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Red Scorpion
Life for Dr Laura Strong shouldn’t be this hard. Nights working thankless A&E shifts. A much-loved disabled brother to look after. Loan sharks at her door. She needs a miracle to stop her life collapsing around her.
The arrival of South American coffee magnate Rafael Fernandez appears to be the answer to her prayers. A devoted father with a sick son requiring a 24/7 care, he is prepared to pay any price for expertise he can trust.
But if something appears to be too good to be true, then it probably is. Behind the façade of Rafa’s gilded existence lies a dark family history which he has been doing his best to avoid – until the death of his estranged father brings it crashing back into his – and Laura’s – world.
What had at first seemed to be a remarkable escape from an impossible situation now threatens to destroy everything Laura cares about. Friendless and far from home, she must rely on her own instincts to find a way out of this terrifying new landscape. Sometimes it’s easier to trust the devil you know…
The arrival of South American coffee magnate Rafael Fernandez appears to be the answer to her prayers. A devoted father with a sick son requiring a 24/7 care, he is prepared to pay any price for expertise he can trust.
But if something appears to be too good to be true, then it probably is. Behind the façade of Rafa’s gilded existence lies a dark family history which he has been doing his best to avoid – until the death of his estranged father brings it crashing back into his – and Laura’s – world.
What had at first seemed to be a remarkable escape from an impossible situation now threatens to destroy everything Laura cares about. Friendless and far from home, she must rely on her own instincts to find a way out of this terrifying new landscape. Sometimes it’s easier to trust the devil you know…
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2026
16 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bradby
19 books300 followersTom Bradby is a British journalist and novelist. He has been political editor for ITV News since July 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tom Bradby has excelled with his recent spy novels but his latest novel is more of a straight thriller with a strong overlay of family drama and the effects of decisions. The story revolves around an upright and admirable young doctor, Laura Strong, who finds herself in a terrible situation. Her nights are spent working thankless A&E shifts, as she tries to find the money to support her much-loved disabled brother. Exhausted, and with loan sharks at her door, Laura needs a miracle to stop her life from collapsing around her.
The arrival of South American coffee magnate Rafael Fernandez appears to be the answer to her prayers. A devoted father with a sick son requiring a 24/7 care, he is prepared to pay any price for the expertise he can trust. For Laura it is a remarkable escape from an impossible situation, however, behind the façade of Rafa’s gilded existence lies a dark family history which he has been doing his best to avoid. The death of his estranged father brings the wolves to Rafa’s door, and Laura, already recruited by the British security services to spy on Rafa, finds herself in far greater jeopardy than she ever imagined.
Red Scorpion is a slow burn of a thriller that graduals tightens its hold on the reader’s attention. The opening sections drag a little, but once underway the pace picks up and the final chapters provide plenty of excitement and suspense. Laura’s dilemma is well established by Bradby, and the depth of her character adds considerable emotional tension to the story.
As with all his books, Bradby infuses Red Scorpion with convincing detail on a range of subjects from drug importation to medical procedures to the spycraft techniques that the Intelligence Services try to quickly train Laura in. The locations, in both London and overseas, also ring true. Bradby has a fine journalist’s eye for the telling detail, and he paints simple, but evocative, descriptions of the various locales and the people there. This detail gives Red Scorpion a good patina of credibility, and it is easy to sit back and enjoy it, especially the gripping finale.
Probably more of a straight thriller than a spy novel, Red Scorpion is nevertheless an engaging read that provides a dark picture of the evolving illegal drug trade.
Somewhere between a 4 and a 5 rating
See full review here: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/u...
The arrival of South American coffee magnate Rafael Fernandez appears to be the answer to her prayers. A devoted father with a sick son requiring a 24/7 care, he is prepared to pay any price for the expertise he can trust. For Laura it is a remarkable escape from an impossible situation, however, behind the façade of Rafa’s gilded existence lies a dark family history which he has been doing his best to avoid. The death of his estranged father brings the wolves to Rafa’s door, and Laura, already recruited by the British security services to spy on Rafa, finds herself in far greater jeopardy than she ever imagined.
Red Scorpion is a slow burn of a thriller that graduals tightens its hold on the reader’s attention. The opening sections drag a little, but once underway the pace picks up and the final chapters provide plenty of excitement and suspense. Laura’s dilemma is well established by Bradby, and the depth of her character adds considerable emotional tension to the story.
As with all his books, Bradby infuses Red Scorpion with convincing detail on a range of subjects from drug importation to medical procedures to the spycraft techniques that the Intelligence Services try to quickly train Laura in. The locations, in both London and overseas, also ring true. Bradby has a fine journalist’s eye for the telling detail, and he paints simple, but evocative, descriptions of the various locales and the people there. This detail gives Red Scorpion a good patina of credibility, and it is easy to sit back and enjoy it, especially the gripping finale.
Probably more of a straight thriller than a spy novel, Red Scorpion is nevertheless an engaging read that provides a dark picture of the evolving illegal drug trade.
Somewhere between a 4 and a 5 rating
See full review here: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/u...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gripping and emotional story.
"Red Scorpion" opens in the present day and follows Dr Laura Strong, an overworked NHS A&E doctor, and as such a woman on the edge. Aside from the relentless pressures of the job, she is also responsible for the care of her adult, disabled brother. Mounting debts mean she is fast approaching crisis point.
So when she treats a young boy, and is subsequently offered a dream job by the boy's father, it seems the answer to all her problems. However, she soon comes to realise all is not what it seems - the man is linked to a powerful drugs cartel - a family business in which he is soon to play a vital role. And when the British security services try to recruit Laura in order to infiltrate the family, she has to quickly decide how to respond.
After a rather sluggish few opening chapters, the story starts to pick up pace, as Laura takes up her role as carer to the young boy, and begins gathering intelligence for her spymasters. The tension certainly mounts as she learns more about the family business, and when a major event happens, the risks increase, but also present her with more than a few moral dilemmas. This is where the story really grips you - where do her loyalties lie?
Laura is a complex character - driven, highly competent, and with a strong sense of right and wrong. And as she comes to know the boy's father, and his family, she struggles to decide what actions to take. I found her a bit trying at times, but never less than impressive. Her interactions with the various (and very different) members of the boy's family are both gripping and moving. And the final 100 pages fairly speed along, with a climax that belongs in a blockbuster movie.
Long-time fans of Bradby's books might feel this resembles one of his earlier books and less like the Kate Henderson series. Clearly he's done a lot of research into drug families and the complex ways in which the supply of drugs make their way to market. Both spy novel and thriller, there's a lot to enjoy.
Definitely recommended.
"Red Scorpion" opens in the present day and follows Dr Laura Strong, an overworked NHS A&E doctor, and as such a woman on the edge. Aside from the relentless pressures of the job, she is also responsible for the care of her adult, disabled brother. Mounting debts mean she is fast approaching crisis point.
So when she treats a young boy, and is subsequently offered a dream job by the boy's father, it seems the answer to all her problems. However, she soon comes to realise all is not what it seems - the man is linked to a powerful drugs cartel - a family business in which he is soon to play a vital role. And when the British security services try to recruit Laura in order to infiltrate the family, she has to quickly decide how to respond.
After a rather sluggish few opening chapters, the story starts to pick up pace, as Laura takes up her role as carer to the young boy, and begins gathering intelligence for her spymasters. The tension certainly mounts as she learns more about the family business, and when a major event happens, the risks increase, but also present her with more than a few moral dilemmas. This is where the story really grips you - where do her loyalties lie?
Laura is a complex character - driven, highly competent, and with a strong sense of right and wrong. And as she comes to know the boy's father, and his family, she struggles to decide what actions to take. I found her a bit trying at times, but never less than impressive. Her interactions with the various (and very different) members of the boy's family are both gripping and moving. And the final 100 pages fairly speed along, with a climax that belongs in a blockbuster movie.
Long-time fans of Bradby's books might feel this resembles one of his earlier books and less like the Kate Henderson series. Clearly he's done a lot of research into drug families and the complex ways in which the supply of drugs make their way to market. Both spy novel and thriller, there's a lot to enjoy.
Definitely recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tom Bradby has long been one of my favourite spy thriller writers and he has come back with a vengeance with this, the story of an overworked and stressed out A&E doctor Laura Strong weighed down by bills and responsibilities who seemingly meets a potential fairy godfather in the handsome and suave Raf Fernandez who entices her with no strings attached to look after his ailing son and return to his Colombian homeland with him.
Never look a gift horse in the mouth and all is not what it seems as Rafa is the scion of Colombia's top drug baron and is expected to take over the reins on his father's imminent death.
The action is nonstop as Rafa struggles with his conscience and Laura finds herself pressurised to spy on her new boss. The description of Colombia and drug cartels is spellbinding and the denouement explosive.
A real winner that is highly recommended.
Never look a gift horse in the mouth and all is not what it seems as Rafa is the scion of Colombia's top drug baron and is expected to take over the reins on his father's imminent death.
The action is nonstop as Rafa struggles with his conscience and Laura finds herself pressurised to spy on her new boss. The description of Colombia and drug cartels is spellbinding and the denouement explosive.
A real winner that is highly recommended.
April 25, 2026
Hard-working Doctor Laura Strong is close to collapse, exhausted from her job and caring for her disabled brother, chased by loan sharks, she is struggling. Then she is offered a life changing sum of money to be the private doctor to a Colombian boy. She is cynical but tempted as it would solve her problems. Then she is approached by a woman from the NCA and asked to spy on her employer. Laura feels trapped but who can she trust?
In terms of this being a really easy read and being powered by set pieces, this book works well. However it feels more formulaic than Bradby's usual writing. The plot is utterly unbelievable and the book ticks all the boxes for an 'airport thriller' but for me it lacks heart.
In terms of this being a really easy read and being powered by set pieces, this book works well. However it feels more formulaic than Bradby's usual writing. The plot is utterly unbelievable and the book ticks all the boxes for an 'airport thriller' but for me it lacks heart.
April 23, 2026
I enjoyed this book, but it felt very different from the four spy thrillers books I have read by this author as was a more regular thriller.
Laura Strong is an A&E doctor trying to make ends meet, while caring for her disabled brother and barely getting enough sleep to be able to go through the motions the next day, one day gets offered a dream job from a patients father with an insane amount of money. This seems to be the miracle she needs to turn her life around. well it does, but not as she would expect..
A big thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam/Netgalley for the advance review copy.
Laura Strong is an A&E doctor trying to make ends meet, while caring for her disabled brother and barely getting enough sleep to be able to go through the motions the next day, one day gets offered a dream job from a patients father with an insane amount of money. This seems to be the miracle she needs to turn her life around. well it does, but not as she would expect..
A big thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam/Netgalley for the advance review copy.
April 15, 2026
An enjoyable thriller but certainly not his best.
Broke doctor meets suave handsome chap offered a million pounds to care for his sick son off they go to Colombia for a wedding then a funeral, lots of trouble as lovely man tries to navigate inheritance,Doctor is compromised and all is very messy., but all ends OK.
Not Bradby's best unoriginal with some very obvious red herrings.
Broke doctor meets suave handsome chap offered a million pounds to care for his sick son off they go to Colombia for a wedding then a funeral, lots of trouble as lovely man tries to navigate inheritance,Doctor is compromised and all is very messy., but all ends OK.
Not Bradby's best unoriginal with some very obvious red herrings.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews