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Luke Carlton #2
Ultimatum
The edgy and highly contemporary setting for Frank Gardner's action-packed new thriller is Iran.
After helping to avert a deadly attack on London, Luke Carlton has been welcomed on board as a full-fledged member of SIS and is assigned the role of case officer running agents. He is sent undercover into Iran to 'turn' and recruit an officer in that country's infamous Revolutionary Guard Corps: the word is that a conservative group within the IRGC doesn't like the direction post-revolutionary Iran appear to be taking and are planning something big to embarrass their own government - and frighten the country's new 'allies' in the West.
The intelligence services need to find out who and what, and fast...but then a senior British government minister on an official visit to Iran goes missing, his close protection officers are found murdered...
After helping to avert a deadly attack on London, Luke Carlton has been welcomed on board as a full-fledged member of SIS and is assigned the role of case officer running agents. He is sent undercover into Iran to 'turn' and recruit an officer in that country's infamous Revolutionary Guard Corps: the word is that a conservative group within the IRGC doesn't like the direction post-revolutionary Iran appear to be taking and are planning something big to embarrass their own government - and frighten the country's new 'allies' in the West.
The intelligence services need to find out who and what, and fast...but then a senior British government minister on an official visit to Iran goes missing, his close protection officers are found murdered...
400 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2018
330 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Frank Gardner
8 books119 followersBBC’s fulltime Security Correspondent reporting on events from Afghanistan to piracy off the Somali coast to Arctic challenges. Shot 6 times at close range while on assignment in Saudi Arabia in 2004, left severely wounded and dependant on a wheelchair. Awarded an OBE by HM The Queen in 2005. Author of 2 bestselling books ‘Blood and Sand’ describing his Middle East experiences and ‘Far Horizons’ describing unusual journeys to unusual places. Married with 2 children, lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 24, 2023
*4.5 stars*
British journalist, author, and retired British Army Reserve officer, Frank Gardner is a regular reporter and Security Correspondent at the BBC. In June 2004, BBC security correspondent Frank was shot six times by al-Qaeda gunmen whilst reporting on growing terrorist activity in Saudi Arabia, and now uses a wheelchair.
Gardner is more than qualified to write a political thriller, and in ‘ Ultimatum’ it shows.
Much of the action takes place in Iran, and primarily involves the kidnapping of the UK’s Foreign Secretary, which in itself is heart stopping stuff. Other threads tie neatly together, and along with the authenticity of the novel, it makes for a plausible and exciting read!
British journalist, author, and retired British Army Reserve officer, Frank Gardner is a regular reporter and Security Correspondent at the BBC. In June 2004, BBC security correspondent Frank was shot six times by al-Qaeda gunmen whilst reporting on growing terrorist activity in Saudi Arabia, and now uses a wheelchair.
Gardner is more than qualified to write a political thriller, and in ‘ Ultimatum’ it shows.
Much of the action takes place in Iran, and primarily involves the kidnapping of the UK’s Foreign Secretary, which in itself is heart stopping stuff. Other threads tie neatly together, and along with the authenticity of the novel, it makes for a plausible and exciting read!
April 7, 2021
Very good book as was the first although I’ve had to message the author on Instagram to ask why he used the wrong postcode for my local library which was surprisingly mentioned!
July 6, 2018
Dozens of characters, especially those back in London planning all the ops. Oodles of acronyms, all of which are explained in detail. Piles of organising behind the scenes.
Somehow it's all only mildly interesting. Gardner obviously knows all the things that would happen in such circumstances, and tells us them all. Unfortunately they don't add much excitement to the story.
The book starts to build some pace late in the day, but by then I found myself skimming when yet another Whitehall official meandered on about something or other. There are at least twenty of these official kind of characters, all with forgettable names, and none of them standing out from the other. Gardner doesn't seem to have much of a knack for characterization; even his hero, Luke Carlton, is pretty bland. He has his qualms at times, but we never quite feel energised by him.
The two main female characters are slightly more interesting, and at least show some spunk, and the hostage has some life, but Carlton, even in his most heroic moments, never quite takes off as someone of interest.
Good reading for the airport, but there seemed to me to be a lot of padding and not enough excitement.
Somehow it's all only mildly interesting. Gardner obviously knows all the things that would happen in such circumstances, and tells us them all. Unfortunately they don't add much excitement to the story.
The book starts to build some pace late in the day, but by then I found myself skimming when yet another Whitehall official meandered on about something or other. There are at least twenty of these official kind of characters, all with forgettable names, and none of them standing out from the other. Gardner doesn't seem to have much of a knack for characterization; even his hero, Luke Carlton, is pretty bland. He has his qualms at times, but we never quite feel energised by him.
The two main female characters are slightly more interesting, and at least show some spunk, and the hostage has some life, but Carlton, even in his most heroic moments, never quite takes off as someone of interest.
Good reading for the airport, but there seemed to me to be a lot of padding and not enough excitement.
February 11, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, would recommend it for fans of a good paced thriller/action books. I really enjoy Frank Gardner books as you always get a feeling that he has first hand knowledge of the topic he writes about.
Read
June 28, 2022A tense read in which the Foreign Secretary is captured in Iran. Quite unbelievable in parts and the ending was rather rushed, but I still enjoyed it.
July 27, 2023
Excellent thriller that also showcases the talents of Frank Gardner and his indepth knowledge and understanding of Middle East politics. Highly recommended :)
June 13, 2024
Top class and very informative if you like spies and espionage
June 16, 2019
Good book, but took me ages to remember and get into the main character. Admittedly it's been a while since reading the first book, which was 5 stars.
June 3, 2024
Book #2 in the Luke Carlton series. A great action page turner. It storms along. Very readable. Feels as though it's been well researched. Really enjoyed it.
October 12, 2023
A man and a girl
Great read if you love Special Forces, Spies, and Revolution. Frank Gardner is a master of thriller writing art. Like Carlton, ex SBS, and now MI6 is recruited to infiltrate Iran and rescue an Iranian resource who has information useful to the Security Services and damaging to the IRRG. What follows is great thriller writing, brilliantly paced so that you continue to turn page after page to reach the culmination. Excellent.
Great read if you love Special Forces, Spies, and Revolution. Frank Gardner is a master of thriller writing art. Like Carlton, ex SBS, and now MI6 is recruited to infiltrate Iran and rescue an Iranian resource who has information useful to the Security Services and damaging to the IRRG. What follows is great thriller writing, brilliantly paced so that you continue to turn page after page to reach the culmination. Excellent.
January 28, 2024
Book 148 - Frank Gardner - Ultimatum
Way way back…I read Frank Gardner’s first foray into the realms of international terrorise in the novel ‘Crisis’. It introduced us to the very real character of Luke Carlton, ex Special Boat commando and now an operative for MI6. In the first novel he was tortured in Colombia and with the help of the British military put paid to a terrorist plot in the heart of London.
This time he is in the terrifyingly real world of Iranian politics as the world slips towards a Middle Eastern war that only a few extremists actually want.
Into the madness Carlton is dropped to try and get close to the extremist leader pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
What follows is a masterpiece in storytelling…an astonishing kidnapping and the UK government are put on the back foot as it seems only one man can stop the growing call for a response…
Will it be from the US ? A rogue faction within the Iranian government ? Or will the world simply stumble into an unknowing future through ignorance.
Gardner again is the master of the slow burn and his ability to both shock and astonishing is exemplary. With the merest hint of what is still to come in another sequel his writing his very much like Gardner’s reporting …unmissable.
Way way back…I read Frank Gardner’s first foray into the realms of international terrorise in the novel ‘Crisis’. It introduced us to the very real character of Luke Carlton, ex Special Boat commando and now an operative for MI6. In the first novel he was tortured in Colombia and with the help of the British military put paid to a terrorist plot in the heart of London.
This time he is in the terrifyingly real world of Iranian politics as the world slips towards a Middle Eastern war that only a few extremists actually want.
Into the madness Carlton is dropped to try and get close to the extremist leader pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
What follows is a masterpiece in storytelling…an astonishing kidnapping and the UK government are put on the back foot as it seems only one man can stop the growing call for a response…
Will it be from the US ? A rogue faction within the Iranian government ? Or will the world simply stumble into an unknowing future through ignorance.
Gardner again is the master of the slow burn and his ability to both shock and astonishing is exemplary. With the merest hint of what is still to come in another sequel his writing his very much like Gardner’s reporting …unmissable.
June 6, 2025
This is the second novel featuring ex SBS, now MI6 intelligence officer Luke Carlton.
Set largely in Armenia and Iran, Luke is sent undercover as an art buyer to find out what a renegade cell within Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and their scientists are working on. When the British Foreign Secretary, on a trade mission to Iran, is kidnapped, and impossible demands are made, the relationship between the two countries deteriorates and the possibility of a cataclysmic war in the Gulf becomes likely.
When his undercover operation goes wrong, Luke needs to be extracted, but his bosses need him there to help with the Foreign Secretary’s rescue. Luke must use any means necessary to find where he is being held by the Revolutionary Guard cell; a cell led by the ruthless Karim Zamani. His one hope is to recruit local assistance, and that person turns out to be Zamani’s rebellious and wild child student daughter, Tannaz.
A fast paced, well written thriller that brings in a lot of technical and political knowledge drawing on the author’s experience as a BBC Security correspondent, TA officer and with a degree in Arabic & Islamic Studies.
Great characters, plot and lots of action. This is a quick and engaging read.
Rob D
Set largely in Armenia and Iran, Luke is sent undercover as an art buyer to find out what a renegade cell within Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and their scientists are working on. When the British Foreign Secretary, on a trade mission to Iran, is kidnapped, and impossible demands are made, the relationship between the two countries deteriorates and the possibility of a cataclysmic war in the Gulf becomes likely.
When his undercover operation goes wrong, Luke needs to be extracted, but his bosses need him there to help with the Foreign Secretary’s rescue. Luke must use any means necessary to find where he is being held by the Revolutionary Guard cell; a cell led by the ruthless Karim Zamani. His one hope is to recruit local assistance, and that person turns out to be Zamani’s rebellious and wild child student daughter, Tannaz.
A fast paced, well written thriller that brings in a lot of technical and political knowledge drawing on the author’s experience as a BBC Security correspondent, TA officer and with a degree in Arabic & Islamic Studies.
Great characters, plot and lots of action. This is a quick and engaging read.
Rob D
April 6, 2022
In “Crisis” we met Luke Carlton (and his handler,Angela Scott, who’s really up against it, all things considered) intrepid hero, spy, soppy-date, one for getting out of dreadful predicaments of his own making. And we met Elise, his Art Gallery worker girlfriend. Elise had no business in the first book and was a complete waste of space in this; even Luke proves he thinks so when he sleeps with another, more beautiful woman.
I think I enjoyed this book more than the first simply because there were less acronyms and their tedious explanations but the ending left me flummoxed - did you just get bored, Frank, with all this silliness? I loved the submarines and the subterfuge and some of the explanations regarding the abomination that is Iran but most of the action seemed unbelievable and god help us if Luke Carlton is all we’ve got in the way of saviours, eh?
Personally I’d have killed off the Foreign Secretary but however much that would have moved the plot to something of a conclusion I suppose it’s the editorial cowards way out. Fun stuff, badly executed, library fare at best
I think I enjoyed this book more than the first simply because there were less acronyms and their tedious explanations but the ending left me flummoxed - did you just get bored, Frank, with all this silliness? I loved the submarines and the subterfuge and some of the explanations regarding the abomination that is Iran but most of the action seemed unbelievable and god help us if Luke Carlton is all we’ve got in the way of saviours, eh?
Personally I’d have killed off the Foreign Secretary but however much that would have moved the plot to something of a conclusion I suppose it’s the editorial cowards way out. Fun stuff, badly executed, library fare at best
April 25, 2018
I enjoyed Crisis, the first Luke Carlton thriller and this is just as good and left me on the edge of my seat.
It is a thriller in the true sense of the word as I sped trough the book at breakneck speed as the plot gathered momentum and the loose ends were tied together.
It concerns shenanigans in Iran and the kidnapping of the Foreign Secretary but there are several other strands that link together to provide a meaty and satisfying read.
This series is a winner and the book is highly recommended.
It is a thriller in the true sense of the word as I sped trough the book at breakneck speed as the plot gathered momentum and the loose ends were tied together.
It concerns shenanigans in Iran and the kidnapping of the Foreign Secretary but there are several other strands that link together to provide a meaty and satisfying read.
