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He was sent to investigate a man. Now he’s being hunted for his murder.

Charlie Cooper is tasked with a mission unlike any assess whether Kristof Dalrymple, a powerful British arms dealer, is secretly working for the Russians—and eliminate him if necessary. But when Dalrymple ends up dead and all the evidence points to Cooper, he finds himself framed for a crime he didn’t commit.

Cut off from Group Fifteen, hunted by the police, and betrayed from within, Cooper must rely on old friends and sharp instincts to clear his name and expose the real killer. But the deeper he digs, the more chilling the truth someone is systematically murdering key players in the arms trade… and Cooper is next on the list.

Fast-paced, twist-packed, and full of razor-sharp dialogue, Leverage is a gripping thriller that will keep you guessing to the very last page.

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2025

867 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Mark Dawson

114 books1,848 followers
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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.

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5 stars
346 (55%)
4 stars
213 (33%)
3 stars
66 (10%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Ken Karcher.
182 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2025
Another hit for Dawson

I just really like Charlie Cooper. He's a pretty well-adjusted assassin who doesn't like killing innocent people. He's a lot like soldiers and Marines I've known who can compartmentalize their work from themselves. Just a regular guy you could have a beer or shoot pool and throw darts with. Charlie is sent to evaluate a target to determine whether he should be killed when he's murdered and Charlie is the primary suspect because of DNA and video evidence. Control is forced to cut him loose and Charlie has to prove his innocence. This is a fascinating twist on the trope of the assassin getting away with murder when Charlie has to prove he didn't do what he was supposed to have done. I'm also grateful to Mark for answering my questions about how Charlie fits into John Milton's current adventures. I love that most of these characters exist in the same world and can be utilized in various books. I'm enjoying these novellas and hope Charlie either joins Milton or his adventures become more current, but I'm willing to continue on the ride Mark has planned because I have definitely loved it to this point.
133 reviews
May 30, 2025
Well worth reading

This is yet another brilliant novella in the Charlie Cooper thriller’s.
This time Charlie is set up to take the can for a murder he didn’t commit, although the evidence against him says otherwise and because he is now a wanted criminal, he is unable to use his usual resources to help clear his name so he has to now think outside the box and seek help from elsewhere.
So the question is, can Charlie clear his name by finding out who really committed the murder,whilst trying to avoid capture by the boys in blue and keeping himself and those who’s help he’s sort out of danger and staying alive.
You’ll have to read this exciting novella to find out.
Happy reading.
Profile Image for Gail.
561 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2025
Intriguing, fast-paced, suspenseful thriller!

Charlie Cooper was surprised that Control told him to assess his next assignment and make the decision whether or not to assassinate him. Cooper discovered that the information he received was false and reported this to Control saying he did not need to assassinate him. Unfortunately, the next day it was reported in the news that his assignment had been murdered, and he was the number one suspect. Now he had to clear his name and discover who did it. You must read this book to find who! I highly recommend this book! Happy reading! ☺️

Profile Image for Sheila Walker.
461 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2025
Being set up is one thing staying alive is important

Charlie Coopers job was to sus him out, but something was off. Job done until it wasn't. Now he's wanted for murder, Freddy his brother and partner Taila helped find the information. Yes he's on the run. Very cleverly thought out the hidden clues and twists and turns the threats you know Charlie he wont let it go until it's done. Good read enjoyed this story . Recommend
34 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2025
It is going downhill fast.....

Very disappointing. Charlie Cooper might as well retire permananently. Stories become more and more convoluted without any clear conclusion. This is rather sad but I will not be getting more Dawson's books if they are as boring as this one. Thus one star.
350 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2025
another fun book

Another fun Charlie Cooper book from Mark Dawson. He’s got a big hit with this series. The characters are well developed and realistic. The plots are solid and beIievable too. All in all a great diversion and fun way to spend some time. Recommend these!
Profile Image for Ann.
1,074 reviews25 followers
May 26, 2025
As always, brilliant and love the John Milton mention. Always fun to step back into the Group 15 world
Profile Image for Manfred.
553 reviews
June 2, 2025
Another very good Charlie Cooper novella. When he is framed for murder and cut off Group fifteen, Charlie Cooper has to rely on family and they deliver.
Profile Image for Andy Clarke-smith.
21 reviews
July 28, 2025
A worthy read

I love the simplicity of these books. Charlie Cooper isn’t glamorous or fancy, he’s just a guy getting stuff done.
1,701 reviews10 followers
August 1, 2025
Thrilling, mysterious look into British law enforcement.
Profile Image for Greer Andjanetta.
1,425 reviews7 followers
August 22, 2025
A readable mystery with average writing quality. A falsely accused British spy works to clear his name and gets i9nvolved with more spies.Nothing special.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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