Fishers of Men

by Rob Lewis

This is a true account of secret operations carried out by the British Army's most clandestine unit- the Force Research Unit. Through the author's own experiences, the story of an essential instrument in the fight against terrorism, that of covert intelligence gathering, is told.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Ireland, Biography, True Crime

247 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 1999

Reviews

[Magdalaena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several points must be made about this book in order to manage expectations.
This book is not:
A) a thriller
B) full of superheroes tiptoeing on clandestine missions ending in spectacular victories
C)fast paced and gripping narrative full twists and turns

This book was approved by security and military forces therefore everything written is factually correct. It is not however identifiable by date, location or personal details. It mustn’t be. The book covers past but that past is quite often in the present of people described in this book. We talk about real people, real lives that are at stake. Complaining about lack of details is plain stupid and proves someone has no idea about the subject.

This book is funny. It describes some hilarious events, situations and people. It describes life in extremely difficult times, in an extremely complicated place and amongst people with force of conviction inconceivable for normal citizens.

It describes desk jockeys, soulless civil servants, general boredom of certain situations, alcohol consumption, lack of respect for green machine, long hair and scruffy clothing. And loads and loads of displacement of expectations.

I wish it had a bit more background information so it was more accessible for people with smaller knowledge of NI conflict. Certain events are mentioned without description and yes, you can Google them, but it would enrich narration to give more context.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rarely have I read a book where so little happens over so many pages. This did not live up to expectations. It's a perfectly readable book, and by no means bad, but it's also not good. No doubt censorship played its part, but there was very little in here that made me sit up and think "bloody hell!" A disappointment because my expectations were raised by the dust cover summary. A far cry from the excellent "Say Nothing", which I read earlier this year. Final thought....I would rather have spent my time reading something else.

[Steve Weights · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing read

Although probably factually accurate, the author has struggled to detach himself from the facts. It reads like a story rather than a compelling narrative. I felt throughout that the author really 'fancied himself' and much of the content was him complaining about or being critical of his colleagues and superiors.
I spent many years in the Forces and served over 4 years in Northern Ireland, some of which during the period covered by this book.

[Thomass G.R. Bürger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 100th book! Hooray! 🎉

Honestly, I was wondering what book it would be and I am glad it was this one.

Now for the review; I would say that this to me is a 4.7⭐️. Now, keep in mind that I am unapologetically biased. The way Rob Lewis writes is just very appealing to me and reminds me of how I would write a book if ever my life was even remotely that interesting.

He is able to write with ease in a way that is relateable to the reader, especially towards any military members, and even moreso to those with similar aspirations to him in the book. I was able to read this book without ever feeling confused or as if it dragged on.

I have mentioned in a previous review of 'Stakeknife' that this book and author was mentioned in a seemingly derogative way, but honestly, 'Fishers of Men' was just so much better and alot more relateable. This is saying this after I have a bad expectation if the book from having read Stakeknife first.

All in all, I recommend this book to any military personnel that is interesting in the Intelligence and/or SF world.

[andrew davey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I challenge you to find something that actually happens in this book.Goes to show what an average career the author managed to carve himself.Just how many times can he tell you how to carry a Heckler & Koch machine gun in your car safely?One big yawn and couldn’t wait to finish it.
Even the photos were boring.
Poor.

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook...no thrills and spills in this book if you expect them, just the story of a soldier and his journey into the British Army, and posting to Northern Ireland.

[Scott McPherson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given the subject matter I thought I'd enjoy this but it just didn't click. I'm sure everything is factually accurate and I do not doubt that Rob Lewis has served his country with distinction and had been into some tense situations, but a lot of the book was just plain boring. I feel like he focused too much on his early upbringing and training, and just rattled off facts in chronological order with no ability to make the narrative interesting. I also feel like a lot of it was bigging himself up and putting himself on a higher level than his colleagues and superiors.

Not the best war memoir I've read.

[Wayne Hill · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most boring books I've read.
Was really expecting something better.

[Tony Westhead · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sorry to say that this is the most boring book I have ever had the misfortune to buy. I read it right to the end in the hope that something of interest might come up but it never did.

[Trae Mitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting look into the life of an intelligence officer stationed in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Lots of information about the training requirements necessary to become a source "fisher," as well as, details about all the precautions that had to be taken in every single covert operation. Unfortunately, the really juicy information about particulars of people and operations was still classified at the time of writing. I'm quite sure those details would have made the accounts even more riveting.

[mike smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book too read it really opens your eyes up to what these very brave men and women had to go through and especially how they put them selves i n danger too try to save lives of others

Great reading did not put this book down till it was finished. Fascinating what these men and women did really brave

[Eric Grounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a regimental friend who is, I think, mentioned in the book, though not by name. It is an excellent read. I started it when boarding a train at Berwick-upon-Tweed and finished it on the way home back to Berwick that same day. It is enthralling and utterly credible (largely because it is true!!) Well done Rob Lewis

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

An account of the troubles in Ireland from a member of the British Army that entered the SAS to continue surveillance of the IRA. He departs service and is unceremoniously expedited out of the army. This one is not as violent as you may expect. It is more about securing contacts and gathering intel.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating account from within

A good account from a different angle the book gives you an insight into much the public would not hear about. Many people sacrificed so much for peace.

[Adam Mason · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a total disappointment. It gave no insight into the conflict, apart from that of a British squadie who never really achieved anything.
There are so many better books on the conflict.

[MR S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written. Boring. I can't understand why this was available in 2025 in Waterstones. Surely a book written 25 years earlier must have some credibility if it is still being published many years later. Obviously not. I'm two thirds the way through - i doubt I'll finish it.

[Katie Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

Interesting read and thoughts from Lewis.
Fascinating account of life in Northern Ireland fighting against terrorists as a secret agent in the British army
Well worth a read

[Dave Hodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinated throughout.

Damn good courageous man, a fine read from start to finish, couldn't find the time to put this book down.

[WILLIAM MCAULAY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good account and insight into how special operations were ran and managed.

[Chris Barnard · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great book but i could only give it two stars as all the bits of real interest would have been censored . Still worth reading though .

[Stephen Litchfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Well a very good read enjoyed it just shows what soldiers wet through but you are just a number hard to believe

[Rhemaboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

INTERESTING READ

I am from Co. Fermanagh and all I can say is thank you for everything you and your peers did to save many lives.

[Alan pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read which held some memories. The final pages sow a sad reflection on those who we trust.

[DaveRed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book .

[Richard Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

[gordon monks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping


an exciting read . The the real world where ordinary people do extraordinary things . Against people who want to kill them

[Rob Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read and insight into what went on in the murky underworld of the troubles. Obviously can't give too much detail but there's enough to give an understanding.

[Ioan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool read, some really interesting bits, nothing mind-blowing and revealing like in The Spy and the Traitor, but an interesting book nonetheless and entertaining.

[andrew holling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me... was bored poopless...

[Bethany · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF’d this book. I couldn’t continue it any longer. Factual and some interesting points but not for me.