“BRILLIANT STORY-TELLING. IS THIS FICTION AS PREDICTION…?”
Former CIA Agent Alex Ward is pulled out of retirement. Her old boss needs her. Now she faces a new threat. Hanse Kallis is an octogenarian billionaire who believes a planet of 8 billion people cannot survive. The mass of humanity is suffocating, stripping and polluting relentlessly and there is no sign of it slowing down. Frustrated at the failure of our leaders to make real change, he is taking it upon himself. Kallis is motivated. He has the means. He’s running out of time. And now he has found a way.
It’s 2020. Powerful forces are converging, threatening a point of no return. There is a raging pandemic. The new President has been elected through unprecedented and unlawful manipulation - determined to win - at any cost. An eco warrior, deeply concerned about the future survival of the planet is committed to see the world restored to balance - at any cost. And the long-standing and gravely ill Russian President is desperate to see his country restored as the world’s dominant super-power - at any cost.
Forces that individually would threaten our peace and stability are now on a collision course that could change the way we live. Or worse!
The premise for the novel occurred to me while working in my 'day job' as a branding consultant.
The particular project highlighted the exponential devastation of the exploding global population. And that we focus on trying to find band aid fixes, rarely committed to - rather than talking about the problem!
I hope you enjoy Intervention as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I’d love to hear from you - say G’Day on Instagram or Facebook.
⚫️Intervention by Matt Topfer is an engaging thriller that hooks you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The story follows former CIA agent Alex Ward, a strong and resourceful protagonist who is drawn back into a perilous world filled with deception and high-stakes global intrigue.
⚫️The antagonist, Hanse Kallis, stands out as a unique villain. He is motivated by a radical vision to save the planet, and his chilling solution to overpopulation adds a disturbing layer of realism to the narrative. Topfer skillfully constructs a plot that is not only exciting but also unsettlingly believable, heightening the urgency of the stakes involved.
⚫️Spanning locations from Sydney to Washington, the plains of South Africa, and the icy terrains of Russia, the novel’s international backdrop enhances its cinematic feel. Each location is vividly portrayed, pulling the reader into a fast-paced chase across continents.
⚫️What distinguishes Intervention from other spy thrillers is its thought-provoking premise. Topfer skillfully blends action, moral dilemmas, and sharp political insights without losing momentum. The outcome is a novel that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
⚫️Readers who enjoy the works of Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, and Matthew Reilly will find Intervention to be a must-read. With its unrelenting tension, well-crafted characters, and a plot that keeps you on your toes until the last page, this book establishes Matt Topfer as a promising new voice in the thriller genre.
Matt Topfer’s Intervention is a high-octane political thriller that combines global crises, high-stakes espionage, and a morally complex battle for the future of humanity. With a gripping narrative that mirrors real-world anxieties, this novel forces readers to question how far powerful individuals might go to reshape the world.
1. A Timely and Chilling Premise
The novel is set against a backdrop of a world in chaos—pandemic, environmental collapse, and political instability.
The concept of a bioengineered virus hidden within COVID is both terrifying and thought-provoking, blurring the line between fiction and plausible reality.
The political manipulation of elections feels eerily relevant, making the story even more gripping.
2. Complex and Engaging Characters
James Charleston (The Compromised President): A desperate politician willing to sacrifice democracy for power, making him a disturbingly realistic antagonist.
Hanse Kallis (The Committed Billionaire): A visionary yet dangerous man, frustrated with the world’s inaction on overpopulation, who takes drastic measures to ‘correct’ humanity’s course.
Alex Ward (The Retired CIA Agent): A strong, intelligent protagonist who is reluctantly pulled back into the world of espionage, making her struggle both personal and professional.
3. A Web of Deception and High-Stakes Action
The story is layered with conspiracies, making it a thrilling puzzle for both the protagonist and the reader.
The pacing is relentless, with espionage, betrayals, and unexpected twists keeping the suspense alive.
Action sequences are cinematic and well-executed, reminiscent of the best political thrillers.
4. Thought-Provoking Ethical Dilemmas
The book raises profound questions:
Should extreme actions be taken for the greater good?
Can democracy survive when power is in the hands of the corrupt?
What is the cost of inaction versus radical intervention?
The ethical gray areas make the reader constantly question who, if anyone, is truly in the right.
The concept and idea was interesting, but except for the final twist I anticipated the next plot with ease. I was ok with the slow start to the tale, but I almost gave up when seemingly every character was described in detail which began to read like an ongoing advert for seemingly every item that the character was wearing or using. I have no idea if the products were actual or invented, but regardless it was very annoying and to me, unnecessary.
There were a few sly asides about politicians and environmental activists, but it was too easy to identify them from the real world as Donald Trump and Greta Thunberg, so this was just lazy.
I also found the ending of the tale frustrating. Admittedly I hadn’t noticed the “introducing” tag on the cover of the book, but for me the book finished one plot device early
Hey there, I'm the author, Matt! The idea for Intervention was born when I was doing some consulting work with Zoos Victoria. The focus for this wonderful organisation is to protect endangered native wildlife and to promote a favourable environment for wildlife to flourish. The primary reason wildlife is under threat is the impact of people. And with an exponentially growing population over the last 50 (plus) years the pressure on the environment and consequently wildlife is enormous. It made me think about the rhetoric that circulates around how we can fix and reverse the damage - but we rarely make progress. Intervention considers what could happen if one highly motivated and well resourced individual decided to take action. I hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think... Matt
Retired CIA agent Alex Ward is living her best life with her husband in Australia when the CIA comes knocking on her door. They want her back and as much as she loves her new life and living abroad, she loves her country more. She returns to help ferret out a CIA snitch who is working behind the scenes with the President and his special assistant to leak info and to help find a reporter who nay gave info on Russian influence and media driving the recent election. Hmmmmm...... Alex Ward is a winner. Great characters and a story that, while a bit out there, is terrifyingly easy to imagine. To be continued....
Intervention, is a masterful blend of suspense, action, and thought-provoking themes. I had the privilege to read this novel before it became public. It challenges readers to consider the lengths to which one might go to save the world and whether the end justifies the means. This novel is a must-read for fans of thrillers along with anyone seeking a gripping story that reflects the complexities of our times.
For a first time novelist, simply an amazing read. The research alone must have taken considerable time & effort. I felt myself, holding my in my breath on several occasions. A riveting read, and in some measure pertinent to the lives we lead. We have but one planet and we are solely responsible for what damages have been done. We all need to take a good, long hard look at how we live and make some significant changes.
The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making their motivations and conflicts feel incredibly real. The protagonist, Alex’s, journey is both thrilling and poignant, as she navigates a treacherous landscape filled with deception and moral ambiguity. The twists and turns are expertly crafted, leaving me guessing until the very last page.
This political thriller is a page-turner that had me glued to the edge of my seat. The author masterfully intertwines real events with a captivating narrative, blurring the boundaries of truth and fiction. It's a thought-provoking read for anyone looking to challenge their perspectives on power and change. Highly recommended for those who crave an intense, eye-opening experience.
A friend of mine recommended this book from a debut author….and I am glad I listened to her recommendation. From the very first chapter sitting around the pool on holiday it had me … I loved the intrigue and pace of the story. So many twists and turns . Looking forward to seeing what this new authors next book brings…. Bravo 👏👏
A great read, and so so appropriate with our recent history. An easy book to get involved in and difficult to put down. A mixture of crime, thriller, touch of politics and real life global issues. I'm recommending strongly Tim Peters
What an outstanding read! As a James Patterson fan I found the story line of Intervention to be right up there with some of the best Thrillers I have read. Without giving anything away in my review it is clear the author of Intervention is on a winner and do hope there are more to follow.
A gripping political thriller that kept me up way past my bedtime. The author’s ability to blend fact and fiction had me questioning the line between reality and fiction. A must-read for anyone who thinks the world needs a little shake up.
I didn’t want to put this book down. A gripping read that is relevant to our current times. Topfer introduces us to intriguing characters and the book shines a light on political agendas that can play out on the world stage.
An exciting read from beginning to end. The well developed characters & cleverly thought out plot, keeps the reader engaged throughout. I couldn’t put it down! Already hoping there’s a sequel.