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Nothing spoils a relaxing vacation like witnessing a murder.While visiting the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, namesake Detective Jack Lisbon and his young daughter find themselves caught up in a horrifying assassination. The victim, a university student and part-time journalist, is gunned down in broad daylight on the packed No. 15 tram. Jack soon finds his role in the case shifting from eyewitness to special investigator. The suspects start lining a jealous rival; a jilted lover; a ruthless entrepreneur.The stakes skyrocket when Jack himself is brutally assaulted. Is this a random attack or a message from the killer to back off?As he juggles a family reunion with long-lost relatives, the safety of his daughter, and involvement in one of Portugal's most baffling homicide investigations, Jack faces what could be his most daunting case yet. One thing is certain – even on foreign soil this detective won’t change his hard-boiled policing style for anyone.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

408 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

Blair Denholm

23 books225 followers
Blair Denholm is a freelance writer and translator who has lived in Moscow, New York, Munich, Abu Dhabi and Australia. He has written content for commercial websites and done corporate voice-over work in English and Russian.

His first novel in the Gary Braswell series, SOLD, was released by Clan Destine Press in November 2017 and is getting rave reviews. He is also working on a murder mystery based on a real event that occurred in Moscow in the late 1980s.

Blair interpreted for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Moscow, translated for the Sochi Winter Olympics and voted in a foreign election despite having no eligibility to do so. He was also almost lost at sea on a dilapidated Russian fishing boat sailing from Hobart to New Zealand. He currently resides in the beautiful Southern Downs district in Queensland with his partner Sandra and two crazy canines.

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5 stars
315 (48%)
4 stars
226 (34%)
3 stars
80 (12%)
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21 (3%)
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9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Matt.
4,838 reviews13.1k followers
October 25, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to Blair Denholm for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always eager to reach for another book in Blair Denholm’s Jack Lisbon series, I jumped at the chance to read the latest instalment. As Denholm has crafted his protagonist over the last number of novels, he is ready for a new chapter in his life. Returning to the U.K. for his ex-wife’s funeral, Jack is now in charge of their daughter, Skye. During a side trip to Portugal, they witness a shooting aboard a tram one night and Jack’s expertise is used to help with the investigation. Torn between his love of investigating and the new-found responsibilities towards Skye, Jack Lisbon tries to balance it all. Back in the country of his ancestors, Jack discovers new mysteries of his own, Denholm does well with this piece and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

After attending his ex-wife’s funeral in the United Kingdom, Detective Jack Lisbon now has full custody of his daughter, Skye. Precocious and full of life, Lisbon decides they will take a detour to Portugal before returning the Australia. While in the country’s capital, Detective Lisbon and Skye find themselves in the middle of a targeted shooting of a university student while travelling on a local tram.

As panic ensues, Lisbon makes she that his daughter is safely taken to his relatives before making his way to the police to offer his assistance. It would seem the victim was a part-time journalist who had been stirring the pot quite effectively. While Detective Lisbon does not have the jurisdiction to work the case, he is taken in as a consultant of sorts, hoping that his expertise can aid in finding the killer swiftly.

As suspects emerge, Lisbon will have to pare them down and get to the root of the assassination. Who would want to kill a young woman who appeared only to be reporting the news, as she saw it? When Lisbon is attacked, one can only wonder if this was a sign to stay away from the case, or a warning that more is to come.

While juggling time with Skye and trying to catch a killer, Lisbon realises that his life has changed significantly now and his priorities must shift as well. While you can take the detective out of Australia, you cannot take the detective out of Jack Lisbon. Forging ahead, Lisbon promises Skye that he will be careful, but cannot let one of Portugal’s most baffling investigations slip through his fingers. Denholm tells quite the story here and is sure to impress the reader.

While I have never shied away from a Blair Denholm novel, I have also never had an issue with his narrative style. Full of grit and quick dialogue, Denholm knows how to paint a picture that is well worth the reader’s time. Keeping things gritty and always evolving, the story moves along with a strong narrative foundation, building from there as time progresses. The momentum is never lost and the reader is able to see things through Jack Lisbon’s eyes.

The character development of Jack Lisbon appears to have waned in this, the seventh novel. However, with the full-time parenting being thrust upon him, Lisbon will have to amend his style and this shines throughout in the novel. Lisbon adapts as best he can, but has trouble separating family life and professional responsibility when murder is on the table. This is sure to be the start of an intriguing new development angle that Jack Lisbon must address.

Plot points are key to keeping the reader hooked. While Lisbon is away from Australia, he has not lost the ability to attract action and detective work. Denholm is able to fashion both of these effectively and keep the reader engaged until the very end with ideas that some may not have seen coming. I am eager to see what’s next and how Jack Lisbon will handle being full-time dad in a series that has never lacked for action.

