Silencer

Nick Stone #15

by Andy McNab

'Authentic to the core' Daily ExpressClassic McNab - original, pulse-pounding and utterly compelling.____________________Nick Stone has always kept his job as ex-SAS trouble shooter at arms’ length from his home life. But when his son falls dangerously ill and the doctor who saves him comes under threat from an old adversary, it is no longer possible. Life just got very personal.To stop his cover being terminally blown, he must follow a trail that begins in Triad-controlled Hong Kong. He is propelled back into the brutal world he thought he'd left behind. The forces ranged against him have guns, helicopters, private armies and a terrified population in their vice-like grip. Nick Stone has two decades of operational skills – but this time, that may not be enough…

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Military Fiction, Action, Adventure, Audiobook, Amazon

436 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Andy McNab joined the infantry in 1976 as a boy soldier. In 1984 he was badged as a member of 22 SAS Regiment. He served in B Squadron 22 SAS for ten years and worked on both covert and overt special operations worldwide, including anti-terrorist and anti-drug operations in the Middle and Far East, South and Central America and Northern Ireland.

Trained as a specialist in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection, McNab worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces and western backed guerrilla movements as well as on conventional special operations. In Northern Ireland he spent two years working as an undercover operator with 14th Intelligence Group, going on to become an instructor.

McNab also worked as an instructor on the SAS selection and training team and instructed foreign special forces in counter terrorism, hostage rescue and survival training.

Andy McNab has written about his experiences in the SAS in two bestselling books, Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995). Bravo Two Zero is the highest selling war book of all time and has sold over 1.7 million copies in the UK. To date it has been published in 17 countries and translated into 16 languages. The CD spoken word version of Bravo Two Zero, narrated by McNab, sold over 60,000 copies and earned a silver disc. The BBC's film of Bravo Two Zero, starring Sean Bean, was shown on primetime BBC 1 television in 1999 and released on DVD in 2000.

Immediate Action, McNab's autobiography, spent 18 weeks at the top of the bestseller lists following the lifting on an ex-parte injunction granted to the Ministry of Defence in September 1995. To date, Immediate Action has now sold over 1.4 million copies in the UK.

McNab is the author of seven fast action thrillers, highly acclaimed for their authenticity and all Sunday Times bestsellers. Published in 1997, Remote Control was hailed as the most authentic thriller ever written and has sold over half a million copies in the UK. McNab's subsequent thrillers, Crisis Four, Firewall, Last Light , Liberation Day , Dark Winter , Deep Black and Aggressor have all gone on to sell equally well. The central character in all the books is Nick Stone, a tough ex-SAS operative working as a 'K' on deniable operations for British Intelligence.

McNab's fiction draws extensively on his experiences and knowledge of Special Forces soldiering. He has been officially registered by Neilsen Bookscan as the bestselling British thriller writer of the last year.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

A friend gave me this book and asked me several times if I liked it. So I always answered that I haven't read it yet because I have so many books on my list, but school is coming and no more running away. So I tried to read it. I really did.
Yet, I struggled to finish it. I skipped pages and pages. It was my first book for Andy McNab and probably the last. It's just not my type. I really wanted to know how he saved Katya, but there were so many unnecessary boring things and dull details. I guess the problem was me and not the book. The writing is fine and Nick character is okay. That's why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1.

[David Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing the SAS thriller Silencer by Andy McNab which is an excellent novel which I bought from kindle. This is the 15th installment in the Nick Stone series about an ex SAS soldier who is quite poor but makes a living doing covert missions. This book starts with him doing a covert mission in Columbia in 1993 when he was meant to shoot a druglord who was a member of the Columbian parliament and untouchable by legal means. He had to do the job with an old world war 2 gunsight that kept misting over and only had a magnification of 4 and ended up shooting the chaps son. We are then fast forwarded to 2011 when Nick is working on behalf of a arms dealer in Moscow and his employer is due to give birth and he has to get her to hospital. In Russia hospitals aren't like what they are in Britain and potential patients are frequently turned away from the hospitals for not having written consent to be treated. He even witnesses a man having a heart attack being turned away. He is able to get his employer into hospital and she has her baby but both are kidnapped. He initially thinks they have been put to work in the sex industry in Moldova but his search takes him to Hong Kong and the organ donor corruption going on there. They have been kidnapped for their organs. He poses as a wealthy businessman from Russia desperate for a kidney for his wife. Things do work out okey but then it turns out that Katya his boss may have been selling weapons to the drug cartels in Columbia and he realises there is more to it than meets the eye. There is a happy ending and they rip one cartel off of loads of money. Definitely one of McNab's better books. Like his other books it's well researched with lots of interesting bits of information like Costa Rica doesn't have an army and focuses on tourism to try and keep the economy going strong. I did really enjoy this book.

[Druss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Nick Stone adventure. They are all great including this one. Globe trotting and a definite thriller. Action and adventure. Most of the book is edge of the seat stuff. Roll on the next one.

[yassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My mum's friend gave this to me to borrow to read before he does. When he gave it to me I felt too bad to say no as it's not really my cup of tea but I decide to read it anyway...and I actually enjoyed it. It was fast-paced and gripping but easy to read. I probably won't pick up any other McNab books unless I'm lent them again or maybe if they take my fancy in a second-hand shop but nonetheless it was good.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has been sat in my to read pile for quite some time, I can see why after reading it. To be fair, it's not all that bad, just feels a little bit clunky and whilst the drama and suspense builds up, how these situations are resolved seems too easy. The book travels the world from Russia to Hong Kong to America and Mexico, mixing drugs cartels and organ harvestation. I've read quite a bit of Andy McNab over the years, this is probably not his best.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's beginning to get old for me because it's getting old for McNab. He needs some way to shake this series up. I recommend Bruen

[Alien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nick Stones Partnerin kriegt ein Kind, ihre Freundin, eine kubanische Ärztin, hilft ihr. Kurz darauf verschwindet sie einfach. Stones Familie wird bedroht. Offenbar hatte die Kubanerin was mit illegalem Organhandel zu tun. Stone macht sich auf die Suche nach ihr und den Hintermännern.

Dies ist ein Buch aus der Thriller-Reihe um den Ex-SAS-Kämpfer Nick Stone. Ich hatte mich auf einen "pulse-pounding thriller" gefreut, wie er auf dem Cover versprochen wurde. Das habe ich leider nicht bekommen.
Das Erzähltempo ist sehr gemütlich, das Buch ist streckenweise eher geschwätzig. Es gibt lange Beschreibungen der Länder, in denen der Protagonist sich auf seiner Suche aufhält, inklusive (meist recht abfällige) Kommentare über die Verhältnisse dort.
Es gibt erstaunlich wenig Action. Und wenn, dann ist sie nicht wie üblich in vergleichbaren Reihen. Normalerweise ist der Serienheld (z.B. Jason Bourne oder Jack Reacher) ein fantastischer Kämpfer, der wenn nötig ein Dutzend Gegner fertig macht, ohne ins Schwitzen zu geraten. Hier ist es ganz anders. Nick ist eigentlich gar kein so doller Kämpfer. Seine Kampfstrategien klappen in der Regel nicht. Er wird mehrmals von seinen Gegnern böse malträtiert und gewinnt (wenn er mal gewinnt) eher durch Dusel als Können. Das ist mal was anderes. Aber überzeugend fand ich die Actionszenen letztendlich doch nicht.

Ich habe sowieso Probleme mit dem Helden. Er ist gefühlskalt, fast roboterhaft. Gefahr scheint er gar nicht wahrzunehmen. In einem Moment der Selbstreflexion gesteht er im Buch auch einem Ex-Kameraden, dass in seinem Kopf nicht viel vorgehe. Es macht es dem Leser aber schwer, mit der Handlung wirklich mitzufiebern.

Der Stil ist nüchtern und eher derb, es wird viel geflucht. Poesie kann man hier keine finden.

Irgendwann hatte ich keine Lust mehr, weiterzulesen und hab das Buch beiseite gelegt. Monate später habe ich es dann doch noch fertiggelesen. Der Schluss war eigentlich noch ganz ordentlich, aber ich war doch froh, als ich fertig war. Ich werde wohl keine weiteren Bücher von Andy McNab mehr lesen.

[John Cheeseman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite liked the book and enjoyed the action, learning about the south american gangs and Cartel's and the tradecraft Nick Stone uses but what ruined it for me was the absurd coincidences of all the main protaganists knowing each other which caused all the drama in the 1st place. With 8 billion people on the planet the chances of this 4 interlinked people was so astronomical to be absurd, plus the fact she didnt change the code on the super secret door didnt make sense when the woman was so security conscious.
Anyway I'll keep reading the series and look forward to his next adventures. Poor Nick Stone must look like a gargoyle after all the beatings he's taken in the 14 adventures so far!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Another awesome Nick Stone mission! Book number 15 in the series did not disappoint! This is my go to author for pure enjoyment. I have not rated a book in the series less than 4 stars. Please give this author and series a shot, I promise you.Will not be disappointed! A very solid 4.5 Stars! I now patiently await book number 16.....Thank you Andy for a nice vacation from reality!

[Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read- Stone's character is just too cool for school! So chilled and kicked back with a great attitude to life. McNab writes with style and humour, with lines that are just laugh out loud funny. I much prefer McNab's style to the often compared Chris Ryan, but both are skilled at telling excellent tales backed by real life knowledge that shines through. Highly recommended!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll always read you, Andy McNab. But Silencer isn't quite as strong as the earlier books; it's missing something, a bit of tradecraft, a bit of believability, that the earlier books have so much of. Still--I'm already looking forward to his next one.

