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The Redaction Chronicles #1
A Game for Assassins
Alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
The assassination of a Caribbean dictator....The "hit" on a traitor in Beirut......The brutal murder of a young CIA officer behind the Iron Curtain.....So begins the game......
It is 1964, the height of the Cold War, and British Intelligence is riding high with its top double agent network: Constellation.
But in the secret war fought across Europe the enemy is never far away and soon the agents of Constellation are targeted by an unknown team of assassins. In desperation British Intelligence sends in their best agent to protect the network and hunt down the killers.
Jack "Gorilla" Grant isn't your typical Cold War secret agent. Short, tough, uncompromising, rough edged. He doesn't fit in with the elitist spies and debonair intelligence agents. He prefers working at the rough end of British covert operations.
But "Gorilla" is one of the best "Redactors" in the business. He's an expert at close quarter shooting: quick to the draw and deadly accurate when it comes to the elimination of traitors and extremists on behalf of the British Secret Service (SIS). He is soon drawn into a game of cross and double cross where nothing is as it seems and even the most perfect spy can die in a wilderness of mirrors.
"A Game for Assassins" is an action packed edge of your seat thrill ride played out across the global stage of the Cold War.
The assassination of a Caribbean dictator....The "hit" on a traitor in Beirut......The brutal murder of a young CIA officer behind the Iron Curtain.....So begins the game......
It is 1964, the height of the Cold War, and British Intelligence is riding high with its top double agent network: Constellation.
But in the secret war fought across Europe the enemy is never far away and soon the agents of Constellation are targeted by an unknown team of assassins. In desperation British Intelligence sends in their best agent to protect the network and hunt down the killers.
Jack "Gorilla" Grant isn't your typical Cold War secret agent. Short, tough, uncompromising, rough edged. He doesn't fit in with the elitist spies and debonair intelligence agents. He prefers working at the rough end of British covert operations.
But "Gorilla" is one of the best "Redactors" in the business. He's an expert at close quarter shooting: quick to the draw and deadly accurate when it comes to the elimination of traitors and extremists on behalf of the British Secret Service (SIS). He is soon drawn into a game of cross and double cross where nothing is as it seems and even the most perfect spy can die in a wilderness of mirrors.
"A Game for Assassins" is an action packed edge of your seat thrill ride played out across the global stage of the Cold War.
558 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2015
1056 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
James Quinn
8 books31 followersABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James Quinn is the author of the "Gorilla Grant" series of spy novels. A professional security consultant and corporate intelligence operative, he currently resides in the UK but likes to travel extensively around the globe.
Visit the official James Quinn author website for more information about upcoming projects and events;
https://gorillagrant101.wixsite.com/j...
James Quinn is the author of the "Gorilla Grant" series of spy novels. A professional security consultant and corporate intelligence operative, he currently resides in the UK but likes to travel extensively around the globe.
Visit the official James Quinn author website for more information about upcoming projects and events;
https://gorillagrant101.wixsite.com/j...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 18, 2021
An international cat and mouse chase is powered by dynamic characters, pace and an ingenious twist ending. Seven hundred plus pages make this cold war thriller a legitimate epic of it's time and place.
March 19, 2020
A very good assassin thriller from a British author. Very detailed plot and backstory for all of the players. Not a lot of "skip over" material as most of it has something to do with the plot or subplots.
The "Redaction" service of British SIS is just what the name implies. Think James Bond and License to Kill. Set in the '60's during the high point of the cold war, it will challenge the memories of us older readers. A lot of old school spy craft and CIA/SIS action.
Well worth the 500 or so pages.
The "Redaction" service of British SIS is just what the name implies. Think James Bond and License to Kill. Set in the '60's during the high point of the cold war, it will challenge the memories of us older readers. A lot of old school spy craft and CIA/SIS action.
Well worth the 500 or so pages.
July 15, 2015
A Game For Assassins, by James Quinn, is quintessential Ludlum or Le Carre. If you're not old enough to have experienced the stories of the Cold War espionage and double dealing, you missed the real history. Post-war Europe and America, the battle for equilibrium with the Soviets and the KGB was daily nail biting, for real. Through his protagonist, Gorilla Grant, a hard bitten undercover agent, the reader is treated to the workings of the intelligence community worldwide, with double agents, and the internecine warfare among friends. Based on true stories of the early 1960s, you're in for a scamper across Europe and more than one surprise. For those of you tired of dragons or vampires, and not yet ready to hit your Xbox for the evening, A Game For Assassins will stir your juices. And believe it or not, your kids can read it. It's bloody, it's not James Bond,and it's a fun read.
October 30, 2016
Excellent book for a first time writer!
It's like Jason Bourne, James Bond and Peter Devereaux aka The November Man all in one. Once I got started reading I couldn't put the book down! Good plot. Good story line. Good characters! A modern post World War II spy espionage novel with a good ending that's doesn't leave you hanging!
On to book 2, Sentinel 5. To be continued ...
It's like Jason Bourne, James Bond and Peter Devereaux aka The November Man all in one. Once I got started reading I couldn't put the book down! Good plot. Good story line. Good characters! A modern post World War II spy espionage novel with a good ending that's doesn't leave you hanging!
On to book 2, Sentinel 5. To be continued ...
May 18, 2017
Classic spy/espionage novel with assassinations....5+Stars!
June 15, 2015
I don't get to read a lot of spy thrillers these days, but this genre is always really exciting to me - certainly some of my favorite movies are from this genre. The fact that this book also is set in the Cold War and fits into the historical fiction category makes it that much more interesting to me.
This book is gripping and intense from the beginning, and it keeps up the action and intrigue all the way through. It's a very long book - packed with detail, twists, characters, settings, and action - but I never consider that a bad thing. The writer is a knowledgeable authority on the subject matter, and at several points the story feels like real-life tidbits are thrown in, giving the whole story such a genuine feel that it's very hard to get bored.
I really liked that you get perspectives from both ends of the scope, so to speak (good guys and bad guys). It adds to the tension and helps you to feel like you know at least as much as the intelligence officers trying to sort this all out. I liked the variety of characters and settings, even if sometimes the backstories pulled you out of the current setting a little bit.
The writing itself is quite well done with only an occasional little goof that's easily forgivable (or easy to overlook because you're reading so fast). The language fits the genre/style well, not too flowery but quite precise and sharp, tactical.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes complex, detailed, reality-based spy novels.
This book is gripping and intense from the beginning, and it keeps up the action and intrigue all the way through. It's a very long book - packed with detail, twists, characters, settings, and action - but I never consider that a bad thing. The writer is a knowledgeable authority on the subject matter, and at several points the story feels like real-life tidbits are thrown in, giving the whole story such a genuine feel that it's very hard to get bored.
I really liked that you get perspectives from both ends of the scope, so to speak (good guys and bad guys). It adds to the tension and helps you to feel like you know at least as much as the intelligence officers trying to sort this all out. I liked the variety of characters and settings, even if sometimes the backstories pulled you out of the current setting a little bit.
The writing itself is quite well done with only an occasional little goof that's easily forgivable (or easy to overlook because you're reading so fast). The language fits the genre/style well, not too flowery but quite precise and sharp, tactical.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes complex, detailed, reality-based spy novels.
June 4, 2015
3.5 stars
A Game for Assassins was an entertaining tale. This is not a genre I often read, but I do enjoy some spy-based TV programmes and films such as Alias, so when the blog tour invite came through, I decided to give it a try.
The plot concept is interesting and the characters well-drawn. And for the most part the story moved at a good pace. As you would expect from an author with experience in the field, this tale came across as believable and nicely detailed.
For me the only downsides were: 1) some minor editing issues; 2) the fact some information felt "repeated" since we had it from two different view points, often in consecutive chapters; and 3)the fact the plot (which had moved at a nice fast pace prior) started to slow towards the end as we left Gorilla and joined the CIA investigator instead. On this last point, I feel it would have worked better had this investigation storyline been mixed in more in between Gorilla's (and associated) chapters to keep a more even pace throughout.
But overall this was a very pleasing read and it is sure to impress fans of spy thrillers looking for an authentic feel and good characterisation.
A Game for Assassins was an entertaining tale. This is not a genre I often read, but I do enjoy some spy-based TV programmes and films such as Alias, so when the blog tour invite came through, I decided to give it a try.
The plot concept is interesting and the characters well-drawn. And for the most part the story moved at a good pace. As you would expect from an author with experience in the field, this tale came across as believable and nicely detailed.
For me the only downsides were: 1) some minor editing issues; 2) the fact some information felt "repeated" since we had it from two different view points, often in consecutive chapters; and 3)the fact the plot (which had moved at a nice fast pace prior) started to slow towards the end as we left Gorilla and joined the CIA investigator instead. On this last point, I feel it would have worked better had this investigation storyline been mixed in more in between Gorilla's (and associated) chapters to keep a more even pace throughout.
But overall this was a very pleasing read and it is sure to impress fans of spy thrillers looking for an authentic feel and good characterisation.
July 4, 2021
A great spy story
Like most novels, you know the good guy is going to win and the bad guy will lose. It's how the story is told that makes it interesting
First, let's get grammar and spelling out of the way because that's something that can make even a good story unreadable. The decision: EXCELLENT! I only noticed two or three things that I would deem grammatical errors and no spelling mistakes. Kudos for that. So many writers and editors just insist that the English language is evolving which, to my ear, means they're illiterate
Moving on, the story is not what you think you're reading. It turns out that British spies are actually double agents. Someone thinks they're Russian agents and wants them dead
The British can't protect their agents or they'll blow their cover
So they need someone to kill the party that wants to kill their agents. Spy versus spy, if you will
Meanwhile in the background, a lot of other stories are told and they leave the reader with a feeling of how is that relevant. I can't say more without giving away the whole story
But I can say this: it's not who you think
Like most novels, you know the good guy is going to win and the bad guy will lose. It's how the story is told that makes it interesting
First, let's get grammar and spelling out of the way because that's something that can make even a good story unreadable. The decision: EXCELLENT! I only noticed two or three things that I would deem grammatical errors and no spelling mistakes. Kudos for that. So many writers and editors just insist that the English language is evolving which, to my ear, means they're illiterate
Moving on, the story is not what you think you're reading. It turns out that British spies are actually double agents. Someone thinks they're Russian agents and wants them dead
The British can't protect their agents or they'll blow their cover
So they need someone to kill the party that wants to kill their agents. Spy versus spy, if you will
Meanwhile in the background, a lot of other stories are told and they leave the reader with a feeling of how is that relevant. I can't say more without giving away the whole story
But I can say this: it's not who you think
December 27, 2020
Uneven...
The first portion of this book seemed an attempt to follow in LeCarre's footsteps, failing miserably. Quinn didn't seem to quite flesh out Grant, making him a caricature. About the middle section, Quinn found his stride, and the story became quite interesting. Where the earlier section seemed cliched the remainder of the book moved toward originality.
Grant would have benefited from a more nuanced description; Nicole from more substance, and capability.
The first portion of this book seemed an attempt to follow in LeCarre's footsteps, failing miserably. Quinn didn't seem to quite flesh out Grant, making him a caricature. About the middle section, Quinn found his stride, and the story became quite interesting. Where the earlier section seemed cliched the remainder of the book moved toward originality.
Grant would have benefited from a more nuanced description; Nicole from more substance, and capability.
January 10, 2021
A great read for the New Year!
A trip back in time to the early days of the intelligence services in the UK, and around the world.
Memorable characters, and with very descriptive locations, and a sense of actually being part of the actual periods of our past history.
If you like spy thrillers, then you've come to the right place, dark and touch, with real language!
Now, onto the 2nd book in the series, helps to distract from the outside world of 2021!
A trip back in time to the early days of the intelligence services in the UK, and around the world.
Memorable characters, and with very descriptive locations, and a sense of actually being part of the actual periods of our past history.
If you like spy thrillers, then you've come to the right place, dark and touch, with real language!
Now, onto the 2nd book in the series, helps to distract from the outside world of 2021!
April 6, 2021
Wha ta great read although the ending was a little sad. The author breaks the book into several sections in which each introduces a new character/s and then gives them some body but not in a abnormal fashion. Overall it each leads on to the next section and kept my interest to the end and hence wanting to read the next in the series. It will be interesting to see how how the main character grows - or not.
December 30, 2022
Amazing 60’s espionage thriller
It took me sometime to really get into this book at first. There was a lot of backstory that needed to be read before getting to the good stuff. However, once Gorilla Grant came into story, I couldn’t put the book down. He’s a bad ass spy who knows how to eliminate his targets. And these aren’t just your average Joe’s. They’re cold blooded assassins. But they’ve met their match when Gorrilla is on their trail. Starting book two right away.
It took me sometime to really get into this book at first. There was a lot of backstory that needed to be read before getting to the good stuff. However, once Gorilla Grant came into story, I couldn’t put the book down. He’s a bad ass spy who knows how to eliminate his targets. And these aren’t just your average Joe’s. They’re cold blooded assassins. But they’ve met their match when Gorrilla is on their trail. Starting book two right away.
June 11, 2017
A great novel of the Cold War
It's been ages since I got my hands on a "can't put down" cold war spy novel and "A Game for Assassins" is it. Double dealing, back stabbing, international assassins on both sides and rogue CIA agents. If you're a fan of well written 1960's era spy thrillers go for the $5 and buy it. You will not be disappointed
It's been ages since I got my hands on a "can't put down" cold war spy novel and "A Game for Assassins" is it. Double dealing, back stabbing, international assassins on both sides and rogue CIA agents. If you're a fan of well written 1960's era spy thrillers go for the $5 and buy it. You will not be disappointed
December 30, 2020
This is And espionage thriller in a class by itself!
The detail is astounding. The suspense, Nail biting! The intrigue, In a class by itself. Well it took several settings, And more than 2 or 3 bourbon's , This is a book I could not put down until I finally Could not hold my eyes open any longer. Of the hundreds perhaps thousands Books of this nature I have read, This would rate and the top 2 or 3 books I have read.
The detail is astounding. The suspense, Nail biting! The intrigue, In a class by itself. Well it took several settings, And more than 2 or 3 bourbon's , This is a book I could not put down until I finally Could not hold my eyes open any longer. Of the hundreds perhaps thousands Books of this nature I have read, This would rate and the top 2 or 3 books I have read.
Read
January 26, 2021Detailed and well written
The subject matter was not usual for me and it was a bit graphic at times, although I'm sure it was accurate. If you enjoy stories of a world that exists below the radar of our lives, a world where governments control much more than we like to admit, and where human life can be easily taken for profit or expedience, this book is for you.
The subject matter was not usual for me and it was a bit graphic at times, although I'm sure it was accurate. If you enjoy stories of a world that exists below the radar of our lives, a world where governments control much more than we like to admit, and where human life can be easily taken for profit or expedience, this book is for you.
October 15, 2021
Great plot . . . but the book was just too long.
The story was great and it was told from multiple angles. But, I am not sure we needed all of the angles. I think this would have been a much more enjoyable book if it had been condensed or told a little more concisely. But, having said that, the story was a good one.
The story was great and it was told from multiple angles. But, I am not sure we needed all of the angles. I think this would have been a much more enjoyable book if it had been condensed or told a little more concisely. But, having said that, the story was a good one.
March 10, 2017
Good read
This book deserves some credit- good story set during the most forgotten times of Cold War, 60s. It's a bit too slow for my liking b and characters are a bit undeveloped and stiff but over all it is above average in this genre
Not great but good enough
This book deserves some credit- good story set during the most forgotten times of Cold War, 60s. It's a bit too slow for my liking b and characters are a bit undeveloped and stiff but over all it is above average in this genre
Not great but good enough
October 28, 2018
This is an old fashioned, down & dirty spy thriller. The protagonist is not James Bond, there is no glamour just life in the trenches. Quinn did his research & and writes from experience. Loved this book & will be reading the final 2 in the trilogy.
December 30, 2020
The concept in the blurb was good, but I couldn't make it past the first action scene. This needs copy editing. Grammar mistakes, weird, pretentious, or just mistaken word choices, Google Translate Spanish - I wanted to like it but couldn't read it, and I read everything! Sorry Mr. Quinn - definitely has potential, but get an editor!
February 5, 2021
Expect to not put the book down. You will follow the good guys and suddenly find yourself in the midst of planning and execution of a assassination and then back again. All this keeps you wanting for more.
March 4, 2021
Recommended reading
Awesome 📚 Excellent characters 👌and fast action with many twists. I totally enjoyed the rollercoaster suspense. Definitely will look for more Jack Grant stories.
Awesome 📚 Excellent characters 👌and fast action with many twists. I totally enjoyed the rollercoaster suspense. Definitely will look for more Jack Grant stories.
June 23, 2021
Entertaining but too much back story throughout
Except for the distracting background stories on each new character and many scenes, this could have been a very exciting story instead of a confusing long, drawn out tale.
Except for the distracting background stories on each new character and many scenes, this could have been a very exciting story instead of a confusing long, drawn out tale.
June 28, 2021
Exciting Read
The book had a well written plot, a new twist around every corner. A great story , kept you guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. Not predictable like some books. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
The book had a well written plot, a new twist around every corner. A great story , kept you guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. Not predictable like some books. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
September 1, 2021
Cold War Action
Convincing storyline and characters in layered spy thriller, building to a satisfying climax and drawing together the numerous threads for a self contained start of a series..
Convincing storyline and characters in layered spy thriller, building to a satisfying climax and drawing together the numerous threads for a self contained start of a series..
November 15, 2021
Complicated
I had a difficult time reading this for the first half of the story( I picked it up and put it down), then it caught a rhythm and I was speeding through the last half. Gorilla and Nichole really sealed the game for me. Complicated spy story, but worthwhile.
I had a difficult time reading this for the first half of the story( I picked it up and put it down), then it caught a rhythm and I was speeding through the last half. Gorilla and Nichole really sealed the game for me. Complicated spy story, but worthwhile.
November 23, 2018
Well developed characters in a believable story. I'm looking forward to the next one.
January 18, 2019
Fabulous read, brilliant in depth characterization, story line keeps racing along. cant wait to finish the next one.
January 27, 2019
So good!!
Loved this, can't wait to get into the next one. Found it very interesting that the author has lived in the shoes of some of his characters. Highly recommended
Loved this, can't wait to get into the next one. Found it very interesting that the author has lived in the shoes of some of his characters. Highly recommended
January 3, 2021
Well Done!
Worth reading. Well drawn characters drive a sharply plotted story containing numerous twists. If you guess the last changes, you must be a writer!
Worth reading. Well drawn characters drive a sharply plotted story containing numerous twists. If you guess the last changes, you must be a writer!
January 9, 2021
Decently written novel of the spy game in the cold war. Worth the time to read, and I'll be reading then next one, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews