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The Scotland Project

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FINALIST - BEST THRILLERS 2024

A phantom terrorist. A dark conspiracy. One man's relentless quest for truth.

"The Scotland Project is one of the best thrillers of the year." —BestThrillers

Mathieu James, a respected journalist with a secret life as a CIA operative, carries the weight of tragedy. Orphaned by the 2005 London bombings, he's haunted by whispers of an elusive fifth bomber the world has forgotten.

A decade later, a chilling clue surfaces, linking this hidden mastermind to the devastating 2015 Paris attacks. Driven by an unquenchable thirst for justice, James plunges into a high-stakes, covert investigation that spans continents. Joined by fearless colleague Ana-Marie Poulin and seasoned MI5 veteran Conan MacGregor, he races against time to unravel a conspiracy determined to strike again.

From the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles to the corridors of Amsterdam's airport, the shadowy alleys of Paris to the cobblestone streets under Edinburgh’s imposing castle, James navigates an unraveling mystery destined for mass destruction. With each heart-pounding step, the line between his dual identities blurs, and the stakes skyrocket. A ruthless terror mastermind with seemingly unlimited resources closes in, forcing James to confront not only external threats but his own deep-seated demons.

As Scotland teeters on the brink of chaos and the body count rises, James faces an impossible Will he finally unmask the evil that shattered his world, or will his relentless pursuit lead him into a trap from which there's no escape?

In this pulse-pounding international thriller, time is running out, trust is a luxury, and the truth might be the deadliest weapon of all. Perfect for fans of Vince Flynn and Jack Carr.

_________________

Editorial

“...gripping…an electrifying read...” —Literary Titan

“...incendiary...a sophisticated terrorism thriller...” —BestThrillers

“...an intriguing, page-turning debut…” —Independent Book Review

“...cinematic and evocative…” —Indie Reader [IR Approved Four Stars]

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

47 people are currently reading
2198 people want to read

About the author

Matthew Fults

5 books39 followers

Matthew Fults is the author of five novels, including the award-winning Mathieu James trilogy, and two literary fiction books known as The Ukraine Stories. He is a former newspaper journalist and editor, a celebrated documentary filmmaker and accomplished brand photographer. In addition to his documentary work being selected to international film festivals, his visual storytelling has been praised by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Detroit Free Press, Boston Globe and TV Guide among others.




As a writer, he is known for possessing a cinematic style and crafting scenes so rich with sensory detail that readers feel transported into the story. His thrillers have been compared to Vince Flynn and Frederick Forsyth; his literary fiction to Milan Kundera and Etaf Rum; and his travel essays have been humorously described as "the love child of Hunter S. Thompson and Ernest Hemingway on LSD." Fults's long-form storytelling is known for its poignancy, exceptional realism and literary style of journalism.




His debut novel, The Scotland Project, was named a finalist for best thriller of the year. Its sequel, Messenger for the Dead, was named Action Thriller of the Year for 2025. The final book in the series, The Consequence of Sin, has been called "a superb finale."




Meanwhile, his literary fiction debut, The Sunflower Widows, hit shelves in September 2025 as a multi-category bestseller and Top New Release. Heralded as "A quiet triumph" and "Masterful," Discovery says it's "A must read." The Book Commentary wrote, "Fults’s layered, empathetic portrayal of women living through war will captivate readers immensely."



His next release, a Cold War literary thriller, is a companion novel to The Sunflower Widows. Nikolai's Secret tells the story of an ordinary man raised on Soviet ideals who uncovers a secret powerful enough to destroy an empire. Nikolai's Secret will debut May 12, 2026 in hardcover, paperback and ebook formats.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Meenaz Lodhi.
1,024 reviews86 followers
October 15, 2024
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review to come soon.
Profile Image for Mark.
67 reviews5 followers
October 5, 2024
3.5 stars

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and to author Matthew Fults for providing me with a Kindle copy of this fictional action thriller novel.

The Scotland Project was the name of the file created by main character Mathieu James, a Los Angeles based senior investigative reporter at the International Herald Tribune newspaper and a participant in the CIA’s Non-Official Cover Program, to gather evidence that there may have been a fifth bomber/master organizer who planned and financed the July 7, 2005 terrorist attack in London. James had particular interest in finding all of those involved in the 7/7 London attack because both of his parents were killed during that attack. James worked with his Paris based newspaper colleague, Ana-Maire Poulin, on a bombshell story that may tie the financing of the London attack and the Paris terrorist attack in November 2015 to the same Africa based individual. While investigating this story, James and Poulin began to suspect that the African financier was planning a new terrorist attack on a city somewhere in Europe with a sleeper cell based close thereto.

This novel had a dual storyline. The first storyline focused on Igor Kozlov, a Belarus native who lived in London and who devised a plan with the African financier and his crew to cause fear in the West by replicating the London and Paris terrorist attacks on innocent civilians. The first storyline focused on the logistics of carrying out an attack, where the attack may occur, and how to finance the attack. Concurrently, the second storyline focused on how James, Poulin, Alyssa Stevens, a CIA agent, Conan MacGregor, a MI5 agent, tried to undercover and thwart the possible terror attack using government surveillance and information obtained from sources developed by James and Poulin. Will James and team uncover the terror plot in time to stop it? Will James be able to identify and bring to justice any still alive individuals that were responsible for the death of his parents in London?

This was a good and timely novel as it explored the war in Ukraine, the alliance between Russia and Belarus, the impact that Western sanctions may have on the ordinary citizens of Russia and Belarus, and the connections among money laundering, financial privacy, and the financing of terror activities. The dual storylines were engaging, and the short chapters kept my interest and encouraged me to keep reading. Though the novel is an action thriller, Fults maintained a good sense of humor throughout particularly through character Frank Murphy, who was the editor of the International Herald Tribune newspaper. Further, there are periodic summaries of the facts learned by James during his investigation to keep the main plot points fresh in the reader’s mind. This occurred through James reviewing his written notes or through update conversations with his colleagues. Finally, Fults’ descriptions of locations, such as Edinburgh and Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam, were quite good. In particular, the specific descriptions of the streets in Edinburgh toward the end of the novel were vivid, gripping, harrowing, and realistic.

Though there was much to like about this novel, I noted a couple observations while reading. First, similar to most action thrillers, most of the female characters in this novel (Stevens, Poulin, James’ girlfriend Taylor Hendrix, and James’ cousin Lily Jameson) were described as very cute and attractive, and, of course, each was single. My guess is this was a tip of the hat to the James Bond thrillers, but I am not sure it added much to the overall story. Second, there were several coincidences and actions by characters that were a bit too convenient for the story and unrealistic. I think the most obvious ones occurred in Edinburgh, which was described as a large city that was crowded with pedestrians enjoying the holiday season. Yet, on several occasions, James and MacGregor were able to locate persons and vehicles of interest just by walking around the city or taking public transportation. Also, each of Kozlov, the members of the sleeper cell, and James did certain things that did not make sense under the circumstances. Keeping a primary cell phone, taking a colleagues BMW after that colleague disappears, working on a vehicle in a public parking garage, and being unaware that when a source planned to meet with unsavory characters later in the day in the same general location where James was meeting the source that the source may be under surveillance by the unsavory characters were just a few examples.

Notwithstanding the items noted above, I recommend this novel for readers interested in action thrillers and particularly for those interested in current events in Europe. In addition, this novel was a reminder to governments and individuals to remain vigilant against domestica and foreign threats. From one Indiana University alumni to another, I look forward to reading more novels by Fults.
Profile Image for ⋆❀₊˚⊹♡ kenna ⋆❀₊˚⊹♡.
44 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2024
★★★/★★★★★

Firstly I would like to thank both Matthew Fults and Goodreads for providing me with a Kindle edition from winning the giveaway!
And now, my honest and transparent review.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ Things I Did Like . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
✮ plot
✮ some of the characters
✮ pacing
✮ the second (antagonist) pov
✮ real world events
✮ the second half

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ Things I Didn't Like . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
✮ the brand name dropping
✮ the way some of the women were written
✮ the first half

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ .

Thoughts Before Reading
I thought that this would be an intense, fast paced, thriller.

Thoughts During Reading
I had a hard time starting the book to be honest. I felt that it was a bit of a slow start and I honestly couldn't get over the brand names? For some reason it felt as though there were a lot of brand names that were listed and I'm not sure if this was to character build or if it was to be relatable but I found it to be a little overdone and somewhat annoying.

During the beginning of the book women were written all as women who 'wore too much makeup', were 'playing dress up' or were women that were 'all legs'. I felt that this put women in a negative light for seemingly no reason. The MC had no bad blood with any women and actually ended up being able to solve the problem by being enlisted to help through a woman. And yet, the only strong female character in this book was his CIA partner. I found that to be extremely off putting during the first half of the book. He did have a girlfriend during the book but I found that her role was seemingly limited and I would have liked if she had a stronger role, (perhaps in future stories).

I did really enjoy the political/ real world elements to this story and I appreciated how well they were woven into the plot. I am not up to date on many political policies and issues so it was very interesting to read about these events through a novel. This book made me want to explore more of what is going on in the world and how it is affecting everyday people.

I throughly enjoyed Igor's point of view and his character development into becoming what he did towards the end. Seeing how someone can be influenced and end up at a point of no return was incredibly fascinating in this type of action/thriller.

Overall, this was a nicely paced, intriguing read that kept me page turning until the end. There are some things I would certainly hope to see written somewhat differently in the next books, but I would love to read the next ones.

Again, I want to thank the author and Goodreads for this giveaway copy! I look forward to reading more!

feel free to add/dm/comment on this review, and follow for more reviews! always looking for more interactive friends!
Profile Image for Bella.
443 reviews53 followers
October 21, 2024
A sophisticated terrorism thriller that lionizes investigative journalism while creating a series-worthy protagonist in Mathieu James. Fans of Terry Hayes and Alex Berenson will love Fults’ debut novel.

The Scotland Project opens in a barn in Wales, where a group of men sit playing cards amidst a formidable cache of rocket propelled grenades, automatic weapons, fertilizer and petrol. In 24 hours, their leader tells them, they will be martyrs.

Meanwhile in California, journalist Mathieu James is enjoying the extraordinary natural beauty of the Joshua Tree National Forest when his editor calls and utters a simple phrase: The Scotland Project. With that scene, we begin to understand that James is no ordinary journalist. James, an ex-Army Ranger and on-and-off CIA operative, also lost his parents in the 7/7/2005 London terrorist attack.

Within hours of receiving the communique, James is on his way to Scottsdale, Arizona, to meet a Swiss banker. While typically discreet, the banker promised to let James know if he saw something suspicious. It seems that two million Euros have been put into a fund that, in Francois’ words, “feels familiar.” Could an orchestrator of the 7/7 attack be planning something even bigger?

While The Scotland Project is unquestionably James’ story, and a very personal one at that, author Matthew Fults has surrounded him with an international cast of counterterrorism experts devoted to stopping the next big attack. Longtime associate CIA analyst Alyssa Stevens, who first noticed that James was often a step ahead of the agency, and MI5 veteran Conan MacGregor, leverage the substantial resources of their respective agencies to help James connect the dots and close the deal.

While her screen time is limited, the magical spark within Fults’ cast of characters is actually French journalist Ana-Marie Poulin, who has been pursuing a theory that a fifth 7/7 bomber existed. Recently, she learned of the existence of a person or group funneling money to sleeper cells in Europe, and as the book goes on, it’s clear that some people within her circle will kill to ensure the leak goes no further. The chemistry between Ana-Marie and James crackles despite the fact that most of the time, their interactions are entirely professional and often handled over messaging apps. Fults has given the intrepid journalist some of the book’s best professional conundrums as well as quips of unexpected dialogue, which send emotions bubbling up from the surface like bursts of hot lava.

Also simmering underneath an otherwise procedural veneer are James’ own motivations. As a journalist, he’s naturally wired to do whatever it takes to find the “fifth bomber.” But in the book’s final third, the possibility of confronting his parents’ killer and exacting revenge becomes palpable, leading to an incendiary, hugely satisfying finale in which James is utterly transformed.
156 reviews
October 15, 2024
This is a very good start to a new series. The author must be English so there are words that American readers will need to get used too. The characters are great and very believable. The story moves along at a good pace and keeps the reader interested until the end. There is action throughout the story as well. I’ll be looking for the next book and highly recommend this one.
2 reviews
October 2, 2024
This book has it all—the thrill of the chase, the hunt for truth, the race against the clock, all told in visceral detail, as if you're there with the characters at the airport or Christmas Market or cabin. What I did not expect ... and it still sits with me ... is the sympathy for the devil. That Stones song rings alarmingly true in this book. I could not put it down.
Profile Image for Abhay Singh.
1,059 reviews72 followers
December 8, 2024

⚫️The Scotland Project by Matthew Fults is an electrifying, high-octane thriller that delivers heart-pounding suspense, explosive action, and a deeply personal journey of redemption. Fults crafts a riveting tale of conspiracy, betrayal, and global intrigue, with Mathieu James an investigative journalist and covert CIA operative as its compelling protagonist.

⚫️The novel opens with a chilling premise: Mathieu James, forever scarred by the 2005 London bombings that left him orphaned, has spent the years since chasing shadows of a mysterious fifth bomber one who was never caught. A decade later, when a cryptic clue emerges linking this phantom mastermind to the 2015 Paris attacks, James is thrust into a covert investigation that takes him across continents, from the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the shadowy corners of Paris and the ancient streets of Edinburgh. The stakes couldn't be higher, and time is running out.

⚫️What sets The Scotland Project apart is its fast-paced narrative combined with a deeply human core. James is not just a man on a mission—he’s a man wrestling with the ghosts of his past. The emotional weight of his tragic history fuels his relentless drive to uncover the truth, and Fults does an excellent job of balancing the high-stakes thriller plot with moments of personal reflection. This makes James a character you can’t help but root for, even as he inches closer to danger.

⚫️The supporting cast Ana-Marie Poulin, a fearless colleague, and Conan MacGregor, a seasoned MI5 veteran bring additional depth and complexity to the story. Together, they form a dynamic, resourceful team, each contributing unique skills to the investigation. Their camaraderie, along with James's internal struggle, adds emotional richness to the plot, making this not just a chase for answers, but a quest for justice on a deeply personal level.

⚫️Fults excels at world-building, creating a vivid and atmospheric backdrop for his international thriller. The settings from Amsterdam’s airport to Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets feel alive and immersive, while the tension never lets up. Every chapter is charged with suspense, and the stakes escalate with each revelation, drawing the reader deeper into a labyrinth of conspiracy and danger. The pacing is relentless, with twist after twist, and just when you think you’ve figured out the mystery, Fults pulls the rug out from under you.

⚫️The novel’s tension is further amplified by its exploration of trust, both in others and in oneself. As James uncovers more about the shadowy forces pursuing him, he’s forced to confront not only external threats but also his own vulnerabilities and doubts. The question of whether he can finally unmask the elusive mastermind who’s haunted him for years looms over every decision he makes, and the shocking conclusion will leave readers breathless.

⚫️For fans of Vince Flynn, Jack Carr, and international espionage thrillers, The Scotland Project is a must-read. It’s a smart, pulse-pounding ride through a world of deception, danger, and moral ambiguity. Matthew Fults has delivered a truly captivating thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page.

Happy reading ♥️✨
21 reviews
May 28, 2025
Won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

I really enjoyed this one. It was a pretty quick read, and was entertaining the whole way through. I'll definitely be checking out more titles by this author.

Profile Image for Zach.
38 reviews
March 22, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for the next one!
417 reviews7 followers
May 24, 2025
Mathieu James is a journalist for the International Herald Tribune. He spends much of his spare time searching for the unknown 5th African mastermind behind the 2005 London attack which killed his parents. He wants to uncover the truth regarding the conspiracy.

An extremely well-written page-turner. The mesmerizing action starts at about halfway through the book and doesn't stop until the very end. Haven't read a book this good for a long time.
3,001 reviews44 followers
November 15, 2024
Matthieu James is a senior investigative reporter for the International Herald Tribune, based in Los Angeles, who has had a story in the back burner, after hearing a fifth man was involved with the London bombings in 2005 which killed his parents, and also in the 2015 Paris bombings. It has only been a rumour about this fifth man being the mastermind behind these attacks and providing the money as well. He names his investigation The Scotland Project, which turns out to be prophetic when the fifth bomber comes back into play, just as he is meeting someone. His CIA contact Alyssa Stevens has sent him a message that could tie to Matthieu’s search. She is both an analyst and a handler of a few Non-Official Cover operatives, including Matthieu, after they met as he was doing a story on Columbian cartels, who were smuggling drugs in their coffee to the USA. The CIA thought the money was coming from Africa and Alyssa thought it was connected to the London attack. He also has messages from his editor, Frank Murphy, with information from his Swiss banker contact, Francois Thies, about money being moved from an African contact. This money movement has always preceded some sort of terrorist action and Thies has been caught up in the illegal banking side of the trade for too long to get out. He is however, a contact Matthieu can use to try and find this fifth bomber and put a stop to his business. He arranges to meet him in Scottsdale Arizona, where the banker loves to golf and ogle women. The new money into the banker’s fund is going via the Royal Bank of Scotland, which is an unusual move.

Matthieu gets passed the details of a French reporter who has a friend she says is linked to this money man from Africa. Ana-Marie Poulin has been following an investigation after the Paris attacks, with rumours there is still an active cell in France, and rumours of one in the UK. Matthieu speak to Ana-Marie and manages to get a meeting with her informant and friend, set for the Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, with a description of what his contact would be wearing and where to look for him. At the same time, Igor Kozlov is looking to get some revenge against the West, to force them to stop sanctions against Belarus, which were causing his family to suffer. He and his best friend Andrey Morozov, left Belarus some ten years ago and continued their life of crime, setting up a business in London, UK, that allowed them to send goods they stole to their friends and family in Belarus, which was being squeezed in the aftermath of Russia’s war with Ukraine. Igor gets a contact from his friend’s father, done through a public payphone, where the financier spoke to him and wanted to know what his plan was, but he had no plans! He gets a chance to have a call back the next day and explains what he wants to have happen and a face-to-face meeting is arranged, also at Schiphol Airport! Mathieu’s meeting with the financier’s courier is hard work, as the courier is very jittery and won’t say who the man is, nor provide a description. The courier is spotted by the financier and his two huge Russian bodyguards, seen meeting with the unknown Matthieu and triggers a deadly chase.

Matthieu has managed to get photos of the men and sends them to Alyssa to see if she can identify the man in charge. He is soon running for his life and Alyssa sends him to a safehouse in Leith, Edinburgh, rather than have him come home. Bad weather on the coast of the US soon has him staying longer than he wanted, as he wanted to see his girlfriend, Taylor Hendrix, his girlfriend, who could be getting fed up with his lack of contact. Alyssa had a man in London, making sure Matthieu got to Edinburgh safely and wasn’t followed, which originally seemed like a danger to Matthieu, but Conan MacGregor, will soon turn out to be his partner in trying to stop a possible terrorist attack on the very streets of the Edinburgh capital and tracking the money man behind it all. The financier seems to have numerous plans in motion, with lots of redundancies in case he needs to change the plans. Igor has gotten himself in a plan that he can no longer get out of, without costing his life and the life of his best friend! Matthieu’s main goal has always been to stop the man behind his parent’s deaths, but he will have to battle with his need to stop the terrorists once they are in action, or chase after the financier and attempt to stop him. Conan is a by the book ally, unarmed and at a distinct advantage, and Matthieu, being a former Ranger, only takes advantage of a gun from the safehouse at almost the last minute, when it could have been handy before. Trying to stop suicide bombers if impossible when police and others don’t have guns to stop them pressing a button and it will be a costly mistake! Action at the end is almost non-stop and graphic but may not be quite what was expected.

The book starts quite slowly for me at least and was overly descriptive about every little thing. It could have definitely been more condensed, and the pace improved. The end of the book certainly improves this and beign based in Edinburgh, in locations I know well, certainly pulled me in more. The story covers a number of international threads and very up to date events from around the world. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
572 reviews11 followers
October 20, 2024
This was an exciting debut thriller that I was fortunate enough to have been allowed to read and be given the opportunity to provide my five cents worth in return for an honest review by the Author (Mathew Fults), his publisher (Severn River Publishing), and the folks at Thrillerfix.

This tale is a sophisticated terrorism thriller telling the story of the protagonist, Mathieu James, a respected international journalist writing articles for the International Herald Tribune, who was recruited as a Non-Official Cover (NOC) operative for the CIA (An NOC operative is an intelligence officer who operates clandestinely under a covert identity that's not traceable to the agency they work, for the purpose of deeper infiltration and access) by Alyssa Stevens.

The Scotland Project was the name of the file created by main character Mathieu James, a Los Angeles-based senior investigative reporter at the International Herald Tribune newspaper and a participant in the CIA’s Non-Official Cover Program, to gather evidence that there may have been a fifth bomber/master organizer who planned and financed the July 7, 2005, terrorist attack in London. James had a particular interest in finding all of those involved in the 7/7 London attack because both of his parents were killed during that attack. James worked with his Paris-based newspaper colleague, Ana-Marie Poulin, on a bombshell story that may tie the financing of the London attack and the Paris terrorist attack in November 2015 to the same Africa-based individual. While investigating this story, James and Poulin began to suspect that the African financier was planning a new terrorist attack on a city somewhere in Europe with a sleeper cell based close thereto.

A decade later, a chilling clue surfaces, linking this hidden mastermind to the devastating 2015 Paris attacks. Driven by an unquenchable thirst for justice, James plunges into a high-stakes, covert investigation that spans continents. Joined by fearless colleague Ana-Marie Poulin and seasoned MI5 veteran Conan MacGregor, he races against time to unravel a conspiracy determined to strike again.

This novel has multiple storylines..... the first storyline focuses on Igor Kozlov, a Belarus native who lived in London and who devised a plan with the African financier and his crew to cause fear in the West by replicating the London and Paris terrorist attacks on innocent civilians and concurrently, the second storyline focused on how James, Poulin, Alyssa Stevens, a CIA agent, and Conan MacGregor, an MI5 agent, tried to undercover and thwart the possible terror attack using government surveillance and information obtained from sources developed by James and Poulin.. The first storyline focused on the logistics of carrying out an attack, where the attack may occur, and how to finance the attack.

From the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles to the corridors of Amsterdam's airport, the shadowy alleys of Paris to the cobblestone streets under Edinburgh’s imposing castle, James navigates an unraveling mystery destined for mass destruction. With each heart-pounding step, the line between his dual identities blurs, and the stakes skyrocket. A ruthless terror mastermind with seemingly unlimited resources closes in, forcing James to confront not only external threats but also his deep-seated demons.

As Scotland teeters on the brink of chaos and the body count rises, James faces an impossible Will he finally unmask the evil that shattered his world, or will his relentless pursuit lead him into a trap from which there's no escape?

In this pulse-pounding international thriller, time is running out, trust is a luxury, and the truth might be the deadliest weapon of all. Perfect for fans of Vince Flynn and Jack Carr. In addition, this novel was a reminder to governments and individuals to remain vigilant against both domestic and foreign threats. This was a quick read of only 340 pages that I would highly recommend to readers of action thrillers (particularly those that are focused on the current events in Europe) and as such, I would easily give this debut novel a solid five stars.

As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth.
Profile Image for Literary Titan.
750 reviews86 followers
December 11, 2024
The Scotland Project centers on Mathieu James, an investigative journalist for the International Herald Tribune, who becomes deeply embroiled in unraveling the mystery behind the 2005 London terrorist attack. Of the five perpetrators, one—believed to be the mastermind—escaped. While pursuing a money-laundering investigation, James stumbles upon crucial evidence linking an African financier suspected of funding numerous terrorist activities to the elusive fugitive. As his investigation deepens, James uncovers a labyrinth of conspiracies with far-reaching implications. Drawing on his military background and veteran experience, he teams up with Conan MacGregor, an MI5 agent of Irish descent. Together, and with the support of colleagues Alyssa Stevens and Ana-Marie Poulin, the pair embarks on a harrowing mission to thwart an imminent terror attack in Edinburgh.

Matthew Fults delivers a gripping narrative brimming with action, suspense, and intrigue. A seasoned journalist and editor, Fults demonstrates remarkable command over storytelling techniques. His deliberate use of long, descriptive passages captures the slow passage of time, while brisk, concise sentences ramp up tension in critical moments. Although the plot unfolds at a measured pace initially, it gains momentum as the story progresses, building to an electrifying climax. The interplay between characters, particularly Conan MacGregor’s role as a counterbalance to the dominant presence of James, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

I feel the novel lacks depth in its portrayal of female characters, who remain somewhat sidelined throughout the story. They are largely relegated to roles of superficial support or reduced to stereotypes, valued more for their physical appeal than their substance. I would have liked to have seen these characters developed into fully realized characters.

The Scotland Project is an electrifying read. Fans of espionage thrillers like those by Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum will relish its blend of action, intrigue, and complex global stakes. For readers who enjoy layered conspiracies and morally gray heroes, this is a solid pick. It kept me turning pages late into the night, even as I occasionally winced at some tropes.
45 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2025

The Scotland Project by Matthew Fults' is a stunningly executed thriller that intertwines personal vendetta with geopolitical intrigue. The novel features a complex and emotional conflict, with protagonist Mathieu James striving to uncover the truth behind the London bombings that murdered his parents. This backstory is cleverly accomplished and helps to build tension and suspense, fueling James’s motivations as he digs into a tangled web of financial connections linking terrorism to shady global players. Set against the backdrop of various European cities, including the bustling Schiphol Airport and the vibrant streets of Edinburgh during a Christmas market, the author expertly crafts a vivid sense of place. Each location is more than a physical setting and enhances the mood—intense, chaotic, and often foreboding. The airport, a nexus of international travel, becomes a haunting arena for clandestine meetings and dangerous encounters, reflecting the novel's themes of surveillance and deception.

Fults cleverly builds intrigue through tense interactions and unexpected plot twists. As the narrative unfolds, the stakes rise, culminating in close encounters with shadowy figures intent on silencing the truth. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on edge and invested in James's quest. The culmination of personal and external conflicts, alongside the palpable atmosphere of dread and suspense, makes The Scotland Project an unputdownable exploration of how past tragedies resonate with current global crises. I was thrilled, utterly thrilled.
Profile Image for Romuald Dzemo.
Author 2 books16 followers
January 4, 2025
Thrilling

Matthew Fults's The Scotland Project is an enthralling thriller that interrogates the intersections of personal tragedy and global intrigue through the lens of protagonist Mathieu James. Set against the backdrop of international terrorism and financial conspiracies, the novel revolves around the connections between the 2005 London bombings and a potentially resurgent terror network fueled by foreign investment. This twisty narrative starts with Mathieu receiving a tip about the mysterious "Scotland Project," which leads him down a rabbit hole involving a dangerous financier linked to past terror attacks. His emotional journey is just as critical as the thriller elements; the emotion of loss—James's parents were victims of the 7/7 bombings—propels him into a treacherous investigation that brings him face-to-face with both his past and a tangled web of global finance and terrorism.

Character development is stellar in this tale, and the author deftly examines Mathieu's evolution from a detached journalist to an engaged protagonist and the myriad characters that are part of his struggle, such as the troubled courier dealing with guilt and fear for his family and the enigmatic financier with hidden motives. Fults effectively uses these characters to explore themes of morality, loyalty, and the quest for redemption in a world where the stakes are not just financial but existential. I was fully invested in this intelligently plotted and ingeniously executed thriller.
Profile Image for Sneha.
413 reviews59 followers
December 2, 2024
Get ready for a pulse-pounding adventure that will leave you breathless! *The Scotland Project* is the perfect mix of heart-stopping action, dark conspiracies, and high-stakes drama. Mathieu James, a CIA operative haunted by tragedy, dives deep into a deadly game of cat and mouse. The settings? Absolute gold—think Paris, Edinburgh, and Los Angeles brought to life with cinematic flair.

This book doesn’t hold back! Twists, betrayals, and explosions (literal and emotional) had me flipping pages like crazy. The characters? So real. Mathieu’s struggles and his dynamic with Ana-Marie Poulin and MI5’s MacGregor make the stakes feel personal.

Fults nails the pacing—it’s fast but never rushed, keeping the tension sky-high. The mix of intense action and emotional depth had me hooked from start to finish. Bonus points for the detailed settings; I could practically hear Edinburgh’s cobblestones beneath my feet!

This thriller is a must-read for fans of espionage, conspiracies, and stories that keep you guessing. If you love Jack Carr or Vince Flynn, you’re in for a treat. I couldn’t put it down!
9 reviews
July 28, 2025
Decent Storyline

It’s a decent read. Repetitive in numerous places. Saying exactly the same thing it said before. Boringly over detailed in many places. Probably AI generated. You can usually tell this because of poor use of commas. Then poorly edited. I’ll continue reading the series. But only because it’s hard to find anything original these days. This story IS ORIGINAL. It’s just poorly written.
Stop the repeat thing and clean up the grammar. And cut the obsessive detail. It’s boring.
Then you’ll have a blockbuster.
Oh, yeah. And throw away the AI.
Profile Image for Manfred.
558 reviews
October 28, 2024
Mathieu James, an investigative journalist, comes into information that a mastermind behind the London bombings in 2005 and the Paris attacks from 2015 is planning a new attack. Mathieu is also working as scertet CIA operative and starts to investigate. His trip leads him from Los Angeles to Europe and culminating in Edinburgh. A very good action thriller with a different kind of MC and I'm looking forward to more books from the author.













Profile Image for Becca.
3,235 reviews47 followers
November 1, 2024
Ok....there better be a book 2 or something to this! Omg! The ending! This was packed with so much. I absolutely loved this books. The action, the thrills. I was sad to see one person depart but I get it's part of the bigger story. This was such a wild ride. Please let there be another and soon lol. This is so good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen.
218 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2024
This was a Goodreads giveaway win - Thank you!

The Scotland Project is a great read! This story quickly grabs your attention and just doesn't let go. And, it's scary. I love Mathieu and everything about this book and can't wait to meet up with Mathieu again. Well done, Mr. Fults!
4 reviews
October 2, 2024
The best Jack Ryan-esque novel I've read in a while! Incredibly vivid and moves very well - great storytelling all around. And a good holiday read given the setting! Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Eddie Williams.
5 reviews
October 3, 2024
I liked the premise of this book, especially how he wrapped the story around real events. The action was fun and intense and the characters were memorable and most of them were likable!
1 review
October 24, 2024
This book had me on the edge of my seat, I was so obsessed with it and didn't expect to be at all! It was thrilling and suspenseful, and I would 10000% recommend it to a friend!
17 reviews
February 17, 2026
Thrilling

Although, as an avid reader,my fingers itched to edit this book, I found it to be an intriguing tale with a great plot. Lots of twists and turns. I was sad for the folks in Edinburgh, though. I think you’ll like this novel.
Profile Image for Alison Sowka.
8 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2026
First novel I've read with a Scotland setting, which made it interesting. I expected a little more on the conspiracy/government involvement side, but the normal-guy-vigilante still had appeal. Finishing it means I'm now invested enough to read the next one, especially leaving off on a loose end...
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