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Steve Regan Undercover Cop #4

Redemption: A Steve Regan Undercover Cop Thriller

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Retired UK cop Steve Regan and his son Marco find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the Mob after Marco is recruited by his father's old friend, Dr Marco Lusardi.

With the Mob on their tail, Steve and Marco must use their wits and cunning to survive. But as they delve deeper into the web of lies and deceit, they soon find that the stakes are higher than ever before.

Will Steve and Marco be able to find their way out alive? Find out in this thrilling story of crime, corruption, and survival.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

3 people want to read

About the author

Stephen Bentley

54 books269 followers
Stephen Bentley is an award-winning author. Of his Operation Julie true crime book, screenwriter and novelist, writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama, Rob Gittins, said, "The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there.”

Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”

Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.

He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.

He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.

You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info

His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.

Stephen Bentley's book recommendations

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5 stars
22 (68%)
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8 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Ann.
1,941 reviews32 followers
September 13, 2024
I enjoyed this fast-paced, action-packed, and tragic audiobook of betrayal, fight- for their lives of father and son to bring down a crime syndicate. Steve Schaeffer well narrated this psychological thriller.
Profile Image for Kay Castaneda.
Author 4 books27 followers
June 26, 2024
Retired UK cop Steve Regan and his son Marco team up to bring down the vicious Lombardi cartel in New York. Regan comes out of retirement to help Marco, whom the Mob is looking for. With help from Detective Chen, an NYPD criminal detective, and Mina, Marco's former girlfriend, they join together on a mission to see justice served. The story has some family scenes where Steve assures Marco that his deceased mother would be proud of the man he's become. Redemption is a fast-paced thriller with non-stop action. I enjoyed reading the latest edition of this series.

Redemption is Book 4 in The Steve Regan Undercover Cop Thrillers Series. Author Stephen Bentley is a former UK police Detective Sergeant, pioneering undercover cop, and barrister. He is now a freelance writer of crime novels. He also writes paranormal cozy mysteries under the pen name KJ Cornwall.
1,309 reviews16 followers
March 22, 2024
Love, family, and justice prevail in this dramatic, vividly portrayed story. Your pulse will quicken in this no holds barred, high powered novel. Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Sandy Grant.
106 reviews2 followers
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August 30, 2024
All of the Matt Deal series have been page turners and this is no exception. However, this book was different for me....Jimmie, aka, Walter was my son. In real life he was a biker, it was what got him killed, however he was never an outlaw. In reality he was a great computer geek and a certified project manager in healthcare. He worked hard, just like Walter. And just like Walter he felt strongly about standing up for truth and justice.

Despite an IQ well above average he was not a reader, at least not of fiction. He did however read the first Matt Deal book that Stephen Bentley wrote me into. He told me he absolutely enjoyed it. I know that he would have enjoyed this book and how he was portrayed.

As other reviewers have mentioned, Matt Deal stays somewhat in the background of this story, supporting Walter in his fight for justice. He is not out of the picture though, just working in a different capacity.

If you're looking for a feel good book in this crazy world of killing and maiming, this is for you. 5 stars for storyline, intensity, and characters.

Bringing myself to read this book was difficult but I am really glad I did. The author created a great storyline that could be real life. Because of this you're kept turning page after page wondering how Walter will ever be able to find the justice he so desperately seeks.

Thank you Stephen Bentley for honoring my beloved son with your excellent writing skills and a great suspense book. Well done my friend.

P.S. As Stephen pointed out in his comments, we did talk about this book long before it became a reality. Although I didn't know everything (he left me a few wonderful surprises which I thoroughly enjoyed) he was very caring and considerate throughout this whole process. It really was a work of love and admiration not an exploitation or gimmick as some negative nellies might try to suggest.
Profile Image for Kathleen Riggs.
592 reviews19 followers
March 19, 2024
A Fast-Paced Action Pack Read
Redemption by Steven Bentley is book 4 in this series. This a fast-paced book about a retired British undercover police officer Steve Regan, and his son Marco who find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse against the Mob after Marco is recruited by his father’s old friend Dr Marco Lusardi.
The risks and challenges the pair face brings them both closer together after Marco fight and recovery from a heroin addiction and his father who exudes pride of him whist protecting him as they both pit their wits to survive fighting together against the mob. I read this book in one sitting, and I highly recommend this book to readers who love a fast-paced non stop action-packed book.
This book is the first fiction book that I have read by Steven Bentley which is excellently written. This book will certainly not disappoint readers who love a good action packed read. Thank you to Steven Bentley for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.





Profile Image for Ink.
842 reviews21 followers
July 1, 2024
Redemption by Steve Bentley and narrated by Steve Schaeffer is Book 4 in the Steve Regan Undercover Cop Thrillers and by eckers, it is a cracking good advertiesment to also listen to the previous 3 as it is brilliant!

Steve Schaeffer has the perfect voice for this genre; smooth, the man of few words trope. Strong, yet genial and relatable, perfect

A father, Steve Regan. The Son, a recovering addict, Marco. A mob and a belter of a sidekick in Det. Chen, this was utterly gripping. I am not going to give away the conclusion, I will let you enjoy it. Suffice to say, I am rapt and will be getting the other 3 on audible asap! Highly recommended for P.I/ Detective/ Mob thriller lovers!

Thank you to StoryOrigin, Stephen Bentley and the narrator Steven Scheaffer for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Gazelle.
847 reviews10 followers
August 20, 2024
I thought I was going to be a little lost in this one I started listening because I haven’t listened to any of the other’s by this author. I almost stopped and went in search if there were other books before this I needed to read although I hadn’t seen that indicated. Anyway I kept listening since I was outside and doing some work. I’m glad I did because (I felt like even though I love more background I can go back and find the other books) I was able to catch up and follow the story easily. I really enjoyed the action-packed audiobook that kept me engaged and waiting to see what happened next. I felt like the narrator did a great job. Marco teams up with his dad in this fast paced book to take down mobsters but it’s no easy feat when you don’t know who you can trust!
2,054 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2025
Audiobook: I was entertained by this fourth book in the series. Although this story took place years later, I felt for Steve as he was still dealing with the aftermath from his last assignment. I felt for his son who had issues of his own. I liked that this story brought them together and that they had to learn to depend on one another in order to survive. I was thrilled by the almost non-stop action. I was surprised by some of the twists. I liked some of the new characters that were introduced. I enjoyed Steve Schaeffer's narration as his performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
1,468 reviews30 followers
March 22, 2024
The Secret - An interesting and quickly read story. Well written with good characters, interesting story lines and believable dialog. Source: My Kindle library. 4*

Redemption - Somewhat interesting with a bit of redundancies but this story did not hold my interest. I liked The Secret, the first book of this series, but Redemption, and Comfort Zone, were difficult for me to read. I stopped after fifty percent with CZ. I ended up skimming Redemption because it was an ARC. I found it an average story that did not immerse me with the story lines nor did I care about the characters. The dialog in places was awkward, simplistic. Source: The author, ARC. 3*
85 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2024
This is a fast paced book. You will like the family aspect. It starts at the Orphanage that his wife started before her death. Steve is there working to make sure it makes it. He is contacted by a doctor who has treated his son for addiction. The doctor lets Steve know the mob is out to get his son because he didn't kill someone. Steve then heads out to help his son and bring down the mob. You will have a hard time putting this book down, because the pace never slows and you want to find out what is going on.
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
839 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2024
This book is a completely action-packed and quick-paced thriller that will keep you swiping the pages of your Kindle as you perch on the edge of your seat. Reagan reunites with his estranged son to kick some butt and take no prisoners! No spoilers in this review, just know that if cop thrillers are your thing, you don't want to miss this.
This book can be read as a standalone, but you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not reading the others if you haven't already.
This book, like the others, does not disappoint and you'll be pleased with the book and the purchase. Highly recommend.
1,029 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2024
Intense, fast-paced thriller.

A thriller that drew me in immediately and kept me enthralled from cover to cover. Stephen Bentley is a talented author who cleverly weaved together a story of joy, hope, despair, aggression and determination into this intense, fast-paced thriller. A must-read thriller that I highly recommend!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily leaving this review.
1,786 reviews24 followers
July 3, 2024
Another action packed thriller from Stephen Bentley. Steve Regan pairs up with his son against the mafia.

I was gifted an Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. I felt the narration was just so-so. The narrator did not put any excitement into this exciting thriller. It has lots of violence, lots of action that sounded just too flat. I rate him 3 stars because I do like his voice.
435 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2024
Steve, a retired undercover cop, has to extricate his estranged son, Marco, from the grip of the Mob who wants him dead. There's plenty of action and thrills as he dismantles the Mob in order to keep his family safe. This is an action-packed, roller coaster ride. Looking forward to the next adventure.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews54 followers
May 26, 2024
A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. Interesting, pulse-pounding plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
3,220 reviews47 followers
June 12, 2024
Amazing narration from Steve Schaeffer, who brings out the action and drama.

Steve Regan used to be undercover police officer.is reunited with his former junkie son Marco. Both want to end the Mob's grip on the city. With Detective Chen they take down one mobster after another. Soon they confront the top man and it leads to a violent and bloody conclusion. This book is action packed.
526 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2024
This is a cracking thriller full of action from start to finish. Family versus the Mob, there was only one winner surely.can’t you tell the previous employment of this author coming to the fore. I was utterly and completely engrossed from first page to the last. Highly recommended.
6,031 reviews45 followers
July 4, 2024
Through many challenges, Steve finds solutions to bad folks connected to troubles in New York, Thailand and elsewhere.

In the children in the orphanage, and in the person's of his own children, he finds possibilities for redemption and hope .

Bittersweet and imperfect and not without pain.
Profile Image for Beth Helm.
1,089 reviews
January 12, 2025
I loved this book. This book had tons of action and adventure. The twists and turns kept coming. Well worth the lack of sleep.
Profile Image for Laurie Robertson.
890 reviews22 followers
October 5, 2025
Although not quite as good as some of the preceding episodes, it still kept me fully engaged with plenty of action and twists to the storyline. Looks like Marcus has found his niche.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
June 3, 2024
Loved this newest book in the Steve Regan Undercover Cop series! Can't wait for the next one.
685 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2024
An exciting story of an ex policeman and his son fighting evil. An edge of the seat page turner.
Profile Image for Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews).
1,313 reviews24 followers
June 9, 2024
If you're looking for deep character development and multi-layered complex plotting then this is not going to scratch that itch... BUT, if your looking for an all action, frantic paced thriller that doesn't pull it's punches then this is just the thing.

Steve Regan (pronounced Raygun) is forced to team up with his estranged and former junkie son Marco when said son gets himself involved with the Mob. Can Steve (and Marco) extricate themselves from the life threatening situation and bring down the the Mob bosses and their corrupt network. Can they also heal the family rift that has developed between them.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Plenty of action and tension as the pair go face to face with various gangster goons and bosses. The Steve Regan novels are great for those days when you just want to read something with plenty going on but without having to unravel complex plots.
Profile Image for Brian Porter.
299 reviews18 followers
June 2, 2024
A violent end to a great series

This was a welcome return to action for Steve Regan. This time he finds himself teaming up with his former junkie son Marco, in a fight to end the Mob's grip on the city. Aided by ex-junkie girlfriend and Steve's good friend, Detective Chen they systematically take down one mobster after another, until they finally confront the top man and his personal squad of bodyguards. Everything leads to a final, violent and bloody conclusion. Will it lead to a happy ever after conclusion? No spoilers from me, except to say that as always the author is great at ramping up the tension and keeping his readers turning page after page to see what happens next. Great writing as always, 5 big stars from me.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,163 reviews75 followers
May 30, 2024
A riveting read from start to finish. Engaging, thriller of a realistic , action packed story. A real cat and mouse read. Steve Reagan puts his family values first and foremost and no matter what he teams up with his son to turn the mob world on its head…. Gritty and suspenseful, high energy and heart racing story. On point realistic, immersive narrative with vivid descriptors that build the story well and hold your attention . A true masterpiece . I was forwarded this book and my review is written voluntarily in my own words
459 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2024
Gory fast moving sequel.
There's been quite a long time since the first three books in this series, but now at last we have the follow up. Ex-undercover cop Steve Regan is reunited with his estranged son and together they embark on a path of revenge to get redemption, hence the title,
It's action packed and the pace is unrelenting with extreme violence and a high body count.
Stephen Bentley has maintained the high standard of the previous books.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,667 reviews28 followers
September 8, 2024
Redemption: A Steve Regan Undercover Cop Thriller (Steve Regan Undercover Cop Thrillers Book 4), my eleventh read from author Stephen Bentley, a 243-page thriller. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I own 13 other books by this author and look forward to reading more from him. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Tina.
1,298 reviews9 followers
May 30, 2024
😳

Steve Regan teams up with his son Marco in this fast paced action adventure.
Book 4 is a thrill ride that doesn't let up.
Regan doesn't disappoint and if you mess with his family you better watch out.
1,688 reviews27 followers
May 30, 2024
Steve Ragan and his late wife had dedicated their lives to helping the orphans .   There is a lot going on with his life. A action packed full of suspense  read which is very intriguing. I received this ARC copy  via Storyorigin and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
Profile Image for Marmalade .
501 reviews
March 22, 2024
The 4th book in the series and it was great to see Steve Reagan back and doing what he does best. Can't wait to see what adventures await him next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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