What do you think?
Rate this book
Dan Shepherd #3
Cold Kill: The Third Spider Shepherd Thriller
The third book in the bestselling Dan 'Spider' Shepherd series.
Even deadlier than terrorists . . . are the men trying to stop them.
People-smuggling, counterfeit currency and attempted murder. It's all in a day's work for undercover cop Dan 'Spider' Shepherd. But what starts as a run-of-the mill investigation quickly turns into a matter of life and death when he uncovers a terrorist cell on a mission of death and destruction. The hundreds of passengers on a cross-channel train deep below the English Channel.
With the clock ticking and the explosives primed, Shepherd and his colleagues have to decide just how far they are prepared to go to save innocent lives. And they realise that to avoid catastrophe, they have to be even more merciless than the terrorists.
Praise for Stephen
He has the uncanny knack of producing plots that are all too real — Daily Mail
The sheer impetus of his storytelling is damned hard to resist. — Daily Express
A master of the thriller genre. —Irish Times
Even deadlier than terrorists . . . are the men trying to stop them.
People-smuggling, counterfeit currency and attempted murder. It's all in a day's work for undercover cop Dan 'Spider' Shepherd. But what starts as a run-of-the mill investigation quickly turns into a matter of life and death when he uncovers a terrorist cell on a mission of death and destruction. The hundreds of passengers on a cross-channel train deep below the English Channel.
With the clock ticking and the explosives primed, Shepherd and his colleagues have to decide just how far they are prepared to go to save innocent lives. And they realise that to avoid catastrophe, they have to be even more merciless than the terrorists.
Praise for Stephen
He has the uncanny knack of producing plots that are all too real — Daily Mail
The sheer impetus of his storytelling is damned hard to resist. — Daily Express
A master of the thriller genre. —Irish Times
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2006
245 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
247 books1,532 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 10, 2015
The 3rd book in the Dan Shepherd series by Stephen Leather.
Another great read from this series of books, lots of action, plenty of drama and full of twists and turns. I didn't like it as much as the previous 2 books that were very close to a 5 star rating but still gave it 4 stars. This series is getting better as I get to know the characters more and I am really looking forward to the next book which I intend to start before the end of the week.
Another great read from this series of books, lots of action, plenty of drama and full of twists and turns. I didn't like it as much as the previous 2 books that were very close to a 5 star rating but still gave it 4 stars. This series is getting better as I get to know the characters more and I am really looking forward to the next book which I intend to start before the end of the week.
February 27, 2012
Good reading.Leather provides holiday entertainment with a twist. He really does pose the what if questions. He crosses the thriller / conspiracy / spy genre perfectly. This deserves 3.5/5.
June 26, 2025
another great book about spider shepherd.
in this adventure we have people smuggling , counterfeit currency and terrorists on the street of London
a great pace, great story line and a great characters, all the hallmarks of a Stephen leather book!
in this adventure we have people smuggling , counterfeit currency and terrorists on the street of London
a great pace, great story line and a great characters, all the hallmarks of a Stephen leather book!
February 14, 2012
Very violent and certainly not for the faint hearted in places , but I've come to expect that from the man.
As ever wonderful, really original plots!
As ever wonderful, really original plots!
November 23, 2013
(Contains potential spoilers)
Reading the other reviews had me thinking I had a 'mixed-up' audio book from Isis, but after reading the first 50 pages again on Kindle, it appears not. So what was with the introductory pages and the Man Utd fan and satellite pictures? That never resurfaced. And also, the conversation Dan had with 'the American' after being introduced by Hargreaves never made much sense.
Although I found the general story interesting and a bit more focussed than Soft Target, I still felt that there were too many distractions from the main plot, and some bylines which were just unnecessary: for example, the whole scene with Charlotte Button's interrogation was far too long-winded and I still don't understand why she was obliged to take part.
After the first Shepherd story which I loved, I'm starting to doubt the series after the last two average contributions. I feel that, although Leather is a very talented writer, his means of focusing is not inline with my idea of a page-turning novel. I've just started on the 4th book, Hot Blood, but fear that a break from Leather may be in order if it's not up to the standards that I've come to expect from Lee Child and, one of my new faves, the awesome Gary Ponzo.
Ok, but not anywhere near as good as the first, due to more loose ends and an unfocused story line.
Reading the other reviews had me thinking I had a 'mixed-up' audio book from Isis, but after reading the first 50 pages again on Kindle, it appears not. So what was with the introductory pages and the Man Utd fan and satellite pictures? That never resurfaced. And also, the conversation Dan had with 'the American' after being introduced by Hargreaves never made much sense.
Although I found the general story interesting and a bit more focussed than Soft Target, I still felt that there were too many distractions from the main plot, and some bylines which were just unnecessary: for example, the whole scene with Charlotte Button's interrogation was far too long-winded and I still don't understand why she was obliged to take part.
After the first Shepherd story which I loved, I'm starting to doubt the series after the last two average contributions. I feel that, although Leather is a very talented writer, his means of focusing is not inline with my idea of a page-turning novel. I've just started on the 4th book, Hot Blood, but fear that a break from Leather may be in order if it's not up to the standards that I've come to expect from Lee Child and, one of my new faves, the awesome Gary Ponzo.
Ok, but not anywhere near as good as the first, due to more loose ends and an unfocused story line.
February 1, 2012
Can't say this was 'amazing' but it's very enjoyable read. The action pace was slower which is something I missed. However, when it comes to our hero, Daniel Sheperd, we've come to know a great deal about him professionally as well as his relationship with his kid. It's great to see Sheperd trying to deal with his kid, who he always lets down by not being there for him. We also see Sheperd reaching his tipping point when a Bangladeshi family, he's come to be friends with in his undercover operation, are sent to Guantanamo prison for forging UK passports.
Final Verdict: I liked this book mainly because it huge character development for Daniel Sheperd. And this is a series I plan to keep reading.
Final Verdict: I liked this book mainly because it huge character development for Daniel Sheperd. And this is a series I plan to keep reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2010
This was my first Stephen Leather and I enjoyed reading it very much. It has a central hero in "Spider" Shepherd, who is ex Special Forces and now working undercover for the police. Called Spider because he once ate a spider. Haven't we all?
The story jumped around a little but was very readable and has a solid plot. Interesting characters who are well developed by the author. I will read more of the author's books.
The story jumped around a little but was very readable and has a solid plot. Interesting characters who are well developed by the author. I will read more of the author's books.
June 2, 2008
My wife insists that I'm a real saddo for liking these types of books... she calls it guy-lit-pulp.... but hey... I don't give two-hoots cos' I simply love it.
Again we find out hero Dan Shepherd going undercover and coming out smelling of roses... but as always... there's a personal cost.
Again we find out hero Dan Shepherd going undercover and coming out smelling of roses... but as always... there's a personal cost.
March 26, 2009
Took me two weeks to get through the first hundred pages but after that I couldn't put it down. I love the swapping between characters at the end. Also, nice mix of action and storyline - if there was a bit more romance I would be backing it 100%. Nice easy read
February 2, 2013
Great read again. Liked the plot and was wondering just how the book would end up. Excellent finish and the last 20 pages were laid out brilliantly. Leaving you wondering what would happen on the next page.
March 15, 2009
Dan "Spider" Shepherd is back to try to stop terrorists from a major London disaster. He gets a new boss. Fast paced.
June 15, 2010
Awesome thriller
December 5, 2010
Quite entertaining but predictable. With an intriguing beginning but with a lame end. Easy to read.
December 13, 2010
Great story but weird that it is just one long chapter - made putting it down very difficult!
January 7, 2013
Another brilliant instalment in the Spider Shepherd series. Fast paced and full of action.
August 2, 2018
These are pedestrian tv-like serials, but entertaining enough in spite of that.
January 16, 2021
Book 3 in the Dan Shepherd series by Stephen Leather, and another cracking good read.
It has all the ingredients that one wants from this type of book fantastic action, drama by the bucket load and tension so far up the scale that you get sweaty turning the page.
Three books down and the characters are well formed now and you feel right at home with them the world building continues to be good as we find "Spider Shepard" take on his most difficult case yet.
The plot is good and the book moves along at a lightning pace, Leather never gets you bogged down with over explanations or writing for the sake of it he puts down on the page what needs to said.
Spider is an evolving character which is good as one must in a series of books.
The book examines how the world changed after the events of 9/11 and how much the Americans have a hand in most of our MI5 operations.
My only gripe is how Leather refuses to use Chapters in this series of books it takes me a while to get used to that.
A bloody good read if you are a fan of Lee Child "Reacher" or Tom Cain's "Carver" well worth your time and Hard-Earned cash.
It has all the ingredients that one wants from this type of book fantastic action, drama by the bucket load and tension so far up the scale that you get sweaty turning the page.
Three books down and the characters are well formed now and you feel right at home with them the world building continues to be good as we find "Spider Shepard" take on his most difficult case yet.
The plot is good and the book moves along at a lightning pace, Leather never gets you bogged down with over explanations or writing for the sake of it he puts down on the page what needs to said.
Spider is an evolving character which is good as one must in a series of books.
The book examines how the world changed after the events of 9/11 and how much the Americans have a hand in most of our MI5 operations.
My only gripe is how Leather refuses to use Chapters in this series of books it takes me a while to get used to that.
A bloody good read if you are a fan of Lee Child "Reacher" or Tom Cain's "Carver" well worth your time and Hard-Earned cash.
September 22, 2017
"September 22, 2017 –
55.0% ""This shit is scary..." - After alll nobody is afraid in the movie industry to break a bone, right?"
September 22, 2017 –
15.0% "Looking in each minute where you have reached and how much has left is more likely anxiety one moment you say in your mind "Yeah I gonna finish it"... - Then... you see 50 out of 250... you won't finish it soon by staring in the page and trying magically get from 50 to 250 page"
September 22, 2017 –
15.0% "Stop Looking on which page are you... this is not how a book should be read if you gonna read a book by looking everytime on which page your are... you won't get far... to do it... you need stop that addiction."
September 22, 2017 – Started Reading"
55.0% ""This shit is scary..." - After alll nobody is afraid in the movie industry to break a bone, right?"
September 22, 2017 –
15.0% "Looking in each minute where you have reached and how much has left is more likely anxiety one moment you say in your mind "Yeah I gonna finish it"... - Then... you see 50 out of 250... you won't finish it soon by staring in the page and trying magically get from 50 to 250 page"
September 22, 2017 –
15.0% "Stop Looking on which page are you... this is not how a book should be read if you gonna read a book by looking everytime on which page your are... you won't get far... to do it... you need stop that addiction."
September 22, 2017 – Started Reading"
January 26, 2021
These books about Spider are just such a good read. I haven't read them in order which doesn't actually that much
So ex SAS Dan "Spider" Shepherd is yet again on an undercover mission to sniff out some terrorists. Stephen Leather is the only author at the moment, that I have read any type of book like this. His writing is really easy and understandable, and doesn't go into too much crazy detail about stuff you don't understand.
The thing is, we know a lot about Shepherd's showering habits, drinking coffee and sleeping. This one is quite a long book, and I think a lot of pointless information can be cut out and cut down. Just give me the juicy parts and we can all move on. Still a really interesting read, I will be reading more
So ex SAS Dan "Spider" Shepherd is yet again on an undercover mission to sniff out some terrorists. Stephen Leather is the only author at the moment, that I have read any type of book like this. His writing is really easy and understandable, and doesn't go into too much crazy detail about stuff you don't understand.
The thing is, we know a lot about Shepherd's showering habits, drinking coffee and sleeping. This one is quite a long book, and I think a lot of pointless information can be cut out and cut down. Just give me the juicy parts and we can all move on. Still a really interesting read, I will be reading more
August 14, 2021
I enjoyed this book - there was good character development from the first two books and it was nice that things were changed up with the transfer to SOCA. Charlie Button seems like she will be a good addition to the mix, and it was interesting to learn more about Razor.
The plot was interesting and fast moving and just about grounded enough to make it believable - I liked how one thing lead to another which lead to another. The connection to real world events was a plus (even if it was heartbreaking to reminded of that terrible day in London).
I still remain frustrated by the lack of chapters - I'm not sure if this is a Kindle thing or down to the author but it's very annoying!
The plot was interesting and fast moving and just about grounded enough to make it believable - I liked how one thing lead to another which lead to another. The connection to real world events was a plus (even if it was heartbreaking to reminded of that terrible day in London).
I still remain frustrated by the lack of chapters - I'm not sure if this is a Kindle thing or down to the author but it's very annoying!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
I found my first attempt at a Stephen Leather book to be okay. This is very similar to something penned by Lee Child or Andy McNab and I guess there in lies the problem for me.
I'm not a great fan of the previous two authors. That is the first problem. The second problem that needs to be pointed out is the author himself.
If your like me that picked up this book based on the glowing reviews you should be aware that Leather is known for posting fake reviews to increase the sales of his own works. Take from that what you will.
I'll probably try one more of his books to see where it lands for me. If you like this i would recommend Andrew Peterson's "Nathan McBride" series.
I'm not a great fan of the previous two authors. That is the first problem. The second problem that needs to be pointed out is the author himself.
If your like me that picked up this book based on the glowing reviews you should be aware that Leather is known for posting fake reviews to increase the sales of his own works. Take from that what you will.
I'll probably try one more of his books to see where it lands for me. If you like this i would recommend Andrew Peterson's "Nathan McBride" series.
September 30, 2019
Con este tuve la típica desilusión de los libros que vienen muy recomendados: esperaba mucho más. La historia solo se pone interesante después de la segunda mitad. Con un protagonista tan bueno, que parece una angel, es difícil llegar a darle credibilidad. Hace unos años leí Terrorista de John Updike del cual tengo un muy buen recuerdo, Updike sabe mostrarnos las dos caras del tema y en este caso, por las recomendacione creí que Leather iba por el mismo camino, pero no, una sola cara del conflicto con un intento de crítica, pero es solo eso, un intento.
April 21, 2020
Finished another one of the quick thrillers. This one had a mostly better reader than the last one I listened to though I didn't care for the inflections he did sometimes in Dan's voice. The previous couple I listened to had stupid 1-2 second gaps between each paragraph... and that was at 1.5x speed. I'll look up that reader and avoid him where possible. I've now got the rest of the Spider series on my Kindle, so don't have to deal with bad readers, and i can read text much faster than I can listen to it, especially with the reader attempting multiple accents and genders.
July 5, 2017
This is a thrill a second book with believable characters and holding the reader throughout. It is bang up to date with current life starting with a ship bringing illegal immigrants and ends up with suicide bombers on board a speeding Eurostar train which is timed to explode when it enters the tunnel with only Spider to stop it.
The only downside is the ongoing emotional abuse of Spider's son by Spider but this is less than previous book.
Highly recommended.
The only downside is the ongoing emotional abuse of Spider's son by Spider but this is less than previous book.
Highly recommended.
September 23, 2018
That Dan Shepherd eh? Single father holding down a job whilst bringing up his son with the help of au pair Katra. But his job happens to be an undercover officer saving the world from terrorists and criminals from all over the globe. Book three in the series and things are getting serious when Shepherd stumbles across a terrorist organisation. Mixing real life events with fiction I liked it but found it a bit slow to begin with but it picked up towards the end.
June 10, 2017
RIP Manchester and London
I purchased this book before what had happened in the Manchester NEC and London terrorist attacks... RIP to everyone who was sadly involved and affected it was so sad and still is... I'm so glad I've read this book and can't wait to read more from this author...
I purchased this book before what had happened in the Manchester NEC and London terrorist attacks... RIP to everyone who was sadly involved and affected it was so sad and still is... I'm so glad I've read this book and can't wait to read more from this author...
October 1, 2017
DNF'd at 30%
Couldn't stay interested. Had that been-there-done-that feel from the start and couldn't shake it off. Still, could just be my present mood so I'll KIV this to resume another time.
Couldn't stay interested. Had that been-there-done-that feel from the start and couldn't shake it off. Still, could just be my present mood so I'll KIV this to resume another time.
December 15, 2017
A roller coaster ride with a heart stopping ending. Spider believes as an undercover officer he is doing good work, that his work is worth the risks he takes. Maybe this last job with a new boss has changed his mind.
July 4, 2019
Great story from beginning to end and kept you reading. I enjoyed this more than the first one, but I have now got the fourth book so am waiting to start. Very good story and very good detail, nothing rude or nasty in the book and any swearing were necessary to make the story complete.
December 8, 2020
I'm not entirely sure what to make of this book, I enjoyed the story, the character development and the writing apart from some mistakes in my version (kindle) but I found the 'torture' completely out of place and unnecessary especially the detail in contrast to the rest of the book/writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews