What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex King #1
The Contract Man
When an MI6 agent is found to be keeping records of his missions to protect himself from betrayal he unwittingly makes himself a priority target. But how do you silence the most dangerous man imaginable? Send him into hell on earth...
While Alex King is sent into Northern Iraq to tidy the loose ends of a botched mission, the archipelago of Indonesia is under communist threat from within its own military. A consortium of worried businessmen call for desperate measures and seek the services of an assassin. But what if MI6 could be duped into taking care of their problems for them? With secret links to China the communist contingent threatens Britain's trade initiatives with the largest mineral producing country on the planet.
In the dark world of intelligence it seems that everybody has their price.
While Alex King is sent into Northern Iraq to tidy the loose ends of a botched mission, the archipelago of Indonesia is under communist threat from within its own military. A consortium of worried businessmen call for desperate measures and seek the services of an assassin. But what if MI6 could be duped into taking care of their problems for them? With secret links to China the communist contingent threatens Britain's trade initiatives with the largest mineral producing country on the planet.
In the dark world of intelligence it seems that everybody has their price.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2015
722 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
A.P. Bateman
44 books79 followersA P Bateman is the author of seventeen novels, with twelve of his titles reaching No.1 in Amazon's paid top 100 categories in all Amazon regions and four titles reaching No.1 in Kindle sales in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 4, 2020
An M16 Operative Does What Is Ordered...Until He Does Not!!
Wow! A new author, to me, with a series I may just have to read, all of the books, now that I have totally enjoyed this first book!!! Alex King is a highly successful M16 Operative, finishing every mission he is sent on with finesse and flair. Until he leaves a piece of equipment behind in Northern Iraq...His handler is notified that Alex Must go back to clean up his mistake, ordering him to kill two men who helped him on the mission...Wanting to leave No One with any idea what he'd done...The brass have also found that Alex himself has been writing memoirs...Making them consider targeting the assassin after the job was done! Not fair, but these men only worry about themselves...But How do you kill such a tricky, dangerous man....
Action, intrigue, suspense...I could Not turn the pages fast enough!! A thoroughly enjoyable adventures, and I am definitely on to the next!#!
Wow! A new author, to me, with a series I may just have to read, all of the books, now that I have totally enjoyed this first book!!! Alex King is a highly successful M16 Operative, finishing every mission he is sent on with finesse and flair. Until he leaves a piece of equipment behind in Northern Iraq...His handler is notified that Alex Must go back to clean up his mistake, ordering him to kill two men who helped him on the mission...Wanting to leave No One with any idea what he'd done...The brass have also found that Alex himself has been writing memoirs...Making them consider targeting the assassin after the job was done! Not fair, but these men only worry about themselves...But How do you kill such a tricky, dangerous man....
Action, intrigue, suspense...I could Not turn the pages fast enough!! A thoroughly enjoyable adventures, and I am definitely on to the next!#!
January 25, 2021
I very seldom give this type thriller five stars. This is one very well written novel about a hitman who's bosses at MI6 are trying to terminate. He, on the other hand, has kept a diary of his career's actions and that fact scares the hell out of his bosses. Of course, it wouldn't be a thriller about spy agencies if there weren't some bad apples at the top.
Several action sequences throughout the book, each with their own set of suspense and occasional twists. The author took a lot from Ian Fleming's writing of the Bond character. Very deliberate descriptions of cocktails and food in the eating sequences.
I wish I had read this when it was first published. There would have been more character (King) suspense had I not known that there were several books to follow.
Kindle Unlimited.
Several action sequences throughout the book, each with their own set of suspense and occasional twists. The author took a lot from Ian Fleming's writing of the Bond character. Very deliberate descriptions of cocktails and food in the eating sequences.
I wish I had read this when it was first published. There would have been more character (King) suspense had I not known that there were several books to follow.
Kindle Unlimited.
February 8, 2021
He has served his purpose and it's time to permanently retire him. but he has a leverage over MI6. so he is sent on suicide missions but he comes back more than once and when he finds out he was never supposed to come back, he makes sure they don't live anymore..
Even though it was a good one, I still miss the American flavor and swag. MI6 can never be CIA. As my book recommender Mr. Jim put in his review MI6 having bad apples in the top would be nothing compared to the Rotten ones from CIA..
Even though it was a good one, I still miss the American flavor and swag. MI6 can never be CIA. As my book recommender Mr. Jim put in his review MI6 having bad apples in the top would be nothing compared to the Rotten ones from CIA..
May 3, 2024
Good not amazing but a solid good. Still what is strange is that looks like an ending not the bigining of a series ... Still gray man material - not sure who was first but grain man look-alike .
November 24, 2021
4 1/2 Loved it!
June 8, 2017
Excellent first book in a series.
Alex King is an MI6 operative. He is loyal and patriotic. As a school drop-out he ended up in prison and came to the notice of the intelligence service. An escape was arranged and a new identity established. A new life beckoned and he grasped it with both hands. Although King follows instructions it could be said that any instructions are not followed to the letter and are open to interpretation. He therefore does what he feels it right and that sets up an inevitable clash with his bosses. Fortunately, he is an expendable asset but first he must be caught and that is no easy task. Don’t mess with him; treat him with respect and never ever get on his wrong side. Whichever side you are on he won’t hesitate to let you know how he feels.
This is the first of the Alex King series. I reviewed the recently released third in the series before I read The Contract Man and thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. The books are obviously best read in order but can clearly be taken as stand-alones. I was tempted to describe Alex as a James Bond character without all the smoothness but it would be wrong to do so. King has passion and emotion where Bond is cold and without compassion. The two are as different as chalk and cheese with the exception that both are killers who know how to get out of a tight spot.
All characters are brilliantly portrayed and feel very different from one another. This is a real art in any author and to maintain consistency throughout the novel demonstrates excellent craftmanship. The dialogue is sharp and relevant and the plot fast-paced but with tempo changes to allow the reader to draw breathe.
AP Bateman has thoroughly researched his subject matter and it is to his credit that the sheer breadth of locations and different groups deliver a highly professional and captivating product. If you enjoy the spy/thriller genre then don’t hesitate. This author deserves to be much better known and soon will be if there is any natural justice.
Read it!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Alex King is an MI6 operative. He is loyal and patriotic. As a school drop-out he ended up in prison and came to the notice of the intelligence service. An escape was arranged and a new identity established. A new life beckoned and he grasped it with both hands. Although King follows instructions it could be said that any instructions are not followed to the letter and are open to interpretation. He therefore does what he feels it right and that sets up an inevitable clash with his bosses. Fortunately, he is an expendable asset but first he must be caught and that is no easy task. Don’t mess with him; treat him with respect and never ever get on his wrong side. Whichever side you are on he won’t hesitate to let you know how he feels.
This is the first of the Alex King series. I reviewed the recently released third in the series before I read The Contract Man and thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. The books are obviously best read in order but can clearly be taken as stand-alones. I was tempted to describe Alex as a James Bond character without all the smoothness but it would be wrong to do so. King has passion and emotion where Bond is cold and without compassion. The two are as different as chalk and cheese with the exception that both are killers who know how to get out of a tight spot.
All characters are brilliantly portrayed and feel very different from one another. This is a real art in any author and to maintain consistency throughout the novel demonstrates excellent craftmanship. The dialogue is sharp and relevant and the plot fast-paced but with tempo changes to allow the reader to draw breathe.
AP Bateman has thoroughly researched his subject matter and it is to his credit that the sheer breadth of locations and different groups deliver a highly professional and captivating product. If you enjoy the spy/thriller genre then don’t hesitate. This author deserves to be much better known and soon will be if there is any natural justice.
Read it!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
July 4, 2023
This has been highly rated by the readers but it was a disappointment for me. Far too much violence with torture, which I always wonder why it has to be so explicit in a book. I don't see the point of it and makes me not want to read any further. That's a shame because I think there is a good story in itself in this book. But that also makes me not want to read the other highly rated books in this series.
Read
May 12, 2022Are you kidding me? Before I begin full disclosure, I am listening to this as an audiobook and just started so this really isn’t a review of the book, but…
Within the first minute we know there is a snipers target 600 meters away. This MI6 trained operative sniper then says that with a 5-6 mile an hour cross wind aim 2 ft to the right. This doesn’t seem right, may half of that, but it get worse, much worse. He then says it will take the bullet 2 seconds to reach the target! The particular gun that is stated as being used has a muzzle velocity of mid 800’s meters per second. So a bullet with a velocity of 800 mps is going to take 2 seconds to travel 600 meters? This isn’t even difficult math. I thought I must have heard wrong, I listened to it 4 times. There is not doubt the narrator says 600 meters. Possibly the book says something different, but probably not. It kinda taints the entire premise of the book when this highly trained bad ass has no idea that a projectile traveling 850 mps won’t take 2 seconds to travel 600 meter!
Within the first minute we know there is a snipers target 600 meters away. This MI6 trained operative sniper then says that with a 5-6 mile an hour cross wind aim 2 ft to the right. This doesn’t seem right, may half of that, but it get worse, much worse. He then says it will take the bullet 2 seconds to reach the target! The particular gun that is stated as being used has a muzzle velocity of mid 800’s meters per second. So a bullet with a velocity of 800 mps is going to take 2 seconds to travel 600 meters? This isn’t even difficult math. I thought I must have heard wrong, I listened to it 4 times. There is not doubt the narrator says 600 meters. Possibly the book says something different, but probably not. It kinda taints the entire premise of the book when this highly trained bad ass has no idea that a projectile traveling 850 mps won’t take 2 seconds to travel 600 meter!
January 23, 2022
The book and story are good but not gripping. I am not sure what it was but I was able to get through the book in smaller chunks. Also, the ending and the retribution for all those who had wronged him was rushed after such a long buildup-- it left you feeling a little cheated.
As for the audio version-- the production quality was just absolutely horrible. There was a constant buzzing and static in the background and for some reason, at odd times, there would be "sound effects" that did absolutely nothing to add to the story.
However. no matter how this sounds-- I really did like the book-- it was definitely much better than average-- it just wasn't "great."
As for the audio version-- the production quality was just absolutely horrible. There was a constant buzzing and static in the background and for some reason, at odd times, there would be "sound effects" that did absolutely nothing to add to the story.
However. no matter how this sounds-- I really did like the book-- it was definitely much better than average-- it just wasn't "great."
February 8, 2022
I liked this action adventure novel, with reservations. My main hesitation is that when I put the book down, I wasn't anxiously anticipating starting to read it again, which I often feel about other books. I can't tell whether this was the writing style or the plot development, but I just didn't love it. The story takes a refreshingly cynical view of spy agencies in general and MI6 in particular. In this telling, people are just tools to be used and discarded as required. Alex King is aware of this, and takes steps to protect himself. I will persevere and try the next book in the series, but maybe not too soon!
March 21, 2022
This is a page turner. Alex King is a contract killer for MI6. He is sent to Indonesia to deal with some terrorists, which he does with the help of his contacts there. The CIA doesn't like how it was handled. When he is sent back to kill his contacts, a CIA agent is sent along to kill him. Apparently, MI6 is in their back pocket. You know how that turns out, otherwise there would never be an Alex King #2. Plan B, or is it C, is to have Alex assassinate Indonesian General Soto, who is close to establishing a Communist government in Indonesia. King's chances of survival are almost nil.
November 30, 2018
What a main character, James Bond in the modern era without the sleezey stuff. Only objection would be that there was so much in this first instalment that I wish it had been longer with some of the gaps given a more in depth treatment. Well I have bought the collection so I hope they continue to be as enjoyable.
December 7, 2020
Love it
There's nothing better than 'discovering' a new author/series. Thanks to Covid and quarantining I've come across Peter Nealen, Ross Sidor and now AP Bateman. Everything you need in thriller; action a plenty, interesting characters and some twists and turns. I doubt you'll find a better .99 start to a series than this. Very recommended (all three authors).
There's nothing better than 'discovering' a new author/series. Thanks to Covid and quarantining I've come across Peter Nealen, Ross Sidor and now AP Bateman. Everything you need in thriller; action a plenty, interesting characters and some twists and turns. I doubt you'll find a better .99 start to a series than this. Very recommended (all three authors).
August 23, 2024
The Contract Man
This was a great espionage story. Alex King is a British Government assassin.
Sent to Iraq by the Firm he completes his mission but is sent back to take out his helpers. Just as he starts questioning his mission, he realises allies have become enemies.
You will keep reading this in one go.
This was a great espionage story. Alex King is a British Government assassin.
Sent to Iraq by the Firm he completes his mission but is sent back to take out his helpers. Just as he starts questioning his mission, he realises allies have become enemies.
You will keep reading this in one go.
September 12, 2024
I loved the narration of Joe Mills , who brings the action, characters and suspense to your ears. Making you wanting to keep listening.
We have hitman Alex who's bosses in the MI6 have put out a contract on him. Unknown to them Alex has kept a diary of his career's actions . This makes his ex bosses act like cats on a hot tin roof.. This book is full of action and suspense.
We have hitman Alex who's bosses in the MI6 have put out a contract on him. Unknown to them Alex has kept a diary of his career's actions . This makes his ex bosses act like cats on a hot tin roof.. This book is full of action and suspense.
September 12, 2024
This was well written and well preformed story. Sadly it shows how various governments use people and then dispose of them. No loose ends is the motto with most governments. The main character is a government assassin who is still tries to be a honorable man as well. Narrator does a very good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
January 6, 2018
Grabbed me in the first few pages,
Absolutely brilliant read, caught me in the first few pages and held me to the end, great characters and superb hero, cannot wait for the next episode of Alex King
Absolutely brilliant read, caught me in the first few pages and held me to the end, great characters and superb hero, cannot wait for the next episode of Alex King
May 4, 2019
Entertaining assassin/ revenge type thriller.
Quite good to a kindle unlimited book. I read this after taking a break from the Jack Reacher.
Assassin, MI6, betrayal, revenge. Git all that. A few annoying writing errors, but I have seen worse.
Will give book 2 a go.
Quite good to a kindle unlimited book. I read this after taking a break from the Jack Reacher.
Assassin, MI6, betrayal, revenge. Git all that. A few annoying writing errors, but I have seen worse.
Will give book 2 a go.
May 7, 2019
Dogmatic and gritty stuff.
Intrigue, deception, coersion on an international scale. This is tense and believable stuff. The story is gripping and you soon believe in King's pragmatic nature.
Intrigue, deception, coersion on an international scale. This is tense and believable stuff. The story is gripping and you soon believe in King's pragmatic nature.
November 5, 2020
Superb
A wonderfully crafted & written story. The detail superbly researched & then told. The intricate links flow so smoothly. I read it in one go. Outstanding!! Down loading the next book as soon as I’ve posted this review
A wonderfully crafted & written story. The detail superbly researched & then told. The intricate links flow so smoothly. I read it in one go. Outstanding!! Down loading the next book as soon as I’ve posted this review
August 7, 2021
Great start
I read book 4 first thanks to Bookbub.com. Then this one. Both really good. This author knows how to write without creating superhuman characters who withstand inhuman punishment.
I read book 4 first thanks to Bookbub.com. Then this one. Both really good. This author knows how to write without creating superhuman characters who withstand inhuman punishment.
February 24, 2022
Excellent and fun read
It started off slow, but the action and buildup was excellent. The technical aspect of the fighting, skills, training and background was on the money.
A very enjoyable read.
It started off slow, but the action and buildup was excellent. The technical aspect of the fighting, skills, training and background was on the money.
A very enjoyable read.
April 25, 2023
No loose ends
This novel follows the lives of several men caught up in the atrocities of a political war. Alex King being one of them. Used as the assassinator he’s ordered not to leave any loose ends, but who exactly does that apply to?
Great political crime thriller.
This novel follows the lives of several men caught up in the atrocities of a political war. Alex King being one of them. Used as the assassinator he’s ordered not to leave any loose ends, but who exactly does that apply to?
Great political crime thriller.
June 4, 2023
pretty good book
I like the Alex King character that AP Bateman has developed. Good operator and provides the requisite thrills with twists and turns in the plot. I’ll keep reading this series. Recommend this one!
I like the Alex King character that AP Bateman has developed. Good operator and provides the requisite thrills with twists and turns in the plot. I’ll keep reading this series. Recommend this one!
July 6, 2023
This is good! it’s Dam Good!
Man, talk about action on every page. And it’s written so as to make you feel your right there viewing the action. Talk about plots, sub plots there’s more coming in every chapter. Very well written. Haven’t experience a book like this in a long while!
Man, talk about action on every page. And it’s written so as to make you feel your right there viewing the action. Talk about plots, sub plots there’s more coming in every chapter. Very well written. Haven’t experience a book like this in a long while!
August 10, 2024
Excellent read. Reasonable plot and fast paced action. Character development is a little limited by logical given the story line. It's a good length and kept me wanting to see what would happen next. The ending seems rushed, for no particularly good reason. Overall, I enjoyed it and would probably pick it up again.
August 11, 2025
Well written. Feels like the author has personal experience in the story type. Bio says he does and it makes a difference to the authenticity.
Yes some parts are a little far fetched but entertainingly so.
Great read, fast paced.
Yes some parts are a little far fetched but entertainingly so.
Great read, fast paced.
November 1, 2016
Enjoyable book took a while for me to get into it but once I did it became a page turner and wrapped it up fairly quickly.
July 16, 2018
Great read.
Excellently written, and very contemporary. Look forward to reading the next book. So much better than similar Writers, more detail
Excellently written, and very contemporary. Look forward to reading the next book. So much better than similar Writers, more detail
July 22, 2018
Near one !
Well had tried all,previous like minded books, and thorough enjoyed this slat on a well trained assassin...is there a second....
Well had tried all,previous like minded books, and thorough enjoyed this slat on a well trained assassin...is there a second....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews