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Dan Taylor #1
White Gold
A haunted man. A murdered friend. A deadly enemy.
Dan Taylor’s career as a bomb disposal expert in the British Army ended when an IED killed three of his team and left him scarred for life. Years later, and on the brink of self-destruction, Dan struggles to cope with the nightmares that haunt him.
Until the day an estranged friend leaves a voicemail message for him, moments before he is assassinated in cold blood.
Plunged into a global conspiracy, Dan must unravel the research notes that Peter Edgewater left behind to locate an explosive device that is being smuggled towards London by a secretive organisation hell-bent on protecting its assets – and time is running out.
Dan Taylor’s career as a bomb disposal expert in the British Army ended when an IED killed three of his team and left him scarred for life. Years later, and on the brink of self-destruction, Dan struggles to cope with the nightmares that haunt him.
Until the day an estranged friend leaves a voicemail message for him, moments before he is assassinated in cold blood.
Plunged into a global conspiracy, Dan must unravel the research notes that Peter Edgewater left behind to locate an explosive device that is being smuggled towards London by a secretive organisation hell-bent on protecting its assets – and time is running out.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2011
457 people are currently reading
1284 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Amphlett
206 books668 followersBefore turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
September 16, 2018
This book didn't really work for me. I needed convincing that white gold could ever be produced in sufficient quantities to replace conventional energy sources and I couldn't find any reference to it being able to produce an atomic explosion as suggested in the book. So, unfortunately I found this very distracting as it's central to the plot to believe this. Even when I tried to suspend belief I found the plot a little confusing with too many characters early on and not enough characterisation for me to sort out who was who and what they were doing in the story.
The second half was easier to follow . I liked Dan's character and the action elements of the plot but would be wary of reading a sequel unless the plausibility of the plot improves. As this was the author's first novel and everyone else on GR loved it (suggesting the problem is with this reader!), I will definitely try her Kay Hunter series.
The second half was easier to follow . I liked Dan's character and the action elements of the plot but would be wary of reading a sequel unless the plausibility of the plot improves. As this was the author's first novel and everyone else on GR loved it (suggesting the problem is with this reader!), I will definitely try her Kay Hunter series.
September 30, 2018
I have read quite a few of this author's books so I was really interested in starting this new series. In fact I was so confident I would enjoy it that I bought the whole series as a boxed set!
Luckily I enjoyed White Gold very much. I found the main characters, Dan and Sarah, agreeable and a good match for each other. The book moved at a good pace and there was plenty of excitement and suspense.
Admittedly there were a few far fetched moments and I never enjoy reading about the politics behind sustainability especially in a fiction book, but overall this was an action packed and interesting thriller. I am keen to get on with the rest of the set now.
Luckily I enjoyed White Gold very much. I found the main characters, Dan and Sarah, agreeable and a good match for each other. The book moved at a good pace and there was plenty of excitement and suspense.
Admittedly there were a few far fetched moments and I never enjoy reading about the politics behind sustainability especially in a fiction book, but overall this was an action packed and interesting thriller. I am keen to get on with the rest of the set now.
December 20, 2018
#1 in the Dan Taylor series.
I was really looking forward to this book but, for me, the book had a scientific credibility problem. White Gold Powder could be the saviour of our environmentally challenged planet.
Also I found the story a bit contrived. Characters would appear and were instantly recognised by Dan although he had no reference to call on. At an other time, an ex army buddy of Dan’s puts a gun to Dan’s head, threatening to blow his brains out, and then by way of saying goodbye, punches Dan in the solar plexus, Dan falls to the ground in pain, as you would. A few chapters on and Dan and David, the ex army buddy, are now the best of friends and working in close harmony. No rhyme or reason given. Unfortunately there are quite a few of these situations to contend with.
For all that it’s not a bad read and the story has no shortage of thrills and spills. The pace in full on but because of the aforementioned it missed the mark for me.
I still enjoyed it enough to give it 3 stars.
I was really looking forward to this book but, for me, the book had a scientific credibility problem. White Gold Powder could be the saviour of our environmentally challenged planet.
Also I found the story a bit contrived. Characters would appear and were instantly recognised by Dan although he had no reference to call on. At an other time, an ex army buddy of Dan’s puts a gun to Dan’s head, threatening to blow his brains out, and then by way of saying goodbye, punches Dan in the solar plexus, Dan falls to the ground in pain, as you would. A few chapters on and Dan and David, the ex army buddy, are now the best of friends and working in close harmony. No rhyme or reason given. Unfortunately there are quite a few of these situations to contend with.
For all that it’s not a bad read and the story has no shortage of thrills and spills. The pace in full on but because of the aforementioned it missed the mark for me.
I still enjoyed it enough to give it 3 stars.
July 7, 2015
Peter Edgewater was nearing the end of his European tour and his passionate and controversial talks on white gold powder – he would be glad to be back on home soil again after weeks of living out of a suitcase. But he was beginning to feel unsafe – subtle threats had him feeling in danger of his life. After sending a package of papers to his ex-wife Sarah, he tried to ring old army friend Dan Taylor…
Dan Taylor’s life had spiralled downward in the last three years; the message on his phone from Peter felt bad though – he had never heard Peter sound so scared. And when he discovered Peter had been murdered, Dan and Sarah joined forces to discover the reason for Peter’s “accident” – they understood that his papers must hold the answers; but what were they?
Travelling from London to Brisbane and over to Singapore in search of the truth brought Dan and Sarah to the attention of evil; there were people out there who would stoop to any depths to keep their involvement hidden. As the dangers intensified, the threats closed in around Sarah and Dan – death and mayhem followed in their wake. They knew time was of the essence – but would they succeed? Or would they be too late?
White Gold is a gripping and intense thriller from Aussie author Rachel Amphlett; the first in the Dan Taylor series. I thoroughly enjoyed it; the extreme pace, the great plot – it is an “un-put-down-able” read! Highly recommended.
Dan Taylor’s life had spiralled downward in the last three years; the message on his phone from Peter felt bad though – he had never heard Peter sound so scared. And when he discovered Peter had been murdered, Dan and Sarah joined forces to discover the reason for Peter’s “accident” – they understood that his papers must hold the answers; but what were they?
Travelling from London to Brisbane and over to Singapore in search of the truth brought Dan and Sarah to the attention of evil; there were people out there who would stoop to any depths to keep their involvement hidden. As the dangers intensified, the threats closed in around Sarah and Dan – death and mayhem followed in their wake. They knew time was of the essence – but would they succeed? Or would they be too late?
White Gold is a gripping and intense thriller from Aussie author Rachel Amphlett; the first in the Dan Taylor series. I thoroughly enjoyed it; the extreme pace, the great plot – it is an “un-put-down-able” read! Highly recommended.
October 24, 2022
An interesting concept is the catalyst for this first action thriller featuring Dan Taylor. Unfortunately, I felt there were a number of plotting issues and characters that proved overly distracting.
White Gold introduces us to Dan Taylor, a geologist who is an ex-bomb disposal expert with the British army who once served in Iraq. After one particular job went disastrously wrong he was left with a couple of dead buddies, recurring nightmares and a drinking problem.
An old friend leaves a few voicemail messages on Dan’s machine that suggest he’s in fear for his life. Peter Edgewater has been completing a speaking tour of Europe to present his findings on an exciting new energy source known as white gold. Its existence has huge implications on how the world’s energy market will change in the future.
The prospect of a new, clean and powerful energy source is the last thing that powerful coal and gas companies want to see and they’ll do whatever they can to stop it from potentially taking over their stranglehold on world markets.
Peter senses that his life is in grave danger, so to protect his years of work He sends all of his notes and other important documents to Dan for safe keeping. When the inevitable happens Dan pays Peter’s ex-wife Sarah a visit to talk to her about the calls he received. It quickly becomes clear that someone wants to keep them quiet and, also, wants the documents they hold. Going through the notes they quickly realise the enormity of what he was working on and the impact White Gold will have on the world.
The notes point them in the direction of Australia and this sparks the action-packed charge around the world as they try to protect this brand new energy source.
I appreciated the pace of the action as we careened from country to country and close encounter with death to clever getaway. However, it was the lack of continuity provided in the narrative, the lack of clarity over what exactly each “discovery” meant and the shockingly high level of coincidence that dominated the plot that I found very difficult to come to terms with.
I’m as prepared to suspend my disbelief for the sake of a good story as the next person, but for all of the key players in this save-the-world scenario to have come from the same small squad of Iraq veterans was simply pushing things a little too far.
Overall, I found this to be a very quick read thanks to the furious action sequences. There’s clearly some development required of the Dan Taylor character and this will happen in the subsequent books in the series but you can already see the potential that’s there.
White Gold introduces us to Dan Taylor, a geologist who is an ex-bomb disposal expert with the British army who once served in Iraq. After one particular job went disastrously wrong he was left with a couple of dead buddies, recurring nightmares and a drinking problem.
An old friend leaves a few voicemail messages on Dan’s machine that suggest he’s in fear for his life. Peter Edgewater has been completing a speaking tour of Europe to present his findings on an exciting new energy source known as white gold. Its existence has huge implications on how the world’s energy market will change in the future.
The prospect of a new, clean and powerful energy source is the last thing that powerful coal and gas companies want to see and they’ll do whatever they can to stop it from potentially taking over their stranglehold on world markets.
Peter senses that his life is in grave danger, so to protect his years of work He sends all of his notes and other important documents to Dan for safe keeping. When the inevitable happens Dan pays Peter’s ex-wife Sarah a visit to talk to her about the calls he received. It quickly becomes clear that someone wants to keep them quiet and, also, wants the documents they hold. Going through the notes they quickly realise the enormity of what he was working on and the impact White Gold will have on the world.
The notes point them in the direction of Australia and this sparks the action-packed charge around the world as they try to protect this brand new energy source.
I appreciated the pace of the action as we careened from country to country and close encounter with death to clever getaway. However, it was the lack of continuity provided in the narrative, the lack of clarity over what exactly each “discovery” meant and the shockingly high level of coincidence that dominated the plot that I found very difficult to come to terms with.
I’m as prepared to suspend my disbelief for the sake of a good story as the next person, but for all of the key players in this save-the-world scenario to have come from the same small squad of Iraq veterans was simply pushing things a little too far.
Overall, I found this to be a very quick read thanks to the furious action sequences. There’s clearly some development required of the Dan Taylor character and this will happen in the subsequent books in the series but you can already see the potential that’s there.
September 29, 2018
White Gold is book one in the Dan Taylor series by Rachel Amphlett. Dan Taylor was a bomb disposal experts in the British Army when a bomb exploded killing 3 of his mates and maiming one. After the explosion, Dan Taylor did not know what to do with himself until a friend rang saying he needs help. Before Dan could arrive to help his friend, Doctor Peter Edgewater died, and Dan decided to investigate with the help of Peter's ex-wife Sarah. However, Dan and Sarah did not realise what they are getting involved in when they started the investigation into Peter's death. The readers of White Gold will go on a rollercoaster ride with Dan, and Sarah to find out who murdered Peter and why.
At first, I thought that I would not enjoy reading White Gold. However, I was wrong I love it. The way Rachel Amphlett incorporated her twists and turned ensured that I engaged with the White Gold until the conclusion of the book. White Gold was well written and researched by Rachel Amphlett.
White Gold highlights the problems that members of the armed forces had when they came back home after military service. The readers of White Gold will learn about greed, power and corruption.
I recommend this book.
At first, I thought that I would not enjoy reading White Gold. However, I was wrong I love it. The way Rachel Amphlett incorporated her twists and turned ensured that I engaged with the White Gold until the conclusion of the book. White Gold was well written and researched by Rachel Amphlett.
White Gold highlights the problems that members of the armed forces had when they came back home after military service. The readers of White Gold will learn about greed, power and corruption.
I recommend this book.
September 23, 2015
After the murder of an old friend Dan, plagued by nightmares from an Iraq mission gone wrong, pulls himself out of a drunken stupor to help Sarah, his friend’s wife, investigate the reason for his assassination.
Murder and mayhem ensue as Dan and Sarah travel around the globe moving ever closer to the truth behind Peter’s murder.
Rachel Amphlett’s debut novel, White Gold, is an edge of your seat environmental thriller. In this first Dan Taylor novel we are introduced to the main protagonist, Dan, and his supporting characters. The characters are well drawn and believable.
The plot is well researched and the action is non stop with a few twists to keep the reader guessing.
Recommended to anyone that enjoys a good political thriller.
Murder and mayhem ensue as Dan and Sarah travel around the globe moving ever closer to the truth behind Peter’s murder.
Rachel Amphlett’s debut novel, White Gold, is an edge of your seat environmental thriller. In this first Dan Taylor novel we are introduced to the main protagonist, Dan, and his supporting characters. The characters are well drawn and believable.
The plot is well researched and the action is non stop with a few twists to keep the reader guessing.
Recommended to anyone that enjoys a good political thriller.
December 5, 2011
No Spoilers Contained Within This Review
This book is excellent! White Gold is well worth the money and even though I already own the eBook, I will definitely be purchasing a hardcopy when it becomes available. I have already recommended this book to well over a dozen people and I will continue to promote it.
I love this book and will tell you why;
Rachel Amphlett gets the simple things right. She keeps the sentences simple, dictating the tempo of the story (which is fever pitch). This is achieved through her ability to eliminate redundant words, not forcing the reader to digest excessive adverbs. Instead Rachel is confident in her ability (and the reader’s intelligence) to tell the story, knowing the reader will get the point. The paragraphing structure also contributes to keeping the book easy to follow and maintaining the fast pace Rachel intended.
Rachel’s descriptions of people, places, events are spot-on. Finding the perfect balance, where the reader is free to use their imagination along the journey, but not leaving the reader feeling vague and bewildered.
The story is brilliant, unique and fitting given the current (pardon the pun) political climate.
The characters are well developed and feel natural. Every reader wants to recognise reflections of themselves (or what they perceive themselves to be), or what they aspire to be. This is exactly what Rachel achieves “Dan is a lost cause, but can you blame him?” The reader can’t help but relate, empathise with, cheer, hate the characters Rachel has created.
I’m going to refrain from the cliché Rachel 'is just like'. Warning lights go off in my head when those words precede a new author, and I brace myself for a cheap imitation. Rachel has done an excellent job on this book and deserves the respect she has earned. So I am going to say Rachel Amphlett 'is just like' Rachel Amphlett, however if you enjoy authors such as Lee Child and Andy McNab then you will love this novel.
In short, this book is excellent. With Simple sentences, well formed paragraphs and balanced descriptions, pointing to an intelligent author that dictates the direction and pace of the novel perfectly. A unique story that is highlighted in the media daily, a plot that is always moving forward; and characters that have been fully developed and feel natural.
The stars have aligned to create a great read.
This book is excellent! White Gold is well worth the money and even though I already own the eBook, I will definitely be purchasing a hardcopy when it becomes available. I have already recommended this book to well over a dozen people and I will continue to promote it.
I love this book and will tell you why;
Rachel Amphlett gets the simple things right. She keeps the sentences simple, dictating the tempo of the story (which is fever pitch). This is achieved through her ability to eliminate redundant words, not forcing the reader to digest excessive adverbs. Instead Rachel is confident in her ability (and the reader’s intelligence) to tell the story, knowing the reader will get the point. The paragraphing structure also contributes to keeping the book easy to follow and maintaining the fast pace Rachel intended.
Rachel’s descriptions of people, places, events are spot-on. Finding the perfect balance, where the reader is free to use their imagination along the journey, but not leaving the reader feeling vague and bewildered.
The story is brilliant, unique and fitting given the current (pardon the pun) political climate.
The characters are well developed and feel natural. Every reader wants to recognise reflections of themselves (or what they perceive themselves to be), or what they aspire to be. This is exactly what Rachel achieves “Dan is a lost cause, but can you blame him?” The reader can’t help but relate, empathise with, cheer, hate the characters Rachel has created.
I’m going to refrain from the cliché Rachel 'is just like'. Warning lights go off in my head when those words precede a new author, and I brace myself for a cheap imitation. Rachel has done an excellent job on this book and deserves the respect she has earned. So I am going to say Rachel Amphlett 'is just like' Rachel Amphlett, however if you enjoy authors such as Lee Child and Andy McNab then you will love this novel.
In short, this book is excellent. With Simple sentences, well formed paragraphs and balanced descriptions, pointing to an intelligent author that dictates the direction and pace of the novel perfectly. A unique story that is highlighted in the media daily, a plot that is always moving forward; and characters that have been fully developed and feel natural.
The stars have aligned to create a great read.
January 9, 2013
It's an absolute given that one of the great strengths of crime / thriller fiction is the way that it gets into issues from the time and place in which it is set and WHITE GOLD is no exception. There's an increasing number of these sorts of books, looking at things from an environmental and/or activism role, and WHITE GOLD takes on the idea of terrorism to influence marketforces and fight off an increasing alternative viewpoint with rather frightening realism.
Given that the book has a number of very highly scientific principles at its core the language, and stylings are pure thriller. The technical information is delivered in a very accessible manner, although Amphlett also avoids the dreaded talking down to an audience. I think it's probably the rather matter of fact way in which the scientific elements are delivered, the technical aspects of the bomb and it's making and workings are described that make the details not just digestible, but considerably more chilling in the process.
There are good characterisations, with a bit of romantic attachment chucked in for those that like it, although it's not too overblown, and has some nice friendship / meeting of equals aspects to it which balance that out. There are a few plot points and elements of the action which might mean that readers have to suspend their disbelief a little more highly than they are normally comfortable with, and although there were points where I craved a little heaving lifting equipment, I did manage to hoick the disbelief high enough to get over the bumps. I should image that other readers, particularly fans of thrillers where the unexpected always happens, are not going to have too many problems following me in that.
Whilst it's particularly pleasing to see female writers in Australia taking on the thriller format, it's even more pleasing to see so many good ones coming along. There is, happily it seems, a sequel to WHITE GOLD in the making.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
Given that the book has a number of very highly scientific principles at its core the language, and stylings are pure thriller. The technical information is delivered in a very accessible manner, although Amphlett also avoids the dreaded talking down to an audience. I think it's probably the rather matter of fact way in which the scientific elements are delivered, the technical aspects of the bomb and it's making and workings are described that make the details not just digestible, but considerably more chilling in the process.
There are good characterisations, with a bit of romantic attachment chucked in for those that like it, although it's not too overblown, and has some nice friendship / meeting of equals aspects to it which balance that out. There are a few plot points and elements of the action which might mean that readers have to suspend their disbelief a little more highly than they are normally comfortable with, and although there were points where I craved a little heaving lifting equipment, I did manage to hoick the disbelief high enough to get over the bumps. I should image that other readers, particularly fans of thrillers where the unexpected always happens, are not going to have too many problems following me in that.
Whilst it's particularly pleasing to see female writers in Australia taking on the thriller format, it's even more pleasing to see so many good ones coming along. There is, happily it seems, a sequel to WHITE GOLD in the making.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
June 28, 2015
4 stars because I found the story compelling, but I felt let down with the complete lack of science and explanation, and to be honest, the situation did seem a little farcical to me. It also seemed to be a little on the side of conspiracy theory as well, pointing out that the Hindenburg is the one of the only reasons that we haven't invested hydrogen fuel cells as an energy source. But we have -- there are a number of documented cases of products making use of them, but some of the problems are *really difficult*.
April 8, 2017
A fast-paced, suspenseful read, set in Brisbane, Australia and Oxford, UK, as well as various other places briefly. The plot is quite complicated and not entirely plausible at times, but that’s OK - this is one of those books to suspend your disbelief and go with the flow. An enjoyable read to while away the hours plodding away on the treadmill at the gym - although perhaps a little to involved at the end for treadmill reading - possibly I should have finished it off while sitting down to better appreciate the ending!
September 24, 2018
If I had to describe this book, the word I would probably use is boring. For something that should have been an adrenaline pumping action adventure, I just found it incredibly boring.
It's the first book of a series featuring the character of Dan Taylor by Aussie author Amphlett. Dan is a geologist who formerly worked in bomb disposal for the army. He gets a message from an old university colleague, Peter, about a new clean fuel source called white gold. Before he can find out any further details Peter is dead and Peter’s ex-wife, Sarah, is being pursued by an assassin. Dan, obviously, steps in to help Sarah investigate just who wanted Peter dead and why.
The setting changes to Australia when the clues point to an owner of mines here being responsible for hiring the hit man. This is where I started to baulk at the believability of the plot. Actually, the entire premise of the crime and the over the top evilness of the Aussie baddie made the book seem extremely unrealistic. (I’ll concede though that this genre is generally always over the top.)
The entire plot with the white gold was boring. And I know it was supposed to have me riled up and environmentally aware but it just made me roll my eyes most of the time.
Even the focus on Australia and in particular Brisbane, a city I lived in for several years, didn’t manage to win me over.
I would usually say that this is a first book and I'd like to give the series another go except I also found Amphlett’s overall writing style incredibly boring. She has this annoying habit of writing what the characters are doing step by step that drove me insane. For example, if Dan took a shower, it was: ‘Using the handle of the glass shower screen, Dan slid it along its tracks to the right to open it. He stepped over the silver lip of the shower base. He placed his hands on first the cold tap and twisted, then on the hot and twisted until the water flowed. When a stream of water the correct temperature and force was coming out of the shower head, he stepped under the cascade. He reached up to take the carbolic smelling yellow soap from the ceramic dish and lathered himself to get clean.’ Okay, I made this up, but this is the way she writes. I'm not exaggerating. Just the characters making a cup of tea took seven sentences. The book would probably be half its size if she didn't write this way. There's descriptive details and then there's this… Drove.me.nuts.
So, yeah, pretty disappointed overall.
Probably 2 ½ out of 5
It's the first book of a series featuring the character of Dan Taylor by Aussie author Amphlett. Dan is a geologist who formerly worked in bomb disposal for the army. He gets a message from an old university colleague, Peter, about a new clean fuel source called white gold. Before he can find out any further details Peter is dead and Peter’s ex-wife, Sarah, is being pursued by an assassin. Dan, obviously, steps in to help Sarah investigate just who wanted Peter dead and why.
The setting changes to Australia when the clues point to an owner of mines here being responsible for hiring the hit man. This is where I started to baulk at the believability of the plot. Actually, the entire premise of the crime and the over the top evilness of the Aussie baddie made the book seem extremely unrealistic. (I’ll concede though that this genre is generally always over the top.)
The entire plot with the white gold was boring. And I know it was supposed to have me riled up and environmentally aware but it just made me roll my eyes most of the time.
Even the focus on Australia and in particular Brisbane, a city I lived in for several years, didn’t manage to win me over.
I would usually say that this is a first book and I'd like to give the series another go except I also found Amphlett’s overall writing style incredibly boring. She has this annoying habit of writing what the characters are doing step by step that drove me insane. For example, if Dan took a shower, it was: ‘Using the handle of the glass shower screen, Dan slid it along its tracks to the right to open it. He stepped over the silver lip of the shower base. He placed his hands on first the cold tap and twisted, then on the hot and twisted until the water flowed. When a stream of water the correct temperature and force was coming out of the shower head, he stepped under the cascade. He reached up to take the carbolic smelling yellow soap from the ceramic dish and lathered himself to get clean.’ Okay, I made this up, but this is the way she writes. I'm not exaggerating. Just the characters making a cup of tea took seven sentences. The book would probably be half its size if she didn't write this way. There's descriptive details and then there's this… Drove.me.nuts.
So, yeah, pretty disappointed overall.
Probably 2 ½ out of 5
Read
September 7, 2019DNF at 47 percent. I tried to like it, but even after returning to it several times to see if my interest increased, I still didn’t relate to the characters or become engaged in the thrill/suspense.
June 2, 2022
i found some of the international politics in this book interesting, think i will need to read another book before deciding if i want to read the series.
February 8, 2016
Published: 8/09/2011
Author: Rachel Amphlett
Recommended for: young adults, and fan's of thrillers.
Edition: Kindle
I found this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go :) I thought that this was a very good thriller book written by a very talented author Rachel Amphlett. This is a book that doesn't have any dull moments, it has an interesting storyline that will make you want to read it. The characters that she has in the book as realistic, easy to understand and get along with, they are interesting and each bring something to the book. The story is easy to follow without too many overly complicated words so it is fine for young adult readers as well. It is a very well written book, with a very unique story, i would say that it is a modern thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and it would definately be worth the money to buy it.
Author: Rachel Amphlett
Recommended for: young adults, and fan's of thrillers.
Edition: Kindle
I found this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go :) I thought that this was a very good thriller book written by a very talented author Rachel Amphlett. This is a book that doesn't have any dull moments, it has an interesting storyline that will make you want to read it. The characters that she has in the book as realistic, easy to understand and get along with, they are interesting and each bring something to the book. The story is easy to follow without too many overly complicated words so it is fine for young adult readers as well. It is a very well written book, with a very unique story, i would say that it is a modern thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and it would definately be worth the money to buy it.
November 20, 2019
Nonstop action with a spoonful of romance (not sex). Well paced throughout with intensity growing steadily so it’s not nerve-racking or tedious. Believable situations and characters, esp., the politicians. Clean, good-read, and not a cliffhanger. Recommended. Audio version is clearly heard and done well by Craig Beck.
Found this narrated version on Chirp for $.99
Chirp has no monthly or other fees — just FYI.
Found this narrated version on Chirp for $.99
Chirp has no monthly or other fees — just FYI.
October 9, 2015
Confusing
I didn't really like White Gold. Maybe it was the location. Maybe it was the convoluted plot. There were just too many characters and not enough information on any of them.
I didn't really like White Gold. Maybe it was the location. Maybe it was the convoluted plot. There were just too many characters and not enough information on any of them.
March 19, 2017
This was a blast ! Literally, lots of action, great characters and an excellent plot. A wealthy oil & gas millionaire takes a promising new possibility of fuel to a deadly conclusion to make more profits. Around the world fun, action and even a hint of romance. A real page turner and a lot of fun !
February 24, 2019
This book introduces Dan Taylor, ex-Army bomb disposal with post-combat stress and an academic background in mining and geology - his efforts to work with the newly widowed wife of a university friend somehow escalate into working with a shadowy government department. Not sure I will seek out the second book.
October 3, 2016
Check out this review, and all of my others at Brian's Book Blog
Dan Taylor is a blast!
4.5 out of 5 stars
White Gold -- no this is not about the gold that looks like silver, but really a way of refining down gold into a powder that creates energy as a by-product. White Gold is a Thriller featuring an ex-geologist turned soldier Dan Taylor. Dan's soldier days are behind him now and he is searching for meaning when an old friend calls him frantically one night setting off a spiral of action and mystery.
White Gold was narrated by Craig Beck who does a really nice job with it. The book was originally set in the UK, but ended up taking place all over, so Beck's voice ended up being really nice for this book. I did notice a few minor (super minor) faults in the audiobook where there was a repeated word or phrase (I think it happened 3 times) but sadly, I can't even report them to the author or narrator because I was driving every time I heard one. Other than that, the quality was pretty good.
Dan Taylor was a really likeable main character. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about him in the beginning, but he really grew on me. He is definitely a character that I will continue to follow into other stories. The way that he goes about things and figures everything out was really interesting to me. I actually really liked Sarah too, I know that she wasn't meant to be the main character, but she was a really good #2 to Dan's #1 status.
The story started off with a bang, literally -- but still took a little bit of time to get rolling into the story. Amphlett took her time making sure that we understood who Dan was and a little bit about his friend that was in danger. After the first few chapters, the story took off and never slowed down. The action was fast and the story was really well thought out.
Overall, White Gold was a really enjoyable Thriller. Dan Taylor was the perfect "hero" for this story and I will definitely be signing on for more Amphlett books featuring Dan.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Dan Taylor is a blast!
4.5 out of 5 stars
White Gold -- no this is not about the gold that looks like silver, but really a way of refining down gold into a powder that creates energy as a by-product. White Gold is a Thriller featuring an ex-geologist turned soldier Dan Taylor. Dan's soldier days are behind him now and he is searching for meaning when an old friend calls him frantically one night setting off a spiral of action and mystery.
White Gold was narrated by Craig Beck who does a really nice job with it. The book was originally set in the UK, but ended up taking place all over, so Beck's voice ended up being really nice for this book. I did notice a few minor (super minor) faults in the audiobook where there was a repeated word or phrase (I think it happened 3 times) but sadly, I can't even report them to the author or narrator because I was driving every time I heard one. Other than that, the quality was pretty good.
Dan Taylor was a really likeable main character. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about him in the beginning, but he really grew on me. He is definitely a character that I will continue to follow into other stories. The way that he goes about things and figures everything out was really interesting to me. I actually really liked Sarah too, I know that she wasn't meant to be the main character, but she was a really good #2 to Dan's #1 status.
The story started off with a bang, literally -- but still took a little bit of time to get rolling into the story. Amphlett took her time making sure that we understood who Dan was and a little bit about his friend that was in danger. After the first few chapters, the story took off and never slowed down. The action was fast and the story was really well thought out.
Overall, White Gold was a really enjoyable Thriller. Dan Taylor was the perfect "hero" for this story and I will definitely be signing on for more Amphlett books featuring Dan.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 1, 2016
Wow, what a rollercoaster ride of a book. First book I have read by Rachel, and I read & listened to it via Kindle Whispersync for the first time, which I actually enjoyed - it certainly gets through a book quicker!
This is a fast paced book which really doesn't stop until the very last word. Initially I found it hard to place all the characters and where they fit, but soon sorted that out. Rachel has obviously done quite a bit of research into the environmental elements in the book, which is refreshing, in that it could be fact rather than fiction. There are lots of twists and turns and conspiracy theories in the book which keep you turning the pages.
Dan Taylor is ex-army and his friend Peter has been doing speaking tours about the research he has done on "White Gold", which is not drug related, but a way of refining down gold into a powder that creates energy as a by-product When he leaves a voicemail message on Dan's phone wherein he tells him he is worried about his life because of his work, then he turns up murdered. Dan is determined to find out who killed Peter and exactly what is going on, and contacts Peter's ex wife Sarah. Together they work to discover that there is terrorism involved and people are dropping like flies around them.
It is set in London, Brisbane, Singapore and jumps around between these locations. There are a lot of nasty villains here who have no conscience in their pursuit of money and power.
I would highly recommend this book to lovers of fast paced thrillers. Thank you to Rachel for the audio version of the book, as I already had purchased the ebook on my kindle.
This is a fast paced book which really doesn't stop until the very last word. Initially I found it hard to place all the characters and where they fit, but soon sorted that out. Rachel has obviously done quite a bit of research into the environmental elements in the book, which is refreshing, in that it could be fact rather than fiction. There are lots of twists and turns and conspiracy theories in the book which keep you turning the pages.
Dan Taylor is ex-army and his friend Peter has been doing speaking tours about the research he has done on "White Gold", which is not drug related, but a way of refining down gold into a powder that creates energy as a by-product When he leaves a voicemail message on Dan's phone wherein he tells him he is worried about his life because of his work, then he turns up murdered. Dan is determined to find out who killed Peter and exactly what is going on, and contacts Peter's ex wife Sarah. Together they work to discover that there is terrorism involved and people are dropping like flies around them.
It is set in London, Brisbane, Singapore and jumps around between these locations. There are a lot of nasty villains here who have no conscience in their pursuit of money and power.
I would highly recommend this book to lovers of fast paced thrillers. Thank you to Rachel for the audio version of the book, as I already had purchased the ebook on my kindle.
September 30, 2024
3.5/5 Stars
I thought this story was well executed. It had some cliches - i.e., ex-military backstory - but I didn't feel that it was over the top. Our cast of characters are uniquely linked by past, but mostly by current events surrounding the work of a former squad member, Peter, now murdered. One of Peter's last acts while on a lecture tour discussing alternative energies was to leave a cryptic message on Dan's voicemail, his estranged squad mate. Now Peter's dead, and he's asked Dan to go visit his ex-wife, Sara, a journalist, to whom he's mailed all his original research and notes. And the tale takes off from there.
The main characters are British, based in England, but the story takes you from the United Kingdom to Australia, Singapore, off the coast of Japan, into the Arctic Circle and back to England.
I listened to this book on audio and quite enjoyed the narration. I got this book for free, and while won't actively pursue the series, would recommend for those who like Tom Clancy, Lee Child and James Patterson. And especially if you want to read from more women in the genre.
Trigger Warnings: Bombing, Gun violence, Death, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Murder, and Violence
I thought this story was well executed. It had some cliches - i.e., ex-military backstory - but I didn't feel that it was over the top. Our cast of characters are uniquely linked by past, but mostly by current events surrounding the work of a former squad member, Peter, now murdered. One of Peter's last acts while on a lecture tour discussing alternative energies was to leave a cryptic message on Dan's voicemail, his estranged squad mate. Now Peter's dead, and he's asked Dan to go visit his ex-wife, Sara, a journalist, to whom he's mailed all his original research and notes. And the tale takes off from there.
The main characters are British, based in England, but the story takes you from the United Kingdom to Australia, Singapore, off the coast of Japan, into the Arctic Circle and back to England.
I listened to this book on audio and quite enjoyed the narration. I got this book for free, and while won't actively pursue the series, would recommend for those who like Tom Clancy, Lee Child and James Patterson. And especially if you want to read from more women in the genre.
Trigger Warnings: Bombing, Gun violence, Death, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Murder, and Violence
October 16, 2013
White Gold is a fast paced action thriller which speeds across the globe.
Dan Taylor, a bomb disposal expert, finds that a lecture tour by his old friend has a dramatic effect on his future. He has a message which catapults him in to conflict with large conglomerates that are not as law abiding as they profess to be.
An alternative energy supply is discovered which could have a far reaching impact and Dan struggles to sort out the tangled webs of intrigue.
The writing is crisp and the plot believable. The characters are well drawn and develop further as the narrative progresses. The style is reflective of the thrillers of Robert Ludlum as the main protagonist unearths the truth behind the conspiracies.
A good modern old-fashioned heart-pumping page-turning thriller.
Dan Taylor, a bomb disposal expert, finds that a lecture tour by his old friend has a dramatic effect on his future. He has a message which catapults him in to conflict with large conglomerates that are not as law abiding as they profess to be.
An alternative energy supply is discovered which could have a far reaching impact and Dan struggles to sort out the tangled webs of intrigue.
The writing is crisp and the plot believable. The characters are well drawn and develop further as the narrative progresses. The style is reflective of the thrillers of Robert Ludlum as the main protagonist unearths the truth behind the conspiracies.
A good modern old-fashioned heart-pumping page-turning thriller.
June 6, 2014
A race to protect the last of the planet's fossil fuels or something altogether more sinister? Dan Taylor must follow the carnage, to stop tragedy befalling the planet, and the people he cares about.
Love the characters development, as they navigate the wonderful twists and turns of this novel. Perfectly paced and it keep you wanting to turn pages, which is all I ever want from a story. Being a lover of all things planet related, I highly recommend this.
Love the characters development, as they navigate the wonderful twists and turns of this novel. Perfectly paced and it keep you wanting to turn pages, which is all I ever want from a story. Being a lover of all things planet related, I highly recommend this.
June 5, 2015
Prepare to suspend scientific belief and enjoy the action.
The story is full of action and has a UK slant. The author could have used some help with the plot from a scientific standpoint. For one thing, the word "superconducted" was used instead of the word "superconducting". There were a few typos and grammatical errors as well, but they didn't take away from the story.
The story is full of action and has a UK slant. The author could have used some help with the plot from a scientific standpoint. For one thing, the word "superconducted" was used instead of the word "superconducting". There were a few typos and grammatical errors as well, but they didn't take away from the story.
March 20, 2015
I did not like this book. I couldn't get into it and usually the Thrillers and Mysteries get me hooked, but this one didn't capture me into the story.
June 17, 2016
Not a "thriller" in my opinion. Moves very slowly. Wanted to stop reading it several times. Dan and Sarah saved me from deleting this free book.
May 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Three and a half stars.
This was a reasonable debut. Well this is the first by this author that I have read. This one had a bit of a feel of a spy thriller, with some action and murder thrown in. I’m not sure what genre exactly this would be. Anyway, the characters were pretty solid, and I enjoyed their dynamic and how they worked together throughout the story. There were a number of plot points that I felt were included unnecessarily, and only seemed to add unneeded complication to the story. Overall though, this story was fast paced and though it had the occasional down moments, it wasn’t enough to bring me out of the story. The pace was consistent enough that I continued to be engaged until the end. I liked this book enough that I will read more by the author.
Three and a half stars.
This was a reasonable debut. Well this is the first by this author that I have read. This one had a bit of a feel of a spy thriller, with some action and murder thrown in. I’m not sure what genre exactly this would be. Anyway, the characters were pretty solid, and I enjoyed their dynamic and how they worked together throughout the story. There were a number of plot points that I felt were included unnecessarily, and only seemed to add unneeded complication to the story. Overall though, this story was fast paced and though it had the occasional down moments, it wasn’t enough to bring me out of the story. The pace was consistent enough that I continued to be engaged until the end. I liked this book enough that I will read more by the author.
September 6, 2018
This book was a pleasant surprise. I picked it up because it was nominated as a group read on one of my GR groups. Turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable page turner. Totally implausible story of course, but who cares. Hunky ex military bomb disposal expert still suffering the mental after effects of a disaster in Afghanistan, gets drawn into foiling a plot to discredit a newer alternate source of clean energy which could potentially be the beginning of the end for the oil and gas conglomerates.
Can't have that can we! Plenty of action and adventure and it would seem that our hero's back on track after a few 'lost' years. What more could you want.
Can't have that can we! Plenty of action and adventure and it would seem that our hero's back on track after a few 'lost' years. What more could you want.
September 23, 2018
A perfectly acceptable thriller let down by the use of American terms in spite of it being mostly set in the UK and Australia. For instance 'home invasion' and 'elevator' instead of 'lift'.
These expressions jarred me so much that they ruined my concentration when I should have remained gripped.
It should have been much more explicit in the romance. She is a recent widow. He is unattached. They are sharing a room in a hotel. In a later chapter, they are in the same bed when the phone rings. What were they doing? What is the relationship?
These expressions jarred me so much that they ruined my concentration when I should have remained gripped.
It should have been much more explicit in the romance. She is a recent widow. He is unattached. They are sharing a room in a hotel. In a later chapter, they are in the same bed when the phone rings. What were they doing? What is the relationship?
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