This series is a winner and the book is highly recommended.
June 10, 2018
Trouble is brewing in Iran, with the UK Foreign Secretary due to visit the country shortly, the intelligence services need information. Luke Carleton is sent in to debrief an insider, but somebody else already got to them. The race is on to find a new source, and quick, but Luke finds himself on his own in a hostile country with only his own skills to try and get out. Another rip-roaring thriller from Frank Gardiner. It will be interesting to see how the consequences of this book affect future novels and the character development of Luke Carleton.
November 10, 2019
This book was loaned to me by a friend who bought it in a 2nd hand book shop.
Frank Gardener should know his story background as he has a degree in Arabic &Islamic studies, has been the BBC's 'man in Dubai then Egypt' and since 2002 their Security correspondent. Being shot eleven times and left for dead in the Middle East only adds to his credentials. I'd previously read quite a few history books so picking up a novel was a change. I must say I really enjoyed reading this book and it certainly moves along at a good pace.
Frank Gardener should know his story background as he has a degree in Arabic &Islamic studies, has been the BBC's 'man in Dubai then Egypt' and since 2002 their Security correspondent. Being shot eleven times and left for dead in the Middle East only adds to his credentials. I'd previously read quite a few history books so picking up a novel was a change. I must say I really enjoyed reading this book and it certainly moves along at a good pace.
September 21, 2021
I have enjoyed reading this series so far. Is it perfect? No. But it does do a good job of story telling.
It’s mildly unbelievable. Which is a shame in parts. It very much comes to a very quick conclusion. Everything builds up for 360 odd pages just to finish in the last 10 and just be left with a few answers there. We spend so long learning about the characters on a certain team only for them to see a paragraph of action.
Overall I really liked it and will probably read the last one when it comes down in price a bit.
It’s mildly unbelievable. Which is a shame in parts. It very much comes to a very quick conclusion. Everything builds up for 360 odd pages just to finish in the last 10 and just be left with a few answers there. We spend so long learning about the characters on a certain team only for them to see a paragraph of action.
Overall I really liked it and will probably read the last one when it comes down in price a bit.
November 5, 2025
Got this free with the latest Dan Brown book (half price from WHSmiths as was) and didn’t have expectations. I knew he was an excellent Middle East reporter and had gone through being shot multiple times and left for dead. This fictional (but highly believable) story takes place between London and various locations in Iran. He clearly loves the area and the people. However, this is very much a military/MI6/SBS operation and he explains who the various participants are in a way that doesn’t feel tedious. It’s well written and I don’t like crime stories but this kept me enthralled.
September 29, 2019
Another excellent story from Frank Gardner.
The tension never lets up and the attention to detail is testament to his journalistic knowledge of the subject of which he writes.
The choice of shorter chapters works for me, it allows the various strands of the story to stay fresh in the readers mind.
Already looking forward to the next story in the series, I'm especially intrigued as to whom the plot will be centred around.
The tension never lets up and the attention to detail is testament to his journalistic knowledge of the subject of which he writes.
The choice of shorter chapters works for me, it allows the various strands of the story to stay fresh in the readers mind.
Already looking forward to the next story in the series, I'm especially intrigued as to whom the plot will be centred around.
February 20, 2020
Have mixed feelings now I've finished the book. One I enjoyed immensely while reading, well paced, what felt like v authentic details. But now I'm done I feel a bit hollow, let down in some indefinable way. He's not a character you feel like you know at the end, some of it feels plot driven by the end, what started as intriguing relationship s get left to hang in the wind. Given it a 4 for the enjoyable ride but emotionally only 3 stars.
March 1, 2020
Fabulous and preferred this to Crisis but only because I don't like anything to do with South America and the drugs cartels which was what Crisis was all about.
Again, our Secret Agent Luke goes undercover, on behalf of MI6. Frank leaves you wondering how he is going to escape every situation and one thinks, "this is it - Luke is going to get caught".
These books are real page-turners. Great stuff!
Again, our Secret Agent Luke goes undercover, on behalf of MI6. Frank leaves you wondering how he is going to escape every situation and one thinks, "this is it - Luke is going to get caught".
These books are real page-turners. Great stuff!
March 11, 2023
Listened as an audiobook.
I thought this was a really good book; nicely paced and with a great narrative, building suspense and with sufficient believability for a covert operative trying to infiltrate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard by establishing “an asset” linked to the leader. The book felt realistic probably because of Frank Gardener’s experiences and background knowledge as a BBC correspondent.
Will definitely read more of his.
I thought this was a really good book; nicely paced and with a great narrative, building suspense and with sufficient believability for a covert operative trying to infiltrate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard by establishing “an asset” linked to the leader. The book felt realistic probably because of Frank Gardener’s experiences and background knowledge as a BBC correspondent.
Will definitely read more of his.
April 7, 2023
Conveys a realistic feel to its story of modern espionage and contains some nail-biting moments. However, the book loses steam and fails to resolve satisfactorily, leaving far too many threads dangling or hurriedly tied-up. In other parts the characters actions seem to make little sense, taking needless risks in already risky situations. Ultimately, three stars is erring on the side of generosity.
July 17, 2024
A good read.
Current reports show this, of the time, intelligence likely to have been current, but delayed before making it widespread.
Sets the scene for sequels as Luke’s intelligence career develops.
In this episode, in true western style, the mission is successful, although with collateral damage suffered by individuals.
Shows a detailed knowledge of political environments, the Gulf, military equipment, as well as how to craft a good novel.
Current reports show this, of the time, intelligence likely to have been current, but delayed before making it widespread.
Sets the scene for sequels as Luke’s intelligence career develops.
In this episode, in true western style, the mission is successful, although with collateral damage suffered by individuals.
Shows a detailed knowledge of political environments, the Gulf, military equipment, as well as how to craft a good novel.
August 7, 2018
Move over James Bond. There's a new spy on the block and his name is Luke Carlton. Looking forward to reading more adventures of Frank Gardner's creation. A must for all fans of spy thrillers.
Move over James Bond. Luke Carlton's here and is surely taking pride of place amongst the great fictional spies. Looking forward to reading more adventures of Frank Gardner's hero.
Move over James Bond. Luke Carlton's here and is surely taking pride of place amongst the great fictional spies. Looking forward to reading more adventures of Frank Gardner's hero.
January 3, 2019
A thrillingly good yarn, a real sense of character and suspense. The geopolitical looms large. Why not a 5 star review? The ending races, clearly set up for Book 3, but I had too many unanswered questions.
This is light holiday reading for those who think Die Hard is a great Christmas movie.
There is an edginess and the violence is not gratituous. Life isn’t pretty, people get hurt.
This is light holiday reading for those who think Die Hard is a great Christmas movie.
There is an edginess and the violence is not gratituous. Life isn’t pretty, people get hurt.
February 2, 2019
A brilliant read. I couldn’t put it down. Some will find the myriad of characters and acronyms annoying but it is fairly realistic, including in the use of sentiments displayed by the various factions in Whitehall. enjoyable. Gardner also explains them all. Gardner does well in getting into the mindset of Luke Carlton.
Looking forward to more.
Looking forward to more.
February 23, 2020
This book took me a while to finish but I enjoyed it immensely.
Ultimatum is the second book by Frank Gardner and allows us to again follow Luke Carlton on his spy adventures.
I preferred the overall storyline and setting to Crisis and found myself unable to sleep for a little while as I finished the book late at night before bed. Would thoroughly recommend to people who love a spy thriller!
Ultimatum is the second book by Frank Gardner and allows us to again follow Luke Carlton on his spy adventures.
I preferred the overall storyline and setting to Crisis and found myself unable to sleep for a little while as I finished the book late at night before bed. Would thoroughly recommend to people who love a spy thriller!
May 21, 2023
This is a really fast-paced crime thriller with plenty of detail from an espionage point of view. The chapters are short, making this an easy read, although I found the recruitment & car chases a little too ‘convenient’ for the main protagonist. A new author for me but will definitely be reading more.
August 3, 2023
The second Gardner book I have read and it was a superb read. Carlton is aiming to stop WW3 starting in Iran. Tannaz is the key, Elise is his home comfort, Zamani a villain ruthless in aggression. The adventure spans the whole of Iran and beyond and its simply a really really good read. Feels like a Bond but is a world in itself. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews