Vultures

John Milton #24

by Mark Dawson

A visionary genius introduces a new cryptocurrency that promises to upend the global banking system and change the lives of those who invest in it. Tens of thousands of people around the world part with millions of dollars, only to discover that everything is not what it seems. John Milton finds himself in a support group for investors who lost everything. And if there's one thing about Milton, it's he's not about to let an injustice this unfair go uncorrected.The 24th book in the Milton series will be available at the end of 2024.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Action

382 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2025

About the author

For news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:

http://eepurl.com/Cai5X

Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.

He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).

The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.

Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.

You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Vultures by Mark Dawson Milton goes digital in a story conserning cryptocurrency. This is another great installment in the series of ex government assassin John Milton. He is still trying to make things right after his years in group 15. As always a well written story with a new problem for Milton. I can really recommend this series and all the others concerning Group 15.

[Jo Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 🌟

Admittedly, this wouldn’t be my usual genre of choice, however I recently read the first in the series and I did enjoy it.

This story varied vastly from the first title and it was glaringly obvious that I’d missed a lot of story in the in between titles that I’ve yet to get around to. Perhaps this would’ve helped me to rate higher, perhaps this just wasn’t for me. I can accept it may be a me thing. I just didn’t really enjoy it, and felt like I was waiting to get to the excitement for the entirety of the book.

I enjoyed the narration and it’s probably what prevented me from DNF. Don’t let my opinion put you off though.

Happy publication day, today I believe 🎉🥳🎧

My gratitude goes to Quest from W F Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Celia Manansala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Milton has lost his touch

This is unlike Milton. He’s getting old and not as quick. Maybe it’s time he retires in some quiet place. And Charlie? How sad that he’s no longer the chameleon.

[Debbie de Beer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so disappointed in this book. It's as if it was written by someone else. I was waiting for the action the entire time and was forced to skip entire pages, due to boredom.

Why not stick with a winning recipe?

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am already a fan of this series (we ARE already at book 24) so I was happy to see a new Milton book available. I tend to listen to these books on audio and am always thrilled by the narration of David Thorpe. Mark Dawson is an obvious Brit, which is very apparent in this series (with words like boot, and car park...) and it makes it flow perfectly to hear Mr. Thorpe reading the book with a British accent.

I will admit that this was not my favorite book of the series. Milton decides to go after his stolen AirPods and finds himself in the middle of a crypto currency scam. There is a new company out there -TrueCoin - taking the world by storm. It appears that people are losing their life savings, and the company has built in too many roadblocks for anyone to retaliate against.

That, of course, is the perfect scenario for Milton to get involved. Unfortunately, with billions involved, the bad guys are not going to give up easily and Milton has to put his Group 15 skills to work.

One of my favorite things about this book was that we had a crossover with another of Dawson's series in this world. We got to see Milton meet and work with Charlie Cooper. So far, Cooper's books have been in a different timeline. I think they've been in the past if I remember correctly, so it was interesting to see these two MC's getting together.

While this wasn't one of the better books - after 24 books, I'm willing to give Mr. Dawson a pass every now and then.

[Carl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story line, with a realistic “foe”, and the addition of an unexpected appearance of a Dawson character that I wasn’t expecting. It really added to the story. Lots of action and enough filling in of the sub plots to really bind the story together. Another excellent read.

[Paul McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and modern relevant storyline

Another master piece from Mark Dawson. A thrilling read from start to finish. I’m eager to start the next John Milton adventure.

[CPFC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all the Milton books and usually quite enjoy them but felt that this was the weakest one yet, the story was quite flimsy and rather far fetched.

Perhaps it is time to retire Milton..

[KIM R. MCGUIRE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dawson is a good writer but this book has a weak plot and little action. He must be paid by the word since this has page after page of meaningless paddy. Very boring He’s mailing it in.
Too bad.

[alexander silagin · Rating 2 out of 5]

winding down

Mercifully short story, not even developed fully. Probably time to say goodbye to John Milton… Great series but this seems to be a downward spiral

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milton has finally been able to finally resolve the Agent Lily Moon conspiracy with Russian spies to remove and destroy Control and, subsequently, Group 15. As a result, supposedly, Group 15 has agreed to finally stop pursuing him and remove all his pertinent information from all the internet search engines so he can disappear. He takes off to finally relax and enjoy some free time, and ends up Venice. Looking for something interesting to do, he sees an ad for a cryptocurrency seminar sponsored by a company called TrueCoin. Curious, he does some research on cryptocurrency and TrueCoin. Later the same day, he spies a huge group crowding into the seminar and follows them. Since he doesn’t have a ticket to attend, he sits across the street to have a coffee and watch the goings on. When a screaming young man is thrown out of the seminar by security, this peaks Milton’s interest. Maybe what is going on is more interesting than it looks. Milton, being Milton, can never stand by when he believes than an injustice has been done. As he get further involved into the matter, he discovers there is a massive conspiracy bilking billions of dollars from ordinary people, including a millionaire from London, who has hired a large law firm to take on TrueCoin. The law firm is looking for victims, witnesses and any information they can find to finish preparation of the Europe-wide take-down of TrueCoin and the recovery of the funds for its clients. Milton takes on the quest to see what he can do to help. Another fantastic story that keeps you reading into the night. As with all Milton stories, there are continual twists and turns and breathtaking excitement. Really looking forward to the next in this incredible series.

[Greg Strom · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never thought it would come to this John but I have to say you are done. David Thorpe didn't help you either with his pathetic Italian accent (perhaps I just detested the story so much his crappy accent was extra annoying). No Ziggy, could have used him as we waded our way through the cesspool known as bitcoin blockchain scamming sons of bitches who hopefully will all go broke for their greed one day when the whole pyramid finally collapses. Somehow some woman named Valentina is this amazing spokeswoman and convinced all these rubes to hand over their hard earned (always hard earned, never just earned or inherited if they were fortunate) cash with promise of millions. Add to that a kingpin one one cares about, his henchmen equally forgettable including some Serbian jerk off who got the best of Milton and should have just shot him as he brought knife to a knife fight. Amazingly poisoned Cooper shows up to save his ass then hangs around with ridiculous plan to get money back, has him check into hotel with no ID, just a reservation, somehow finds big boss and unceremoniously shoots him and saves the dying couple who this whole shambolic piece of crap was centered around. How they hem and haw over doing interview , just shut up and do it FFS, stop drawing this out like it is some drama, it is pointless and stupid and should be the final act of an upstanding guy Sir John Milton. Ciao, Arrivadercci bon voyageee. Better luck keeping Atticus and Lilly Rose alive and well.

[Ken Karcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea that Milton is trying to redeem himself by helping those people who have no one else left to turn to for assistance. He is seeking to offset those terrible things his former service forced him to do, and this trip begins as a hunt for stolen Airpods, which then becomes an attempt to bring down a cryptocurrency scheme. Only John Milton can find these desperate souls who have lost everything, and I was concerned he was getting in over his head and was looking forward to seeing an appearance from Ziggy, but the hacker was replaced by another familiar face, that of Charlie Cooper. I have been curious as to how these two characters would reconnect in Milton's books since Cooper's novels are taking place in the past. I'm glad to see the team of allies Milton has developed over the years, especially since the Group is now under nefarious control. These books get better with every new installment, the twists get more deceptive and the thrills are outrageous.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave three stars because I am a wild fan of Mark Dawson as well as John Milton. The series has been a wonderful ride and I look forward to a new book drop.
That being said, this wasn’t Dawsons best work or Milton’s for that matter.
The pace was slow and the plot line lacked thrill or grip. The premise wasn’t bad but the layout was light and almost lacked any shuzz. Fact is, the whole thing was disappointing. I was almost willing Charlie and Milton to start working together for the future-I sort of wonder if Milton is aging out of the nitty gritty fight scenes. It’s very possible. Milton still did his good deed and did it with his usual lay low, no accolades character. That was good. But the read itself was a tough draw.
Hopefully The Butcher brings Milton and Dawson back to what we, or at least I, expect from them both.

[John A. Sillasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Adventure Ends - Another Appears Out of Seemingly Nowhere

When a series continues so strongly after 24 volumes, it is not by accident. Some continue and lead into one another. Others start a new, fresh. This one follows from the theft of Milton's ear buds. He finds peace or at least distraction by listening to music. Using the follow my electronics app on his phone, he's lead all over the EU and finally into Italy where he sees them go into a sold out conference. He waits trying to figure out who stole them and follows them on a wearer to his home. Only to find he's dumped head long into another adventure, A crime, A scam really where his ear bud wearing thief is a victim, a sick, desperate family man who's now destitute. Milton wants to know more... Another way to atone has appeared all by following his ear buds.

[Mrs V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be read as a stand alone as the series doesn't progress.

I'm a big fan of the John Milton series but this book was well below par. I delayed buying the book when I found out it was about cryptocurrency, a topic that I thought would be boring, and I was right, it was boring in places.

The ongoing trouble with Control in Group 15 did not progress. Milton traced his ear buds but didn't bother recovering them, followers will know what I mean. Any typical action was only to be found towards the last part of the book. Charlie Cooper was new to me, I hadn't heard of that series, but I thought he was a great character and a welcome introduction in an otherwise so, so book.

Could be read as a stand alone.

[Michael Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another belter from Mark Dawson. John Milton is just as good as ever and I enjoyed the plot on this one without the need for him to be perused by The Group. The introduction of a past ex colleague from the Group into the mix on his side rather than the usual Alex and Ziggy was good too and maybe bodes for a recurring relationship in future books. Very topical too with the crypto scams out there and having a Milton on your side would certainly help. Maybe not as much action as previous books but it didn’t need it. My fav character in this genre and looking forward to his continued adventures which will I’m sure return to run ins with the group at some point. Please don’t retire my fav ex-agent

[Dan Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read in the John Milton series!

I am so thankful to have found this amazing series early on. And all I can say is start at the beginning to get the complete picture—You will thank me!
It’s hard to believe that this is the 24th book in the series, but here we are.
As usual, I tried to pace this, but got caught up in the excitement…
Read it cover to cover with just a great cup of coffee to get me through.
I envy you if you are just starting your first John Milton book!
All I can say is enjoy it and keep reading. There will not be much sleep in your immediate future, but you will have a smile on your face.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crypto corruption

Whether it be Milton’s intention to help people in trouble, as part of his self inflicted penance for his past conduct or not trouble always seems to have a way of finding him and this story is no different except for the fact that he may have underestimated his foe and he may have to rely on his wits and the help of an ally, if he is to survive what is a nail biting encounter with the enemy. Who is this ally, you may ask but all I can say is you will know him well if you’re a fan of Mark’s work. So enjoy reading what is definitely a well written fast paced rollercoaster of a story.

[Bailey Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd taken my time with this book so it wasn't over already, and that the next John Milton was already released and in the queue, and that I hadn't already read the other 23 books in the series because then I could start anew at book one and have all that fun to look forward to.

These and the Atticus Priest series are among the best genre fiction going, today.

David Thorpe not only does justice to the stories and characters, he elevates them to the next level. I can't imagine John Milton without David Thorpe's masterful narration.

I'll preorder the next one as soon as it's available on Audible.

[Sheila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

All scams can be deadly

Cryptocurrency is a tool but using it to steel money from those who can ill afford to spend it is worse Mario and his wife where just one couple who both have health problems here long term his life threatening, John Milton had followed the lead of his stolen earphones, all the way to Vienna where he came across this scam and true to his ways he would help, meeting up with an old acquaintance Cooper together the plight begins. Has Milton met his match will Cooper with his own health problems make it through, a must read adventure and a deadly warning to us all. Recommend

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read

Another great John Milton! While following up on something Milton accidentally finds his next person to help. A scammer selling cryptocurrency has scammed the wrong people, who don’t even know about Milton’s involvement. But his mission is clear. Along the way another, friend,#11 shows up to lend a hand and together they launch a plan to stop the scam and end things for good. All the while trying to g to help those who lost life savings. But it’s tricky territory and it’s goi g to take 2. A great read. Love Mark Dawson and the Milton series.

[Eivind Holm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it me, or did the author lose some of his touch?

I have read all the John Milton books, and it has been one of my favourite series. Alas, this book was kind of disappointing when held to the high standards of the earlier books in the series.
To me, the characters have become a little washed out, the plot hinting at boilerplate, and the details are a little fewer and less precise.
If I was your 8th grade teacher, Mr Dawson, I would tell you
"I know you can do better, Mark".

[Joseph Ullman · Rating 4 out of 5]

getting better again


Last few Milton books seemed kind of thin. Seemed like they were churned out. Still too much keening and wailing about his alcoholism. This was better. He had a job and he did it. No lamentations about his drinking. No AA meetings. And I liked the inclusion (spoiler alert) of Charlie Cooper as a deus ex machina. Characters were predictable and cliched but plot was good.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another GREAT storyline by Mark Dawson. This storyline is believable and could occur in today’s timeline. As John Milton ages, he becomes less physically and more mentally active and aware of others. Milton is still in great shape and maintains his own but age is catching upon him. Overall, this storyline defines Milton as someone who wants to correct wrongs he has committed by helping others. I believe it’s time for mark Dawson have John Milton to teach a younger person “the Milton way”.

[John G Mayfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Milton

Another thriller by Mr. Dawson.

It was nice to see him “hook up” with a possible accomplice down the road.

My only issue is with the stain of crypto. I’m afraid that Mark bought into the “only criminals” use it dialogue.

That simply isn’t true. I’ve personally bought and sold various cryptocurrencies. Made some dollars and lost some too.

Regardless, this was a good read and, as the title suggested, “typical Milton.”

[Andrew Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping storyline .

John Milton was minding his own business trying to find the person who had stolen his headphones,when he accidentally became involved in a major criminal scam involving thousands of people,and when he realised that the perpetrators were stealing from innocents who thought they were investing in their families futures he had to get involved to bring down the scammers to get justice,which unfortunately for the bad guys meant that blood would be spilt.

[Frank Dupree · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Rescue

This story is intriguing and it is very well written. I love how Mark Dawson weaves the story line. He adds descriptions to everything and it makes me feel that I’m actually in the place he describes. An old friend emerges suddenly and saves John’s life… Charlie Cooper is back and memories start to percolate through my brain. This is exquisitely done. You’ll like it!

[James L. Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Boring

Mark Dawson does it again. He has displaced nearly every other favorite author, and after 70 years of reading, that’s saying something. John Milton has become my number one guy for thrills. That he has spun off the mother - daughter paid of Roses, and Charlie Cooper just makes reading about him so much better. Headed right for book 25 to see what’s next. Can’t wait!

[Dale Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm running out of kind words to say about this series. It's just brilliant. This time, Milton is on the trail of cryptocurrency criminals. He may be getting older, but he can still show these young bucks a thing or two. I liked the addition of a friendly face from his Group days.

24 books in, and the series is still going strong. If you like espionage thrillers then definitely get stuck into this series.