Direct Action: The 23rd Spider Shepherd Thriller

by Stephen Leather

Genres: Thriller

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2026

About the author

Stephen 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.

Reviews

[Dennis Wooff · Rating 5 out of 5]

always a pleasure

A great read keeps you on your toes from beginning to end
I would certainly recommend reading this book and if you are a follower of spider Shepherd books you will not be disappointed

[Richard Mulholland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 for me. The author's political views, while always known, were very heavy handed here and it got a bit much.

However, it was Spider, and a good time, so there's that.

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible version...
Another gripping thriller from the master storyteller Stephen Leather. Direct Action is a topical, fast-paced listen packed with tension, action, and suspense from beginning to end. With not only Spider Shepherd it was great to meet up with Razor and Lex from previous stories once again.
As always, Paul Thornley delivers a superb narration, bringing the characters and story to life with his excellent performance. A perfect pairing of author and narrator, highly recommended.

[Mrs Kay Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this new Spider Shepherd adventure. Stephen Leather has excellently captured and written about the way the country is going to hell in a hand cart. Love the premise of the vigilante group trying to put the injustices right. I have already have the next book pre ordered and can't wait.

[Kirsty Maule · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book as always

Love this series by Stephen as always. Great pace and very interesting and up to date bringing in current issues. Also love it when led harper makes an appearance. Totally freaked out to read my name in the book as one of the characters has it.

[simon may · Rating 5 out of 5]

attention grabbing thriller. Again!

Doesn’t disappoint. I Read it in one sitting. Another one you can’t put down. Can’t wait for the next one

[keith snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant well written 2 backgrounds blending together Did not disappoint recommend this as must for any spider fans.

[Anil · Rating 4 out of 5]

As per usual very good book. But felt the ending was hurried.

[Chris Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

This was so convincing I found myself looking to see if the plot was based in reality. I’ve read them all and they just get better.

[Simon Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Excellent well thought out plot with the story line relevant to what is occurring currently in the world. Definitely
recommended

[Own Timis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thrill-a-minute Spider Shepherd novel with a twist two-thirds in that I didn't expect. The ending felt a bit rushed though.