Sanctuary

by Mark Dawson

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2026

About the author

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Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.

He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).

The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.

Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.

You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.

Reviews

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie Cooper deals with trouble again

After the suspicious death of a retired agent at a retreat, Charlie is sent in under cover as a burned out agent who needs therapy,
On his first evening a second murder happens, that Charlie sees just after it has happened, with the help of another patient Julie, he sets out to find not only the culprit, but the reason for the killings...
This is a un-putdownable read... that leaves you wanting to read what happens next with the characters... a worthy 5🌟 for Mark Dawson 👏

[Sheila Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the influence of

Cooper is sent to the sanctuary as a patient to find out how and why Thomas Allbright is dead. His first day there he is confronted by Allbrights girlfriend Samantha,then she was found dead too. This story has more twists and turns suspicion everywhere will Cooper be able to find the truth or become a target himself. Does he find an ally in Julie all so there to mend and the bigger question is why.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your usual sanctuary

I don’t know how Mark Dawson manages to find the time to write so many Charlie Cooper novella’s, not that I’m complaining because this is yet another brilliant short story that takes Charlie to a place slightly out of the norm for him when it comes to his skill set but never the less, he’s there to do a job and that’s the be and end all of it. Happy reading.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Thought I’d have a change from my usual reading, I liked the sound of this one and what a story, I was hooked from the start, and was one of those books I hated putting down but excited to pick up again, will definitely be reading more of Mark Dawson’s books…. Fab read, a definite 5 stars 🌟

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accident or murder?

A second death occurs the night Charlie Cooper arrives at the Sanctuary, but this time it is definitely murder. Charlie discovers that the Russians may be behind the killings. Julie, a recovering soldier is recruited by Cooper to help find the killer. I highly recommend this book! Happy reading! ☺️

[Michael Garin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read and a wonderful way to introduce a new character into Dawson's ensemble

Although a short story, Sanctuary introduces a new character who I'm sure will keep us captivated hopefully for volumes to come.

[Shane M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome reading

I love reading the series of books that Mark Dawson writes. Every one of them is a book that I do not want to put down till the end. I'm always waiting for the next 1 to come out.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to this fab series but my usual complaint, these Charlie Cooper adventures are just too short!
We definitely need a full length version and the ending of Sanctuary gives just the opportunity for one…….

[carl clause · Rating 5 out of 5]

CC1

This was another excellent Cooper saga. Cooper vouches for Julie but Cooper has to train her. Given Controls expectations this may be rough on Cooper. 10 stars plus!!! Thanks Carl Clause

[David Patsel · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick fun read

Love these Charlie Cooper books. He’s a bad ass good operator, always up to the job and always gets results. Sometimes it’s messy, in fact most times it’s messy but he perseveres and carries the day. Highly recommend this series

[Darren Keighley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top of his game

Mark Dawson has this knack of dragging you in to his books & not letting go.
His latest story is close to real life as you can get with plot twists everywhere.
It’s a quick read & you will be done in a couple of days of heavy reading, but it’s worth it.

[wilma mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Charlie Cooper

Each book has a story worth reading. I enjoy the shorter adventures Cooper has,
in comparison to Mark's other characters e.g. Milton and Priest. Love all Mark's books. Highly recommend them for keeping you interested. Looking forward to the next one.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent standard as usual. Good plot. No waffle.

[Thomas Meurling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the Charlie Cooper book series. Short and to the point. I know that I can read them in two afternoons.
Already looking forward to the next one.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick read of a novel by Mark Dawson. Enjoyed it.

[PAC Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Charlie Cooper series.
I’d highly recommend this book….and the others in the series for anyone wanting to read a short story that is full of action.

[james hooker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot contrived

Geography of the area let him down, normally very good. I really didn't enjoy the story line, and l have read all the Charlie Cooper and Milton books.

[Karen Team-orange · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only criticism of Mark Dawson’s books; they don’t last long enough. I get caught up in the action and can’t put them down.

[william shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book Brilliant author

[Chalky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent novella from Mark Dawson, who has very quickly become one of my favourite authors