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Max Thatcher
Gatekeeper
Planes inexplicably colliding, economies in disarray. A psychotic businessman has brought the world to its knees.
Can a former Special Forces operative with the help of a damaged Cambridge Professor save a bride to be and avoid worldwide anarchy?
They've got 24hrs to try!
A fast moving story written to entertain, short on flowery prose but long on high octane action. Read it by the pool, before you drift off to sleep at night or if you want to risk it; on an airplane.
Can a former Special Forces operative with the help of a damaged Cambridge Professor save a bride to be and avoid worldwide anarchy?
They've got 24hrs to try!
A fast moving story written to entertain, short on flowery prose but long on high octane action. Read it by the pool, before you drift off to sleep at night or if you want to risk it; on an airplane.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2013
4 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Mike Smart
20 books15 followersA BBC Radio and press featured author Mike writes very well received fast moving thrillers which are packed with action and are short on flowery prose. The series all feature a lead character called Max Thatcher, an ex Special Forces operative who takes no prisoners.
Written for you to enjoy on a flight, by the pool or to break up the monotony of the daily commute. Not suited for under 18's nor those wanting an early night as readers complain they can't put them down!
Written for you to enjoy on a flight, by the pool or to break up the monotony of the daily commute. Not suited for under 18's nor those wanting an early night as readers complain they can't put them down!
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 5, 2014
"Gatekeeper" by Mike Smart is a fast-paced, high-octane thriller filled with action and intrigue. It begins with the mid-air collision of a Boeing 777 and an Air France 290, quickly spreading to frozen bank accounts, payroll and power grid malfunctions, and a downturn in the trading market.
When the head of Falcon Services and former Special Boat Services Operative Max Thatcher begins investigating the disappearance of his sister, he doesn't anticipate being drawn into the mystery of a worldwide catastrophe. Nor does he know that a megalomaniac,the head of a mammoth corporation that deals in computer information retrieval has brought the world to its knees and that he`s holding his sister hostage.
The plot is well-written, its underlining theme directed at mankind`s addiction and complete trust in computer technology, and the evolving use and inherent problems in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in core applications. Mike Smart weaves a story that blends cybercrime, mystery and murder into a psychological thriller that has Max Thatcher chasing a highly intelligent psychotic businessman with no morals and a murderous nature from London to the Caribbean.
The characters are well-developed and complex, each with strengths and weaknesses that add intensity, power and dimension to the plot; especially the high-powered owner of Mega Corporation. Obsessed by sex, money and power Jack Hunter thrives on using his intelligent mind and problem solving skills to outmanoeuvre his enemies and competition. He`s arrogant, blunt, impatient and hot-tempered, a warped man who likes killing. His adversary, Max Thatcher is a clever realist with honed fighting skills who`s quick-thinking and perceptive. Serena Thatcher, Max`s sister, a junior reporter is independent, capable and feisty, but her ambitious nature may be her undoing. John Carter, Serena`s fiancé is a staid senior accountant at City Bank whose mental agility and devotion may help save her. Clare Pryce is a smart, no-nonsense professor whose speciality in Artificial Intelligence may bring triumph out of disaster.
With skilful dexterity Mike Smart develops fascinating characters and weaves a plot that`s spellbinding from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed "Gatekeeper" and plan to read more about Max Thatcher`s exploits.
When the head of Falcon Services and former Special Boat Services Operative Max Thatcher begins investigating the disappearance of his sister, he doesn't anticipate being drawn into the mystery of a worldwide catastrophe. Nor does he know that a megalomaniac,the head of a mammoth corporation that deals in computer information retrieval has brought the world to its knees and that he`s holding his sister hostage.
The plot is well-written, its underlining theme directed at mankind`s addiction and complete trust in computer technology, and the evolving use and inherent problems in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in core applications. Mike Smart weaves a story that blends cybercrime, mystery and murder into a psychological thriller that has Max Thatcher chasing a highly intelligent psychotic businessman with no morals and a murderous nature from London to the Caribbean.
The characters are well-developed and complex, each with strengths and weaknesses that add intensity, power and dimension to the plot; especially the high-powered owner of Mega Corporation. Obsessed by sex, money and power Jack Hunter thrives on using his intelligent mind and problem solving skills to outmanoeuvre his enemies and competition. He`s arrogant, blunt, impatient and hot-tempered, a warped man who likes killing. His adversary, Max Thatcher is a clever realist with honed fighting skills who`s quick-thinking and perceptive. Serena Thatcher, Max`s sister, a junior reporter is independent, capable and feisty, but her ambitious nature may be her undoing. John Carter, Serena`s fiancé is a staid senior accountant at City Bank whose mental agility and devotion may help save her. Clare Pryce is a smart, no-nonsense professor whose speciality in Artificial Intelligence may bring triumph out of disaster.
With skilful dexterity Mike Smart develops fascinating characters and weaves a plot that`s spellbinding from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed "Gatekeeper" and plan to read more about Max Thatcher`s exploits.
May 20, 2014
I won this ARC book from the author through GoodReads, first-reads giveaway. Thank you.
I enjoyed this story it gives the reader a lot to think about and moves along as it would in real time. The characters are also realistic in the part they play within the story. Who can you trust? you can't always be sure. It was an exciting, thrilling, interesting, engaging story for our time.
I enjoyed this story it gives the reader a lot to think about and moves along as it would in real time. The characters are also realistic in the part they play within the story. Who can you trust? you can't always be sure. It was an exciting, thrilling, interesting, engaging story for our time.
May 8, 2014
REVIEWS FROM AMAZON
5.0 out of 5 stars Gatekeeper, 21 Nov 2013
By Rustom - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gatekeeper (Max Thatcher Series) (Paperback)
For a first book this is a quantum leap. It bursts into life from the very beginning and continues apace without let up. It is in a way reminiscent of the Mikey Spillane novels but also very much in the style of the very early James BGatekeeperond novels. There is however a difference and that is that the former were somewhat far fetched, Gatekeeper is quite believeable and could easily happen. The style of writing is punchy and it is a page turner. Expect to see this book suddenly catch the public's attention and become a best seller and dont be too surprised if it appears as a film.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!, 20 Nov 2013
By gem.b - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: Gatekeeper (Max Thatcher Series) (Paperback)
Couldn't put Gatekeeper down! Loved the inclusion of short chapters, just to be able to keep in the story whilst stirring Bolognese and get a cliff hanger moment at the same time!! Very current IT theme, yet not too techie for the uninitiated, mixed with a huge variety of characters, great locations, a superb insight into politics, and the ever popular goodies and baddies. With lots of twists and turns along the way, Gatekeeper is well worth a read and will appeal to a wide audience. Something in it for everyone, so spread the word and pop it in a stocking...!
5.0 out of 5 stars Gatekeeper, 21 Nov 2013
By Rustom - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gatekeeper (Max Thatcher Series) (Paperback)
For a first book this is a quantum leap. It bursts into life from the very beginning and continues apace without let up. It is in a way reminiscent of the Mikey Spillane novels but also very much in the style of the very early James BGatekeeperond novels. There is however a difference and that is that the former were somewhat far fetched, Gatekeeper is quite believeable and could easily happen. The style of writing is punchy and it is a page turner. Expect to see this book suddenly catch the public's attention and become a best seller and dont be too surprised if it appears as a film.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Report abuse | Permalink
Comment Comment
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!, 20 Nov 2013
By gem.b - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: Gatekeeper (Max Thatcher Series) (Paperback)
Couldn't put Gatekeeper down! Loved the inclusion of short chapters, just to be able to keep in the story whilst stirring Bolognese and get a cliff hanger moment at the same time!! Very current IT theme, yet not too techie for the uninitiated, mixed with a huge variety of characters, great locations, a superb insight into politics, and the ever popular goodies and baddies. With lots of twists and turns along the way, Gatekeeper is well worth a read and will appeal to a wide audience. Something in it for everyone, so spread the word and pop it in a stocking...!
November 6, 2014
I purchased this novel on Amazon.ca
I was hooked by the first chapter, which was a pleasant surprise. As a lover of suspense and a writer myself I find it difficult to discover something new to enjoy. ``I enjoyed this novel.``
Without giving away too many spoilers - the frightening events in the novel could have occurred already as we have seen the markets swinging back and forth. It is evident that the author is a world traveler and has considerable knowledge and/or has done a great deal of research on how the world`s computer-trading systems work. I will admit that at times I was overwhelmed by the details but all and all an interesting read.
I certainly will be reading more from this author.
I was hooked by the first chapter, which was a pleasant surprise. As a lover of suspense and a writer myself I find it difficult to discover something new to enjoy. ``I enjoyed this novel.``
Without giving away too many spoilers - the frightening events in the novel could have occurred already as we have seen the markets swinging back and forth. It is evident that the author is a world traveler and has considerable knowledge and/or has done a great deal of research on how the world`s computer-trading systems work. I will admit that at times I was overwhelmed by the details but all and all an interesting read.
I certainly will be reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews