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Severance #1
A Terminal Agenda
When the only form of justice that counts is your own
DCI Nick Severance investigates murders, a rare occurrence in the City of London. When a man dies violently one morning, only yards from the police station, the motive eludes him. The victim had recently been in India, looking for an ancient tomb that could contain something priceless. Was that reason enough to kill him?
What seems to be a crime motivated by money, becomes something far more sinister. As the chief suspects continue to elude Nick, another agenda reveals itself, one that will bring death and destruction on a far larger scale. And anyone who compromises that agenda will be eliminated.
As events unfold and the stakes get higher, Nick must confront the prospect of losing everything he holds dear, and taking a course of action that will change his life in ways he never imagined.
DCI Nick Severance investigates murders, a rare occurrence in the City of London. When a man dies violently one morning, only yards from the police station, the motive eludes him. The victim had recently been in India, looking for an ancient tomb that could contain something priceless. Was that reason enough to kill him?
What seems to be a crime motivated by money, becomes something far more sinister. As the chief suspects continue to elude Nick, another agenda reveals itself, one that will bring death and destruction on a far larger scale. And anyone who compromises that agenda will be eliminated.
As events unfold and the stakes get higher, Nick must confront the prospect of losing everything he holds dear, and taking a course of action that will change his life in ways he never imagined.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2015
1987 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
About the author
Mark McKay
14 books19 followersMark McKay did a number of things before becoming a novelist – van driver, wine salesman, psychiatric orderly, Santa Claus at a major department store… He also spent many years working in the IT industry. After studying creative writing with the University of East Anglia in the UK, he wrote his first novel. Once bitten by the writing bug (for which there’s no cure), more novels followed.
When he isn’t writing, Mark is either reading, struggling to master the guitar, learning aikido (useful research), trying to find time to get out more, and looking for new and unusual experiences that might one day find their way into a book. His goal as a writer is to produce another 50 novels by the age of 100. His goal as a guitar player is to get beyond three chords. He’s pretty sure he can do it (the guitar bit, at least).
When he isn’t writing, Mark is either reading, struggling to master the guitar, learning aikido (useful research), trying to find time to get out more, and looking for new and unusual experiences that might one day find their way into a book. His goal as a writer is to produce another 50 novels by the age of 100. His goal as a guitar player is to get beyond three chords. He’s pretty sure he can do it (the guitar bit, at least).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
September 5, 2015
I liked "A Terminal Agenda", by author Mark McKay. It was a smooth, easy-to-digest, well-edited book with a solid and interesting main character, British Detective Severance. McKay has a good sense for dialogue and setting. He visits some exotic locales around the world, and he paints vivid pictures of India and Japan. The author seems to have a great knowledge of Japanese culture especially, as he explains with obvious love, the world of Japanese martial arts, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I think my main criticisms of the book would relate to the pacing and build-up of the plot. There isn't much "thrill" in this thriller until the very end, and even then the action scenes are short, and at times surgical. The author creates a wonderfully evil villainess, Sylvie Dajani, but the briefness of her final encounter with Severance left me a tad unsatisfied. Plot points, such as Rebecca's escape from her captors, would have made a riveting read if written as a first-person edge-of-your-seat account, but the author chose instead to tell it as an "already happened" narrative.
Outside of my issues with how the suspense in the novel is built and maintained, I see great potential in Mr. McKay's writing. He has a great imagination, and again, I really liked being transported around the world with the well-traveled Nick Severance.
I think my main criticisms of the book would relate to the pacing and build-up of the plot. There isn't much "thrill" in this thriller until the very end, and even then the action scenes are short, and at times surgical. The author creates a wonderfully evil villainess, Sylvie Dajani, but the briefness of her final encounter with Severance left me a tad unsatisfied. Plot points, such as Rebecca's escape from her captors, would have made a riveting read if written as a first-person edge-of-your-seat account, but the author chose instead to tell it as an "already happened" narrative.
Outside of my issues with how the suspense in the novel is built and maintained, I see great potential in Mr. McKay's writing. He has a great imagination, and again, I really liked being transported around the world with the well-traveled Nick Severance.
October 13, 2016
"A heady mix"
This starts out as if it's going to be a straight-forward police procedural. Then it switches continents and suddenly I was waiting for Indiana Jones to appear. When the story moved further East, the aikido swordsmanship aspect added yet another twist. The writing style makes for an easy read, but the mixture of characters and situations could cause some readers to lose focus. There's a lot of action to keep the reader interested; so perhaps the slight confusion in genres can be forgiven.
This starts out as if it's going to be a straight-forward police procedural. Then it switches continents and suddenly I was waiting for Indiana Jones to appear. When the story moved further East, the aikido swordsmanship aspect added yet another twist. The writing style makes for an easy read, but the mixture of characters and situations could cause some readers to lose focus. There's a lot of action to keep the reader interested; so perhaps the slight confusion in genres can be forgiven.
January 2, 2026
The Terminal Agenda was my first time reading anything by Mark McKay, and I picked it up as a “free first in the series” without much expectation. I’m really glad I took the chance.
This is exactly the kind of thriller I enjoy — international in scope, fast-moving, and constantly shifting locations. The globe-trotting aspect kept the momentum high, and I frequently found myself wanting to read just one more chapter to see what came next. Some of the settings, particularly in India, even stirred up personal travel memories for me, which added an extra layer of immersion (completely unrelated to the plot itself, but still effective).
The story delivers real stakes and isn’t afraid to upend expectations. There were moments that genuinely surprised me, and the way the book reshapes the main character’s situation by the end was especially effective and unexpected.
Overall, this was a gripping, plot-forward thriller that kept me engaged throughout. I’m definitely planning to continue with the Severance series, and despite knowing how this one plays out, it’s a book I could easily see myself rereading in the future.
This is exactly the kind of thriller I enjoy — international in scope, fast-moving, and constantly shifting locations. The globe-trotting aspect kept the momentum high, and I frequently found myself wanting to read just one more chapter to see what came next. Some of the settings, particularly in India, even stirred up personal travel memories for me, which added an extra layer of immersion (completely unrelated to the plot itself, but still effective).
The story delivers real stakes and isn’t afraid to upend expectations. There were moments that genuinely surprised me, and the way the book reshapes the main character’s situation by the end was especially effective and unexpected.
Overall, this was a gripping, plot-forward thriller that kept me engaged throughout. I’m definitely planning to continue with the Severance series, and despite knowing how this one plays out, it’s a book I could easily see myself rereading in the future.
Want to read
November 11, 2022Purchased (Free).
September 28, 2025
A most enjoyable read. I have had this book on my list for a long time and just hadn’t gotten to it. Why did I wait so long?? I enjoyed the martial arts, the vigilante angle, the historical piece, and even a bit of the supernatural. Nick is an interesting character and I will definitely follow along in his journey.
October 1, 2015
Mark McKay writes well and with some style, his prose is easily readable but sadly, lacks pace and punch. There is no sense of 'thrill' in this thriller. Everything pans out in an orderly fashion, even the deaths of the ancillary characters in the story. His hero, Detective Severance, is a stock police detective; methodical, persistent and none too bright when it comes to putting two and two together. The story centers around some rare artifacts of great value and the inevitable deaths such wealth seems to generate in these stories. The plot is put together rather as a narrative of the almost inevitable consequence of involving as many disparate characters as possible; they all must have a place somewhere. They are spread far and wide throughout the world and seemingly travel simply to take us to as many locations as possible.
The story became somewhat lame after the inevitable death towards the end of the story; urging our hero to retaliate when he eventually found the killer. The climax to the story was an anti-climax in the truest sense of the word. The build-up of tension seemed lacking and the final scene passed in a flash, as if the author had a dinner date he did not want to miss.
I am being hyper-critical here but the lack of pace and thrills means i am deducting one star and the weak ending another. With a little more pace and a genuinely exciting ending this book would be 5 stars.
The story became somewhat lame after the inevitable death towards the end of the story; urging our hero to retaliate when he eventually found the killer. The climax to the story was an anti-climax in the truest sense of the word. The build-up of tension seemed lacking and the final scene passed in a flash, as if the author had a dinner date he did not want to miss.
I am being hyper-critical here but the lack of pace and thrills means i am deducting one star and the weak ending another. With a little more pace and a genuinely exciting ending this book would be 5 stars.
January 20, 2020
Simply a great read.
This book has it all. A hero with flaws, really nasty villains, a clever intricate plot and great locations. It's all well described and is a real page turner. Thank you Mark. I shall read more of your work.
This book has it all. A hero with flaws, really nasty villains, a clever intricate plot and great locations. It's all well described and is a real page turner. Thank you Mark. I shall read more of your work.
February 28, 2022
It was really good and I enjoyed it very much!
Lots of action going on there in the book that I’m reading..
I definitely will read another series soon…
Lots of action going on there in the book that I’m reading..
I definitely will read another series soon…
August 18, 2021
Yawn. Not well written, but I finished it. Am definitely not continuing with the other books in the series.
August 6, 2020
A Terminal Agenda is great
Mark put together a good assortment of people, places, and scenarios which seemed at times unrelated, but the action was constantly there. The characters were diverse, yet involved in some heavy duty terrorism, personal loss as well as successes. Very interesting start of a series.
Mark put together a good assortment of people, places, and scenarios which seemed at times unrelated, but the action was constantly there. The characters were diverse, yet involved in some heavy duty terrorism, personal loss as well as successes. Very interesting start of a series.
March 17, 2017
***SPOILER ALERT***I wish this had been better. I liked Nick, and some of the descriptions of his Aikido were very interesting.
But, the writing was awkward and confusing. It wasn't clear who certain characters were, and the last chapter and epilogue were awful. The stolen lion figures was a good mystery, but Nick's relationship with Lauren wasn't fleshed out well.
Her killing and his revenge twisted things into a strange direction, and then the last part crammed in a move to India, an aikido trainer and sexual partner, and a friend with a child, conveniently, whom he had dreamt about.
Some good story elements, but too chunky and rushed at the end.
But, the writing was awkward and confusing. It wasn't clear who certain characters were, and the last chapter and epilogue were awful. The stolen lion figures was a good mystery, but Nick's relationship with Lauren wasn't fleshed out well.
Her killing and his revenge twisted things into a strange direction, and then the last part crammed in a move to India, an aikido trainer and sexual partner, and a friend with a child, conveniently, whom he had dreamt about.
Some good story elements, but too chunky and rushed at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2021
A Terminal Agenda by Mark McKay
This is the first book of this author that I read. It was an excellent, riveting thriller from start to finish. The story traverses multiple countries— England, France, India, Japan, and briefly Crete and Denmark. Although, the readers are aware who the perpetrators and the criminal enterprise are, the investigative process and events keep the readers thoroughly immersed and make them visualize themselves as part of the narrative. I am very eager to read the next one from this author.
This is the first book of this author that I read. It was an excellent, riveting thriller from start to finish. The story traverses multiple countries— England, France, India, Japan, and briefly Crete and Denmark. Although, the readers are aware who the perpetrators and the criminal enterprise are, the investigative process and events keep the readers thoroughly immersed and make them visualize themselves as part of the narrative. I am very eager to read the next one from this author.
January 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book, more than just a detective novel with a few unexpected turns and an ending I definitely didn’t expect. Apparently it’s the first of a trilogy so I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
December 22, 2021
Entertaining mystery/international terrorism thriller. Excellent character portrayal, Many surprises
and outcomes. Some foreshadowing clues to future events, but mainly an unpredictable page-turner.
and outcomes. Some foreshadowing clues to future events, but mainly an unpredictable page-turner.
May 7, 2022
Exciting throughout
Loved this novel, read it in one setting. International intrigue, multiple bad guys, good law enforcement officers across the globe. All in all, a fine read.
Loved this novel, read it in one setting. International intrigue, multiple bad guys, good law enforcement officers across the globe. All in all, a fine read.
March 9, 2022
This book concerns DCI Severance initially trying to solve a murder. However he soon finds himself entangled with a ruthless gang of international art thieves stealing priceless treasures to finance their bigger objectives of mayhem on a large scale.
The novel revolves around the Japanese art of aikido which the author is obviously familiar with and as the body count ratchets up, this martial art plays an important role. The characters were well portrayed especially the DCI Severance and brutal villains. There were times when the plot relied on some co-incidences and I wasn't convinced about the ending.
It is a more gentle thriller than some of the all action, hardly-time-to-take-a breath novels but a good read.
The novel revolves around the Japanese art of aikido which the author is obviously familiar with and as the body count ratchets up, this martial art plays an important role. The characters were well portrayed especially the DCI Severance and brutal villains. There were times when the plot relied on some co-incidences and I wasn't convinced about the ending.
It is a more gentle thriller than some of the all action, hardly-time-to-take-a breath novels but a good read.
August 10, 2024
This is first book in a series of Severance London based police inspector. I received it as a complimentary book on Amazon.
There is lot of action all over the world from London, India and Japan.
This is my assessment of this book, A Terminal Agenda by Mark MacKay, according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and strenuous action - exciting and/or short - 4 stars
2. Boring - fun - 4 stars
3. It is not difficult to read (as for non-English native speakers - 4 stars
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shallow story - has a deeper meaning - 3 stars.
6. The story is mass and unfinished - the story is clear, understandable, and well-rounded - 3 stars.
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 3 stars
Total 3,57 stars
There is lot of action all over the world from London, India and Japan.
This is my assessment of this book, A Terminal Agenda by Mark MacKay, according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and strenuous action - exciting and/or short - 4 stars
2. Boring - fun - 4 stars
3. It is not difficult to read (as for non-English native speakers - 4 stars
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shallow story - has a deeper meaning - 3 stars.
6. The story is mass and unfinished - the story is clear, understandable, and well-rounded - 3 stars.
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 3 stars
Total 3,57 stars
March 21, 2018
My interest was there right to the end as the journey takes us from London to India to France to Japan to Kent. Not your pigeon holed British Police thriller but an unusual ride that ends in readiness for a new career for DCI Severance. Bit of a roller coaster ride at that, losing his girlfriend, his job and his identity. Thought it was a bit lame though in the way he decided to ‘quit’ the force, he seemed to have a good self defence case but I suppose the manner of the self defence would have raised a few eyebrows. It is all set up now for a new era, I will probably join the ride of the trilogy.
April 20, 2020
A Terminal Agenda (Severance #1) by Mark McKay
Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Nick Severance investigates a murder in the City of London. An anthropologist has violently died one morning near the police station. DCI Severance seeks to find an answer to who killed the man. The story takes the reader from London to India, France and Japan in search of an answer. This is a fast-paced story with hidden ancient artifacts, a touch of compassion, deceit, mayhem and love. DCI Severance’s adventure includes more murders, along with a wealthy art dealer, terrorists and a master of Aikido.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with a touching ending.
Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Nick Severance investigates a murder in the City of London. An anthropologist has violently died one morning near the police station. DCI Severance seeks to find an answer to who killed the man. The story takes the reader from London to India, France and Japan in search of an answer. This is a fast-paced story with hidden ancient artifacts, a touch of compassion, deceit, mayhem and love. DCI Severance’s adventure includes more murders, along with a wealthy art dealer, terrorists and a master of Aikido.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with a touching ending.
April 18, 2021
My interest was there right to the end as the journey takes us from London to India to France to Japan to Kent. Not your pigeon holed British Police thriller but an unusual ride that ends in readiness for a new career for DCI Severance. Bit of a roller coaster ride at that, losing his girlfriend, his job and his identity. This book has it all. A hero with flaws, really nasty villains, a clever intricate plot and great locations. It's all well described and is a real page turner. I am looking forward to reading about his ventures under the new Agency.
Thank you Mark. I shall read more of your work.
Keep them coming.
Regards
Richard
Thank you Mark. I shall read more of your work.
Keep them coming.
Regards
Richard
March 7, 2025
Not quite a Len Deighton
It has been a few years since I read a thriller novel that captured me, mainly because they have become predictable and boring. Unfortunately, DCI Nick Severance is treading that very line. Why are all the British DCI’s damaged? Think all the British TV DCI’s who all end up mavericks but never suffer the consequences of their actions. It was the last few chapters (the end game, if you play chess) that this novel delivered, think of Ricky Tarr in John Le Carre Tinker Tailor novel, when Severance finally grew up the novel opened up and teased the purchase of book 2.
It has been a few years since I read a thriller novel that captured me, mainly because they have become predictable and boring. Unfortunately, DCI Nick Severance is treading that very line. Why are all the British DCI’s damaged? Think all the British TV DCI’s who all end up mavericks but never suffer the consequences of their actions. It was the last few chapters (the end game, if you play chess) that this novel delivered, think of Ricky Tarr in John Le Carre Tinker Tailor novel, when Severance finally grew up the novel opened up and teased the purchase of book 2.
March 1, 2017
A very good book detailing police procedures in the aftermath of several murders. Even though this is a book depicting police procedures, it is not dry and neither does it spend all of its time depicting the cause and effect of these murders. The story line is fast developing, with very engaging characters, plot is believe able, twists and turns of the plot are top notch and tend to draw the reader in, and the climax is very satisfying. There are several twists in the plot that will catch the reader by surprise, but they only enhance the complete telling of the story.
June 27, 2017
This started out as a standard British police procedural but then the wild elements started to get added: ancient precious artifact excavations, illicit fine art sales, terrorist funding schemes, remote martial arts studios, off-the-books intelligence agencies, etc. etc. All of this ranged from highly unlikely to completely impossible, but it was a pretty good story! I liked the hero (Severance) and the plot moved right along. I'm interested enough to want to read the next two books in the series. So, in summary - low on realism, but high on enjoyment.
October 6, 2019
This one entertained me, as it started moving around the globe to a range of different settings, and the plot headed in directions I didn't expect with events related to some of the secondary characters. Nick Severance, a British detective developing his Japanese martial arts skills, gets pulled into an investigation over some rare Indian archaeological artifacts. Well, that's where we start, anyway. I liked the protagonist.
One small thing -- the cover and title made me believe that a big showdown in an airport would be the climax. This was a red herring.
One small thing -- the cover and title made me believe that a big showdown in an airport would be the climax. This was a red herring.
December 10, 2025
DCI Severance is a everyman hero
DCI Nick Severance is a character that could be found in any of our lives. Or, he is the characters you could see yourself the most in. This is a man who lives life in a way that is most honorable yet with just enough of reality to be able to meet evil where it resides the most, in the trenches.
Please do yourself a favor and read this book and see just how badly you want more.
This is a grab you by the seat of your pants and throw you into the fray type of book. Read this today.
DCI Nick Severance is a character that could be found in any of our lives. Or, he is the characters you could see yourself the most in. This is a man who lives life in a way that is most honorable yet with just enough of reality to be able to meet evil where it resides the most, in the trenches.
Please do yourself a favor and read this book and see just how badly you want more.
This is a grab you by the seat of your pants and throw you into the fray type of book. Read this today.
February 10, 2017
Vengeance is Mine
The compelling plot of "A Terminal Agenda" is built on the personal evolution of protagonist, Nick Severance. We see his character develop as he transitions through the Aikido training and then we watch in horror as his personal tragedy unfolds and Nick becomes the embodiment of an avenging angel. I'm a sucker for a good thriller. I've already downloaded the 2nd book in the series, "A Trade to Die For".
The compelling plot of "A Terminal Agenda" is built on the personal evolution of protagonist, Nick Severance. We see his character develop as he transitions through the Aikido training and then we watch in horror as his personal tragedy unfolds and Nick becomes the embodiment of an avenging angel. I'm a sucker for a good thriller. I've already downloaded the 2nd book in the series, "A Trade to Die For".
March 10, 2018
An interesting book about obscure rare objects discovered in India that lead to several deaths. DCI Nick Severance is the main character. I view him as somewhat plodding in his approach to solving the various cases that arise. The language used can be somewhat stilted at times. This ends up being a multi-country involvement for DCI Nick Severance who ,as it turns out, is quite adept in Japanese martial arts. Who knew?
May 12, 2020
Good,...
...though certainly not perfect, opener of what could be an interesting series. Some rather frustrating aspects (felt more than once like it needed an editor), but also some great strengths (particularly the main plot ideas). Liked it enough to be more than willing to read the next installment, but not enough to be 100% certain that I'll ever bother to get around to that.
...though certainly not perfect, opener of what could be an interesting series. Some rather frustrating aspects (felt more than once like it needed an editor), but also some great strengths (particularly the main plot ideas). Liked it enough to be more than willing to read the next installment, but not enough to be 100% certain that I'll ever bother to get around to that.
January 27, 2026
A Terminal Agenda by Mark McKay is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on edge from the first page. DCI Nick Severance faces a complex web of murder, intrigue, and hidden agendas, with stakes that escalate far beyond a simple crime.
McKay expertly blends fast-paced action with clever plotting and nuanced characterization, making this novel a must-read for fans of crime thrillers, detective fiction, and suspenseful page-turners.
McKay expertly blends fast-paced action with clever plotting and nuanced characterization, making this novel a must-read for fans of crime thrillers, detective fiction, and suspenseful page-turners.
June 15, 2017
I liked the book very much, which is a surprise since I seriously considered to stop reading after chapter 2. What starts out as a typical police mystery develops into a story of Internatioal intrigue and terrorism.
Some plot elements are regrettably telegraphed quite clearly during the story, and it somewhat defies logic, but it's an enjoyable read.
Some plot elements are regrettably telegraphed quite clearly during the story, and it somewhat defies logic, but it's an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews