Behind the Wire

Dan Taylor #4

by Rachel Amphlett

Dan Taylor is trying to keep a low profile when an old friend contacts the Energy Protection Group seeking his help.

The man’s daughter is alone in sub-Saharan Africa, and her life is in grave danger.

Thrust back into active duty, Dan soon realises that getting Anna to safety is only half his problem. The forensic accountant holds the key to preventing Western Sahara descending into chaos, and exposing the puppet masters behind a coup d’état.

With a group of militants financed by a regime intent on acquiring mineral assets in the conflict-torn country in pursuit and willing to do anything to stop him, Dan must draw on old survival skills and luck to make sure Anna and the evidence she has in her possession reaches safety.

Behind the wire lies a secret – a secret that people will kill to protect.

Genres: Mystery

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2016

About the author

Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 40 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.

A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.



Praise for Rachel Amphlett

“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty

“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession

“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author

“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza

"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this story begins Dan Taylor has opted out of his dangerous career and is living totally off the grid (or so he thinks) on his father's old boat. When the boat is blown up and he simultaneously gets a phone call from his old boss Dan realises he was not as under cover as he thought he was.

He is persuaded to return to his old job and from that point the action never lets up. People get shot and blown up, there are pursuits through the desert, and some very tense moments hiding from the bad guys. In fact the tension is so consistent it is very hard to put this book down at all.

Another great entry in this excellent series.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Taylor was enjoying his relaxed lifestyle on board his father’s old boat – away from his job and past life with no plans to return. But the day his boat exploded in a massive fireball just as he was about to step on board his dinghy to head out to it was the start of another episode in his life which had him in grave danger every step of the way.

When Anna and Benji realised they had stumbled across something so volatile that it could blow up in their faces, they knew they had to get out of Africa and quickly. But the attack was fast and ruthless – Anna managed to get a message to her father before she was forced to hide. Her terror was indescribable…

Dan’s desperation to firstly find Anna then get her to safety was high. He knew the trouble they faced in getting out of the country plus the fact that the militants had them blocked at every turn. The country’s insurgents would have no hesitation in killing – neither would the militants. Dan’s skills were the best – but would they be good enough? Would he be able to save Anna which in turn would release what was behind the wire?

Behind the Wire by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett is another in the brilliant Dan Taylor series. Gripping, intense and completely full on, I raced through it always needing to know what was going to happen next. The plot is excellent once again – this author combines high octane thrills with research into the world’s problems and gets it right! I can’t recommend Amphlett’s work high enough if you’re after fast paced thrillers!

With thanks to the author for this uncorrected proof to read in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this the 4th Dan Taylor book, Dan thinks he has escaped the subterranean life of working for the government, when his boat is blown up and he is dragged back to rescue the daughter of an old friend . He finds himself in Morocco and the Western Sahara attempting to escape the Russians and their pawns who are trying to start a small resolution in the area so that they can take advantage of its resources, or at least ensure the West does not get use of them.

The action is great. The characters ate not so great. Dan is well done but everyone else is a shadow. This is problematic when it comes to Anna who is with him for the majority of the story. There is much made of her training but little evidence, for example. This is a shame because although there are hints of relationship potential between the two of them, little is made of it, with no explanation as to why. Apart from this, is it a rollicking adventure. If this is all you are looking for, this is your book.

[Andy Sangster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I can not praise this series enough
I am already desperate to read the next instalment of Dan Taylor's adventures!!

[Elizabeth Wilson Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable thriller

Rachel Amphlett has again written an enjoyable Dan Taylor thriller. For those who like plenty of action and suspense this is a good read. I like Rachel's writing and my only complaint on this story is that it seemed too short. That Dan's adversaries had no back stories. Lots of names thrown in but no filling. I feel this lack of backgrounds for Salim, Ambrahov and others sold the story a little short. But don't worry l shall be reading more by Ms Amphlett

[bob leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense

Another very good story in this series of international intrigue and cold and private war matters.Quite believable story with the ending giving an avenue into possible 5th book.

[Linda Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of the lot

Enjoyed this book the most of the Dan Taylor series. Kept me hooked from beginning to end. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Jenny Gowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Loved the informative style of writing re Morocco .... am really enjoying the characters in the Dan Taylor series.... keep up the good work Rachael👌😊

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series really needs to end here.

[Beth Wilhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAD TO KNOW THIS IS THE LAST IN THE DAN TAYLOR SERIES

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I need to talk about the audio. And audio book, even with a great story to back it up can be made or indeed broken, by the quality and talent of the narrator. Some books work well with just one voice, others may well lead to slightly awkward moments which make you cringe. Some narrators, the good ones, just get the text, understand the characters and bring them totally to life, so much so that you forget you are listening to a book. Rachel Amphlett has got very lucky as Craig Beck is most definitely one of the good ones. If you don't believe me, have a listen. You won't be disappointed.

You also won't be disappointed by the book. Oh no siree. If you love a good thriller and are looking for a series to sink your teeth into, then, assuming you aren't already in love with Dan Taylor, go out and pick this set of books up. I personally love a good thriller and 'found' Dan Taylor after hearing Rachel on a panel at CrimeFest a couple of years ago. I haven't looked back since.

Behind the wire is book four in the series - currently the last but I'm hoping if I drop enough hints this could still change. All of the action in the books centres around environmental themes, corruption and power and this is no different. They say data is the new oil but sometimes, actual oil, minerals, and literal 'power' power is the most lucrative of all. In this latest instalment our hero, Dan Taylor, is tasked with finding the daughter of his friend and former mentor, and bringing her safely home. This is now easy task as Anna holds some data which certain enemies would do anything to recover. It is hard to know who, if anyone to trust, or to see how either of them can escape with their lives intact.

What I have loved about this series is the perfect blend of action, compelling story telling and the gradual building of tension which fires off in short bursts as Dan (often) finds himself under attack. Rachel Amphlett manages the pace brilliantly, providing the reader with high drama as well as quieter moments of reflection, but all the time steering us along on the ride of a lifetime. And this ride - oh my word - it's certainly edge of the seat stuff. You'd think I'd have learned my lesson by now and stopped listening to these book as I am driving. They are literally stomach clenching, nail biting tales which get the mind whirring. I love them.

Now Dan is a character I have always liked, ever since book one. Despite old wounds, mental and physical, which haunt him daily, this is a man who will stop at nothing to do the right thing and protect those he loves. He is intelligent, sharp, determined and spot on in a crisis. He knows the right moves, can outwit the villains and still, especially in his relationship with his friend and former colleague, Mitch, still manages to make me chuckle. Most of the action centres around Dan and Anna and there is a strong chemistry here which is certainly capable of carrying the book, but fans of my second favourite action hero will be glad to hear he makes a cameo in this book too. Wouldn't be the same without him.

Despite all the heart thumping action, one of the most poignant scenes from this book came right at the end. I don't want to say much about it, you need to read for yourselves, but hats off to Rachel Amphlett for that particular scene. It highlights Dan's humanity, that, in spite of all he has been put through, he is a man of true honour and a man of his word. Kind of makes you love him even more.

So ... to sum up: Action? Oh yes,  bucket loads. The heart thumping, nail biting, adrenalin pumping kind. Big tick. Fabulous characters? Goes without saying that I am a huge fan of Mr Taylor and co. Bad guys to curse and good guys to root for. Big ass tick there too. Good sense of place? Absolutely. I could almost feel the oppressive heat Dan and Anna were battling, feel the pangs of thirst as they struggled across the desert in search of sanctuary.  Double tick. Compelling storyline? Totally. Four books in and the quality never falters. Just when you think it can't get better ... it does. Tick. Absolute inconsolable heartbreak that (hopefully only for now) it's all over? Yep. Boo hiss. Big tick for all the wrong reasons :(

Basically, it's just a bloody good book and an excellent audio. If you like action then go buy.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up until this most recent novel, the general theme of Rachel Amphlett’s Dan Taylor series has focused on the world’s demand on energy and the consequences that could occur as the world begins to change over from fossil fuels to more sustainable sources. The villains in this series are money-grubbing energy corporations or corrupt governments that are looking to gain profit or power no matter the cost to civilization. The villains in Behind the Wire also fall into this category, but instead of focusing on energy sources they are looking into gaining rights to the very lucrative phosphate mining in the disputed regions of Western Sahara.

The story takes off not long after the events that took place in Amphlett’s previous novel, Three Lives Down, with our military trained geologist, Dan Taylor, residing in Morocco on a forced early retirement from his occupation with the United Kingdom’s Energy Protection Group, a covert government operation designed to protect the UK’s energy sources from terrorist or any other threat whether it being foreign or domestic. Taylor’s former boss, David Ludlow, decides that it would not be in Taylor’s best interest to live a tranquil, lazy life on his fishing boat and contacts him to do a favor. Ludlow’s favor involves US General Bartholomew Collins’ daughter, who has run into some rather nasty difficulties in the Moroccan-occupied region of Western Sahara. So, instead of the general sending in military intervention into the politically fragile region of Western Sahara, why not send Taylor, who just happens to be in Morocco and doesn’t have anything really to do. Taylor most likely would have said, ‘take a hike’, if it weren’t for the fact that he likes the general and his daughter. So he takes on the task and the rest of the novel is Taylor and the general’s daughter trying to escape from the hostile lands of Western Sahara and avoiding being killed by the bad guys.

Behind the Wire is a relatively quick read with plenty of action, which is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Dan Taylor is a fun character with a heart of gold which makes me look forward to more Dan Taylor in the future. My only complaint is that I wished Amphlett went into more detail on events occurring in Western Sahara. As I was reading this novel, I found that I was clueless about what is going on in that region of the world, a little more background would have made it easier to comprehend the fragile relationship between the Moroccans and the native population known as the Sahrawi and how it ties in with the storyline. For the most part, this book could be read as a standalone, but it wouldn’t hurt to read Three Lives Down to find out why Dan Taylor is fishing in Morocco.

If you are interested in learning more about the Dan Taylor Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind The Wire. Rachel Amphlett

The Western Sahara, the Moroccans control it, it's people have no say or control of there own country. Minerals are being extracted from its soil, profits are being diverted from its intended owners to unscrupulous beneficiaries. A coup in the Western Sahara is in place. A startling discovery by the company's computer wizards puts them at great risk. There compound at the factory site is attacked. Dan Taylor is sent to locate and rescue one of the computer analysis. But who can he trust? This is an extremely exciting action packed read. He is forced to rely on his own wits, prior training, experience and his gut feeling. An explosive read! I highly recommend!!

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled and very excited to receive book 4 in the Dan Taylor series .. what a man, what a book, what a series! Suspense and intrigue ripple through every page and surprises abound. Having read the previous three novels as well as the short prequel I feel as if I know Dan but somehow, his face just eludes me.

Rachel Amphlett is a truly gifted writer and I'm delighted that whilst this is a series each book is a stand-alone read. No repeats of all the preceding stories, just action and adventure all the way. If you enjoy a heart-stopping thriller, then you won't regret snapping up this series.

I received an arc of this book directly from the author .. this in no way influenced my honest and unbiased review.

[LooseBoots · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Literally. I was eagerly awaiting the new Dan Taylor book and was privaledged to get an advance copy.I won't mention the story as others have but simply say that I have literally hundreds of book lined up on my kindle to read . Rachael is one of the few authors that, as soon as a new book is written, I will put to the top of my reading list.
The story line is always believable and the interest and excitement of a true thriller is always there and such a page turner.
If you only read one author read Rachael, especially the Dan Taylor books.

Waiting for the next one now Rachael.

No pressure :-)

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Amphlett has taken over the mantle as the 'consummate plotter' with her Dan Taylor series. 'Behind The Wire' (the fourth in the series) flows brilliantly from beginning to end and is a fast paced, action packed thriller. If you like novels full of intrigue and suspense that cover action in a conflict-torn country grab this novel (I recommend you grab the series) - you will not be disappointed! Highly Recommended - a 5 Star Novel.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very exciting story of a possible impending war in the subharan area of Africa and two very clever people trying to outrun a series of Russians who are controlling the gun running. Reminds me a bit of jack Bauer in 24 just trying to stay a step ahead of the bad guys but you know someone in the wrong place and at the wrong time is going to end up dead.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book from the Dan Taylor series, so I was not familiar with the character or series, but it was fine as a stand alone novel. Fast paced, full of action and well written.
Behind the Wire

[June Moonbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the novel. Knowing Dan since the book one, I waited if I'd be surprised with the plot. I was - in a some way. Enough to make me wait for the next one.