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The Thornhill Series #1
The Janitor and the Spy
Baby wipes are not the best at cleaning up blood.
Or what happened to Thornhill in Amsterdam.
They told Thornhill it would be a simple spy mission that he was more than eager to take on, but of course, it wasn't.
Thornhill quickly found himself relying heavily on his smart, sarcastic handler, Mallory, and Jones, a former marine sniper with few words, to keep him and his mysterious older contact, Golay, from ending up in the bottom of the canal.
Fans of John Le Carre and Vince Flynn will have a thrilling blast with this page-turner!
Or what happened to Thornhill in Amsterdam.
They told Thornhill it would be a simple spy mission that he was more than eager to take on, but of course, it wasn't.
Thornhill quickly found himself relying heavily on his smart, sarcastic handler, Mallory, and Jones, a former marine sniper with few words, to keep him and his mysterious older contact, Golay, from ending up in the bottom of the canal.
Fans of John Le Carre and Vince Flynn will have a thrilling blast with this page-turner!
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2015
12 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 24, 2018
3.5*
Thomas Thornhill has been sent to Amsterdam by his handler, in the guise of an international businessman. It’s his first spy mission and his objective is to meet with Nils Golay, possibly an employee of the NSA, and check out his findings about large sums of money finding their way to communist groups across the world. What seems like a simple mission initially turns out to be much more than Thornhill had ever imagined. His life, and that of Golay, relies upon the quick think of his handler, Mallory and Jones, a former marine sniper. His first meeting with Golay is compromised and results in bloodshed but gives Thornhill the name of the person who ordered the attack.
Golay tells Thornhill conflicting stories which confuses the issue. Also, I did find it odd that this was stated to be Thornhill’s first assignment yet he mentions a previous mission that also had to be kept secret.
The Janitor and the Spy is an unusual, short novel. After a strong beginning the story has a slow build up then it’s full on action, which is written well. The narrative is heavy on dialogue and this approach doesn’t allow for much depth or background to the main character. Golay’s stories could be condensed, they rambled slightly taking me out of the main story. I felt Thornhill would have been easier to connect to had he been fleshed out much more.
A cliff hanger ending sets the scene for book two.
I chose to read and review The Janitor and The Spy based on a copy of the book supplied by Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources.
Thomas Thornhill has been sent to Amsterdam by his handler, in the guise of an international businessman. It’s his first spy mission and his objective is to meet with Nils Golay, possibly an employee of the NSA, and check out his findings about large sums of money finding their way to communist groups across the world. What seems like a simple mission initially turns out to be much more than Thornhill had ever imagined. His life, and that of Golay, relies upon the quick think of his handler, Mallory and Jones, a former marine sniper. His first meeting with Golay is compromised and results in bloodshed but gives Thornhill the name of the person who ordered the attack.
Golay tells Thornhill conflicting stories which confuses the issue. Also, I did find it odd that this was stated to be Thornhill’s first assignment yet he mentions a previous mission that also had to be kept secret.
The Janitor and the Spy is an unusual, short novel. After a strong beginning the story has a slow build up then it’s full on action, which is written well. The narrative is heavy on dialogue and this approach doesn’t allow for much depth or background to the main character. Golay’s stories could be condensed, they rambled slightly taking me out of the main story. I felt Thornhill would have been easier to connect to had he been fleshed out much more.
A cliff hanger ending sets the scene for book two.
I chose to read and review The Janitor and The Spy based on a copy of the book supplied by Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources.
November 23, 2018
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I really enjoyed this story and I was gripped by it in places. It did take me a little while to get in to as there were quite a few plotlines
The characters were enjoyable and were well developed and suited the books plot and the genre very well. They were easy to read about, contrasted really well and I loved how they worked together.
This was a great start to the series and I am already looking forward to the next book!
Four stars from me, a very enjoyable story and highly recommended!
I really enjoyed this story and I was gripped by it in places. It did take me a little while to get in to as there were quite a few plotlines
The characters were enjoyable and were well developed and suited the books plot and the genre very well. They were easy to read about, contrasted really well and I loved how they worked together.
This was a great start to the series and I am already looking forward to the next book!
Four stars from me, a very enjoyable story and highly recommended!
November 23, 2018
This book sets the stage for a series, allowing the detective to gain his first footing in a layered web of secrets and lies.
Thornhill is a newbie to the world of spies, and his first mission appears to be simple—maintain secrecy, meet with target, and receive information. When the calm meeting at a cafe in Amsterdam ends with a handful of dead thugs, the complexity begins to reveal itself. Thornhill's boss insists the mission remain off records, which is odd in itself. Soon, a powerful pimp comes into play, ones whose ties to the more suspicious money laundering leads remain unclear. But before Thornhill can work his way through the seas of lies, his partner is shot and the supposed willing witness uncovers plans of his own.
The beginning of this book grabs and pulls into an intriguing mission. Thornhill is a rookie, which is mentioned several times, and comes across in how he approaches some situations. However, he's not a fool and handles decisions very well and level headed. His interactions are intriguing and draw into the mystery. His character and background, however, come across a little superficial at times. Still, this doesn't really hurt his place as a spy and leaves space for the upcoming series open.
The twists and turns are tense and unexpected, keeping the mystery a guessing game until the very end. While the plot keeps a steady pace, there are moments which pull a little long and did make me take a break. But I always came back as the story doesn't let go. There's a great tension for the last scenes, and while some questions are answered, others open up and make it clear that there's much more to come.
It was an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy and found it intriguing enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
Thornhill is a newbie to the world of spies, and his first mission appears to be simple—maintain secrecy, meet with target, and receive information. When the calm meeting at a cafe in Amsterdam ends with a handful of dead thugs, the complexity begins to reveal itself. Thornhill's boss insists the mission remain off records, which is odd in itself. Soon, a powerful pimp comes into play, ones whose ties to the more suspicious money laundering leads remain unclear. But before Thornhill can work his way through the seas of lies, his partner is shot and the supposed willing witness uncovers plans of his own.
The beginning of this book grabs and pulls into an intriguing mission. Thornhill is a rookie, which is mentioned several times, and comes across in how he approaches some situations. However, he's not a fool and handles decisions very well and level headed. His interactions are intriguing and draw into the mystery. His character and background, however, come across a little superficial at times. Still, this doesn't really hurt his place as a spy and leaves space for the upcoming series open.
The twists and turns are tense and unexpected, keeping the mystery a guessing game until the very end. While the plot keeps a steady pace, there are moments which pull a little long and did make me take a break. But I always came back as the story doesn't let go. There's a great tension for the last scenes, and while some questions are answered, others open up and make it clear that there's much more to come.
It was an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy and found it intriguing enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
November 22, 2018
Well this book took me on quite a journey and before long there was danger at every turn. Then if you add in a pretty fast paced plot it easily kept me turning the pages, especially near the end. Even though this book is a novella there is quite a lot packed into this story as we follow Thornhill on quite a tricky and dangerous mission. I think because it is a novella you only get a hint of his character but what I did see made me want to catch up with Thornhill again. I also found that the short and snappy chapters were perfect at keeping the momentum going.
The Janitor and The Spy also managed to have a couple of interesting twists along the way which helped to set up the next book nicely. The ending definitely left me wanting more and I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen next!
3 1/2 stars -> 4stars
The Janitor and The Spy also managed to have a couple of interesting twists along the way which helped to set up the next book nicely. The ending definitely left me wanting more and I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen next!
3 1/2 stars -> 4stars
November 18, 2018
With a title and a cover like this, The Janitor and the Spy was bound to be quirky, and I really loved it. S.W. Ellenwood's debut novel is short, intriguing and a good set up for what is to come with this series.
This starts off as a slow burn and then with a quick turn of events, takes you on a ride. It leaves you with more questions than answers, but I loved that about it.
This is a fun Spy novel that will have you guessing and leave you hanging, but fear not, the next novel is available. I'm impressed with this one, especially since it is a debut and I look forward to reading more from S.W. Ellenwood! Highly recommend checking this out.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
This starts off as a slow burn and then with a quick turn of events, takes you on a ride. It leaves you with more questions than answers, but I loved that about it.
This is a fun Spy novel that will have you guessing and leave you hanging, but fear not, the next novel is available. I'm impressed with this one, especially since it is a debut and I look forward to reading more from S.W. Ellenwood! Highly recommend checking this out.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
August 28, 2017
I received this as a Goodreads Giveaway.
I liked the beginning of the story but then it became confusing as Thomas, meeting Golay, has to contend with various stories which Golay tells him. Which one should he believe? While it was interesting enough to start with, I found that the plot didn't keep me hanging on to find out what happened next. Thomas, as a 'new' spy, was also not built up enough in character, I felt. At the end, I didn't get the feeling of having bonded with any one of the characters - they just hadn't been built up enough.
I liked the beginning of the story but then it became confusing as Thomas, meeting Golay, has to contend with various stories which Golay tells him. Which one should he believe? While it was interesting enough to start with, I found that the plot didn't keep me hanging on to find out what happened next. Thomas, as a 'new' spy, was also not built up enough in character, I felt. At the end, I didn't get the feeling of having bonded with any one of the characters - they just hadn't been built up enough.
June 4, 2023
Heard about Sam’s book after meeting him at a retreat a few weeks back. Ordered his book immediately and read it on a hiking trip to the Great Smokey’s. I couldn’t put it down! With every next clue discovered, your connection to the story and curiosity to what’s next thickens. Sam has a knack for not only drawing in the reader with interest, but somehow intertwining them to seeing the story unfold before them. Ordered the next two and can’t wait to speed through them!
-Grace
-Grace
August 15, 2019
Enjoyable read, I would recommend.
This is a the first book by a new author. I like the story line and character development and how he delivers it. It does bog down a little in spots but the author picks it back and moves it forward nicely. The story has great bones and I expect he will continue to refine and improve his craft in future books.
This is a the first book by a new author. I like the story line and character development and how he delivers it. It does bog down a little in spots but the author picks it back and moves it forward nicely. The story has great bones and I expect he will continue to refine and improve his craft in future books.
November 8, 2018
A quirky book. Setting the scene for a new series. More on the blog tour
May 2, 2021
Intriguing from start to finish. Love the cover art.
November 27, 2018
My Review
The Janitor and the Spy (The Thornhill …
by S.W. Ellenwood
The Good
There are some great suspense bits in this. I liked the way the author got us ready for a failure - so we were expecting XXXXXX from the onset. For me, this is a train journey read, gripping but not too tricky!
The Bad
The Spy was a bit too squeaky clean for me! I loved the excitement but I would have preferred Bond! I wanted to be excited about the first case but I I prefer a more seasoned spy.
The Ugly
A fun start to this book - under 200 pages and ideal for traveling.
3.5 Stars
The Janitor and the Spy (The Thornhill …
by S.W. Ellenwood
The Good
There are some great suspense bits in this. I liked the way the author got us ready for a failure - so we were expecting XXXXXX from the onset. For me, this is a train journey read, gripping but not too tricky!
The Bad
The Spy was a bit too squeaky clean for me! I loved the excitement but I would have preferred Bond! I wanted to be excited about the first case but I I prefer a more seasoned spy.
The Ugly
A fun start to this book - under 200 pages and ideal for traveling.
3.5 Stars
February 22, 2017
This was an odd little story about a newly minted spy sent to recover information from a sleeper in Amsterdam. It is pretty confusing since the man he is sent to meet tells several different stories. And then it ends rather abruptly as he arrives back home to report. Mostly it feels like a set up for a longer series (it is listed as The Thornhill Series #1). The question is whether I care about it enough to read the next book and see if it improves.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews