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Sean Dillon #22
The Midnight Bell
"The bell tolls at midnight as death requires it." But will it finally toll for Sean Dillon & company in the explosive new thriller of murder, terrorism and revenge from the Sunday Times bestselling author. In Ulster, Northern Ireland, a petty criminal kills a woman in a drunken car crash. Her sons swear revenge. In London, Sean Dillon and his colleagues in the 'Prime Minister's private army', fresh from defeating a deadly al-Qaeda operation, receive a warning: 'You may think you have weakened us, but you have only made us stronger.' In Washington, D.C., a special projects director with the CIA, frustrated at not getting permission from the President for his daring anti-terrorism plan, decides to put it in motion anyway. Soon, the ripples from these events will meet and overlap, creating havoc in their wake. Desperate men will act, secrets will be revealed - and the midnight bell will toll.
310 pages, Hardcover
First published December 27, 2016
568 people are currently reading
1251 people want to read
About the author
Jack Higgins
480 books1,278 followersThere is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jack Higgins was best known of the many pseudonyms of Henry Patterson. (See also Martin Fallon, Harry Patterson, Hugh Marlowe and James Graham.)
He was the New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy thrillers, including The Eagle Has Landed and The Wolf at the Door. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Patterson grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As a child, Patterson was a voracious reader and later credited his passion for reading with fueling his creative drive to be an author. His upbringing in Belfast also exposed him to the political and religious violence that characterized the city at the time. At seven years old, Patterson was caught in gunfire while riding a tram, and later was in a Belfast movie theater when it was bombed. Though he escaped from both attacks unharmed, the turmoil in Northern Ireland would later become a significant influence in his books, many of which prominently feature the Irish Republican Army. After attending grammar school and college in Leeds, England, Patterson joined the British Army and served two years in the Household Cavalry, from 1947 to 1949, stationed along the East German border. He was considered an expert sharpshooter.
Following his military service, Patterson earned a degree in sociology from the London School of Economics, which led to teaching jobs at two English colleges. In 1959, while teaching at James Graham College, Patterson began writing novels, including some under the alias James Graham. As his popularity grew, Patterson left teaching to write full time. With the 1975 publication of the international blockbuster The Eagle Has Landed, which was later made into a movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, Patterson became a regular fixture on bestseller lists. His books draw heavily from history and include prominent figures—such as John Dillinger—and often center around significant events from such conflicts as World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Patterson lived in Jersey, in the Channel Islands.
Jack Higgins was best known of the many pseudonyms of Henry Patterson. (See also Martin Fallon, Harry Patterson, Hugh Marlowe and James Graham.)
He was the New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy thrillers, including The Eagle Has Landed and The Wolf at the Door. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Patterson grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As a child, Patterson was a voracious reader and later credited his passion for reading with fueling his creative drive to be an author. His upbringing in Belfast also exposed him to the political and religious violence that characterized the city at the time. At seven years old, Patterson was caught in gunfire while riding a tram, and later was in a Belfast movie theater when it was bombed. Though he escaped from both attacks unharmed, the turmoil in Northern Ireland would later become a significant influence in his books, many of which prominently feature the Irish Republican Army. After attending grammar school and college in Leeds, England, Patterson joined the British Army and served two years in the Household Cavalry, from 1947 to 1949, stationed along the East German border. He was considered an expert sharpshooter.
Following his military service, Patterson earned a degree in sociology from the London School of Economics, which led to teaching jobs at two English colleges. In 1959, while teaching at James Graham College, Patterson began writing novels, including some under the alias James Graham. As his popularity grew, Patterson left teaching to write full time. With the 1975 publication of the international blockbuster The Eagle Has Landed, which was later made into a movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, Patterson became a regular fixture on bestseller lists. His books draw heavily from history and include prominent figures—such as John Dillinger—and often center around significant events from such conflicts as World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Patterson lived in Jersey, in the Channel Islands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
March 8, 2017
On orders from the President, Blake Johnson headed to London on the Gulfstream, where former President Jake Cazalet was in talks with the British Prime Minister. Blake was told to bring him home. But there were problems heading their way in the form of another Master – the chaos and mayhem would disrupt many lives.
Brigadier General Charles Ferguson and his team, which included Sean Dillon, Major Giles Roper and Daniel Holley, were always prepared for anything. But the invasion of security by the Master was shocking – he seemed to be everywhere and to know it all. The insertion of al-Qaeda and ISIS into their world was bad enough, but to have it on their doorstep was another thing entirely.
As the bodies mounted and the threat of danger increased, the anger of the team escalated. Would they find the Master before he made good on his threats? Or would they lose more of their team…?
The Midnight Bell by Jack Higgins is another fast paced, tension-filled cracker of a thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did find this one not quite up to the author’s usual standards but I would still recommend it, and hope he continues the Sean Dillon series for a long time to come.
Brigadier General Charles Ferguson and his team, which included Sean Dillon, Major Giles Roper and Daniel Holley, were always prepared for anything. But the invasion of security by the Master was shocking – he seemed to be everywhere and to know it all. The insertion of al-Qaeda and ISIS into their world was bad enough, but to have it on their doorstep was another thing entirely.
As the bodies mounted and the threat of danger increased, the anger of the team escalated. Would they find the Master before he made good on his threats? Or would they lose more of their team…?
The Midnight Bell by Jack Higgins is another fast paced, tension-filled cracker of a thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did find this one not quite up to the author’s usual standards but I would still recommend it, and hope he continues the Sean Dillon series for a long time to come.
April 3, 2018
I'm glad I went back and started reading about the Dillon character from the beginning. I therefore have a much clearer understanding of all that occurred in this well-done story. 8 of 10 stars
May 16, 2017
I hate giving such a low review to Jack Higgins because I have really enjoyed a lot of his work, especially his early Sean Dillon novels. I listened to this one on audio, and kept thinking "I should just stop" but I didn't have another book to listen to, so I kept going. I don't mind suspending belief for a good story, but in this case, the story isn't nearly good enough to believe all the things that happen.
November 29, 2016
As a massive fan of Jack's WWII books, I figured it was time I read one of his more modern novel's. With the threat to the western world these days being terrorism (generally of a middle eastern source) the theme is pretty expected. While the plot is pretty well put together, I had a difficult time with the abundance of characters. Of course, I appreciate many of them are probably the usual characters throughout the Sean Dillion series, and this being book number 22 - if you have read them all, this is likely not a problem. For me, a newcomer it was overwhelming. Who is who? At one point I'm having an issue trying to remember what side they are on. Wait a minute? Didn't they just agree to help the 'Master' and then the next they are pally with Sean? With the pace moving pretty quickly, that was a downfall for me. Of course I really enjoyed getting a look into the history of the IRA, having grown up living under threat from them - it was a new element reading about those with ties, now working with the British and American governments to combat Al Qaeda & ISIS. What I did find strange was how much information the bad guys knew about everyone else that was supposed to be intelligence. Yet, they are only occasionally looking over their shoulder. I was excited for a book based in London & DC, love both these cities, and the occasional jump into Ireland. Hard book to get through, but enjoyable enough.
Thanks to First to Read for the complimentary copy in return for my review. This is my honest review of the book.
Thanks to First to Read for the complimentary copy in return for my review. This is my honest review of the book.
June 6, 2017
It started well. The writing seemed "lighter" than some of his recent efforts and there actually seemed to be the beginning of a story. But a hallmark of his recent books, The Midnight Bell quickly descended into all the usual scenes, which ran into chapters, of endless amounts of talking and not doing anything that remotely has anything to do with the "plot". And the "plot" isn't really a plot, it's the beginning of an idea for a story.
May 26, 2017
Jack Higgins has been the Master (no pun intended - read the book and you will get it) for my entire life. Until this book.
It saddens me to say this one is not up to what i consider to be the standard for Higgins.
This one seems way too "simple". A young adult read would describe my feelings on this one.
The story line is valid but the execution left me wanting. Higgins drops his subtle hints as he always does but then in two or three pages he resolves the hints. Normally it takes a few chapters before he forces you to recall that nugget of information and go "ahh, yes, that's why". It almost seems like he doesn't trust us to remember the clue. It is more like he doesn't trust himself to remember the clue and insert the solution later.
Dillon has always been one of my favourite literary characters. This time round he seems to have lost his character depth. I keep coming back to "simple".
If you are a true Higgins fan like myself you will read it. He has earned that. But it is just not the same. I have noticed this about his last few books. I love you Mr. Higgins but i feel the end is upon us. Be kind to Sean if his time comes.
It saddens me to say this one is not up to what i consider to be the standard for Higgins.
This one seems way too "simple". A young adult read would describe my feelings on this one.
The story line is valid but the execution left me wanting. Higgins drops his subtle hints as he always does but then in two or three pages he resolves the hints. Normally it takes a few chapters before he forces you to recall that nugget of information and go "ahh, yes, that's why". It almost seems like he doesn't trust us to remember the clue. It is more like he doesn't trust himself to remember the clue and insert the solution later.
Dillon has always been one of my favourite literary characters. This time round he seems to have lost his character depth. I keep coming back to "simple".
If you are a true Higgins fan like myself you will read it. He has earned that. But it is just not the same. I have noticed this about his last few books. I love you Mr. Higgins but i feel the end is upon us. Be kind to Sean if his time comes.
February 4, 2017
OK read, but a bit disappointing. I kept hoping for more of a plot that would tie the disjointed parts together. Didn't happen. It never really went anywhere. At least the good guys came out ahead and the bad guys got their just due. The chief bad guy was frustrated as his every attempt was thwarted so this was in keeping with Dillon's usual process.
November 11, 2017
I have never read any of Jack Higgins books before, although I do have a few on one of several library cases. Having read this book, I really must get around to reading them. A very enjoyable book! Recommended.
I was fortunate to have won this book in a recent Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I was fortunate to have won this book in a recent Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
February 6, 2017
#22 in the Sean Dillon series. A joint effort of the "Prime Minister's Private Army", an ex-US President, and the head of the White House "Basement" take up arms against a resurgent al-Qaeda movement and the Irish and English thugs it enlists. Plenty of action and as is normal, not much to involve deep thinking. Perfect for fans of the series.
Sean Dillon series - In Ulster, Northern Ireland, a petty criminal kills a woman in a drunken car crash. Her sons swear revenge. In London, Sean Dillon and his colleagues in the “Prime Minister’s private army,” receive a warning from a new leader of al-Qaeda, who calls himself simply the Master. Dillon took out the previous Master, and his successor is plotting his revenge. In Washington, D.C., a special projects director with the CIA, frustrated at not getting permission from the President for his daring anti-terrorism plan, decides to put it in motion anyway. Soon, the ripples from these events will meet and overlap, creating havoc in their wake.
Sean Dillon series - In Ulster, Northern Ireland, a petty criminal kills a woman in a drunken car crash. Her sons swear revenge. In London, Sean Dillon and his colleagues in the “Prime Minister’s private army,” receive a warning from a new leader of al-Qaeda, who calls himself simply the Master. Dillon took out the previous Master, and his successor is plotting his revenge. In Washington, D.C., a special projects director with the CIA, frustrated at not getting permission from the President for his daring anti-terrorism plan, decides to put it in motion anyway. Soon, the ripples from these events will meet and overlap, creating havoc in their wake.
