Target: Prendergast Uncovered

by Ian G. Welch

Carrick Fitzgerald, ex IRA, has been released from prison. He rejects the recent peace accord, he has dedicated his life to driving the British from Irish soil and reunifying the country. Brad Prendergast lives in Malibu, California. His life revolves around surfing, parties and girls. A 'beach bum' says his dad. Two men, unknown to each other and living on the opposite sides of the world. They have absolutely nothing in common. This is about to change. Their lives are on a collision course with deadly serious consequences. Brad is recruited by MI6 to befriend Carrick's daughter and learn all he can of a suspected deadly terrorist act being planned. Romance blossoms for Brad but he has infuriated a member of Carrick's party. Danger lurkes around every corner, Brad is playing a very dangerous game of cat and mouse. He has overstepped his brief and he has now become the target. Is there a future for this romantic liason? Will Brad even survive? He is now targeted for termination. Can Carrick's horrific plan's be thwarted? The fast paced action races from Hawaii, to Las Vegas, to Acupulco and finally Belfast. 'Target' takes the world's most unlikely under cover agent and thrusts him into the murky world of terrorists plotting an attack on the scale of nine eleven. A burgeoning romance, a sub plot of revenge for personal reasons coexist with the underlying plot to commit a horific terrorist act.

Genres: Thriller, Drama, Detective, Crime

228 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2014

About the author

Ian was born and educated in New Zealand. He briefly studied accountancy and commercial law before graduating into agriculture. He started dabbling in writing three years ago more out of curiosity to see if he could actually write a novel. Vendetta was his first published novel. It is a historical novel tracing a young man's struggle to learn the truth behind a series of catastrophic events which have destroyed his family.
Target Prendergast uncovered quickly followed. Brad is a beach bum, the world's most unlikely undercover agent.
Conspiracy and Broken Wings have since followed. Check website for free chapters and more information on author and novels in the pipeline.
Take an in-depth peek into Ian's world in his Smashwords interview:
https://www.smashwords.com/interview/...

Reviews

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this story as a free book when I first started reading novels electronically and I recently reread it. It’s a fun little tale of a surfer dude who gets pulled into an effort to stop thousands of people from being murdered in a terrorist attack.

The story opens with a rather chilling scene of a former IRA terrorist murdering a police inspector with the VX nerve toxin, setting up the threat. The action then switches to introduce the totally likable surfer dude, Brad Penderghast, who prevents a robbery and in so doing comes to the attention of the CIA and British MI6. They rather unethically recruit him to penetrate a group of ex-IRA (now called RIRA) terrorists by using his charms with the ladies to win the heart of the head terrorist’s daughter, Cara. The problem—Brad is really not a devious sort. He wears his heart on his sleeve and very quickly, the two actually fall in love.

This greatly disappoints her father and one of his men (Liam) who wants Cara for himself and they move to break the two apart. Then the story takes a turn for the worst. Brad, having learned just a little of the terrorist’s efforts to buy more of the nerve toxin, goes all James Bond and pretends to be a rival arms dealer trying to buy the toxin himself. This is really unfortunate. Brad as a persistent love-interest of the daughter was believable. Having him play arms dealer just didn’t work for me. And it takes up most of the book. It’s enjoyable, but in no way credible, if that makes sense.

Then the bad guys get the toxin and Brad gets sent to Ireland by MI6 to try and lean from Cara what the plan is. That was slightly more credible than the last part, but still not as well done as the first third or so of the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, although I really don’t understand why Cara kept telling her father she wanted to talk about his Liam’s advances towards her (a conversation her father didn’t want to have) instead of saying—Dad, Liam raped me—which I believe would have gotten Liam doused with nerve toxin in about two-and-a-half seconds. Then again, perhaps that’s why she never used the direct approach. The author would have lost one of his most important bad guys.

If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter is full of tension as a brutal man follows a target and assassinates him with the poisoned tip of an umbrella - this method is based on a real incident. The location here is Northern Ireland. Although the peace talks have thankfully produced results for the majority of the community to get on with their lives, a disgruntled minority are bent on vengeance for years of jail time.

Next is a complete contrast as we head to sunny beaches and surf dudes. Brad Prendergast, who we learn has tried teaching but landed himself in trouble, decided that it had not been his vocation anyway and now skims a living by part-time jobs in California to support his surfing. One day he happens to defend an employer during an armed burglary, and unexpectedly her gratitude takes the form of introducing him to some intelligence agents.

Brad is not on anyone's radar and if he works for the MI6 and Secret Service to spot an Irish criminal, he'll be helping the cause of peace. Of course, it's the prospect of a surfing job in Hawaii which swings the deal. Brad is ordered to befriend Cara Fitzgerald, daughter of a released 'former' terrorist, on her trip to Honolulu.

From this engaging beginning I was hooked. The great thing about this book is that all locations are described well, with great contrast, so we learn a lot and can easily visualise the action. Cara is a nice girl, working as a legal secretary and self-possessed. She's seen men before but they were deterred by her Mafia-like connections. I agreed with Brad that this girl deserved a chance to have a normal relationship. She does suffer at the hands of a man, but the scene isn't overdone.

The unpalatable use of nerve gas VX is here suggested to be responsible for Saddam Hussein's attacks on the Kurds; having it in the hands of domestic terrorists would appal any country. There are other people in need of rescue, as Brad discovers.

For a well-structured, not overly deep thriller, written in brisk American style, you couldn't do much better. There's lots of life and action, tension and determination, just enough adult scenes to make it seem like the surfing lifestyle, and a good heart behind the characters. The author is from New Zealand and clearly has a sweeping imagination. I think Prendergast Uncovered has the potential to carry on into a series.

[Joe Prentis · Rating 5 out of 5]

TARGET ~~ PENDERGAST UNCOVERED

Target is an espionage/adventure novel involving an unlikely character who is a beach bum, happily surfing the California beaches and chasing girls. The author, Ian Welch, does a great job in writing a story that is somewhat original and does not hold to the usual formula for spy stories. Brad, Target’s main character, isn’t another James Bond, yet he doesn’t hesitate to do things that require a great deal of courage. His bravery is the results of not calculating the odds of succeeding, but rather jumping into situations that could easily get him killed. I found myself holding my breath several times as blunders into several dangerous situations without thinking of the consequence. The plot involves a group of Irish terrorists who want freedom from English rule at any cost. When Carrack Fitzgerald is released from prison, he intends to secure Ireland’s freedom and also to extract revenge on those who have imprisoned him for twenty years. When M16 becomes aware that he poses a threat, they know that it will be almost impossible to infiltrate the ranks of the terrorist group, so they have to take innovative action to get someone inside their organization. The weak spot in their organization is Fitzgerald’s daughter, Cara, and Brad is the right one to exploit this weak spot by using his charm to seduce her. Mix in a little sex, some VX nerve gas, exotic scenes and you have a story that will hold the attention of espionage fans. I give Ian Welch’s book a solid 5-star rating. I think you are going to enjoy reading it. I purchased this book on Amazon and have given a fair review of its content.

Joe Prentis, author of the Abraham’s Bones series.

[Lune Spark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Target is a thriller that has a very original storyline. I was hooked to the book right from the first paragraph and finished it in one sitting. The Ireland background enhances the story as it moves very fast. Brad Pendergast is a character that many of us can identify with ... wait, only when he is normal :) ... when he changes gears to seek adventures, he is quite an enviable character for what he gets into and his help in stopping terrorists from doing the worst attack in the history. Brad's journey from being a beach bum to a high profile CIA helper kept me over the edge of my seat. Wonderful thriller!

[Sass Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love James Bond adventure stories and non-stop action, this is the book for you. Unlike James Bond, the protagonist in this story is handsome Brad Prendergast, a once-respected teacher much loved by students.

Brad, with his casual manner effortless charm, was appreciated by students for his intelligence and way of teaching in an engaging manner.

But he was loved a little too much, because one of his young students seduced him and became pregnant by him.

Brad was fired, and as the story opens, he divides his life between his part-time work as a gardener, tending to vibrant, lush gardens that offer him a semblance of peace, and surfing—catching waves that echo the tumultuous ups and downs of his life.

One day, Brad shows up for what he thinks is an offer for a new gardening position.
When Brad is interviewed and hired by wealthy Olivia, he’s excited. Her estate, sprawling and meticulously maintained, presents a new challenge and a step up in the world of horticultural design. At least it's a way to get his nagging parents off his back for not having a job.

But when Olivia is robbed at her luxurious mansion, Brad bravely steps in and saves her.
Impressed, Olivia’s husband calls Brad in to meet with two colleagues, one from the CIA and the other from the British Security operation M16. These meetings, filled with intrigue and danger, propel Brad into a world far removed from his tranquil gardens. They offer Brad money and in return, they want him to infiltrate a circle of ex-IRA terrorists so they can prevent a terrorist attack. They want Brad to do this by befriending Cara, the daughter of Carrick Fitzgerald, who will stop at nothing to drive the British from Irish soil.

Good looking and full of charm, Brad finds it easy to seduce Cara. They sleep together soon after meeting. Without much provocation, Cara tells him about her father and his operations and Brad dutifully reports this to the CIA and M16 agents who hired him.

Will the terrorist act be prevented? Will Cara and Brad live happily ever after?
Reluctant to reveal spoilers. But here’s why you’ll like this book.
1. Non-stop action that is better than your second cup of coffee to get your pulse racing.

2. An enthralling protagonist - Brad’s complex character, straddling the worlds of espionage and everyday challenges, makes you root for him despite his flaws.

3. An intriguing situation - I kept wondering how far Cara would dare go to give him just enough information and still protect her father.

4. Vivid settings - From opulent mansions to rugged coastlines, the vivid descriptions paint a picture that pulls you right into the scene.

A sold 4 star read.

[Dave Saari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thriller with Interesting Plot

I had mixed reactions to “Target: Prendergast Uncovered,” by Ian Welch. This thriller novel tells the tale of Carrick Fitzgerald, an ardent, covert leader in the Real IRA (RIRA), as he plans to carry out a large-scale act of violence against the hated British, and the concurrent efforts by MI6 to find out what he is up to and prevent a major terrorist attack. To gain access to Fitzgerald’s inner circle, Callum Spencer, the MI6 agent leading the counterterrorism effort, recruits California beach bum Bradshaw Prendergast to cozy up to Fitzgerald’s beautiful daughter, Cara, who remains close to her father in spite of his past imprisonment. On the one hand, the premise seemed rather contrived, but on the other hand, I really got interested in how it all was going to turn out. In reading a few glowing reviews, I noticed that almost all of them focused solely on the plot, which was roundly praised by all. I agree with that assessment – the plot is interesting and compelling. If all you care about is a good plot, I highly recommend this book.

However, plot is only one aspect of a novel. What I look for in a thriller is, as the old-timers used to say, a good tale, well told. I thought this one was definitely a good tale, but maybe not so well told. For one thing, the writer seems not to highly value basic grammar and punctuation, and there were a lot of missing words and typos. For another, I found a lot of the descriptive writing to be mostly “telling” rather than “showing.” But perhaps the biggest problem for me was that I just couldn’t find a way to like the hero, Brad Prendergast, much though I wanted to. The basic idea of the book seems to be that our hero is a shallow, self-centered surfer dude on the outside, but actually has a heart of gold and an inner sense of right and wrong, rising to the occasion to help prevent the impending disaster. However, he never quite got there, in my opinion. While he does step up and follow through to help his MI6 recruiter, he shows only a modicum of remorse for some despicable actions in his past, and I felt his courageous actions were driven more by his growing feelings for the beautiful maiden than by concern for the potential victims of Fitzgerald’s planned mayhem. But that’s just my opinion.

I would have rated the book with four stars based solely on the plot, but the other issues tempered my enthusiasm and resulted in a three-star rating.

[Eric Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story has a strong start with a not-unfamiliar antagonist. The old IRA has had its teeth pulled and our villain is taking his hatred of the British to new levels. He intends to use VX gas from Saddam Hussein's regime to kill thousands. This is a solidly structured spy thriller with plenty of action and well-done plot.
The best aspect of the novel is Welch's writing itself. Very descriptive, with well-balanced narration, and good dialogue. No complaints there, and I didn't notice any editing problems.
I found the protagonist the least compelling. Everyone was written well, they felt real enough most of the time, though I wasn't always convinced by Cara's motivations. Brad, though his backstory is deep, and revealed skillfully, comes across as oddly unmotivated considering the entire story is his recruitment to save thousands of lives. He felt a little checked-out to me, considering the high stakes and tension. This was a minor nitpick, barely bothering me during my reading.
Overall, I would say this book has great prose, good plot, and ok characterization.

[rzells · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller novel that fits squarely in its genre. I think it has excellent pacing and a rigorous plot. The writing was pretty plain, and I was a little taken aback by one incident in the backstory but I also understand this wasn't relevant to the novel as a whole. Anyways, Brad seemed like a well developed stereotypical surfer character. I thought the romance between him and Cara was very cute. This is a thriller, but the romantic subplot is very heavy. And the way certain scenes/women are described do make me believe that men would be a good audience for this novel, but there's definitely nothing wrong with that! Overall, good novel and certainly provides the thrills.

[D. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vengeful Real IRA operative recently released after 20 years in the pen, intent on settling Ireland’s score with Britain through whatever means possible, including mass murder—starting with the assassination of a senior police inspector with the tip of an umbrella bearing a poisonous liquid. British Intelligence and the CIA working together to uncover and thwart the villain’s diabolical plan to murder thousands of Brits by means of VX, a lethal nerve gas variant of the liquid, so as to win Ireland back for the Irish. A strapping young man hired to befriend the culprit’s daughter and follow her wherever she goes in a bid to stop her father from carrying out his homicidal conspiracy. Hero and perpetrator’s daughter… genuinely fall for each other—not part of the plan?

Sounds like the synopsis of the next James Bond flick, doesn’t it? Only it’s not. At the center of this adventure is Brad Prendergast, a beach bum living and surfing in Malibu, California, who is happy as long as he has enough cash to pursue his three main interests of … surfing, partying and girls, with surfing possibly edging out the other two on the priority list. In order to pick up that needed cash, Brad picks up some odd jobs. But one of them, gardener at an exclusive mansion, leads him down a path most of us might want to flee from, after he heroically foils an attempted break-in, mightily impressing his grateful employer. His mission (if he chooses to accept it, and he does—for the cash and an all-expenses paid trip to surf paradise Hawaii) is to liaison with and win over the lovely Cara, the daughter of the villainous Carrick Fitzgerald, the man on a mission to take out thousands of Brits right in the heart of London in the name of justice and freedom for Ireland.

Life is far too short to get involved with life-threatening espionage and crazed homicidal terrorists … or so one would assume a fun-loving Malibu dude like Brad Prendergast would feel. Added to that is the malicious hatred of Cara’s jilted and rejected would-be suitor, Liam. But as it turns out, Brad actually comes to enjoy the excitement and exhilaration that facing danger brings—something like battling that mammoth wave?

When life throws us a curveball, we either grab it or let it hit us. This spy thriller offers up a much less polished but more approachable hero than James Bond in Brad Prendergast. A bit of a loser (having recently been fired from his teaching position due to misconduct with female students), Brad is someone most readers will be able to identify with. So if you enjoy reading novels that mix up suspense, intrigue, globe-trotting with murder, mayhem, romance, you will enjoy Target.

[Valicity Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very much a roller coaster book. There are ups and downs, highs and lows all wrapped up in one piece. The first thing I would like to say is that this is definitely an original read. I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of crime thrillers and the like but this definitely held my interest for some time. The writing has flare and the characters are simple but enjoyable, the pace is great, the dialogue is believable and there’s just enough maturity to the style of narration.

I liked that the protagonist was a very relaxed guy. He was kind of thrown into the mix of things while defending a business acquaintance during a break-in, this is where the story truly begins although there was a thrilling first chapter featuring an assassination.

Our main character is a ‘good guy’, really that’s all there is to him. But his backstory is where a lot of the drama comes in. When his past is revealed it’s like a veil has been lifted but it doesn’t reveal this knight in shining armor, we only get to see more of the darkness in this character. Despite that, Brad is a decent fellow who will definitely get you rooting for him over time.

Now, I did enjoy Brad’s character but he is my biggest compliment and biggest complaint at the same time. He was relaxed but sometimes it seemed like he was uncaring. He openly expressed his desire to simply surf, in fact he stated he only wanted to make enough money so that he could spend all day surfing. Which is fine, but sometimes I felt like he wasn’t taking his job very seriously. I mean he was recruited into the CIA, there shouldn’t be any time for even thinking about surfing.

I enjoyed his backstory but I felt like it was somewhat skimmed over because he was the protagonist. Like it was just acceptable for him to have carried on relations with his students…moving on…that’s literally how it felt. But hey, the book wasn’t about condemning teacher/student relationships so I guess I can’t complain too much.

In the end, this was a very decent book. It is something I did find a good amount of enjoyment in and I’m sure others will too. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy crime novels and explosive drama.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[James Sillwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Prendergast is a beach bum living in Malibu, California. His brief career in teaching has ended in disaster and, when this story begins, he's living from day to day, taking odd jobs and spending most of his time surfing and partying.
When Brad gets a gardening job at the Morales, his life is about to change dramatically. After foiling a robbery attempt at the house, he's recruited through Mr. Morale, by British Intelligence, who are hot on the trail of Carrick Fitzgerald, a RIRA member, just out of Maze Prison after a twenty year stretch. Carrick is planning a terrorist attack in London, using the deadly VX chemical. The plan is for Brad to find out information by befriending Carrick's daughter, Cara.
At first, Brad doesn't have a clue about what he's getting into and only agrees to go to Hawaii in the hope of an all expenses paid surfing holiday. Carrick and his companions underestimate Brad whose naivety gives him a fearlessness and confidence. However, appearances can be deceptive. Although he is a risk taker, Brad is able to fool most people into dismissing him as of no importance: the perfect agent.
This is a fast moving and action packed story which takes us from California to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mexico and Belfast. There are some interesting characters along the way. Liam, unable to face reality, is hanging onto his delusional obsession with Cara. Sanchez, the Mexican business man who holds stocks of the chemical VX, is totally immoral and concerned only with finding the highest bidder. Cara, who I thought was delusional in regard to her over-riding loyalty to her father, seems a spoilt and over protected daddy's girl. I can't help thinking that her attitude would prove to be a problem in any future relationship with Brad.
There's plenty of suspense, as the RIRA's plan seems close to being uncovered several times.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes on Sanchez's yacht when Carrick, Liam and Finn make their visit, followed later on the same day by Brad.
The author has skilfully constructed an intriguing plot line full of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end. A well written and engrossing story which I found difficult to put down.

[David James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welch, Ian G. Prendergast Uncovered

This intricate narrative is aimed at the reader of adventure and political intrique stories. In the opening chapter Carrick Fitzgerald the Real IRA (RIRA) leader released from the Maze prison after 20 years is bent on revenge. The Peace Agreement between the United Kingdom and Ireland means nothing to him. He compares the Brits to Hitler and is determined to see a united Ireland. We follow Carrick as he tracks down and murders Inspector Rainey, who had ‘IRA blood on his hands’. The weapon is VX gas, used by Russia and probably Saddam Hussein to exterminate political dissidents.

Carrick, the monster in the background whose ruthlessness shocks the reader in Chapter One gradually becomes humanised as we are introduced to his family. The main factor in this transformation is his daughter, Cara, whom he adores and spoils. Although we never discover her attitude towards the Brits and their bloody deeds in Ireland, we gather she’s a bit of a covert peacenik, especially when she falls in love with the eponymous hero, Bradley Prendergast, an American playboy addicted to surfing and obliged to commit himself to doing odd jobs. But as luck has it, Brad is at heart a good guy, and is taken up by MI6 as a useful tool to outwit the RIRA’s plan to exterminate the Brits in Ireland.

Naturally enough, Brad falls for Cara, and she for him. Having the backing of Callum of MI6 and with virtually no ceiling on his expense account, Brad is assigned to trace the dirty dealings of Carrick in exotic places such as Hawaii, Las Vegas and Acapulco, all good for surfing and fun, but also important in the chase to find the nerve gas dealers, essential to exterminate thousands of Brits. (The plot somewhat recalls The Talented Mr Ripley.) Of course there’s plenty of trouble with the romance - not only the distances between the star-crossed lovers, but the parental problem of fraternising with enemy sympathisers.

The book is all plot, the characters mere counters in the chase. I found it exciting enough, although ultimately unconvincing. And if you aren’t held by the characters, for me the game’s not really worth the candle.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Target: Prendergast Uncovered is a thriller by Ian Welch. It is quite exciting and is difficult to put down. I really liked this book and hope to read more by Ian Welch.
Brad Prendergast was not interested in anything but surfing and girls. His parents, especially his Father, tried everything they knew how to do to get him to settle down and find a job. Since he didn’t want to be a doctor, he studied to be a teacher when he went to college. He managed to get a teaching job in Dallas; but it only lasted six months before he was let go amid a controversy over his having sex with two of his students. He moved to California and set out to surf all day and party all night. He worked only when he ran out of money.
When his funds grew low, he went to work for Cristal Morale as a gardener. Cristal’s husband, Walter was a man who had friends in high places. When Brad saved Cristal from a robbery, Cristal raved over him to her husband. When Walter’s friends began talking of finding someone to infiltrate an Irish gang, led by Carrick Fitzgerald, Walter remembered Brad. Soon Brad was working for the CIA and the British M16 and on his way to Hawaii. The CIA and M16 knew Carrick was going to do something since he was just out of prison as an Irish saboteur. No one knew what he was going to do or where and the CIA and M16 needed to know. Brad’s role was to get close to Carrick’s daughter Cara and hopefully Carrick. Then he was to try to find out what her father was up to. It sounds great to Brad. If he can’t get near Cara and is unable to get the information they need, he can just resume his life of surfing and partying.
Can this young man with no experience in subterfuge manage to get the information they need and get it in time to prevent a catastrophe? What about Cara? Was she involved or was she innocent? What happens when Brad and Cara fall for each other?
The book just keeps going from one event to another and one exotic place to another. It is fascinating and easy to read.

[Nikole Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local beach bum Bradshaw Prendergast becomes an unlikely hero in this suspense/thriller by Ian Welch. Brad is content to work menial jobs that provide just enough money for him to continue his days of surfing and fraternizing with the ladies. Brad has never had a hard time in the female department, in they are the reason his stint in academia came to an abrupt end. However, that suited Brad just fine; he didn’t particularly care for the stuffy nature of professorship.

After taking a job as a gardener Brad for the Morale family, he ends up saving the day when Mrs. Morale and her head of security, Quinton, are attacked. This leads to Mrs. Morale raving about Brad to her husband who has friends in very high places.

Meanwhile Carrick, a member of the RIRA, is released from prison. He immediately begins plotting a deadly terrorist attack on the British involving VX. Carrick loathes the Brits and wants their presence in Ireland removed permanently.

With no real way to infiltrate Carrick’s inner circle the CIA and MI6 turn to Bradshaw Prendergast. Brad’s role is to cozy up to Carrick’s beautiful daughter Cara. Given Brad’s track record with women, he is the perfect fit. Brad easily makes contact with Cara in Hawaii and they set off on a storybook romance.

There are several twists and turns in the romance and the bid to intercept the deadly VX liquid. From Vegas to Belfast and a few places in between Brad’s nonchalant role as hero takes readers on an interesting ride. Can Brad, the Malibu surf bum, stop the worst terror plot in British history or will Carrick and his band of goons prove successful? I suggest you read Target and see, it is definitely an entertaining read.

**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Sacha Valero · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story follows an unlikely hero in Brad Prendergast. His father is a very successful heart surgeon and Brad's been bit by the surfing bug. Instead of going into some field his father approves of, he decides to become a teacher, which goes south after he sleeps with two of his students. He moves out to California and really does nothing but surf and work some odd jobs to pay the bills.

He's working as a gardener for some rich lady in Malibu when there's a break in. He saves his boss and beats the would be thieves. For this his boss introduces him to her husband and two other men. One is from the CIA, the other from British MI6. Brad is recruited to seduce the daughter of member of the RIRA, the Irish terrorist organization. Cara, the daughter just happens to be heading to Hawaii and Brad gets himself an all expense paid trip.

From here, Brad is both falling for Cara and globe trotting to a number of great surf spots in his pursuit to fend off an attack being planned by Cara's father.

It's a fast paced book with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages. The reasons this book falls from a four star to a three are because of the rather absurd way Brad is recruited. We're told he's recruited because he has no ties to anything or anyone associated with the CIA or MI6 so he's perfect. Except if the terrorists do a cursory background check they'll find he works(ed) for the rich lady who's husband just happens to know someone in the CIA. This is a big hole that requires some major suspension of disbelief.

Another thing, and this is strictly a personal, you can count the number of contractions on one hand. This is a problem with dialog because that's just not how people talk.

[S.J. Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars


I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Brad a passionate surfer is recruited by the CIA and MI6 for his playboy ways. Hoping that he will charm his way into Cara Fitzgerald life and obtain much needed information to thwart her father – Carrick Fitzgerald’s terrorist attack.

Carrick hates the British with an all-consuming passion. Having spent twenty years in prison he has more than enough time to fuel that hatred. To take innocent lives for his ‘cause’ is something he is prepared to do.
The story moved along at an even pace and the drama kept me interested.
The thing is that I really struggled to connect with the characters. Brad was unambitious and openly remarked that he only worked to get enough money to support his surfing hobby. Once he earned enough cash he would quit his job and spend all his free time surfing. He was fired from his teaching job for sleeping with two of his students. After starting a relationship with Charlotte Weinberger, Kimberly Taylor blackmailed him into sleeping with her with threats of revealing his relationship to the Dean. I would’ve liked to see him show more character here - like manning up and going to the Dean himself.
I was very disappointed in Cara Fitzgerald’s reaction to finding out her father was intent on killing innocent people in a terrorist attack. Her only concern was that he would go to prison again. Sure she assisted in thwarting the terrorist attack but I would have liked to see more emotion from her - a stronger reaction - but that’s just me.
It was an interesting read, I just wanted more from it.

[Matt Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spanning the globe from Ireland to the beautiful beaches of Oahu, from the glitz of Las Vegas to Mexican seas and beyond, Ian Welch takes us on a thrill ride in Target. We follow Brad, a local Malibu surfer who, after a rough time in academia, leads a simple life of surfing, partying, and part time labor. But when Callum Fitzgerald, a dangerous member of the Real IRA puts a nefarious plan into motion this young surfer must work with the CIA and MI6 to stop the worst terrorist plot in the history of the UK by going into deep cover with to seduce the terrorist’s own daughter, Cara, and save thousands of lives.

Overall the story’s fast paced and full of energy. I lived in Hawai’I for over five years and found the descriptions clear and colorful, able to bring anyone to the islands of aloha. Also, the characters have depth and are believable in the various roles they play, and their goals and obstacles weave sufficient tension to keep the pages turning. I’d recommend this novel to any action/adventure fan.

[Patrick Wayland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Target: Prendergast Uncovered starts off with a bang with the assassination of a North Ireland police inspector in revenge for Bloody Sunday – really just being there. The Real IRA (RIRA) is forming a plan to kill tens of thousands of people with nerve gas in England.

Brad is a young California surfer looking for a job. When he lands one at an mansion estate, he shows himself to be good in a fight. The estate owner has important connection in the government, and Brad gets noticed by the CIA. They need him for a job that takes place on the beach in Hawaii. Perfect for Brad. Brad starts working to get friendly with the daughter of the RIRA leader. What happens next is like James Bond being a surf coach. Playing surf instructor, Brad follows the beautiful Cara from one exciting location to the next and discover the RIRA’s dark conspiracy.

Fast paced plot, great locations, and likable characters make this a great story.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian Welch’s action and adventure novel, Target: Prendergast Uncovered was a good read for me.

Brad Prendergast, a beach bum, was recruited by MI6 to befriend Cara, Carrick Fitzgerald's daughter in order to learn about Carrick’s deadly terrorist plot.

The story had a lot of moving parts. Yes, it took me on a roller-coaster ride, but it was well-structured and it flowed. The dialogue was believable, even with the many twist and turns, and there was plenty of suspense. The backstory on Brad was very interesting and I have to admit, it caused me to see him in another light. To put it mildly, I was not a fan.

Of course, we couldn’t have an action and adventure novel without romance. I liked the development of the relationship between Brad and Cara.

I enjoyed this fascinating story and look forward to reading more of Ian’s work. Grab your copy!

[Martin Perks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad is a beach bum and surfer, just idling his time away. When he runs out of money he takes a job as a gardener and foils a robbery. The husband of the woman almost robbed, is a man in high places, and upon learning of Brad’s exploits recruits him for MI5 to infiltrate the Real IRA. It seems Carrick Fitzgerald recently released from jail is plotting a devastating terrorist plot in London involving a deadly liquid.
A very fast paced story with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the bitter end. Good characterisation and well written, this book kept my interest throughout. Liked the romance between Cara and Brad, and found it a very compelling read. Would love to read more by this author.

[Lincoln Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this novel. It was incredibly entertaining and really made me laugh at some points. The situations happening were interesting and kept me intrigued as I tried to figure out what these Irish people were planning to do, and just how much trouble Brad was going to get himself into.

All in all I thought it was a fascinating story, and I really enjoyed the way the characters were created. It is jam packed with action and really pushes forward to the ending, and I found myself excited to see how things would play out, as well as a little worried for the main character who didn't intentionally get himself in this situation.

The things people will do for love.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in seeing how a typical guy can become a criminal mastermind!

[J.B. Trepagnier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read about a surfer named Brad, who lives for surfing. He gets jobs long enough to quit and just surf. Showing himself good in a fight at his new job, he gets noticed by his new employer and thus MI6. He is asked to seduce Cara, the daughter of RIRA terrorist Carrick for information.

The writing is fast paced and all the characters are well fleshed out. I don't want to give any spoilers in the review. Brad, with the help of MI6 is supposed to stop the sale of a deadly nerve agent. Brad is an unlikely hero and really, just wants to hang out with girls and surf. He's laid back, but we learn a little about his past and how his wants come back to bite him.

Will he save the day? You will have to read to find out

[Del Millers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Target: Prendergast Uncovered takes the reader on a thrill ride that spans the globe. It is an intriguing story from beginning to end about a local surfer dude, Brad, turned CIA operative. Can this Malibu surfer dude, playboy, charm his way into the IRA to help prevent a deadly terrorist attack? Target is filled with lots of thrills and plenty of suspense. It's definitely an entertaining read.