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Penalties
Premier League footballer Gabe Savage is on the way to one of the most important matches of his life when he gets a phone call from his wife.
She has been kidnapped along with their young son. And the message from her captors is brutal: ‘If your team wins, your family dies.’
With the kick-off only hours away, there is only one person Gabe can turn to – his brother Ray, a vicious London gangster. But a dark family secret means that he hasn’t spoken to Ray for years. Can Ray help? And will he?
Stephen Leather is one of the UK’s most successful writers, an ebook and Sunday Times bestseller and author of the critically acclaimed Dan ‘Spider’ Shepherd series and the Jack Nightingale supernatural detective novels. His self-published ebooks have topped the Kindle charts in the US and the UK and Amazon has identified him as one of the UK’s top-ten independent authors. You can find out more from his website www.stephenleather.com.
She has been kidnapped along with their young son. And the message from her captors is brutal: ‘If your team wins, your family dies.’
With the kick-off only hours away, there is only one person Gabe can turn to – his brother Ray, a vicious London gangster. But a dark family secret means that he hasn’t spoken to Ray for years. Can Ray help? And will he?
Stephen Leather is one of the UK’s most successful writers, an ebook and Sunday Times bestseller and author of the critically acclaimed Dan ‘Spider’ Shepherd series and the Jack Nightingale supernatural detective novels. His self-published ebooks have topped the Kindle charts in the US and the UK and Amazon has identified him as one of the UK’s top-ten independent authors. You can find out more from his website www.stephenleather.com.
382 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2016
99 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,530 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 29, 2016
Let me start by admitting that I am a huge fan of Stephen Leather's work and especially the 'Dan Shepherd' series but although I enjoyed this book and read it keenly I didn't feel that it was quite the same quality as many of his other books.
The story is fast paced and the complete novel is based on one day's action and it will certainly have you turning pages quickly to find out more. The story is based around Premier League footballer Gabe Savage whose wife and child are kidnapped in an effort to force him to throw the result of his next football match. Gabe calls on his brother Ray, a vicious London gangster to try and rescue his wife and child.
The story has lots of action and is fast paced, a page turner but for me lacks realism and is very predictable. Is this book aimed at YA as it appears a little to straight forward.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Lawsome Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
https://worcestersource.wordpress.com...
The story is fast paced and the complete novel is based on one day's action and it will certainly have you turning pages quickly to find out more. The story is based around Premier League footballer Gabe Savage whose wife and child are kidnapped in an effort to force him to throw the result of his next football match. Gabe calls on his brother Ray, a vicious London gangster to try and rescue his wife and child.
The story has lots of action and is fast paced, a page turner but for me lacks realism and is very predictable. Is this book aimed at YA as it appears a little to straight forward.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Lawsome Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
https://worcestersource.wordpress.com...
December 18, 2016
Penalties by Stephen Leather
This is an incredibly hard book for me to review. I am probably not a good match for this book. I also don't know how football is played in England v. the USA. I do know that in football played in England that the English football players do not wear helmets and padding, which would lead to concussions and injuries from the lack of protection that helmets and padding provide. I am a proud New England Patriots fan and love quarterback Tom Brady.
Gabe is an English professional football player that plays for a premiere league. This is a very important game for him both professionally and personally. He has a wife named Laura and a son named Ollie that he loves. Laura and Ollie get kidnapped by a Chinese syndicate and in order for Laura and Ollie to be returned unharmed is for Gabe to figure out a way to make his team lose. Gabe is worried how he is going to get his team to lose and how he is going to get his family returned safely. If his team wins his wife and child will be killed.
Gabe turns to his brother Ray who is a London gangster. Gabe and Ray have been estranged, but Ray is the only one who he knows that could possibly help him. Ray leaves a trail of graphic violence in his wake in his path to find Laura and Ollie. Ray will do anything and use any means necessary to retrieve Laura and Ollie from their kidnappers. The story goes back and forth between Ray and Gabe in a manner of a time period of four hours. How many people will Ray have to kill and keep himself from being killed? Time is running out and will Ray be successful in returning Laura and Ollie to safety. One has to suspend belief for this story to work.
I received my copy via Net Galley, the author Stephen Leather and Lawsome Publishing for a fair and honest review.
This is an incredibly hard book for me to review. I am probably not a good match for this book. I also don't know how football is played in England v. the USA. I do know that in football played in England that the English football players do not wear helmets and padding, which would lead to concussions and injuries from the lack of protection that helmets and padding provide. I am a proud New England Patriots fan and love quarterback Tom Brady.
Gabe is an English professional football player that plays for a premiere league. This is a very important game for him both professionally and personally. He has a wife named Laura and a son named Ollie that he loves. Laura and Ollie get kidnapped by a Chinese syndicate and in order for Laura and Ollie to be returned unharmed is for Gabe to figure out a way to make his team lose. Gabe is worried how he is going to get his team to lose and how he is going to get his family returned safely. If his team wins his wife and child will be killed.
Gabe turns to his brother Ray who is a London gangster. Gabe and Ray have been estranged, but Ray is the only one who he knows that could possibly help him. Ray leaves a trail of graphic violence in his wake in his path to find Laura and Ollie. Ray will do anything and use any means necessary to retrieve Laura and Ollie from their kidnappers. The story goes back and forth between Ray and Gabe in a manner of a time period of four hours. How many people will Ray have to kill and keep himself from being killed? Time is running out and will Ray be successful in returning Laura and Ollie to safety. One has to suspend belief for this story to work.
I received my copy via Net Galley, the author Stephen Leather and Lawsome Publishing for a fair and honest review.
October 31, 2016
Gabe is a high profile footballer. He is coming towards the end of his career and is determined to set a new record even though it could cause damage to himself. Laura, his wife, as well as a doctor, is worried sick about him but knows how much it means to him and agrees to let him play in another match.
I loved that Laura wasn’t some ‘wag’ and had her own identity. You can tell how much of a secure and loving family unit that she, Gabe and their son have, so when Laura and Ollie are kidnapped, you very much feel the fear that Gabe feels.
I have to admit I am not a big sport fan at all and tend to find it somewhat boring. There is nothing boring about this football match though. This is a match that could cost Gabe his family and literally every second counts.
The story flicks between Gabe and his brother Ray. On one hand we have Gabe who is going out of his mind with worry, not only about his family but also to how he is going to make sure his team loses. Then on the other hand we have Ray who is racing against time to find Laura and Ollie and bring them back safe and well. It certainly makes for an edge of your seat read.
Mainly set over the course of the football match, Penalties is an exhilarating and tense read. It is jam packed full of action, on and off the pitch. Certainly had me holding my breath at times wondering if Ray was going to save the day and what the final score was going to be.
Loved it!
My thanks to Netgalley and Lawsome Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I loved that Laura wasn’t some ‘wag’ and had her own identity. You can tell how much of a secure and loving family unit that she, Gabe and their son have, so when Laura and Ollie are kidnapped, you very much feel the fear that Gabe feels.
I have to admit I am not a big sport fan at all and tend to find it somewhat boring. There is nothing boring about this football match though. This is a match that could cost Gabe his family and literally every second counts.
The story flicks between Gabe and his brother Ray. On one hand we have Gabe who is going out of his mind with worry, not only about his family but also to how he is going to make sure his team loses. Then on the other hand we have Ray who is racing against time to find Laura and Ollie and bring them back safe and well. It certainly makes for an edge of your seat read.
Mainly set over the course of the football match, Penalties is an exhilarating and tense read. It is jam packed full of action, on and off the pitch. Certainly had me holding my breath at times wondering if Ray was going to save the day and what the final score was going to be.
Loved it!
My thanks to Netgalley and Lawsome Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 21, 2017
I am a huge Stephen Leather fan but wasnt that keen on this book.I didn't enjoy it as much as his others.
It was fast paced and the background was about football the Premier League footballer Gabe Savage whose wife and child are kidnapped in an effort to force him to throw the result of his next football game with the choice of throwing the game or see his family die.
Gabe turns to his brother for help a London gangster.
Thanks Netgalley and Lawsome books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was fast paced and the background was about football the Premier League footballer Gabe Savage whose wife and child are kidnapped in an effort to force him to throw the result of his next football game with the choice of throwing the game or see his family die.
Gabe turns to his brother for help a London gangster.
Thanks Netgalley and Lawsome books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2019
Excellent
What a thrill ride. I often forget how good an author Stephen leather is until I start reading one of his books. He never disappoints, excellent storytelling and you are kept on the edge of your seat with the twists and turns that I don't see coming. Yes I recommend you will not be disappointed.
What a thrill ride. I often forget how good an author Stephen leather is until I start reading one of his books. He never disappoints, excellent storytelling and you are kept on the edge of your seat with the twists and turns that I don't see coming. Yes I recommend you will not be disappointed.
November 2, 2016
PENALTIES by Stephen Leather
Stephen Leather is a prolific British author noted for his riproaring adventure tales. I had read some of his wonderful supernatural series, the Jack Nightingale books, but PENALTIES is the first of his others. I know now that his reputation is well-deserved. PENALTIES takes no detours nor pauses and is non-stop "heart in mouth" thriller. I don't know much about English football, but my lack of knowledge never deterred my being totally engrossed and racing through the story. PENALTIES is a definite winner. Be aware: the story is rife with violence, and revolves around the abduction of a football's wife and son.
Stephen Leather is a prolific British author noted for his riproaring adventure tales. I had read some of his wonderful supernatural series, the Jack Nightingale books, but PENALTIES is the first of his others. I know now that his reputation is well-deserved. PENALTIES takes no detours nor pauses and is non-stop "heart in mouth" thriller. I don't know much about English football, but my lack of knowledge never deterred my being totally engrossed and racing through the story. PENALTIES is a definite winner. Be aware: the story is rife with violence, and revolves around the abduction of a football's wife and son.
April 25, 2020
Using a fixed soccer (football) game as the mcguffin, Leather paints a picture (potentially a motion picture) of crime and corruption in London, mainly Chinese crime. While the narrative sections describing the soccer game are interesting (mainly because they involve long sequences of decisions and actions by the players... not the seven second bump uglies of American football) and believable within the story context, if not in the real world. On the other hand, the moving crime scene involving a kidnapping involve unlikely trips across London and back. The magical timing is unbelievable and the completely unlikely overlooking of the first murder weaken the story. Not Leather's best.
May 22, 2017
I think that fact it is a publicised, as a football novel would put people off. I am not a football fan but I found it enthralling. The pace of the book is fast and it is a real page-turner. The basic story is of kidnap and corruption, based around a football match. The protagonists are real and likeable. The background information is obviously well investigated. It reads well and keeps you wanting to read.
I am sure the man character Ray should have his own series !
I am sure the man character Ray should have his own series !
December 12, 2017
Maybe this is closer to a 3.5-star book, but I did enjoy it. Strange that Leather opted for a narrator other than Paul Thornley but I think it may have been due to the amount of swearing and East-end gangsters which this narrator did extremely well.
It was a nice change of scene from Stephen’s usual outings but felt that it could have been extended a bit with the outcome of the murders and the guy from the initial scene who owed Lee the £17,000.
Not a book of those shy of violence but it was a quick, fast-paced Snatch style book that I would definitely recommend.
It was a nice change of scene from Stephen’s usual outings but felt that it could have been extended a bit with the outcome of the murders and the guy from the initial scene who owed Lee the £17,000.
Not a book of those shy of violence but it was a quick, fast-paced Snatch style book that I would definitely recommend.
July 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was very fast paced, a little far fetched with the violence side of it but not to the point of being unbelievable. The football side of it was perfectly believable. As a footy fan, I’ve seen enough odd games and decision to make you wonder if someone’s throwing a game and in the midst of a game, this was detailed perfectly. A quick read, for me but I do like a book I can read in an evening.
December 4, 2017
Just churning them out.
Weak story characters and plot. Predictable ending. Bring back spider, razor, Charlotte. :-$ I read The solitary Man, Birthday Girl and to be honest all were not of the normal caliber of this author. I won't be reading any more. Until Spider is back. Or Razor or Lex or Charlotte. Great characters.
Weak story characters and plot. Predictable ending. Bring back spider, razor, Charlotte. :-$ I read The solitary Man, Birthday Girl and to be honest all were not of the normal caliber of this author. I won't be reading any more. Until Spider is back. Or Razor or Lex or Charlotte. Great characters.
January 5, 2018
A gripping read despite the predictable ending
Football, betting, murder, kidnapping and violence. If this interests you then you'll enjoy this book. A little contrived n places but still a good read.
Football, betting, murder, kidnapping and violence. If this interests you then you'll enjoy this book. A little contrived n places but still a good read.
May 21, 2024
I have a lot of respect for Stephen but this was not one of his best,
From the start Gabe was fixated with beaten a record with penalties.
And from a start you just knew he would do that.
As many know that to predict a penalty in a game is a none starter,
From the start Gabe was fixated with beaten a record with penalties.
And from a start you just knew he would do that.
As many know that to predict a penalty in a game is a none starter,
June 11, 2017
Thriller but maybe more detail on the action side of things.
Good book. Also their are Asian names in the book and the audiobook version can get confusing at times.
Good book. Also their are Asian names in the book and the audiobook version can get confusing at times.
August 16, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Almost a novella but still a great story. Would dearly love to read more adventures of Ray Savage - a great character who could be explored much, much more.
September 26, 2018
Loved this book. Great characters that were very believable.
May 12, 2019
Not great unfortunately. Very predictable.
April 2, 2020
Penalities
Brilliant any more ???loved the story and curators need to know what happens next please please pretty please great read
Brilliant any more ???loved the story and curators need to know what happens next please please pretty please great read
September 11, 2020
Brilliant
Totally brilliant, Stephen creates such stories and characters.....love ready his books. This is a book that very quickly picks up pace.
Totally brilliant, Stephen creates such stories and characters.....love ready his books. This is a book that very quickly picks up pace.
March 15, 2021
Penalties
A brilliant book from start to finish couldn't put it down read it in one day but that's no surprise with Stephen leather.
A brilliant book from start to finish couldn't put it down read it in one day but that's no surprise with Stephen leather.
January 4, 2017
An initially credible plot becomes extremely far fetched and violent
November 3, 2016
I was quite excited when I saw this book. I have to say that, in my experience, this author does write a good book and this one piqued my interest even more because it encompasses the wonderful world of Premier League Football which is something I love following myself. I will admit that I knew how it would all end right from the start. There were far too many pointers for me to even ponder any other outcome so, for me, the only issue would be how we would get to that point. I have to add here that this in no way spoiled my overall enjoyment of the book as, to be honest, if you think about it, you could probably predict the overall outcome of most of these types of books. It's the journey, not the destination that matters.
So, we have Gabe, a Premier League footballer who is facing the biggest match of his life. Not only is he facing his local rivals in a derby match, he is on the cusp of breaking a pretty big record. En route to the match, he receives a message telling him that his wife and child, Laura and Ollie, have been kidnapped and will be killed if his team wins. With time running out, he only has one person he can call on. One person he can trust to help him. Problem is, this person is his brother and he has been estranged from him for several years. Faced with no alternative, he makes that call. Can his brother come through for him and save his family? In the mean time, there's a match to play.
I read part of this book at Wembley Stadium, sat in my seat waiting for the fun to start. Just a shame it wasn't football I was there to see but it made a nice connection nevertheless. I think in a way, it brought me closer to the action so to speak and that was good.
It is definitely a very high paced book.the whole thing is set over only a few hours and we flit between what Gabe is doing preparing for and playing in the football match, what is happening to Laura and Ollie, and what Ray is doing to find and save them. There is a slight disjoint in the timeline between the three threads and, at times, I did have to slow down to work out where Ray was in Gabe's timeline so that I could follow. This wasn't easy as the whole book was moving at such a pace, I found it a little hard to rein myself in on occasion. That said, I did get there in the end and I think it is probably more my fault for my proclivity for speed reading rather than the author's writing causing my confusion.
I found the football scenes to be very well choreographed. Reading these was quite a visual thing for me as I do watch a lot of football and I was easily able to watch the action unfold in front of me. On the flip side, if I am to be honest, and I have to be, I did find Ray's parts a little bit over the top at times. I mean, what he went through in just a few short hours just stretched credibility just a smidge too far for my liking. Although, that said, it was one heck of an exhilarating ride, I just needed to suspend my belief for the duration. Which I was more than happy to do as the rest of the books was good enough to carry me along. Thinking about all this a little more as I am writing this review, I wonder if the point of all this action is maybe a potential future transfer to the screen. I have already said that I found the football parts to be very visual for me, I wonder if the same could be said for Ray's action scenes. Hmm, food for thought there indeed.
Characters wise, there were a fair few stereotypes in this book both on the football side as well as the gangster side of things, but there was one noticeable omission. I found Laura to be a wonderful character, definitely not one of the WAGs that you read about in the media these days. That was a lovely breath of fresh air. The other main characters were all pretty well crafted and on the whole their actions were congruent with their situations and personalities. I especially loved how Gabe was torn with all the things he had to do to keep his family safe.
All in all, despite my small misgivings, this was a decent all round book that kept my attention nicely and ticked most of the boxes I need for a good read.
One more thing before I close this review. The way that the author has created Ray, his personality, his connections, his - shall we say - profession. I can't help wondering if we will see him again. Either as a cameo in another book or maybe front and centre in his own series. The pointers are all there for something in the future maybe methinks.
My thanks go to NetGalley and the Publisher for the chance to read an advance copy of this book.
So, we have Gabe, a Premier League footballer who is facing the biggest match of his life. Not only is he facing his local rivals in a derby match, he is on the cusp of breaking a pretty big record. En route to the match, he receives a message telling him that his wife and child, Laura and Ollie, have been kidnapped and will be killed if his team wins. With time running out, he only has one person he can call on. One person he can trust to help him. Problem is, this person is his brother and he has been estranged from him for several years. Faced with no alternative, he makes that call. Can his brother come through for him and save his family? In the mean time, there's a match to play.
I read part of this book at Wembley Stadium, sat in my seat waiting for the fun to start. Just a shame it wasn't football I was there to see but it made a nice connection nevertheless. I think in a way, it brought me closer to the action so to speak and that was good.
It is definitely a very high paced book.the whole thing is set over only a few hours and we flit between what Gabe is doing preparing for and playing in the football match, what is happening to Laura and Ollie, and what Ray is doing to find and save them. There is a slight disjoint in the timeline between the three threads and, at times, I did have to slow down to work out where Ray was in Gabe's timeline so that I could follow. This wasn't easy as the whole book was moving at such a pace, I found it a little hard to rein myself in on occasion. That said, I did get there in the end and I think it is probably more my fault for my proclivity for speed reading rather than the author's writing causing my confusion.
I found the football scenes to be very well choreographed. Reading these was quite a visual thing for me as I do watch a lot of football and I was easily able to watch the action unfold in front of me. On the flip side, if I am to be honest, and I have to be, I did find Ray's parts a little bit over the top at times. I mean, what he went through in just a few short hours just stretched credibility just a smidge too far for my liking. Although, that said, it was one heck of an exhilarating ride, I just needed to suspend my belief for the duration. Which I was more than happy to do as the rest of the books was good enough to carry me along. Thinking about all this a little more as I am writing this review, I wonder if the point of all this action is maybe a potential future transfer to the screen. I have already said that I found the football parts to be very visual for me, I wonder if the same could be said for Ray's action scenes. Hmm, food for thought there indeed.
Characters wise, there were a fair few stereotypes in this book both on the football side as well as the gangster side of things, but there was one noticeable omission. I found Laura to be a wonderful character, definitely not one of the WAGs that you read about in the media these days. That was a lovely breath of fresh air. The other main characters were all pretty well crafted and on the whole their actions were congruent with their situations and personalities. I especially loved how Gabe was torn with all the things he had to do to keep his family safe.
All in all, despite my small misgivings, this was a decent all round book that kept my attention nicely and ticked most of the boxes I need for a good read.
One more thing before I close this review. The way that the author has created Ray, his personality, his connections, his - shall we say - profession. I can't help wondering if we will see him again. Either as a cameo in another book or maybe front and centre in his own series. The pointers are all there for something in the future maybe methinks.
My thanks go to NetGalley and the Publisher for the chance to read an advance copy of this book.
October 25, 2016
This is a slightly difficult review to write, mainly because I've got such mixed feelings about the book. Let's start at the beginning. The plot revolves around Gabe, the striker for a fictional premier league football team. Due to face Chelsea in a league match, Gabe is one penalty short of the record for most consecutive penalties scored. Unfortunately for him, a Chinese gangster syndicate has bet heavily on Chelsea, so to try and ensure their investment, they kidnap his wife and young son. With the choice of throwing the match or seeing his family killed, Gabe turns to his estranged brother, Ray, a London gangster for help.
Once Ray is introduced, the action jumps between the stadium, and Rays desperate attempts to find Laura and Ollie. The entire book takes place over the space of four hours, so it feels quite compressed. This is possibly as close as a novel can get to the feeling of the TV show 24. Short sharp chapters with jumps between view points give the story a breathless sense of time. It is incredibly effective.
In any novel there has to be a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. This is one of the things that the author manages incredibly well at some points, and not so well at others. Let's start with the not so good. Ray is a proper hard man, scared of no one and willing to take anyone on for his baby brother. The problem I have with his storyline is it’s too much. I'm an avid reader of the authors Spider Shepherd novels, but this feels like Spider on steroids. The trail of death and destruction Ray leaves in his wake is so high it just knocked me out the story.
Flipping that entirely, the football side of things is done so well, I'm not sure I'll ever trust a misplaced pass again. Gabes attempt to throw the match is so believable, and so well written, you'll end up casting a suspicious eye over the next episode of Match of the Day. Although the ending is telegraphed a bit, it's how we get there that's the important bit. It's got a pleasant twist in the tail which I won't spoil that possibly explains a lot more of the characters.
While this can not be said to be my favourite Stephen Leather novel it's still a worthy addition to his list. To be honest much as I look forward to the next Spider or Nightingale novel, I love the fact that he's not relying on his proven characters, but is still willing to take risks. It's proved worth it.
Once Ray is introduced, the action jumps between the stadium, and Rays desperate attempts to find Laura and Ollie. The entire book takes place over the space of four hours, so it feels quite compressed. This is possibly as close as a novel can get to the feeling of the TV show 24. Short sharp chapters with jumps between view points give the story a breathless sense of time. It is incredibly effective.
In any novel there has to be a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. This is one of the things that the author manages incredibly well at some points, and not so well at others. Let's start with the not so good. Ray is a proper hard man, scared of no one and willing to take anyone on for his baby brother. The problem I have with his storyline is it’s too much. I'm an avid reader of the authors Spider Shepherd novels, but this feels like Spider on steroids. The trail of death and destruction Ray leaves in his wake is so high it just knocked me out the story.
Flipping that entirely, the football side of things is done so well, I'm not sure I'll ever trust a misplaced pass again. Gabes attempt to throw the match is so believable, and so well written, you'll end up casting a suspicious eye over the next episode of Match of the Day. Although the ending is telegraphed a bit, it's how we get there that's the important bit. It's got a pleasant twist in the tail which I won't spoil that possibly explains a lot more of the characters.
While this can not be said to be my favourite Stephen Leather novel it's still a worthy addition to his list. To be honest much as I look forward to the next Spider or Nightingale novel, I love the fact that he's not relying on his proven characters, but is still willing to take risks. It's proved worth it.
January 25, 2017
I love Stephen Leather novels, they are always thrilling and exciting. So before I started to read Penalties I was a little bit apprehensive as it is a different subject matter than previous novels I have read from this author. Although still a crime thriller, it is based around the world of Premiership football.
Gabe Savage is a professional footballer playing for Walford United. He is one penalty goal away from breaking the record for the scoring the most consecutive penalties and life is good. That is until before kick off he receives a phone call from his wife saying that she and their young son have been kidnapped and if he doesn’t lose the game against Chelsea they will be killed. He is faced with the choice of throwing the game or seeing his family killed. He cannot go to the police so he turns to his estranged gangster brother, Ray, to track them down and save them.
Ray has 4 hours to track and save his family and enable Gabe to win the game.
Overall, the story was quite interesting looking at the murky world of high stakes gambling within the world of professional football. It focuses more on the gambling side and the violence associated with it, more so than the football, and the footballing side is done very well. My only issue with the story was it felt a bit rushed taking place over 4 hours.
Once Ray came into the story the action started and was great and at times brutal but seemed over the top at times (and all in such a small timeframe).
I love Stephen Leather novels and although this was slightly different from the norm, it was still a good story, although I felt rushed at times. Packed with action and violence and is definitely worth
Gabe Savage is a professional footballer playing for Walford United. He is one penalty goal away from breaking the record for the scoring the most consecutive penalties and life is good. That is until before kick off he receives a phone call from his wife saying that she and their young son have been kidnapped and if he doesn’t lose the game against Chelsea they will be killed. He is faced with the choice of throwing the game or seeing his family killed. He cannot go to the police so he turns to his estranged gangster brother, Ray, to track them down and save them.
Ray has 4 hours to track and save his family and enable Gabe to win the game.
Overall, the story was quite interesting looking at the murky world of high stakes gambling within the world of professional football. It focuses more on the gambling side and the violence associated with it, more so than the football, and the footballing side is done very well. My only issue with the story was it felt a bit rushed taking place over 4 hours.
Once Ray came into the story the action started and was great and at times brutal but seemed over the top at times (and all in such a small timeframe).
I love Stephen Leather novels and although this was slightly different from the norm, it was still a good story, although I felt rushed at times. Packed with action and violence and is definitely worth
October 29, 2016
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Lawsome Books (via Netgalley) in return for an honest, unbiased review. It is to be released via Kindle on 31 October 2016.
I must admit to very much enjoying Stephen Leather’s latest novel “Penalties”. Having always been a sports fan, I have often held the thought of a football based mystery/thriller, possibly in the style of how Dick Francis wrote about horse racing, to be quite appealing.
Somewhat grittier than a Francis adventure however, I thought the rather graphic descriptions at the beginning were a little over the top maybe, but on consideration they were not out of context with the rest of the novel and were justified. Building up to an exciting climax, the final outcome was in doubt right up until the end.
Just one slight criticism though, I can understand why the story had to be based around a fictional football club, but I have to say that I thought using a Premier League club name of Walford United alongside the real Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham etc a little difficult to take in. Maybe all the clubs names should have been made up? Also was the name of Walford lifted from the BBC soap EastEnders?
A well written novel with quite strong characters, that was easy to read and at times very difficult to put down. Well worth reading.
I must admit to very much enjoying Stephen Leather’s latest novel “Penalties”. Having always been a sports fan, I have often held the thought of a football based mystery/thriller, possibly in the style of how Dick Francis wrote about horse racing, to be quite appealing.
Somewhat grittier than a Francis adventure however, I thought the rather graphic descriptions at the beginning were a little over the top maybe, but on consideration they were not out of context with the rest of the novel and were justified. Building up to an exciting climax, the final outcome was in doubt right up until the end.
Just one slight criticism though, I can understand why the story had to be based around a fictional football club, but I have to say that I thought using a Premier League club name of Walford United alongside the real Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham etc a little difficult to take in. Maybe all the clubs names should have been made up? Also was the name of Walford lifted from the BBC soap EastEnders?
A well written novel with quite strong characters, that was easy to read and at times very difficult to put down. Well worth reading.
December 10, 2016
Ray stole the book for me. Gabe seems like he has it all, a career as a professional football player, a beautiful doctor wife and a son that could be a football player one day. But Gabe is having problems with his knees as all his injuries are catching up with him, he doesn't want to stop now as he has come so far. But he might not get the chance to be a great player as his family will be used as ransom and he will have to throw the game that he is going to play in , the one that means the most. He will do anything to make sure that his family is safe. He only knows one person that will find them and bring them home, his brother Ray. Ray is one badass who will use any means necessary to get the job done. Can he get them back to Gabe without killing too many people and keep himself alive as well. Ray stole the story as he makes things happen and he loves violence and he loves his brother. Can Ray find them before it is too late and will Gabe ever forgive him for that one mistake so long ago? A thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley and the publishing house in exchange for my honest unbiased thoughts.
November 10, 2016
A thrilling read with an up to the minute plot line. Whilst the book has a football background, don't be put off if football is not your bag, it's there as a intrinsic part of the story but isn't just about the game.
This is a fast paced story that will have you on the edge of your seat. Bang up-to-date with betting scams, tough action scenes, and a cast of characters that are thoroughly believable.
As a long term fan of Stephen Leather's books an being a huge 'Spider Shepherd' fan I was a little dubious about the book when I started, but all in all a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced read.
This is a fast paced story that will have you on the edge of your seat. Bang up-to-date with betting scams, tough action scenes, and a cast of characters that are thoroughly believable.
As a long term fan of Stephen Leather's books an being a huge 'Spider Shepherd' fan I was a little dubious about the book when I started, but all in all a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced read.
December 25, 2016
I admit to being a huge Stephen Leather fan so was extremely happy that I was chosen to receive a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review and although I don’t think it's as good as the Spider Shepherd series of books, it comes pretty close.
Review on my blog Reading Stuff 'n' Things
Review on my blog Reading Stuff 'n' Things
May 20, 2017
This is a standalone novel centred around Premiership football and the lengths others will go in order to ensure a result is fixed for financial gain.
Very fast paced yet horribly predictable with 'action' scenes stretched beyond all credibility. Saying that, I read it in one day.
3 stars from me.
Thanks to Lawsome books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Very fast paced yet horribly predictable with 'action' scenes stretched beyond all credibility. Saying that, I read it in one day.
3 stars from me.
Thanks to Lawsome books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2016
I have enjoyed previous books by the author but this one disappointed me. It was just too predictable for me but it was quite fast paced. Just lacking in a bit of realism for me and definitely pitched towards young adults. Many thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
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