Charlie: A Gritty Irish Vigilante Thriller of Revenge, Family, and Justice

Recovering Commando

by Finn Og

Would you have done what he did?
They hurt his wife, in front of his daughter.
Sam must wrap his little girl in love, to help her heal. He must also provide for her. His extraction from special operations at sea leads him to form a clandestine company. 'CHARLIE' helps Sam appease his desire for vengeance, to deal with his grief, and to cleanse his conscience of some of the questionable things he's seen and done. Until he's asked to do a job which throws their healing, and safety, into doubt.

Genres: Action

350 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Finn lives and works in Ireland, surrounded by rogues and the sea. He has published three thrillers as well as drama, shorts and comedy using different pen names.

Reviews

[Abibliofob]

I stumbled upon this author on social media and thought I would give him a try. Charlie is the first book of four so far in the series about ex SBS soldier Sam ireland by Finn Óg. It is really a great story and it certainly isn't like everything else in this genre. I was pleasantly surprised and will read more books in this series. This book deals with some dark stuff and it does it well. Sam has a new career after his time in the service and it involves a different kind of justice. I can recommend this series.

[Jim A]

Pretty standard fare. Instead of the protagonist being a former SEAL, Ranger or Special Forces he's British SBS. The story centers around getting revenge for the murder of his wife.

The author's style made this harder to read than it needed to be. Story flashes back and forth between present day and earlier time when he was on a mission to Gaza and met the woman who would become his wife. Flashbacks are regularly used by authors, but this one didn't distinguish changing time frames., (present time/ seven years earlier, etc.) And since there were two missions involved in the story it made for tedious reading.

[Marissa]

Goodreads Kindle Copy Win

This tells of things you must do despite what other might think is morally acceptable. How far will you go for others and the struggles along the way Is vengeance really worth it?

This is a quick pace story and part one of the saga.

[Melinda M]

Charlie by Finn Og is book 1 of the Recovering Commando series /saga, It is a fast pace thriller with twists and turns. It is well written. It goes between Sam's past and the present.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Natalie]

Good mystery

I really got into this mystery story and it was well written. I didn't expect the outcome that it came to and will be looking for the next book to continue my reading.

[Hazel]

This is book one of a series. Very good book excited
to read book two.

[Jax]

Gave this a try because it was free and narrated by the always excellent Nicholas Boulton but the writing isn't for me. The back-and-forth time jumps, the hard to believe bits. At one point I checked to see if the author was a real person. I guess? Still not sure. DNF @30% (approx 3 hours)

[Sara Claridge]

This is a fast paced thriller that gripped me from the beginning. It flicks back and forth from Sam’s past to his present interweaving the two stories right up to the final twist at the end. Perfectly paced, with a tension that builds through the book, I can’t wait to read more.
Charlie is the first part of a trilogy, but doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger.

[John]

Vengeance, sweet & simple!

They killed his wife in front of his daughter. Sam is a former special boat service ( naval version of the SAS), who is more the capable of exacting revenge. While he's exacting that revenge, he comes across something so hideous and vile that he has to do something. Want to know more, you'll have to read it yourself. Really enjoyed Charlie and will be looking for Charlie 2 in the future keep up with Sam's exploits.

[Jenny Potts]

A classic international thriller. The hero, Sam, grapples with his demons and parental commitment whilst surfing the tide of unbearable loss. But Sam is made of very stern stuff indeed. You know within just a few lines that you are in the hands of a master craftsman. The author is brimming with knowledge for the geography, scale and backdrop of 'Charlie'. But there is no self-indulgence with Og's experience or research. The pace is fast but pitched perfectly; the chapters ricochet. The dialogue was flawless too. A very impressive debut from an extremely competent storyteller. Congratulations, Finn Og.

[Deana Christianson]

Charlie

The story jumped all over the place. I had trouble following the story. I read about a third of it. I couldn't figure out where it was going.

[Michelle Wilson]

Very full of himself is ‘Charlie’. He wants to be a good father, cares for his 5 years old who probably will become an MI5 spy or run a boot camp. To,much back and forth almost as if the author cannot keep track of what he is doing. His wife is killed, yes, but why exactly that reason has evaded me... should I read this again? No. Too arduous!

[Carolyn Crowther]

Could not put it down. You keep turning the pages to find out what happens next and when you look up, you realize you've been reading for hours and hours. Enjoyed every minute. Realistic and enthralling .... can't wait for the next one.

[Sarah]

Not for me

Typing errors really spoil a book and there were a few. The story felt disjointed backwards and forwards. I was at 40% when I decided to abandon it and look for another read.

[Gavin Mackrill]

Yes! A great thriller!

I really like the hero and the story is good with some nice twists. Will definitely be following Finn Ogg’s books

[David Paris]

Unfortunately I found this an unsatisfying read in a few dimensions and after reading about 25% I gave up and discontinued. Disappointing as I was hoping to find a new good read author.

[Steve]

Too much British.

[Viragored]

This book really had me gripped. But a caution - the background to the action involves child abuse, so if the thought of such a thing horrifies you the book might not be for you. Rest assured though, Sam the hero is on the side of right and there are no excessive descriptions of abuse.
The story is told in a way that weaves together the background to why Sam is who he is and what he is, using flashbacks. It took me a bit to understand what was happening when, but I'm not the sharpest reader when it comes to that type of writing. The telling and unfolding is effective and paints a great overall picture. I disagree with the quoted reviewer on the cover of the book, I didn't find it "So fast I was left breathless", instead I relished the steady pace of the story and the detail contained in the descriptions.
I'm wondering to myself if the author just has a great imagination, or is using his imagination to build on real-life experience. Whichever, I totally enjoyed the book and am keen to read more.

[Kevin Polin]

I found Charlie by Finn Óg to be a gritty, fast-moving thriller that grabbed me early and kept me turning the pages. What worked most for me was that, beneath all the action and violence, the book still felt emotionally grounded. Sam Ireland came across as more than just a hard man on a revenge mission; he felt damaged, believable, and deeply human, especially in regards to grief. That gave the story more weight than other vigilante thrillers.
I also liked the Irish edge of the book. It gave the novel its own unique atmosphere and helped it stand out from more generic military or revenge thrillers. The writing felt lean and direct, with a strong sense of momentum, and I sometimes felt it hard to put down. It is rough, dark, and unsentimental, but it still has heart. To summarize, Charlie was an intense, engaging read that balanced toughness with real emotional pull.

[Will]

Action, suspense, drama, well developed characters, and an Irish brogue that is sure to intrigue. The part that stuck out the most to me is the lack of weapons used throughout the story. Unlike U.S. authors that always fall back to their firearms, this hero doesn't need props. He is a destructive force all unto himself. Great read. Very entertaining. Definitely looking forward to more from this series.

[Claudete Takahashi]

Sam was trained and praised for his fast thinking under stressing situations and by his killing skills, he is back in Ireland, suffering from PTSD and seeking for revenge. He wants to kill the man that murdered his wife and destroyed his family. He'll do anything to protect his daughter and his parents. Fast-paced, full of action, Charlie is entertaining and the first book in a great series.
I thank the author for the free copy of this book.

[Graham Tallents]

A good story ruined. I almost gave up on finishing this book. The constant chopping and changing from past to present without any indication in chapter headins ws extremely annoying and made the story harder to followcthan it should have been. Fortunately at about the halfway mark we stayed in present time. Another factor ruining this tale, the Kindle version I read could really use a good dose of editing/proof reading as it is absolutely riddled with errors.

[DeeDee]

I loved this book and I am planning to purchase the entire series. Mr. Finn Og is a very talented author. He excels in describing the father/child bond and as a soldier in battle realistically. The pages came alive for me. I am surprised Librarything didn't have any other reviews for this talented writer with his unique script.

[J Davies]

A dark story of intrigue.

A convoluted tale that races to a sharp conclusion. Some distasteful content though. Hold the interest right the way through and some vivid descriptions of the various locations.

[Dave]

I loved this series of books featuring Sam Ireland; a strong, capable action hero who has some depth and a compelling back story. Although I read them out of sequence by mistake, it didn't detract from the reading experience. I really enjoyed reading all three books and am hoping for many more!

[Sean Myles]

Unusual style of story telling

A complex tale well written. Initially confusing due to the employment of flashbacks, but then became logical. Lots of action and avoidance of graphic sex made it an enjoyable adult read for me.

[David McKinnon Donaldson]

Well paced thriller with plenty of action , good characters and plenty surprises, and interesting

Situations, and back ground . With lots of details and information on places enjoyed this book and would recommend it,

[Scott Torok]

Overrated

This Revenge Plot is Way Over Done. Thousands of Books are Based on Revenge. The Writing is Subpar.

This is Not on the Same Level as Jack Reacher, it is Not even close.

I will not read any more Books written by Finn Og.

[Aimee]

Goodreads giveaway

[Kelly C]

Damn good read

I did not put this book down until I'd turned the last page.
A very clever and well written story that just leaves you wanting more.