Blood Brothers

Charlie Cooper Thrillers #3

by Mark Dawson

Charlie Cooper, a member of the covert Group Fifteen, travels to Israel to find his estranged half-brother, Freddy, who has mysteriously disappeared. Freddy's ties to NetGuardian, a cybersecurity firm implicated in dubious activities, propel Cooper into a dangerous web of corporate espionage, state-of-the-art surveillance technology, and the ruthless world of intelligence.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

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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 was a very quick and easy read/listen. We have met Charlie Cooper in the previous two books, but this book throws us right into the middle of his relationship with his half brother Freddy. I don't think that you really need to have read the prior books, but it IS important to understand the WHO and the WHAT that Group 15 is and how Charlie is able to do the things he does- with the skills that he seems to have - even if Group 15 is on the very periphery of this story.

For those of us that have come up through this series - starting WAY, WAY back with the introduction of John Milton and the many, many books in his series and then the recent introduction of Charlie Cooper - it is just fun to be able to be back in this world again.

This book - or in actuality just a short novella - has us following along as Charlie is adamant in his belief that something is wrong and that his brother is missing. He goes to Number One to ask for permission to go and look for his brother and the story starts from there.

I enjoyed this story. It was short and sweet and wrapped itself up with a very nice bow.

As usual, David Thorpe does a great job as the narrator (those of us who have followed the Jon Milton series have already fallen in love with him in that series).

Now we begin the wait for the next adventure.....

[Ken Karcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading Mark's work for some time now and become more impressed as his level of accomplishments grows. I have a theory that Charlie is integral to something in the greater framework of the world inhabited by Charlie, John Milton, and so many others. Charlie's stories are told in the past before Milton left the group, and Charlie hasn't been seen in the present day yet, so it would seem that his final demise might be a triggering factor for a future novel. I'm actually rooting for Charlie to survive in a profession where most people don't. The character is smart and loyal but thinks for himself, I'm very curious to see how this will play out. This story, on the other hand, was fantastic. We got backstory on our hero and found out he has a brother. It shouldn't come to any surprise that they are estranged, but the depths that he goes to help could possibly cost him his life. Only Mark Dawson could give us a tale of brotherly love, which includes the intelligence agencies of both the UK and Israel. It is an absolute pleasure to read a book this well written, and I look forward to enjoying many more of these. If you're new to Mr. Dawson's work you're in for a treat.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 / 5 ⭐️↗️

The third Charlie Cooper novella didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Cooper comes across as overwhelmed and uncoordinated, far from the capable, methodical operative we know from the earlier books. The story lacks engaging characters, and the plot feels more like a series of disconnected events rather than a cohesive narrative. Cooper seems to stumble from one step to the next, with little logic, strategic thinking or clever deduction tying it all together.

Let's hope this was a one-time slip up and Cooper will regain his sharpness in the next book.

[Sue Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, Sharp, Action Thriller.

Well written as always by this author. Complex but enlightening. Charlie’s step brother Freddy is missing, after finding out about Cyber crimes with the company he works for. Although they have drifted apart over the years their closeness when young drives Charlie on with plenty of memories of happy times with Freddy giving him much needed clues along the way with the help of his girlfriend Talia.
Enjoyed the ride and the story.

[Julie Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freddy is in trouble so his half brother Charlie Cooper will travel to Israel to find him. Charlie must use his skill set working for Group Fifteen to find out what Freddy was working on within the ruthless world of intelligence.

Well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook).:well paced novel with tension throughout. Good characters and plotline. They may not be close as brothers but family comes first.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, suspenseful, fast-paced thriller!

Another great book by Mark Dawson! Charlie Cooper is looking for his half brother after receiving texts from him asking for help. Mark Dawson takes the reader on a journey through subterfuge and surprises keeping your attention to see what will happen next. You do not want to miss reading this book. It is unputdownable! Happy reading! 😊

[Kevin Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Read.

Blood Brothers was another excellent read in the Charlie Cooper series, although only a short read it is certainly a page turner, short sharp chapters and non stop action are Mark Dawson trademarks and make for a action packed read. Very Highly recommended.

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

Brotherly Love makes for Distant Espionage

Group 15's Charlie Cooper receives a weird text from his rather estranged half brother. When he figures it out, he begs a leave. Group 15 doesn't do leaves of absence. Hess figures his half brother needs him and is given a couple of days - without Group resources.

[Manfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Cooper gets a mysterious call for help from his half-brother, whom he hadn't spoken to in years. He travels to Israel to find him and gets drawn in a dangerous game of corporate espionage. Another good novella about Charlie Cooper.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie Cooper book 3. Group Fifteen. Control. All the perfect ingredients for a roller coaster of a read.
Charlie is not Milton, and a short story doesn't have the time for in-depth plots, but nonetheless, this was a hugely enjoyable read

[David Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it a lot

Charlie Cooper is growing on me. I am a huge John Milton fan, but I like Charlie's style and will be reading the future books that come out. This is a great twisting story!! Read on...

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Short Story

I have read all Marks books and was pleasantly surprised to find this one. Great characters and a storyline that moved at a fast pace. Also a book that you can read in one sitting. Looking forward to reading Upper Cut which I have also purchased.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Definitely worth a read, especially if you like Mark’s other work but are after something a little shorter to read over an evening or two, then this and the other Charlie Cooper thrillers will be right up your street.

[Vlad Valeyev · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the weakest in Milton / Cooper series

The whole plot is pretty weak with logical holes and jumps. The characters are flat and unimpressive. The only thing that is transparent is the author's dislike of Israel...

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because the story does not revolve around a Cooper's job, rather it was about getting his brother out of hot water. If filled in a lot of back story and still had enough thrills to make for an excellent story.

[carl clause · Rating 5 out of 5]

CC1

As always Mark this was great !!! Charlie has some groveling to do to Control but he did the right thing. 10 stars plus !!!!!! Thanks,Carl Clause

[William Macdonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, but the book seems very short.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent third book in this series! A must read.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice brief story.

[alexander silagin · Rating 2 out of 5]

not so good

Boring and not really entertaining or engaging. Dull and predictable . Not worth spending your time or money to read it

[david p. holmgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn Good Story

I wish it was longer- book length. My first read of a Charlie Cooper story, and I need to find the others.
Please, Mark- do more along this thread.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just so so short novel with Charlie Cooper going to help his brother in Tel Aviv. Not much stress or suspense.

[Frank Witmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a quick read. From start to finish, I did not want to put the book down. Great addition to the Charlie Cooper series. Cannot wait for book #4!

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

Starts out well, and runs along nicely. But ends abruptly. Seemed like a bit of filler to keep readers on the line for the next one in the series.

[john parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

page turner

John Milton was V Good…Mr.Cooper is another great character.
Enjoy reading these books…you feel like a pal of Charlie…just jogging along…looking forward to next one

[edwardrosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

This holds me over until the recovering
alcoholic assassin comes up. Always waiting for Milton to show up. Thank you

[Taju Noor · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read and the appearance of Ziggy Penn is always fun.

[Max Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but a bit short and came to a bit of an abrupt end!

[Michelle Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read. A very good read. A Mark Dawson read. Almost a short story but well done. Three stars.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok, not cliff hanging or to die for. I thought it was a good rad but that’s about it. 4