Orion The Castle The heart-racing new thriller with an incredible ending from Sunday Times bestseller John Sutherland.

by John Sutherland

The Castle The heart-racing new thriller with an incredible ending from Sunday Times bestseller John Sutherland ABISBOOK Orion.

352 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

John Andrew Sutherland is an English academic, newspaper columnist and author. He is Emeritus Lord Northcliffe Professor of Modern English Literature at University College London.

Reviews

[Lucie Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from John Sutherland!
Couldn't put it down

[Dobby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly couldn’t believe in these characters or their parts within the story. Russian mercenaries hired to exact revenge and then turn rogue? Really?
In real terms, the castle has a relatively small part in this story- unless there’s a metaphor I’m missing?
Themes of friendship, vengeance, legal system failures, sexual violence and love are all there but just don’t jell within the framework of the novel.
For those who enjoy a happy ending with no loose ends, you won’t be disappointed.
But for readers who want a plot you can get behind and care about, not so much.

[Anna E · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dog survives, that's important. don't know that I loved it but I appreciated the realistic weight of Ashleigh's motivation vs. Alex's continued protection of Rafe. What moved it up to a full 4 stars for me was getting to drink the Scotch specifically blended to pair with the book while I read it. Cheers!

[Kim Claxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the plot a bit implausible going from experiencing sexual assault to then hiring Russian mercenaries to get revenge just didn’t make sense to me. There was a big build up but then the big ending I was hoping for didn’t happen. On a personal note I found the overly explanatory sentences a little bit off putting as they stopped the flow of the story.

[Harriett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Thought provoking, emotional and suspenseful. My only negative comment: I felt as though I was dodging F bombs constantly!!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two good books in a row? What’s going on?! Good story line and interesting characters - shame about few proofreading errors but then I’m picky! Will read another by this author.

[Chellebean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one and actually knew where it was set

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling (not least because of the weather descriptions) and high tension, and an enjoyable battle of wits in order to solve several hostage situations, this was gipping and thoroughly entertaining.

[Joan Hainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this gritty and emotional. Met the author at the Bloody Scotland Crime Writers Festival in Stirling 2025. Lovely guy

[Kirsty Cruickshank-Nagy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.65⭐

[Beki Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Was nice to not have a twist at the end and have a simple ending