Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

John Milton #4-6

The John Milton Series #4-6

Rate this book
This 300,000-word collection includes the fourth, fifth and six books in the best-selling John Milton series, plus an introductory novella, and is nearly 1000 pages of espionage, revenge, thrills and spills. 

Save 25% versus buying the single books. 


Meet John Milton 

He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder. 

Milton is the man the government sends after you when everything else has failed. Ruthless. Brilliant. Anonymous. Lethal. You wouldn't pick him out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list. But now, after ten years, he's had enough - there's blood on his hands and he wants out. Trouble is, this job is not one you can just walk away from. 

He goes on the run, seeking atonement for his sins by helping the people he meets along the way. But his past cannot be easily forgotten and before long it is Milton who is hunted, and not the hunter. 

GHOSTS (Book 4)

John Milton is a ghost.

He was Number One. The most dangerous assassin in Group Fifteen, the black-ops organisation that solves problems when diplomacy has failed. Now Milton is Her Majesty's most wanted fugitive - an anonymous loner with a deadly set of skills. So when he is arrested following a brawl in a Texas bar, the last person he expected to bail him out was a glamorous operative from the Russian Secret Service.

Milton is blackmailed into finding his predecessor as Number One. But she's a ghost, too, and just as dangerous as him.

He finds himself in deep trouble, playing the Russians against the British in a desperate attempt to save the life of his oldest friend.

Some ghosts are better left alone. But these two have been disturbed and now there's going to be hell to pay.

THE SWORD OF GOD (Book 5)

A man called Milton walks into town…

On the run from his own demons, John Milton treks through the Michigan wilderness into the town of Truth. He’s not looking for trouble, but trouble's looking for him. He finds himself up against a small-town cop who has no idea with whom he is dealing, and no idea how dangerous he is.

But Milton is double crossed and badly injured. Unarmed and alone, he flees into the remote Porcupine Mountains with a posse on his tail. His enemies thought they could hunt him down. That was a mistake and, where Milton is concerned, one mistake is all you get.

SALVATION ROW (Book 6)

John Milton is trying to make amends for a career spent killing for the British Secret Service. He has a burning need to right wrongs - and rewrite his own bloody past.

He finds himself in Louisiana – the Big Sleazy, the bayou, and the post-Katrina wreckage of the Gulf Coast - with a debt of honour to repay. Isadora Bartholomew, who saved his partner's life, needs his help. Joel Babineaux, a ruthless property magnate, is out to sink the charity she established to help rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward.

Just when Milton thinks he has neutralised Babineaux’s scheming, a dangerous man from his past takes an unhealthy interest in his present. Claude Boon used to work for the Mossad and might be more than Milton can handle. And then the stakes get even higher…

TARANTULA (Bonus Novella)

742 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2014

3366 people are currently reading
271 people want to read

About the author

Mark Dawson

114 books1,848 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,654 (56%)
4 stars
1,621 (34%)
3 stars
356 (7%)
2 stars
54 (1%)
1 star
26 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
3,970 reviews14 followers
July 26, 2015

I came late to the John Milton series. I have to declare myself a fan of Mark Dawson's writings which can be quirky but always visually descriptive and very atmospheric. I have enjoyed them all from Subpoena Colada to the three Beatrix Rose books. But the Milton stories have to be the best with clean cut sentences, powerful location descriptions sufficient to take the reader there with him, natural dialogue, great storylines. And, above all, a flawed hero who is trying to survive day to day, knowing he can never redeem himself with the people he has harmed as they are dead and he killed them.
John Milton is a fascinating character, hard and cold in some ways but has Ted by his past and capable of sudden kindnesses and tenderness. He has been likened by other reviewers to Jack Reacher and there are similarities: ex- military, ingenious, capable and ready to help even when the odds are against him. But Milton is more complex than Reacher and the author let's us slowly get to know him better as the series evolves.
This set comprises the 4tj, 5th and 6th of the John Milton novels and, whilst each one can be read independently, the fullest experience is achieved by taking them in order after first having read the earlier trilogy. So go buy the box set of books 1 to 3 if you haven't done so already and start the adventure today.
Oh, and as a special treat, in Ghosts we meet the amazing Beatrix Rose for the first time
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
January 23, 2023
Good read

Fun fast read. You get started and the book just flows. Don't usually get box sets because the titles are all together so I never know if I have read an individual book because Amazon doesn't tell me.
Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Rima.
142 reviews
March 5, 2018
This series is growing on me

While waiting for new books from certain authors, I came upon book 1 for 99 cents. I actually got into the character John Milton and bought the sets. I had to adjust to the terms and words used in England but by book 6, its not an issue. Time to start book 7!
Profile Image for Sid Stark.
Author 15 books18 followers
April 1, 2019
The John Milton series continues to impress in the second boxset. I may have devoured it even more quickly than the first.

As with the first three books, Milton moves around in each novel, visiting exotic locations, or at least locations exotic to British readers. This time around he goes to Russia, Michigan, and New Orleans, as well as Italy in the bonus novella at the end. The scene setting is in general excellent, so if you enjoy a spot of armchair traveling, the books are fun in that regard.

The action sequences are also gripping. While these books aren't as fight-a-minute as some, there are plenty of high-octane shootouts and hand-to-hand combat moments. I can't speak as to their actual realism, but they *seem* very realistic.

Milton is in many ways a fairly simple character, but he's compelling in his own way, and the secondary characters add a welcome touch of complexity, as does the introduction of larger issues into the narrative. Of particular note is "Salvation Row," the third book in the collection, which is set in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina, and deals with the (mis)management of that whole mess.

If you're looking for a new thriller series to read, the John Milton books are a good bet. You'll probably want to start at the beginning if you haven't read any of them yet, but if you're wanting to continue the series, these middle books are well worth your while.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,906 reviews26 followers
April 19, 2019
More intriguing stories starring John Milton

This collection gives us the next phase in Milton’s journey plus a novella of a story from the beginning of his career when he is number 8.

The three books are very different in tone and each has various aspects to enjoy. Book 4 is the most action packed of the three with the most significant consequences. Very exciting and lots more background on Milton and Group 15. Book 5 gives us a version of Milton as a Rambo-esque figure. The book begins with one villain and quickly morphs into something else. Lots of cheering for Milton’s escapades here and very good action scenes. Book 6 starts with a flashback to an event that takes place during Hurricane Katrina and the opening is devastating in it’s recollection of that event and the impact on the Ninth Ward in New Orleans. It does a fantastic job of setting the stage for the present day story. This one is a bit different in style from the previous books and the story centers around corruption, greed and entitlement. The ending is a bit anti-climatic though clearly designed to set up a future book. I would have loved a more in your face confrontation with the real villains here. The novella at the end is a quick bite and while not much of a story it does provide some nice insight into Milton, his skills, Group 15.
577 reviews
July 21, 2021
This is a compilation of three novels in the John Milton series. They cover a lot of territory. The first deals with a complicated story that involves the Russians, Beatrix Rose who was No. 1 when Milton joined the elite assassination squad in MI6 and ops to save his oldest friend and at the same time get an opportunity for a clean break from MI6 and his past.

The story is after the events in the first and he is traveling across the USA "ala Jack Reacher" and runs into a militia in Michigan that is planning an insurrection. He gets involved and becomes a one man wrecking crew for their plans.

The last is similar story about a family that he had met on one of his past ops in New Orleans at the time of hurricane Kitrina. He goes back after a few years and finds them leading an effort to rebuild homes that is threatened by an evil developer who want to build a mall. A particularly good element in this one is that he must face a former assassin from Mossad that is just as deadly as himself. That face off is the climax of the book...a good wrinkle

All the three stories are good with good stories and characters and plenty of action.
Profile Image for Sheila Myers.
7 reviews
March 23, 2018
If you enjoyed the the first 3 books in the John Milton series, this next set will not disappoint! Mark Dawson does a great job of developing the complicated character of John Milton while not deviating from who Milton is at heart.

The plot in each book can easily stand on its own, but I have loved reading this series in the order intended. It's really great to be able to pick up a book and already "know" the main character! I look forward to the next book as soon as I finish one!!

There is violence, some language and some sexuality but it is very minimalistic.

I'm giving it 5 stars because the series stays true to the character while having completely different main story in each book!!
262 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2019
Great fun

I enjoyed books 4-6 of the John Milton series. This character gets in and out of more trouble than one can imagine! I have only one complaint about Dawson's work: he has an unfortunate tendency to use incorrect grammar frequently, substituting him for he and their for his. I know that this has become more commonplace; but when one is creating a novel, the sex of the person about whom one is writing is not up for question. The author KNOWS the character's sex, so this annoying- yet commonly accepted error- is not justified. I make notes as I read, and sometimes the errors are sufficient to cause me to abandon a novel. This will demonstrate just how much I love Dawson's stories!
165 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2019
Adventure, chaos and bloodshed abound in this series.

Mark Dawson is dedicated to his main character, John Milton, aka John Smith. Smith is originally a trained assassin for a highly specialized group associated with the British government. As Smith rises through the ranks to Number One he is considered extremely dangerous, effective and respected, someone to be very careful around. However, something changes within him and he wants out. The only catch is that there is only one way to leave the Group. Mark Dawson is a skilled writer. His characterizations are well drawn and his detailed descriptions of the cities and scenery are very convincing. If vivid killing is in your reading blood, the serialized John Milton books will fulfill your interest. Good hunting.
Profile Image for Clive Tern.
Author 6 books3 followers
March 5, 2019
Fast Paced Uncomplicated Fun Reading

John Milton is a no nonsense achieve it all hero in the style of Jack Reacher. Enjoyment of these fast paced stories is best achieved by turning off the part of your brain that works in spotting discrepancies and unbelievableness.
Mark’s writing is mostly smooth and fluid, with a nice handle on descriptions which allow the reader to sink into the environment of the story. Sometimes I find repetitions of words, phrases, or ideas, which make me wonder whether there is sufficient editorial input.
Overall, if you want a few hours of fast paced fun reading containing car chases and explosions, the John Milton series is ideal.
259 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2019
This series continues with ever compelling plots.

John Milton is a complex character trying to make amends for his former life as a government backed assassin but trouble always finds ways to force him back to use his old skills.

Each book is my favourite until I start on the next one!

I've downloaded the Beatrix Rose series so that I can find out how her life continues on from Ghosts and the 3rd set of the Milton series as I want to follow his story with Abu Bachman.

Dawson certainly knows how to keep you wanting more and more. He is the ultimate thriller writer.

Profile Image for Gary Webster.
336 reviews
April 23, 2020
Man oh Man

These books are amazing. I think I need a 12 Step group. I can’t put them down. John Milton goes out of his way to help people. The pattern is similar in all of these books. Usually a similar story line gets old after awhile. But not these. I’ve read 8 so far. Or is it 9! If you like Lee Child and Jack Reacher, you’re in for a treat! I’m going back in to get some more...
Profile Image for Darlene.
502 reviews26 followers
September 16, 2017
John Milton

I love John Milton. I love this series. I can't get enough. This was a great box set that included a bonus novella. I love John being John. Wanting to atone for what he considers his sins but always reverts back to that inner assassin. Can't wait til I can afford the next box set.
Profile Image for Deb Parsons.
16 reviews
October 30, 2018
Read-only living Milton

I'm a reading addict. Don't think there are "rooms" for us. I have to read daily. I'm also living ) on every dime, like many, many people. I love my Kindle Unlimited account and I really love John Milton series. He's Reacher's British cousin. I recommend this series highly!!
39 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2019
Great action packed reading from end to end.

Author Dawson has that special knack. John Milton is the perfect main character. Loaded with imperfections and yet, more than deadly and efficient in his chosen perfection. Obvious that the author is English, the British slant on story and vocabulary is infectious and fresh. I will eventually read everything Dawson Haas written.
Profile Image for Karen Basile.
8 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2019
Easy read

If you like thrillers, mysteries and a little romance this a good easy read for you. The writing is formulaic. You pretty much know what to expect before it happens. You won't have to think when you read his stuff. Take a few hours off and relax with a John Milton adventure. I'm not sure if I like Jack Reacher or John Milton more.
51 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2020
Good stories, bad writing

Dawson needs better editors as his books are filled with inconsistencies from one chapter to the next. As well he feels the need every ten pages of so to show his big vocabulary, that it his Roget's is very dog-eared. Not sure I'll finish the series after washing through the first six books.
20 reviews
September 2, 2021
Thanks to KU and Mark Dawson.
How wonderful that KU has given us readers a treat during lockdown.
Love the John Milton series. It is a delight to read the reviews from American readers who comment on the English language.
After years of playing Scrabble in both American and English, I do appreciate our hero being English .
A human hero who is challenged daily by his choice of sobriety.
Profile Image for Sheila Walker.
461 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2023
Nothing he does is a surprise but it is

Still on the road to do good Milton returned to New Orleans to help and say thanks for saving Ziggy but things didn't always go to plan. It's fast edgy it's dangerous and Milton is ready until!!! A great read a fab thriller and an ending like no other. I recommend this book to thrill lovers
8 reviews
December 23, 2016
Another great Milton read

The ultimate assassin. Beautifully written, scenes of countries and cities magically described. But it's Milton and his deliberate, powerful and professional approach to his job that captures you.
Profile Image for Clark.
37 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2017
Fast moving British Jack Reacher

While unique in many ways with different motivations both John Milton and Jack Reacher like to see the good guys vindicated and the bad guys punished. And they both have a certain set of skills.
8 reviews
September 22, 2017
Another great character!

I'm done with books 1 thru 6. John is a great character and I hope he lives on. Even the novellas are entertaining. I look forward to new adventures soon. Keep 'em coming!
Profile Image for MARILYN RAYNER.
151 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2018
Outstanding!

John Milton is a up there with, Reacher, Noble, Wolfe. Writing so descriptive you are there, beside him. Mark Dawson was a new find for me. Now want to know what's next in store for Milton.
1,124 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2018
HIGHLY ENTERTAINING DRAMA

This author's imagination and ability to into words is amazing. His stories are so deep and intense. His books are filled with action, suspense, loyalty and revenge.
17 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2018
Top Class

If you like a reluctant killer with, a good side that he tries to keep up when the sh*t hits the fan. But still has to kill to save the day. Then look no further Mark Dawson is the one that will keep you up till the Sun comes up.
Profile Image for James .
57 reviews
December 28, 2018
The John Milton Series

Following John Milton is well worth your time! He NEVER DISAPPOINTS!
I'm always impressed by this geographical accuracy and his ability to spin a yarn keeps me coming back for more!
16 reviews
January 7, 2019
I'm getting more and more into the world Mark has created. I storyline how many of his characters, are all in some interconnected. The Milton series in new to buy I've read both box sets now, and I'm hooked.
38 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2019
WOW!

I like the story line, I love the non stop action and I think that Mr.Milton and Ms.Rose are without a doubt really well written characters with a great story to tell. Worth the time to read them all.



2 reviews
July 12, 2019
Enjoy the books, easy to read and understand the plot. Milton is terror, always ready for the kill.

If people like this type of books,they should read all Mark Dawson books . A lot of his books can downloaded from website.

123 reviews
August 18, 2019
Fast paced adventure

I always enjoy reading another John Milton novel. The action is fast paced and I am never bored! Highly recommend this series of novels if you enjoy a good story with an interesting character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.