What do you think?
Rate this book
The Diplomat Thrillers #2
The Assassin
‘A diplomatic genius’ Gordon Brown
‘Tom Fletcher is the essential diplomat, and was my support and sounding board about virtually every country on earth’ David Cameron
How far will he go to save a future he may never see? Having been made High Commissioner in Nairobi, Ed Barnes is keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. But when his daughter, Sophie, is kidnapped following a security crisis for which he is blamed, his attempts at normality fall apart once again. He finds himself at the heart of a complex negotiation with a dangerous Somali terrorist group, in an effort to avert a regional security crisis and free his daughter.
Meanwhile, across the globe a series of political assassinations have been shaking the world of business and government. Tensions boil over when a Chinese envoy is murdered in Jordan, only days before a crucial climate change conference, sparking a diplomatic crisis and the threat of US/China confrontation.
In the search for his daughter, Barnes follows the trail of violence from Kenya, through the highest levels of the UN in Geneva, to the Dead Sea in Jordan. With the world on the brink of ecological crisis, Barnes must uncover the terrible truth about the assassinations, prevent a global conflict and save the climate deal. But how much is he prepared to sacrifice to be a good ancestor?
The explosive sequel to The Ambassador from former No.10 advisor Tom Fletcher, The Assassin is perfect for fans of Robert Peston, Ken Follett and Tom Bradby.
Praise for The Diplomat Thrillers 'The author can draw authenticity from a career spent at the coal face of diplomacy and intelligence, which is why it is a page turner’ Frederick Forsyth
'A call for all of us to reflect on friendship, family and trust. What do we stand for, and what will we do to defend it?’ Sir Graeme Lamb, former Commander of the SAS
'Vivid and atmospheric... rockets around the world with intoxicating verve. Hugely engaging' Daily Mail
‘Tom Fletcher is the essential diplomat, and was my support and sounding board about virtually every country on earth’ David Cameron
How far will he go to save a future he may never see? Having been made High Commissioner in Nairobi, Ed Barnes is keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. But when his daughter, Sophie, is kidnapped following a security crisis for which he is blamed, his attempts at normality fall apart once again. He finds himself at the heart of a complex negotiation with a dangerous Somali terrorist group, in an effort to avert a regional security crisis and free his daughter.
Meanwhile, across the globe a series of political assassinations have been shaking the world of business and government. Tensions boil over when a Chinese envoy is murdered in Jordan, only days before a crucial climate change conference, sparking a diplomatic crisis and the threat of US/China confrontation.
In the search for his daughter, Barnes follows the trail of violence from Kenya, through the highest levels of the UN in Geneva, to the Dead Sea in Jordan. With the world on the brink of ecological crisis, Barnes must uncover the terrible truth about the assassinations, prevent a global conflict and save the climate deal. But how much is he prepared to sacrifice to be a good ancestor?
The explosive sequel to The Ambassador from former No.10 advisor Tom Fletcher, The Assassin is perfect for fans of Robert Peston, Ken Follett and Tom Bradby.
Praise for The Diplomat Thrillers 'The author can draw authenticity from a career spent at the coal face of diplomacy and intelligence, which is why it is a page turner’ Frederick Forsyth
'A call for all of us to reflect on friendship, family and trust. What do we stand for, and what will we do to defend it?’ Sir Graeme Lamb, former Commander of the SAS
'Vivid and atmospheric... rockets around the world with intoxicating verve. Hugely engaging' Daily Mail
- GenresFiction
386 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2024
28 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Tom Fletcher
4 books33 followersTom Fletcher CMG is a Visiting Professor of International Relations at New York University, and Senior Advisor to the Director General at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy. He was British Ambassador to Lebanon (2011-15), and the Downing Street foreign policy adviser to three Prime Ministers, (2007-11). He is an Honorary Fellow of Oxford University, and the Global Strategy Director for the Global Business Coalition for Education, which seeks to harness private sector efforts to get 59 million children into school. He blogs as the Naked Diplomat, and chairs the International Advisory Council of the Creative Industries Federation, promoting Britain's most dynamic and magnetic sector overseas. Tom has recently led a review of British diplomacy for the UK Foreign Office, and is currently working on a report on the future of the United Nations for the next UN Secretary General. Tom is married to Dr Louise Fletcher, a psychologist, and they have two sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 23, 2024
I almost DNF this book, but made it/struggled past 30%, till it finally became somewhat worthwhile.
All about climate change and diplomats/governments, boring. Not much about the assassin, until
much later in the book. Should have titled the book Climate Change.
All about climate change and diplomats/governments, boring. Not much about the assassin, until
much later in the book. Should have titled the book Climate Change.
March 18, 2025
kind of like if H&M wrote a book
January 11, 2025
First of the year. Struggled to get to grips but finished well. Might read the prequel
February 15, 2024
The first part of The Assassin by Tom Fletcher, with the killing of the mama elephant, turned me off to the story. I had difficulty letting that go, and it threw me off the story.
The locales in the story were quite interesting, and that helped me get through the book. I was able to read it fairly quickly, and the plot was gripping; it reminded me of the movie Taken.
Overall, it was a good story. However, I don't think I would read more from this author. I would rate this a 3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to 4).
#TheAssassin #NetGalley
The locales in the story were quite interesting, and that helped me get through the book. I was able to read it fairly quickly, and the plot was gripping; it reminded me of the movie Taken.
Overall, it was a good story. However, I don't think I would read more from this author. I would rate this a 3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to 4).
#TheAssassin #NetGalley
February 19, 2024
A fast-moving but messy thriller.
Following the events of "The Ambassador", diplomat Ed Barnes has been appointed High Commissioner in Nairobi. His shenanigans in Paris have left him toxic - admired by some but not all. He still remains someone who has to get involved though, so when a shopping mall is attacked, and people taken hostage, he feels the need to try and help negotiate their release. He does so, but later finds his daughter, Sophie has been kidnapped by a Somali terrorist group, anxious to be given more attention by the UN. Meanwhile, a series of assassinations have been making the news and things escalate when a Chinese envoy is murdered in Jordan, only days before a climate change conference. Barnes friend, reporter Orla, is soon on the trail of the assassin.
Soon both Barnes and Orla are joined in what slowly appears to be two ends of the same story, with an increasing number of highly improbable coincidences and implausible scenarios seemingly written to help the author promote his litany of woes against the various bodies he has been involved with. In the previous book, the character of Barnes came across as a DaVinci Code Robert Langdon guy, but in this, he's more of an annoying and impetuous have-a-go hero. His ability to immediately have his calls taken by No.10, and make things happen is nothing short of miraculous. Now, perhaps this is indeed how things happen in the murky world of politics and diplomacy, but to this reader it all seemed somewhat implausible.
"The Assassin" was a book I enjoyed, mostly. Sadly I can't say the same for this one. Clearly the author has an intimate knowledge of how government and the diplomatic system works - this came through in his previous novel. But this story, tightly interwoven with a background of the climate change agenda, and the ways in which governments manoeuvre and deal in order to promote change, while at the same time earning points with their voters, comes across as a cynical, mercenary and ultimately fruitless platform for the author to voice his opinions.
Those who have read the previous Barnes book will probably pick this up, and perhaps will find it far more entertaining, and even educational, but for me, this was not a good read.
Following the events of "The Ambassador", diplomat Ed Barnes has been appointed High Commissioner in Nairobi. His shenanigans in Paris have left him toxic - admired by some but not all. He still remains someone who has to get involved though, so when a shopping mall is attacked, and people taken hostage, he feels the need to try and help negotiate their release. He does so, but later finds his daughter, Sophie has been kidnapped by a Somali terrorist group, anxious to be given more attention by the UN. Meanwhile, a series of assassinations have been making the news and things escalate when a Chinese envoy is murdered in Jordan, only days before a climate change conference. Barnes friend, reporter Orla, is soon on the trail of the assassin.
Soon both Barnes and Orla are joined in what slowly appears to be two ends of the same story, with an increasing number of highly improbable coincidences and implausible scenarios seemingly written to help the author promote his litany of woes against the various bodies he has been involved with. In the previous book, the character of Barnes came across as a DaVinci Code Robert Langdon guy, but in this, he's more of an annoying and impetuous have-a-go hero. His ability to immediately have his calls taken by No.10, and make things happen is nothing short of miraculous. Now, perhaps this is indeed how things happen in the murky world of politics and diplomacy, but to this reader it all seemed somewhat implausible.
"The Assassin" was a book I enjoyed, mostly. Sadly I can't say the same for this one. Clearly the author has an intimate knowledge of how government and the diplomatic system works - this came through in his previous novel. But this story, tightly interwoven with a background of the climate change agenda, and the ways in which governments manoeuvre and deal in order to promote change, while at the same time earning points with their voters, comes across as a cynical, mercenary and ultimately fruitless platform for the author to voice his opinions.
Those who have read the previous Barnes book will probably pick this up, and perhaps will find it far more entertaining, and even educational, but for me, this was not a good read.
March 4, 2024
Thank you to Canelo publishing and Netgalley for an arc of this title.
Publication date 28th of March
Having been made High Commissioner in Nairobi, Ed Barnes is keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. But when his daughter, Sophie, is kidnapped following a security crisis for which he is blamed, his attempts at normality fall apart once again
He then finds himself involved in more than he wants to be surrounding complex politics around global climate change.
This book is exceptionally well written as you would expect from a former Nr10 aide who worked under 3 Prime Ministers. It also shows his extensive knowledge of politics and the detail surrounding global climate change a course very much part of his life long support. The book was not as fast paced as I thought it would be, when I signed up to read it, I thought it would involve more black ops, more action and more spy related matter. I was disappointed that it didn't and was going to give it a 3* rating, however, because the writing is brilliant and the topic is one close to my heart and that should be heard, I have awarded it a 4*
I didn't realize this author already had a book out and this is book2 in the series. I will go and read book1 to get more background on the MMC since he was a character I liked, probably because he is so committed to the root of the book and the whole climate issues we are all facing.
I'd recommend this book if you are interested in the topic.
Alert/Trigger: I have to admit that the opening which deals with elephant hunting almost made me not read further than the first paragraph, it was distressing and I had to flick through the first two chapters, it isn't something I could read.
Kerry Kennedy Author
Publication date 28th of March
Having been made High Commissioner in Nairobi, Ed Barnes is keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. But when his daughter, Sophie, is kidnapped following a security crisis for which he is blamed, his attempts at normality fall apart once again
He then finds himself involved in more than he wants to be surrounding complex politics around global climate change.
This book is exceptionally well written as you would expect from a former Nr10 aide who worked under 3 Prime Ministers. It also shows his extensive knowledge of politics and the detail surrounding global climate change a course very much part of his life long support. The book was not as fast paced as I thought it would be, when I signed up to read it, I thought it would involve more black ops, more action and more spy related matter. I was disappointed that it didn't and was going to give it a 3* rating, however, because the writing is brilliant and the topic is one close to my heart and that should be heard, I have awarded it a 4*
I didn't realize this author already had a book out and this is book2 in the series. I will go and read book1 to get more background on the MMC since he was a character I liked, probably because he is so committed to the root of the book and the whole climate issues we are all facing.
I'd recommend this book if you are interested in the topic.
Alert/Trigger: I have to admit that the opening which deals with elephant hunting almost made me not read further than the first paragraph, it was distressing and I had to flick through the first two chapters, it isn't something I could read.
Kerry Kennedy Author
June 14, 2024
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot.
I read and enjoyed the previous book in the "Ed Barnes" series, so was looking forward to this one.
Trigger warning: This book starts off with the killing of an elephant - a gruesome end for a female elephant with young - and that was very off-putting indeed, and I was tempted to not read the rest of the book because of it.
However, I persevered. The book felt rather different in tone from the last one. I know that Tom Fletcher has a background in politics and diplomacy, and that is clear from the writing. The plot was action-packed, and the descriptions "behind the scenes" at a climate summit were interesting.
What I didn't expect - or like - was the fact that Barnes appeared to be "in thrall" to his activist daughter Stephanie's "green" obsession. The whole book is riddled with constant and repetitive doom-mongering, and basically felt like a platform for one of the more extreme environmental groups. The book is not well balanced, being heavily left-wing oriented, with any character not singing from the same hymn sheet being flagged as "far right", "monstrous" etc. I was rather disturbed that some characters appeared to approve of the idea of murdering people for harming the planet.
I do not think I will read any more in this series, but my motto is "each to their own", so if it sounds like your thing, go ahead.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I read and enjoyed the previous book in the "Ed Barnes" series, so was looking forward to this one.
Trigger warning: This book starts off with the killing of an elephant - a gruesome end for a female elephant with young - and that was very off-putting indeed, and I was tempted to not read the rest of the book because of it.
However, I persevered. The book felt rather different in tone from the last one. I know that Tom Fletcher has a background in politics and diplomacy, and that is clear from the writing. The plot was action-packed, and the descriptions "behind the scenes" at a climate summit were interesting.
What I didn't expect - or like - was the fact that Barnes appeared to be "in thrall" to his activist daughter Stephanie's "green" obsession. The whole book is riddled with constant and repetitive doom-mongering, and basically felt like a platform for one of the more extreme environmental groups. The book is not well balanced, being heavily left-wing oriented, with any character not singing from the same hymn sheet being flagged as "far right", "monstrous" etc. I was rather disturbed that some characters appeared to approve of the idea of murdering people for harming the planet.
I do not think I will read any more in this series, but my motto is "each to their own", so if it sounds like your thing, go ahead.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
February 22, 2024
This was a book that I had selected from amongst the many new offerings being promoted by Net Galley and I was fortunate enough to be approved to read this by the author and his publishing company in return for an honest review.
I selected this book based primarily on the cover and the title (what I refer to as the raccoon principle - "Oooohh, pretty cover"). I had never read this author before and after reading this book, I am unsure whether I will try to read the other book in this series. There were parts of this book that I enjoyed and there were parts that I was not that fond of.
The author has an intimate knowledge of how governments and the diplomatic system work. However, this story, tightly interwoven with a background of the climate change agenda, and how governments maneuver and deal to promote change, while at the same time earning points with their voters, comes across as a cynical, mercenary, and ultimately fruitless platform for the author to voice his opinions.
On a five-star rating, I would give this book three stars because on the one hand, I found the "pushing" of the climate change agenda to be a bit much, but on the other hand I enjoyed the political machinations. The story is enjoyable but it wasn't quite what I was expecting.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is a sample of my five cents worth.
I selected this book based primarily on the cover and the title (what I refer to as the raccoon principle - "Oooohh, pretty cover"). I had never read this author before and after reading this book, I am unsure whether I will try to read the other book in this series. There were parts of this book that I enjoyed and there were parts that I was not that fond of.
The author has an intimate knowledge of how governments and the diplomatic system work. However, this story, tightly interwoven with a background of the climate change agenda, and how governments maneuver and deal to promote change, while at the same time earning points with their voters, comes across as a cynical, mercenary, and ultimately fruitless platform for the author to voice his opinions.
On a five-star rating, I would give this book three stars because on the one hand, I found the "pushing" of the climate change agenda to be a bit much, but on the other hand I enjoyed the political machinations. The story is enjoyable but it wasn't quite what I was expecting.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is a sample of my five cents worth.
August 23, 2024
The Assassin by Tom Fletcher is a thrilling, action-packed novel that delves into the dark world of espionage and political intrigue. Although the first book had me hooked from the start, I had some trouble getting into this one.
How far will he go to save a future he may never see? Having been made High Commissioner in Nairobi, Ed Barnes is keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. But when his daughter, Sophie, is kidnapped following a security crisis for which he is blamed, his attempts at normality fall apart once again. He finds himself at the heart of a complex negotiation with a dangerous Somali terrorist group, in an effort to avert a regional security crisis and free his daughter.
The novel's twists and turns make it a compelling read for fans of spy thrillers who appreciate complex characters and a plot filled with suspense. The Assassin is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a deep dive into the shadowy world of covert operations. It is a decent read though I prefer book 1.
3,5/5⭐️
How far will he go to save a future he may never see? Having been made High Commissioner in Nairobi, Ed Barnes is keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. But when his daughter, Sophie, is kidnapped following a security crisis for which he is blamed, his attempts at normality fall apart once again. He finds himself at the heart of a complex negotiation with a dangerous Somali terrorist group, in an effort to avert a regional security crisis and free his daughter.
The novel's twists and turns make it a compelling read for fans of spy thrillers who appreciate complex characters and a plot filled with suspense. The Assassin is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a deep dive into the shadowy world of covert operations. It is a decent read though I prefer book 1.
3,5/5⭐️
March 21, 2024
Ed Barnes last adventure in Paris has put him on the naughty step with the Foreign Office bigwigs. He still wants to make changes though, if only to support his daughter Stephanie. Climate Change is the hot topic that no one seems to want to make a move on.
When his daughter gets kidnapped by Somalis, he wants answers. He did not expect to get help in the shape of Investigative Reporter Orla or a phantom from the grave!
Ed is a bit of a reluctant hero in this but one who seems to be able to cut through layers of red tape to get his calls taken at No 10! I enjoyed the globetrotting and the semi-investigation for the Assassin. It turned into less thriller and more on how the Assassin chose and targeted his victims and how their demise shifted things politically.
You can tell the difference when the author has actually worked and lived in the murky world of politics - everything has the gritty realism about behind doors plotting and glossy veneers.
Solid okay read for me and those who like political thrillers may enjoy it more than I did.
When his daughter gets kidnapped by Somalis, he wants answers. He did not expect to get help in the shape of Investigative Reporter Orla or a phantom from the grave!
Ed is a bit of a reluctant hero in this but one who seems to be able to cut through layers of red tape to get his calls taken at No 10! I enjoyed the globetrotting and the semi-investigation for the Assassin. It turned into less thriller and more on how the Assassin chose and targeted his victims and how their demise shifted things politically.
You can tell the difference when the author has actually worked and lived in the murky world of politics - everything has the gritty realism about behind doors plotting and glossy veneers.
Solid okay read for me and those who like political thrillers may enjoy it more than I did.
April 16, 2024
The first chapter of this book describes the trophy hunting of a female elephant with two dependent calves. It is harrowing to read and sets the scene for the first of the Assassin's reckonings. It is an astute contemporary political thriller with a clear message about climate change and conservation. The diplomat is soon at odds with the establishment despite his precarious political position. I like the complex issues explored, the political wrangling and the authentic characters and events.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
October 2, 2025
This book was given to me as a present by my daughter. For that reason I was determined to finish it but I nearly gave up around five times. From my point of view the story never really gripped me. Clearly the author knows his subject but it was just really hard to remain interested.
I found the end pretty unbelievable too.
Sorry I hate writing overly critical reviews but this was a tough read.
I found the end pretty unbelievable too.
Sorry I hate writing overly critical reviews but this was a tough read.
October 14, 2024
While I can understand why the author feels the need to trade on his own background, he does it too much and it gets in the way. This story would have been much improved by cutting 100 pages or so of politics and diplomacy.
January 20, 2025
Heavy handed
Heavy handed. And the bit about the jordanian prince rereading the holocaust diary was pathetic. And when the chinese change their entire stance in one short meeting and become environmentalists is straight out of cinderella.
Heavy handed. And the bit about the jordanian prince rereading the holocaust diary was pathetic. And when the chinese change their entire stance in one short meeting and become environmentalists is straight out of cinderella.
May 5, 2025
Drivel. I was drawn in by the civil service base to the book and being a HO employee myself, but the long paragraphs of unnecessary speech were painful to get through. Took me far too long to read, it just wasn't very good.
March 28, 2024
Incredible read. The writing was absolutely enthralling. I love Tom Fletcher, my favorite author
June 26, 2024
An excellent read. Pacy, gripping and thought-provoking.
July 17, 2024
Tom knows the world about which he writes, though one would hope this is truly a work of fiction and a very good one at that.
April 18, 2025
Bit of a misleading title. should have been 'The ambassador 2'. Bit dull in places too...
January 16, 2026
I hoped for more pace. However I did love the characters.
August 9, 2025
I have read the prequel to this book and thought I'd try this one but I was left feeling quite confused by the story.
The assassin was not a big part of the story and I would have liked to have seen more of him.
There was a bit too much of a political element to the book with the climate talks and trying to get Somalialand into talks with different governments.
I liked having a few different viewpoints but they weren't really cohesive.
I'm not sure I'd recommend this book.
The assassin was not a big part of the story and I would have liked to have seen more of him.
There was a bit too much of a political element to the book with the climate talks and trying to get Somalialand into talks with different governments.
I liked having a few different viewpoints but they weren't really cohesive.
I'm not sure I'd recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews