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Underdogs
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26Underestimate this underdog at your peril . . .
Once a fearless SAS hero, Andy 'Deadman' Bird now battles the harsh streets of London after a catastrophic mission stripped him of his hearing, career, home, and marriage. His only solace is Tyson, his fiercely loyal and battle-tested dog.
When fate thrusts them into the path of a chilling alleyway murder, Andy and Tyson become the next targets. Who are these relentless hunters, and what dangerous secrets are they willing to kill for?
Desperate and cornered, Andy reaches out to his former brothers-in-arms - a team who owe him their very lives. But as they unravel a sinister web of organised crime and deadly political plots, who will be saving who this time?
Once a fearless SAS hero, Andy 'Deadman' Bird now battles the harsh streets of London after a catastrophic mission stripped him of his hearing, career, home, and marriage. His only solace is Tyson, his fiercely loyal and battle-tested dog.
When fate thrusts them into the path of a chilling alleyway murder, Andy and Tyson become the next targets. Who are these relentless hunters, and what dangerous secrets are they willing to kill for?
Desperate and cornered, Andy reaches out to his former brothers-in-arms - a team who owe him their very lives. But as they unravel a sinister web of organised crime and deadly political plots, who will be saving who this time?
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 12, 2026
17 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
251 books1,539 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been a fan of Stephen Leather's work for a long time now and he never disappoints. This latest book is certainly no exception - it's an absolute peach of a story. If you're looking for something full of action, violence, suspense and intrigue, then this is definitely the one for you.
The story follows Andy "Deadman" Bird, a former SAS hero who has had a really tough time of it after a mission went wrong. He's lost his hearing, his career and his marriage, and he's living on the streets of London. I absolutely loved Bird as a main character, but I have to say that Tyson the dog completely stole the show for me. Tyson is Bird's fiercely loyal companion and seeing the relationship between the two of them was just wonderful.
One thing that really got to me was how they are both experiencing PTSD after that failed mission. It was so interesting to see that this isn't something that just affects humans - I didn't really know anything about dogs being affected in that way, so it was new to me although not a complete surprise. It made their bond feel even deeper because they're both struggling with the same demons.
When they witness a murder in an alleyway, they both end up as targets. It was great to see Bird reach out to his old SAS brothers-in-arms for help. The camaraderie between the characters felt so natural and authentic, and it really added to the grit of the story as they got tangled up in a mess of organised crime and political plots.
It's a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled ride that kept me hooked from start to finish. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a proper, hard-hitting thriller. 🐾
Huge thanks to the author, Pan Macmillan, Macmillan and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, yet another cracker from Mr Leather.
The story follows Andy "Deadman" Bird, a former SAS hero who has had a really tough time of it after a mission went wrong. He's lost his hearing, his career and his marriage, and he's living on the streets of London. I absolutely loved Bird as a main character, but I have to say that Tyson the dog completely stole the show for me. Tyson is Bird's fiercely loyal companion and seeing the relationship between the two of them was just wonderful.
One thing that really got to me was how they are both experiencing PTSD after that failed mission. It was so interesting to see that this isn't something that just affects humans - I didn't really know anything about dogs being affected in that way, so it was new to me although not a complete surprise. It made their bond feel even deeper because they're both struggling with the same demons.
When they witness a murder in an alleyway, they both end up as targets. It was great to see Bird reach out to his old SAS brothers-in-arms for help. The camaraderie between the characters felt so natural and authentic, and it really added to the grit of the story as they got tangled up in a mess of organised crime and political plots.
It's a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled ride that kept me hooked from start to finish. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a proper, hard-hitting thriller. 🐾
Huge thanks to the author, Pan Macmillan, Macmillan and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, yet another cracker from Mr Leather.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
They were once SAS heroes. Now Andy ‘Deadman’ Bird and his service dog Tyson have been cast out on the streets after a disastrous mission that went wrong, and left Andy totally deaf.
Living on the streets is tough, but things become tougher when Andy is witness to a murder in the alleyway he sleeps in. Not long after, he and his faithful dog are killers hit list. With his back against the wall, Andy calls for help from his former teammates. They drop everything to help him, as they owe him for saving their lives.
This turns out to be more than a rescue mission, Andy has walked into an international incident that involves people at the highest level. From top political figures to organised crime, and they will do anything to make this go away.
With his back against the wall, will he live to see another day and bring those responsible to justice.
Underdogs is one of Stephen Leather’s best standalone books to date.
From start to finish, this book is action-packed and enthralling. The characters are brilliant and engaging, and the authors storytelling is sublime.
Stephen Leather never lets his readers down, and this latest instalment is fantastic. A total rollercoaster ride.
Living on the streets is tough, but things become tougher when Andy is witness to a murder in the alleyway he sleeps in. Not long after, he and his faithful dog are killers hit list. With his back against the wall, Andy calls for help from his former teammates. They drop everything to help him, as they owe him for saving their lives.
This turns out to be more than a rescue mission, Andy has walked into an international incident that involves people at the highest level. From top political figures to organised crime, and they will do anything to make this go away.
With his back against the wall, will he live to see another day and bring those responsible to justice.
Underdogs is one of Stephen Leather’s best standalone books to date.
From start to finish, this book is action-packed and enthralling. The characters are brilliant and engaging, and the authors storytelling is sublime.
Stephen Leather never lets his readers down, and this latest instalment is fantastic. A total rollercoaster ride.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first time I've read anything by this author however if this book is anything to go by, it won't be the last one! Right from the outset it was fast and furious as well as being packed with action and suspense.
Andy Bird, a former SAS member, is down on his luck and living homeless with his trusty dog, Tyson, who was also a former SAS dog. When sleeping in a deserted lane in London he becomes a witness in a violent murder. If that wasn't bad enough the perpetrators believed that the man that was murdered passed something to Bird before he died. The missing item was crucial to the killers and they then pursued Bird in trying to retrieve it. Nothing or anyone was going to stand in their way. With his own life in danger Any Bird had to call on his former friends and still serving members of the SAS to take the gang down.
Bird and Tyson are formidable and likeable characters, if that is correct terminology for a dog, even though PTSD is present in both of them.
This book is a fascinating read and encapsulates service life which stays with you long after leaving the services, and the camaraderie that encompasses it
Andy Bird, a former SAS member, is down on his luck and living homeless with his trusty dog, Tyson, who was also a former SAS dog. When sleeping in a deserted lane in London he becomes a witness in a violent murder. If that wasn't bad enough the perpetrators believed that the man that was murdered passed something to Bird before he died. The missing item was crucial to the killers and they then pursued Bird in trying to retrieve it. Nothing or anyone was going to stand in their way. With his own life in danger Any Bird had to call on his former friends and still serving members of the SAS to take the gang down.
Bird and Tyson are formidable and likeable characters, if that is correct terminology for a dog, even though PTSD is present in both of them.
This book is a fascinating read and encapsulates service life which stays with you long after leaving the services, and the camaraderie that encompasses it
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Underdogs by Stephen Leather is a high octane thriller focusing on Andy 'Deadman' Bird, a deaf former SAS hero and his loyal dog, Tyson, as they unravel a dangerous criminal plot. Andy's life takes a dangerous turn when he and Tyson witness an alleyway murder. This event makes them the next targets of ruthless hunters, drawing them into a sinister web of organized crime and deadly political plots. Desperate, Andy calls upon his former SAS comrades, a team who owe him their lives, leading to an action-packed fight for survival as they work to expose the conspiracy.
This is a fast paced, pulse pounding and compelling thriller with well drawn characters. Andy Bird, and the supporting cast, including his brilliant canine companion Tyson, are portrayed with a depth that makes them genuinely relatable. Their actions are driven by complex motivations rooted in their backstories of trauma, loyalty, and a quest for justice.
4 stars
This is a fast paced, pulse pounding and compelling thriller with well drawn characters. Andy Bird, and the supporting cast, including his brilliant canine companion Tyson, are portrayed with a depth that makes them genuinely relatable. Their actions are driven by complex motivations rooted in their backstories of trauma, loyalty, and a quest for justice.
4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been a Stephen Leather fan for some time, so I'm always very excited when a new one comes out, and boy, oh boy, was this an excellent read!
Andy Bird is a fantastic new character, and I really hope we will see more from him, as well as one of my new favorite four-legged characters, Tyson! Now, where can I train my two to only bark when I tell them to?
Andy nearly lost his life when an operation went sideways, and he is now deaf. His wife could not cope anymore and filed for divorce. Poor Tyson is also suffering from PTSD. Life is not going well for them, and they are now living on the streets.
Then he sees something he shouldn't, and soon Andy's life and those dear to him are in danger. Who can he turn to for help, and who is supplying inside information to the enemy?
Fortunately, Andy's got Tyson, and they make one mean team!
Andy Bird is a fantastic new character, and I really hope we will see more from him, as well as one of my new favorite four-legged characters, Tyson! Now, where can I train my two to only bark when I tell them to?
Andy nearly lost his life when an operation went sideways, and he is now deaf. His wife could not cope anymore and filed for divorce. Poor Tyson is also suffering from PTSD. Life is not going well for them, and they are now living on the streets.
Then he sees something he shouldn't, and soon Andy's life and those dear to him are in danger. Who can he turn to for help, and who is supplying inside information to the enemy?
Fortunately, Andy's got Tyson, and they make one mean team!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A long time reader of the Spider Shepherd novels by the same author I've now got a new fave, him names Tyson and he's way cuter than Spider could ever be.
Ex SAS Trooper Andy felt like he'd lost everything when he ended up on the streets, the only thing he'd managed to keep was Tyson, his ex-service dog. Life on the streets wasn't easy and Andy soon learned its all about finding the best place to hide away, but suddenly the best place isn't safe anymore and him and Tyson are on the run.
Good characters, plenty of action and an intriguing plot, this was a great read from start to finish.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own.
Ex SAS Trooper Andy felt like he'd lost everything when he ended up on the streets, the only thing he'd managed to keep was Tyson, his ex-service dog. Life on the streets wasn't easy and Andy soon learned its all about finding the best place to hide away, but suddenly the best place isn't safe anymore and him and Tyson are on the run.
Good characters, plenty of action and an intriguing plot, this was a great read from start to finish.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own.
January 7, 2026
New author to me but I noticed he has quite a back catalogue. This story centres around an SAS veteran , invalided out after an incident which left him totally deaf. His companion Tyson is a dog of many talents. There is great rapport between them. The pace of the story is good, definitely in the ‘ just one more chapter’ league, always a good sign. MI5, MI6 and the SAS are all involved and none of them like the other’s involvement. Quite a lot of dead bodies- but they mostly deserved it! I did wonder if there is going to be a follow up. The ending left it open I think. I will definitely look for more from the back catalogue.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Firstly, I’m a huge fan of Stephen Leather.
I have read every single book after coming across The Tunnel Rats in a Bondi Backpackers in 2002.
This novel takes after Leather’s characters of Matt Standing and Spider Shepherd and is an action packed thriller with you thrown in to Andy ‘Deadman’ Bird’s world from chapter 1 with a fast paced story with little let up.
I think this is a great story, love that we have a homeless veteran involved and that Leather has highlighted this issue clearly but without making the veteran a victim as such, he’s a bonafide hero!
I have read every single book after coming across The Tunnel Rats in a Bondi Backpackers in 2002.
This novel takes after Leather’s characters of Matt Standing and Spider Shepherd and is an action packed thriller with you thrown in to Andy ‘Deadman’ Bird’s world from chapter 1 with a fast paced story with little let up.
I think this is a great story, love that we have a homeless veteran involved and that Leather has highlighted this issue clearly but without making the veteran a victim as such, he’s a bonafide hero!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a brilliant thriller and what I hope to be the first book in a new series from Stephen Leather.
I love all of this author’s books and this one was no exception.
Andy is living rough on the streets of London with his faithful dog, Tyson.
Both of them are former SAS and following his divorce, Andy ends up being homeless.
One night he witnesses a man being attacked and killed and soon he is being hunted by the killers.
There are some real nail biting moments in this book and I absolutely loved it!
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read this book.
I love all of this author’s books and this one was no exception.
Andy is living rough on the streets of London with his faithful dog, Tyson.
Both of them are former SAS and following his divorce, Andy ends up being homeless.
One night he witnesses a man being attacked and killed and soon he is being hunted by the killers.
There are some real nail biting moments in this book and I absolutely loved it!
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolutely phenomenal.
This is the first book I’ve read by Stephen Leather and he has definitely gained a new fan. I loved this book, the characters are likeable including Tyson, the plot was fantastic and it was very well written.
It was very easy to follow and each chapter flowed brilliantly. I could see this book being made into a film one day, I loved that I was able to imagine what was happening and I did not want it to end.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Thank you so much for the early access to read Underdogs. I wish every success for publication day
This is the first book I’ve read by Stephen Leather and he has definitely gained a new fan. I loved this book, the characters are likeable including Tyson, the plot was fantastic and it was very well written.
It was very easy to follow and each chapter flowed brilliantly. I could see this book being made into a film one day, I loved that I was able to imagine what was happening and I did not want it to end.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Thank you so much for the early access to read Underdogs. I wish every success for publication day
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you enjoy action packed thrillers, then this is one for you. It is full of good characters with a believable plot and a brilliant canine character in Tyler. Andy is ex SAS, sleeping rough on the streets of London with his dog and he is a very likeable character. He witnesses a murder and goes on the run with Tyler in a struggle to stay alive. This is an easy 5* from me and I recommend to lovers of thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
I've read a lot of novels by Stephen Leather, mostly Jack Nightingale, and enjoyed them. This one is a good, well-paced story with a satisfying ending. The main character has to overcome hang-ups from past events but manages with the help of his ex-SAS dog, Tyson. I love dogs. Look, dogs and Beatles, I'm a sucker.
Stephen Leather writes a good story well.
I've read a lot of novels by Stephen Leather, mostly Jack Nightingale, and enjoyed them. This one is a good, well-paced story with a satisfying ending. The main character has to overcome hang-ups from past events but manages with the help of his ex-SAS dog, Tyson. I love dogs. Look, dogs and Beatles, I'm a sucker.
Stephen Leather writes a good story well.
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February 25, 2026DNF. Disappointed
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews