vortex which made them run the gauntlet for their lives’.
This book's plot really twisted. The characters are realistic, the situations are gripping.If you like mystery and suspense novels, you will like this one. For a first time writing a mystery novel, writer Jaideep Bhoosreddy has done a brilliant job. He has done fabulous job and intense research and is particular in all his detailing. But the suspense is almost disclosed in the initial stages so it lacks a bit in the plot,its not that intriguing. But overall story wise it is worth a shot.
They find themselves placed on top of the international terror watch-lists and hunted by every covert actions and intelligence agencies, hot on their trail, either to kill them or to capture them, they escape from the jaws of death, surviving off-the-grid. They soon realize that the recent turn of events which threw them in a lashing torrent, did not happen simply because of bad luck, but was a result of individual dreadful events in their past, which had entwined their fates into that twirling vortex which made them run the gauntlet for their lives’.
This book's plot really twisted. The characters are realistic, the situations are gripping.If you like mystery and suspense novels, you will like this one. For a first time writing a mystery novel, writer Jaideep Bhoosreddy has done a brilliant job. He has done fabulous job and intense research and is particular in all his detailing. But the suspense is almost disclosed in the initial stages so it lacks a bit in the plot,its not that intriguing. But overall story wise it is worth a shot.
Read
May 15, 2016This book is extremely badly written and the standard of English is appalling. It includes a piece of dialogue: 'want my advice? He ejaculated slowly.' Worst of all is that this book was on a list of books set in Kazakhstan, but the country never appeared.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews