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To Parts Unknown
A swirling kaleidoscope of death, doubt, and desire.
London, January 1942:
London Times war correspondent, George Adams, is a tortured soul, devastated by his wife's death and rejected by all branches of the military. Destroyed by events he couldn't control, he can't face the future and won't forget the past. His editor sends him to Singapore, a city threatened by the Japanese, hoping the exotic location and impending crisis will erase his haunting memories.
Within minutes of his arrival, George is caught in a near-fatal air raid that triggers a chain of conflict and catastrophes. Injured and sheltered underground, he meets Thomas Montclair, a crafty French spy, and Lady Jane Carrington Smythe, an English aristocrat, who are destined to share his adventures. When a Japanese general is murdered, Lady Jane becomes the prime suspect. The trio flees the enemy and their own troubled pasts, confronting personal demons as well as the Japanese.
They chase their dreams and elude their nightmares, evading a manhunt that spans the islands of the southwest Pacific, their lives wrapped in a swirling kaleidoscope of death, doubt, and desire.
London, January 1942:
London Times war correspondent, George Adams, is a tortured soul, devastated by his wife's death and rejected by all branches of the military. Destroyed by events he couldn't control, he can't face the future and won't forget the past. His editor sends him to Singapore, a city threatened by the Japanese, hoping the exotic location and impending crisis will erase his haunting memories.
Within minutes of his arrival, George is caught in a near-fatal air raid that triggers a chain of conflict and catastrophes. Injured and sheltered underground, he meets Thomas Montclair, a crafty French spy, and Lady Jane Carrington Smythe, an English aristocrat, who are destined to share his adventures. When a Japanese general is murdered, Lady Jane becomes the prime suspect. The trio flees the enemy and their own troubled pasts, confronting personal demons as well as the Japanese.
They chase their dreams and elude their nightmares, evading a manhunt that spans the islands of the southwest Pacific, their lives wrapped in a swirling kaleidoscope of death, doubt, and desire.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2014
70 people are currently reading
1374 people want to read
About the author
John Anthony Miller
19 books342 followersJohn Anthony Miller writes all things historical—thrillers, mysteries, and romance. He sets his novels in exotic locations spanning all eras of space and time, with complex characters forced to face inner conflicts—fighting demons both real and imagined. Each of his novels is unique: a Medieval epic, five historical mysteries, two Cold-War thrillers, two 1970’s cozy mysteries, a Revolutionary War spy novel, seven WWII thrillers, and The Castle on the Cliff. He lives in southern New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 15, 2014
This is a WW11 novel set in Singapore and Indonesia that tells the story about ordinary people who are compelled to do extraordinary things.
The story brings a British war correspondent George Adams to Singapore during January 1942. Shortly after his arrival there, he is caught in a near fatal air raid, while in the underground shelter he meets Thomas Montclair, a French spy and Lady Jane Carrington Smythe an English aristocrat and their meeting triggers a chain of events. Written in the first person this suspenseful novel takes its three main characters on a harrowing journey as they flee the Japanese while overcoming a multitude of obstacles including demons of their own. As the title suggests they are not quite sure of their destination…what to expect….and how to face the numerous challenges known and unknown…The prose reflects the horror and fear they faced…..
Although a fiction, the timeline and military events involving the fall of Singapore and Java and Sumatra are real but the story is based entirely on the author’s fertile imagination. This is a real page turner and very suspenseful as we follow the trio in a nightmare that has them evade a manhunt that spans the islands of the southwest pacific.
For war junky this may not be the perfect book but for suspense lovers it provides a plot that keeps a slow and steady pace, a kaleidoscope of death, dreams, nightmares and desire filled with conflict and passion. This is definitely a story with a mix of everything…The characterization is well drawn out, the players feel quite realistic and down to earth. I like the way the relationship between them evolves throughout the adventure and I especially loved the ending.
Great first book and hope this is a start of endless adventures…
My thanks to NetGalley, Smith Publicity and the publishers Taylor and Seale for the opportunity to read this book.
The story brings a British war correspondent George Adams to Singapore during January 1942. Shortly after his arrival there, he is caught in a near fatal air raid, while in the underground shelter he meets Thomas Montclair, a French spy and Lady Jane Carrington Smythe an English aristocrat and their meeting triggers a chain of events. Written in the first person this suspenseful novel takes its three main characters on a harrowing journey as they flee the Japanese while overcoming a multitude of obstacles including demons of their own. As the title suggests they are not quite sure of their destination…what to expect….and how to face the numerous challenges known and unknown…The prose reflects the horror and fear they faced…..
Although a fiction, the timeline and military events involving the fall of Singapore and Java and Sumatra are real but the story is based entirely on the author’s fertile imagination. This is a real page turner and very suspenseful as we follow the trio in a nightmare that has them evade a manhunt that spans the islands of the southwest pacific.
For war junky this may not be the perfect book but for suspense lovers it provides a plot that keeps a slow and steady pace, a kaleidoscope of death, dreams, nightmares and desire filled with conflict and passion. This is definitely a story with a mix of everything…The characterization is well drawn out, the players feel quite realistic and down to earth. I like the way the relationship between them evolves throughout the adventure and I especially loved the ending.
Great first book and hope this is a start of endless adventures…
My thanks to NetGalley, Smith Publicity and the publishers Taylor and Seale for the opportunity to read this book.
December 17, 2014
To Parts Unknown is written in such a complex, descriptive way that it leaves the reader feeling like they are actually involved in the action that is rife through the pages. John Anthony Miller brings these believeable, relatable character to life in a brilliant way. They are unlikely heroes that are forced to do things, which makes them that much more lovable. For fans of action, thrillers and even romance, this is the perfect gift for the holidays!
November 18, 2014
I loved this book. John Miller has a sensitive writing style, all the while filling his story with non-stop action. I fell in love with the characters and will probably read this again. I certainly will recommend it to my friends. Am waiting for the next Miller story. I hope he's writing another book.
January 4, 2015
This book was a great read. It was very hard to put down. I felt like I knew the characters so well and like I was right there with them on every leg of the journey. Can't wait for his next book.
April 6, 2016
I loved this book especially the opening scene with the Japanese bombing of Singapore- you felt like you were in the middle of it, hearing, seeing and feeling it happening. The characters evolved nicely throughout the book as they underwent different experiences. Nice blend of action and romance.
March 22, 2015
War, Japanese invasions and romance
This is a most intriguing story about five people in particular caught in the Japanese invasions of Singapore, Java, Indonesia and Dutch Islands. The cover adequately represents the spy theme as several of the characters are actually spies. George Adams is an English reporter who left London after his beloved wife Maggie died in an automobile wreck. He wrote stories about people and places that he saw while in the South Pacific. He ran into Thomas Montclaire, a Frenchman who spoke several languages and although he seemed perfectly gentle, actually he turned out to be a great fighter and spy, along with his friend DeMer, a Dutchman whose island was overrun, and he was made a prisoner and tortured. He escaped with the help of Thomas. Lady Jane Carrington Smith, an English aristocrat, who had run away from her parents in India to escape marrying someone she didn’t love, becomes one of this group as they flee the Japanese.
I was a teenager during WWII and I saw the newsreels of the war in the South Pacific. The author did a fine job of describing the bombings, fighting, killing and the islands so realistically the reader feels he is there. The author also described each of his main characters so well that the reader could walk in their shoes.
This story was a page turner for me and although it presented the war in that area realistically both in the fighting and the emotional traumas, it wasn’t gory and I couldn’t lay it down until I finished it. A mystery runs through the novel about who Lady Jane might truly select as her lover since she flirts with all of the men.
I think this is a great story, written in a polished manner and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of genre.
I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
This is a most intriguing story about five people in particular caught in the Japanese invasions of Singapore, Java, Indonesia and Dutch Islands. The cover adequately represents the spy theme as several of the characters are actually spies. George Adams is an English reporter who left London after his beloved wife Maggie died in an automobile wreck. He wrote stories about people and places that he saw while in the South Pacific. He ran into Thomas Montclaire, a Frenchman who spoke several languages and although he seemed perfectly gentle, actually he turned out to be a great fighter and spy, along with his friend DeMer, a Dutchman whose island was overrun, and he was made a prisoner and tortured. He escaped with the help of Thomas. Lady Jane Carrington Smith, an English aristocrat, who had run away from her parents in India to escape marrying someone she didn’t love, becomes one of this group as they flee the Japanese.
I was a teenager during WWII and I saw the newsreels of the war in the South Pacific. The author did a fine job of describing the bombings, fighting, killing and the islands so realistically the reader feels he is there. The author also described each of his main characters so well that the reader could walk in their shoes.
This story was a page turner for me and although it presented the war in that area realistically both in the fighting and the emotional traumas, it wasn’t gory and I couldn’t lay it down until I finished it. A mystery runs through the novel about who Lady Jane might truly select as her lover since she flirts with all of the men.
I think this is a great story, written in a polished manner and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of genre.
I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
November 11, 2014
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The jacket description of John Anthony Miller's To Parts Unknown filled me with excited anticipation when I stumbled over the title and I was legitimately giddy when Taylor and Seale offered me a copy for review. Unfortunately that enthusiasm was short-lived as I soon realized the novel wouldn't meet my expectations. I'm not going to beat around the bush folks, so prepare yourself for a brief and blunt analysis.
I struggled with this piece from the start. Miller fails to develop George's relationship with Maggie so his grief is hard to swallow and Lady Jane has about as much mystic as the tea that shares her name. To add insult to injury, the plot plods along in a predictable and formulaic chain of events that lacked both intensity and tension. Why do I say this? I fell asleep while the plane carrying our heroes was shot from the air in Chapter 14. I'm talking dead to the world, unconcerned, wake up refreshed and whistling dixie type sleep and that just doesn't happen, not to me.
I'm a WWII junkie, so this title should've been a slam dunk, but in looking at it alongside books like Night in Shanghai and The Gods of Heavenly Punishment, I can't help feeling To Parts Unknown came up short. Simple, straightforward and superficial, I did not enjoy the time I spent with this piece and can't envision myself recommending it forward.
The jacket description of John Anthony Miller's To Parts Unknown filled me with excited anticipation when I stumbled over the title and I was legitimately giddy when Taylor and Seale offered me a copy for review. Unfortunately that enthusiasm was short-lived as I soon realized the novel wouldn't meet my expectations. I'm not going to beat around the bush folks, so prepare yourself for a brief and blunt analysis.
I struggled with this piece from the start. Miller fails to develop George's relationship with Maggie so his grief is hard to swallow and Lady Jane has about as much mystic as the tea that shares her name. To add insult to injury, the plot plods along in a predictable and formulaic chain of events that lacked both intensity and tension. Why do I say this? I fell asleep while the plane carrying our heroes was shot from the air in Chapter 14. I'm talking dead to the world, unconcerned, wake up refreshed and whistling dixie type sleep and that just doesn't happen, not to me.
I'm a WWII junkie, so this title should've been a slam dunk, but in looking at it alongside books like Night in Shanghai and The Gods of Heavenly Punishment, I can't help feeling To Parts Unknown came up short. Simple, straightforward and superficial, I did not enjoy the time I spent with this piece and can't envision myself recommending it forward.
May 30, 2015
John Anthony Miller's "To Parts Unknown" is a suspense-filled novel set in Southern Asia during World War II. Air raid sirens and bombed out buildings are a daily occurrence as the Japanese invade and take over Singapore, Sumatra and Java. George Adams, a reporter for the London Times, finds himself caught up in the fast paced intrigue involving the beautiful Lady Jane Carrington Smythe and the mysterious French spy Thomas Montclair. Adams is still reeling from the death of his beloved wife, and tries to hide his grief from the world. Lady Jane and Thomas have secrets of their own, and the three unlikely friends experience narrow escapes and adventure as they travel together.
The author's writing style draws the reader into the story with vivid visuals of 1940s Singapore. I especially liked the well developed characters and the authentic historical details in the book. Having visited Singapore myself, I could mentally travel down Orchard Road and see the elegant hotels and shops as the author described them.
If you're a fan of books full of intrigue, plot twists, history and a touch of romance, you will enjoy To Parts Unknown. I stayed up way past my bedtime several nights, unable to put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, in exchange for writing a review.
The author's writing style draws the reader into the story with vivid visuals of 1940s Singapore. I especially liked the well developed characters and the authentic historical details in the book. Having visited Singapore myself, I could mentally travel down Orchard Road and see the elegant hotels and shops as the author described them.
If you're a fan of books full of intrigue, plot twists, history and a touch of romance, you will enjoy To Parts Unknown. I stayed up way past my bedtime several nights, unable to put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, in exchange for writing a review.
June 13, 2016
George Adams is a war correspondent for the London Times, a well-crafted and restless character who cant reconcile with the passing of his wife. Sent to Singapore for a mission, he is greeted by events that will turn his life in a topsy-turvy swirl, bringing him into contact with equally interesting characters like the French spy Thomas Montclair and the English aristocrat Lady Jane Carrington. This group of foreigners found themselves chased in a foreign land where anyone can be a spy and a friend can easily stick a knife on ones back. To Parts Unknown by John Anthony Miller is a riveting tale of a mans struggle to survive in a country torn by war, evading unnamed enemies, and struggling to win the trust of his friends.
John Anthony Miller is a good writer and To Parts Unknown is a powerful illustration that the author has done his homework well and created a setting that is beautiful and alluring. It is very interesting to see how the author weaves historical facts --- notably the events of the WWII --- and strong plot points to create a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down story. Fans of historical fiction will love this tale that is punctuated with surprises and beautiful twists.
John Anthony Miller is a good writer and To Parts Unknown is a powerful illustration that the author has done his homework well and created a setting that is beautiful and alluring. It is very interesting to see how the author weaves historical facts --- notably the events of the WWII --- and strong plot points to create a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down story. Fans of historical fiction will love this tale that is punctuated with surprises and beautiful twists.
June 20, 2016
George Adams is running from his past. To get out of London he persuades his editor to post him in Singapore. Unfortunately for him he arrives in 1942, just in time for the Japanese to invade. While trying to keep up some semblance of journalism he runs into the most fascinating character, Lady Jane Carrington Smythe. She too, is running away. But will they be able to escape together, and will their respective pasts prevent their future?
Author John Anthony Miller paints a vivid scene of the Pacific theater during WW2, and then inserts seemingly ordinary characters put into an extraordinary circumstances. While he does a good job moving the story along, brief interactions with otherwise extemporaneous characters become the foundation of main character George Adams’ introspection and healing from the death of his wife, Maggie, and move him towards forgiving himself for his part and and his interest in Lady Jane. While fast, I thought the inner turmoil of a man grieving his dead wife was wonderful character development, and brought some internal monologuing to an otherwise fast, externally moving story. If you enjoy historical fiction pick this one up.
Author John Anthony Miller paints a vivid scene of the Pacific theater during WW2, and then inserts seemingly ordinary characters put into an extraordinary circumstances. While he does a good job moving the story along, brief interactions with otherwise extemporaneous characters become the foundation of main character George Adams’ introspection and healing from the death of his wife, Maggie, and move him towards forgiving himself for his part and and his interest in Lady Jane. While fast, I thought the inner turmoil of a man grieving his dead wife was wonderful character development, and brought some internal monologuing to an otherwise fast, externally moving story. If you enjoy historical fiction pick this one up.
May 9, 2015
Man, what can I say but "What a ride!" A personal issue took me away from this bok shortly after I'd started. But when I picked it back up this morning, I read the nearly three hundred pages left in about six hours.
A tale set in WWII, it concerns George Adams, an English war correspondent, Lady Jane Carrington, an English aristocrat from India, and Thomas Montclair, a French spy. The trio meet in an escape from Singapore as the Japanese are invading.
Each of the three are dealing with their own personal demons as they go through adventures in trying to escape the Japanese, aided by different folks along the way. The murder of a crude general adds to their woes as the body is found in Lady Carrington's hotel room.
Wonderful pacing, an easy writing style, well researched, there's nothing false about the story here.
Recommended.
A tale set in WWII, it concerns George Adams, an English war correspondent, Lady Jane Carrington, an English aristocrat from India, and Thomas Montclair, a French spy. The trio meet in an escape from Singapore as the Japanese are invading.
Each of the three are dealing with their own personal demons as they go through adventures in trying to escape the Japanese, aided by different folks along the way. The murder of a crude general adds to their woes as the body is found in Lady Carrington's hotel room.
Wonderful pacing, an easy writing style, well researched, there's nothing false about the story here.
Recommended.
February 7, 2018
A GoodReads GiveAway
A wartime thriller. If this book were a 1940s movie, Humphrey Bogart would definitely have a role.
A wartime thriller. If this book were a 1940s movie, Humphrey Bogart would definitely have a role.
September 23, 2016
This sweeping, carefully plotted, compelling thriller has a little bit of everything... there's nail biting suspense and mystery, lots of intrigue and a little bit of endearing and moving romance.
It is a brilliant and absorbingly suspenseful plot that unfolds in a unique and remarkable way.
As in Mr. Miller's other books, this book is yet another example of very gripping suspenseful storytelling.
This story's power comes from the colorful characters you meet between it's pages, as they move through their various challenges and adventures.
I really appreciated how well the characters were developed so that the reader can genuinely fall in love with them and become vested in not only their survival, but also in their personal successes. The author depicts them so well, that you come to know and understand them like they're old friends.
The main character, George Adams, starts out as a broken and sad man who comes to Singapore to flea his demons of guilt caused by the abrupt and untimely death of his beloved wife. But, as so often happens, his zest for life begins to return as he unexpectedly starts falling in love with Jayne.
The strong character of Thomas Montclair, is a mysterious man who has a classic hero complex, and who quickly garners the respect and admiration of the other two main characters, as well as many other minor characters.
I particularly found Jayne, the third major character, to be very relatable -- probably because I saw so much of my younger self in her. She has come to Singapore because she is obsessed with tracking down her forbidden lover who is a soldier fighting over there. I only wish she had had a larger part in the story. (Maybe if in the future, if there is a part two written for this great book...)
This fast-paced engaging novel also teaches a great lesson on how loyalty and friendship should never be underestimated or taken for granted. I liked watching how these three wildly different characters bonded, and then chose to stick together after each of them had been through some very trying and tough times. In the end, its this tight bond of friendship and their loyalty to each other, that helped them to survive the most extraordinarily dangerous situations.
It is safe to say, that Mr. Miller is a wise and compassionate reader of the human heart. I can assure you this is a book you won't soon forget!
I wholeheartedly recommend this novel for everyone!
It is a brilliant and absorbingly suspenseful plot that unfolds in a unique and remarkable way.
As in Mr. Miller's other books, this book is yet another example of very gripping suspenseful storytelling.
This story's power comes from the colorful characters you meet between it's pages, as they move through their various challenges and adventures.
I really appreciated how well the characters were developed so that the reader can genuinely fall in love with them and become vested in not only their survival, but also in their personal successes. The author depicts them so well, that you come to know and understand them like they're old friends.
The main character, George Adams, starts out as a broken and sad man who comes to Singapore to flea his demons of guilt caused by the abrupt and untimely death of his beloved wife. But, as so often happens, his zest for life begins to return as he unexpectedly starts falling in love with Jayne.
The strong character of Thomas Montclair, is a mysterious man who has a classic hero complex, and who quickly garners the respect and admiration of the other two main characters, as well as many other minor characters.
I particularly found Jayne, the third major character, to be very relatable -- probably because I saw so much of my younger self in her. She has come to Singapore because she is obsessed with tracking down her forbidden lover who is a soldier fighting over there. I only wish she had had a larger part in the story. (Maybe if in the future, if there is a part two written for this great book...)
This fast-paced engaging novel also teaches a great lesson on how loyalty and friendship should never be underestimated or taken for granted. I liked watching how these three wildly different characters bonded, and then chose to stick together after each of them had been through some very trying and tough times. In the end, its this tight bond of friendship and their loyalty to each other, that helped them to survive the most extraordinarily dangerous situations.
It is safe to say, that Mr. Miller is a wise and compassionate reader of the human heart. I can assure you this is a book you won't soon forget!
I wholeheartedly recommend this novel for everyone!
November 30, 2016
To Parts Unknown, by John Anthony Miller, is a spy thriller with a dash of romance on the side. This is the third book I have read by Mr. Miller and I loved it as much as the other two. My favorite thing about Mr. Miller’s stories is the descriptive prose. He has a real knack for getting you vested with the characters. Once you combine that with the vivid descriptions of the settings, the exciting plot and great back stories, it makes for a fantastic book.
The story is about George Adams a journalist for the London Times during WWII. He has arrived in Singapore just days before the Japanese invasion. He left the war torn London in an attempt to escape the memories of his deceased wife. He plans to cover the war from Singapore and give his readers a better understanding of the conflict in the South Pacific. Little does he know that he has gone from the frying pan to the fire.
Once in Singapore he meets the enigmatic Thomas Montclair and the beautiful and alluring Lade Jane Carrington Symthe. Each has their own private reasons for being in Singapore at this perilous time. As they work together to escape the Japanese they are forced to rely on each other for their very survival. They barely escape Singapore ahead of the Japanese advance as they start what is to become a nightmarish adventure to safety.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense and/or thriller novels. I am already looking forward to Mr. Miller’s next book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Please see this review and others on my blog at www.thespineview.com.
The story is about George Adams a journalist for the London Times during WWII. He has arrived in Singapore just days before the Japanese invasion. He left the war torn London in an attempt to escape the memories of his deceased wife. He plans to cover the war from Singapore and give his readers a better understanding of the conflict in the South Pacific. Little does he know that he has gone from the frying pan to the fire.
Once in Singapore he meets the enigmatic Thomas Montclair and the beautiful and alluring Lade Jane Carrington Symthe. Each has their own private reasons for being in Singapore at this perilous time. As they work together to escape the Japanese they are forced to rely on each other for their very survival. They barely escape Singapore ahead of the Japanese advance as they start what is to become a nightmarish adventure to safety.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense and/or thriller novels. I am already looking forward to Mr. Miller’s next book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Please see this review and others on my blog at www.thespineview.com.
June 16, 2015
Author John Anthony Miller has created an action packed novel entitled, "To Parts Unknown". I knew that this was going to be an exciting read from the beginning; Miller has a way of sucking the reader in and not letting go until the very end. This is unlike any novel that Ive read so far this year, making this one of my top favorites so far.
Main character George Adams has a lot going wrong in his life. He is a journalist from England, who lost his wife and gets rejected from all the branches of the military. He goes to Singapore to cover what is happening there in terms of the war threats from Japan. While there, he meets Lady Jane Carrington, who is an English aristocrat from India, along with Thomas Montclair, who is a French spy. When Japan starts to invade, the three of them must escape from Singapore in order to stay safe. All three characters have their own back stories and own reasons for wanting to escape, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The storyline between George and Jane definitely had me hooked.
Being a teacher, I always enjoy reading a good Historical Fiction War Story, and this one did not disappoint. The author has a very unique writing style, and the storyline flows very nicely. I would highly recommend this one, as Its a worthwhile read that will keep you hooked. Five stars all the way.
Main character George Adams has a lot going wrong in his life. He is a journalist from England, who lost his wife and gets rejected from all the branches of the military. He goes to Singapore to cover what is happening there in terms of the war threats from Japan. While there, he meets Lady Jane Carrington, who is an English aristocrat from India, along with Thomas Montclair, who is a French spy. When Japan starts to invade, the three of them must escape from Singapore in order to stay safe. All three characters have their own back stories and own reasons for wanting to escape, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The storyline between George and Jane definitely had me hooked.
Being a teacher, I always enjoy reading a good Historical Fiction War Story, and this one did not disappoint. The author has a very unique writing style, and the storyline flows very nicely. I would highly recommend this one, as Its a worthwhile read that will keep you hooked. Five stars all the way.
June 23, 2015
When George Adams accepted the war correspondent's job from Singapore, he thought all except finding himself in an actual war zone! It's 1942, George is a journalist for the London Times and is in need to leave London: not only because of the war, but also because everything reminds him of his loved late wife and he is desperately seeking for a break of his pain.
So he goes to Singapore and just a few hours after he landed, there was an air raid by Japanese military…during the running looking for a bomb shelter, he meets two very evasive people: Thomas Montclair and a woman, who won't tell George what her name is.
Is by getting to know them that George will live adventures he thought he wouldnt never lived.
The entire novel is descripted by Georges point of view and what I found interesting is the choice of telling a detective story during World War II's events. This novel is a succession of facts, discoveries and news that pop in when least expected! The writing is simple and basic, easily understandable and I particularly liked the descriptions of the scenarios and Georges inner thoughts.
So he goes to Singapore and just a few hours after he landed, there was an air raid by Japanese military…during the running looking for a bomb shelter, he meets two very evasive people: Thomas Montclair and a woman, who won't tell George what her name is.
Is by getting to know them that George will live adventures he thought he wouldnt never lived.
The entire novel is descripted by Georges point of view and what I found interesting is the choice of telling a detective story during World War II's events. This novel is a succession of facts, discoveries and news that pop in when least expected! The writing is simple and basic, easily understandable and I particularly liked the descriptions of the scenarios and Georges inner thoughts.
March 20, 2017
This is the third of John Anthony Miller’s novels that I have read, having previously read ‘In Satan’s Shadow’ and ‘When Darkness Comes’, both of which are set in the Second World War. This too is set during the Second World War, but not in Europe as the other two books were. ‘To Parts Unknown’ is set in Singapore, just prior to the Japanese invasion. George Adams, an English reporter, devastated by the loss of his wife, Thomas Montclair, a crafty French spy, and Lady Jane Carrington Smythe, an English aristocrat, are all thrown in a desperate attempt to flee Singapore before the Japanese take over. All of them have troubled pasts and personal demons they need to confront and when Lady Jane becomes the main suspect for the murder of a Japanese General, things take a turn for the worse. I won’t give the plot away, but was enthralled by it and became engrossed in what is again a very good novel by this American writer. I will certainly be reading John’s latest novel, ‘All The King’s Soldiers’
January 17, 2018
This is a fast moving adventure story (that one cannot put down) set in the Far East in WW II. George, the main character, is a reporter, who has been beset by tragedy, and is sent by his editor in London to Singapore which is under attack by the Japanese. Immediately upon arrival he is injured in a Japanese air attack and is helped by a mysterious gentleman named Thomas and Lady Jane. Together, they flee from Singapore. Then, they flee across Indonesia struggling to escape from the Japanese who are rapidly taking over the entire area. The main characters are well-drawn and their plight is well described; however, I did find it implausible that they could constantly escape from the Japenese time after time. On the other hand this book describes a part of the WW II conflict which receives little attention and for this reason and due to the fact it is well-written it deserves a rating of 4.5 Stars.
August 24, 2021
What a great summer read!!! This thriller spans continents and countries, but largely involving the Japanese invasion of SE Asia during the 1940s. The character development - and activities - are very well thought out, with the ultimate plot in mind. Miller weaves the story through trouble after trouble, life's trial after trial, until the very end. Never mind that a troupe of unlikely conspirators evade the Japanese military time and time again; each and every event is plausible, even believable! While the ending could be taken as predictable, it was never certain!!!
June 22, 2020
Captivating from the first paragraph. A must read
John Anthony Miller captures the reader from the very first paragraph! I was hooked from page one and could not put To Parts Unknown down until the end. I have purchased his second book ( which does not have to be read in order). I can not wait to see what next journey John Miller will be taking me on next!! I highly recommend this book.
John Anthony Miller captures the reader from the very first paragraph! I was hooked from page one and could not put To Parts Unknown down until the end. I have purchased his second book ( which does not have to be read in order). I can not wait to see what next journey John Miller will be taking me on next!! I highly recommend this book.
August 29, 2023
What a disappointment this was! Everything about this book bore promise: a harrowing adventure story, set in an exotic locale (Singapore and the Dutch East Indies, 1940); three intriguing characters, each with their own backstory, on the run from the invading Japanese army. Echoes of “Terry and the Pirates”!
But it all falls victim to pedestrian writing, plodding phrases, tired clichés and mawkish dialogue. And made even worse by sloppy editing: typos, misplaced punctuation, spelling mistakes.
All of which is most regrettable, a wasted opportunity for what should have been a terrific book. This would obviously make a great adventure movie, where a competent script writer could leave the bad prose behind and good directing and acting could bring the excellent story to life on the screen. The lead role would have been a perfect fit for Humphrey Bogart in his prime!
So sorry, but this book is a wreck.
But it all falls victim to pedestrian writing, plodding phrases, tired clichés and mawkish dialogue. And made even worse by sloppy editing: typos, misplaced punctuation, spelling mistakes.
All of which is most regrettable, a wasted opportunity for what should have been a terrific book. This would obviously make a great adventure movie, where a competent script writer could leave the bad prose behind and good directing and acting could bring the excellent story to life on the screen. The lead role would have been a perfect fit for Humphrey Bogart in his prime!
So sorry, but this book is a wreck.
January 14, 2022
Enjoyable read and a real page turner. I liked that it was set against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of Singapore and Java rather than the usual European theatre novels. I did however find some of the dialogue a bit repetitive and naive and at times felt like the writer had taken a bit of time out and an 11 year old child had written some parts. That apart I'd recommend this novel but I don't feel that I'd read any continuation of the adventures of these characters.
June 29, 2021
Intrigue, well developed characters - your immediately transported into the chaos of war in the foreign landscape of Singapore and you'll chase the conclusion to the very last page.
October 22, 2022
Great adventure!
Travel, inttigue, the hazards of war. Romance an more
are wove into this page turned of a tale. Well written.
Travel, inttigue, the hazards of war. Romance an more
are wove into this page turned of a tale. Well written.
July 22, 2025
This book has an explosive opening. Bombs hit the ground, sirens wail, and people scatter, looking for safety as they fall prey to the Japanese bombs. In the face of death, two people meet, and as friendship blossoms, secrets are revealed.
London Times war correspondent, George Adams is trying to outrun the ghost of his dead wife. His battle over his wife's death, and his involvement brings a beautiful vulnerability to the character. It makes him question his growing feelings for Lady Jane, the his jealousy over Thomas Montclair, a crafty French spy.
This epic tale takes the reader on a heart wrenching journey, where good friends are lost, and the ties of friendship tighten. The Author weaves a wonderful spell of tragedy, history, friendship, and love, so perfectly, that this book, once opened, cannot be closed.
London Times war correspondent, George Adams is trying to outrun the ghost of his dead wife. His battle over his wife's death, and his involvement brings a beautiful vulnerability to the character. It makes him question his growing feelings for Lady Jane, the his jealousy over Thomas Montclair, a crafty French spy.
This epic tale takes the reader on a heart wrenching journey, where good friends are lost, and the ties of friendship tighten. The Author weaves a wonderful spell of tragedy, history, friendship, and love, so perfectly, that this book, once opened, cannot be closed.
June 6, 2025
Three unlikely people meet in war torn Singapore, struggling to escape as the Japanese invaders wreak havoc upon the city. George Adams, a correspondent for the London times is haunted by the tragic death of his wife. Debonair Thomas Montclair, seems to know everyone, but is he hiding his true profession? Lady Jane Carrington Smythe, an English aristocrat on the run from her home in India--what secrets pushed her away from a seemingly ideal life?
Author Miller's World War 2 drama will keep you on edge. The danger and excitement are brilliantly told, with outcomes that will leave you breathless at times. The characters are intriguing, their backstories poignantly explained. This is a thrilling read, highly recommended!
Author Miller's World War 2 drama will keep you on edge. The danger and excitement are brilliantly told, with outcomes that will leave you breathless at times. The characters are intriguing, their backstories poignantly explained. This is a thrilling read, highly recommended!
June 28, 2019
To Parts Unknown sounded great and started out well, with bereaved reporter George Adams arriving in Singapore in 1942 as the Japanese threaten to invade. Fate teams him up with the mysterious Thomas and then Lady Jane, recently fled from India. Unfortunately, as the story unfolds it is let down by too many weaknesses.
Despite performing the occasional heroic act, narrator George is rather pathetic with his nonsensical self-analysis to the point that he is unlikable. His new buddy Thomas is like a Get Out of Jail Free card, popping up with a solution every time there's a problem. As the tale progresses, it becomes a rather repetitive cycle of Crisis Threatened/Crisis Averted, reminiscent of an old-fashioned "Boy's Own" story.
There is plenty of action, which should move things along nicely, but unfortunately the brakes keep coming on while George ponders over life, the universe and everything. The story is written in a style that is easy to follow and reminds me of the adventure stories I read as a youngster. If I could, I would rate it 2.5 stars,but have given it 3 rather than 2 as it's entertaining enough in its own way.
Despite performing the occasional heroic act, narrator George is rather pathetic with his nonsensical self-analysis to the point that he is unlikable. His new buddy Thomas is like a Get Out of Jail Free card, popping up with a solution every time there's a problem. As the tale progresses, it becomes a rather repetitive cycle of Crisis Threatened/Crisis Averted, reminiscent of an old-fashioned "Boy's Own" story.
There is plenty of action, which should move things along nicely, but unfortunately the brakes keep coming on while George ponders over life, the universe and everything. The story is written in a style that is easy to follow and reminds me of the adventure stories I read as a youngster. If I could, I would rate it 2.5 stars,but have given it 3 rather than 2 as it's entertaining enough in its own way.
August 31, 2023
an exciting pacific war story
I loved the terrain— unfamiliar to me, very exotic; and the WWII story, seldom told, very adventurous. I was not thrilled by the romantic sub-plot and the Lady and Sir bs. But that was a small price for the adventure!
I loved the terrain— unfamiliar to me, very exotic; and the WWII story, seldom told, very adventurous. I was not thrilled by the romantic sub-plot and the Lady and Sir bs. But that was a small price for the adventure!
April 11, 2021
Wonderful story
Always intrigued by history. It's always the outline and prediction for current events. This fictional history satisfies that and more.
Always intrigued by history. It's always the outline and prediction for current events. This fictional history satisfies that and more.
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