November 19, 2018
Jack Higgins made his rep in 1975 with "The Eagle Has Landed," a bestselling novel about a Nazi plot to kidnap Winston Churchill that also became a popular movie. I remember liking it, although not enough to read another Higgins book until I spotted "The Midnight Bell" (2016) in the bargain bin. Frankly, I was surprised Higgins was still alive -- he's 89 -- much less still writing. So what the heck. Well ... the mishmash of a plot involves a team of British agents, led by a former IRA assassin (it could happen, right?) named Sean Dillon, tracking down an Al-Qaeda mastermind known as ... The Master. (Actually, they killed two other Masters in previous books, but Al-Qaeda keeps making more.) And do these folks like to talk! When not giving repartee a bad name, they relentlessly recount each other's past exploits (this is Higgins' 22nd Sean Dillon book) in the deadliest outbreak of dialogue as exposition I've ever encountered. It's a comic book without pictures, the kind of thriller where the bad guys routinely go for hidden guns and the good guys never miss. No fewer than four villains are shot between the eyes; two others merely have ears shot off in momentary acts of kindness. After 85 novels, you'd figure Higgins could write this stuff in his sleep. But maybe that's the problem. Shockingly amateurish and the worst book I've read in a long, long time.
November 15, 2016
I would like to thank First to Read for providing a copy of this book for review. Once again Jack Higgins has written a thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night. Sean Dillon and General Ferguson's staff of operatives are contacted by a new Master from al-Qaeda who seems to be well informed of their movements. Using a number of contacts, he sets a continuous stream of traps and obstacles as they try to discover his identity and location.
For readers of Higgins' books, they will be delighted to see the return of familiar characters. Sean Dillon has an easy manner, but is positively deadly when need be. He is accompanied by Hannah, his niece, a music student who is comfortable with keyboards and guns, and Sara Gideon, a much-decorated veteran. Whether traveling to Timbuktu to break an antiquities smuggling ring or to Ireland to track a legend of lost gold bullion, the action does not stop and the stories blend together. There are weaknesses. The story sometimes becomes predictable and Higgins introduces a number of new characters that make brief appearances. However, it is a fast-moving story and guaranteed to enteretain.
For readers of Higgins' books, they will be delighted to see the return of familiar characters. Sean Dillon has an easy manner, but is positively deadly when need be. He is accompanied by Hannah, his niece, a music student who is comfortable with keyboards and guns, and Sara Gideon, a much-decorated veteran. Whether traveling to Timbuktu to break an antiquities smuggling ring or to Ireland to track a legend of lost gold bullion, the action does not stop and the stories blend together. There are weaknesses. The story sometimes becomes predictable and Higgins introduces a number of new characters that make brief appearances. However, it is a fast-moving story and guaranteed to enteretain.
November 22, 2017
On a night full of rain in Washington D.C. a woman is struck and killed by a hit and
run driver. She is not just any woman though, she's the assistant to the head of the
secret White House department known as the Basement. And she had a lot of secrets
of her own. Down in the Virgin Islands former president Jake Cazalet receives a warning.
He is recuperating after helping Sean Dillon and the rest of the Prime Ministers private
army defeat an Al Qaeda operation in London. But though AQ is weakened and facing
competition from other terrorist groups it is far from dead and intends to prove it. Soon
the ripples from the two events will spread and overlap not only in D.C. but around the
world. Everyone involved will find themselves in the most desperate battle of their lives
and the midnight bell will toll. This is book 22 in the Sean Dillon series. The story wasn't bad
but it needed a little more action. I gave it a 3.5/
run driver. She is not just any woman though, she's the assistant to the head of the
secret White House department known as the Basement. And she had a lot of secrets
of her own. Down in the Virgin Islands former president Jake Cazalet receives a warning.
He is recuperating after helping Sean Dillon and the rest of the Prime Ministers private
army defeat an Al Qaeda operation in London. But though AQ is weakened and facing
competition from other terrorist groups it is far from dead and intends to prove it. Soon
the ripples from the two events will spread and overlap not only in D.C. but around the
world. Everyone involved will find themselves in the most desperate battle of their lives
and the midnight bell will toll. This is book 22 in the Sean Dillon series. The story wasn't bad
but it needed a little more action. I gave it a 3.5/
December 29, 2016
Not Up To Par
I have read so many of Jack Higgins/Harry Patterson's novels that I feel uncomfortable with a middling review of "The Midnight Bell."
I kept hoping for more of a plot that would tie together the many disjointed elements of the book but it never happened.
The usual cast of characters is present with much time devoted to young Hannah, Dillon's cousin, and her character development. Indeed, it seems as though this novel was really used to set up what I suspect will be Hannah becoming the protagonist of future Higgins' books.
If you are a fan, as I am, you may wish to read this one but I was disappointed that it never much went anywhere beyond the formula too oft employed.
I have read so many of Jack Higgins/Harry Patterson's novels that I feel uncomfortable with a middling review of "The Midnight Bell."
I kept hoping for more of a plot that would tie together the many disjointed elements of the book but it never happened.
The usual cast of characters is present with much time devoted to young Hannah, Dillon's cousin, and her character development. Indeed, it seems as though this novel was really used to set up what I suspect will be Hannah becoming the protagonist of future Higgins' books.
If you are a fan, as I am, you may wish to read this one but I was disappointed that it never much went anywhere beyond the formula too oft employed.
January 29, 2018
While I liked this part of the series of England vs terrorists there was a major flaw that was never explored until almost the very end. The new 'Master' had minute by minute data on the team and events they were involved in. Yet no one asked about how until some info was released from a secret cabinet meeting that was still in progress. And even at the end there was no follow up on a search. Higgins has his formula down pat and this volume follows the trials and tribulations of the secret army vs ISIS and al-Qaeda and various IRA hold outs.
June 23, 2017
DNF so only one star.
There was a time when I quickly read through all the latest Jack Higgins books. One of the few books I read twice was The Eagle Has Landed. But Midnight Bell was a real clanger for me. My primary objection (aside from becoming bored) was how the characters constantly assured me what bad asses they were. No new ground covered. Soon became a snooze fest and I put it aside for more interesting books on the nightstand pile. Sorry Jack...
DD@Phila
There was a time when I quickly read through all the latest Jack Higgins books. One of the few books I read twice was The Eagle Has Landed. But Midnight Bell was a real clanger for me. My primary objection (aside from becoming bored) was how the characters constantly assured me what bad asses they were. No new ground covered. Soon became a snooze fest and I put it aside for more interesting books on the nightstand pile. Sorry Jack...
DD@Phila
June 28, 2017
Didn't listen to the last disk - didn't care how it ended. Disappointed.
There was a time when I read many Jack Higgins books. The Eagle Has Landed was one of the few books I actually read twice - the second time just last year. This though was more about the characters telling each other what bad asses they were I stopped caring what happened next. Reiterations of the central characters backstories - one in particular was repeated about 3 or 4 times. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
DD@Phila
There was a time when I read many Jack Higgins books. The Eagle Has Landed was one of the few books I actually read twice - the second time just last year. This though was more about the characters telling each other what bad asses they were I stopped caring what happened next. Reiterations of the central characters backstories - one in particular was repeated about 3 or 4 times. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
DD@Phila
January 20, 2017
I was disappointed. This author has used the same fictional persons so often that they have become caricatures rather than characters. The plot seeks to be nuanced; it is simply befuddled as the author tries to old story lines in different ways
May 15, 2017
Pretty silly lots of shooting and silliness. Flying form one place to another and staying for 5 minutes. May Higgins is looking to have it made into movie script. I have thinking is part of a series about Sean Dillon
June 2, 2017
Sorry to say, this has now become a tired old formula.
Earlobes shot off as a warning: Check
Shot between the eyes: Check
Too wordy and not enough action.
More like a nice picnic than a thrilling roller-coaster ride.
So sad this has happened.
Last one for me
This is only MY opinion.
Earlobes shot off as a warning: Check
Shot between the eyes: Check
Too wordy and not enough action.
More like a nice picnic than a thrilling roller-coaster ride.
So sad this has happened.
Last one for me
This is only MY opinion.
February 5, 2017
Fast moving plot with little to no character development. You have to already know the characters and story line before getting into this book.
July 11, 2017
I didn't really enjoy this book in the series. Maybe Sean Dillon has run his course. The plot was pretty weak...
February 21, 2020
Likely the last book by Jack Higgins.
My favorite writer.
This features the Prime Minister's private army.
Sean Dillon-ex IRA assassin and theatre major.
Plus his band of compatriots, friends, warriors and gangsters.
They have just completed a mission defeating an Al- Qaeda operation.
Meanwhile, a petty criminal in Northern Ireland has killed his wife in a car crash. Her sons swear to get revenge.
And, in Washington, DC. a Colonel Hunter from the CIA, is determined to have permission for his anti- terrorism plan. Since he knows what is best even if the higher ups don't.
These events will overlap and bring chaos and havoc to everyone involved.
Brilliant characters and a sense of camaraderie put the reasons for war and "fighting the good fight" in perspective and no one can put together all of these elements like Jack Higgins!
The original thriller writer, with every book a bestseller from the first book.
Thanks for all the wonderful stories and a look at the world you created.
My favorite writer.
This features the Prime Minister's private army.
Sean Dillon-ex IRA assassin and theatre major.
Plus his band of compatriots, friends, warriors and gangsters.
They have just completed a mission defeating an Al- Qaeda operation.
Meanwhile, a petty criminal in Northern Ireland has killed his wife in a car crash. Her sons swear to get revenge.
And, in Washington, DC. a Colonel Hunter from the CIA, is determined to have permission for his anti- terrorism plan. Since he knows what is best even if the higher ups don't.
These events will overlap and bring chaos and havoc to everyone involved.
Brilliant characters and a sense of camaraderie put the reasons for war and "fighting the good fight" in perspective and no one can put together all of these elements like Jack Higgins!
The original thriller writer, with every book a bestseller from the first book.
Thanks for all the wonderful stories and a look at the world you created.
September 22, 2020
I have read a lot of Jack Higgins, love him to bits. But the midnight bell was a bit of a dud. It felt like he had gathered every character he had written and jammed them all in the one story. The threat against them was unclear, the resolution rushed and unsatisfying. And the action, which he normally writes so well was brief and flat. (Btw, how many people can successfully shoot the earlobe off a baddy without causing any other damage?! Bizzare). Most of the book was characters clumsly explaining their back stories to establish their role. I'm still a big fan, but this one is not in his top 20
December 17, 2023
And here we are: the twenty-second and final volume of the Sean Dillon saga, and wouldn’t it be grand to report that Higgins went out in a blaze of glory, signing off his engagingly devilish anti-hero with one last rip-roaring action thriller. Sadly, ‘The Midnight Bell’ is second division stuff. It’s not that it lacks in action - there’s plenty of chicanery and mayhem going on - just confused in its storytelling, shuffling through a plethora of subplots in search of an overarching narrative and not really finding it.
June 18, 2017
Sean Dillon and his company of friends delight and fascinate me. Higgins' novels never fail to please!
February 4, 2017
3.5 Stars - good to see some new characters, but the decline in Sean Dillon was a bit of a surprise... A good read to pass the time...
March 7, 2025
Good as usual but too many of the same scenarios, hoodlums at the bar, cars getting brakes cut etc.
March 26, 2023
I am a great fan of Jack Higgins. I love his style of writing. ‘The Eagle has landed’ is one of my most favourite books; I must have read it countless of times. But this book is a poor read. The author tries to use all his favourite characters, settings, dialogues, London, Thames, Ireland, guns, bombs, the rain- but fails to come up with a winner. Felt sad and disappointed.
March 4, 2017
The typical Sean Dillon & the "Prime Minister's Private Army" storyline...A new AQ "Master" emerges to wreak havoc on the West, but I'm caught up in the "soap opera" nature of the lives of the PM's "Army"...I'm hooked on them, so Higgins can put dreck on the page & Im sucked right in!
November 2, 2017
Disappointing. I used to like books by Jack Higgins, this story lacked a decent plot and it was boring. Only kept reading as I thought it was bound to improve - it didn’t.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews