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Cain #2
The Nice Guy and the Devil: The Florentine, Book 2
Nice, France — Retired CIA agent, Cain, is living a quiet life, trying to stay out of trouble.
But he can’t turn off his old instincts like a lightswitch.
When an unsuspecting American woman becomes the target of criminals, he can’t sit back and do nothing.
What starts as one good deed puts Cain in the sights of highly-trained mercenaries, brings him to the attention of INTERPOL, and puts him on a collision course with evil personified.
With no one he can trust, in a land of double-crosses, Cain must rely on his wits to survive.
But he can’t turn off his old instincts like a lightswitch.
When an unsuspecting American woman becomes the target of criminals, he can’t sit back and do nothing.
What starts as one good deed puts Cain in the sights of highly-trained mercenaries, brings him to the attention of INTERPOL, and puts him on a collision course with evil personified.
With no one he can trust, in a land of double-crosses, Cain must rely on his wits to survive.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2022
440 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Tom Trott
10 books28 followersBorn in Brighton, I went to school here, worked many jobs here, and have never lived anywhere else. I first started writing at school, where a group of friends and I devised and performed comedy plays for assemblies, much to the amusement of our fellow pupils. The young ones would cheer (and the old ones would groan) as we stepped up onto the stage, the buzz was tangible. It has been with me ever since.
As an adult I have written a short comedy play that was performed at the Theatre Royal Brighton in May 2014 as part of the Brighton Festival; Daye's Work, a television pilot for the local Brighton channel; and won the Empire Award (thriller category) in the 2015 New York Screenplay Contest. I published my first novel, You Can't Make Old Friends, in 2016; my second, Choose Your Parents Wisely, in 2017, my third, The Benevolent Dictator, in 2018, my fourth, It Never Goes Away, in 2019, and now my fifth, The Forbidden Zone. When I’m not writing books, I’m writing about writing, books, and film on Medium.
My inspirations as a writer come from a diverse range of storytellers, but I have a particular love for the works of Raymond Chandler, Agatha Christie, Joel & Ethan Coen, Arthur Conan-Doyle, Daphne du Maurier, Alfred Hitchcock, Bryan Fuller, Ira Levin, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne, JRR Tolkien, and many, many more books and films beside. If you can't find me, or I'm not answering my phone, I'm probably at the cinema.
I love to hear from readers, so if there’s something you want to say, please send me an email using the contact button. If you want to make sure to get the latest updates on upcoming books, then sign up to my newsletter. And if you’re interested in free and discounted eBooks, follow me on Bookbub.
As an adult I have written a short comedy play that was performed at the Theatre Royal Brighton in May 2014 as part of the Brighton Festival; Daye's Work, a television pilot for the local Brighton channel; and won the Empire Award (thriller category) in the 2015 New York Screenplay Contest. I published my first novel, You Can't Make Old Friends, in 2016; my second, Choose Your Parents Wisely, in 2017, my third, The Benevolent Dictator, in 2018, my fourth, It Never Goes Away, in 2019, and now my fifth, The Forbidden Zone. When I’m not writing books, I’m writing about writing, books, and film on Medium.
My inspirations as a writer come from a diverse range of storytellers, but I have a particular love for the works of Raymond Chandler, Agatha Christie, Joel & Ethan Coen, Arthur Conan-Doyle, Daphne du Maurier, Alfred Hitchcock, Bryan Fuller, Ira Levin, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne, JRR Tolkien, and many, many more books and films beside. If you can't find me, or I'm not answering my phone, I'm probably at the cinema.
I love to hear from readers, so if there’s something you want to say, please send me an email using the contact button. If you want to make sure to get the latest updates on upcoming books, then sign up to my newsletter. And if you’re interested in free and discounted eBooks, follow me on Bookbub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 1, 2023
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Cain is back in his second spy-thriller outing, this time in France, where he attempts to re-retire only to be dragged into stalking, abduction and cultist terrorism. You don’t need to have read The Florentine to follow this story, as both stand alone perfectly well (although you should read it if you enjoy spy thrillers, as it is really good!)
As with the previous book, this story is packed full of action and intrigue, double-crossing, back-stabbing and unexpected twists of plot and character. It’s real edge-of-your-seat stuff and kept my adrenaline pumping, so maybe don’t start reading just before bed (like I did) or you’ll be reading all night (like I was).
There is quite a lot of stabbing, shooting and explosions, and a bit of medical torture, but nothing graphic or gratuitous – similar to James Bond, the focus is on the action and espionage rather than anything horrific.
One thing I love is that Cain is an older gentleman, retired for a reason, and the author leans into that aspect of his character, with his toupee and girdle and frequent minor twinges. It makes him more interesting than the average 20 or 30-something action hero and really shows how experience can outweigh agility (although there are obviously pros and cons on both sides).
This is another great read for fans of classic spy thrillers, set in modern Europe and with a fascinating main character whose retirement is turning out to be just as exciting as his ‘official’ years!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Cain is back in his second spy-thriller outing, this time in France, where he attempts to re-retire only to be dragged into stalking, abduction and cultist terrorism. You don’t need to have read The Florentine to follow this story, as both stand alone perfectly well (although you should read it if you enjoy spy thrillers, as it is really good!)
As with the previous book, this story is packed full of action and intrigue, double-crossing, back-stabbing and unexpected twists of plot and character. It’s real edge-of-your-seat stuff and kept my adrenaline pumping, so maybe don’t start reading just before bed (like I did) or you’ll be reading all night (like I was).
There is quite a lot of stabbing, shooting and explosions, and a bit of medical torture, but nothing graphic or gratuitous – similar to James Bond, the focus is on the action and espionage rather than anything horrific.
One thing I love is that Cain is an older gentleman, retired for a reason, and the author leans into that aspect of his character, with his toupee and girdle and frequent minor twinges. It makes him more interesting than the average 20 or 30-something action hero and really shows how experience can outweigh agility (although there are obviously pros and cons on both sides).
This is another great read for fans of classic spy thrillers, set in modern Europe and with a fascinating main character whose retirement is turning out to be just as exciting as his ‘official’ years!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 9, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Tom Trott’s The Florentine, so was thrilled to hear of the publication of The Nice Guy and the Devil. Suffice it to say that I found this second thriller, following retired CIA agent known as Cain, to be an even more exciting read.
Set in glorious Mediterranean villages, towns and the Chartreuse Massif, a ‘black dagger against the sky,’ Tom Trott treats us to sumptuous description, which contrasts with the chilling later chapters, set in the intriguing decaying private mountain hospital, where rich patients can undergo operations to change their identity (through facial recognition, fingerprints etc).
The regular switching between different places, characters and strands of the action feels effortless, meaning that the book is pacey and multi-dimensional. No time to get bored! From the gripping opening chapter, which throws up numerous questions while spitting out the tension of brutal survival in a not-yet understood international conspiracy of violence and subterfuge, the reader is plunged deep into the seemingly relaxed world of Mediterranean leisure, wine, sun and good food.
Needless to say, with Cain, the slow-paced ambience doesn’t last. Chance words overheard, a romantic liaison with ulterior motives, and a bizarre suicide, quickly propel the reader into sensing a plot to overcome the international Devil’s Army, not terrorists, we are told, but mercenaries.
'Cain, and the woman, were at the opposite end of the board, two lowly pawns making a run on the opponent’s king, hoping to force a checkmate of their own.’ The reader is beguiled into trusting the lead female character, but hints turn into doubts, until way up on a frozen mountain, in the dark, her true motivation is revealed in dramatic form. From that moment onwards, the eventual outcome is devilishly hard to predict.
The denouement unrolls with twist upon twist, and just when you think there can be no more, a female nurse is loaded into the ambulance alongside Cain, and she lashes out at him with her scalpel.
Having learnt about Interpol, exsanguination, about bitcoins and and blockchain, and about the security (or not) of holding cryptocurrency in a hardware wallet, I can’t wait for the next Cain thriller to emerge from Tom Trott’s combined astute brain and eloquent pen.
Set in glorious Mediterranean villages, towns and the Chartreuse Massif, a ‘black dagger against the sky,’ Tom Trott treats us to sumptuous description, which contrasts with the chilling later chapters, set in the intriguing decaying private mountain hospital, where rich patients can undergo operations to change their identity (through facial recognition, fingerprints etc).
The regular switching between different places, characters and strands of the action feels effortless, meaning that the book is pacey and multi-dimensional. No time to get bored! From the gripping opening chapter, which throws up numerous questions while spitting out the tension of brutal survival in a not-yet understood international conspiracy of violence and subterfuge, the reader is plunged deep into the seemingly relaxed world of Mediterranean leisure, wine, sun and good food.
Needless to say, with Cain, the slow-paced ambience doesn’t last. Chance words overheard, a romantic liaison with ulterior motives, and a bizarre suicide, quickly propel the reader into sensing a plot to overcome the international Devil’s Army, not terrorists, we are told, but mercenaries.
'Cain, and the woman, were at the opposite end of the board, two lowly pawns making a run on the opponent’s king, hoping to force a checkmate of their own.’ The reader is beguiled into trusting the lead female character, but hints turn into doubts, until way up on a frozen mountain, in the dark, her true motivation is revealed in dramatic form. From that moment onwards, the eventual outcome is devilishly hard to predict.
The denouement unrolls with twist upon twist, and just when you think there can be no more, a female nurse is loaded into the ambulance alongside Cain, and she lashes out at him with her scalpel.
Having learnt about Interpol, exsanguination, about bitcoins and and blockchain, and about the security (or not) of holding cryptocurrency in a hardware wallet, I can’t wait for the next Cain thriller to emerge from Tom Trott’s combined astute brain and eloquent pen.
June 22, 2023
Good mystery good ending
I liked this book. Cain is the main character. He is i in his 60's and lives in Nice and is a sommelier. He appears to be a firmer spy or FBI/CIA agent. He meets an American woman whose daughter us getting married in Nice. The woman invites Cain. A gang crashes the wedding and starts shooting. Cain chases there truck with a younger woman who is an Interpol agent. She wants "the Devil a vicious African gangster. The story involves finding the groom who was taken at the wedding and killing The Devil.
Its was exciting, My only complaint is during the chase, there would be pages and pages about following him, getting caught and a kid knapping by the The Devils followers in another part of France. I know it was to add to suspense but I found myself skimming through those parts to bet back to the story. There is an surprise twist near the end.
I liked this book. Cain is the main character. He is i in his 60's and lives in Nice and is a sommelier. He appears to be a firmer spy or FBI/CIA agent. He meets an American woman whose daughter us getting married in Nice. The woman invites Cain. A gang crashes the wedding and starts shooting. Cain chases there truck with a younger woman who is an Interpol agent. She wants "the Devil a vicious African gangster. The story involves finding the groom who was taken at the wedding and killing The Devil.
Its was exciting, My only complaint is during the chase, there would be pages and pages about following him, getting caught and a kid knapping by the The Devils followers in another part of France. I know it was to add to suspense but I found myself skimming through those parts to bet back to the story. There is an surprise twist near the end.
May 5, 2023
This is book two in the Cain Thrillers and I couldn't wait to continue with this series. We meet up with Cain who is trying to keep a low profile and enjoy his retirement, but things don't always go according to plan. Cain can never let things go especially when someone could be in trouble. In this story he helps a woman who has become a target for a nasty bunch of criminals, Cain goes above and beyond to help her as best as he can, but getting caught up in her problems is the least of his worries as he has his own problems to sort out too. I really enjoyed seeing what Cain was up to, he is a great character and Tom the author writes fantastic descriptions to make the reader feel immersed into the story. It is a captivating thriller that leads to some shocking twists. Full of drama and suspense, you won't want to miss out on this epic read. I am excited for the next book.
June 27, 2023
As a fan of Tom Trott, I'm going to be a little controversial and say that this one wasn't as good as the previous Cain tail.
I understand that the middle section, where he is travelling with an old colleague's daughter, was done to mask the surprise twist in the tail however, it felt lacking in something and I struggled to be engaged with it.
In addition, I wanted to know more about what happened to the wedding guests, especially the woman who invited Cain to it.
Perhaps I missed it in the first book, but I hadn't realised that Cain wears a toupee and a girdle. For someone who doesn't care what other's think this is an odd dichotomy. Although people are full of contradictions, I thought that this was an unnecessary one for a former secret agent (unless it gave him a strategic advantage).
Having said all this, I still look forward to a third instalment of Cain.
I understand that the middle section, where he is travelling with an old colleague's daughter, was done to mask the surprise twist in the tail however, it felt lacking in something and I struggled to be engaged with it.
In addition, I wanted to know more about what happened to the wedding guests, especially the woman who invited Cain to it.
Perhaps I missed it in the first book, but I hadn't realised that Cain wears a toupee and a girdle. For someone who doesn't care what other's think this is an odd dichotomy. Although people are full of contradictions, I thought that this was an unnecessary one for a former secret agent (unless it gave him a strategic advantage).
Having said all this, I still look forward to a third instalment of Cain.
August 13, 2024
This is really a 2.5 rating. It started out well but you really needed to read #1 because of all the past references(which I didn't).
Approximately halfway through the story it is drawn out till the end. Characters are good then bad then good and so on.
First the group is the US having significant influence(congress) and authorities can't do anything(group consists of approximately 100 strong we're told). They release a toxin and not another word. The group relocated to France(all of them). Apparently easily captures President of France for ransom. Leader owns 1billion worth of crypto currency before all thus happens.
I will not continue with this author.
This is a ridiculous story
Approximately halfway through the story it is drawn out till the end. Characters are good then bad then good and so on.
First the group is the US having significant influence(congress) and authorities can't do anything(group consists of approximately 100 strong we're told). They release a toxin and not another word. The group relocated to France(all of them). Apparently easily captures President of France for ransom. Leader owns 1billion worth of crypto currency before all thus happens.
I will not continue with this author.
This is a ridiculous story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
How on earth does anyone come up with a tale like this? All those twists, characters doing so much, clues being left for us readers - it all kept me thoroughly engaged, and slightly disappointed that it was all over when I reached the end. I had read "The Florentine" some time ago and remembered enjoying that so I looked forward to this one when I came across it.
If fast action, all ever-so-slightly unbelievable, is your thing you might enjoy this book as much as I did.
Roll on the next one!
Something I'd enjoy too would be the author getting a bit more help with proof-reading, Beta-reading, editing or whatever it is that gets rid of typos. Here are some that interrupted the flow of my reading and bumped me out on the way through:
Surveil - ain't no such word
principal - principle
Shear luck - sheer
Montagnbleue (spelling can't be right, in French there has to be an e after the gn). Also appeared as Montagbleue
Repost - riposte
trolly - trolley
Stradling - straddling
rose above of the wind - of?
pulling draws out - drawers
steading himself - steadying
took most the fall - of the
spline - spleen
trust me life - my
stupid not too - to
Just desserts - deserts
looked down onto street - the street
it was must easier - much
If fast action, all ever-so-slightly unbelievable, is your thing you might enjoy this book as much as I did.
Roll on the next one!
Something I'd enjoy too would be the author getting a bit more help with proof-reading, Beta-reading, editing or whatever it is that gets rid of typos. Here are some that interrupted the flow of my reading and bumped me out on the way through:
Surveil - ain't no such word
principal - principle
Shear luck - sheer
Montagnbleue (spelling can't be right, in French there has to be an e after the gn). Also appeared as Montagbleue
Repost - riposte
trolly - trolley
Stradling - straddling
rose above of the wind - of?
pulling draws out - drawers
steading himself - steadying
took most the fall - of the
spline - spleen
trust me life - my
stupid not too - to
Just desserts - deserts
looked down onto street - the street
it was must easier - much
January 15, 2024
Wow. Plot keeps changing.
I started this book thinking it would be boring but I liked that the hero is an older man and aware of his vulnerabilities. An assassin but only to bad guys.
Wrong about the boring. My only complaint is I had to stay up too late to find out what happened. And the same in the previous book. BTW. I am not an old guy.
I started this book thinking it would be boring but I liked that the hero is an older man and aware of his vulnerabilities. An assassin but only to bad guys.
Wrong about the boring. My only complaint is I had to stay up too late to find out what happened. And the same in the previous book. BTW. I am not an old guy.
October 18, 2024
fast paced and interesting
I like these Cain books, he’s a little rumpled round the edges, but he has a highish moral compass, and a little smile on his face. The stories are involved, I like that, lots of information, and they move at a clip. I like that his mind is often on his next meal or the particular wine he’ll drink, all good fun and games.
I like these Cain books, he’s a little rumpled round the edges, but he has a highish moral compass, and a little smile on his face. The stories are involved, I like that, lots of information, and they move at a clip. I like that his mind is often on his next meal or the particular wine he’ll drink, all good fun and games.
June 19, 2023
Nice Guy - Bad Language
Another person trying to write that thinks it’s okay to profane that which is sacred. Bad language does not make writing more realistic. It just makes it worse.
Another person trying to write that thinks it’s okay to profane that which is sacred. Bad language does not make writing more realistic. It just makes it worse.
June 21, 2023
Excellent thriller, terrorist of a kind... a very evil man commands the ultimate power and control over an army. Purchased this item on June 19, 2023, from Amazon for free. Read using Kindle large print.
July 28, 2023
This was the first book I have read by this author. I was totally impressed as the book kept me intrigued the entire way. Lots of action with a current theme and a major twist. I will read some more of this author's works.
August 3, 2023
I read this to try a new author. Unfortunately I didn’t like the writing style, didn’t find the plot or story line grabbed me and ended up speed reading to finish it. I can see many other readers enjoyed it but it wasn’t for me as I just didn’t enjoy it.
September 26, 2023
A perfect hero
Cain is the perfect hero. He knows enough to get things done when things get difficult. And he stick to his principles. But are a lot of twists, turns and surprises before you get to the end.
Cain is the perfect hero. He knows enough to get things done when things get difficult. And he stick to his principles. But are a lot of twists, turns and surprises before you get to the end.
July 20, 2025
Add this series to your list!
This book kept me hooked till the ending! The characters and complex plot are very well written. Cain has his faults and is not a superhero but is a human hero. Looking forward to next book in series.
This book kept me hooked till the ending! The characters and complex plot are very well written. Cain has his faults and is not a superhero but is a human hero. Looking forward to next book in series.
July 25, 2025
A good story
This was an interesting story with some very good people and some hideously evil people. It’s difficult to imagine some of the evil that people can do. But it’s very happy to know that many good people are out there.
This was an interesting story with some very good people and some hideously evil people. It’s difficult to imagine some of the evil that people can do. But it’s very happy to know that many good people are out there.
August 3, 2025
Really very good, although I ALMOST stopped before finishing the first chapter, as it was a bit sluggish in the way the story was starting. Fortunately I read further into the next chapters and the story and protagonist became quite interesting. I fully enjoyed the full remainder of the book.
June 23, 2023
Very satisfying read, though I'm a bit disappointed at the female lead's motivation...
July 4, 2023
Very interesting story
I love how much suspense is in the plots of this book. I couldn't stop reading the book and found it fascinating.
I love how much suspense is in the plots of this book. I couldn't stop reading the book and found it fascinating.
August 5, 2023
Enticing
This book was engaging from the start. It had great twist and turns that kept me wondering what happens next.
This book was engaging from the start. It had great twist and turns that kept me wondering what happens next.
August 5, 2023
A real page-turner. Lots of twists and turns.
September 21, 2023
interesting
It was a good read, with interesting characters and story line. Will definitely consider reading more by this author, Tom Trott
It was a good read, with interesting characters and story line. Will definitely consider reading more by this author, Tom Trott
October 1, 2023
Great
Very enjoyable ,well written. Like the character of Cain.
Look forward to reading the next book, or the first one whichever pops up when I search.
Very enjoyable ,well written. Like the character of Cain.
Look forward to reading the next book, or the first one whichever pops up when I search.
October 30, 2023
Rollicking good fun!
A helluva page turner with non-stop, heart thumping action. I found myself wishing for a whole lot more. Loved it!
A helluva page turner with non-stop, heart thumping action. I found myself wishing for a whole lot more. Loved it!
July 18, 2025
five stars
couldn’t put it down. The characters are believable and the plot unique. I will read the sequel Good luck to Tom
couldn’t put it down. The characters are believable and the plot unique. I will read the sequel Good luck to Tom
August 7, 2025
The Nice Guy and the Devil
A cult Leader with a private Army, Interpol and Cain, all find their lives suddenly intertwined.
A wedding is the catalyst.
A really good yarn.
A cult Leader with a private Army, Interpol and Cain, all find their lives suddenly intertwined.
A wedding is the catalyst.
A really good yarn.
Read
August 12, 2025Nice guy and the Devil
Very good read...I will look up his other books,
Starting with book one in this series...
I enjoyed the read.
Very good read...I will look up his other books,
Starting with book one in this series...
I enjoyed the read.
November 22, 2025
complex plot
This book was OK, but not as good as The Florentine. It was hard to follow the characters and plot for me.
This book was OK, but not as good as The Florentine. It was hard to follow the characters and plot for me.
August 17, 2025
I enjoyed that the main character was a little older and didn’t heal immediately as so many of our action characters do. Nice change of pace.
September 16, 2023
"Her daddy always said that when opportunity arose you pounced"
- ch 8 Root
Chance drives plot. Cain connects with Devil follower, then cult's target "Izzy".
Interpol Angelica Root recognizes him from her late CIA father Jacob's work. Root believes "Devil is alive" DNA match was fooled. Words also last from dying man.
First, an armored prisoner van takes sadist African Garda "Devil" to jail in France, through woods. Then Harrison Byers, always traitor-reference "Cain", secret agent retired to Nice, sees deluded American ask for visiting red-haired Isobel "Izzy" Woodruff. Why her? Why all Americans? So many questions remain.
Theme of betrayal from beginning. Scorching fire too. Devil tortures. Even Root is out for revenge. Why? I'd like to see Nice Guy win. But so much evil to go through?
Typos & Questions
p 80 jealously jealousy
92 Quartre Quatre
--- unfinished ---
- ch 8 Root
Chance drives plot. Cain connects with Devil follower, then cult's target "Izzy".
Interpol Angelica Root recognizes him from her late CIA father Jacob's work. Root believes "Devil is alive" DNA match was fooled. Words also last from dying man.
First, an armored prisoner van takes sadist African Garda "Devil" to jail in France, through woods. Then Harrison Byers, always traitor-reference "Cain", secret agent retired to Nice, sees deluded American ask for visiting red-haired Isobel "Izzy" Woodruff. Why her? Why all Americans? So many questions remain.
Theme of betrayal from beginning. Scorching fire too. Devil tortures. Even Root is out for revenge. Why? I'd like to see Nice Guy win. But so much evil to go through?
Typos & Questions
p 80 jealously jealousy
92 Quartre Quatre
--- unfinished ---
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews