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The Alliance
Four cities, four killers, four murders. The Alliance is just getting started. When four unconnected serial killers simultaneously commit identical murders across four different US cities, FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace faces an unprecedented threat—a cooperative of killers working in unison. Each homicide is witnessed by a survivor, and now these lucky ones need to decide how to tell their stories to the world. Their posts about the horrific murders create a media storm and a new term is soon coined for the The Alliance. As they recruit new killers into their ranks and more innocent people linked to the initial murders are killed it becomes clear that Wallace is facing an unprecedented threat—a deadly alliance formed to terrorize the nation with coordinated strikes. With the killers always one step ahead, the very fabric of society threatens to unravel and Wallace faces a battle to decipher The Alliance’s endgame before they dismantle civilization city by city. In a desperate race against time, can Wallace uncover the members and motives of the Alliance and end their reign of terror before more victims wind up dead.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2024
702 people are currently reading
5683 people want to read
About the author
Matt Brolly
31 books587 followersMatt Brolly is the Amazon number one bestselling author of the DI Blackwell novels set in Weston-supper-Mare, as well as the DCI Lambert crime novels, the acclaimed near future crime novel, Zero, and the US thriller, The Controller.
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 22, 2024
Matt Brolly brings a thought-provoking and unique premise to
The Alliance
. There are four killers in four different cities resulting in four murders at the same time and in the same way. FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace is facing an unusual threat where a group of killers are working in unison. A survivor witnesses each murder. How will they decide to share their stories? Their stories create a media storm, but The Alliance is just getting started. As Shannon sets up teams in the four cities, she and Special Agent Jacob Trevone head up the team in San Antonio. Is there a connection between the survivors or those murdered?
Shannon has an exemplary record in the field with the FBI and has only recently moved to headquarters to join the Behavioral Analysis Unit. She seems to live for work and is animated by a challenge. Her devotion to work has affected her private life and doesn’t always make her relatable. The characterization was well-done and readers see changes in Shannon, the investigators, and some of the survivors. Additionally, as readers get insights into the various characters’ journeys, it is easier to understand each character’s motives.
This crime thriller was an interesting look at psychopathy, society, and manipulation. However, the story switches points of view somewhat frequently between Shannon, the lead San Antonio detective Lieutenant Michael Boyd, and one of the survivors. This leads to some pacing issues. Despite this, I was pulled into the story line and couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
The plot has a few twists and turns and is dark. Readers can test their investigative skills as the police search for answers, including motives, relationships, and who is behind this. While the ending was action-packed, it wasn’t fully what I desired or expected. Additionally, there is a thread that could point to this being the first book in a series. Several themes are woven into the story-line including murder, social media impacts, orchestration of events, power, friendship, aloneness, secrets, trust, lack of empathy, and notoriety.
Overall, this is a dark and gripping psychological thriller with a unique plot that kept me hooked. Matt Brolly is one of my favorite authors and though this one book isn’t my first choice, it is well-done and full of suspense, action, and investigations by the police and FBI. I recommend it to fans of police procedurals and psychological thrillers.
Thomas & Mercer and Matt Brolly provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.35 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
Shannon has an exemplary record in the field with the FBI and has only recently moved to headquarters to join the Behavioral Analysis Unit. She seems to live for work and is animated by a challenge. Her devotion to work has affected her private life and doesn’t always make her relatable. The characterization was well-done and readers see changes in Shannon, the investigators, and some of the survivors. Additionally, as readers get insights into the various characters’ journeys, it is easier to understand each character’s motives.
This crime thriller was an interesting look at psychopathy, society, and manipulation. However, the story switches points of view somewhat frequently between Shannon, the lead San Antonio detective Lieutenant Michael Boyd, and one of the survivors. This leads to some pacing issues. Despite this, I was pulled into the story line and couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
The plot has a few twists and turns and is dark. Readers can test their investigative skills as the police search for answers, including motives, relationships, and who is behind this. While the ending was action-packed, it wasn’t fully what I desired or expected. Additionally, there is a thread that could point to this being the first book in a series. Several themes are woven into the story-line including murder, social media impacts, orchestration of events, power, friendship, aloneness, secrets, trust, lack of empathy, and notoriety.
Overall, this is a dark and gripping psychological thriller with a unique plot that kept me hooked. Matt Brolly is one of my favorite authors and though this one book isn’t my first choice, it is well-done and full of suspense, action, and investigations by the police and FBI. I recommend it to fans of police procedurals and psychological thrillers.
Thomas & Mercer and Matt Brolly provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------
My 3.35 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
July 1, 2024
the setup…
Icarus (Ike) Glass, a British expatriate, walks into a San Antonio bar, takes a seat at the counter, prepared for rounds that will lead to inebriation. He’s joined by a stranger, an obese man with a Southern accent who calls himself Lyle Accrington. The next thing Ike remembers is waking up in a dark room tied to a chair with Lyle facing him with a gun. As he prepares to be killed, he realizes he’s survived after the gun is fired. Lyle’s gone but when he manages to free himself, he sees another person in the room…dead from a gunshot wound. This begins the strangest journey that goes national when three other murders occur in exactly the same way and at the exact same time, all in different cities. FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace takes the lead on the investigation as law enforcement agencies combine to figure out what and who they are dealing with.
the heart of the story…
While the story starts with Ike’s point of view, we also get narratives from Shannon and Lieutenant Michael Boyd, the detective investigating Ike’s case. It becomes a keenly intriguing psychological exploration of the four people involved in the first murders, the people behind it and those tasked with figuring out what’s going on and why. The men pulling the strings are also media savvy, involving the entire country in the intrigue. Someone labels them as The Alliance and it sticks.
the narration…
Hillary Huber was the perfect choice for this story, with her sultry tone and killer storytelling skills. I could listen to her narrate anything.
the bottom line…
This is a sophisticated psychological thriller that will have you shifting your perspective throughout as more insights are provided. I often paused to assemble what I was learning, trying to find some semblance of logic to what was going on. Be prepared for lots of curve balls and don’t get firmly wedded to a solution. It’s unique and thought provoking, drawing me in quickly and never letting go.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Icarus (Ike) Glass, a British expatriate, walks into a San Antonio bar, takes a seat at the counter, prepared for rounds that will lead to inebriation. He’s joined by a stranger, an obese man with a Southern accent who calls himself Lyle Accrington. The next thing Ike remembers is waking up in a dark room tied to a chair with Lyle facing him with a gun. As he prepares to be killed, he realizes he’s survived after the gun is fired. Lyle’s gone but when he manages to free himself, he sees another person in the room…dead from a gunshot wound. This begins the strangest journey that goes national when three other murders occur in exactly the same way and at the exact same time, all in different cities. FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace takes the lead on the investigation as law enforcement agencies combine to figure out what and who they are dealing with.
the heart of the story…
While the story starts with Ike’s point of view, we also get narratives from Shannon and Lieutenant Michael Boyd, the detective investigating Ike’s case. It becomes a keenly intriguing psychological exploration of the four people involved in the first murders, the people behind it and those tasked with figuring out what’s going on and why. The men pulling the strings are also media savvy, involving the entire country in the intrigue. Someone labels them as The Alliance and it sticks.
the narration…
Hillary Huber was the perfect choice for this story, with her sultry tone and killer storytelling skills. I could listen to her narrate anything.
the bottom line…
This is a sophisticated psychological thriller that will have you shifting your perspective throughout as more insights are provided. I often paused to assemble what I was learning, trying to find some semblance of logic to what was going on. Be prepared for lots of curve balls and don’t get firmly wedded to a solution. It’s unique and thought provoking, drawing me in quickly and never letting go.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
April 23, 2024
Terrifyingly good. The book starts at a running pace with an abduction and the terror of the situation is palpable. As the, incredibly clever, plot develops you fall down the hole of desperately needing to know what is going on here and as such I raced so fast to the end I nearly tripped over myself.
What unfolds is that there are identical crimes happening around the country at precisely the same moment. The synchronicity and planning involved in this feat is what is truly frightening yet strangely fascinating and impressive. There is gore but it is mostly the perceived psychological undercurrent and my mind doing the overthinking and the premise that made this so beyond dark.
The main police characters are very human and likeable which adds to the engagement factor, particularly with their rather full on immersion in the story later on (no spoilers) The idea of this certain niche of members of society banding together is not so far behind he realms of possibility especially with the tie ins to the connectivity of social media and worse, the dark web. That in mind this plot felt quite John Marrs like in plausibility and gave it an extra level of fear for me. Breathtakingly good so it has one of my rare five star moments.
What unfolds is that there are identical crimes happening around the country at precisely the same moment. The synchronicity and planning involved in this feat is what is truly frightening yet strangely fascinating and impressive. There is gore but it is mostly the perceived psychological undercurrent and my mind doing the overthinking and the premise that made this so beyond dark.
The main police characters are very human and likeable which adds to the engagement factor, particularly with their rather full on immersion in the story later on (no spoilers) The idea of this certain niche of members of society banding together is not so far behind he realms of possibility especially with the tie ins to the connectivity of social media and worse, the dark web. That in mind this plot felt quite John Marrs like in plausibility and gave it an extra level of fear for me. Breathtakingly good so it has one of my rare five star moments.
April 11, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
From an objective point of view, The Alliance was an excellent, well thought out crime thriller that alludes to a deeper meaning of psychopathy and society, reveals an intricate scheme of manipulations and unreliable accounts, and displays the inner workings of various law enforcements.
That being said, I wasn’t particularly enthralled by it.
Let’s start with the positives.
The general vibe of the book reminded me of those classic police procedural shows. Think mash-up of Law and Order and CSI. Following the investigators as they searched for the truth behind the Alliance and the killings, uncovering new info right along with them, was thrilling and I was here for it.
The idea behind it was also intriguing and new. I was constantly on edge, trying to figure out what was happening and why, who the Alliance was, what their motives were. The mystery of why they left survivors, why they wanted the world to know about them, what everybody’s role was in the grand scheme of things.
Now, here’s where my problems with this piece begin. Spoilers ahead.
First of all, the multi POVs. The continuous POV changes and the numerous cast made it a little hard to follow, for me, ‘cause my mind kept drifting off thinking about who is supposedly talking instead of getting sucked into the plot.
The fact that I held no sympathy for any of the characters didn’t help matters.
The investigators were all workaholics, married to the job, all with various life problems that I just didn’t care enough about.
Icarus, one of the survivors, was an emotionless robot. And we don’t get to even see the other survivors.
The actually interesting pieces of plot and action get lost because of the overload of useless life snippets of the characters. I’m sorry your wife died Boyd, but I’m interested in the case, not your life story.
I felt completely detached from these characters, thus making me ultimately not care what happened to any of them.
My final complaint is for the finale. I absolutely hated it.
Personally, I didn’t quite enjoy this as I hoped I would. Still, an interesting read and an absolutely brilliant example of quality writing.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
«Listen, watch, act.»
From an objective point of view, The Alliance was an excellent, well thought out crime thriller that alludes to a deeper meaning of psychopathy and society, reveals an intricate scheme of manipulations and unreliable accounts, and displays the inner workings of various law enforcements.
That being said, I wasn’t particularly enthralled by it.
Let’s start with the positives.
The general vibe of the book reminded me of those classic police procedural shows. Think mash-up of Law and Order and CSI. Following the investigators as they searched for the truth behind the Alliance and the killings, uncovering new info right along with them, was thrilling and I was here for it.
The idea behind it was also intriguing and new. I was constantly on edge, trying to figure out what was happening and why, who the Alliance was, what their motives were. The mystery of why they left survivors, why they wanted the world to know about them, what everybody’s role was in the grand scheme of things.
Now, here’s where my problems with this piece begin. Spoilers ahead.
First of all, the multi POVs. The continuous POV changes and the numerous cast made it a little hard to follow, for me, ‘cause my mind kept drifting off thinking about who is supposedly talking instead of getting sucked into the plot.
The fact that I held no sympathy for any of the characters didn’t help matters.
The investigators were all workaholics, married to the job, all with various life problems that I just didn’t care enough about.
Icarus, one of the survivors, was an emotionless robot. And we don’t get to even see the other survivors.
The actually interesting pieces of plot and action get lost because of the overload of useless life snippets of the characters. I’m sorry your wife died Boyd, but I’m interested in the case, not your life story.
I felt completely detached from these characters, thus making me ultimately not care what happened to any of them.
My final complaint is for the finale. I absolutely hated it.
‘What is it you want, then, Lyle?’ Accrington smiled. ‘Why, an audience, of course.’
Personally, I didn’t quite enjoy this as I hoped I would. Still, an interesting read and an absolutely brilliant example of quality writing.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
May 7, 2024
Wow, I was not expecting this! That was brilliant! The story starts off with a bang and just doesn't let off.
Clever plot, very well executed, written really well, unputdownable, The Alliance is a modern and very smart thriller and I really enjoyed it.
I was hooked right from the get go and just couldn't put that book down. It's so so good. I was completely taken in with it. The plot is just so clever and very different and really interesting.
The story itself is really dark with lots of twists and turns. Matt Brolly created a very unique story that I could easily see play out in real life which is brilliant and utterly terrifying at the same time.
Gripping, smart and terrifyingly realistic, The Alliance is a book that I'm happy to recommend.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my copy of that book.
Clever plot, very well executed, written really well, unputdownable, The Alliance is a modern and very smart thriller and I really enjoyed it.
I was hooked right from the get go and just couldn't put that book down. It's so so good. I was completely taken in with it. The plot is just so clever and very different and really interesting.
The story itself is really dark with lots of twists and turns. Matt Brolly created a very unique story that I could easily see play out in real life which is brilliant and utterly terrifying at the same time.
Gripping, smart and terrifyingly realistic, The Alliance is a book that I'm happy to recommend.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my copy of that book.
April 20, 2024
The Alliance (audio)
5 ⭐️ This is a must read!
4 identical murders happen in 4 different locations across the country at exactly the same time. It has local police and the FBI scratching their heads as they get sucked into the killers’ game. This jumped right in and kept a fast pace throughout the entire book. After reading the summary I was nervous it would be too complicated for me to stay focused to the audiobook version with so many characters and settings, but it really focused on one specific location. This will be one I recommend often to others!
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this ARC opportunity!
5 ⭐️ This is a must read!
4 identical murders happen in 4 different locations across the country at exactly the same time. It has local police and the FBI scratching their heads as they get sucked into the killers’ game. This jumped right in and kept a fast pace throughout the entire book. After reading the summary I was nervous it would be too complicated for me to stay focused to the audiobook version with so many characters and settings, but it really focused on one specific location. This will be one I recommend often to others!
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this ARC opportunity!
April 25, 2024
Ohhh, I LOVED this book!!! The premise was so good and very interesting. It is nothing like I have ever read.
Brolly grabs you with the very first chapter and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. With some chapters from the Alliance’s point of view and others from the detectives’ point of view, this book is engrossing, thrilling, suspenseful, and honestly felt very real. With all the true crime podcasts that I have listened to in my life, this book felt like it was ripped from the headlines rather than a work of fiction. Now that I think about it, it felt very Criminal Minds.
These characters were clever. The plot intricate. Brolly left nothing out. The book was satisfying.
Did I love any or all of the characters? No, but it works for this book. I didn’t need to like anyone in order to enjoy it.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who likes books/shows like Criminal Minds and/or police procedurals.
Brolly grabs you with the very first chapter and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. With some chapters from the Alliance’s point of view and others from the detectives’ point of view, this book is engrossing, thrilling, suspenseful, and honestly felt very real. With all the true crime podcasts that I have listened to in my life, this book felt like it was ripped from the headlines rather than a work of fiction. Now that I think about it, it felt very Criminal Minds.
These characters were clever. The plot intricate. Brolly left nothing out. The book was satisfying.
Did I love any or all of the characters? No, but it works for this book. I didn’t need to like anyone in order to enjoy it.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who likes books/shows like Criminal Minds and/or police procedurals.
May 2, 2024
Four cities, four killers, four murders. With the killers always one step ahead, the very fabric of society threatens to unravel.
I hate to say it but I didn't like The Alliance as much as I thought I would. The storyline was quite intriguing and I couldn't begin to figure out where it was going next! Unfortunately, the storyline then started feeling a bit repetitive as the book went on. I really like the author's
Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell series, however, and I'm looking forward to The Solstice becoming available!
Many thanks to both #ThomasAndMercer and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #TheAlliance. This book is a standalone, with the expected publication date of April 23, 2024.
I hate to say it but I didn't like The Alliance as much as I thought I would. The storyline was quite intriguing and I couldn't begin to figure out where it was going next! Unfortunately, the storyline then started feeling a bit repetitive as the book went on. I really like the author's
Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell series, however, and I'm looking forward to The Solstice becoming available!
Many thanks to both #ThomasAndMercer and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #TheAlliance. This book is a standalone, with the expected publication date of April 23, 2024.
May 1, 2024
There's nothing better than going into a book totally blind - and a new to me author too! - and finding that it's totally your kind of book!
When four identical murders happen in four different cities, the FBI knows that they've got a complex case on their hands.
Special agent Shannon Wallace is tasked with finding the killer - or killers!, but as social media kicks up a frenzy they realise that they need to stop The Alliance before they can recruit and kill again.....
This was a really unique storyline - one that I've seen touched on before, but never to such an extent as this.
The concept was brilliant and I loved the way this all panned out and was executed (excuse the pun!)
This drew me in straight from the first page and I was completely hooked! I honestly couldn't put it down until I'd finished!
The chapter ends were like little mini cliffhangers and I just had to read one more...and one more....
The pace was also super fast which had me racing through it.
There were a fair few twists in this and I have to admit that I caught a couple early on, but this totally didn't matter as the storyline was so robust that I still had no clue about motives or how these people had connected and formed this group in the first place!
I really liked Shannon as a character. I think that shed have a good backstory to tell - maybe in future books if this becomes a series?
A great read with a horribly realistic feeling atmosphere.
I'm keen now, to see what else this author has written....
When four identical murders happen in four different cities, the FBI knows that they've got a complex case on their hands.
Special agent Shannon Wallace is tasked with finding the killer - or killers!, but as social media kicks up a frenzy they realise that they need to stop The Alliance before they can recruit and kill again.....
This was a really unique storyline - one that I've seen touched on before, but never to such an extent as this.
The concept was brilliant and I loved the way this all panned out and was executed (excuse the pun!)
This drew me in straight from the first page and I was completely hooked! I honestly couldn't put it down until I'd finished!
The chapter ends were like little mini cliffhangers and I just had to read one more...and one more....
The pace was also super fast which had me racing through it.
There were a fair few twists in this and I have to admit that I caught a couple early on, but this totally didn't matter as the storyline was so robust that I still had no clue about motives or how these people had connected and formed this group in the first place!
I really liked Shannon as a character. I think that shed have a good backstory to tell - maybe in future books if this becomes a series?
A great read with a horribly realistic feeling atmosphere.
I'm keen now, to see what else this author has written....
May 6, 2024
I was instantly gripped by the story straight away, you can feel the magic from the pages, I think I read the first 2 chapters in 5 minutes flat.
The plot was a wild one.
It had 4 victims, 4 witnesses/survivors and 4 killers and that is just start because as the case evolves it gets more and more complex.
The story was so fast paced and twisty.
I loved how it had quite a few key characters that played an integral part in the story, my favourite was Lieutenant Boyd because he’s been round the block a few times and seen it all before and his partner Jiffy made me smile too.
The last quarter of the book was so high stakes it stole my breath, it had everything you could want and the epilogues are perfection.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last.
The plot was a wild one.
It had 4 victims, 4 witnesses/survivors and 4 killers and that is just start because as the case evolves it gets more and more complex.
The story was so fast paced and twisty.
I loved how it had quite a few key characters that played an integral part in the story, my favourite was Lieutenant Boyd because he’s been round the block a few times and seen it all before and his partner Jiffy made me smile too.
The last quarter of the book was so high stakes it stole my breath, it had everything you could want and the epilogues are perfection.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last.
December 7, 2024
Fabulous. I read loads of Matt Brolly books a couple of years ago and really enjoyed them but I had forgotten quite how much until I started this book. It really does have you gripped from from the start. Four identical, bizarre murders happen at identical times in different areas of the country - what on earth is going on.
May 11, 2024
The alliance by Matt brolly.
Four cities, four killers, four murders. The Alliance is just getting started.
Omg I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it. Couldn't put it down. This was unique. I've never read anything like this before and I loved it. It's definitely worth the read. It was gripping and twisty. I loved how the police and fbi were involved. This had me stunned. I did like Shannon Wallace, Lieutenant Boyd, Jiffy, and Leanne. I do love Matts books but I must say this is my favourite so far. Definitely recommend. 5*.
Four cities, four killers, four murders. The Alliance is just getting started.
Omg I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it. Couldn't put it down. This was unique. I've never read anything like this before and I loved it. It's definitely worth the read. It was gripping and twisty. I loved how the police and fbi were involved. This had me stunned. I did like Shannon Wallace, Lieutenant Boyd, Jiffy, and Leanne. I do love Matts books but I must say this is my favourite so far. Definitely recommend. 5*.
April 22, 2024
A story that sets off at a fast pace and just keeps on running all the way through with no time to take a breath.
Ike gets abducted and finds himself tied up in a room, but he's not the one that gets killed. At the exact same time this is also happening to 3 other people. The Alliance are making themselves known.
This had Criminial Mind vibes to it for me and I really enjoyed it. The end of each chapter left you wanting more. I just couldn't quite work out why The Alliance were doing what they did or what the link was to all the members. I did see one of the twists coming surrounding Ike - I had guessed it quite early on, but this didn't ruin the story in any way.
The characters were very well written. I liked Shannon the most. She was the one pulled all over to the different states and juggled a pretty rubbish home life too.
From the way it ends I'm hoping there will be another one.
Ike gets abducted and finds himself tied up in a room, but he's not the one that gets killed. At the exact same time this is also happening to 3 other people. The Alliance are making themselves known.
This had Criminial Mind vibes to it for me and I really enjoyed it. The end of each chapter left you wanting more. I just couldn't quite work out why The Alliance were doing what they did or what the link was to all the members. I did see one of the twists coming surrounding Ike - I had guessed it quite early on, but this didn't ruin the story in any way.
The characters were very well written. I liked Shannon the most. She was the one pulled all over to the different states and juggled a pretty rubbish home life too.
From the way it ends I'm hoping there will be another one.
October 3, 2024
Started ok
I found myself becoming increasingly bored and started to skim read just to get to the end, it must have taken a lot of thought to come up with the story but was it worth it ?
I much prefer the authors other books
I found myself becoming increasingly bored and started to skim read just to get to the end, it must have taken a lot of thought to come up with the story but was it worth it ?
I much prefer the authors other books
August 14, 2024
Alright. I’ve started this audiobook over at least 4 different times and just can’t get past the 30% mark. I can’t put my finger on what the issue is, because it seems entertaining enough, so I’m starting to wonder if it’s just me. My mind kept drifting onto something else, every single time I started listening to this book. I really did try though and I’m sure other people will love it. It just didn’t seem to hold my interest enough.
May 5, 2024
Oh boy does this book pack a punch! It began quite innocuously with journalist Ike Glass recalling how he ended up moving to America. But the atmosphere drastically changes with the arrival of a man called Lyle. From then on, the book moves at an astounding pace, beginning with a murder and then the discovery that this isn’t an isolated incident, others have been killed at exactly the same time, in the same way but in different cities. It’s up to FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace and her team to stop them before more people become victims of the Alliance. This is a breathtaking and compulsive read with fabulous characters such as Lieutenant Michael Boyd and Sergeant Jeff ‘Jiffy’ Coltrane. Ike is also a fascinating character, I kept changing my mind as to whether I liked and felt sorry for him or was repulsed by some of his thoughts and actions. I found myself being pulled in all kinds of directions as I felt the tension of the team on every page. And for me it’s a new take on a serial killer thriller. There’s constant action, plenty of twists and quite a few times I could almost feel my jaw drop as shocking revelations are made.
This is a true page turner which I couldn’t put down.
This is a true page turner which I couldn’t put down.
July 5, 2025
3.25 stars. Nothing I can say that I didn’t like about this, other than I just didn’t connect to it or feel invested. I listened on audio and did not love the narration which may be a factor.
May 5, 2024
This is an indepth thriller that takes us on a breadcrumb journey where the reader has to piece together the tidbits to learn what The Alliance is.
There are so many characters to this story that you get to see what's happening everywhere.
The narrative is a medium-paced so you can fully absorb what is happening and does become all consuming when things start to heat up.
I enjoyed reading about the different characters and their development over the course of the book, plus the development of the police investigation - a combination of detailed research and Matt's own law degree is evident here!
There are various deaths in this book, and they range from being cleaner to being quite quite gruesome!
The overall story is full of twists and turns and keeps you intrigued until the end!
If you enjoy thrillers, this is a great thriller that you need to try!
There are so many characters to this story that you get to see what's happening everywhere.
The narrative is a medium-paced so you can fully absorb what is happening and does become all consuming when things start to heat up.
I enjoyed reading about the different characters and their development over the course of the book, plus the development of the police investigation - a combination of detailed research and Matt's own law degree is evident here!
There are various deaths in this book, and they range from being cleaner to being quite quite gruesome!
The overall story is full of twists and turns and keeps you intrigued until the end!
If you enjoy thrillers, this is a great thriller that you need to try!
April 28, 2024
This book immediately grabbed me and wouldn’t let go! There is no drawn out build up, it’s just BAM, right into the action. As if the crimes themselves are terrifying enough, add in the fact that there are 4 identical murders that played out at the exact same time! I read this book in 2 sittings because I just didn’t want to put it down but had to. The storyline was very intriguing and automatically made me think of Criminal Minds. I love that we got the story from 3 different perspectives. It was especially interesting to read from one of the victims point of view! I enjoyed the short chapters. The one thing I would have liked is if the chapters had been marked as to whose perspective we were reading. Though it was easy enough to figure out, so that could just be an OCD thing for me. I recommend this book to those who are Criminal Minds fans….or even Saw.
May 1, 2024
This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. As a huge fan of Criminal Minds I love it when the BAU show up anywhere! I couldn’t put the book down at times because I needed to know answers. The plot was very well thought out and kept me completely hooked. I would certainly recommend this to others and look forward to reading more from this author.
April 5, 2024
Finished reading: April 4th 2024
"Sometimes you came across people who couldn't be bargained with."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
April 29, 2024
The Alliance by Matt Brolly and narrated by Hillary Huber was an excellent read from start to finish, especially as it was full of twists and turns throughout that will have you guessing till the end. This latest book starts with a Bang!! with an abduction.........
Over four cities, in four different locations in the US, with miles apart from each other and all at the same time............There's four identical murders of total strangers.
All the local Police are lost for words and have called in the Big boys/girls! The FBI.....with Special Agent Shannon Wallace helping them. But, she is just the same!
They all start to investigate and they all get sucked into the killers guessing game!
With each murder there is survivor who has witnessed it all, and these lucky ones - But are they?
They now need to decide how to tell their stories to the whole world through social media etc. They have to write about the horrific murders they have witnessed to create a media storm and a new term is soon coined for the "The Alliance"
But Why?
This is to lead to a bigger murderer spree!
As they recruit new killers and into their ranks, more innocent people are linked to the initial murders and these are killed. It now becomes clear that Wallace is facing an unprecedented threat a deadly alliance formed to terrorise the nation with coordinated strikes.
But, who is next?
As they all recruit new killers into their ranks, more innocent people are linked to the initial murders are killed. It now becomes clear that Wallace is facing an unprecedented threat
Tick Tock the clock is ticking and will the Police and Special Agent Shannon Wallace of the FBI need to work it all out before the next round of murders?
WoW!!!! Just mind blowing and excellent the way Matt has put this book together. Superb book/audiobook that will keep you gripped!
Big Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC.
Over four cities, in four different locations in the US, with miles apart from each other and all at the same time............There's four identical murders of total strangers.
All the local Police are lost for words and have called in the Big boys/girls! The FBI.....with Special Agent Shannon Wallace helping them. But, she is just the same!
They all start to investigate and they all get sucked into the killers guessing game!
With each murder there is survivor who has witnessed it all, and these lucky ones - But are they?
They now need to decide how to tell their stories to the whole world through social media etc. They have to write about the horrific murders they have witnessed to create a media storm and a new term is soon coined for the "The Alliance"
But Why?
This is to lead to a bigger murderer spree!
As they recruit new killers and into their ranks, more innocent people are linked to the initial murders and these are killed. It now becomes clear that Wallace is facing an unprecedented threat a deadly alliance formed to terrorise the nation with coordinated strikes.
But, who is next?
As they all recruit new killers into their ranks, more innocent people are linked to the initial murders are killed. It now becomes clear that Wallace is facing an unprecedented threat
Tick Tock the clock is ticking and will the Police and Special Agent Shannon Wallace of the FBI need to work it all out before the next round of murders?
WoW!!!! Just mind blowing and excellent the way Matt has put this book together. Superb book/audiobook that will keep you gripped!
Big Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC.
April 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
A highly elite group of serial killers have united together to commit four separate unrelated murders across the country in the same way at the exact same time. They see themselves as the most evolved form of killer and have decided to take their cause public. Each murder left an eye witness, all four were told "thrive to survive" and to go public with their experience. Icarus Glass is one of the "lucky survivors and as a journalist he quickly starts writing the stories of his experiences. As the survivors fame and the groups infamy grows at break neck speed, a deeper darker plot begins to unfold as the four survivors are involved in more killings. FBI agent Shannon Wallace has been tasked to work with local law enforcement and head up the investigations across the country. As more bodies fall she must get to the bottom of this group before their recruitment and popularity gets worse, but these elite killers are always one step ahead.
I really enjoyed this book as it was a gripping psychological thriller, unique and well thought out. The POV is from multiple characters and the pace is fast. There are a lot of characters and information but was easy enough to follow where the plot was. This is a dark subject with violence but is not gory. Some of the characters were hard to connect to but I think that worked for the story. This was the first book I have read from Brolly but I can not wait to read more of his work. He intricately laid out the plot with gripping suspense while not being predictable. I highly enjoyed and recommend this book.
I had the audio version read by Hillary Huber. She was excellent and I loved listening to her. Her timing and pace was perfect with good voice work to tell which character was speaking. I will look for more of her narrations in the future.
A highly elite group of serial killers have united together to commit four separate unrelated murders across the country in the same way at the exact same time. They see themselves as the most evolved form of killer and have decided to take their cause public. Each murder left an eye witness, all four were told "thrive to survive" and to go public with their experience. Icarus Glass is one of the "lucky survivors and as a journalist he quickly starts writing the stories of his experiences. As the survivors fame and the groups infamy grows at break neck speed, a deeper darker plot begins to unfold as the four survivors are involved in more killings. FBI agent Shannon Wallace has been tasked to work with local law enforcement and head up the investigations across the country. As more bodies fall she must get to the bottom of this group before their recruitment and popularity gets worse, but these elite killers are always one step ahead.
I really enjoyed this book as it was a gripping psychological thriller, unique and well thought out. The POV is from multiple characters and the pace is fast. There are a lot of characters and information but was easy enough to follow where the plot was. This is a dark subject with violence but is not gory. Some of the characters were hard to connect to but I think that worked for the story. This was the first book I have read from Brolly but I can not wait to read more of his work. He intricately laid out the plot with gripping suspense while not being predictable. I highly enjoyed and recommend this book.
I had the audio version read by Hillary Huber. She was excellent and I loved listening to her. Her timing and pace was perfect with good voice work to tell which character was speaking. I will look for more of her narrations in the future.
April 26, 2024
Here is my review of The Alliance by Matt Brolly
This is an exciting book to read, the action starts right at the beginning of the book. I found I enjoyed this book, there was a lot of action and a lot of police and FBI involvement as the book is set in America. The writing is superb and the plotting is excellent. A man is kidnapped, tied up and questioned, then almost killed, they kill the person behind him, he frees himself before the police arrive. The crime is reported to the police at the exact time that it’s being reported to three other police departments in three separate cities for three other exact crimes. What is going on?
Blurb :
Four cities, four killers, four murders. The Alliance is just getting started.
When four unconnected serial killers simultaneously commit identical murders across four different US cities, FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace faces an unprecedented threat—a cooperative of killers working in unison. Each homicide is witnessed by a survivor, and now these lucky ones need to decide how to tell their stories to the world.
Their posts about the horrific murders create a media storm and a new term is soon coined for the killers: The Alliance. As they recruit new killers into their ranks and more innocent people linked to the initial murders are killed it becomes clear that Wallace is dealing with an unprecedented threat—a deadly alliance formed to terrorize the nation with coordinated strikes.
With the killers always one step ahead, the very fabric of society threatens to unravel and Wallace battles to decipher The Alliance’s endgame before they dismantle civilization city by city. In a desperate race against time, can Wallace uncover the members and motives of the Alliance and end their reign of terror before more victims wind up dead.
This is an exciting book to read, the action starts right at the beginning of the book. I found I enjoyed this book, there was a lot of action and a lot of police and FBI involvement as the book is set in America. The writing is superb and the plotting is excellent. A man is kidnapped, tied up and questioned, then almost killed, they kill the person behind him, he frees himself before the police arrive. The crime is reported to the police at the exact time that it’s being reported to three other police departments in three separate cities for three other exact crimes. What is going on?
Blurb :
Four cities, four killers, four murders. The Alliance is just getting started.
When four unconnected serial killers simultaneously commit identical murders across four different US cities, FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace faces an unprecedented threat—a cooperative of killers working in unison. Each homicide is witnessed by a survivor, and now these lucky ones need to decide how to tell their stories to the world.
Their posts about the horrific murders create a media storm and a new term is soon coined for the killers: The Alliance. As they recruit new killers into their ranks and more innocent people linked to the initial murders are killed it becomes clear that Wallace is dealing with an unprecedented threat—a deadly alliance formed to terrorize the nation with coordinated strikes.
With the killers always one step ahead, the very fabric of society threatens to unravel and Wallace battles to decipher The Alliance’s endgame before they dismantle civilization city by city. In a desperate race against time, can Wallace uncover the members and motives of the Alliance and end their reign of terror before more victims wind up dead.
April 3, 2025
4.5 stars 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Genres, settings, categories, themes: suspense, mystery, thriller, serial killer, police procedural, FBI, psychological thriller
POV: 3rd person, multiple/alternating
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger
Format: audiobook
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
~ Characters ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Plot ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Pacing ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Suspense/thriller ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Writing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 5
~ Sadness level: low
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
There are some fucked up people out there. It’s a fairly complex, mostly engaging story.
I’d recommend reading this instead of listening. If an audiobook has any slower parts at all, I get distracted, so I just think this would be more engrossing reading
But like…is Boyd or Leanne going to ask each other out? Annoying detail left hanging. Tempted to subtract half a point from my overall rating for it, but whatevs.
Lots of layers, twists, and turns. A few small surprises. Sometimes a little too much detail on the investigators’ private lives which wasn’t all that related or interesting to me personally (like at least add a little romance if you’re gonna get all personal). Overall interesting, original, and well executed. Also, seconding Kristin's review.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: fans of psychological thriller police procedurals; fans of the show The Following
Genres, settings, categories, themes: suspense, mystery, thriller, serial killer, police procedural, FBI, psychological thriller
POV: 3rd person, multiple/alternating
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger
Format: audiobook
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
~ Characters ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Plot ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Pacing ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Suspense/thriller ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Writing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 5
~ Sadness level: low
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
There are some fucked up people out there. It’s a fairly complex, mostly engaging story.
I’d recommend reading this instead of listening. If an audiobook has any slower parts at all, I get distracted, so I just think this would be more engrossing reading
But like…is Boyd or Leanne going to ask each other out? Annoying detail left hanging. Tempted to subtract half a point from my overall rating for it, but whatevs.
Lots of layers, twists, and turns. A few small surprises. Sometimes a little too much detail on the investigators’ private lives which wasn’t all that related or interesting to me personally (like at least add a little romance if you’re gonna get all personal). Overall interesting, original, and well executed. Also, seconding Kristin's review.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: fans of psychological thriller police procedurals; fans of the show The Following
April 10, 2024
Four cities, four killers, four murders. The Alliance is just getting started. When four unconnected serial killers simultaneously commit identical murders across four different US cities, FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace faces an unprecedented threat - a cooperative of killers working in unison. Each homicide is witnessed by a survivor, and now these lucky ones need to decide how to tell their stories to the world. Their posts about the horrific murders create a media storm, and a new term is soon coined for The Alliance. As they recruit new killers to their ranks, and more innocent people linked to the initial murders are killed, it becomes clear that Wallace is facing an unprecedented threat - a deadly alliance formed to terrorise the nation with coordinated strikes.
I really quite enjoyed this book. I was quickly pulled into the storyline. There were parts to this story that were unlike any thrillers I've read before. It's also one of those books where you want to tell all, but that would create a lot of spoilers. A story about law enforcement and serial killers that has well-developed characters. This book would make a great start to a new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Thomas&Mercer and the author #MattBrolly for my ARC of #TheAlliance in exchange for an honest review.
I really quite enjoyed this book. I was quickly pulled into the storyline. There were parts to this story that were unlike any thrillers I've read before. It's also one of those books where you want to tell all, but that would create a lot of spoilers. A story about law enforcement and serial killers that has well-developed characters. This book would make a great start to a new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Thomas&Mercer and the author #MattBrolly for my ARC of #TheAlliance in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2024
I found this book utterly fascinating. The themes running through it and the psychology element is really intriguing. Add the fact that Matt Brolly is an exceptional story teller makes it very hard to put down.
I loved the inter cooperation with the police forces, the FBI and even Homeland. I found that there weren't any huge cliches involved like turf wars or bosses yanking good people away from their jobs, that you might find necessary in other books. The biggest plus was that the story progressed despite the good guys not finding out too much for themselves. It showed them from the perspective of working as hard as humanly possible and yet being very human in that sometimes they just don't find out the things that need finding.
The characters were fantastic and deep despite their being quite a few of them. The dual perspectives were great and I appreciated both of the back stories and point of view from Boyd and Shannon. There was also Ike and Casey to hear from as well.
The modern state of the world was explored well and the relationship between social media and the fascination for gore, keyboard warriors and hype and frenzy along with the advantages and disadvantages of media.
All in all, I loved it and Matt Brolly is on my radar of authors not to miss out on. My thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the inter cooperation with the police forces, the FBI and even Homeland. I found that there weren't any huge cliches involved like turf wars or bosses yanking good people away from their jobs, that you might find necessary in other books. The biggest plus was that the story progressed despite the good guys not finding out too much for themselves. It showed them from the perspective of working as hard as humanly possible and yet being very human in that sometimes they just don't find out the things that need finding.
The characters were fantastic and deep despite their being quite a few of them. The dual perspectives were great and I appreciated both of the back stories and point of view from Boyd and Shannon. There was also Ike and Casey to hear from as well.
The modern state of the world was explored well and the relationship between social media and the fascination for gore, keyboard warriors and hype and frenzy along with the advantages and disadvantages of media.
All in all, I loved it and Matt Brolly is on my radar of authors not to miss out on. My thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2024
Oh my goodness.
M
I have to say I'm an avid fan of Mr Brolly and have been for ages. Therefore my reviews are maybe a bit bias. However I'd like to think I give him the same amount of honest critiques as the next person.
I really enjoyed the book and it left me guessing most of the time. With the power of the Internet it is a premise i could believe and fear.
I'm not going to give away plot any more than I have done. It brings to the forefront just how important securing your personal details are, as well as being very, very cautious where your and your very impressionable youngsters go seeking answers. Gripping read.
Hate to say the narration was not so great as far as accents go. The British have quite a few and these have migrated to different parts of the world. Trying to emulate them is difficult, especially when your trying to be consistent. Note to the narrator, given the character had been living in the USA for many years you would have been better giving him an American twang. I'm useless at this too but on an audio book its not really great. The rest of the narration was however spot on.
Don't be put off listening. It's this its not a game changer. I still listened and read. Enjoy folks, you won't regret it.
M
I have to say I'm an avid fan of Mr Brolly and have been for ages. Therefore my reviews are maybe a bit bias. However I'd like to think I give him the same amount of honest critiques as the next person.
I really enjoyed the book and it left me guessing most of the time. With the power of the Internet it is a premise i could believe and fear.
I'm not going to give away plot any more than I have done. It brings to the forefront just how important securing your personal details are, as well as being very, very cautious where your and your very impressionable youngsters go seeking answers. Gripping read.
Hate to say the narration was not so great as far as accents go. The British have quite a few and these have migrated to different parts of the world. Trying to emulate them is difficult, especially when your trying to be consistent. Note to the narrator, given the character had been living in the USA for many years you would have been better giving him an American twang. I'm useless at this too but on an audio book its not really great. The rest of the narration was however spot on.
Don't be put off listening. It's this its not a game changer. I still listened and read. Enjoy folks, you won't regret it.
June 13, 2024
If you're looking for a book full of suspense, excitement, mystery, and a good dose of investigation, this is the perfect novel. I'm a fan of the series Criminal Minds, and from the presentation, this novel seemed to have similar vibes, so I started it with high expectations, somewhat convinced that I would love the story. Many points of view switch back and forth, allowing the various events to be followed from different perspectives, which adds originality to the plot. However, I found the repetitiveness annoying; at a certain point, it became a constant. I probably would have preferred if the author had found a way to end the novel sooner or, even better, made everything flow more naturally without forced repetitions. The beginning might not be the best given the calm manner in which the story is told; one could say that the book starts very slowly and gradually builds up the excitement, which blossoms in the last quarter of the pages.
Aside from this, I believe I've read a very good book that I would recommend, although with the caveat that it's not suited for everyone looking for a wealth of suspense.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowed me to read it in advance.
Aside from this, I believe I've read a very good book that I would recommend, although with the caveat that it's not suited for everyone looking for a wealth of suspense.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowed me to read it in advance.
March 30, 2024
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing the preview copy to review
4 murders. 4 cities. 1 organisation.
Brolly has, with The Alliance, created a thriller unlike any I’ve read before. I was hooked from the start, fascinated to uncover the aims of the so called ‘Alliance’, why they had selected their victims, and where the story would go.
— spoilers below —
I’m not always a fan of an unreliable narrator, but there was something different about Ike Glass and his persona - I never fully trusted him and was only slightly surprised when it was revealed he had indeed murdered his college girlfriend.
As a communications professional, I also thoroughly enjoyed The Alliance’s selection and use of different media actors to ensure their story was told to the public in as many formats as possible.
The revelation of previous murders committed by the members (that we know about) also was an interesting think piece on how many real like serial killers go undetected.
I look forward to reading any follow up book exploring the further exploits of “survivor” Casey.
4 murders. 4 cities. 1 organisation.
Brolly has, with The Alliance, created a thriller unlike any I’ve read before. I was hooked from the start, fascinated to uncover the aims of the so called ‘Alliance’, why they had selected their victims, and where the story would go.
— spoilers below —
I’m not always a fan of an unreliable narrator, but there was something different about Ike Glass and his persona - I never fully trusted him and was only slightly surprised when it was revealed he had indeed murdered his college girlfriend.
As a communications professional, I also thoroughly enjoyed The Alliance’s selection and use of different media actors to ensure their story was told to the public in as many formats as possible.
The revelation of previous murders committed by the members (that we know about) also was an interesting think piece on how many real like serial killers go undetected.
I look forward to reading any follow up book exploring the further exploits of “survivor” Casey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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