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Sam Taylor #1
Code Red
This time it’s personal…
Twelve months ago, maverick Government Officer Sam Taylor was shot and left for dead while investigating a black-market organization. Now his shooter, a mysterious and beautiful agent, has been found dead in Amsterdam.
Sent back to identify the body, Sam is reunited with old acquaintances. He’s then introduced to lead of the investigation, Interpol agent Karl Vogt, a man with his own agenda. But as the group enter the mortuary, they find the body has vanished…
Back at the station Sam begins to receive mysterious messages which turn the investigation on it’s head.
Knowing how much is riding on the case, Sam heads into the Dutch countryside where he meets an unexpected ally. And when Sam discovers there is a mole working inside the force, he agrees to help take them down.
But when national security is on the line, who can he really trust?
Twelve months ago, maverick Government Officer Sam Taylor was shot and left for dead while investigating a black-market organization. Now his shooter, a mysterious and beautiful agent, has been found dead in Amsterdam.
Sent back to identify the body, Sam is reunited with old acquaintances. He’s then introduced to lead of the investigation, Interpol agent Karl Vogt, a man with his own agenda. But as the group enter the mortuary, they find the body has vanished…
Back at the station Sam begins to receive mysterious messages which turn the investigation on it’s head.
Knowing how much is riding on the case, Sam heads into the Dutch countryside where he meets an unexpected ally. And when Sam discovers there is a mole working inside the force, he agrees to help take them down.
But when national security is on the line, who can he really trust?
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2024
84 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 7, 2025
This is the first book in the exciting new Sam Taylor Thriller series and actually the first time that I've read this author too as this is also their debut novel.
Wow this book didn't disappoint! fast paced, great new character and so many twists and intriguing
storyline, filled with a great collection of nasty characters and others that your not sure about it.
Twelve months ago, maverick Government Officer Sam Taylor was shot and left for dead while investigating a black-market organisation. Now his shooter, a mysterious and beautiful agent, has been found dead in Amsterdam.
Sent back to identify the body, Sam is reunited with old acquaintances. He’s then introduced to the lead of the investigation, Interpol agent Karl Vogt, a man with his own agenda. But as the group enter the mortuary, they find the body has vanished…
Back at the station Sam begins to receive mysterious messages which turn the investigation on its head.
Knowing how much is riding on the case, Sam heads into the Dutch countryside where he meets an unexpected ally. And when Sam discovers there is a mole working inside the force, he agrees to help take them down.
But when national security is on the line, who can he really trust?
Its an exciting start to a new series, new character, from a new young author, a good start as his debut book.
A rare five stars from me. I love a good thriller
Wow this book didn't disappoint! fast paced, great new character and so many twists and intriguing
storyline, filled with a great collection of nasty characters and others that your not sure about it.
Twelve months ago, maverick Government Officer Sam Taylor was shot and left for dead while investigating a black-market organisation. Now his shooter, a mysterious and beautiful agent, has been found dead in Amsterdam.
Sent back to identify the body, Sam is reunited with old acquaintances. He’s then introduced to the lead of the investigation, Interpol agent Karl Vogt, a man with his own agenda. But as the group enter the mortuary, they find the body has vanished…
Back at the station Sam begins to receive mysterious messages which turn the investigation on its head.
Knowing how much is riding on the case, Sam heads into the Dutch countryside where he meets an unexpected ally. And when Sam discovers there is a mole working inside the force, he agrees to help take them down.
But when national security is on the line, who can he really trust?
Its an exciting start to a new series, new character, from a new young author, a good start as his debut book.
A rare five stars from me. I love a good thriller
November 23, 2024
What an exciting ride! Mr. Balwin has introduced us to his leading character, Sam Taylor, in his first book of the series. Sam is a repatriation officer from the UK. He arrives in Amsterdam to identify the woman who tried to kill him, find the one responsible for the death of one of his fellow officers and to locate a group of criminal masterminds trying to buy stolen weapons from the UK. The intricate web of characters leaves him questioning who to trust!
This is a wonderfully fast-paced story. The characters are well-developed and the description of scenery is impeccable. Readers will literally be on the edge of their seats with this novel! I definitely recommend it!
This is a wonderfully fast-paced story. The characters are well-developed and the description of scenery is impeccable. Readers will literally be on the edge of their seats with this novel! I definitely recommend it!
November 21, 2024
Code Red is a red hot debut crime thriller.
The county of Yorkshire seems to be a fertile breeding ground for crime novels and crime novelists. From the gentle heartbeats of Nicholas Rhea's Constable Nick series, to the intricate puzzles Peter Robinson set for DCI Banks to solve, and the memorable chalk and cheese pairing of Dalziel and Pascoe by the late, great Reginald Hill, to the recently hatched Ben Baldwin who introduces Sam Taylor in this fast-paced, compulsively readable new novel.
The Amsterdam setting brought back happy memories of reading all the Van der Valk novels by Nicholas Freeling (does anyone remember them?) and my favourite Alistair MacLean novel Puppet on a Chain --- but Ben Baldwin doesn't walk in the shadow of his literary predecessors his talent is vivid, innovative, exciting and thoroughly top notch.
I can't wait for Sam's next case...and all the cases that follow it.
The county of Yorkshire seems to be a fertile breeding ground for crime novels and crime novelists. From the gentle heartbeats of Nicholas Rhea's Constable Nick series, to the intricate puzzles Peter Robinson set for DCI Banks to solve, and the memorable chalk and cheese pairing of Dalziel and Pascoe by the late, great Reginald Hill, to the recently hatched Ben Baldwin who introduces Sam Taylor in this fast-paced, compulsively readable new novel.
The Amsterdam setting brought back happy memories of reading all the Van der Valk novels by Nicholas Freeling (does anyone remember them?) and my favourite Alistair MacLean novel Puppet on a Chain --- but Ben Baldwin doesn't walk in the shadow of his literary predecessors his talent is vivid, innovative, exciting and thoroughly top notch.
I can't wait for Sam's next case...and all the cases that follow it.
November 29, 2024
Who is lying and is there a mole in the operation? Who should Sam believe? Why was my brain glued to this book until 4AM?
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
#CodeRed by Ben Baldwin #SamTaylorBk1 @BloodhoundBooks #InternationalCrime #Thriller @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @kobobooks @waterstones ***** #Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk #NewSeries
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
#CodeRed by Ben Baldwin #SamTaylorBk1 @BloodhoundBooks #InternationalCrime #Thriller @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @kobobooks @waterstones ***** #Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk #NewSeries
January 24, 2025
Any book that delays me picking up the newly delivered Onyx Storm so I can finish it deserves a written review.
Code Red was offered up by Ben at our local Book Club Group, so in the community spirit, I bought it to show support. I was not disappointed.
I was immediately drawn into the life of Sam Taylor and was held to the end of Code Red.
The characters are personable and believable, and the drama that unfolds is wrought with action, betrayal and a unlikely kinship.
Loved it. Can't wait for Book 2!
Code Red was offered up by Ben at our local Book Club Group, so in the community spirit, I bought it to show support. I was not disappointed.
I was immediately drawn into the life of Sam Taylor and was held to the end of Code Red.
The characters are personable and believable, and the drama that unfolds is wrought with action, betrayal and a unlikely kinship.
Loved it. Can't wait for Book 2!
November 18, 2024
Code Red by Ben Baldwin is book 1 in the Sam Taylor series. This thriller is the author’s debut book and what a brilliant read it was. Sam is a Repatriation Officer with the Foreign Office. He is sent to Amsterdam to investigate the murder of a British Army Major. He ends up getting caught up in something far bigger than expected as the Amsterdam Police are investigating the world’s largest black-market retailer. There are some great characters in the story. I found them to be engaging and really enjoyed getting to learn about them as the story progressed. Sir Jeffrey sounds a fascinating man with the career he has had and has a mischievous streak. Liked the humour throughout too. It was a great story which unfolded in a way that certainly kept my interest and kept it high as a few unexpected twists unfolded. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 11, 2024
This was a very enjoyable book. Sam Taylor is involved in the UK repatriation unit but he was shot during a raid he attended with local police in Amsterdam. When an Interpol agent asks him to return to Amsterdam to identify in person the body of the woman who shot him, he finds himself thrown into a world of illegal arms dealing with some corrupt police along the way.
This was quite an intense and action-packed read. I enjoyed getting to grips with the puzzle of determining who to trust and even the quirky nature of the Interpol agent's methods. The ending was quite satisfying and I will definitely look forward to hopefully reading more in what looks like a new series.
This was quite an intense and action-packed read. I enjoyed getting to grips with the puzzle of determining who to trust and even the quirky nature of the Interpol agent's methods. The ending was quite satisfying and I will definitely look forward to hopefully reading more in what looks like a new series.
November 15, 2024
Really enjoyed reading this. Great storyline - never quite knowing who to trust but action all the way. Reads really well and keeps you intrigued to the end. Seems like this could be the start of a series- hope so!
December 14, 2024
Code Red, written by Ben Baldwin, is the first action thriller with the British Sam Taylor as main character.
The story starts with Sam Taylor being shot in Amsterdam a year ago while he was investigation an organisation that is active on the black market. Their device was: everything is for sale, you ask, we deliver. Jewelry, luxury cars, drugs, weapons, you name it, they deliver it.
Now something has happened in Amsterdam again that is related to him being shot and Sam Taylor goes back to the city where he has made some friends in the police force.
From then on the pace of the story is fast. One thing after the other happens and Sam is forced to do things he rather not and he has to ask himself who his friends are, who he can trust.
In the beginning of this book, I had the impression that another main character would have the lead in this book, but I was wrong. In the end there are some twists that I did not see coming, but also an important one that I saw from far away. That didn't kill my reading pleasure, not at all.
In fact, I like to read more about Sam Taylor. And I would prefer it to be with the German investigator Vogt because together they make a funny couple. Sam Taylor is not afraid, has humor and is also a womanizer. Vogt is a dwarf and it's the first time I red about a dwarf in such a high position in a criminal investigation unit.
On the website of the author I red that he signed a 3 book deal with Bloodhound Books and also the titles of the next books with Sam Taylor: 'Crossroads' and 'Code Spy', both to be released in 2025. I'm already looking forward to them.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The story starts with Sam Taylor being shot in Amsterdam a year ago while he was investigation an organisation that is active on the black market. Their device was: everything is for sale, you ask, we deliver. Jewelry, luxury cars, drugs, weapons, you name it, they deliver it.
Now something has happened in Amsterdam again that is related to him being shot and Sam Taylor goes back to the city where he has made some friends in the police force.
From then on the pace of the story is fast. One thing after the other happens and Sam is forced to do things he rather not and he has to ask himself who his friends are, who he can trust.
In the beginning of this book, I had the impression that another main character would have the lead in this book, but I was wrong. In the end there are some twists that I did not see coming, but also an important one that I saw from far away. That didn't kill my reading pleasure, not at all.
In fact, I like to read more about Sam Taylor. And I would prefer it to be with the German investigator Vogt because together they make a funny couple. Sam Taylor is not afraid, has humor and is also a womanizer. Vogt is a dwarf and it's the first time I red about a dwarf in such a high position in a criminal investigation unit.
On the website of the author I red that he signed a 3 book deal with Bloodhound Books and also the titles of the next books with Sam Taylor: 'Crossroads' and 'Code Spy', both to be released in 2025. I'm already looking forward to them.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 28, 2024
Code Red by Ben Baldwin was an excellent book, it was a gripping action thriller full of twists and turns throughout. What made this book extra special. it is the first book in a new Sam Taylor series and I loved it. Code Red was so good I ended up reading it in one sitting.
I love the new character Sam Taylor who is a maverick Government Officer in the UK.
Twelve months ago, Sam Taylor who is a maverick Government Office based in the UK was shot and left for dead while he was investigating a black-market organisation. Now, his shooter, who is a mysterious and beautiful agent, has been found dead in Amsterdam. Sam has been asked to go back to identify the body, Sam is reunited with old acquaintances and then was introduced to the lead of the investigation, Interpol agent Karl Vogt. He is a man with his own agenda.
But as the group enter's the mortuary, they find her body has vanished….............Leaving no trace on where she is!
Whilst back at the station Sam begins to receive mysterious messages to his personal mobile which turns their investigation on its head.
Now, knowing how much is riding on the case, Sam follows the messages and heads into the Dutch countryside where he meets an unexpected ally. This is when Sam discovers there is a mole working inside the force, he agrees to help take them down.
WoW! Now who can he trust?................
I am so looking forward reading the next book in the Sam Taylor's series. An Excellent book in a promising new series.
I love the new character Sam Taylor who is a maverick Government Officer in the UK.
Twelve months ago, Sam Taylor who is a maverick Government Office based in the UK was shot and left for dead while he was investigating a black-market organisation. Now, his shooter, who is a mysterious and beautiful agent, has been found dead in Amsterdam. Sam has been asked to go back to identify the body, Sam is reunited with old acquaintances and then was introduced to the lead of the investigation, Interpol agent Karl Vogt. He is a man with his own agenda.
But as the group enter's the mortuary, they find her body has vanished….............Leaving no trace on where she is!
Whilst back at the station Sam begins to receive mysterious messages to his personal mobile which turns their investigation on its head.
Now, knowing how much is riding on the case, Sam follows the messages and heads into the Dutch countryside where he meets an unexpected ally. This is when Sam discovers there is a mole working inside the force, he agrees to help take them down.
WoW! Now who can he trust?................
I am so looking forward reading the next book in the Sam Taylor's series. An Excellent book in a promising new series.
November 13, 2024
I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Sam Taylor and Nos on a stakeout in Amsterdam. Bos gives the word to start the seige and tells Sam to stay in the car. Things go bad from the start and soon Sam leaves the car and works his way to the building. At the building, Sam sees a woman, bust hesitates and is shot. As a result, he falls in the canal and is almost drowned.
Flash forward 1 year and Sam learns that the woman has died and he is asked to return to Amsterdam to identify the body. After arriving and going to the location to identify the body, he discovers the body is gone. As a result, Sam winds up spending more time than he planned. He also gets working on a team to bring the Nile organization down. This is the same group where the failed attack happened.
Read along and follow Sam, Bos. Vogt and the rest of the team as they track the group down. Discover what the reason the earlier raid failed involved and how it all ended. The action is immense and will keep you glued right till the end.
It is definitely worth the read!
This story begins with Sam Taylor and Nos on a stakeout in Amsterdam. Bos gives the word to start the seige and tells Sam to stay in the car. Things go bad from the start and soon Sam leaves the car and works his way to the building. At the building, Sam sees a woman, bust hesitates and is shot. As a result, he falls in the canal and is almost drowned.
Flash forward 1 year and Sam learns that the woman has died and he is asked to return to Amsterdam to identify the body. After arriving and going to the location to identify the body, he discovers the body is gone. As a result, Sam winds up spending more time than he planned. He also gets working on a team to bring the Nile organization down. This is the same group where the failed attack happened.
Read along and follow Sam, Bos. Vogt and the rest of the team as they track the group down. Discover what the reason the earlier raid failed involved and how it all ended. The action is immense and will keep you glued right till the end.
It is definitely worth the read!
November 29, 2024
This is the first book in the exciting new Sam Taylor Thriller series and actually the first time that I've read this author too as this is also their debut novel.
I've said before and I'll likely say it again - but I rarely read books in this genre and never seen to grab them off the shelves.
However, whenever I do give them a go, I absolutely love them! And this was no exception.
I think I tend to watch this genre more often and whatever the reason I don't grab the books, I know that ultimately, I'll end up loving the storylines.
This was a great introduction to our main character, Sam, and I loved the development over the course of this book, but can definitely see lots of potential for future books in this series and storylines that will keep us invested in following Sam on his adventures.
There was not so much in this one to fill us in with Sam's background (that might have been too much all in this first book) but I wonder whether future books might delve a little further into that side kf Sams character too?
This storyline felt both familiar and unique all at the same time - I loved that I got Line Of Duty vibes in some places but also think that the setting set this apart from.kthwr books that I've read kn this genre.
This was really well written with a great pace and exciting storyline that kept me gripped from start to finish. I literally raced through this.
Nicely set up and ready for book 2, I can't wait to see more of Sam Taylor.
I've said before and I'll likely say it again - but I rarely read books in this genre and never seen to grab them off the shelves.
However, whenever I do give them a go, I absolutely love them! And this was no exception.
I think I tend to watch this genre more often and whatever the reason I don't grab the books, I know that ultimately, I'll end up loving the storylines.
This was a great introduction to our main character, Sam, and I loved the development over the course of this book, but can definitely see lots of potential for future books in this series and storylines that will keep us invested in following Sam on his adventures.
There was not so much in this one to fill us in with Sam's background (that might have been too much all in this first book) but I wonder whether future books might delve a little further into that side kf Sams character too?
This storyline felt both familiar and unique all at the same time - I loved that I got Line Of Duty vibes in some places but also think that the setting set this apart from.kthwr books that I've read kn this genre.
This was really well written with a great pace and exciting storyline that kept me gripped from start to finish. I literally raced through this.
Nicely set up and ready for book 2, I can't wait to see more of Sam Taylor.
November 26, 2024
Book 1 in the Sam Taylor Thriller Series and what an explosive start
Sam works for the repatriation dept of the UK Govt and as such gets called worldwide when a UK citizen’s body needs bringing home ( also when in jail etc )
He is now involved in a race against time mission in Amsterdam re a nefarious organisation called ‘The Nile’ the darks web version of Amazon
I liked Sam and his humour and his ‘normality’ no major hangs up and he didn’t always stick to protocol, he welcomed adventure and ran into it and was a good exciting yet grounded lead character
Other characters were equally impressive inc Interpol agent Vogt ( will say no more on him )
It was a hard hitting thriller with not much down time and the writing clear and dynamic and a solid story, most important the writing was good, these type of books can often run away with complexities and side stories but this kept me focused at all times, I liked how all ‘loose ends’ where tied up at the end of the story
I really look forward to the rest of the series and where Sam ends up next
Really really good debut with big promise of more to come
Sam works for the repatriation dept of the UK Govt and as such gets called worldwide when a UK citizen’s body needs bringing home ( also when in jail etc )
He is now involved in a race against time mission in Amsterdam re a nefarious organisation called ‘The Nile’ the darks web version of Amazon
I liked Sam and his humour and his ‘normality’ no major hangs up and he didn’t always stick to protocol, he welcomed adventure and ran into it and was a good exciting yet grounded lead character
Other characters were equally impressive inc Interpol agent Vogt ( will say no more on him )
It was a hard hitting thriller with not much down time and the writing clear and dynamic and a solid story, most important the writing was good, these type of books can often run away with complexities and side stories but this kept me focused at all times, I liked how all ‘loose ends’ where tied up at the end of the story
I really look forward to the rest of the series and where Sam ends up next
Really really good debut with big promise of more to come
January 24, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Ben Baldwin's "Code Red" is an action thriller which is a pulse-pounding race against time.
The novel throws readers into a whirlwind of chaos as a deadly virus threatens to unleash a global pandemic.
A small team of scientists and operatives must race against the clock to find a cure, while battling a shadowy organization determined to exploit the crisis for their own gain.
Baldwin masterfully crafts a fast-paced narrative, filled with high-stakes action sequences, intricate plot twists, and morally gray characters.
The scientific details are seamlessly woven into the story, creating a sense of realism and urgency. The novel explores timely themes of bioterrorism, global health crises, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the face of unprecedented danger.
"Code Red" is a gripping and thought-provoking read. It's a reminder of the fragility of our world and the importance of science, cooperation, and courage.
Recommended for fans of fast-paced thrillers, medical dramas, and stories that explore the complexities of global crises.
Ben Baldwin's "Code Red" is an action thriller which is a pulse-pounding race against time.
The novel throws readers into a whirlwind of chaos as a deadly virus threatens to unleash a global pandemic.
A small team of scientists and operatives must race against the clock to find a cure, while battling a shadowy organization determined to exploit the crisis for their own gain.
Baldwin masterfully crafts a fast-paced narrative, filled with high-stakes action sequences, intricate plot twists, and morally gray characters.
The scientific details are seamlessly woven into the story, creating a sense of realism and urgency. The novel explores timely themes of bioterrorism, global health crises, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the face of unprecedented danger.
"Code Red" is a gripping and thought-provoking read. It's a reminder of the fragility of our world and the importance of science, cooperation, and courage.
Recommended for fans of fast-paced thrillers, medical dramas, and stories that explore the complexities of global crises.
November 10, 2025
Code Red is the fast paced debut novel from Ben Baldwin. We are introduced to government officer Sam Taylor from the UK. Code Red is Book One of the 'Sam Taylor' series. The book begins 12 months earlier with Sam being shot and left for dead whilst investigating a black market organisation. Fast forward to the present day, Sam is unexpectedly sent to Amsterdam to identify the body of his shooter. On arrival to the morgue, the body has vanished and it is Sam's responsibility to discover the truth. Time is ticking and Sam needs to identify who he can trust and is there a mole working amongst his team.
From the first page, Code Red has you hooked. The first 25% is gritty and addictive which then makes the other 75% a wild rollercoaster ride with so many twists and turns throughout that you cant help but read 'One More Chapter'. The book is written in such a way that you never really know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys.
Overall, a very strong debut novel and I look forward to seeing Sam's storyline develop further.
From the first page, Code Red has you hooked. The first 25% is gritty and addictive which then makes the other 75% a wild rollercoaster ride with so many twists and turns throughout that you cant help but read 'One More Chapter'. The book is written in such a way that you never really know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys.
Overall, a very strong debut novel and I look forward to seeing Sam's storyline develop further.
March 16, 2025
Sam Taylor , part of a British repatriation unit was shot in Amsterdam during a raid he was participating in. The female assailant who shot him gets away.
After recovering, he's asked to come back to Amsterdam, as his assailant has been found dead and he's to formerly identify her. This leads to an investigation into smuggling of all kinds by a group called the Nile, an Interpol agent Vogt and the friends in the Amsterdam police he was assisting during his last visit. However, everytime there is a lead, the Nile seems to be ahead of them (thus the thinking there is a mole in the police).
It was easy for me to quickly figure out the mole, not sure why it took the brains of the investigation til the end of the book to do so. It was an ok read, a kindle filler between my favorite releases. Since this is by a British author, get used to "s" substitued for "z" such as organisation- it kind of messes with my enjoyment of the read.
After recovering, he's asked to come back to Amsterdam, as his assailant has been found dead and he's to formerly identify her. This leads to an investigation into smuggling of all kinds by a group called the Nile, an Interpol agent Vogt and the friends in the Amsterdam police he was assisting during his last visit. However, everytime there is a lead, the Nile seems to be ahead of them (thus the thinking there is a mole in the police).
It was easy for me to quickly figure out the mole, not sure why it took the brains of the investigation til the end of the book to do so. It was an ok read, a kindle filler between my favorite releases. Since this is by a British author, get used to "s" substitued for "z" such as organisation- it kind of messes with my enjoyment of the read.
September 30, 2025
Oh man, was that a crap sandwich. Ben Baldwin knows so little about so much, I would wager a guess he needs help with his shoelaces. This novel features the only known Glock-17s with 1) metal frame, 2) external safety, 3) external hammer. The author apparently labors under the impression that blank cartridges contain bullets (which would defeat the entire purpose, kind of, but hey, that's Ben B., an independent thinker all the way). The protag has a magic ability to regrow a lost cell phone, the plot is so pointlessly convoluted as to resemble an aerobic class in not-set Jell-O, and, yeah, that's just the offenses against the sense, but Ben "Bird Brain" B. is also a piss-poor writer on a sentence-by-sentence level. A painful experience.
BTW: Marcel doesn't mean "little warrior" in Polish, either, Ben, you nitwit.
BTW: Marcel doesn't mean "little warrior" in Polish, either, Ben, you nitwit.
November 13, 2025
What a tangled web we have here!
When different agencies combine forces to seek out a comment enemy, just who can you trust? Can the police be trusted, or do they know more than they are letting on? Just who is involved in these crimes?
The story is fast paced and will have you questioning everyone and everything you think you know. There’s great description of the scenes and you really will be able to see it all in your minds eye.
For me, it plays out just like a film, or even a TV series. I could see this being turned into one.
So all in all, fast moving, always something happening, lots of dubious characters and suspense and suspicion over who our heroes really are. You will struggle to put it down as it twists and turns to its conclusion.
When different agencies combine forces to seek out a comment enemy, just who can you trust? Can the police be trusted, or do they know more than they are letting on? Just who is involved in these crimes?
The story is fast paced and will have you questioning everyone and everything you think you know. There’s great description of the scenes and you really will be able to see it all in your minds eye.
For me, it plays out just like a film, or even a TV series. I could see this being turned into one.
So all in all, fast moving, always something happening, lots of dubious characters and suspense and suspicion over who our heroes really are. You will struggle to put it down as it twists and turns to its conclusion.
November 14, 2025
Code Red is the debut novel from Sean Peters and is the exciting first installment in the Sam Taylor thriller series.
Set mostly in Amsterdam, we follow our main character, Sam Taylor, who arrives in Amsterdam from the UK to identify the body of the person who shot him a year earlier and left him for dead.
While there, he discovers a web of lies and deceipt that leads him down a murky rabbit hole in this efforts to discover the truth.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, an intriguing, fast paced thriller with interesting characters that are believable and feel real.
I read this in three sittings.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Set mostly in Amsterdam, we follow our main character, Sam Taylor, who arrives in Amsterdam from the UK to identify the body of the person who shot him a year earlier and left him for dead.
While there, he discovers a web of lies and deceipt that leads him down a murky rabbit hole in this efforts to discover the truth.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, an intriguing, fast paced thriller with interesting characters that are believable and feel real.
I read this in three sittings.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
November 12, 2025
Code Red by Ben Baldwin.
A Sam Taylor Thriller book 1.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the cover and blurb of this book. I got into it straight away. Action from the start. I liked the writing style and the story. I did like Sam straight away. Natasja grew on me. I wasn't sure how I felt about Berger or Vogt. Corsel or Hardenne I wasn't too sure how I felt. Twisty and gripping. I listened to this book on kindle unlimited. I did not see that coming. I loved the fight scene. I loved how everything tied up nicely at the end. I'm looking forward to the next book. Definitely recommend.
A Sam Taylor Thriller book 1.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the cover and blurb of this book. I got into it straight away. Action from the start. I liked the writing style and the story. I did like Sam straight away. Natasja grew on me. I wasn't sure how I felt about Berger or Vogt. Corsel or Hardenne I wasn't too sure how I felt. Twisty and gripping. I listened to this book on kindle unlimited. I did not see that coming. I loved the fight scene. I loved how everything tied up nicely at the end. I'm looking forward to the next book. Definitely recommend.
November 14, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a crime mystery with a sprinkle of romance.
It has a lot of twist and turns that kept me engrossed.
It can be read as a standalone but the ending is open enough to lead on to more in the series. I hate books where there are loose ends so I really liked the ending of this book.
I loved the MFC - she is a feisty, confident, powerful woman.
The book is in third person which is usually not my thing but the author made it work and I liked seeing what all of the characters were up to.
A fun and gripping easy read which is definetely worth picking up.
This is a crime mystery with a sprinkle of romance.
It has a lot of twist and turns that kept me engrossed.
It can be read as a standalone but the ending is open enough to lead on to more in the series. I hate books where there are loose ends so I really liked the ending of this book.
I loved the MFC - she is a feisty, confident, powerful woman.
The book is in third person which is usually not my thing but the author made it work and I liked seeing what all of the characters were up to.
A fun and gripping easy read which is definetely worth picking up.
December 6, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed Code Red. A gripping and exciting read by Ben Baldwin. Sam Taylor, who works for the Government Repatriation department., is now my new hero and can't wait to read more in this series. The story was set in Amsterdam. Sam Taylor has returned to Amsterdam to identify the woman who shot him. Thorought the book I wasn't sure who to trust or believe which added to the intrigue. A 5 star thriller.
November 11, 2025
I love a crime thriller and Sam Taylor is an interesting new lead!
A British government officer returning to the place he was shot and left for dead.. there are twists and turns as they try to work out where the rockets are, where the Nile are, who is the mole and most importantly where is Natasja?
I am looking forward to part 2! There is love, friendship and gore! A perfect first part of a series!
A British government officer returning to the place he was shot and left for dead.. there are twists and turns as they try to work out where the rockets are, where the Nile are, who is the mole and most importantly where is Natasja?
I am looking forward to part 2! There is love, friendship and gore! A perfect first part of a series!
November 24, 2025
This was really well written with a fast pace and exciting storyline that kept me gripped from start to finish. I literally raced through this and read it in one go.
The first book in the Sam Taylor series and it’s really set the bar high with this read, I cannot wait to read book 2.
If you like a good thriller then here’s your book.
Great characters both good and bad you won’t know who to trust plus plenty of action along with the twists and turns.
Great read 5⭐️
The first book in the Sam Taylor series and it’s really set the bar high with this read, I cannot wait to read book 2.
If you like a good thriller then here’s your book.
Great characters both good and bad you won’t know who to trust plus plenty of action along with the twists and turns.
Great read 5⭐️
December 2, 2024
Fantastic read. There is humour amid all the action and thrills, and although he's not the 'main' character, Karl Vogt has some of the funniest lines. Sam Taylor is definitely a hunk, and Vogt is the polar opposite, but they make a great team. Add into the mix a femme fatal, and you have the basis for a gripping read. Bring on more of Mr Taylor.
January 5, 2025
🎧(audiobook)
This was a great detective mystery. Sam Taylor is haunted by never solving Anderson’s murder, and getting over being shot.
When the woman who shot him shows up dead, then is suddenly alive, Sam is thrown back into the fray.
He reluctantly joins forces with her to stop the terrorist organization The Nile.
Great story. Lots of twists.
If there is another book- I’m in.
This was a great detective mystery. Sam Taylor is haunted by never solving Anderson’s murder, and getting over being shot.
When the woman who shot him shows up dead, then is suddenly alive, Sam is thrown back into the fray.
He reluctantly joins forces with her to stop the terrorist organization The Nile.
Great story. Lots of twists.
If there is another book- I’m in.
March 31, 2025
An excellent read with twists and turns all the way through to keep Sam busy doing his job and in the bedroom! When his friend Bos saved him from certain death at the hands of a beautiful woman, leading him to another stunning redhead who helped him to recover in more ways than one, they both turned out to be the biggest twists of all.
August 29, 2025
I wanted to try some new thriller books but I’m a stickler for sticking with authors that I know and have enjoyed previously. Ben Baldwin is a new author and decided to give this a go. It didn’t disappoint in the slightest. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters, so much so, I’m going to read the second in the Sam Taylor series.
November 26, 2024
Brilliant Thriller, that kept you guessing from the first page ... as soon as you thought you knew who was behind the killing, yet another suspect reared their head... one not to be put down until the last page has been read!! 5🌟
December 12, 2024
Brilliant book, couldn’t put it down. Haven’t read a book this fast in years, was gripped
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews