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Eavesdrop
Diamond smugglers.
A police conspiracy.
High tech spies.
Assassins intent on derailing Middle East peace talks.
Customs Investigator James Winter must overcome them all if he is to save his career—and his life.
Winter, an ex-MI5 operative wrongly accused of colluding with a smuggling ring that has a suspicious knack of avoiding the traps set by his team, battles to clear his name. As his wife undergoes cancer treatment, he finds it hard to balance time at her bedside with action to vindicate himself.
After his suspension, he sets out to find how the smugglers manage the ring. An email from a bothersome high tech supplier prompts Winter to spring into action, putting him on the trail of a Mossad spy whom he discovered is somehow involved, and placing him right in front of the Syrian hit squad.
Al-Jabib ran a gloved fingertip across the engraved skull and crossbones and felt a tingle of anticipation mix with his nerves. It was really happening; he, Bashar Al-Jabib, was about to initiate the most audacious operation in all Syrian history. He touched the locket that hung around his neck. “Mum and Dad, you’d be proud of me.”
In this fast-paced and suspenseful espionage thriller, Eavesdrop uncovers an even bigger catastrophe as James Winter stumbles into an international mystery involving Mossad, a Middle East terror plot to destabilize Israel and the global political climate. With the help of a dubious partner, Winter risks his life, but will he be able to stop an international conspiracy and clear his name?
A police conspiracy.
High tech spies.
Assassins intent on derailing Middle East peace talks.
Customs Investigator James Winter must overcome them all if he is to save his career—and his life.
Winter, an ex-MI5 operative wrongly accused of colluding with a smuggling ring that has a suspicious knack of avoiding the traps set by his team, battles to clear his name. As his wife undergoes cancer treatment, he finds it hard to balance time at her bedside with action to vindicate himself.
After his suspension, he sets out to find how the smugglers manage the ring. An email from a bothersome high tech supplier prompts Winter to spring into action, putting him on the trail of a Mossad spy whom he discovered is somehow involved, and placing him right in front of the Syrian hit squad.
Al-Jabib ran a gloved fingertip across the engraved skull and crossbones and felt a tingle of anticipation mix with his nerves. It was really happening; he, Bashar Al-Jabib, was about to initiate the most audacious operation in all Syrian history. He touched the locket that hung around his neck. “Mum and Dad, you’d be proud of me.”
In this fast-paced and suspenseful espionage thriller, Eavesdrop uncovers an even bigger catastrophe as James Winter stumbles into an international mystery involving Mossad, a Middle East terror plot to destabilize Israel and the global political climate. With the help of a dubious partner, Winter risks his life, but will he be able to stop an international conspiracy and clear his name?
- GenresThriller
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2014
14 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Ian Coates
3 books10 followersIan Coates graduated with honours in electronics and often uses his experience of working in high-tech industries to give his thrillers an authentic backdrop. Although he followed a career in technology, his first love has always been books, particularly exciting page-turners about spies and assassins.
He won his first writing competition at the age of 14 with a crime novella. His debut thriller, Eavesdrop, was short listed in a Tibor Jones Page Tuner competition and was one of the winners in the centenary Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook novel writing competition. Eavesdrop was published in paperback in 2014 by Bad Day Books, Assent Publishing’s thriller imprint, and Audible Studios subsequently released it as an audio book. Backlash is his second novel, which was the runner-up in the 2024 Writers College Global Writing Competition. It is published by Wallace Publishing.
Ian lives with his wife in Worcestershire, England and is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association and the Society of Authors. A percentage of the proceeds from his thrillers supports the British Science Association.
He won his first writing competition at the age of 14 with a crime novella. His debut thriller, Eavesdrop, was short listed in a Tibor Jones Page Tuner competition and was one of the winners in the centenary Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook novel writing competition. Eavesdrop was published in paperback in 2014 by Bad Day Books, Assent Publishing’s thriller imprint, and Audible Studios subsequently released it as an audio book. Backlash is his second novel, which was the runner-up in the 2024 Writers College Global Writing Competition. It is published by Wallace Publishing.
Ian lives with his wife in Worcestershire, England and is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association and the Society of Authors. A percentage of the proceeds from his thrillers supports the British Science Association.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 10, 2017
Excellent book
Looking forward to reading more books from this author. I love the characters. Intriguing, yet not confusing. Until the next book
Looking forward to reading more books from this author. I love the characters. Intriguing, yet not confusing. Until the next book
June 22, 2019
It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a hard time getting into a book. Eavesdrop just felt like it was kind of all over the place in its execution. I had a real hard time figuring out why things were happening and things just felt like they were thrown in here for the sake of having them – not to add to the story.
The narration itself (and production/post) also bugged me more than it usually does. It wasn’t bad, but when an author jumps around between characters, plot points, and places – pausing and the ability to switch tones, voices, and feeling when it’s not there it really takes away from the book.
The plot itself was interesting but hard to follow. I wanted to like this more than I did and I even put it down for a while hoping that I was just in a funk instead of it being a problem with the book. I don’t like being the only review of a book when I’m talking negative about it, but I had to write what I thought about it so that others could make up their own choices.
I thought this was going to be more of a technothriller but it actually reads more like a spy thriller than anything. I like those as well – but going into it with one thought and getting another definitely hurt my thought on the book a bit.
Overall, a miss from me, but others might enjoy it.
The narration itself (and production/post) also bugged me more than it usually does. It wasn’t bad, but when an author jumps around between characters, plot points, and places – pausing and the ability to switch tones, voices, and feeling when it’s not there it really takes away from the book.
The plot itself was interesting but hard to follow. I wanted to like this more than I did and I even put it down for a while hoping that I was just in a funk instead of it being a problem with the book. I don’t like being the only review of a book when I’m talking negative about it, but I had to write what I thought about it so that others could make up their own choices.
I thought this was going to be more of a technothriller but it actually reads more like a spy thriller than anything. I like those as well – but going into it with one thought and getting another definitely hurt my thought on the book a bit.
Overall, a miss from me, but others might enjoy it.
October 13, 2017
Eavesdrop
I just finished Eavesdrop by Ian Coates. I've never read a mystery/thriller involving a customs inspector in the UK and it was quite intriguing to find out what they do.
Eavesdrop revolves around the efforts of Custom Inspector James Winter as he attempts to run down a smuggling ring. He soon finds himself caught up in international espionage and a terrorist cell intent on igniting war in the Middle East.
The author fleshes out characters very well and is also adept at plotting out the fiendish shenanigans of the terrorists. I was gripped with anticipation right to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and I recommend it highly. I'm looking forward to his release of his second thriller, The Rival.
I just finished Eavesdrop by Ian Coates. I've never read a mystery/thriller involving a customs inspector in the UK and it was quite intriguing to find out what they do.
Eavesdrop revolves around the efforts of Custom Inspector James Winter as he attempts to run down a smuggling ring. He soon finds himself caught up in international espionage and a terrorist cell intent on igniting war in the Middle East.
The author fleshes out characters very well and is also adept at plotting out the fiendish shenanigans of the terrorists. I was gripped with anticipation right to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and I recommend it highly. I'm looking forward to his release of his second thriller, The Rival.
January 25, 2019
'Eavesdrop' by Ian Coates is a fast paced, exciting international thriller. Detailed, well written and with a likeable protagonist.
C.G. Faulkner, author of 'The Edge of Reality-A Cold War Thriller'
C.G. Faulkner, author of 'The Edge of Reality-A Cold War Thriller'
November 12, 2021
fantastic
I was totally absorbed in the story I read right through. An author to follow. Next one in my sight.
I was totally absorbed in the story I read right through. An author to follow. Next one in my sight.
December 29, 2020
As I'm the author, it's not fair for me to review this myself. However, here are some of the 5* reviews it's received from Amazon readers -
"Highly recommended. I really enjoyed this read, a great mix of detective work and "what would I do" reality moments that keep this story spinning along nicely. The tech parts of the story are fresh enough to make for an interesting plot but without being heavy or off-putting for the non geek. The climax of the book will have you flicking through the pages as fast as you can as the excitement builds."
"I really enjoyed this spy novel. The two plot lines are intriguing as at first you can’t see how they are related. The fast pace meant that this book quickly became a page-turner I could not put down. Highly recommended and an impressive first novel from Ian Coates, nicely set up for a sequel at the end."
"'Eavesdrop' is a cracking thriller that hits the ground running. Ian Coates delivers a fast-paced debut novel with a finely-woven plot that many first time authors would find too ambitious. The story is complex and sometimes violent, but maintains a gritty realism thanks in part to well constructed, believable characters and an insider knowledge of the often murky world of surveillance. I have no doubt that Ian Coates is definitely a name to watch, and with this novel he takes his rightful place among the top rank of new and exciting thriller writers."
"What a great read. I judge how good a thriller is by whether I can easily put it down to do other things. Well, you definitely cannot put this one down until the end of the last page. Exciting and an unguessable plot from the start, with many threads interweaving as the story progresses, keeping the storyline interesting and fresh throughout. Some quite original ideas making up these threads - certainly this book is not just another thriller."
"As an avid Lee Child fan, I felt the book was a great read; there was enough action and intrigue to keep my interest and the characters were well developed. It was easy to picture James Winter in the various locations and situations and the journey from start to finish was well paced and in no way predictable. I would recommend anyone to read this book and will be looking forward to the next instalment."
"This was a very believable thriller which I got about halfway through and then couldn't put down until I'd got to the end. It was really well written and I felt a lot of empathy for the characters, particularly James Winter and his family. Full of twists and turns and now I can't wait for the sequel!"
"A superb, fast moving thriller you can almost feel the locations as it moves along."
"This is a fast moving and well crafted thriller. Ian's knowledge of IT comes through and gives an extra 'edge' to the story. It keeps the reader in suspense to the very end."
"Definitely a solid thriller from start to finish. The characters are believable and the plot has you guessing all the way through. I never would have seen some of the events coming honestly, and I read a lot. The struggle James Winter goes through in an attempt to uncover the mysteries stacking up around his job had me turning pages. Overall enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to Ian's next book!"
"Great book, enjoyed immensely. I seriously enjoyed the customs plot line and wondered how on earth it would be connected to the other thread - well it did and I found myself completely gripped by the tense finale. Hope we get to hear more about James Winter in future, perhaps renewing his early career in 'the service'?"
"There has to be someone to make things right in the world and the Mossad does it.Wish our CIA was as as good. Or maybe they are, just don't about it."
"I enjoyed read this book. The author is a master of description. I especially like the description of the cold weather in Helsinki, apparently someplace you don't want to visit in the winter! I hope this turns into a series."
"This book was easy to read, very good plot, it kept me at the edge of my seat, I read it over night, could not put it down!! Thank you Ian, for a great book!!"
PS: an audio version is now also available from Audible.
"Highly recommended. I really enjoyed this read, a great mix of detective work and "what would I do" reality moments that keep this story spinning along nicely. The tech parts of the story are fresh enough to make for an interesting plot but without being heavy or off-putting for the non geek. The climax of the book will have you flicking through the pages as fast as you can as the excitement builds."
"I really enjoyed this spy novel. The two plot lines are intriguing as at first you can’t see how they are related. The fast pace meant that this book quickly became a page-turner I could not put down. Highly recommended and an impressive first novel from Ian Coates, nicely set up for a sequel at the end."
"'Eavesdrop' is a cracking thriller that hits the ground running. Ian Coates delivers a fast-paced debut novel with a finely-woven plot that many first time authors would find too ambitious. The story is complex and sometimes violent, but maintains a gritty realism thanks in part to well constructed, believable characters and an insider knowledge of the often murky world of surveillance. I have no doubt that Ian Coates is definitely a name to watch, and with this novel he takes his rightful place among the top rank of new and exciting thriller writers."
"What a great read. I judge how good a thriller is by whether I can easily put it down to do other things. Well, you definitely cannot put this one down until the end of the last page. Exciting and an unguessable plot from the start, with many threads interweaving as the story progresses, keeping the storyline interesting and fresh throughout. Some quite original ideas making up these threads - certainly this book is not just another thriller."
"As an avid Lee Child fan, I felt the book was a great read; there was enough action and intrigue to keep my interest and the characters were well developed. It was easy to picture James Winter in the various locations and situations and the journey from start to finish was well paced and in no way predictable. I would recommend anyone to read this book and will be looking forward to the next instalment."
"This was a very believable thriller which I got about halfway through and then couldn't put down until I'd got to the end. It was really well written and I felt a lot of empathy for the characters, particularly James Winter and his family. Full of twists and turns and now I can't wait for the sequel!"
"A superb, fast moving thriller you can almost feel the locations as it moves along."
"This is a fast moving and well crafted thriller. Ian's knowledge of IT comes through and gives an extra 'edge' to the story. It keeps the reader in suspense to the very end."
"Definitely a solid thriller from start to finish. The characters are believable and the plot has you guessing all the way through. I never would have seen some of the events coming honestly, and I read a lot. The struggle James Winter goes through in an attempt to uncover the mysteries stacking up around his job had me turning pages. Overall enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to Ian's next book!"
"Great book, enjoyed immensely. I seriously enjoyed the customs plot line and wondered how on earth it would be connected to the other thread - well it did and I found myself completely gripped by the tense finale. Hope we get to hear more about James Winter in future, perhaps renewing his early career in 'the service'?"
"There has to be someone to make things right in the world and the Mossad does it.Wish our CIA was as as good. Or maybe they are, just don't about it."
"I enjoyed read this book. The author is a master of description. I especially like the description of the cold weather in Helsinki, apparently someplace you don't want to visit in the winter! I hope this turns into a series."
"This book was easy to read, very good plot, it kept me at the edge of my seat, I read it over night, could not put it down!! Thank you Ian, for a great book!!"
PS: an audio version is now also available from Audible.
March 18, 2015
Eavesdrop is a multi-threaded mystery thriller. Both threads finally come together in Helsinki, Finland. The main problem that I had with this book was that those threads were too close to straight lines. There weren’t enough surprises or twists. You knew from the beginning that Customs Investigator James Winter was going to be involved in both threads. Even though he was fired from his job, you knew that he would continue to investigate the smugglers. You didn’t know what connection there was between the smugglers and the terrorists, but you knew that there had to be one, and you knew that it would have to involve James Winter.
The book was well written, and James Winter was a realistically constructed character, but the plot was too simple. Some of the things that Winter does are quite hard to accept. You don’t think that he could do that or you say to yourself, “How can you be that stupid!” But you could accept those things in a book with more twists. Mr Coates give us some more unexpected twists in your next book. If that happens you could have a real winner.
I give Eavesdrop 3 1/2 Stars out of 5, because even though the book had a good measure of excitement, it didn’t keep me guessing.
I received a digital review copy from the author.
The book was well written, and James Winter was a realistically constructed character, but the plot was too simple. Some of the things that Winter does are quite hard to accept. You don’t think that he could do that or you say to yourself, “How can you be that stupid!” But you could accept those things in a book with more twists. Mr Coates give us some more unexpected twists in your next book. If that happens you could have a real winner.
I give Eavesdrop 3 1/2 Stars out of 5, because even though the book had a good measure of excitement, it didn’t keep me guessing.
I received a digital review copy from the author.
August 18, 2016
I received this book as part of Good Reads First Reads
James Winter is an ex MI5 agent. But he has been accused of being involved with diamond smuggling. He has to clear his name but as he tries to do so he finds himself juggling being in two places at once. His wife is in hospital with cancer and as he tries to be with her he also has to find time to sort out his problems. he is suspended from his job but is determined to find out who has called his name into question - is it to hide more of the people involved in the smuggling ? - and does he know who they are ? He has to weatch his back though - his life is in danger as he gets closer to finding the smugglers
This book is fast paced and at times I found I had to really concentrate to keep up with who was who. As a book that delves into terror plots in the Middle East it is well put together but at times hard going
James Winter is an ex MI5 agent. But he has been accused of being involved with diamond smuggling. He has to clear his name but as he tries to do so he finds himself juggling being in two places at once. His wife is in hospital with cancer and as he tries to be with her he also has to find time to sort out his problems. he is suspended from his job but is determined to find out who has called his name into question - is it to hide more of the people involved in the smuggling ? - and does he know who they are ? He has to weatch his back though - his life is in danger as he gets closer to finding the smugglers
This book is fast paced and at times I found I had to really concentrate to keep up with who was who. As a book that delves into terror plots in the Middle East it is well put together but at times hard going
May 6, 2015
Mr Coates spins a good tight tale of espionage and random Heroism.
This book started rather slowly, as compared to most spy novels, but quickly comedies to a boil. The characters set a lively pace that keeps us involved, and puzzled, as a mundane smuggling case evolves into International Intrigue with a most radical and deadly plot to be diffused. I won't say more, but will say it's worth you reading time.
This book started rather slowly, as compared to most spy novels, but quickly comedies to a boil. The characters set a lively pace that keeps us involved, and puzzled, as a mundane smuggling case evolves into International Intrigue with a most radical and deadly plot to be diffused. I won't say more, but will say it's worth you reading time.
June 6, 2016
For being a first novel, Ian Coates did a great job. It was well written and easy to read with vivid descriptions that I easily pictured, especially those freezing weather experiences in Finland. His main characters were believable and convincing. The story was a little slow in the beginning. I found the terrorist plot very exciting. After the book did pick up, it became a real page turner for me to the end. I will read his next book.
January 25, 2015
Spoiler Alert - the Title gives away the plot twist
In what otherwise would be a very good 4 or 5 star thriller about a more or less accidental hero, having 'a Mossad spy thriller' as part of the title is very misleading and ruins what would have been the pivotal plot twist.
In what otherwise would be a very good 4 or 5 star thriller about a more or less accidental hero, having 'a Mossad spy thriller' as part of the title is very misleading and ruins what would have been the pivotal plot twist.
June 24, 2015
GOOD READ
Interesting take. I really enjoy books that are focused on non-American law enforcement. This one combines both Finish and British venues in a very engaging tale. Even the MOSSAD gets into the story.
Interesting take. I really enjoy books that are focused on non-American law enforcement. This one combines both Finish and British venues in a very engaging tale. Even the MOSSAD gets into the story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews