Burnout

Charlie Cooper Thrillers #9

by Mark Dawson

When tech genius Nathan Wiley is ambushed outside his London home, Group Fifteen operative Charlie Cooper is pulled back into the shadows. The attack was no random mugging—Wiley’s name was leaked by a whistleblower with access to one of the most sensitive intelligence troves in Five Eyes history.

The source? Sienna Jones, a former Australian spy who vanished without a trace after exposing the West’s illegal use of AI trained on its own citizens. But now a signal has emerged from a luxury wellness resort on a remote Greek island. Jones might be hiding there—or someone wants the world to think she is.

Undercover and outnumbered, Cooper enters a world where nothing is as it seems. Staff members are lying. Surveillance is everywhere. And when a deadly ambush leaves Cooper fighting for his life, the mission becomes locate Sienna Jones, secure the stolen intelligence, and survive long enough to discover who else is playing this deadly game.

Because someone wants the truth buried—along with everyone who tries to expose it.

Genres: Thriller

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2025

About the author

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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.

Reviews

[Jack Hance · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was really nothing wrong with this book, it just never captured my interest. I kept reading, but apart from a few pages I never cared about the threat Charlie was chasing. The big threat behind everything turned out to be not so big, and Charlie, like most of Dawson’s heroes (Except for Isabella Rose) is just not very relatable.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating thriller!

Charlie Cooper is sent to find a whistle blower at a health and wellness island. Charlie thinks one of the newer employees is the one he is looking for. There are some surprising mishaps along the way. Read this book to find out what happens. I highly recommend this book. Happy reading! ☺️

[Ken Karcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is sent after someone who stole secrets and is revealing them, causing death or damage to various agents, including friends of his. Charlie's a decent man in a world that crushes kindness. He's able to move through a dangerous world without attracting attention. I love these short stories, and Charlie is a very interesting character, and I hope to read more with him included.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another belter of a read from the master storyteller that is Mark Dawson.
The only problem with the Charlie Cooper series is, because they are novella, they are finished too quickly and always leave me wanting more.

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all of Mark Dawsons books including Milton, the Rose series’s, Atticus etc. I eagerly await the dropping of a new one. This is the first one I have rated below a 4 or 5 star. There wasn’t much depth and it ended almost as quickly as it started.

[carl clause · Rating 5 out of 5]

CC1

Charlie had a rough go at spa. First he couldn't find Siena then he gets poison . Then when he finds Siena she gets taken out by Tanner. But Charlie eventually finds the information. 10 stars plus!!!!! Thanks,Carl Clause

[David Patsel · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

As usual Mark Dawson has done a great job with his character Charlie Cooper. Another mission, another mystery, plenty of action following the twisting story. Plus a good resolution. Highly recommend these Charlie Cooper books

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story

Another excellent story by Mark Dawson in the Charlie Cooper series. Full of interesting characters and plenty of action. The great thing about these books is that they can be read in one sitting which makes them more enjoyable.Looking forward to reading more.

[william shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book Brilliant author

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok