Charles Yelland was leading the perfect life until a faked photograph appeared in a newspaper on the morning of his oil company’s AGM showing an exploration rig in Antarctica. After this he didn’t think that his world could get any worse … he was seriously wrong.
Within hours Presidents and Prime Ministers were telephoning each other to find out whether oil had actually been discovered and whether the 60 year old Antarctic Treaty with its suspension of territorial claims was now dead.
What would countries and companies do to gain access to an area one and a half times the size of the USA with 11% of the Earth’s land mass and minerals? The Tip of the Iceberg is a thought-provoking and gripping story of kidnap and intrigue.
The Tip of the Iceberg. An intriguing name for a quite exceptional thriller from David Jarvis.
A story set in the here and now, really opened my eyes to things about the world I simply knew nothing about - like the Antarctic Treaty, which Is the basis on which the story of this book is set.
Has Oil been discovered on Antarctica and if so… who can get their greedy mitts on it the fastest?
An enthralling, humour filled cat and mouse tale plays out, as the main protagonists fight for elbow room and a place at the table, while Mike Kingdom, an ex spy is called in to help hunt down a kidnapped young daughter of a huge oil company.
It’s a fresh take on the thriller genre with geopolitics and big business a huge part of the story and in Mike Kingdom, David Jarvis has created a character who could carry a series.
It feels very much on trend with all that’s going on with energy and the world these days, and as with the fantastic“The Collation Unit” it’s feels very much like an author who’s delving into life experience to pen a quite excellent tale.
Thank you to the Author for my copy of the book. The fact this book gripped me from the very first page. The mix of politics, business and crime made it a interesting and compelling read. The author described places very well, which made places come alive and recognisable. Strong characters especially Mike who is strong, bright, intelligent with a purpose.
The crux of the novel, as posed by the strapline on the cover, has oil been discovered or not? Petronello has been drilling exploratory wells off the South Orkney Islands, close to the Falkland Islands at 60° latitude south. An announcement is expected to be made at the company’s AGM. Shareholders are hoping for good news, especially as a high price will make the potential takeover of Norwegian operators NorCarbon. A discovery will also prompt calls for the scrapping of the Antarctic treaty which is a moratorium on development in the region which has been in place over fifty years.
That morning a fake photograph of one of Petronella’s oil rigs is included in the business pages and later Chairman Charles Yelland gets a phone call, kidnappers have his daughter, Angelina, and if he announces that they have struck oil she will be released. A bad start to Charles’ day and it quickly runs away from him.
Charles must go along with their demands, but he does decide to get help in the form of ‘Mike’ Michaela Kingdom to hunt down the kidnappers. Mike is ex-CIA but quite unlike most other operatives as the reader is to discover. We quickly realise that Mike is damaged both physically and emotionally as her back story is carefully rationed out over the storyline. She was an analyst and so possesses great IT and researching skills as well as remaining in close contact with former colleagues and organisations. She is feisty and game to get involved hands on, but she is also headstrong and inexperienced. Tradecraft becomes a way of living rather than techniques learned from a book. For me Mike is the best character and certainly one deserving of another outing. Another interesting character is Luis the family chauffeur who dropped Angelina and her friend Belinda in London before the kidnapping. He is a man of hidden talents; he is also Mexican like Charles’ wife Maria. He is there to keep an eye on her for her wider family, the sort of family where sombrero hats and mariachi bands don’t figure highly.
He has the politicians down to a tee, venal and mendacious, they could almost be culled from the pages of the tabloid press. The environmental flag is flown by Mervyn Richards the well meaning if slightly ineffectual glaciologist who just pines for the Antarctic. In between there is Sophie Beardsmore the one politician wanting to do the right thing, who collaborates with Mervyn. This is an informative and entertaining geo-political thriller that bounces along at a jaunty pace. There’s action and some danger to grab you, but most of all it is the uncertainty of the direction of the plot that keeps you engaged throughout. A great example of creating a page turner by clever writing and plot construction rather than relentless action and blood shedding. Once started this isn’t a book that will be parked on a coffee table all week, most readers will devour it in a couple of sessions.
World politics doesn’t have to be tedious and there is a lightness of touch whilst still getting the message over, in this case the Antarctic treatment is vital. Its cleverly written and there is plenty of dry, deadpan humour and sarcastic comments without crossing the line and becoming trite or arch. There are also elements of satire, as it skilfully skewers its intended targets entertainingly with ease.
This is a well written intriguing story, I couldn’t put the book down once I had started it. When you think how the governments are over keeping the environment Green, what if a large amount of oil was found in Antarctica which is one and a half times bigger than the Charles Yelland is looking forward to his day ahead, he is the CEO of Petronello Oil and today is the AGM he is hoping to buy out NorCarbon. His life is looking good, he has a daughter Angelica, and his Mexican Wife Maria. But are they all happy under the Before Charles leaves for the office he is reading the daily newspaper with his breakfast when he opens one of the pages there is a photograph of an exploration rig the Advantage there was no article written just a caption “ Sunrise over the southern ocean” the rig was silhouetted against a peach streaked sky, in the distance the aquamarine edge of an ice shelf could be seen. The only thing was that rig was currently having a major refit on the coast of the Bay of Campeche. So somehow someone has doctored a photo to make it look like they are drilling the Antarctic. Little does Yelland know this is going to be one of the worst days of his life.
Elsewhere the photo is also being studied by several politicians , because if Yelland had found oil where the photo was taken supposedly he would be breaking the Antarctic Treaty which had been in place for the last 50 years.
Angelica Yelland is going out with her best friend, Belinda, shopping. They are meeting two male friends who are going to drive them to a shopping outlet, or are they. As soon as the girls are in the car they are given some chocolate and who can resist chocolate? That is the last thing they remember the next thing is they are handcuffed in a dirty dark room, on a mattress, but for one girl she won’t survive this ordeal.
When Charles Yelland answers the phone telling him his daughter has been taken he is shocked, but what do the kidnappers want? Can Yelland do what they want?
Yelland hires private detective Michaela or Mike Kingdom to try and find his daughter, Mike has lots of contacts that she can use, but this case is a tricky one can she find I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite there being serious things in it there was also little bits of humour. The plot is well thought out and moves along nicely. With all the different politicians, the US president, all wanting to get their hands on this oil they believe has been found. I liked Mike she is a tough character, determined to find Angelica she is like a dog with a bone.
I highly recommend this book it certainly kept me guessing as to who was behind the kidnapping’s, the fake photo being printed and the blackmail of Charles Yelland.
Another new author for me & he should be for you too. This is a cracking read.
Charles Yelland, chairman of Petronello Oil, is eating breakfast on the morning of the company’s AGM. He is suddenly confronted by a picture, in his morning paper, which shows one of his drilling rigs in the Antarctic drilling for oil. Charles knows that this particular rig is not in Antarctica. So, who placed the picture & why? He travels to his office to complete final preparations for the AGM & whilst there receives a call saying that his daughter has been kidnapped. The price for her freedom? He must say in his speech that Petronello has discovered oil in Antarctica; he fully understands the consequences if he does not comply.
The unfolding thriller involves governments, rival companies & the security services all set against the increasingly vocal green lobby who want Antarctica to remain the last untouched wilderness. The international treaty protecting Antarctica is at stake.
The book is written in chronological order & moves at a rapid pace. The interactions of individuals & other global factions is very believable; all manoeuvring for advantage & personal gain. Kept me hooked to the end and was a fantastic read. Thoroughly recommended.
I have always been a fan of geopolitical thrillers, almost to the point of obsession. From the Jack Ryan novels of Tom Clancy, to the Jack Reacher novels of Lee Child, an enigmatic main character and plenty of intrigue that takes in an international political sphere and I am hooked. I have to say if you are a fan of either series you will love the work of David Jarvis in his Mike Kingdom novels. I will be reviewing the second book tomorrow, so come back for my review of This Is Not a Pipe then.
In The Tip of the Iceberg, we are introduced to the main character of Mike Kingdom. A former analyst in the CIA, Mike has been widowed in a car crash that killed her husband Dylan and she was badly injured as a result of the crash. When her former boss at the CIA approaches her for a case, she is tempted into a situation that on the surface of it seems like a straightforward kidnapping of the daughter of a very rich man. Further investigation reveals that it is rather more complicated, with international implications after a potentially enormous oil field is discovered in the Antarctic, putting the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 in jeopardy.
Mike is damaged by her past, but also strong-willed, brave and intrepid, willing to put herself at risk in extreme situations. As an analyst in the CIA she was not experienced in field work, but her determination carries her through. I loved the fact that she was determined not to let her physical impairments, and her past trauma affect her ability to do her job.
This action-packed geopolitical thriller was filled with a dry humour that added to the entertainment of the intrigue and misdirection. I found Charles Yelland frustrating because he had a difficult relationship with the truth, but I liked the way in which his chauffeur Luis was not exactly what he seemed.
To say I loved this novel would be an understatement. Why David Jarvis does not have a publishing deal I really do not know! This exceptional thriller will keep you guessing and it is pure entertainment.
Really enjoyed this highly original political thriller that has seeds of black humour sprinkled throughout – e.g. The UK Prime Minister on a video call with the USA President sees ‘something’ move on the president’s lap – and is highly relieved to discover it was only a small pet dog – and not an intern. Events turn on the appearance of a fake (or is it?) photograph in a newspaper which sets oil company CEO Charles Yelland’s family onto a spiral of violence and intrigue that brings in special investigator Mike Kingdom – ex CIA agent and a character that deserves a whole series of further novels.
I was lucky enough to book a writer’s chat with the author and David certainly has the background knowledge that ensures a masterful authenticity to the absorbing plot. I knew nothing about the ‘Antarctic Treaty’ that has been in place for the past 50 years, nor of the untold vast resources that that could be found on this huge tract of wilderness. 5 STARS From me. More please David!
I recently read the second book, as you do, and loved it. I needed to find out what happened to Mike Kingdom before the events of book 2. The Tip of the Iceberg in set around Parliament in London, Swindon, and North Wales. When Charles and Maria's daughter Angelica is kidnapped, the kidnappers aren't demanding money. Instead they demand Charles states that oil has been found by Antarctica in his upcoming conference speech. Mike Kingdon is brought in to investigate. There's a lot of politics talk but not so much you can't understand. The action swaps between Mike and the conference, where there's lots of maneuvering between various parties. My favourite character was Mervyn, who every time he got stressed, went to ring his mum. So funny. I loved learning more about Antarctica and how complicated the issue of extracting oil is. If the treaties in place are real, which I assume they are, then I'm grateful for them. This was a great read and I flew through it. Very much looking forward to book three now.
Has oil been discovered or not? The Tip Of The Iceberg is a thought-provoking and gripping story of kidnap and intrigue that begins with a faked photograph in a newspaper.
Petronella oil company boss Charles Yelland employs Private Detective Mike Kingdom, who has a penchant for one-liners and takes no prisoners. She's a strong, feisty character who was a pleasure to read as she dug deep to get to the bottom of what has happened.
The subject matter has clearly been thoroughly researched, as there is so much information to take in, but it never feels too mind-boggling. It's intelligently written, and the humorous light touches give a lovely balance.
Sequel This Is Not A Pipe has just been published, and I'm looking forward to meeting Mike Kingdom again.
You want to identify the politicians in this book but every time you time you think you have ,they, do or say something to dispel the stereotype. This is a book which so accurately portrays the machinations and schemes of politicians, special advisers and civil servants of all political parties and leanings, but it also identifies the good guys, the ones that want to make a difference (there are some). There is geopolitical power play, and the bending of public opinion through social media and entryism. Most of all there is an excellent story filled with modern day investigative techniques, old fashioned slogging and logic.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Tip of the Iceberg" by David Jarvis. The novel features a gripping and intricate plot, delving deeply into the motivations, actions, and emotions of its characters. It offers a rich and thrilling experience, unravelling a complex web of corruption, money laundering, and fraudulent activities orchestrated by powerful individuals. The story brilliantly exposes the darker side of industry and finance. The diverse cast of characters kept me engaged throughout. This wonderfully written book is full of suspense and intrigue, and I was sad to reach the end. It's a book I would definitely read again.
A very dark political thriller something totally different to what I normally read. This follows Charles Yelland and a fake photograph appearing in the newspaper which subsequently has huge consequences for him and his family. There follows an attempt to unravel the mystery with great characters and a fabulous plot. Hopefully Mike Kingdom will appear in the next book. A very well written story and I would highly recommend the Tip of the Iceberg!
After reading The Collation Unit and thoroughly enjoying it, I was really looking forward to David's new book The Tip of the Iceberg. Well, I wasn't disappointed. Action, humour and intrigue, well plotted and gripping story. Definitely recommend this great book.
Another excellent read from this author. A totally gripping and absorbing plot that makes this read simply unputdownable. I was eager to find out how this would all unravel. Intelligent and witty, where the odd one liners make you smile along the way.
Thanks for my copy of the book. After a fake photo showing oil on Antarctica , governments and world leaders all go into a frenzy.it has lots of intrigue and action a gripping plot a great political thriller, highly recommend.
This is the first in a series to feature Michaela ‘Mike’ Kingdom, and I have to say the quality of the plotting and writing made for an exciting read which had me in suspense throughout, there is a heady mix of intrigue and mystery running through this book in what is a well considered thriller.
Multilayered plotting which packs a lot into the narrative, a thriller which interweaves global corporate big business with geopolitical ramifications, when politics are at play and the stakes are high
The story flows along at quite a pace as the plot demands a short time frame which makes the action come thick and fast, there are plenty of twists along the way, and there is an undercurrant of tension running throughout the book, there is also a level of suspense which leaves just enough questions as to who you can trust and what the outcome may be, it keeps you guessing
I loved the characterisation within the book, written in such a believable way, ‘Mike’ as an ex spy is different from the norm, recently windowed she has a unique set of skills, strong and independantly minded, you get flashbacks to her past which in someways makes her the person she is now, she has a determination to seek out the truth, however, she is not a lone vigilante type character she has a warmth and human touch to her, she is also not afraid to mix things up
It is also a story with an environmental message, a story that is very relevant to todays world. You can clearly see that it is a story which has been well researched, however, you then have to turn that into a plausible plot and storyline and this for me is one area where the book shines.
It all builds into a dramatic finale, even up to the ending there is an element of doubt as to which way it will go.
A highly entertaining read from a series which promises a lot, this was a read which delivered on every front, I was drawn in from the opening pages and gripped right up to the end.
Definitely an author who is now on my radar as one to watch, and a thriller to highly recommend
What can I say about this book!! Well written and well researched! The plot had a few twists and turns and the characters are very believable! It's very informative on oil and the Antarctica region with a side of politics!! Thank you to David for my copy of this book.