Kudos, Mr. Denholm, for a great addition to the series and new story arcs to come.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
877 reviews25 followers
November 19, 2023
Moving Target: A a gripping International Crime Thriller (7)

Again this story is absolutely fantastic! I got caught up in it at the beginning and didn't stop until the end! This story was a good bit different from the other 6 before it! The bad guy was in his own country while the detective was a visitor! Those things don't stop this tough policeman from another country! Not only does he find the bad guys but he gets beaten up too! He is a great person as he goes along in his new life! Can't wait to see what he does next
47 reviews
November 8, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. Good flow. Excellent characters and storyline.
Jack Lisbon at his best.
Jack is in Lisbon with his daughter after her mother’s death and is on a tram where a shooting occurs
He gets involved with the Lisbon police trying to solve this murder. Lots of action.
More books like this please.
16 reviews
November 21, 2023
I received an advanced review copy of this novel by the author. This honest review is left voluntary.

Typically Jack Lisbon is never far from trouble, witnessing a fatal shooting on his arrival in Portugal with daughter skye he ends up on a working holiday, thrills and spills along the way with a dramatic conclusion, well worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nebulous.
343 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2023
This is the seventh Jack Lisbon book, and this series keeps getting better! Moving Target keeps you hooked with high-stakes, the classic whodunit and unmissable intricacies. Jack is on vacation in Portugal when he and Skye find themselves in the crossarms of an assassination. As always, Blair Denholm does a fantastic job with pacing and setting the scene. As a reader, you will develop a deep understanding of Lisbon across different facets as a father, a detective and a flawed human being. The integration of returning characters, such as Micky Knox, was a delightful welcome. The ending tugged at my heartstrings, and I cannot wait for the next adventure!

Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Laurie Robertson.
878 reviews19 followers
March 5, 2024
I completed a binge read of the first seven books in the series plus the two prequels. Excellent storylines, great characters and settings. Strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys a police procedural with a difference.
227 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2023
Blair Denholm has written a other novel about his unique character, former London cop, current famous Aussie cop, Jack Lisbon. While this is the latest in the series about Jack, it is an easy-to-read standalone tale based in Portugal. Mr. Denholm has developed detailed, well tailored characters throughout along with the delightful descriptions of Jack's surroundings that make his stories so believable. There is plenty of action and a well-crafted storyline that keeps the reader's attention from beginning to the very end. I highly recommend this latest in the Jack Lisbon series. I received an ARC, and this is my honest appraisal of this novel.
462 reviews12 followers
October 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this book in the Jack Lisbon series.
Set in Portugal where Jack is supposed to be on holiday following the death of his ex-wife he is witness to a killing on a tram, and ends up being asked to help the local police.
As always the plot moves along at a good pace, and I was hooked from the start.
Well done Blair another winner.
1,682 reviews27 followers
October 29, 2023
Detective Jack Lisbon and his daughter are witnesses to a horrifying assassination in Lisbon, Portugal. A young journalist is gun down brutally in broad day light. There is a lot of danger involved. A chilling read to the end which has you on the edge of your seat. I received this book via storyorigin and leave a honest review .I recommend this book to other readers.
2,578 reviews44 followers
October 23, 2023
Moving target is a very apt name. It's hard to catch a moving object, but with Jack on the case the odds are much improved. Jack is constantly on the go and looking into things. He takes a few hard beatings from family and foe alike, but he persevere. He doesn't know the meaning of slow down. Mirabelle wanted her pound of flesh and didn't care where she got it from Jack or somebody else. Smh. The ending was so uplifting, and I could picture the scene with the three of them- amazing! What an adventure! Looking forward to more.
Profile Image for TaniaRina.
1,589 reviews117 followers
October 29, 2023
‘Everything comes to an end’
Vacations, family reunions, lives…

Fave line:
‘Hunches is right, sport. I’m more famous for mine than Quasimodo.’

In addition to an eclectic playlist throughout, the author provides readers with a tourism list. Think I spent more time in GoogleMapLand than I did with Jack! One of my grandmothers travelled extensively and Portugal was her absolute fave…so I’ve now taken a wee trip in her memory.


May we all do our ‘level best to stay out of mischief’. But gimme some more of Jack’s...
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,821 followers
November 16, 2023
One challenging and fascinating murder mystery for DS Jack Lisbon!

Australian author Blair Denholm lives in Tasmania at present, but has lived and worked in New York, Moscow, Munich, Abu Dhabi in addition to Australia. He has published eleven books – ESCAPE FROM PASSING WINDS, SOLD, SOLD TO THE DEVIL, FIGHTING DIRTY, KILL SHOT, SHOT CLOCK, TRICK SHOT, REVOLUTION DAY, SHOT TO THE HEART, DROP SHOT, POINT BLANK, and now MOVING TARGET. Blair is also a translator, speaks fluent Russian (he interpreted for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Moscow and translated for the Sochi Winter Olympics Organizing Committee) as well as a traveler and has escaped situations and detainments in life much as he writes in his books! MOVING TARGET is the seventh installment in his series – the Jack Lisbon The Fighting Detective Crime Thriller – centered on a tough, cynical, ex-boxer London cop, who has become a terrific character to follow.

Having established a strong character in Jack Lisbon, Blair opens this episode as follows: ‘The dark, brooding rain clouds that had been hovering over London for the last two days finally opened up. Light drops quickly turned into a steady drizzle. Fitting, Jack Lisbon thought, as he pulled his daughter closer to his side. His ex-wife Sarah, the reason they were all gathered here today, was always complaining about English weather. ‘Daddy, when is the funeral service going to start?’ Skye sobbed. ‘I just want is to be over.’ ‘Soon, love…’ For those new to this series, the image of Lisbon is clear, but that perception changes rapidly as the condensed plot shares: ‘Nothing spoils a relaxing vacation like witnessing a murder. While visiting the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, namesake Detective Jack Lisbon and his young daughter find themselves caught up in a horrifying assassination. The victim, a university student and part-time journalist, is gunned down in broad daylight on the packed No. 15 tram. Jack soon finds his role in the case shifting from eyewitness to special investigator. The suspects start lining up: a jealous rival; a jilted lover; a ruthless entrepreneur. The stakes skyrocket when Jack himself is brutally assaulted. Is this a random attack or a message from the killer to back off? As he juggles a family reunion with long-lost relatives, the safety of his daughter, and involvement in one of Portugal's most baffling homicide investigations, Jack faces what could be his most daunting case yet. One thing is certain – even on foreign soil this detective won’t change his hard-boiled policing style for anyone.’

MOVING TARGET continues his solid writing of a suspense thriller with some philosophical asides that focus on many of our current obsessions. Blair keeps us guessing (as reading detectives) while he places the spotlight on the fascinating Jack Lisbon. Blair Denholm has now fully created a superlative character to follow.
536 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2023
Displaced British Cop finds crime while returning home after ex-wife's funeral - 4 stars

Jack Lisbon reconnects with daughter after his ex-wife's funeral. Because her death was due to early onset cancer, everyone is distraught and tries to soldier on. A trip to Jack's namesake city in Portugal is intended to cheer up his daughter, Skye, and make family connections.

A shooting on the Lisbon tram is totally unexpected but plays to Jack's strengths as a crime fighter. Despite language barriers, Jack is encouraged to share his talents with the local police who uncover several suspects but little experience in homicides.

THe beat part of the story is the relationships. Jack gets his friends from outside Portugal to help while the assorted suspects seem odd but dubious as the investigation. Of particular interest in this story is a woman, Mirabella, who invites Jack and his daughter to stay at her swanky home and help with his pre-teen daughter. Wonderful vignettes of sexual innuendo are well done as Jack has become a teetotaler and is not ready for a new relationship.

The Lisbon police converse in English for Jack's benefit making him feel welcomed and an important part of the investigation. Jack's reputation as a successful detective as documented in international media from both Britain and Australia have preceded his visit.

As the likely suspects get interviewed and seem less and less plausible, additional violence brings additional blood - mostly Jack's - and adds to the rollercoaster plot. The language is primarily British with a few Australian phrases for color. There is something for everyone in this unusual crime investigation murder mystery. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Mc Chanster.
536 reviews
December 14, 2023
Ah, Jack Lisbon. You are possibly one of my favorite fictional detectives, and this time, he’s helping serve justice in Portugal!

Jack and daughter, Skye, are on vacation. After both of them are hit hard with a personal tragedy, the choice to get away was more than appealing. Portugal is the land of Jack’s family and he was lucky enough to even find a relative of whom to connect with. Unfortunately, just as father and daughter were starting to relax, Jack is pulled in as a guest detective to help solve a murder of a young woman. While he is determined to spend time with Skye, he also wants to be on the case. He does his best to balance both, but when Jack falls victim to assault, he realizes that his life before cannot be the same that he continues to have.

I’ve been lucky enough to follow Detective Lisbon from the first book, and I have enjoyed every one. Moving Target was particularly interesting because of the character development in Jack. In past books, I saw him blazing forward, doing anything and everything to solve the case. Now, with Skye, his behavior is shifting, and it gives the readers a deeper look at the man behind the badge. A subtle altercation, but definitely gives the book another layer.

Thank you Blair Denholm for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Viragored.
168 reviews
February 5, 2025
So far I've enjoyed all the Jack Lisbon books I've read. This is one I enjoyed, but was left with a couple of minor niggles. Overall the tale is well told, it's engaging, the characters develop well - all good stuff and why I like reading this author's work.
The couple of niggles are one in the plot and one in the writing. The plot one is that the culprit wasn't engaged or brought into the story enough for me.
The writing niggle is partly about the use of 'innit'. I reckon that if you're not born and raised a Brit, you'll never truly understand where, when or why a Londoner may add 'innit' to a sentence. Jack Lisbon (or Blair Denholm) doesn't properly understand. The other is that the editing has allowed typos and wrong words to sneak through. Either a better 'Advance Readers Group' or a better editor would help.
[And unlike other reviewers, I got my copy of this book through a normal commercial transaction, not as a freebie.]
Profile Image for Christie.
1,227 reviews12 followers
November 10, 2023
Jack's ex-wife passes away, and he gets custody of his daughter. To help her cope with the loss of her mother, he takes her to Portugal to meet a distant relative. While they are traveling to meet the relative, they witness a woman being shot. Jack gets pulled into the investigation to find the killer.

I LOVE this series, and it gets better and better with each book. Moving Target is an amazing ride of a story. I love that Jack had gotten a second chance with his career and now with his daughter. Jack is such an amazing Detective that he had to solve crimes everywhere he goes. My favourite phrase in the book was "like the dragonflies that hung around the swimming pool". I love the great imagery that it creates. I can't wait for Jack's next case.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this novel from the author. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,127 reviews75 followers
November 14, 2023
Detective Jack Lisbon is now sole parent to his little girl Skye after attending his ex wife’s funeral in the uk. He decides to take her on a detour to Portugal before heading home to Australia , here they find themselves at the centre of the shooting of a student while travelling on a tram, thankfully he can leave his daughter in the care of his relatives and offers the local police assistance in a consultative role. Now he’s having to reassure his daughter that he will be careful as his investigations continue. Gritty crime thriller with great drama. The writing style is good and gets the pulses racing . So it’s definitely immersive reading
I read a free copy from Storyorigin and my review is voluntary and in my own words
Profile Image for Roger.
5,634 reviews28 followers
Read
November 28, 2023
Moving Target: A gripping international crime thriller (The Fighting Detective Book 7), my twelfth read from author Blair Denholm, Outstanding police/detective fiction set in Portugal this time, that I read in a single setting, well-written with characters & a plot you can buy into with unexpected twists & turns. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book, liked it so much I went & bought it, and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Next up, SOLD: A Dark Comedy Thriller (Game Changer Book 1). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
3 reviews
January 6, 2024
Good entertaining read.

I have read the first 3 books and have enjoyed them all. They all have a good story line and characters. I am 86 and lived my first 30 years in UK then 8 in Hong Kong and th rest I Australia so feel able to vouch for the accuracy of the descriptions of life in those places and local idiosyncrasies.
Book 1 was so badly edited that I almost gave up. Who on earth was his editor? Fortunately Book 2 was much better and book 3 was fine.
Will choose a different author and category for my next read but will return for more Jack Widow.
Profile Image for Todd Simpson.
832 reviews35 followers
January 3, 2024
Wow, what a great book. Blair Denholm has once again done an amazing job with his latest book in the Detective Jack Lisbon series. I’ve loved each story following Jack, and this once is right up there as one of my favourites. He’s smart and tough, and definitely not the sort of man you want to end up on the wrong side of.
This is a thoroughly entertaining novel, and well worth a read. 5/5 Star Rating.
122 reviews
December 16, 2024
Yet another excellent detective story by a very good storyteller.

Jack Lisbon certainly gets around! He finds events grab hold of him in whichever country he finds himself. This time it is Portugal and so there are linguistic problems but wonderful temporary colleagues help him out and he plays very significant role in solving a mysterious murder. But his family awaits him back in Oz.
247 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2023
Jack decides to visit newly discovered family and his job follows him.
From the first pages to the last, you are totally enthralled and wondering if the right person is the one they are chasing. A nice surprise at the end of the book.
Hoping to see more books in this series.
Profile Image for Mel.
1,487 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2024
2⭐️
I have mixed feelings about this one as I enjoyed aspects of the plot but on finishing, I had no idea who the killer was or why. I felt like I was reading this for ages without getting any further into it.
684 reviews9 followers
November 1, 2023
An exciting story, full of action from start to finish with a great cast of characters. Some emotion for Jack, an edge of the seat page turner.
4,417 reviews43 followers
December 8, 2023
Who killed Farooq and why??? An obsessive fan??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Profile Image for Michele Desoer.
61 reviews
December 25, 2023
Fun for someone who lives in Portugal

Fun romp through Lisbon. Interesting murder story. The ending was a bit abrupt without comfortable explanation

Still, quick fun read.
4 reviews
December 9, 2024
Really deep dive into the thoughts and fears of the hero, but sometimes a little overkill on unnecessary details. Having said that, I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Susan Dunn.
109 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2024
Lacks intensity

The book was lackluster and I never really connected with the story or the characters . I did finish it with some speed reading
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