[Greg Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Nick Stone novel with all the right ingredients well told. It would be a good introduction to the series as there is not much background knowledge required. Plus plenty of bad guys get given the good news.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love Mr McNab ... another wonderful Nick Stone effort - far from running out of ideas so far in to the series (and now that Stone's character is a little long in the tooth!), I actually enjoy every one even more than the last!!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last great book in a great series.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent suspense thriller.

[Jim Whitefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great 'Nick Stone' novel from the ever exciting Andy McNab. As edge of seat and nail-biting as ever. Never fails to please.

[Mark Williams]

Not one of his best by any means, i found myself drifting many times.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Nick Stone book yet.

[Graham Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Didn't stop from start to finish.

[Criticalmick · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Here's a Scarlet Pimpernel IPA, Mick! You must need it after that long drive."

"Thanks! I do! But the trek down to Killarney wasn't that bad. I had a book on tape to keep me company."

"Oh! What was it?"

"Silencer, by that Bravo Two Zero guy."

"McNab! Yeah! Was it good?"

Glug glug.

"If you're in the mood for 'run-run-shoot-stab-chase-augghh, ya got me,' it's OK."

"Makes the miles pass, I guess."

"One Russian baddie gets killed with a TV remote! Not joking." Glug glug.

"That's nice! Does the action fly off to any remote, exotic settings?"

"Moldova." Glug. "A couple others."

"Wild! Want another, Mick?"

"Eh. Maybe in a little while."

[Cathy Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 15th Nick Stone novel and if you’ve read the previous 14 you should know what to expect by now. Although this can also be read as a standalone novel. Despite the fact that he must be getting on a bit now, Nick is still seemingly invincible. He crashes around Hong Kong and Mexico beating up bad guys and rescuing damsels in distress as only he can.
This won’t win any literary prizes but it’s good fun. A bit like Jack Reacher we all know nothing really bad will ever happen to Nick Stone but it’s still enjoyable seeing how he gets himself out of sticky situations, however improbable they might be.

[John Boyda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this story started very slowly. Anna, Nick's significant other, is pregnant. When she delivers their son prematurely, Nick discovers that their obstetrician has been kidnapped for unknown reasons. Nick goes on the hunt to rescue her while leaving Anna and their infant son to fend for themselves. The action is slow for at least the first three quarters of the book. Naturally, the last section of the story brings everything together and even explains Nick's coincidental place in the hierarchy of events. There are a few unanswered issues which I'm sure will be addressed in the next installment. Recommended.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A cracking read, full of down-to-earth full-on action. Nice small chapters too which I prefer and for some reason makes me read quicker (maybe because when I think, 'I'll just read one more chapter" I know that it isn't going to take too long rather than not bothering with bigger chapters. Does that make sense?). Anyway, I'm not sure why I haven't read more of these books. I've read Aggressor and thoroughly enjoyed it. This wasn't as good but only marginally. I'll definitely be reading more of Andy McNab.

[Woody Woodbury · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great. Maybe I should have read an earlier one first but literally had no idea the main characters name was nick stone until like halfway through. Lots of boring details. Started skimming. Didn’t really care about any of the characters. Not really sure why he had to go try and save the girl. Didn’t throw the book at the wall which would garner the 1 star because I can’t go any lower. Not recommended.

[Colin Guest · Rating 5 out of 5]

From reading a number of Nick Stones books, I knew this one would be right up my street. I bought it online and was not disappointed when I read it. As usual the book is packed with action from start to finish. It covers what to me is a frightening new method used by unscrupulous people to make vast sums of money. The plot is fast action with as expected from Nick, a great deal of violence in it.

[Warren C.Cooper]

Another great adventure!

Another enthralling encounter with Nick Stone, sees him tangle with Russian, Moldovan organised criminals, Mexican drug cartels in an action pact romp. Delivered in Andy McNab's laconic, witty style, the pace never slackens, throughout! A great whirlwind tale, recommended!

[James Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reacquainting myself with Andy McNab's, Nick Stone. As I progress through the series I find that I have read some of these novels previously. This is expensive. Lol. Nevertheless; "Silencer" was new to me and was very very good. Columbia, HK, China, Russia. Fast paced and very exciting and very violent.

[Anthony Ambrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this, and it's an excellent book, well written as usual. This one however leaves a 'To be continued' suggestion upon finishing the book.
I will be starting the next one ASAP.
If you buy this, then you may as well buy the next one in the series too.

[Geraint Wiggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in Casa Gornall in Spain for our 2023 holiday.
This is the second book of his that I’ve read and yet again I felt disappointed in it.
During this last year I’ve read countless thrillers in the same vain as his but his storytelling doesn’t do it for me.