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Alexander Hawke #7.5
What Comes Around
An esteemed former CIA director dies off the coast of Maine.
Another senior CIA officer is found dead of a "heart attack" in a posh Paris hotel. Counterspy Alex Hawke and his friend Ambrose Congreve think this could be more than coincidence. Hawke discovers that the victims are connected through one man: Spider Hyde, a rogue intelligence officer whose dangerous exploits got him barred from the CIA. Now Spider believes he's been wronged and is out for vengeance-and Alex Hawke is his number-one target.
Hawke's only hope is to lure his deadly enemy into a trap he can't escape-and it's a place Hawke knows better than anyone: his seaside home in Bermuda.
Another senior CIA officer is found dead of a "heart attack" in a posh Paris hotel. Counterspy Alex Hawke and his friend Ambrose Congreve think this could be more than coincidence. Hawke discovers that the victims are connected through one man: Spider Hyde, a rogue intelligence officer whose dangerous exploits got him barred from the CIA. Now Spider believes he's been wronged and is out for vengeance-and Alex Hawke is his number-one target.
Hawke's only hope is to lure his deadly enemy into a trap he can't escape-and it's a place Hawke knows better than anyone: his seaside home in Bermuda.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
About the author
Ted Bell
51 books868 followersTed Bell was the author of 12 consecutive New York Times best sellers and a former advertising executive. He began his advertising career in the 1970’s as a junior copywriter at Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB), New York. At the age of 25, he sold his first screenplay to Hollywood, as well as became the youngest vice-president in the storied history of DDB. He then joined Leo Burnett Co., Chicago, as a creative director and four years later, he was named President, Chicago Creative Officer where he was credited with developing numerous innovative and award-winning advertising campaigns. In 1982, Bell joined Young & Rubicam, London, and in 1991 he became the Vice Chairman and Worldwide Creative Director. Ted won every award the advertising industry offers, including numerous Clios and Cannes Gold Lions, and while at Young & Rubicam, the Grand Prix at the Cannes Festival. In 2001, Ted retired to write full time. He has 10 New York Times Bestsellers to his credit: The Alex Hawke series of spy thrillers published by HarperCollins and the young adult targeted time travel adventure series, Nick of Time and The Time Pirate published by St. Martins Press.
A native Floridian, Bell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and was a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He held an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. Bell was also an Adjunct Professor of English Literature at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He was a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA), a program run by the Department of Defense in support of America’s military. He served on the Advisory Board at George Washington’s Home at Mount Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West. He also served for a time as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Relations at the U.S. Department of State.
For the 2011-2012 Academic Year, Sir Richard Dearlove, Former Chief of MI6, British Intelligence, sponsored Ted to become a Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University (UK). In addition, he was named Writer-in-Residence at Sydney-Sussex College, Cambridge and studied at the University’s Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLIS) under the tutelage of Sir Dearlove, who was the Master of Pembroke College.
In May 2018, Ted published OVERKILL, the 10th book in the popular Alex Hawke spy thriller series.
In January 2019, Ted and Jon Adler of Jon Adler Films formed El Dorado Entertainment, a feature film and television production company based in New York.
In July 2019, Ted signed a two-book deal with Random House.
In July 2020, the 11th Alex Hawke thriller, DRAGONFIRE, was published.
On December 7, 2021, the 12th Alex Hawke thriller, SEA HAWKE was published.
Ted appeared on numerous television and radio programs and was a featured speaker at associations, clubs, libraries and organizations across the country.
Ted traveled the world and lived in Italy, London, France, Palm Beach, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Maine. He last lived in a beloved 19th century farmhouse in Connecticut.
A native Floridian, Bell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and was a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He held an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. Bell was also an Adjunct Professor of English Literature at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He was a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA), a program run by the Department of Defense in support of America’s military. He served on the Advisory Board at George Washington’s Home at Mount Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West. He also served for a time as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Relations at the U.S. Department of State.
For the 2011-2012 Academic Year, Sir Richard Dearlove, Former Chief of MI6, British Intelligence, sponsored Ted to become a Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University (UK). In addition, he was named Writer-in-Residence at Sydney-Sussex College, Cambridge and studied at the University’s Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLIS) under the tutelage of Sir Dearlove, who was the Master of Pembroke College.
In May 2018, Ted published OVERKILL, the 10th book in the popular Alex Hawke spy thriller series.
In January 2019, Ted and Jon Adler of Jon Adler Films formed El Dorado Entertainment, a feature film and television production company based in New York.
In July 2019, Ted signed a two-book deal with Random House.
In July 2020, the 11th Alex Hawke thriller, DRAGONFIRE, was published.
On December 7, 2021, the 12th Alex Hawke thriller, SEA HAWKE was published.
Ted appeared on numerous television and radio programs and was a featured speaker at associations, clubs, libraries and organizations across the country.
Ted traveled the world and lived in Italy, London, France, Palm Beach, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Maine. He last lived in a beloved 19th century farmhouse in Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 25, 2014
What Comes Around: An Alex Hawke Novella by Ted Bell is a February 2014 William Morrow Witness Impulse publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This novella or e-short could be numbered: Alex Hawke 7.5. The new Alex Hawke novel coming in April will be the 8th installment in the Alex Hawke series.
In this story a vendetta against old CIA contacts makes the case personal when an old friend of Hawke's is found dead. The death was ruled an accident but when another old CIA contact dies, suspicions are raised and an investigation reveals a rogue operative running from a murder charge may have a big chip on his shoulder.
This book is really short, but there is a nice preview of the next novel which will have you wishing for more.
For those unfamiliar with this series, Alex Hawke is a M16 operative, a 21st century James Bond type character. These are adventure/thrillers that appeal to a wide audience.
Overall this one gets a B+. I'm looking forward to getting to know Alex Hawke a little better.
This novella or e-short could be numbered: Alex Hawke 7.5. The new Alex Hawke novel coming in April will be the 8th installment in the Alex Hawke series.
In this story a vendetta against old CIA contacts makes the case personal when an old friend of Hawke's is found dead. The death was ruled an accident but when another old CIA contact dies, suspicions are raised and an investigation reveals a rogue operative running from a murder charge may have a big chip on his shoulder.
This book is really short, but there is a nice preview of the next novel which will have you wishing for more.
For those unfamiliar with this series, Alex Hawke is a M16 operative, a 21st century James Bond type character. These are adventure/thrillers that appeal to a wide audience.
Overall this one gets a B+. I'm looking forward to getting to know Alex Hawke a little better.
January 25, 2014
When Cam Hooker, retired CIA, goes out for his Sunday boat ride, he never thought he'd come to face his past. When Alex Hawke, MI6 operative, went on vacation in Bermuda, he never thought he'd be called to attend a friend's funeral and secretly investigate a series of possible murders. So much for relaxation.
Crisp and concise narrative accompanied by action guide the reader through this action and humor laced plot. Characters, while few, are strong enough to carry the story from start to finish.
Without giving too much away, I will just say this:
Overall, an enjoyable read.
Crisp and concise narrative accompanied by action guide the reader through this action and humor laced plot. Characters, while few, are strong enough to carry the story from start to finish.
Without giving too much away, I will just say this:
Overall, an enjoyable read.
November 28, 2016
This was an E-book short story that goes between Alexander Hawke books 7 and 8. It's been a while since I've read those, but the story line did come back as I remembered the characters involved. It seemed that the issue came to closure rather quickly and awkwardly, so was a bit unrealistic. Nice to fill in the gaps -- 4 out of 10 for me.
September 3, 2022
In preparation for next month's Warriors, the eighth full-length Alex Hawke adventure, What Comes Around is a short novella from Ted Bell that shows what happens when our favorite MI6 operative has a well-deserved vacation ruined by an ex-CIA agent's thirst for revenge.
It's been a long time since I've read an Alex Hawke novel, so it was nice to catch up with him on a small scale before the next book. This was an interesting read. It lacks the scope and scale of the adventures we're used to, but it still manages to capture the customary humour, adventure, and drama. It also raises some interesting questions about the spy trade itself, and about the ethics involved in the war on terrorism.
The plot here is simple - when high ranking officials with ties to the CIA start dying, each of them the victim of what seems to be an unfortunate accident, Alex Hawke sets himself out as bait for the killer. In an uncharacteristic twist, Alex goes into the situation far too cocky and far too relaxed, and ends up really having to battle for his life.
If you've never read an Alex Hawke adventure, this serves as a good introduction. He's very much a James Bond type hero, with a touch of Bruce Wayne thrown in, who balances action, politics, and personality in the sort of adventure that is sure to appeal to fans of Vince Flynn or Clive Cussler. What Comes Around is a fun, quick read, and a great way to whet the appetite for Warriors.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
It's been a long time since I've read an Alex Hawke novel, so it was nice to catch up with him on a small scale before the next book. This was an interesting read. It lacks the scope and scale of the adventures we're used to, but it still manages to capture the customary humour, adventure, and drama. It also raises some interesting questions about the spy trade itself, and about the ethics involved in the war on terrorism.
The plot here is simple - when high ranking officials with ties to the CIA start dying, each of them the victim of what seems to be an unfortunate accident, Alex Hawke sets himself out as bait for the killer. In an uncharacteristic twist, Alex goes into the situation far too cocky and far too relaxed, and ends up really having to battle for his life.
If you've never read an Alex Hawke adventure, this serves as a good introduction. He's very much a James Bond type hero, with a touch of Bruce Wayne thrown in, who balances action, politics, and personality in the sort of adventure that is sure to appeal to fans of Vince Flynn or Clive Cussler. What Comes Around is a fun, quick read, and a great way to whet the appetite for Warriors.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
September 19, 2024
What Comes Around (Alexander Hawke, #7.5) by Ted Bell is a fast-paced, action-packed novella featuring the charismatic spy Alexander Hawke. Hawke navigates a thrilling plot filled with intrigue and high stakes in this installment, showcasing Bell's knack for gripping storytelling and vivid settings. The pacing is brisk, making it a quick and entertaining read, perfect for fans of espionage and adventure. The blend of humor, clever dialogue, and suspense keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
August 24, 2018
Another Waste of Time and Money
Of the 190 pages only 92 are used for this short story. The remainder are dedicated to providing a preview of another of the author's books. It has no value to the Hawke series, you won't miss it if you skip it.
Of the 190 pages only 92 are used for this short story. The remainder are dedicated to providing a preview of another of the author's books. It has no value to the Hawke series, you won't miss it if you skip it.
July 5, 2023
This short story is my first Alexander Hawke book.
Sir Hawke is a very promising character and I'm definitely going to read other chapter of his saga.
Very curious to know how he started and Ted Bell writing style on a complete story.
Sir Hawke is a very promising character and I'm definitely going to read other chapter of his saga.
Very curious to know how he started and Ted Bell writing style on a complete story.
October 17, 2023
I wanted to give this a 1- or 2-star rating because it is a complete waste of time and money—the same chapters appear in book 9 (PATRIOT). I really despise this publisher practice. (As well as the practice of padding an e-novella edition with “sneak peeks” at other books.
December 29, 2017
Excellent lead in to the next Alex Hawke novel. Enjoy these writings.
May 14, 2018
Just enough action.
These two short books give you just enough action to want to keep reading the other Hawke books in the series.
These two short books give you just enough action to want to keep reading the other Hawke books in the series.
June 14, 2018
A shorter story than usual in this series but just as well written, readable and enjoyable as the rest. "An enjoyable snack for fans".
December 28, 2018
Great read.
Great read, and we'll developed characters who come to life in this fast paced story line and keep up the suspense to the very end.
Great read, and we'll developed characters who come to life in this fast paced story line and keep up the suspense to the very end.
August 10, 2019
Fair
It left you hanging. I really like the Alex Hawke series, but this novella had no climax. I would have liked to read the entire book, but didn't see that option.
It left you hanging. I really like the Alex Hawke series, but this novella had no climax. I would have liked to read the entire book, but didn't see that option.
November 24, 2020
The publisher
April 18, 2021
Read in one sitting, very short. Very good!
May 24, 2022
Fast paced, excellent short action story. However, If you plan on reading Bell’s “The Patriot”, skip this as the entire story is contained in Chapters 2-15 of the book.
October 4, 2024
I picked this up at the library for a quick read while waiting for my requests to come in. Should have read the newspaper instead:(
January 4, 2023
Too short!
May 28, 2014
Ted Bell brings back Lord Alexander Hawke in another great adventure to give the reader a taste of adventure while awaiting the upcoming full-length novel. When former high-ranking officials within the CIA die under suspicious circumstances, current Director Brick Kelly turns to Hawke for some insight and assistance. Hawke determines the deaths were well-planned vendetta murders and posits that a rogue agent left to fend for himself after a soured operation might be to blame. Aptly named Spider, this man works in the shadows and has a sordid history with Hawke. Tasked with coaxing him out of hiding and letting a proverbial web be spun around him, Hawke lures him out and leaves nothing on the table in this battle to the death. Good for a reader looking to bridge the gap between novels, but by no means a stellar read or as powerful as some of Bell's novels with the same cast of characters.
My tepid relationship with Bell's work appears to come from his less than stellar shorter stories. Hawke and his band of merry men have a decent ability to weave a decent story, though some of the writing is less than captivating. Hokey dialogue and jilted narration can sometimes make reading the series more of a headache than is worth the reader's time, even when the subject at hand is highly intriguing. That said, I have a guilty pleasure like for the stories, the characters, and even the less than mature dialogue. Still, I would not rank it as some of my favourite material.
Decent work, Mr. Bell, though I would have hoped you could bridge your novellas into the larger story lines of your full novels. That said, having yet to read Warriors, I cannot be sure you haven't done so.
My tepid relationship with Bell's work appears to come from his less than stellar shorter stories. Hawke and his band of merry men have a decent ability to weave a decent story, though some of the writing is less than captivating. Hokey dialogue and jilted narration can sometimes make reading the series more of a headache than is worth the reader's time, even when the subject at hand is highly intriguing. That said, I have a guilty pleasure like for the stories, the characters, and even the less than mature dialogue. Still, I would not rank it as some of my favourite material.
Decent work, Mr. Bell, though I would have hoped you could bridge your novellas into the larger story lines of your full novels. That said, having yet to read Warriors, I cannot be sure you haven't done so.
January 11, 2015
This was my first taste of reading anything written by Ted Bell and it was definitely a short and sweet adventure.
Obviously now knowing the character Alex Hawke from any of his previous novels, I was pleasantly surprised at how similar he seemed to be to a James Bond type character but with a bit more grit and less of the suave appeal that Bond has.
As this is only a very short novella, the storyline and action starts pretty much straight away and doesn't really stop until the end. There isn't much room for any 'filler' material and the reader gets a good taste of what is to come in the next instalment in the series.
What I liked about Hawke is that he is a very confident character, but also not without his flaws and Bell doesn't make him the perfect 'think of everything' hero like some others.
After reading What Comes Around I'm definitely interested in going back to the beginning and seeing how these stories begin and how Hawke's character develops along the way.
Obviously now knowing the character Alex Hawke from any of his previous novels, I was pleasantly surprised at how similar he seemed to be to a James Bond type character but with a bit more grit and less of the suave appeal that Bond has.
As this is only a very short novella, the storyline and action starts pretty much straight away and doesn't really stop until the end. There isn't much room for any 'filler' material and the reader gets a good taste of what is to come in the next instalment in the series.
What I liked about Hawke is that he is a very confident character, but also not without his flaws and Bell doesn't make him the perfect 'think of everything' hero like some others.
After reading What Comes Around I'm definitely interested in going back to the beginning and seeing how these stories begin and how Hawke's character develops along the way.
February 4, 2018
DO NOT BUY THIS NOVELLA if you are planning on continuing the series. It is actually the first several chapters of the book The Patriot. So if you're going to travel along with Alex Hawke and his escapades, save yourself the time and money, just go on to Warriors. You'll get to this story later.
If you're looking for a shortened tale, this is a good novella bringing in a man done wrong that wants revenge on those who did not come to his aid. This story brings in an "Oh, by the way, we never mentioned this before, but you should know this about Hawke" type scenario. It works out as well for the bad man named Spider as it does for anyone who tries to mess with Liam Neeson or his family.
If you're looking for a shortened tale, this is a good novella bringing in a man done wrong that wants revenge on those who did not come to his aid. This story brings in an "Oh, by the way, we never mentioned this before, but you should know this about Hawke" type scenario. It works out as well for the bad man named Spider as it does for anyone who tries to mess with Liam Neeson or his family.
August 21, 2014
Hawke novella is a good story that leads into an introduction to the next book, Warrior. In the novella, Hawke is faced with a rogue agent that is killing off high ranking people within the intelligence community. But more importantly, they are some of Hawke's friends. This is a quick but fun read for fans of the series.
April 8, 2016
A james bond type of hero with all the trappings; wealth, special drinks, large yachts, jet planes, etc and a master spy too. Absolutely unbelievable background, Lord Hawke has done everything in the world and he is only about 31. But put aside the disbelief and he is a fun read with some great co-actors to help him in his adventures. The entire series has been worth it.
February 17, 2014
A revenge novel. Spider, a Cia agent is left out in the cold by the bureaucrats. Convicted by the French and disavowed by his own Government he sets out to kill all of those who wronged him. Tightly written and short it is a good read
February 11, 2018
Hawke is on vacation in the Bahamas and is called to a funeral. There were other recent deaths that seem to much of a coincidence, so he investigates. It's a fun, if quick read that just wets your appetite for more Alex Hawke.
September 9, 2016
Glad this only took an hour to read, although I wouldn't recommend others waste their time. I'm not sure why Bell published this novella. It seems that he had a good concept going, but didn't want to spend the time to flesh it out. I'm hoping his new novel is much better.
February 14, 2015
This Alexander Hawke novella finds him investigating the death of one of his friends a former CIA director. As he and Ambrose find the link they invite the killer to Bermuda for a final showdown. OK read.
June 19, 2015
This book is really a "Novella." It is a short story that is OK, and in the tradition of Ted Bell's books. Alex Hawke is front and center and takes on an assaassin who is killing many ex high level intelligence offers.
July 9, 2015
This novella surprisingly brief. The actual story makes up about half the book. The other half is an excerpt from "Warriors".
I definitely would not give it an average rating of 3.8 as other readers have done.
The story itself is basically "okay", but nothing exceptional.
I definitely would not give it an average rating of 3.8 as other readers have done.
The story itself is basically "okay", but nothing exceptional.
September 28, 2015
A short novella which will give an insight to the characters involved in this series should you want to read the full length novels. The title speaks for itself. It's a great series that should be read in order.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews