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The Topaz Files #1
Topaz
It’s the summer of 1995. The US Peace Envoy, Fred Martinson, begins to broker a peace deal for Northern Ireland. The world holds its breath as the first tentative steps are taken.
Jones, an 18-year-old from suburban England, has stumbled through education and yearns to be a football reporter. He is offered a place at Milton College, a former secretarial school with a clandestine partnership with GCHQ in seeking the communication stars of the future.
Before he knows it, Jones has been recruited, paired with Jenny Richmond, who is every bit his equal, and sent to Northern Ireland to undertake skills development and resilience testing with the Young Communicators Unit (YCU).
Training becomes a matter of life and death when a group of trainee spies learning on the job are betrayed to their death, and their most promising member, Isadora Brown, is taken hostage. MI5 and YCU are sent a video of her reading demands by a mysterious organisation called Red Line.
What if a group of young trainees were forced onto the frontline to deal with one of the most sensitive issues in UK history? What if political relations were so sensitive at the end of The Cold War, that only a group of deniable students could change history and keep super powers from ruining the first steps of a peace deal in Northern Ireland?
It’s a race against the clock to find and free Isadora, and make sure the US peace talks aren’t sent up in flames.
But who, exactly, is betraying who?
Jones, an 18-year-old from suburban England, has stumbled through education and yearns to be a football reporter. He is offered a place at Milton College, a former secretarial school with a clandestine partnership with GCHQ in seeking the communication stars of the future.
Before he knows it, Jones has been recruited, paired with Jenny Richmond, who is every bit his equal, and sent to Northern Ireland to undertake skills development and resilience testing with the Young Communicators Unit (YCU).
Training becomes a matter of life and death when a group of trainee spies learning on the job are betrayed to their death, and their most promising member, Isadora Brown, is taken hostage. MI5 and YCU are sent a video of her reading demands by a mysterious organisation called Red Line.
What if a group of young trainees were forced onto the frontline to deal with one of the most sensitive issues in UK history? What if political relations were so sensitive at the end of The Cold War, that only a group of deniable students could change history and keep super powers from ruining the first steps of a peace deal in Northern Ireland?
It’s a race against the clock to find and free Isadora, and make sure the US peace talks aren’t sent up in flames.
But who, exactly, is betraying who?
324 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 19, 2025
“This is fantastic! You’re like Q from James Bond, only with Subbuteo! What are all these screens for? And all these wires?” a torrent of questions flooded from Carl as Mr Singh turned and looked for a First Aid tin.
“Oh God! Twenty-six years I’ve been working diligently, and no-one has ever been in here. And then you! And your clumsiness. And it is all over!” Mr Singh sighed, gave Carl the first aid tin, and moved one of his slips to gully on the Test Match green baize. He quickly checked his fielder at deep third man before focusing back on his anger.
Topaz is by Richard Robinson, who I know best for his incredible work as CEO of Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to calling time on the harm and abuse of older people - the recent Eastenders storyline involving Yolande's abuse by Pastor Clayton written with their input to highlight a real, but little discussed, problem in society.
But outside of this role, he is an author of gripping espionage thrillers, of which this was his first.
While not my normal avant-garde literary fare (it has a plot for a start unlike most books I read!) this was gripping - and I read it cover-to-cover.
Our two main characters are recruited into a sort of unofficial side-arm of MI5, a new intelligence unit which had been shaped using the best brains from both the great Universities and some specialist colleges scattered around the UK. Entry tests were exhaustive, training was precise and measured every aspect of performance and aptitude. These were future communication operatives and field agents. Some would end up in the Secret Intelligence Service, some in GCHQ and others on detachment to various intelligence corps across the Armed Services. Another group would not quite make the grade and these could end up anywhere, including such civilian roles as Risk Analysts for the Insurance Industry. So, for many, failure was not an option, although Jones gets it rather via the back-door from what ostensibly seems little more than a secretarial college, although one where the first field-trip is to a military base in Northern Ireland.
Although as an aside being a risk analyst for the insurance industry is what some of us dreamed of as students at one of the great Universities (not Hull, the other one) and are lucky enough to have spent 30+ years doing!
The plot makes rather effective use of the mid 1990s setting, from the delicate state of the peace process overseen by a George-Mitchell-like figure, to nascent technologies such as GPS and ANPR. And the 'third way' of the terrorist group who are the ostensible villians of the piece isn't quite what Tony Blair meant .
And it also recreates the era convincingly at a perfect level - when Carl, something of a comic turn, is wearing his Beavis and Butthead t-shirt, while listening to Status Quo and playing Test Match I felt rather seen - and I can confidently say he's someone who'd love to end up as a risk analyst for the insurance industry, which is somewhat fortunate given his failings as an intelligence operative.
Rather more credible to Jones is another member of the team whose musical affiliation is to Northern Ireland's greatest 1990s band (this clip from their March 1994 Brixton Academy concert, 21 months before the December 1995 follow up when we were all locked-in due to a riot outside):
He had a military-style green shirt over his shoulders and was wearing a purple band t-shirt. Jones made out the band name ‘Therapy?’ from above his sling. This was a positive, they were a little shouty for his liking, but anyone that liked guitar music must be on the right track.
My only disappointment was to find that, the epilogue having left Jones on a container ship searching for an arms consignment, I'll have to wait until early May for the next installment, Wild Flowers.: A stunning high concept espionage thriller. But I will be buying that - and suggest you do too as the author is donating all proceeds to Hourglass.
“Oh God! Twenty-six years I’ve been working diligently, and no-one has ever been in here. And then you! And your clumsiness. And it is all over!” Mr Singh sighed, gave Carl the first aid tin, and moved one of his slips to gully on the Test Match green baize. He quickly checked his fielder at deep third man before focusing back on his anger.
Topaz is by Richard Robinson, who I know best for his incredible work as CEO of Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to calling time on the harm and abuse of older people - the recent Eastenders storyline involving Yolande's abuse by Pastor Clayton written with their input to highlight a real, but little discussed, problem in society.
But outside of this role, he is an author of gripping espionage thrillers, of which this was his first.
While not my normal avant-garde literary fare (it has a plot for a start unlike most books I read!) this was gripping - and I read it cover-to-cover.
Our two main characters are recruited into a sort of unofficial side-arm of MI5, a new intelligence unit which had been shaped using the best brains from both the great Universities and some specialist colleges scattered around the UK. Entry tests were exhaustive, training was precise and measured every aspect of performance and aptitude. These were future communication operatives and field agents. Some would end up in the Secret Intelligence Service, some in GCHQ and others on detachment to various intelligence corps across the Armed Services. Another group would not quite make the grade and these could end up anywhere, including such civilian roles as Risk Analysts for the Insurance Industry. So, for many, failure was not an option, although Jones gets it rather via the back-door from what ostensibly seems little more than a secretarial college, although one where the first field-trip is to a military base in Northern Ireland.
Although as an aside being a risk analyst for the insurance industry is what some of us dreamed of as students at one of the great Universities (not Hull, the other one) and are lucky enough to have spent 30+ years doing!
The plot makes rather effective use of the mid 1990s setting, from the delicate state of the peace process overseen by a George-Mitchell-like figure, to nascent technologies such as GPS and ANPR. And the 'third way' of the terrorist group who are the ostensible villians of the piece isn't quite what Tony Blair meant .
And it also recreates the era convincingly at a perfect level - when Carl, something of a comic turn, is wearing his Beavis and Butthead t-shirt, while listening to Status Quo and playing Test Match I felt rather seen - and I can confidently say he's someone who'd love to end up as a risk analyst for the insurance industry, which is somewhat fortunate given his failings as an intelligence operative.
Rather more credible to Jones is another member of the team whose musical affiliation is to Northern Ireland's greatest 1990s band (this clip from their March 1994 Brixton Academy concert, 21 months before the December 1995 follow up when we were all locked-in due to a riot outside):
He had a military-style green shirt over his shoulders and was wearing a purple band t-shirt. Jones made out the band name ‘Therapy?’ from above his sling. This was a positive, they were a little shouty for his liking, but anyone that liked guitar music must be on the right track.
My only disappointment was to find that, the epilogue having left Jones on a container ship searching for an arms consignment, I'll have to wait until early May for the next installment, Wild Flowers.: A stunning high concept espionage thriller. But I will be buying that - and suggest you do too as the author is donating all proceeds to Hourglass.
February 11, 2026
Book 1 in the ‘Topaz’ series ( previously have read Book 3 when first published and so was good to go back and see how it all started )
Jones and Jenny both enrol at Milton College thinking it is a middle of the road slightly fusty establishment…little knowing however it is a recruiting ground basically for spies and GCHQ
After a shocking multiple murder of young recruits set to destabilise the Northern Ireland peace process both Jones and Jenny are literally flung into a game of espionage cat and mouse where the stakes are massive and what they do really will help or hinder future peace ( or terror,depending )
It is a full on race against the clock and is full of action and fast moving plots, it also embraces the ‘normalness’ of these 2 and loved the inclusion of Wham bars and ‘The Smiths’ references
Really well written and enjoyed it so much am going straight on to Book 2….
Jones and Jenny both enrol at Milton College thinking it is a middle of the road slightly fusty establishment…little knowing however it is a recruiting ground basically for spies and GCHQ
After a shocking multiple murder of young recruits set to destabilise the Northern Ireland peace process both Jones and Jenny are literally flung into a game of espionage cat and mouse where the stakes are massive and what they do really will help or hinder future peace ( or terror,depending )
It is a full on race against the clock and is full of action and fast moving plots, it also embraces the ‘normalness’ of these 2 and loved the inclusion of Wham bars and ‘The Smiths’ references
Really well written and enjoyed it so much am going straight on to Book 2….
February 19, 2025
I had an absolute blast reading this high suspense, action thriller. Set in a ‘spooks kindergarten’ in the nineties where peace in Northern Ireland is still very precarious. This is a world harking back to Walkmans, Timotei shampoo, Harp lager and Top Trumps.
Straight away I warmed to the main character, Jones, with his impressive 2-day hangover and who has a magnetic attraction to pubs. Jones himself is a great hero with a fantastic memory and who isn’t shy of rushing headlong into danger. Immediately Jones is thrown into a course for young people to learn about covert communication. He’s immersed in ciphers and almanacs and given field tasks which see him forced to wear a winter coat in July. Jenny Richmond, definitely not a ginger, Virginia Curry and the impressive Isadora Brown lead a strong female cast. Robinson’s characters are superbly drawn. I liked how Jube’s name came about, and I really enjoyed the sections with Tom and especially Carl – who provides great comic relief throughout whilst chomping the heads off Animal biscuits. My favourite though has to be the cricket obsessed Mr Singh and his amazing gadgets.
Robinson doesn’t shy away from the horrors of that era and the description of the destruction which Jones first stumbles across is hard to read. The mysterious Red Line group muddy an already murky pond and cast doubt in all areas. The novel is fast-paced and there are moments of high suspense where you feel like you are teetering on a ledge alongside Jones but there is also comedy – I especially liked one particular form of transport used.
It’s a roller-coaster of a read – full of suspicion, action plus a bit of romance too. Robinson never flinches from the hard-hitting impact life in N Ireland in the nineties, but there’s a real warmth to the novel as well. Can’t wait to dive into the next one.
Straight away I warmed to the main character, Jones, with his impressive 2-day hangover and who has a magnetic attraction to pubs. Jones himself is a great hero with a fantastic memory and who isn’t shy of rushing headlong into danger. Immediately Jones is thrown into a course for young people to learn about covert communication. He’s immersed in ciphers and almanacs and given field tasks which see him forced to wear a winter coat in July. Jenny Richmond, definitely not a ginger, Virginia Curry and the impressive Isadora Brown lead a strong female cast. Robinson’s characters are superbly drawn. I liked how Jube’s name came about, and I really enjoyed the sections with Tom and especially Carl – who provides great comic relief throughout whilst chomping the heads off Animal biscuits. My favourite though has to be the cricket obsessed Mr Singh and his amazing gadgets.
Robinson doesn’t shy away from the horrors of that era and the description of the destruction which Jones first stumbles across is hard to read. The mysterious Red Line group muddy an already murky pond and cast doubt in all areas. The novel is fast-paced and there are moments of high suspense where you feel like you are teetering on a ledge alongside Jones but there is also comedy – I especially liked one particular form of transport used.
It’s a roller-coaster of a read – full of suspicion, action plus a bit of romance too. Robinson never flinches from the hard-hitting impact life in N Ireland in the nineties, but there’s a real warmth to the novel as well. Can’t wait to dive into the next one.
December 8, 2025
My friend lives on the Northern/Southern Irish border, and I’ve spent some time there. Even now, there are signs of the residual conflict, so this story hit home. The dialogue is written with such conviction that I heard the accents clearly as I read.
And I loved that Jenny was as well-rounded as her male counterparts. The story is well constructed with complex intrigue and international diplomacy. I wouldn’t normally be drawn to espionage or political stories, but the world-building is immediately strong and kept me reading until the story quickly grabbed me. The character development and setting reflect an understanding of the political and social unrest, and the stakes involved give the story a strong feeling of authenticity.
Along with the thriller elements and tension, it’s a well-written exploration of Jones’ growth throughout the story. The strategy and ethical dilemmas kept me engaged. The plot is layered, and the nuances of international intrigue seem well-researched, even though I know nothing about it. I loved reading a new genre for me and thoroughly enjoyed it.
And I loved that Jenny was as well-rounded as her male counterparts. The story is well constructed with complex intrigue and international diplomacy. I wouldn’t normally be drawn to espionage or political stories, but the world-building is immediately strong and kept me reading until the story quickly grabbed me. The character development and setting reflect an understanding of the political and social unrest, and the stakes involved give the story a strong feeling of authenticity.
Along with the thriller elements and tension, it’s a well-written exploration of Jones’ growth throughout the story. The strategy and ethical dilemmas kept me engaged. The plot is layered, and the nuances of international intrigue seem well-researched, even though I know nothing about it. I loved reading a new genre for me and thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 12, 2025
This book desperately needs an editor. It reads like an author’s initial word vomit of ideas onto a page. Its transitions are abrupt and typically require backtracking to figure out what’s happening or who is talking. The characters have distinct personalities but need further fleshing out. The plot is easily guessable. A lot of chapters felt like they were added out of necessity but the author lacked commitment. They didn’t have any life in them.
But there are certain points, especially during Jones and Jenny’s initial escapade, when the author’s local knowledge and vision come through to the reader. I enjoyed that chunk and wanted more of that. Jumping back and forth between points of view is challenging and engaging. And the foot! Creepy! But past that point it became blah and unbelievable. Lots of mixed feelings over here.
But there are certain points, especially during Jones and Jenny’s initial escapade, when the author’s local knowledge and vision come through to the reader. I enjoyed that chunk and wanted more of that. Jumping back and forth between points of view is challenging and engaging. And the foot! Creepy! But past that point it became blah and unbelievable. Lots of mixed feelings over here.
June 3, 2024
How I rate:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rare, Perfection.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommend.
⭐⭐⭐ It was okay.
⭐⭐ I didn't enjoy it.
⭐ DNF
This book was my introduction to author Richard Robinson and it was a cracker. Set in the mid 1980's in the era of the Troubles and delicate peace talks, the story revolves around a small but elite group of 'rookie' secret agents-in-training who have found themselves thrust into serious fieldwork prematurely. The era is one I particularly enjoy, and the plot was well thought out and tied up nicely at the end. There is a second book soon to be released which I am looking forward to.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rare, Perfection.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommend.
⭐⭐⭐ It was okay.
⭐⭐ I didn't enjoy it.
⭐ DNF
This book was my introduction to author Richard Robinson and it was a cracker. Set in the mid 1980's in the era of the Troubles and delicate peace talks, the story revolves around a small but elite group of 'rookie' secret agents-in-training who have found themselves thrust into serious fieldwork prematurely. The era is one I particularly enjoy, and the plot was well thought out and tied up nicely at the end. There is a second book soon to be released which I am looking forward to.
May 23, 2025
This book is set in the mid-1990s against the backdrop of the first steps of a peace deal in Ireland. This book cleverly combines facts with fiction to weave a gripping story. Eighteen-year-old Jones is paired with Jenny as they train to become part of the Young Communications Unit (Kindergarten Spooks). However, when sent on their first mission, what should be a safe training exercise turns deadly when they discover that not everyone wants peace. But who is the enemy here? Who can they trust? If you enjoy books such as Slow Horses, then check out this compelling series.
July 20, 2023
Topaz by Richard Robinson.
The Topaz Files Book 1.
It’s the summer of 1995. The US Peace Envoy, Fred Martinson, begins to broker a peace deal for Northern Ireland. The world holds its breath as the first tentative steps are taken.
A good read. I did like Jones. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
The Topaz Files Book 1.
It’s the summer of 1995. The US Peace Envoy, Fred Martinson, begins to broker a peace deal for Northern Ireland. The world holds its breath as the first tentative steps are taken.
A good read. I did like Jones. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
February 11, 2026
In the mid 1980's A small group of secert agents who are in training end up in a serious fieldwork.
I love the thriller and tension
jones is a good character and he suits his role well.
A book you won't want to put down, due to the roller coaster that the story takes you on.
definitely worth a read.
I love the thriller and tension
jones is a good character and he suits his role well.
A book you won't want to put down, due to the roller coaster that the story takes you on.
definitely worth a read.
July 1, 2023
What a page turner, espionage, betrayal, bravery , a thread of dark humour, very different example of work experience. Intriguing, gripping , couldn't put it down read. Brilliant thriller debut.
May 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this and got thoroughly invested in the characters. A real page turner and I thoroughly recommend it
February 13, 2026
This book is set in the mid-1990s, against the backdrop of the early stages of a peace deal in Ireland. This book cleverly combines facts with fiction to weave a gripping story. Eighteen-year-old Jones is paired with Jenny as they train to become part of the Young Communications Unit (Kindergarten Spooks). However, when sent on their first mission, what should be a safe training exercise turns deadly when they discover that not everyone wants peace. But who is the enemy here? Who can they trust? If you enjoy books such as Slow Horses, then check out this compelling series.
February 13, 2026
This book is set in the mid-1990s, against the backdrop of the early stages of a peace deal in Ireland. This book cleverly combines facts with fiction to weave a gripping story. Eighteen-year-old Jones is paired with Jenny as they train to become part of the Young Communications Unit (Kindergarten Spooks). However, when sent on their first mission, what should be a safe training exercise turns deadly when they discover that not everyone wants peace. But who is the enemy here? Who can they trust? If you enjoy books such as Slow Horses, then check out this compelling series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews