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Smart Moves
International troubleshooter Jake Foreman loses his job, house and wife all in one day. And when an impulsive move lands him in even deeper water - the kind that could lose him his life - he decides it's time to make some smart decisions.The trouble is, knowing the right moves and making them is a whole different game. And Jake, who has been happily rubbing along things he always suspected were just a shade away from being dodgy, finds it all too easy to go with the flow. Now he's got to start learning new tricks.If he doesn't, he could end up dead.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2013
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Magson
48 books100 followersAdrian Magson is a British crime-writer, his books often involve conspiracies, and have two repeating main characters - Riley Gavin, a young female investigative reporter, and Frank Palmer, a former RMP (British Royal Military Policeman) now a private investigator.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 27, 2018
The title of the book, Smart Moves, is ironic, intentionally so, as initially Jake seems to make nothing but unsmart moves that put him in the bad books of some pretty nasty characters. His self-confessed ‘three wise monkeys’ approach of asking no questions has, up until now, seen him successfully through a career as a troubleshooter in some distinctly unsavoury situations. But is it quite so wise in the position in which he finds himself now?
When he finds himself thrown out of his house by his wife, he turns to brother, Marcus, and old friend, Hugo. Unfortunately, their best-intentioned advice and introductions only land Jake in more hot water. And soon it’s getting hotter by the minute. Luckily, he finally encounters someone made of ‘sterner stuff’, someone able – and willing – to help him out. Together, it turns out they might make a great partnership.
Smart Moves is a lot of fun, largely because Jake is a thoroughly likeable and engaging character with a nice line in self-deprecating humour. In fact, sardonic humour is a key feature of the book. A couple of my favourites:
[Jake, encountering his nosy neighbour, Mrs Tree, outside his now empty house] ‘Seeing her reminded me of driving across a patch of the Namib desert and spotting vultures circling over the remains of a dead zebra. I knew how the zebra must have felt.’
[Jake, on his wife, Susan] ‘One thing I’d learned very early in our relationship was that Susan didn’t do rough. Her idea of an adventure holiday was having to switch on the air con herself.’
The author is clearly a skilled writer because he keeps the story moving along nicely, increasing the pace in the final third of the book to keep the reader turning the pages. He also has a deft touch when it comes to great opening and closing lines of chapters.
Smart Moves has all the characteristics of a great crime caper movie: likeable hero, witty dialogue, well-paced story, a few narrow escapes from the bad guys, a bit of fisticuffs and the occasional romantic encounter for our leading man. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Given the ending of the book and, despite the declaration by Adrian that the novel is a standalone, he has cleverly left things sufficiently open so there could be another outing for Jake Foreman if he so desired… I think there may be many readers of Smart Moves who will positively demand it.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, The Dome Press, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
When he finds himself thrown out of his house by his wife, he turns to brother, Marcus, and old friend, Hugo. Unfortunately, their best-intentioned advice and introductions only land Jake in more hot water. And soon it’s getting hotter by the minute. Luckily, he finally encounters someone made of ‘sterner stuff’, someone able – and willing – to help him out. Together, it turns out they might make a great partnership.
Smart Moves is a lot of fun, largely because Jake is a thoroughly likeable and engaging character with a nice line in self-deprecating humour. In fact, sardonic humour is a key feature of the book. A couple of my favourites:
[Jake, encountering his nosy neighbour, Mrs Tree, outside his now empty house] ‘Seeing her reminded me of driving across a patch of the Namib desert and spotting vultures circling over the remains of a dead zebra. I knew how the zebra must have felt.’
[Jake, on his wife, Susan] ‘One thing I’d learned very early in our relationship was that Susan didn’t do rough. Her idea of an adventure holiday was having to switch on the air con herself.’
The author is clearly a skilled writer because he keeps the story moving along nicely, increasing the pace in the final third of the book to keep the reader turning the pages. He also has a deft touch when it comes to great opening and closing lines of chapters.
Smart Moves has all the characteristics of a great crime caper movie: likeable hero, witty dialogue, well-paced story, a few narrow escapes from the bad guys, a bit of fisticuffs and the occasional romantic encounter for our leading man. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Given the ending of the book and, despite the declaration by Adrian that the novel is a standalone, he has cleverly left things sufficiently open so there could be another outing for Jake Foreman if he so desired… I think there may be many readers of Smart Moves who will positively demand it.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, The Dome Press, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 21, 2018
Huge thank you to the publishers for the advanced copy of this book. I know I can always trust them for a story full of quality and intrigue and this is exactly what I got with this story.
The main character, Jake, is having a very bad day! The worst kind of bad days! All he has known for a number of yeas has ended so he needs to think fast and get a new life plan! He's been let go from work, his wife has left him, and there's squatters in his home!!
The more he uncovers about the kind of work he was doing before is a little troubling to him - he's been a little naive to say the least! - so when he's offered new opportunities in the 'courier service' he grabs at it! He knows he's good at it so it makes sense to carry on with what he knows! He seems to care less for the consequences this may bring his way!
Add to the mix, a mess of a personal life and his life begins to spiral a little out of control and, as a reader, you just wonder what he'll be facing next and where!
This was a fast paced thriller, that felt very fresh to read and the subtle mix of humour worked really well! There was always something going on and I found myself enjoying getting to know Jake as a character and how he had to start thinking on his feet to save himself and those around him!
A refreshing read!
August 20, 2018
SMART MOVES by Adrian Magson is a gripping story that wasn't quite what I expected which was a good thing!
Jake Foreman spends his days working as a troubleshooter, putting out fires with a payoff here and a quiet word there but when his life falls apart at the seams, he doesn't seem to be able to put himself back on track. First, he loses his job, then his wife, and then he finds himself involved with all the wrong people and his dealings begin to take on a deadly edge.
I love Adrian Magson's Inspector Rocco series so I was intrigued to read SMART MOVES which is completely different in style but still has that sarcastic edge that I associate with this talented writer. The characters are flawed and engaging, and it was fascinating to be carried along for the ride with Jake as he tried to grasp at a new life and new beginning for himself.
SMART MOVES by Adrian Magson is a cleverly written story of life and how our choices can throw one into a tailspin, and is well worth reading.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Jake Foreman spends his days working as a troubleshooter, putting out fires with a payoff here and a quiet word there but when his life falls apart at the seams, he doesn't seem to be able to put himself back on track. First, he loses his job, then his wife, and then he finds himself involved with all the wrong people and his dealings begin to take on a deadly edge.
I love Adrian Magson's Inspector Rocco series so I was intrigued to read SMART MOVES which is completely different in style but still has that sarcastic edge that I associate with this talented writer. The characters are flawed and engaging, and it was fascinating to be carried along for the ride with Jake as he tried to grasp at a new life and new beginning for himself.
SMART MOVES by Adrian Magson is a cleverly written story of life and how our choices can throw one into a tailspin, and is well worth reading.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
December 8, 2019
I'm so glad that I finally got around to read this little masterpiece by one of my favorite authors Adrian Magson. This book does not belong to any of his series and I'm glad he wrote it. I haven't had so much fun reading for quite some time and I did not have a clue where this story would go. Great use of a plot twist and the english language.
August 23, 2018
ake is not having a good day. Losing his job is just the start of his troubles!
Now, if I’m honest I shouldn’t really like Smart Moves. With a fairly ‘blokey’ man as a protagonist in Jake who often views women in quite a sexist way and sometimes shares similar humour with his friends, Smart Moves ought not to have appealed to me. However, it did completely! I thought it was a great book. I think it’s because at the same time as being a little bit sexist and ‘macho’, Jake is an enormously likeable person. Life keeps kicking him when he is down and he is actually quite diffident and self-effacing behind his public persona. Much of the sympathy for, and empathy with, him comes through the brilliant first person viewpoint, Jake’s sense of humour and the fact that he’s incredibly stoical so that I was really desperate for his life to improve. I think this is very skilled writing. Here’s a man, Jake, whom I found myself entirely supporting almost in spite of myself – so much so, in fact, that I’d like to meet him again in a future book.
Smart Moves begins at a cracking pace and doesn’t let up so that it’s a quick and highly entertaining read. From the very first moment I had a terrible sense of foreboding as far as Jake was concerned and he does lurch from one less smart move to another as the story progresses, but each is a really well crafted and self contained adventure as he runs frequently questionable errands in a variety of countries. Whilst I may have had willingly to suspend my disbelief at times, I think Adrian Magson may well have been introducing me to a whole world totally outside my own experience and I found it fascinating. I don’t usually make comparisons, but Smart Moves did remind me of Fargo in many ways because it has a similar pithy dark humour and sense of intrigue.
I was drawn into Smart Moves by the hectic pace initially and became ensared by great writing, smashing chapter endings that drew me on and a character I truly believed in. I love an author who knows when one word can convey everything without embellishment and Adrian Magson has that ability in spades. Smart Moves is quirky, funny, pacy and exciting. What more could you want for a book?
Now, if I’m honest I shouldn’t really like Smart Moves. With a fairly ‘blokey’ man as a protagonist in Jake who often views women in quite a sexist way and sometimes shares similar humour with his friends, Smart Moves ought not to have appealed to me. However, it did completely! I thought it was a great book. I think it’s because at the same time as being a little bit sexist and ‘macho’, Jake is an enormously likeable person. Life keeps kicking him when he is down and he is actually quite diffident and self-effacing behind his public persona. Much of the sympathy for, and empathy with, him comes through the brilliant first person viewpoint, Jake’s sense of humour and the fact that he’s incredibly stoical so that I was really desperate for his life to improve. I think this is very skilled writing. Here’s a man, Jake, whom I found myself entirely supporting almost in spite of myself – so much so, in fact, that I’d like to meet him again in a future book.
Smart Moves begins at a cracking pace and doesn’t let up so that it’s a quick and highly entertaining read. From the very first moment I had a terrible sense of foreboding as far as Jake was concerned and he does lurch from one less smart move to another as the story progresses, but each is a really well crafted and self contained adventure as he runs frequently questionable errands in a variety of countries. Whilst I may have had willingly to suspend my disbelief at times, I think Adrian Magson may well have been introducing me to a whole world totally outside my own experience and I found it fascinating. I don’t usually make comparisons, but Smart Moves did remind me of Fargo in many ways because it has a similar pithy dark humour and sense of intrigue.
I was drawn into Smart Moves by the hectic pace initially and became ensared by great writing, smashing chapter endings that drew me on and a character I truly believed in. I love an author who knows when one word can convey everything without embellishment and Adrian Magson has that ability in spades. Smart Moves is quirky, funny, pacy and exciting. What more could you want for a book?
August 17, 2018
There are some books where the narrator has such a presence that I'm hooked from the word go and Jake Foreman definitely falls into this category. The story opens with Jake losing his job and I was immediately intrigued by his description of the work he'd done as a project supervisor. Jake himself admits it was work that might be regarded in some parts of the world as slightly unethical and realised over the three years that he held the position that the only real requirement was not to ask too many questions; 'Don't ask, don't nose, don't look.' His bad day deteriorates further when he arrives home to discover his wife is out and he doesn't have a key. He peers through the kitchen window and describes it as being, 'Bare as a badger's eyeball.' He assumes they've been burgled but his nosy neighbour, Doris gleefully informs him that Susan has gone and he eventually realises she has left him. His fractious state of mind leads to him being arrested when the police turn up after the burglar alarm goes off and the misery is really piled still further on poor Jake when he returns to find squatters have moved in, believing it to be an unoccupied property.
Jake resolves to make some smart moves and at first things seem to be looking up for him; he has an enjoyable and memorable time at a party and then accepts a new position as a courier for high-value items although he suspects there is something decidedly dodgy about the job. His first few assignments make it clear that what he is doing isn't perhaps strictly above board but go smoothly enough, however, Jake is one of those characters who seem to invite trouble and so when the encounter at a party results in potentially painful consequences he believes accepting a trip to North Carolina may help put some distance between him and his pursuer. He is very wrong though and what up to now has been a book in which the potential for menace has mostly been hinted at becomes a high-octane thriller as he ends up mixed up in a very dangerous business and finds himself on the run from the law. Jake is a very likeable man, the rapport he strikes up with his squatters is testament to this and so it isn't a surprise that despite being pursued by law enforcement officers, we want him to get away with it. He is helped by Lilly-Mae but she has been living with a villain and it would seem that becoming involved with her will only result in more trouble. He can't resist the chemistry and thank goodness he doesn't because she is a fabulous character and the rapport between them is just wonderful.
Smart Moves is a gripping and immensely entertaining novel with superb characterisation. Jake is a relatable everyman and so while the situations he finds himself in may be extraordinary, his responses are understandable. The various locations are all vividly described and help create a fast-paced story which feels authentic and contemporary. I can't help wondering if Jake will find himself in more trouble in the future but if not then I can confirm that Adrian Magson writes standalones as successfully as he writes series and if we do leave Jake here then it's a perfect conclusion to a truly enjoyable story.
Jake resolves to make some smart moves and at first things seem to be looking up for him; he has an enjoyable and memorable time at a party and then accepts a new position as a courier for high-value items although he suspects there is something decidedly dodgy about the job. His first few assignments make it clear that what he is doing isn't perhaps strictly above board but go smoothly enough, however, Jake is one of those characters who seem to invite trouble and so when the encounter at a party results in potentially painful consequences he believes accepting a trip to North Carolina may help put some distance between him and his pursuer. He is very wrong though and what up to now has been a book in which the potential for menace has mostly been hinted at becomes a high-octane thriller as he ends up mixed up in a very dangerous business and finds himself on the run from the law. Jake is a very likeable man, the rapport he strikes up with his squatters is testament to this and so it isn't a surprise that despite being pursued by law enforcement officers, we want him to get away with it. He is helped by Lilly-Mae but she has been living with a villain and it would seem that becoming involved with her will only result in more trouble. He can't resist the chemistry and thank goodness he doesn't because she is a fabulous character and the rapport between them is just wonderful.
Smart Moves is a gripping and immensely entertaining novel with superb characterisation. Jake is a relatable everyman and so while the situations he finds himself in may be extraordinary, his responses are understandable. The various locations are all vividly described and help create a fast-paced story which feels authentic and contemporary. I can't help wondering if Jake will find himself in more trouble in the future but if not then I can confirm that Adrian Magson writes standalones as successfully as he writes series and if we do leave Jake here then it's a perfect conclusion to a truly enjoyable story.
August 25, 2018
I have to admit that I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I first picked up this book what I did find was a book full of surprises. I really enjoyed the style of writing as it had a wonderful addition of humour that gave it a down to earth feel. In a way Jake has an ordinary life but with a job that is a little out of the ordinary. Until one day he suddenly finds his life disrupted in a very big way! What follows sets him on a very different path but what a journey it is, from meeting new and unexpected friends to getting involved in dangerous situations. One thing is for certain Jake's life gets a whole lot more complicated!
There are a whole range of different characters that Jake meets in this story and they all bring something to the story. Some danger, others romance and of course plenty of trouble finds Jake along the way too. I couldn't help but root for his character but also wondering what would happen next!
Smart Moves is a brilliant adventure with a fast paced plot keeping me invested in Jake's story all the way through. We see what happens when a person hits rock bottom but then is determined to get through it the best way he can. Showing the lows and the highs this story is an enjoyable and very entertaining way to spend a few hours.
Fast paced, vibrant and intriguing!
There are a whole range of different characters that Jake meets in this story and they all bring something to the story. Some danger, others romance and of course plenty of trouble finds Jake along the way too. I couldn't help but root for his character but also wondering what would happen next!
Smart Moves is a brilliant adventure with a fast paced plot keeping me invested in Jake's story all the way through. We see what happens when a person hits rock bottom but then is determined to get through it the best way he can. Showing the lows and the highs this story is an enjoyable and very entertaining way to spend a few hours.
Fast paced, vibrant and intriguing!
August 30, 2018
Jake Foreman's day starts off badly and gets worse, culminating in being thrown out of his own house by a bunch of squatters. What then follows shows just how Jake's life, once reasonably settled, takes a very different turn. Jake is very much a man's man, and yet there is an air of vulnerability to him which I found quite endearing and I warmed to his character, sometimes with a sense of incredulity at some of his smart moves, but throughout the book I found I was smiling at his escapades. He's a bit hapless really, getting into situations that he sort of falls into without thinking, and I think that's what makes Smart Moves such an enjoyable read as you are never quite sure what is going to happen next in Jake’s eventful, mixed up life.
I read Smart Moves quite quickly, it's an easy read in many ways, and yet, is filled with some wry observations about the sheer doggedness of life, and the fact that Jake keeps going regardless is part of the story’s overall charm. There’s lots going on, and as the story gets more and more sinister it’s interesting to see just how Jake’s character develops and becomes stronger and more confident.
The author writes well and has created in Jake Foreman a memorable and likeable character who I could quite easily see in future novels. The distinctive easy style certainly entertains from its light hearted beginning to its satisfying ending.
I read Smart Moves quite quickly, it's an easy read in many ways, and yet, is filled with some wry observations about the sheer doggedness of life, and the fact that Jake keeps going regardless is part of the story’s overall charm. There’s lots going on, and as the story gets more and more sinister it’s interesting to see just how Jake’s character develops and becomes stronger and more confident.
The author writes well and has created in Jake Foreman a memorable and likeable character who I could quite easily see in future novels. The distinctive easy style certainly entertains from its light hearted beginning to its satisfying ending.
August 28, 2018
I am ashamed to say that this is the first book that I have read by the author. Yes I hang my head in shame....after reading it I am now left wondering why the hell I haven't read any of Adrian's books before.
Imagine losing your house, Job and partner all in one day..This is exactly what happens to Jake Foreman who I have to say I loved! Written from Jake's POV we follow him on a journey that I wasn't expecting. In fact I didn't know what to expect at all. But I sure has hell wasn't disappointed.
The author slowly draws you in, the more I read the more I wanted to know. The story soon picks up a pace and I couldn't put it down. Which quite surprised me because it is more a lad's book.
Jake is your normal 41 year old guy with a sarcastic dry sense of humour, he is right up my street. I totally got him has a person and the author has made him feel so realistic. I felt like Jake was telling me his story. The ladies will love him!
Smart Moves is a gritty, gripping read which would make a brilliant film. I highly recommend it giving it 4 stars.
Thank you to Dome Press for inviting me to take part in this fab tour.
November 11, 2013
Jake Foreman is a British troubleshooter, unfortunately he is a disaster when it comes to troubleshooting his own life. In the space of a day, Jake is made redundant and his wife, Susan, leaves him - taking all their worldly possessions with her. Jake’s best friend can’t take him in because his wife, (a friend of Susan’s) detests him. Jake ends up befriending the hippie squatters who have moved into his house that night, assuming since there wasn’t a stick of furniture, no one could possibly be living there. Later, Jake’s best friend admits to Jake his wife left him because she thought he was boring and is now having an affair with his ex boss. Jake only adds to his troubles when at a party he unknowingly has sex with a woman who turns out to have an extremely jealous husband now on a rampage to find the ’mystery man’ his wife slept with. Jake decides his best move would be to take on a job as an international courier flying in and out of locations dropping off and picking up envelopes of which he has no idea as to their legality and currently isn’t inclined to ask. Things become problematic when Jake flies to Charlotte, North Carolina to a drop off an envelope to an eccentric international arms dealer and events take a sinister turn. Jake is a go with the flow type of guy who still manages to think quickly upon his feet as the situations around him twist and turn. The writing is straight forward and holds the reader’s attention as we travel with the always entertaining Jake as he and his life undergo dramatic changes and Jake discovers a new sense of self and confidence. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for some light entertainment that coupled with Magson’s clever and sarcastic writing style, keeps the reader involved with the characters all the way to the very end.
September 6, 2023
Jake loses his job and his wife all in the same day. He travelled a lot for business and suspected his dealings were very close to being shady but never questioned anything. Jake takes on a new job as an International
Courier and flies to North Carolina where things turn dangerous. Great easy read.
Courier and flies to North Carolina where things turn dangerous. Great easy read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews