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Tarantula
Length: 2 hrs and 25 mins
MEET JOHN MILTON.
He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder.
Milton is the man the government sends after you when everything else has failed. Ruthless. Brilliant. Anonymous. Lethal. You wouldn't pick him out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list.
In this second dip into his case files (see 1000 Yards for a further free novella), Milton is sent to Italy to investigate the death of a colleague from Group 15, the secret assassination squad that liquidates those considered to be impediments to the furtherance of British interests.
Milton discovers that the agent was involved with the Camorra, the powerful Mafia clan that controls the territory from Naples to the tip of the Italian boot. He identifies the assassin as a man nicknamed Tarantula.
Now Tarantula, and his boss, are entries in Milton’s ledger. And all debts need to be paid.
Also included: the first chapter of the first full-length Milton novel, THE CLEANER.
MEET JOHN MILTON.
He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder.
Milton is the man the government sends after you when everything else has failed. Ruthless. Brilliant. Anonymous. Lethal. You wouldn't pick him out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list.
In this second dip into his case files (see 1000 Yards for a further free novella), Milton is sent to Italy to investigate the death of a colleague from Group 15, the secret assassination squad that liquidates those considered to be impediments to the furtherance of British interests.
Milton discovers that the agent was involved with the Camorra, the powerful Mafia clan that controls the territory from Naples to the tip of the Italian boot. He identifies the assassin as a man nicknamed Tarantula.
Now Tarantula, and his boss, are entries in Milton’s ledger. And all debts need to be paid.
Also included: the first chapter of the first full-length Milton novel, THE CLEANER.
Audible Audio
Published May 8, 2015
About the author
Mark Dawson
112 books1,916 followersFor news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
January 27, 2023
*Thrilling*
John Milton is the type of man that when all fails Her Majesty’s Government send him in. Underestimate him at your cost.
This instalment sends him in assignment to Italy to investigate the death of a colleague. He quickly finds out who the culprit is a deadly assassin who they nickname “Tarantula”
I love how he puts the pieces together and never wastes time. The scary thing is even at one moment sitting a table with the one who gave the orders for the kill, John is sitting at a table with a gun pointed at him under the table, he does not flinch or show fear.
A novella that is pacy and certainly packs a punch, promising series
John Milton is the type of man that when all fails Her Majesty’s Government send him in. Underestimate him at your cost.
This instalment sends him in assignment to Italy to investigate the death of a colleague. He quickly finds out who the culprit is a deadly assassin who they nickname “Tarantula”
I love how he puts the pieces together and never wastes time. The scary thing is even at one moment sitting a table with the one who gave the orders for the kill, John is sitting at a table with a gun pointed at him under the table, he does not flinch or show fear.
A novella that is pacy and certainly packs a punch, promising series
October 18, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This was a free novella e-book from Amazon. The balance of the series is available on kindle unlimited or for purchase.
This is a will written novella British 🏰👑 classic 007 mystery novella. The main character is 008 John Milton. He is sent to Naples, Italy to find answers to the death of 003 😀. He makes all the right contacts with the local mafia and they come to an agreement. The night 🌙 ends badly for the mafia and 008 is on his way back to England.
I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰👑 classic pulp fiction mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒😡🏰
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This was a free novella e-book from Amazon. The balance of the series is available on kindle unlimited or for purchase.
This is a will written novella British 🏰👑 classic 007 mystery novella. The main character is 008 John Milton. He is sent to Naples, Italy to find answers to the death of 003 😀. He makes all the right contacts with the local mafia and they come to an agreement. The night 🌙 ends badly for the mafia and 008 is on his way back to England.
I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰👑 classic pulp fiction mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀👒😡🏰
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 6, 2015
Another John Milton novella ,this time set in Italy. Again it grabbed me at the beginning and never let go!
September 20, 2018
I'm reading Mark Dawson's Books one right after another. I can't believe I just happened on this author. Every book so far has been an amazing thriller with a great story.
May 17, 2022
An enjoyable short read, with an upbeat narrator.
November 18, 2017
Bonus novella at the end of the second John Milton 3-book box set, this serves mainly to illustrate the kind of work he did for Group Fifteen before his conscience got the better of him and he set off on his own path of atonement.
Sent to Naples to deal with a mafia assassin who has already taken out one of his colleagues, Milton beats up local thugs, charms a beautiful woman, rides a motorbike, and negotiates with the head honcho to take out a gang of drug dealers. It's very James Bond-y, only 15 short chapters, so rather like the opening scenes of the later movies where we see the hero in action, but there's no real relevance to the main plot.
Sent to Naples to deal with a mafia assassin who has already taken out one of his colleagues, Milton beats up local thugs, charms a beautiful woman, rides a motorbike, and negotiates with the head honcho to take out a gang of drug dealers. It's very James Bond-y, only 15 short chapters, so rather like the opening scenes of the later movies where we see the hero in action, but there's no real relevance to the main plot.
March 30, 2016
An excellent earlier short story of hard drinking Milton doing want he does best, stepping in and cleaning up the mess that the British government has no other satisfactory solution at hand.
In this case an agent has already tried and been eliminated. Now Milton has to follow in his dead colleague's steps and avoid being killed.
His mission is to go into the very heart of the most feared mafia family in and around Naples and undermine their trade in drugs with a syndicate in Liverpool. Not forgetting to find Number 3's killer - Tarantula, and kill him to send a message ahead of taking down his boss / Capo.
As with all Mark's writing the sense of Italy is fresh from the page and the tension never slackens as Milton feels watched, while remaining alert to danger and ready to escape any threat to his life. To succeed however he must take risks; trust his senses and forge relationships in the heart of the enemy.
Excellent thriller but nothing we haven't met previously. Alot like a bond story even with a quartermaster on hand to supply weaponery and gadgets. Here Dawson has the last laugh as things are effective but unlike the 00 section not every goes to plan.
In this case an agent has already tried and been eliminated. Now Milton has to follow in his dead colleague's steps and avoid being killed.
His mission is to go into the very heart of the most feared mafia family in and around Naples and undermine their trade in drugs with a syndicate in Liverpool. Not forgetting to find Number 3's killer - Tarantula, and kill him to send a message ahead of taking down his boss / Capo.
As with all Mark's writing the sense of Italy is fresh from the page and the tension never slackens as Milton feels watched, while remaining alert to danger and ready to escape any threat to his life. To succeed however he must take risks; trust his senses and forge relationships in the heart of the enemy.
Excellent thriller but nothing we haven't met previously. Alot like a bond story even with a quartermaster on hand to supply weaponery and gadgets. Here Dawson has the last laugh as things are effective but unlike the 00 section not every goes to plan.
January 24, 2018
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; JANUARY 23, 2018
Narrator: David Thorpe
I wouldn't have missed anything if I had skipped this and went straight into the series because it didn't give me much background on Milton other than that he used to be in a covert group called '15'. IIRC, Milton is Number 3 and he's sent to Italy to investigate Number 8's death.
Once he meets the Comorra head, it's been-there-done-that. IMO, you can pick any novel involving a conversation with a Mafia-type boss, copy, cut and paste it in any other. They all sound the same, use the same cliches and scenarios.
I'll have to try the first book in the series, The Cleaner, and see if Dawson's style appeals.
Narrator: David Thorpe
I wouldn't have missed anything if I had skipped this and went straight into the series because it didn't give me much background on Milton other than that he used to be in a covert group called '15'. IIRC, Milton is Number 3 and he's sent to Italy to investigate Number 8's death.
Once he meets the Comorra head, it's been-there-done-that. IMO, you can pick any novel involving a conversation with a Mafia-type boss, copy, cut and paste it in any other. They all sound the same, use the same cliches and scenarios.
I'll have to try the first book in the series, The Cleaner, and see if Dawson's style appeals.
October 12, 2019
A short story packed with information and framing of the main character. Number 8 (as he is called) seems like the rest of us having a drink (or two) requires to decompress, thinks before he acts (well, maybe not all of us), and now to more on to Mark Dawson's first book, Let's see what he can do with a FULL novel.
August 26, 2015
Despite this being a novella, it does complement the John Milton series, but it was one which I felt could have been made into a book in its own right. It comes from the time when Milton was №8 within Group 15, so it gives the reader an extra insight into his background before he became №1. As with the other books this has been well researched and thought out, with good solid characters.
Milton has been tasked by Control to investigate the disappearance of №3, whilst he was on assignment in Naples. Milton soon has to face a group known as the Camorra, a Mafiaesque type group.
For anyone not familiar with the John Milton series of books, this novella probably isn't a bad place to begin. It will give the reader a chance to get to 'know' the character, John milton, and also the author's writing style.
Milton has been tasked by Control to investigate the disappearance of №3, whilst he was on assignment in Naples. Milton soon has to face a group known as the Camorra, a Mafiaesque type group.
For anyone not familiar with the John Milton series of books, this novella probably isn't a bad place to begin. It will give the reader a chance to get to 'know' the character, John milton, and also the author's writing style.
August 1, 2018
So, another short story about The Cleaner John Milton. This time he was sent to Italy to find out what happen to Agent Three and take care of business once he did find out, which he did.
I did start reading the book The Cleaner but I felt a little lost so after 6 chapters I quit and went on to other books BUT now think I understand John better and why he wanted to quit The Group. And I get why he feels the need to help people in need instead of just killing people because he was told to. He already had 50 kills so he wanted something more out of his life.
As to the narration: He was great. When the book called for a laugh by Ernesto David Thorpe let loose a nasty, evil laugh. His reading skills are simply wonderful.
October 27, 2018
Yet another winner from Mark Dawson. This novella takes another look back into John Milton's violent past as an operative of the top secret government agency, Group 15. This time around, Milton travels to Naples, Italy to find out what happened to another member of the agency who disappeared while on assignment. Milton must get close to the Italian crime syndicate, the Camorra, gain their trust and pick up where his missing colleague left off. If you like mystery, suspense and action, all wrapped up in a tight little bundle, this book us for you. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2015
A very good novella for the fans of Dawson's John Milton character. It goes back to the time when Milton was "Number 8" on the assassination team. It also gives the back story to the angel tattoo on Milton's back and shoulders.
This is a great addition to the Milton saga and should not be ignored by the readers who have followed Milton's story. It's also a very good place for new readers to jump into the story line, as the timeline places it prior to The Cleaner.
This is a great addition to the Milton saga and should not be ignored by the readers who have followed Milton's story. It's also a very good place for new readers to jump into the story line, as the timeline places it prior to The Cleaner.
March 23, 2016
Moving on with this John Milton prequel. Good explosives. Bad-ass Sicilian bad guys fall for #8 Milton's ploys. I wish John were real. The world would be a much better place. He's moving up to the dreaded #1 spot fast.
February 2, 2015
I can't get enough John Milton.
I love these glimpses into John's past.
I am all out of John Milton books to read and going through withdrawl...
Thanks for another good read, Mark.
I love these glimpses into John's past.
I am all out of John Milton books to read and going through withdrawl...
Thanks for another good read, Mark.
May 3, 2015
James Hadley Chasian.Fluent, unstoppable, unputdownable !!!
October 14, 2018
4.5* rounded up
Although a couple of errors this is an excellent prequel novella.
Brilliantly described the locale and fast paced.
Although a couple of errors this is an excellent prequel novella.
Brilliantly described the locale and fast paced.
September 18, 2022
3.5 stars
Another short story featurung assassin John Milton - plenty of action & murder - what's not to like?!
Another short story featurung assassin John Milton - plenty of action & murder - what's not to like?!
March 30, 2025
Simple plot but engaging. realistic characters and story line if you like the james bond type plots
there's even a Q. wonder where M is....?
there's even a Q. wonder where M is....?
November 17, 2016
"Meet John Milton. He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder." In this novella length story we see an earlier version of John Milton. John Milton, paid assassin for the British government. In the other novels about him, he has left that "job" behind.
In Tarantula, he revisits a location where a fellow agent was killed. He wants to know how and why, and verify who, although, uppermost, he is to complete the assignment. Milton always finishes his assignments. He is number one.
In this book, I could feel how much of an "artisan" and "craftsman" he was when working. Seeing a coldly calculating assassin. Though the book was short, a novella, it was long on story, painting a thorough look inside Milton . . . Milton, the assassin. I know the character from the other books; though still intense and deadly, if he has to be, he is also compassionate and caring, however, this is a look back at what he was frequently ordered to do, assassinate. After so much blood on his hands, he would not -- could not -- continue and he left British employ.
This is a different Milton. He is a man that always carries out orders and never, ever,
misses. As he moves through this assignment, the book's vivid imagery plays like a movie in my mind. I can see the scenes, I can see the men he has been sent to "work with", and, I can almost feel the emotions, whether they are Milton's or another character. Do you like suspense? Thrills? Action? Intensity? Well, they are all in there -- and then some!
Mark Dawson paints a very vivid and chilling picture of this man and his dedication to his sole purpose: carrying out orders, no matter what they are, no matter what is required of him. Which he does, coldly, calculatingly, always intently focused, leaving nothing to chance. He is number one.
In Tarantula, he revisits a location where a fellow agent was killed. He wants to know how and why, and verify who, although, uppermost, he is to complete the assignment. Milton always finishes his assignments. He is number one.
In this book, I could feel how much of an "artisan" and "craftsman" he was when working. Seeing a coldly calculating assassin. Though the book was short, a novella, it was long on story, painting a thorough look inside Milton . . . Milton, the assassin. I know the character from the other books; though still intense and deadly, if he has to be, he is also compassionate and caring, however, this is a look back at what he was frequently ordered to do, assassinate. After so much blood on his hands, he would not -- could not -- continue and he left British employ.
This is a different Milton. He is a man that always carries out orders and never, ever,
misses. As he moves through this assignment, the book's vivid imagery plays like a movie in my mind. I can see the scenes, I can see the men he has been sent to "work with", and, I can almost feel the emotions, whether they are Milton's or another character. Do you like suspense? Thrills? Action? Intensity? Well, they are all in there -- and then some!
Mark Dawson paints a very vivid and chilling picture of this man and his dedication to his sole purpose: carrying out orders, no matter what they are, no matter what is required of him. Which he does, coldly, calculatingly, always intently focused, leaving nothing to chance. He is number one.
January 9, 2018
The second John Milton novella and I have to say that I enjoyed this one more than 1000 Yards. Milton is sent to Italy with the intention of taking down the leader of one of Italy’s most fearsome criminal organisations.
Mark Dawson captures Italy brilliantly and it was very easy to visualise the setting that was being described to me. As with 1000 Yards it was exciting to read about an earlier Milton, one that still had his secret job as a Cleaner for the government. Having read the future books it’s clear how damaged Milton is by his past and that’s ever clearer when reading stories set in that actual past.
There’s real depth to the story here for a novella and the book moves at a brilliant pace because of that shorter word count. Knowing that Milton will succeed and survive doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story and how he manages to complete his mission was a lot of fun to read about. The comparisons to James Bond and Reacher are worthy but Milton is definitely his own character and I’m very much enjoying following him on these adventures.
As with 1000 Yards this serves as a good introduction to John Milton, in fact Tarantula is probably a better introduction, and I felt that this too had the potential to be a full-length story. I was a little disappointed one aspect of the story, concerning a female character that Milton met on his mission, wasn’t explored further at the end of the novel. I was expecting a final scene between them (had this been Lee Child and the obligatory sex scene would have made an appearance) however the ending only left me wanting to continue with the main series which as I’ve said previously is proving to be one of the best series of thrillers I’ve read.
Mark Dawson captures Italy brilliantly and it was very easy to visualise the setting that was being described to me. As with 1000 Yards it was exciting to read about an earlier Milton, one that still had his secret job as a Cleaner for the government. Having read the future books it’s clear how damaged Milton is by his past and that’s ever clearer when reading stories set in that actual past.
There’s real depth to the story here for a novella and the book moves at a brilliant pace because of that shorter word count. Knowing that Milton will succeed and survive doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story and how he manages to complete his mission was a lot of fun to read about. The comparisons to James Bond and Reacher are worthy but Milton is definitely his own character and I’m very much enjoying following him on these adventures.
As with 1000 Yards this serves as a good introduction to John Milton, in fact Tarantula is probably a better introduction, and I felt that this too had the potential to be a full-length story. I was a little disappointed one aspect of the story, concerning a female character that Milton met on his mission, wasn’t explored further at the end of the novel. I was expecting a final scene between them (had this been Lee Child and the obligatory sex scene would have made an appearance) however the ending only left me wanting to continue with the main series which as I’ve said previously is proving to be one of the best series of thrillers I’ve read.
June 7, 2026
4 Stars
…He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder.
Milton is the man the government sends after you when everything else has failed. Ruthless. Brilliant. Anonymous. Lethal. You wouldn't pick him out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list. But now, after ten years, he's had enough - there's blood on his hands and he wants out. Trouble is, this job is not one you can just walk away from…
Tarantula is Book #0.6 in the John Milton Series by Mark Dawson - which brims with gripping action, moral complexity, and emotional depth – and kept me engrossed right from the very first page.
John Milton is a former government assassin who has walked away from a life of sanctioned killing, now burdened by guilt and haunted by the ghosts of his past. Instead of disappearing into obscurity, Milton sets out on a personal mission to help those in desperate need, often putting himself in harm’s way to right wrongs and protect the vulnerable.
Mr. Dawson has a great knack for balancing high-octane action with moments of quiet humanity. Milton isn’t a flawless hero - he’s a man wrestling with his conscience, battling insomnia, and trying to atone for the blood on his hands. This vulnerability makes him relatable, even as he navigates dangerous situations with the precision of a seasoned operative.
Perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with a lone-wolf protagonist, morally grey dilemmas, and a strong emotional undercurrent.
Happy Reading…
…He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder.
Milton is the man the government sends after you when everything else has failed. Ruthless. Brilliant. Anonymous. Lethal. You wouldn't pick him out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list. But now, after ten years, he's had enough - there's blood on his hands and he wants out. Trouble is, this job is not one you can just walk away from…
Tarantula is Book #0.6 in the John Milton Series by Mark Dawson - which brims with gripping action, moral complexity, and emotional depth – and kept me engrossed right from the very first page.
John Milton is a former government assassin who has walked away from a life of sanctioned killing, now burdened by guilt and haunted by the ghosts of his past. Instead of disappearing into obscurity, Milton sets out on a personal mission to help those in desperate need, often putting himself in harm’s way to right wrongs and protect the vulnerable.
Mr. Dawson has a great knack for balancing high-octane action with moments of quiet humanity. Milton isn’t a flawless hero - he’s a man wrestling with his conscience, battling insomnia, and trying to atone for the blood on his hands. This vulnerability makes him relatable, even as he navigates dangerous situations with the precision of a seasoned operative.
Perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with a lone-wolf protagonist, morally grey dilemmas, and a strong emotional undercurrent.
Happy Reading…
February 7, 2017
Review at The Book Nympho:
http://thebooknympho.com/2017/01/thri...
This is similar to Jennifer's Read It, Track It where I am reading more "free" books for the COYER Winter Storm Challenge
http://thebooknympho.com/2017/01/thri...
This is similar to Jennifer's Read It, Track It where I am reading more "free" books for the COYER Winter Storm Challenge
Similar to 1000 Yards, Tartantula is another mission from the case file. The character seems much more skilled and confident in this outing. It is just as interesting and nerve-wracking, however. The only noticeable emotion in either novella, from Milton is compassion towards women caught up in the wrong places and times. I will read the first full novel, but if there is not more emotion or internal personal character or humor, I am not sure I will continue beyond it.
July 2, 2023
I have read several of the full Milton novels, and having finally got around to signing up to Mark Dawson’s email list, I got this free.
This is a novella, covering one of Milton’s missions when he was still part of Group 15, the shadowy secret service type organisation where he learnt his craft.
Milton is sent to Italy when one of his Group 15 colleagues disappears. I don’t think it is a spoiler to say that he has been killed, and it is up to Milton to exact some sort of revenge. The files he is given by his Group 15 boss indicate the missing man was involved with the Camorra, the vicious Naples based mafia group, and Milton makes contact, gradually working his way up the ladder. Milton quickly identifies not only the boss, but the man responsible for his colleague’s death – the titular Tarantula, a lethal assassin.
I read this over a weekend – it Is short, but it is an enjoyable dip into Milton’s past life. Dawson’s descriptions of Naples and the surrounding area are good, and the people are fleshed out. Milton is seemingly a much happier person despite being an assassin – we do not see the melancholy, recovering alcoholic here – in fact I was surprised when he had a drink, then I realised it was pre-‘The Cleaner’ so he was in a better place. That said, there are hints at the end of his impending problems. Worth a read.
This is a novella, covering one of Milton’s missions when he was still part of Group 15, the shadowy secret service type organisation where he learnt his craft.
Milton is sent to Italy when one of his Group 15 colleagues disappears. I don’t think it is a spoiler to say that he has been killed, and it is up to Milton to exact some sort of revenge. The files he is given by his Group 15 boss indicate the missing man was involved with the Camorra, the vicious Naples based mafia group, and Milton makes contact, gradually working his way up the ladder. Milton quickly identifies not only the boss, but the man responsible for his colleague’s death – the titular Tarantula, a lethal assassin.
I read this over a weekend – it Is short, but it is an enjoyable dip into Milton’s past life. Dawson’s descriptions of Naples and the surrounding area are good, and the people are fleshed out. Milton is seemingly a much happier person despite being an assassin – we do not see the melancholy, recovering alcoholic here – in fact I was surprised when he had a drink, then I realised it was pre-‘The Cleaner’ so he was in a better place. That said, there are hints at the end of his impending problems. Worth a read.
Read
April 22, 2023The MAFIA in that part of ITALY called him Tarantula. A tattoo of a spider decorated his face. The abdomen of the insect was on his right cheek, covering it from the cheekbone to the line of his jaw. The eight legs spread up to his eye, his forehead, towards his ear and down to his throat and the corner of his lips. His head was shaved and the rest of his skin was decorated, too. There was a pistol and a grenade. A neat line of cursive script above his right ear declared, in Italian, "La vita `e dolore."
Life is pain.
Tarantula had become his nom de guerre. He was a hunter, just like the spider, and just as deadly.
The road followed the line of the cliff, bending in a slow and gentle curve. It was fenced for much of its length but this span of half a mile or so was unguarded, with a steep drop that terminated in deep waters fifty feet below. The unfenced part came at the apex of a sharp hairpin. It was necessary for drivers to slow right down to make the turn, to thirty or forty miles an hour maximum, before they could increase their speed again for the straight run ahead.
That was important.
Life is pain.
Tarantula had become his nom de guerre. He was a hunter, just like the spider, and just as deadly.
The road followed the line of the cliff, bending in a slow and gentle curve. It was fenced for much of its length but this span of half a mile or so was unguarded, with a steep drop that terminated in deep waters fifty feet below. The unfenced part came at the apex of a sharp hairpin. It was necessary for drivers to slow right down to make the turn, to thirty or forty miles an hour maximum, before they could increase their speed again for the straight run ahead.
That was important.
September 25, 2015
MEET JOHN MILTON.
He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder.
Milton
is the man the government sends after you when everything else has
failed. Ruthless. Brilliant. Anonymous. Lethal. You wouldn't pick him
out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list.
In
this second dip into his case files (see 1000 Yards for a further free
novella), Milton is sent to Italy to investigate the death of a
colleague from Group 15, the secret assassination squad that liquidates
those considered to be impediments to the furtherance of British
interests.
Milton discovers that the agent was involved
with the Camorra, the powerful Mafia clan that controls the territory
from Naples to the tip of the Italian boot. He identifies the assassin
as a man nicknamed Tarantula.
Now Tarantula, and his boss, are entries in Milton’s ledger. And all debts need to be paid.
He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder.
Milton
is the man the government sends after you when everything else has
failed. Ruthless. Brilliant. Anonymous. Lethal. You wouldn't pick him
out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list.
In
this second dip into his case files (see 1000 Yards for a further free
novella), Milton is sent to Italy to investigate the death of a
colleague from Group 15, the secret assassination squad that liquidates
those considered to be impediments to the furtherance of British
interests.
Milton discovers that the agent was involved
with the Camorra, the powerful Mafia clan that controls the territory
from Naples to the tip of the Italian boot. He identifies the assassin
as a man nicknamed Tarantula.
Now Tarantula, and his boss, are entries in Milton’s ledger. And all debts need to be paid.
November 24, 2019
Milton at it again at the hands of acclaimed Author Mark Dawson, who does the book Tarantula so very well. Assassin John Milton becomes “Mr. Smith”, to go after the bad guys. Ordinary name for an UNordinary character. As Author Mark Dawson said, John Milton’s ‘ledger was dripping with blood’. Milton has all the necessary tools to perform his job down pat. Fast, easy deaths, done calmly and confidently by John Milton as he deals out the deaths. He knows his business very well. I particularly loved the grenade scene, and when...oops...NO SPOILERS. Fast actioned pace, flowed so freely. The John Milton Series is proving to be a great one!! The tattoo on his back, which is The Angel of Death, is definitely very appropriate. WINNER BOOK if you like fast precise action and I DO.
Acclaimed Author Mark Dawson and his character Assassin John Milton at their BEST in Tarantula!!
ENJOY this steadily fast actioned one folks!!!
Acclaimed Author Mark Dawson and his character Assassin John Milton at their BEST in Tarantula!!
ENJOY this steadily fast actioned one folks!!!
December 9, 2024
Whether this is your first book in Mark Dawson’s John Milton series or you’re like me and come to it after many books deep into this phenomenal series, we learn more about John from when he was an active killer for the British government. I swear the active assassin John Milton is hard to juxtapose with the retired John Milton, even though he must often employ his skill set for one reason or another. This novella was a quick, yet entertaining read with all the action of a typical John Milton novel. The removal of care and concern for his drinking and killing was sad for me to hear because it’s his angst over these things that really draw me to Milton. I loved learning the origin story about his tattoo, even though it felt more like an afterthought. It was a true Milton move and made me laugh.
May 30, 2023
Rating between 3.5 & 4
A very strong 3.5 for this novella that for me at least acted as an introduction to the author and his characters.
Well drawn protagonists and settings, clear straightforward plot to follow, lots of action in very few pages. Reminded me of a modem take on the Matt Helm series from the 1960’s-1970’s.
After thinking on this it probably should have been a 4 for the enjoyment factor tbh
Am surprised that this series hasn’t been picked up by tv or movie in at least some form. It seems to fit right into the same space as modern Bond stories, as well as Jack Reacher and the impossible mission movies.
Will almost certainly pick up at least the first couple of novels to see where the series goes.
A very strong 3.5 for this novella that for me at least acted as an introduction to the author and his characters.
Well drawn protagonists and settings, clear straightforward plot to follow, lots of action in very few pages. Reminded me of a modem take on the Matt Helm series from the 1960’s-1970’s.
After thinking on this it probably should have been a 4 for the enjoyment factor tbh
Am surprised that this series hasn’t been picked up by tv or movie in at least some form. It seems to fit right into the same space as modern Bond stories, as well as Jack Reacher and the impossible mission movies.
Will almost certainly pick up at least the first couple of novels to see where the series goes.
August 10, 2015
3.5 stars
This second prequel novella to the John Milton series has Milton on another mission for the secret missions/assassinations arm of the British government, this time in Italy. The story moves quickly and has a few small twists that keep things interesting. My primary gripe about these prequels is the lack of character development for Milton. He is an assassin who follows orders and has little emotional response to his work save for some occasional nightmares/blackouts. These hint at more emotional depth that I suspect will be revealed in the full novels in the series.
I'm intrigued enough to read on and find out.
This second prequel novella to the John Milton series has Milton on another mission for the secret missions/assassinations arm of the British government, this time in Italy. The story moves quickly and has a few small twists that keep things interesting. My primary gripe about these prequels is the lack of character development for Milton. He is an assassin who follows orders and has little emotional response to his work save for some occasional nightmares/blackouts. These hint at more emotional depth that I suspect will be revealed in the full novels in the series.
I'm intrigued enough to read on and find out.
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