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Mike Delaney Thriller #1.1
One False Move
Ex US assassin, ex Hong Kong Police, ex esoteric monk, Irish-American Mike Delaney, is forced to offer his life in place of his kidnapped wheelchair bound friend Bob Messenger and his daughter. Delaney has just four hours to locate and rescue them from the hands of a crazed escapee, a figure from his past, hell bent on turning the wheelchair into an electric chair and wreaking revenge on Mike Delaney.
A short story exclusive.
A short story exclusive.
- GenresShort Stories
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2013
156 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
David Callinan
26 books133 followersDavid Callinan is Anglo-Irish, born into a family from Limerick in the west of Ireland who grew up in the UK. After a spell at art school, early years saw a host of jobs from telegraphist to salesman – before discovering music. After busking all over Europe he rediscovered Irish music and formed The Spalpeens playing all over the UK, Europe and Ireland touring with The Dubliners, Sweeney's Men, The Chieftains and many others.
He appeared in films such as The Lion In Winter (Peter O'Toole, Katherine Hepburn) and Sinful Davey (John Hurt) and scores of television advertisements (was even directed by the late, great John Huston).
Later, he formed Urban Clearway, touring and performing with artists such as Elton John, Billy Connolly, Rod Stewart and Long John Baldry.
He co-wrote a Celtic rock opera for the Edinburgh Festival. 'Pucka-Ri' starred a young Pierce Brosnan and became one of the hits of the Fringe, before transferring to the Arts Theatre in London.
Latterly, an earlier spacey, folk-rock album, Freedom's Lament, recorded by Callinan-Flynn, has emerged as a highly sought after title on the Internet – and new wave Irish chanteur Sean Tyrrell has recorded a number of his songs on recent albums.
He began to write seriously, producing a string of screenplays and novels, the first of which, 'Fortress Manhattan' was published by Gollancz (Orion) and the '10-Minute Miracle' by HarperCollins.
Current books include thrillers: 'The Immortality Plot'; 'Knife Edge'; 'Bodyswitch' and 'An Angel On My Shoulder'.
He has written the YA fantasy trilogy, 'The Kingdoms Of Time And Space' and a chapter series for 7-10 year olds, 'The Weather Kids'.
He appeared in films such as The Lion In Winter (Peter O'Toole, Katherine Hepburn) and Sinful Davey (John Hurt) and scores of television advertisements (was even directed by the late, great John Huston).
Later, he formed Urban Clearway, touring and performing with artists such as Elton John, Billy Connolly, Rod Stewart and Long John Baldry.
He co-wrote a Celtic rock opera for the Edinburgh Festival. 'Pucka-Ri' starred a young Pierce Brosnan and became one of the hits of the Fringe, before transferring to the Arts Theatre in London.
Latterly, an earlier spacey, folk-rock album, Freedom's Lament, recorded by Callinan-Flynn, has emerged as a highly sought after title on the Internet – and new wave Irish chanteur Sean Tyrrell has recorded a number of his songs on recent albums.
He began to write seriously, producing a string of screenplays and novels, the first of which, 'Fortress Manhattan' was published by Gollancz (Orion) and the '10-Minute Miracle' by HarperCollins.
Current books include thrillers: 'The Immortality Plot'; 'Knife Edge'; 'Bodyswitch' and 'An Angel On My Shoulder'.
He has written the YA fantasy trilogy, 'The Kingdoms Of Time And Space' and a chapter series for 7-10 year olds, 'The Weather Kids'.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 11, 2017
ONE FALSE MOVE is a short story prequel to THE IMMORTALITY PLOT, featuring Mike Delaney. Delaney is an ex-cop and a member of the esoteric Brothers of Life. He is also a member of the website confess-confess. The site has as army of amateur volunteer investigators bent on exposing scams, crimes, political cover ups. Both organized crime and government departments are not happy with this website.
The founder of confess-confess is Bob Messenger, Delaney's ex partner when they were both employed by the Hong Kong police. Bob and his 15-year-old daughter, Pandora, have been kidnapped by one Julius Schipp -- a man that Delaney (as the Monk) put away for grooming and abducting very young girls.
Schipp is hell bent on taking Delaney down.
Delaney is a great character - he's a pacifist, but will kill when he has to. He is loyal to his family and friends. Messenger is wheel-chair bound, so being held captive is mighty frustrating for him -- especially as he is helpless to protect his daughter.
Delaney is on a timer ... will he find them in time? Will he be able to save his friend?
Well-written, although there were a few grammatical errors, but not enough to take away my enjoyment of reading. There are several Delaney books available. For a short story, this one was full of substance and I'd like to see more of Delaney's personal history.
NOTE: As of today (2/10/17) this short story is free on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
The founder of confess-confess is Bob Messenger, Delaney's ex partner when they were both employed by the Hong Kong police. Bob and his 15-year-old daughter, Pandora, have been kidnapped by one Julius Schipp -- a man that Delaney (as the Monk) put away for grooming and abducting very young girls.
Schipp is hell bent on taking Delaney down.
Delaney is a great character - he's a pacifist, but will kill when he has to. He is loyal to his family and friends. Messenger is wheel-chair bound, so being held captive is mighty frustrating for him -- especially as he is helpless to protect his daughter.
Delaney is on a timer ... will he find them in time? Will he be able to save his friend?
Well-written, although there were a few grammatical errors, but not enough to take away my enjoyment of reading. There are several Delaney books available. For a short story, this one was full of substance and I'd like to see more of Delaney's personal history.
NOTE: As of today (2/10/17) this short story is free on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
March 30, 2018
Interesting thriller when Bob Messenger and his daughter Pandora are kidnapped. What the abductor really wants though is detective Mike Delaney. Readers follow along in a well written plot of suspense. The writing is well done in this short read that is a teaser for more to come.
February 19, 2020
"Small is beautiful"
Action-packed. Great characters. Not many pages, but good value. It does exactly what it says on the tin.
Action-packed. Great characters. Not many pages, but good value. It does exactly what it says on the tin.
April 15, 2018
One False Move - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Ex-cop, retired PI Mike Delaney, (aka the Monk), is drawn into a case after his disabled cop ex-partner, Bob Messenger's wife Laura makes a panicked call to the Monastery he's meditating at.
Both Bob and the couple's young daughter Pandora have been kidnapped by a paedophile pornographer, who's escaped from his San Quentin prison cell.
What does the kidnapper want as ransom? Why? Where were the family when the kidnap took place? What is their business called- and how has it affected the kidnapper?
Where are the Messengers being held prisoner? How will Delaney find the right place unseen?
What is special about Bob's wheelchair? When are he and Delaney able to escape with Pandora?
This all-action thriller is a great introduction to Mike Delaney and David Callinan skillfully portrays fully-rounded and engaging characters, who develop through the story and bring it to a shattering climax, that will stay in the reader's mind for a long time to come - more please!
Ex-cop, retired PI Mike Delaney, (aka the Monk), is drawn into a case after his disabled cop ex-partner, Bob Messenger's wife Laura makes a panicked call to the Monastery he's meditating at.
Both Bob and the couple's young daughter Pandora have been kidnapped by a paedophile pornographer, who's escaped from his San Quentin prison cell.
What does the kidnapper want as ransom? Why? Where were the family when the kidnap took place? What is their business called- and how has it affected the kidnapper?
Where are the Messengers being held prisoner? How will Delaney find the right place unseen?
What is special about Bob's wheelchair? When are he and Delaney able to escape with Pandora?
This all-action thriller is a great introduction to Mike Delaney and David Callinan skillfully portrays fully-rounded and engaging characters, who develop through the story and bring it to a shattering climax, that will stay in the reader's mind for a long time to come - more please!
March 18, 2018
This is a short story, a thriller with Mike Delaney as the main character. Mike has many talents from his past life and we learn about some of these as the story progresses. Mike helped to set up a website called confess-confess with his friend, wheelchair bound, after saving Mikes life some years ago.
Now Mike’s friend has been kidnapped as well as his friend’s daughter. What the kidnapper wants is unclear and Mike has only four hours to save his friends. He tells the kidnapper he will swop his life for his friend’s daughter being released.
An exciting and action packed short story with Mike Delaney, which just whets your appetite for yet another Delaney story and more full length books. I can’t wait to read some more of the author’s books. Thoroughly enjoyable reads!
Now Mike’s friend has been kidnapped as well as his friend’s daughter. What the kidnapper wants is unclear and Mike has only four hours to save his friends. He tells the kidnapper he will swop his life for his friend’s daughter being released.
An exciting and action packed short story with Mike Delaney, which just whets your appetite for yet another Delaney story and more full length books. I can’t wait to read some more of the author’s books. Thoroughly enjoyable reads!
April 14, 2019
The Monk to the rescue.
This is a quite satisfying little short story. The author introduces an unusual character and immediately drops him into a life or death struggle to rescue his friends. The villains' trap appears inescapable and the reader is caught up in attempting to determine how this can be accomplished. The story is too short; it deserves a fuller treatment and more backstory. However, it is very entertaining just as is. Recommended.
This is a quite satisfying little short story. The author introduces an unusual character and immediately drops him into a life or death struggle to rescue his friends. The villains' trap appears inescapable and the reader is caught up in attempting to determine how this can be accomplished. The story is too short; it deserves a fuller treatment and more backstory. However, it is very entertaining just as is. Recommended.
April 10, 2018
Exciting Hero
This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I will be reading more of his books. I liked the way that the characters are rounded and believable. I thought that this book had a lot of promise. I was given this book, but I am giving an unbiased review voluntarily.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I will be reading more of his books. I liked the way that the characters are rounded and believable. I thought that this book had a lot of promise. I was given this book, but I am giving an unbiased review voluntarily.
March 27, 2019
This story was so memorable I had to go back to it on my Kindle this morning just to remember what it was that I read last night. There is a lot of promise and potential, but it left me flat. Way too predictable which takes away from the potential for drama and suspense. The editing is clean and I will definitely try more by this author on the hopes that this one was just a failure for me.
February 16, 2021
Calamity at Confess-Confess
One False Move is shorter than the other Delaney books, but it's not short on action and thrills. One of the founders of Confess-Confess has been kidnapped by a convicted human trafficker, along with his teenage daughter. The convicted wants to draw Delaney out...which is yet another mistake.
One False Move is shorter than the other Delaney books, but it's not short on action and thrills. One of the founders of Confess-Confess has been kidnapped by a convicted human trafficker, along with his teenage daughter. The convicted wants to draw Delaney out...which is yet another mistake.
November 3, 2017
This is a novella I think. It's not a short story and , for me , not a novel length. This is after the Immortality Plot as Mike Delancy is established as Monk. As usual David Callinan has delivered a brilliant thriller.
September 1, 2019
Short story, quick read,
Mike Delaney is called in to help an old partner who has been kidnapped along with his daughter. In 2 hours, Mike rescues them both and returns an escaped sex-trade operator to prison. Not the most exciting book I have read this week.
Mike Delaney is called in to help an old partner who has been kidnapped along with his daughter. In 2 hours, Mike rescues them both and returns an escaped sex-trade operator to prison. Not the most exciting book I have read this week.
July 31, 2017
This was an ok book just really short
January 1, 2018
Short story short .....interesting characters, good story, believable action and it gets you some appetite to get more !
January 21, 2018
A good slick fast paced action thriller delivered in a short story. It was great. Loved the scenario and the characters. Love the monk.
April 7, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
October 17, 2018
This is a fast paced hi action thriller that will leave you wanting more and hopefully the story line can continue in another book. I Loved it!!!
January 16, 2019
Boring
Don't bother with this book it was like reading a comic book sorry Mike Delaney I hope there is adventure out there not with this book
Don't bother with this book it was like reading a comic book sorry Mike Delaney I hope there is adventure out there not with this book
July 27, 2019
Was good
Could have started out better. Was a good story but wanted it to be longer. More bask ground info and character description
Could have started out better. Was a good story but wanted it to be longer. More bask ground info and character description
February 3, 2021
Loved this one! Will definitely be adding David Callinan and the Mike Delaney series to my reading list!
May 6, 2021
Short intro to Mike Delaney. Don't cross Delaney and don't threaten his friends or daughter
November 2, 2022
short story filled with action and missing people, I liked the ending
March 14, 2017
A Good Read
This was an exciting book that kept me reading until the end. I couldn't put the book down. David Callinan has a nice smooth writing style that makes you want to read more. The plot was great and I didn't want the book to end. I will continue reading this author because he knows how to keep the reader involved. Start reading this book. You won't want to put it down.
This was an exciting book that kept me reading until the end. I couldn't put the book down. David Callinan has a nice smooth writing style that makes you want to read more. The plot was great and I didn't want the book to end. I will continue reading this author because he knows how to keep the reader involved. Start reading this book. You won't want to put it down.
May 4, 2017
Mike Delaney tries to save his friend Bob Messanger and Bob's daughter, after they're kidnapped. The kidnapper only wants one thing in return for their freedom - Mike Delaney! Can he find them and save them all in time?
An excellent read for all Mike Delaney fans, with the characters we love, lots of action and adventure. A great read.
An excellent read for all Mike Delaney fans, with the characters we love, lots of action and adventure. A great read.
April 21, 2016
As a short story, One False Move introduces intriguing characters, reveals hints of backstory and motivation, and sets up some nicely contrasting situations where the characters interact. Protagonist Delaney is “a trained assassin and veteran of ... bruising fighting contests in the South-East Asia games,” but he has vowed to kill no more. In this, he resembles other fictional, well-skilled but personally-private characters who save others while hiding their pain. And in this story Delaney's closest friend is a friend in need.
Graphic, well-staged violence drives the story, but there’s enough depth of character to keep it interesting, and enough well-hinted backstory to make readers want to know more. Dialog is quick and informative, and the protagonist’s skills are nicely displayed, ready for more and longer books in the series.
The second half of this ebook offers a lengthy look ahead to what’s to come, but the first half is a good fast short story and a fun read.
Disclosure: I found a copy on my kindle and wanted a short read. I offer my honest review.
Graphic, well-staged violence drives the story, but there’s enough depth of character to keep it interesting, and enough well-hinted backstory to make readers want to know more. Dialog is quick and informative, and the protagonist’s skills are nicely displayed, ready for more and longer books in the series.
The second half of this ebook offers a lengthy look ahead to what’s to come, but the first half is a good fast short story and a fun read.
Disclosure: I found a copy on my kindle and wanted a short read. I offer my honest review.
January 4, 2017
This short story barely falls short of its premise. Even ten more pages could strengthen the depth of these characters and endorse their history to entangle the reader into the fast-paced thriller.
March 31, 2017
2 much action, 2 little intrigue, Still A good read. This is A short story with swift intrigue. The dificulty in a short story of "tell enough, but not to much" (balanced story) is quite clear here, so it features more moves than dialogue. The characters portrayed in this story are the ones that followers of the series knows as "The Monk" and Messenger. In the full lenght books they are more well balanced, and the emotional aspect that are clearly present (and making the full lengths so amazing) are sadly not found here. It is still a good read dont get me wrong, its just not as appealing to me when its more action and fights and less dialogue. It may be so that since the brain is the largest thinking organ (despite some men stating the opposite), I as a female reader get my kicks on the sapiosexual side and not so much on the testosterone or martial arts side.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews