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Lambeth Group #1
Deadly Secrets
The truth will out…
Gavin's life will be turned upside down when he joins a company to work on a product that will revolutionise the food industry. His initial gut instinct is to walk away until he discovers one of the company directors is the former love of his teenage life.
The financial implications are global and incredible. Powerful individuals and countries are prepared to kill as they compete to seize control of the company. Corruption at high levels, a deadly flaw in the product, and the stakes jump higher and higher.
Against overwhelming odds, Gavin must rescue his former love from the hands of an evil cult as they prepare her for a living nightmare.
Gavin's life will be turned upside down when he joins a company to work on a product that will revolutionise the food industry. His initial gut instinct is to walk away until he discovers one of the company directors is the former love of his teenage life.
The financial implications are global and incredible. Powerful individuals and countries are prepared to kill as they compete to seize control of the company. Corruption at high levels, a deadly flaw in the product, and the stakes jump higher and higher.
Against overwhelming odds, Gavin must rescue his former love from the hands of an evil cult as they prepare her for a living nightmare.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2013
45 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Bickerstaff
25 books105 followersI was born and raised in Glasgow but spent my student years in Edinburgh. I spent over 30 years as a university lecturer and 25 years as an Open University tutor before I retired to write fiction. I live with my wife in Scotland where corrupt academics, psychopaths, serial killers, mystery, murder, and intrigue exists mostly in my mind.
I write the Lambeth Group series of standalone crime/conspiracy/suspense thrillers. Inspired by the 1970s 'Doomwatch' TV series, they feature undercover investigators Zoe and Gavin who protect the country and the world from the worst nightmares that mankind can imagine.
I enjoy walking in the hills, 60s & 70s music, reading and travel.
https://gordonbickerstaff.blogspot.com/
I write the Lambeth Group series of standalone crime/conspiracy/suspense thrillers. Inspired by the 1970s 'Doomwatch' TV series, they feature undercover investigators Zoe and Gavin who protect the country and the world from the worst nightmares that mankind can imagine.
I enjoy walking in the hills, 60s & 70s music, reading and travel.
https://gordonbickerstaff.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 18, 2017
Check out all of my reviews at http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
If you are going to start a new thriller series or you want to try a new author of thrillers, you have got to read DEADLY SECRETS (Gavin Shawlens Thriller #1) by Gordon Bickerstaff. This thriller has an eerily plausible story line, intricate plot, twists and surprises that gave me chills just thinking about how this could really happen.
Gavin Shawlens is a brilliant scientist who studies protease enzymes. He is also part of a secret British organization, The Lambeth Group that monitors universities and research scientists’ discoveries that could possibly do more harm than good.
Gavin has been offered an opportunity to test a new additive that could revolutionize the entire food industry. At first he does not believe the hype, but when he discovers the wife of one of the company owner’s is an old flame that he never got over, he agrees to their proposal. With incredible global financial implications, the stakes are high and Gavin becomes entangled in a power struggle between a global corporation, the Russians and corrupt officials at all levels of government.
I have so many feelings to share about this book. The main character of this series, Gavin Shawlens is very human. He is no James Bond. He runs away from danger to save himself to the detriment of anyone with him, usually but not always. He is brilliant, but socially awkward. I cheered for him, I yelled at him and I was embarrassed for him. The other characters are just as well written. Some are so evil, to be almost unbelievable, until you consider what money and power are doing in the real world today.
The science based plot seems quite believable. The description of the deaths by enzyme were equal parts disgusting and chilling (and might be too graphic for some). When you think you are at the end, this author twists you around and the peril continues. I love when that happens.
This is a great start to a new thriller series with a unique author’s voice and hero!
If you are going to start a new thriller series or you want to try a new author of thrillers, you have got to read DEADLY SECRETS (Gavin Shawlens Thriller #1) by Gordon Bickerstaff. This thriller has an eerily plausible story line, intricate plot, twists and surprises that gave me chills just thinking about how this could really happen.
Gavin Shawlens is a brilliant scientist who studies protease enzymes. He is also part of a secret British organization, The Lambeth Group that monitors universities and research scientists’ discoveries that could possibly do more harm than good.
Gavin has been offered an opportunity to test a new additive that could revolutionize the entire food industry. At first he does not believe the hype, but when he discovers the wife of one of the company owner’s is an old flame that he never got over, he agrees to their proposal. With incredible global financial implications, the stakes are high and Gavin becomes entangled in a power struggle between a global corporation, the Russians and corrupt officials at all levels of government.
I have so many feelings to share about this book. The main character of this series, Gavin Shawlens is very human. He is no James Bond. He runs away from danger to save himself to the detriment of anyone with him, usually but not always. He is brilliant, but socially awkward. I cheered for him, I yelled at him and I was embarrassed for him. The other characters are just as well written. Some are so evil, to be almost unbelievable, until you consider what money and power are doing in the real world today.
The science based plot seems quite believable. The description of the deaths by enzyme were equal parts disgusting and chilling (and might be too graphic for some). When you think you are at the end, this author twists you around and the peril continues. I love when that happens.
This is a great start to a new thriller series with a unique author’s voice and hero!
April 17, 2019
From the opening chapter it soon becomes clear that there is something real dodgy going on with a deadly outcome. I was well and truly reeled in for the day.
Gavin Shawlen isn’t your typical suave under cover investigator, he is a little nerdy and not always socially savvy but he makes for cracking reading and a bloke that I would want at my shoulder. Gavin is a Biochemist that is working on a top-secret project that is worth billions and at the moment is sitting in a tiny spec of a company surrounded by a multimillion pound industry that is willing to go to any lengths to get their hands on it.
When negotiations break down for who should have the largest percentage and ultimate control of the new product the talks go from sitting round a table for a settlement to I am bigger than you tactics with deadly consequences. The anti is definitely upped as the story moves to deeper seedy goings on behind a fronted high-class business, where being in a position to buy an extension of life if possible for the right price.
This is a belting story with a great divide of this industry. One where the science and discovery are the prime objective, the actual break through being the bite of the apple to the flip side where money and profit is the only aim, no matter how many casualties are crushed in the process. The pace of the story escalates into a frenzy of intense chapters that just made me drool.
I really want to read more about Gavin and where the next book will take him. Brilliant!
Gavin Shawlen isn’t your typical suave under cover investigator, he is a little nerdy and not always socially savvy but he makes for cracking reading and a bloke that I would want at my shoulder. Gavin is a Biochemist that is working on a top-secret project that is worth billions and at the moment is sitting in a tiny spec of a company surrounded by a multimillion pound industry that is willing to go to any lengths to get their hands on it.
When negotiations break down for who should have the largest percentage and ultimate control of the new product the talks go from sitting round a table for a settlement to I am bigger than you tactics with deadly consequences. The anti is definitely upped as the story moves to deeper seedy goings on behind a fronted high-class business, where being in a position to buy an extension of life if possible for the right price.
This is a belting story with a great divide of this industry. One where the science and discovery are the prime objective, the actual break through being the bite of the apple to the flip side where money and profit is the only aim, no matter how many casualties are crushed in the process. The pace of the story escalates into a frenzy of intense chapters that just made me drool.
I really want to read more about Gavin and where the next book will take him. Brilliant!
August 17, 2015
This is an excellent modern day thriller which moves at a fast pace with plenty of twists and turns. I am intrigued to know whether the author has a science background because the story contains a significant amount of science information, which I read as factual and was in fact extremely interesting although it may contain some science fiction as I am no expert on science matters!
At the centre of the plot is the discovery of a new enzyme, which will transform the fishing/food industries and is therefore very valuable. Shadowy secret organisations as well as governments are intent on owning the enzyme and the plot involves an array of evil characters trying to get their hands on the enzyme while our hero and his love interest try to stay alive!
A fun, topical read which will appeal to all lovers of suspense and thrillers.
At the centre of the plot is the discovery of a new enzyme, which will transform the fishing/food industries and is therefore very valuable. Shadowy secret organisations as well as governments are intent on owning the enzyme and the plot involves an array of evil characters trying to get their hands on the enzyme while our hero and his love interest try to stay alive!
A fun, topical read which will appeal to all lovers of suspense and thrillers.
April 11, 2019
Review to follow
May 8, 2016
This is the story of a biochemist and is told by a biochemist and it carries some weight because of that. Gavin Shawlens is an academic but has been called in to help a small company. They have developed a substance which will replace four different food additives thus saving money and enabling the use of fish which are not endangered. Sounds excellent. Until the downside comes to light. Naturally there’s industrial espionage involved, and Gavin also works for a secret group who are pulled into the story. It’s a complex and action-filled thriller.
The downside for me was that the flow of the story was frequently interrupted by description of the characters which held up the action and didn’t add much to the overall experience. I also found the dialogue a little stiff in places. I enjoyed the scientific side of this story which added a different feel to what could have been a standard espionage thriller.
The downside for me was that the flow of the story was frequently interrupted by description of the characters which held up the action and didn’t add much to the overall experience. I also found the dialogue a little stiff in places. I enjoyed the scientific side of this story which added a different feel to what could have been a standard espionage thriller.
August 5, 2016
QUITE COMPLICATED
Another great book by this author, with many twists and turns to keep me guessing. I disliked the character in the gang who was a bit off the wall, that irritated me no end. I appreciate a hero with flaws, they don’t often run out on an injured female colleague but so many might in real life. I would also have preferred a more definitive ending, but of course I will now have to go and buy the next one. This author writes well.
Another great book by this author, with many twists and turns to keep me guessing. I disliked the character in the gang who was a bit off the wall, that irritated me no end. I appreciate a hero with flaws, they don’t often run out on an injured female colleague but so many might in real life. I would also have preferred a more definitive ending, but of course I will now have to go and buy the next one. This author writes well.
February 24, 2019
Gavin is trying out the role of another secret agent from Scotland!
If you liked the old Ian Fleming version of Bond before the movies and special effects, this is the secret agent story for you, complete with evil rich guys trying to rule from behind the curtain. Gavin may not have Bond's panache, but he's the smartest guy in the room, as the go-to scientist for MI 5, or was it MI6? It's a well-deserved written story, and an easy enjoyable read.
If you liked the old Ian Fleming version of Bond before the movies and special effects, this is the secret agent story for you, complete with evil rich guys trying to rule from behind the curtain. Gavin may not have Bond's panache, but he's the smartest guy in the room, as the go-to scientist for MI 5, or was it MI6? It's a well-deserved written story, and an easy enjoyable read.
July 30, 2020
At Last - A Thriller With An Original Plot!
I’ll note first that I write thrillers myself, so I’m not so easy to please when I’ve put down my money for someone else’s work. In particular, I dislike cookie cutter novels that follow the same old formula.
That’s why it was especially pleasant to read a plot with some real originality. Instead of the usual terrorist attack, this thriller is about...an industrial process! Yet, the writer convinces the reader that yes, it would be worth not only business but also Russian intelligence interest.
I also feel I should note here that in my own thrillers the central characters are...Russian intelligence agents! The ones in this book are considerably less sympathetic than the ones in my own works.
Not only didn’t this bother me, but I have no trouble visualizing both types operating in the same FSB in the real world. Just as I imagine that, depending on circumstances and mission requirements, our own intelligence agents might appear to an outside observer as more or less “good.”
I won’t say anything more about the plot because I detest spoilers. But I will promise that your time spent on this book will be well rewarded!
I’ll note first that I write thrillers myself, so I’m not so easy to please when I’ve put down my money for someone else’s work. In particular, I dislike cookie cutter novels that follow the same old formula.
That’s why it was especially pleasant to read a plot with some real originality. Instead of the usual terrorist attack, this thriller is about...an industrial process! Yet, the writer convinces the reader that yes, it would be worth not only business but also Russian intelligence interest.
I also feel I should note here that in my own thrillers the central characters are...Russian intelligence agents! The ones in this book are considerably less sympathetic than the ones in my own works.
Not only didn’t this bother me, but I have no trouble visualizing both types operating in the same FSB in the real world. Just as I imagine that, depending on circumstances and mission requirements, our own intelligence agents might appear to an outside observer as more or less “good.”
I won’t say anything more about the plot because I detest spoilers. But I will promise that your time spent on this book will be well rewarded!
August 18, 2016
“Deadly Secrets” is a gripping, action-packed thriller that you don’t want to miss. Conspiracies, greed, betrayal, and imminent danger surround the lives of Gavin, a prominent scientist and a member of a secret government organization, and Emma, his former sweetheart, who is now married to a man, who seemed to discover the product of the century. Only, if the owner himself doesn’t want to sell it to the big company, the company will take what it wants by any means.
I really enjoyed how multiple characters were interweaved into the story, making it a magnificent mosaic of portraits, both good and bad, slowly revealing their real faces and desires. The mystery element was also masterfully presented, and in the last few chapters I couldn’t help but admire the author’s talent to bring the reader to such a grand finale. Also, switching between the different settings, such as Great Britain, France and even Russia made this novel even more enthralling and impossible to put down. I would love to see it as a movie! Great work.
I really enjoyed how multiple characters were interweaved into the story, making it a magnificent mosaic of portraits, both good and bad, slowly revealing their real faces and desires. The mystery element was also masterfully presented, and in the last few chapters I couldn’t help but admire the author’s talent to bring the reader to such a grand finale. Also, switching between the different settings, such as Great Britain, France and even Russia made this novel even more enthralling and impossible to put down. I would love to see it as a movie! Great work.
March 3, 2017
A rather intricate read, well crafted. I enjoyed this book as I like a bit of depth to my books. Occasionally the pace faded and I left the story alone for a day or so which is really my only gripe. This is a writer with a very distinctive style and I like to feel like I would read the next book when I come to a new author. In this Gordon Bickerstaff has succeeded. There is a great deal of detail here but cleverly not too much. Far too often authors get bogged down overcomplicating things and here there is a very good balance between what we need to know and what is enough to keep the story line ticking. I can see that I could quite easily become a Bickerstaff fan and if you start with this book, I can safely say you might become one too.
October 2, 2023
According to the description, “Deadly Secrets” has hairpin bends and is a fast-paced thriller, which will appeal to readers who like intricate plots that keep them guessing. This intrigued me too much to read the bit above or I’d have been ready to empathise with Gavin Shawlens, biochemist, or more likely passed on to another book.
Am I glad I didn’t! Gordon Bickerstaff has a style that makes science understandable – teachers at school lost me utterly – and the plot, whilst intricate with vividly described horrors only slightly alleviated by a touch of romance, is clear. I enjoyed it so much I’ve bought “Everything to Lose” so I can follow Gavin’s next attempt to save – no spoilers – anything or anybody our hero may not have rescued already.
Am I glad I didn’t! Gordon Bickerstaff has a style that makes science understandable – teachers at school lost me utterly – and the plot, whilst intricate with vividly described horrors only slightly alleviated by a touch of romance, is clear. I enjoyed it so much I’ve bought “Everything to Lose” so I can follow Gavin’s next attempt to save – no spoilers – anything or anybody our hero may not have rescued already.
November 9, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was not disappointed as I found it an excellent read. Deadly secrets is a fast paced thriller that literally grips you from the harrowing first few pages. The well crafted plot had me gripped, and made me wonder how the author came across the idea. I'm not sure what back ground the writer has, but scientifically everything was believable and the information was cleverly woven into the plot, without boring the reader with unnecessary details. I loved this. Will I buy the others? You bet
August 15, 2015
This book kept things interesting for me. I did enjoy the story line. I like mysteries and thrillers so a blend of the two was very nice for me. Being that is also a medical thriller is very dear to me. I had to give this book a chance and I did enjoy it. * I received this book from the author in a LibraryThing giveaway in exchange for an honest review*
April 19, 2019
Deadly Secrets by Gordon Bickerstaff
A Lambeth Group Thriller #1
Looking for a thinking wo/man’s book to read? If so, this just might be the book for you? Why? Well, it has a fair bit of science that is part and parcel of the story and that part is well written and also written in a way that a laymwo/man can easily understand as well. There are a number of threads woven together that include secret societies, multiple government groups, thugs, academic types and others that have motivation ranging from mere personal interest to big-time greed on the world stage. At first I wondered if I wasn’t sure what to think but the further I read the more invested I became and by the time I finished the last page I was saying to myself, “So, is Gavin okay? How about Emma and Donna? And, since this is about the Lambeth group what part will they play to help or hinder when Penny and her husband decide to or not to accept the lucrative hit they have been asked to carry out?”
This book is not for the faint of heart as there are murders, deaths and inferences that might leave the squeamish upset. And yet it is also a book with a second chance at romance for two in the book, the possibility of reconnection between siblings and the hope that good will thwart evil...and boy are some in the book EVIL!
Did I enjoy this book? I did
Would I like to read more in this series? Yes, I would
Thank you to BOTSB and the author for the copy of this book to read for review purposes – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A Lambeth Group Thriller #1
Looking for a thinking wo/man’s book to read? If so, this just might be the book for you? Why? Well, it has a fair bit of science that is part and parcel of the story and that part is well written and also written in a way that a laymwo/man can easily understand as well. There are a number of threads woven together that include secret societies, multiple government groups, thugs, academic types and others that have motivation ranging from mere personal interest to big-time greed on the world stage. At first I wondered if I wasn’t sure what to think but the further I read the more invested I became and by the time I finished the last page I was saying to myself, “So, is Gavin okay? How about Emma and Donna? And, since this is about the Lambeth group what part will they play to help or hinder when Penny and her husband decide to or not to accept the lucrative hit they have been asked to carry out?”
This book is not for the faint of heart as there are murders, deaths and inferences that might leave the squeamish upset. And yet it is also a book with a second chance at romance for two in the book, the possibility of reconnection between siblings and the hope that good will thwart evil...and boy are some in the book EVIL!
Did I enjoy this book? I did
Would I like to read more in this series? Yes, I would
Thank you to BOTSB and the author for the copy of this book to read for review purposes – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
July 16, 2018
This was a great Thriller, fast paced with plenty of twists and turns!
The story line is more gripping and creepy because of how believable it is! There is a lot of science involved, in a factual way to explain the growth of an enzyme (the centre of the plot line) but this was very interesting and not at all overwhelming. I found it intriguing, and very well thought out and explained. I am not good with science, it was always my downfall at school, but I found this easily followable and very intriguing to read!
The Characters were a good mix, and I loved the fact that the Main Character is lovable, not enviable, shy etc. In short, he was far from perfect! I had times I could have happily slapped him or shouted at him for his stupid decisions, and at others I felt sorry for him due to the situations he finds himself in.
This is the First of Bickerstaffs Series, and I loved every page of it! Very fast paced, and each page just made me more and more intrigued to find out what was going to happen next! There are plenty of twists and turns, and it's never an expected situation!
There were times at which I felt the Conversation was a bit juttery, and slowed the pace slightly, but to be honest this didn't mar the reading experience at all, and is usual for the start of a series!
Overall, very well thought out story and very well written! I can't wait to see where the rest of the Series will take me!
The story line is more gripping and creepy because of how believable it is! There is a lot of science involved, in a factual way to explain the growth of an enzyme (the centre of the plot line) but this was very interesting and not at all overwhelming. I found it intriguing, and very well thought out and explained. I am not good with science, it was always my downfall at school, but I found this easily followable and very intriguing to read!
The Characters were a good mix, and I loved the fact that the Main Character is lovable, not enviable, shy etc. In short, he was far from perfect! I had times I could have happily slapped him or shouted at him for his stupid decisions, and at others I felt sorry for him due to the situations he finds himself in.
This is the First of Bickerstaffs Series, and I loved every page of it! Very fast paced, and each page just made me more and more intrigued to find out what was going to happen next! There are plenty of twists and turns, and it's never an expected situation!
There were times at which I felt the Conversation was a bit juttery, and slowed the pace slightly, but to be honest this didn't mar the reading experience at all, and is usual for the start of a series!
Overall, very well thought out story and very well written! I can't wait to see where the rest of the Series will take me!
June 1, 2018
Gavin Shawlens, a brilliant biochemist, is invited to carry out research on a new food additive derived from a fish which lives at the bottom of our oceans. Although he is inclined to say"No," his heart leads him to accept, when he learns that his first love Emma is a partner in the company involved.
Thus begins a journey that is filled with danger, political intrigue and many twists and turns...
The author has created a wonderful cast of characters, and I loved the Scottish humour that is peppered throughout. The dialogue was "pure, dead brilliant."
"Deadly Secrets" is a well crafted thriller based on science, that will leave you wondering about the food we consume, political corruption and industrial espionage...
Thus begins a journey that is filled with danger, political intrigue and many twists and turns...
The author has created a wonderful cast of characters, and I loved the Scottish humour that is peppered throughout. The dialogue was "pure, dead brilliant."
"Deadly Secrets" is a well crafted thriller based on science, that will leave you wondering about the food we consume, political corruption and industrial espionage...
August 29, 2017
Deadly Secrets: the truth will out, is the first book I’ve read by Gordon Bickerstaff, although I’ve been meaning to do so for a while. I have no scientific background, but I could tell the author knew his onions when it came to biochemistry. I learned some interesting scientific facts, especially about pineapples and enzymes. I feared the book might be a dry read because of the scientific element, but the author didn’t ram the science down my throat; it was an interesting, vital part of the story and blended beautifully into the action. The book brimmed over with satisfying suspense, emotional depth, espionage, murders, nail-biting moments, and intrigue. There was even some love interest thrown in for good measure with the appearance of Emma, the former love of biochemist Gavin Shawlens, the hero of the piece. The author didn’t hold back when describing the nightmarish harvesting of valuable products from living people, or the grizzly deaths by enzyme, so it’s not for the ultra-squeamish. I’m squeamish, but I handled these descriptions well, because this intelligent, skillfully written thriller kept me involved throughout. Each element of this fast-action book worked well for me. I have nothing negative to say about it and look forward to reading more of Gordon Bickerstaff’s Lambeth Group series.
February 26, 2018
A wonderful novel packed with action, suspense and drama. The narrative is expertly crafted to throw twists and turns at the reader in the perfect positions. A winning blend of corporate espionage and straight action.
June 13, 2017
This book is not for the faint of heart! It starts out a bit slow then before you know it it speeds up at the speed of light!! This author certainly knows how to write thrillers. You will find yourself shivering at some of the images invoked. The twists and turns are varied and MANY!! No way will you ever guess the ending. This is the first in a series and once my heart stops pounding--I will be getting more of them.
Deadly Secrets
Deadly Secrets
July 2, 2018
A liked the plot and the science. I did not like the convoluted drawn out sequences of cops killing badies and badies killing cops. I felt there was a lot of potential for this author, but spoiled for me by the endless pointless and improbable situations people were found in.
February 17, 2017
Gavin is an influential and recognised scientist, who uses the lab at the university to investigate enzymes. His own motivations causing him to become renowned in the field. It was this affinity to his work that saw him integrated into a secret government organisation, to be called upon when his particular area of expertise is required. He is sent to investigate an investment potential, but what he happens upon goes far beyond the line of duty. A company he is sent to has developed an enzyme which will change the food industry itself, but their secret development is not as closely guarded as they thought, someone has their targets trained on this revolutionary process, and they will do whatever it takes to take it for their own.
I originally picked up the fourth book and enjoyed it so much I thought I'd circle back to the start. I am so glad I did. I enjoyed Deadly Secrets as much, if not more, than the first one I read. I can only imagine the transformation Gavin undergoes from this starting character, to the one found in Toxic Minds. It is a journey I am eager to follow. The involved plot is enhanced by the revelation of characters' own story arcs, adding depth to both them and story. Nothing is simple, as in life, and this complex weave of plot and characters will soon have you in its hooks. Gordon Bickerstaff creates a plethora of deep and well-developed characters and constructs a plot with no shortage of action and suspense. Small details from start to finish knit and blend proving an amazingly detailed story. With the vast amount of information needed to ensure the plot works it is clear how much time and research has gone into it, as well as ensuring the more technical matters are easily understandable for those with little to no understanding of the topics. Book two is already on my to read list, and I can't wait to see where Gavin's next adventure takes us.
I originally picked up the fourth book and enjoyed it so much I thought I'd circle back to the start. I am so glad I did. I enjoyed Deadly Secrets as much, if not more, than the first one I read. I can only imagine the transformation Gavin undergoes from this starting character, to the one found in Toxic Minds. It is a journey I am eager to follow. The involved plot is enhanced by the revelation of characters' own story arcs, adding depth to both them and story. Nothing is simple, as in life, and this complex weave of plot and characters will soon have you in its hooks. Gordon Bickerstaff creates a plethora of deep and well-developed characters and constructs a plot with no shortage of action and suspense. Small details from start to finish knit and blend proving an amazingly detailed story. With the vast amount of information needed to ensure the plot works it is clear how much time and research has gone into it, as well as ensuring the more technical matters are easily understandable for those with little to no understanding of the topics. Book two is already on my to read list, and I can't wait to see where Gavin's next adventure takes us.
January 13, 2018
This isn't a review its just some comments from the author.
'Deadly Secrets' is a thriller with a biotechnology theme.
Gavin Shawlens is a successful biochemist. But his life is about to be turned upside down. He starts work on secret ground-breaking technology to revolutionise the food industry.
The technology is worth a fortune and a ruthless and powerful organisation is determined to steal it.
As sparks begin to fly Gavin finds himself caught up in a violent and merciless power play – an unwitting pawn in a deadly corporate game.
Against overwhelming odds Gavin must battle to stay alive and protect the former love of his life from unimaginable torture.
Will the love he has for her drive him through the nightmare? Or will he become collateral damage in the race to possess the deadly secret?
'Deadly Secrets' an all-action thriller that is perfect for fans of Ken McClure and Robert Harris.
'A brilliant thriller which blends together action, espionage and human drama.' Robert Foster, best-selling author of 'The Lunar Code'.
'Deadly Secrets' is a thriller with a biotechnology theme.
Gavin Shawlens is a successful biochemist. But his life is about to be turned upside down. He starts work on secret ground-breaking technology to revolutionise the food industry.
The technology is worth a fortune and a ruthless and powerful organisation is determined to steal it.
As sparks begin to fly Gavin finds himself caught up in a violent and merciless power play – an unwitting pawn in a deadly corporate game.
Against overwhelming odds Gavin must battle to stay alive and protect the former love of his life from unimaginable torture.
Will the love he has for her drive him through the nightmare? Or will he become collateral damage in the race to possess the deadly secret?
'Deadly Secrets' an all-action thriller that is perfect for fans of Ken McClure and Robert Harris.
'A brilliant thriller which blends together action, espionage and human drama.' Robert Foster, best-selling author of 'The Lunar Code'.
August 17, 2015
This first novel in a series by Gordon Bickerstaff is a fast paced high stakes thriller sprinkled with biomedical spice – well, more like flesh-eating sludge, but you get the idea. Government troubleshooter and biochemist Gavin Shawlens has his life torn apart after being asked to work on a new food additive, the secret to which certain parties are prepared to go to extreme lengths to possess.
It has some good rounded characters, some of whom I wanted to slap for their stupidity at times. Mostly set in Glasgow, the author does give a good feel for parts of the city. That said, I found some of the scene descriptions too descriptive for my taste, but others may want that extra detail. All told the story romps along with some exciting twists in the process. If you like an unrelenting thriller Deadly Secrets fits the bill.
It has some good rounded characters, some of whom I wanted to slap for their stupidity at times. Mostly set in Glasgow, the author does give a good feel for parts of the city. That said, I found some of the scene descriptions too descriptive for my taste, but others may want that extra detail. All told the story romps along with some exciting twists in the process. If you like an unrelenting thriller Deadly Secrets fits the bill.
December 27, 2018
Deadly Secrets by Gordon Bickerstaff is a unique thriller about a scientist who must stop a secret organization from stealing a new food additive.
Bickerstaff's writing is very polished. I didn't need to read very far to tell that an experienced author who cares about his craft produced the book. I'm often concerned when the front matter doesn't credit a specific editor or proofreader, but the author did give acknowledgements to several people who likely filled those roles.
The opening scene with the mystery surrounding the dog hooked me. I appreciated how what happened in the beginning became relevant later in the story.
To me, the most compelling parts of the story involved the two main protagonists, Gavin and Emma. They were the most developed and dynamic characters. Given their shared history and the complexities surrounding their adult lives, the scenes involving them captivated me more than others. I can relate to "the one that got away" type of romantic tragedy. The chance to rekindle an old flame is one many people hope might happen one day.
The author dives deep into the details of the food science that he used to cleverly drive his plot. His knowledge of the subject matter was quite impressive. As a reader of hard science fiction, I appreciated his inclusion of the elements of realism that gave credibility and substance to the story. Raise your hand if you knew how important a revolutionary new food additive might be to the world economy before reading this book. Who knew the extent to which people in power would go to control that additive? That said, there were a few instances when the detail seemed a little excessive. If the food science and other details became a bit much for me, I imagine less technical readers might struggle with them. It's possible that the food science-based plot may limit the audience for the book, although that's hardly a detriment to the quality of the novel.
Along the lines of too many details, the author sometimes spent too much time explaining things before they happened. The scenes involving people sitting around, scheming about what they were going to do, did not hold my interest. If characters talk about what's going to happen and then what they discussed happens, the story becomes redundant. I feel that it's often more effective (yet counter-intuitive) to first show something happen to build reader interest. Then once they're interested, explain why it happened. In general, the first half of the novel contained lots of setup. The tension didn't ramp up until the second half.
In contrast, the scenes in which the main characters--the ones that the author spent significant time developing--take action to accomplish their aims were exciting page-turners. When I care about a character and am clear about their goals, I'm much more pulled into the action. Scenes involving secondary characters--people that were just kind of there to move the plot along--did not have the same draw.
Few things irked me more than the author's constant introduction of new, unimportant characters. The novel contains a LARGE supporting cast. It seemed like in almost every chapter, I was meeting one or more new individuals who came and went. While I appreciated the time the author took to build each one, I would recommend not naming or developing very minor characters. The reader won't remember most of them. By naming them, the author forced me to expend extra mental effort to try to keep track of them all. I would have preferred that the author instead devote those details to the more important recurring characters. Many of Gavin's named colleagues aren't very well developed, so why not place more emphasis on them?
The author invoked a handful of all-too convenient and coincidental plot mechanisms that lessened the satisfaction I took from the plot resolutions. It was overly fortunate that the main character/scientist just happened to be a member of a super secret government organization who could bail him out of trouble. Really, the Lambeth Group wasn't very relevant throughout most of the story until much later on when Gavin needed saving. And it was a good thing Gavin just happened to stumble into a nearby town and find one of his old buddies with a vendetta against the very same bad guys. One of the main antagonists coincidentally stumbling across a family member of a main protagonist and later using that person was not built up very well earlier in the story.
For me, the low point of the novel occurred when a somewhat mentally challenged character sung and cracked jokes during a rescue attempt. I'm sure the author was very amused with himself as he wrote the scenes, but this approach absolutely killed the tension and left me rolling my eyes. Now, don't misunderstand. My sense of humor is beyond flippant, so it's virtually impossible to offend me. But there's a time and a place for humor in a serious story. The middle of a serious life or death struggle isn't one of those times. The misplaced humor led to a very inconsistent tone in these scenes, which pulled me out of the story and killed my interest.
All in all, this novel was a solid and mostly well-executed thriller. Any book that I end up reading all the way to the end can be classified as such. However, there were simply too many things that pulled me out along the way. For me, the book rates 3.5 stars. To support a fellow indie/self-published author, I'm happy to round that up to 4.
Bickerstaff's writing is very polished. I didn't need to read very far to tell that an experienced author who cares about his craft produced the book. I'm often concerned when the front matter doesn't credit a specific editor or proofreader, but the author did give acknowledgements to several people who likely filled those roles.
The opening scene with the mystery surrounding the dog hooked me. I appreciated how what happened in the beginning became relevant later in the story.
To me, the most compelling parts of the story involved the two main protagonists, Gavin and Emma. They were the most developed and dynamic characters. Given their shared history and the complexities surrounding their adult lives, the scenes involving them captivated me more than others. I can relate to "the one that got away" type of romantic tragedy. The chance to rekindle an old flame is one many people hope might happen one day.
The author dives deep into the details of the food science that he used to cleverly drive his plot. His knowledge of the subject matter was quite impressive. As a reader of hard science fiction, I appreciated his inclusion of the elements of realism that gave credibility and substance to the story. Raise your hand if you knew how important a revolutionary new food additive might be to the world economy before reading this book. Who knew the extent to which people in power would go to control that additive? That said, there were a few instances when the detail seemed a little excessive. If the food science and other details became a bit much for me, I imagine less technical readers might struggle with them. It's possible that the food science-based plot may limit the audience for the book, although that's hardly a detriment to the quality of the novel.
Along the lines of too many details, the author sometimes spent too much time explaining things before they happened. The scenes involving people sitting around, scheming about what they were going to do, did not hold my interest. If characters talk about what's going to happen and then what they discussed happens, the story becomes redundant. I feel that it's often more effective (yet counter-intuitive) to first show something happen to build reader interest. Then once they're interested, explain why it happened. In general, the first half of the novel contained lots of setup. The tension didn't ramp up until the second half.
In contrast, the scenes in which the main characters--the ones that the author spent significant time developing--take action to accomplish their aims were exciting page-turners. When I care about a character and am clear about their goals, I'm much more pulled into the action. Scenes involving secondary characters--people that were just kind of there to move the plot along--did not have the same draw.
Few things irked me more than the author's constant introduction of new, unimportant characters. The novel contains a LARGE supporting cast. It seemed like in almost every chapter, I was meeting one or more new individuals who came and went. While I appreciated the time the author took to build each one, I would recommend not naming or developing very minor characters. The reader won't remember most of them. By naming them, the author forced me to expend extra mental effort to try to keep track of them all. I would have preferred that the author instead devote those details to the more important recurring characters. Many of Gavin's named colleagues aren't very well developed, so why not place more emphasis on them?
The author invoked a handful of all-too convenient and coincidental plot mechanisms that lessened the satisfaction I took from the plot resolutions. It was overly fortunate that the main character/scientist just happened to be a member of a super secret government organization who could bail him out of trouble. Really, the Lambeth Group wasn't very relevant throughout most of the story until much later on when Gavin needed saving. And it was a good thing Gavin just happened to stumble into a nearby town and find one of his old buddies with a vendetta against the very same bad guys. One of the main antagonists coincidentally stumbling across a family member of a main protagonist and later using that person was not built up very well earlier in the story.
For me, the low point of the novel occurred when a somewhat mentally challenged character sung and cracked jokes during a rescue attempt. I'm sure the author was very amused with himself as he wrote the scenes, but this approach absolutely killed the tension and left me rolling my eyes. Now, don't misunderstand. My sense of humor is beyond flippant, so it's virtually impossible to offend me. But there's a time and a place for humor in a serious story. The middle of a serious life or death struggle isn't one of those times. The misplaced humor led to a very inconsistent tone in these scenes, which pulled me out of the story and killed my interest.
All in all, this novel was a solid and mostly well-executed thriller. Any book that I end up reading all the way to the end can be classified as such. However, there were simply too many things that pulled me out along the way. For me, the book rates 3.5 stars. To support a fellow indie/self-published author, I'm happy to round that up to 4.
August 13, 2018
Deadly Secrets is the first in a 5-book series. It’s a fast-paced thriller that blends lots of blood and gory violence with an intriguing story. It kicks off with the central character, Gavin Shawlens, being called to the suspicious death of a dog being housed at some kennels. The case is a mystery to him, and the story quickly takes a different direction before he makes the connection.
I won’t give any of the plot away but will say it has all the elements that, say, a Michael Crichton fan would expect in a book: a secret government investigatory organisation, the accidental discovery of a ‘flawed’ process for a revolutionary new food ingredient, various international parties willing to stop at nothing to get their hands on, and political and corporate intrigue. Alongside the main story, there’s also some gruesome nasty side-lines of a corporate mogul’s business that could almost warrant a whole new book in their own right. There’s a fair sprinkling of science and biochemistry littered throughout to give the main story credibility, but not so much as to leave the average reader overwhelmed or baffled by it all, with lots of easy to read analogies to clarify things.
It was good to have a central character/hero type character that wasn’t the stereotypical action man, but one with all the more usual frailties and fears that most of us might feel in the same situation. There were lots of unexpected twists and turns in the characters’ personal lives that fitted the story perfectly but all totally believable.
The ending is clearly designed to intrigue the reader as to future stories, leaving hints of unfinished business which I’ll be reading up on in the near future. Great book!
I won’t give any of the plot away but will say it has all the elements that, say, a Michael Crichton fan would expect in a book: a secret government investigatory organisation, the accidental discovery of a ‘flawed’ process for a revolutionary new food ingredient, various international parties willing to stop at nothing to get their hands on, and political and corporate intrigue. Alongside the main story, there’s also some gruesome nasty side-lines of a corporate mogul’s business that could almost warrant a whole new book in their own right. There’s a fair sprinkling of science and biochemistry littered throughout to give the main story credibility, but not so much as to leave the average reader overwhelmed or baffled by it all, with lots of easy to read analogies to clarify things.
It was good to have a central character/hero type character that wasn’t the stereotypical action man, but one with all the more usual frailties and fears that most of us might feel in the same situation. There were lots of unexpected twists and turns in the characters’ personal lives that fitted the story perfectly but all totally believable.
The ending is clearly designed to intrigue the reader as to future stories, leaving hints of unfinished business which I’ll be reading up on in the near future. Great book!
May 16, 2020
I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10.
This is not the first Lambeth Group Thriller story that I have read. I broke my cherry reading Tabula Rasa back in December, 17 and subsequently read Tears of Fire both of which I have reviewed and blogged about.
Deadly Secrets is the first in the Lambeth Group Thriller series. In this story we are introduced to Gavin Shawlens a bio-chemist whose knowledge is needed to help produce a product that could have great significance to the food industry. He is wary of the Company at first, until he realises that he was intimate in his youth with one of the Directors. As you can imagine the product development that he is working on, in the wrong hands can have serious consequences to others.
As Gavin gets embroiled in the fight from others to gain ownership of the product that he is working on, he begins to uncover other things and it's not long until he is required to help rescue his former love the Company Director from the hands of an evil organisation who are preparing her for a living nightmare.
I enjoyed this story and felt that Gordon Bickerstaff had some knowledge or had done plenty of research into the threads that some of this story deals with. We learn a lot about Gavin Shawlens and how he interacts with those around him. It sets the series off to a great start and has left me wanting to read more. In some ways parts of this story reminded me of a story by Robin Cook. If you read this story in the future or have already read this story, then you'll possibly know what I am on about without giving away too much.
August 14, 2018
This is the first time that I've read Gordon Bickerstaff and he did not disappoint. "Deadly Secrets: ..." is a fast-paced, modern-day thriller mainly set in Scotland. The author had me on the edge of my seat almost from the first line - reading the shocking and sad account of the fate of a dog that ended up at a veterinary surgery. I found subsequent chapters quite technical and almost confusing, and for me, these descriptions and sometimes, complicated subplots, made me lose my focus on the main story line. Yet, this does not mean that the author did not know his subject - biochemistry - well.
One of his main characters is Gavin Shawlens, a biochemist, who accepts a post working for a company who has a product which could revolutionise the food industry. It just so happens that the owner - his boss - is married to Emma, a love interest he had and never quite got over. Also, there are sinister forces behind a rival company BARSCO, who will go to incredible lengths to get hold of their enzyme formulas. Gavin is not your typical hero, and that makes him a likable character. The author describes the "good guys" and "the bad ones", well, making them very believable as he transports the reader into an evil world where experiments are done (quite graphically) which will haunt you long after you've read the book.
However, I enjoyed the pace and movement of the latter chapters of “Deadly Secrets: …” and look forward to reading the next Lambeth Group Thriller!
One of his main characters is Gavin Shawlens, a biochemist, who accepts a post working for a company who has a product which could revolutionise the food industry. It just so happens that the owner - his boss - is married to Emma, a love interest he had and never quite got over. Also, there are sinister forces behind a rival company BARSCO, who will go to incredible lengths to get hold of their enzyme formulas. Gavin is not your typical hero, and that makes him a likable character. The author describes the "good guys" and "the bad ones", well, making them very believable as he transports the reader into an evil world where experiments are done (quite graphically) which will haunt you long after you've read the book.
However, I enjoyed the pace and movement of the latter chapters of “Deadly Secrets: …” and look forward to reading the next Lambeth Group Thriller!
April 15, 2019
DEADLY SECRETS is the Gavin Shawlens Thriller #1 by Gordon Bickerstaff.
This stunningly crafted thriller has an intricate plot, with plenty of twisty surprises.
Gavin Shawlens is an enzymologist, He is also part of a top secret British organization, The Lambeth Group that monitors various research scientists and their discoveries.
Gavin has been asked by SeaPro to test a new food additive derived from the black fiddle fish, that could revolutionize the entire food industry. He’s not sure it will work, but when he finds the wife of the company owner is an ex-girlfriend…..he takes the job.
There’s also an anti-aging cream that’s quite miraculous but at what cost…..and as for the Rehab AVC programme….horrific.
Then all hell breaks out……there is the shady Gyge’s ring…a group capable of murder to get and keep secrets…..Russian’s trying to steal the details of the food additive…
Just when you think everything one is safe and it’s all peaceful…no, there are more twists and heartbreak…is the additive safe, what is the link to poor Boggin…?
I really enjoyed this fast, ingenious and twisty thriller, yes there’s a lot of science, but it’s not overwhelming and really adds to the atmosphere of the tale. Brilliant, engaging and exciting writing by Gordon Bickerstaff….
Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
This stunningly crafted thriller has an intricate plot, with plenty of twisty surprises.
Gavin Shawlens is an enzymologist, He is also part of a top secret British organization, The Lambeth Group that monitors various research scientists and their discoveries.
Gavin has been asked by SeaPro to test a new food additive derived from the black fiddle fish, that could revolutionize the entire food industry. He’s not sure it will work, but when he finds the wife of the company owner is an ex-girlfriend…..he takes the job.
There’s also an anti-aging cream that’s quite miraculous but at what cost…..and as for the Rehab AVC programme….horrific.
Then all hell breaks out……there is the shady Gyge’s ring…a group capable of murder to get and keep secrets…..Russian’s trying to steal the details of the food additive…
Just when you think everything one is safe and it’s all peaceful…no, there are more twists and heartbreak…is the additive safe, what is the link to poor Boggin…?
I really enjoyed this fast, ingenious and twisty thriller, yes there’s a lot of science, but it’s not overwhelming and really adds to the atmosphere of the tale. Brilliant, engaging and exciting writing by Gordon Bickerstaff….
Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
September 7, 2018
I was impressed by this book on several levels, but first and foremost, it does what it says on the tin—it is a thriller. A gentle but intriguing opening captures the reader’s interest, and then the pace picks up. As characters are brought into the story they are given a brief but useful profile. It is the skill with which the characters and action are interwoven which disguises the increasing pace.
The author has a background in lab work and knows his way around a microscope and a Petri dish. This can sometimes end up as dangerous for the reader as it does for the characters, but here we have a writer who uses his characters to explain things in layman’s terms. If you wouldn’t know a vitamin from a protein, don’t worry—you’re in capable hands here.
Gavin, the hero of the hour is a highly qualified scientist, but there is a bit more to him than his white lab coat and blue gloves. He has some friends in high places, which is something he has in common with the bad guys. Above all else, Gavin is a human being with all the issues that brings—he is not the text-book action hero we sometimes read about.
The story has more twists than a serving of spaghetti and each time you think you’ve got things worked out—you’re wrong-footed by superb writing. If you like great characterisation, action, intrigue, and the realism of life and death in a tale, then this is one for you.
The author has a background in lab work and knows his way around a microscope and a Petri dish. This can sometimes end up as dangerous for the reader as it does for the characters, but here we have a writer who uses his characters to explain things in layman’s terms. If you wouldn’t know a vitamin from a protein, don’t worry—you’re in capable hands here.
Gavin, the hero of the hour is a highly qualified scientist, but there is a bit more to him than his white lab coat and blue gloves. He has some friends in high places, which is something he has in common with the bad guys. Above all else, Gavin is a human being with all the issues that brings—he is not the text-book action hero we sometimes read about.
The story has more twists than a serving of spaghetti and each time you think you’ve got things worked out—you’re wrong-footed by superb writing. If you like great characterisation, action, intrigue, and the realism of life and death in a tale, then this is one for you.
May 4, 2021
Wow! Where to begin? A book of corporate deceit and inner wheels having effects on so many. Gavin is working on a food product from fish that could well change the industry forever. Biochemical research with industry and a whole lot more ramifications. When something is so revolutionary, word gets out and those with a whole lot of both money and power are out to seize it and not necessary in a legal or trustworthy way.. This is my first book by this author and I’m blown away. Although fiction there is detail which has had to be researched to the nth degree and is very well put across. Despite being a multi- faceted plot this is very easy to follow and unlike many books I didn't have to stop and think “ just who is this person?” at any time. For me this would make a very good, engaging TV series. Thriller as a genre almost doesn't do this justice in a good way. There are twists and turns, sharp ones at times so cleverly crafted- the work of a real plot master and talented author. A story of technology but more of human greed and possession both of things and of people and of a normal someone- Gavin who we can relate to, to make the whole thing plausible- a man of trust and decency and a whole lot more. A very interesting read that made me think.
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