The Chameleon

Charlie Cooper Thrillers #2

by Mark Dawson

Deception Runs Deep. Betrayal Runs Deeper.Delve into the clandestine world of Group 15, the covert organization also featured in the acclaimed John Milton series. Charlie Cooper, an elite Group Fifteen agent, faces a complex eliminate Igor Sidorov, a security-obsessed Russian oligarch implicated in international subterfuge. The only avenue to reach the paranoid Sidorov? Through Crispin Fairweather, the owner of a small yet influential reputation management firm.Masquerading as an analyst, Cooper manipulates his way into the company and soon finds himself en route to Istanbul. The stage is set for a high-octane showdown on Sidorov's private island. With geopolitical tensions on a knife's edge, Cooper must navigate a labyrinth of deception and danger to complete his mission.Will he succeed or become another casualty in a deadly game of power and betrayal? Don't miss this pulse-pounding thriller that explores the murky corridors of espionage and moral ambiguity.

Genres: Thriller

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

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http://eepurl.com/Cai5X

Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.

He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).

The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.

Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.

You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.

Reviews

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and I honestly can not remember if the first book was a full length novel or a novella as this one was. Regardless, Charlie Cooper is in The Group (group 15) - I think he is Number 11, but don't quote me on it- and he is tasked with getting close enough to take care of a Russian target. For those of us who are already fans of the John Milton series, this is like having a snack in between meals.

The story itself is short, but there is enough action to keep the reader engaged. As usual, Mr. Dawson creates enough story in a small amount of space that has the reader fully engaged. As that reader though who is a die hard fan of John Milton, I am still wondering WHERE in the timeline that this action is taking place? John Milton was Number 1 a REALLY LONG time ago.....

Just curious......

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, suspenseful thriller!

Charlie Cooper is a very resourceful character earns the nickname “The Chameleon “. He can blend in anywhere which makes him a perfect fit for Group 15. Mark Dawson writes the most compelling novels to keep your attention to see what will happen next. It is definitely an unputdownable book. You do not want to miss reading this book! Happy reading! 😉

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chameleon

Second book in the Charlie Cooper series. Normally I stay away from very short novels and read lengthier books. The only reason I picked this series up is because of the author. I had just finished the latest John Milton and noticed this series. Very happy I did. These are fast moving, quick reads that hit the spot. Recommended for all thriller fans and especially Mark Dawson fans.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this new series and it is even better than the first. There is plenty of action and intrigue. The characters are are engaging and the tension between them keeps the excitement ramped up. Makes you wonder how many good guys all around us are doing negative things.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[David Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper is Good!

I reread the first book before reading this one. I enjoyed them both very much. Great character development in this new series. I blew through the last Milton book and was glad Mark Dawson had a new series to enjoy. I've read every one and the stories are riveting!! Enjoy!!! Cooper is now a fave!!

[Julie Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooper is part of Group 15 and he needs to get near to Ivor Sidorov to complete his assignment. But that will not be easy, so he must blend in and be unthreatening to kill his target. He must become like a chameleon.

Well written and well read novel. I listened to the audiobook. Enjoyed the pace and the characters. A short book packed with action. Enjoy.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 ⭐️↘️
The second Charlie Cooper novella is an engaging read. Cooper’s character keeps evolving and the story takes you into a tense setting involving a shady company and a ruthless Russian oligarch. I also really enjoyed how the side characters added to the tension — each of them was interesting, well drawn and positively shaped the plot.

[John A. Sillasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star exposure to group 15 & its agents

This story can show you methods, methodology more like it and Control who is the leader behind Group 15. Russian oligarchs, people who want to hide their dirty wealth before their assets are frozen by the West is where this book comes in and how the British Group 15 perform beyond anything MI6 could ever do,

[Amanda Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book which was a quick read filled with undercover intrigue and the dark side of money hungry individuals.

Cooper is a hero of his trade, being invisible! Love the way he can blend in anywhere and be so cool, calm and collected at the same time.

I look forward to number 3.

[Manfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Control sends Cooper to befriend an English business man making deals with a Russian oligarch despite sanctions against Russia. The goal is to get near the oligarch and terminate him. A very entertaining short read in the Group 15 world.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Settle down and buckle up for a fast paced read. Group 15, and derring do against Russian Oligarchs. A couple of hours of pure escapism. Charlie is not John Milton and this is a novella, not a full novel, but it’s an entertaining ride nonetheless.

[Marci Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Book 1 to prepare for this ARC and I am glad I did. You could read it as a standalone but it's much better once you know the backstory. I love me a good spy thriller and this one did not disappoint. I could see this actually happening in real life, which is terrifying! This was my 1st read of Mark Dawson's books but will not be my last! I need to keep up with Charlie Cooper!

#TheChameleon
#NetGalley

[Charles A. CALLARI III · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. Charlie Cooper is a very resourceful character and earns the nickname “The Chameleon “. He can blend in anywhere which makes him a perfect fit for Group 15. Mark Dawson very “action packed”novels to keeps your attention throughout. I had to keep listening!!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never underestimate anyone.

This maybe a short story but it’s still got the full force of Mark’s writing skill and imagination. It’s action packed from start to finish so if you fancy something a change from the norm and fancy a quick read then look no further.

[john parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

another page turner

Cooper…brilliant now with Milton…control is everything…great story line….easy to understand the ramifications.
Look forward to reading more..read this one in 3 sittings maybe 2 next…

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was just ok in my opinion. It is a little confusing at the start and then it becomes clearer but not my idea of the best way for a book to go. He does make a good plot but I think it’s just an effort to turn out more books not being as thoughtful as could be. 4.5

[Andy Clarke-smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick book

I kinda love the short snappy style of these books. You can just whizz through them and not break a sweat. There’s no long build up or an overload of characters. It’s “here’s the job get it done”. Brilliant

[Graham Trelfa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent again

Charlie Cooper, the invisible man.
Deadly to know, deadly not to know.
Oligarchs beware, he's coming for you.
A very good short read.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful novel written by the king of espionage authors.

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short novel about the agent being sent to kill a Russian oligarch. Lots of people have to die to accomplish the task.

[Quentin Feduchin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty bloody good read!
Dawson books are always damn good, try them out...

[Georgia Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't do anything else until I finished the book

Fast paced with a great lead character. I' am hoping to see more of Charlie Cooper's tricky missions and their solutions.

[pierre bovington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Taju Noor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow-up sequel.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you compare such different books? This book was fine. I like supporting an independent author. The end of this book felt unfinished.

[Russell Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

On to book 3. I wish there really was a Group that could send operatives into Russia... And say hi to those oligarchs

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick to read.

No messing around with this series, shorter than some - but very much to the point. Yes, I’m hooked. !!!

[Mia Kalish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good but seemingly short

Maybe it seemed story bcz I wanted more. But I liked the story a lot. It was pretty cool, actually

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novella in the Charlie Cooper series and Mark Dawson has developed an excellent character. Charlie Cooper is a chameleon capable of blending into the crowd and be anyone. Yet, he is a skilled assassin, spy, and master of many characters. This is a must read novella. Mark Dawson has written an excellent novella with a very interesting main character.

[Anthony D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Chameleon" is a fitting name for the world of spies.