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Timebomb
'A superior historical thriller, which is both a murder mystery and espionage novel...for fans of Alan Furst and Philip Kerr.' - Thomas Waugh
Manchester, 1919.
To Detective Chief Inspector Frank Tinsley, it initially appears to be a straightforward crime. A drunkard has been stabbed to death and robbed.
But what was the drunk doing behind the university physics building at three in the morning?
As Tinsley seeks answers, he becomes convinced that the key to solving the murder lies in the contents of a scientific notebook, which has mysteriously gone missing.
But Tinsley is not the only one searching for the notebook. German Intelligence believes it contains the secret to a new kind of weapon, and has sent an IRA operative, Graham Donnelly, to retrieve it, promising rifles and ammunition in return. Donnelly is desperate to prove himself and will allow nothing to stand in the way of completing his assignment.
As Tinsley becomes aware of the notebook's contents, he realises that the stakes are higher than he imagined.
Should he fail, the notebook and its atomic secrets will fall into the hands of Germany, just as Adolf Hitler is plotting his rise to power.
Kevin Bartlett was born in Colchester. He lives in Victoria, Canada, with his wife. Timebomb is his first novel.
Manchester, 1919.
To Detective Chief Inspector Frank Tinsley, it initially appears to be a straightforward crime. A drunkard has been stabbed to death and robbed.
But what was the drunk doing behind the university physics building at three in the morning?
As Tinsley seeks answers, he becomes convinced that the key to solving the murder lies in the contents of a scientific notebook, which has mysteriously gone missing.
But Tinsley is not the only one searching for the notebook. German Intelligence believes it contains the secret to a new kind of weapon, and has sent an IRA operative, Graham Donnelly, to retrieve it, promising rifles and ammunition in return. Donnelly is desperate to prove himself and will allow nothing to stand in the way of completing his assignment.
As Tinsley becomes aware of the notebook's contents, he realises that the stakes are higher than he imagined.
Should he fail, the notebook and its atomic secrets will fall into the hands of Germany, just as Adolf Hitler is plotting his rise to power.
Kevin Bartlett was born in Colchester. He lives in Victoria, Canada, with his wife. Timebomb is his first novel.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 4, 2026
Full disclosure: Kevin's my friend, and I was a beta reader for his opening chapters.
Another full disclosure, and one that should be obvious from looking over my reading list. I don't read thrillers, mysteries, or books with murder/violence.
Despite this, I truly enjoyed Timebomb. I particularly liked the dual perspective. And I was rooting for the IRA operative as much (honestly, a bit more) than the British police detective. This gave the book depth and complexity beyond the fast-paced thriller-vibe story.
If historical thrillers are something you love to read, then this book is 100% for you!
Another full disclosure, and one that should be obvious from looking over my reading list. I don't read thrillers, mysteries, or books with murder/violence.
Despite this, I truly enjoyed Timebomb. I particularly liked the dual perspective. And I was rooting for the IRA operative as much (honestly, a bit more) than the British police detective. This gave the book depth and complexity beyond the fast-paced thriller-vibe story.
If historical thrillers are something you love to read, then this book is 100% for you!
February 28, 2026
Well written and very evocative of the time. A thoughtful exploration of international alliances, espionage, the power of science, and conscientious objectors during wartime.
Inspired by the story of a real missing notebook, which belonged to brilliant physicist Henry Moseley.
Inspired by the story of a real missing notebook, which belonged to brilliant physicist Henry Moseley.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews