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Alex King #3
Shadows of Good Friday
In the last days before signing the peace agreement, an IRA splinter cell mounts an operation on the British mainland using English criminals. This unprecedented move intrigues MI6 and they assume command of MI5's surveillance operation. A career criminal is released from prison and aims to win back the wife and child his sentence has cost him, but before he can, he is forced back into his old world. The stakes have changed and his family have become leverage for the most ruthless people imaginable. A woman imprisoned in an abusive relationship, desperate to escape with her son and rekindle her past becomes the pawn in a deadly world of deception, violence and retribution. A clandestine wing of the secret intelligence service tests its newest recruit. Alex King has trained and operated in the shadowy world of intelligence and now he must kill for his country, but before he can, he needs to discover more about the men he has been sent to kill.
456 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2017
209 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
A.P. Bateman
44 books79 followersA P Bateman is the author of seventeen novels, with twelve of his titles reaching No.1 in Amazon's paid top 100 categories in all Amazon regions and four titles reaching No.1 in Kindle sales in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 10, 2020
A Chilling Story With A Glimpse At King's Heart..
Another well written action thriller that even had me in tears at the end! The characters are so descriptive, I feel I know them personally. And therefore I am with them through every step, every scene and amazing moment!
A fantastic plot, as criminals conspire...Forcing some...Making comrades of others, for one big money heist...Or...Is It?! Tricks of the trade..To make everyone you want to believe one thing..With a few going a different way..And where does Alex King stand in this...He is ready to do his job...Or not...
Another well written action thriller that even had me in tears at the end! The characters are so descriptive, I feel I know them personally. And therefore I am with them through every step, every scene and amazing moment!
A fantastic plot, as criminals conspire...Forcing some...Making comrades of others, for one big money heist...Or...Is It?! Tricks of the trade..To make everyone you want to believe one thing..With a few going a different way..And where does Alex King stand in this...He is ready to do his job...Or not...
March 17, 2017
The best start to a book that I have read for a long, long time.
The start of this crime thriller pitches the reader into the action from the very beginning. I was initially disoriented, but quickly found my feet, as a member of a criminal gang tries unsuccessfully to avoid capture after a heist which has gone wrong and leaves a security guard bleeding and dying.
Years later and after serving his time Simon Grant is released from prison to find that his wife has taken up with another man and friends of the dead guard are after blood – his. Life doesn’t look too rosy but gets increasingly worse as his old criminal chum tries to persuade him to take up where he left off with the offer of a huge amount of money. There is a saying that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Will this be the case for Simon?
As the title suggests the book is set in the days just before the signing of the Peace Agreement. It is essential that the signing goes ahead and splinter groups of the IRA do not cause problems. It is therefore of great concern to both MI5 and MI6 that the IRA appears to be joining forces with the criminal classes on the mainland -but to what end?
The plot has everything and the reader is regaled with numerous twists and turns right up until the final pages. I loved it as there is a surprise on every page. Even the minor characters are very well drawn but it’s more than that. The reader actually empathises with the underdogs which for me is the key to a good story. Without reader involvement, no story will work properly. The pace, although varied, romps along to a final grisly conclusion. It has plenty of light and shade and occasionally, thank goodness, leaves the reader room to draw breath.
If I have any criticism at all it is that the plot is at times a little jerky and moves without warning to a different scene and there is slightly too much detail about the cars used. Research and detail are crucial but this jarred with me and it felt at times a step too far. Having said that it was a minor irritation and did not detract from what is a truly excellent read.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
The start of this crime thriller pitches the reader into the action from the very beginning. I was initially disoriented, but quickly found my feet, as a member of a criminal gang tries unsuccessfully to avoid capture after a heist which has gone wrong and leaves a security guard bleeding and dying.
Years later and after serving his time Simon Grant is released from prison to find that his wife has taken up with another man and friends of the dead guard are after blood – his. Life doesn’t look too rosy but gets increasingly worse as his old criminal chum tries to persuade him to take up where he left off with the offer of a huge amount of money. There is a saying that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Will this be the case for Simon?
As the title suggests the book is set in the days just before the signing of the Peace Agreement. It is essential that the signing goes ahead and splinter groups of the IRA do not cause problems. It is therefore of great concern to both MI5 and MI6 that the IRA appears to be joining forces with the criminal classes on the mainland -but to what end?
The plot has everything and the reader is regaled with numerous twists and turns right up until the final pages. I loved it as there is a surprise on every page. Even the minor characters are very well drawn but it’s more than that. The reader actually empathises with the underdogs which for me is the key to a good story. Without reader involvement, no story will work properly. The pace, although varied, romps along to a final grisly conclusion. It has plenty of light and shade and occasionally, thank goodness, leaves the reader room to draw breath.
If I have any criticism at all it is that the plot is at times a little jerky and moves without warning to a different scene and there is slightly too much detail about the cars used. Research and detail are crucial but this jarred with me and it felt at times a step too far. Having said that it was a minor irritation and did not detract from what is a truly excellent read.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
February 7, 2021
Basically a prequel to the first two King action thrillers. Several of the characters from the first two novels that have been killed off play a part.
King has been charged by MI6 with the assassination of a rogue IRA member a couple of days before the signing of the Good Friday accord in 1998.
Giving this one 3 stars because there is a lot of repeated material and dialogue.
Kindle Unlimited
King has been charged by MI6 with the assassination of a rogue IRA member a couple of days before the signing of the Good Friday accord in 1998.
Giving this one 3 stars because there is a lot of repeated material and dialogue.
Kindle Unlimited
May 12, 2017
I grabbed this one because I do love me a good thriller and this was very much a good thriller. I haven't read the others in the series, but it was clear from the blurb that it could be read as a standalone. I enjoyed it very much. The story opens with a man on the run after some kind of job he's done that has obviously gone wrong. It pulls you in from the first page and then you're hooked from there on out. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be picking up the other Alex King stories. Highly recommended!
November 29, 2023
Just a week before Britain and Ireland sign a cease fire agreement, a rogue IRA unit is set take advantage by carrying out an enormous heist. For that they need recently released safe cracker, Simon Grant. Alex King is on his first assignment for MI6, Assassinate the leader of the IRA unit. Not so fast. Perhaps more intel could be gathered if he found out what the terrorist is up to. Think of it a a snowball rolling down hill, because the more Alex finds out, the faster things move. Very happy with this preguel.
May 16, 2024
Brutal
So many brutal killings. Innocent lives lost for a cause that was also lost during a savage heist to gain money for the cause. Fresh out of prison Simon Hurst’s wife had left him and their young son for a better life with another man, but still when coerced by threats to his family to join an old friend and a bunch of Irish savages who thought nothing of destroying the innocent lives of people who got in their way, Simon couldn’t bear the thought of his family falling prey to them. They needed his safe cracking skills, he wanted to keep his family safe.
So many brutal killings. Innocent lives lost for a cause that was also lost during a savage heist to gain money for the cause. Fresh out of prison Simon Hurst’s wife had left him and their young son for a better life with another man, but still when coerced by threats to his family to join an old friend and a bunch of Irish savages who thought nothing of destroying the innocent lives of people who got in their way, Simon couldn’t bear the thought of his family falling prey to them. They needed his safe cracking skills, he wanted to keep his family safe.
January 3, 2022
An edge of your seat page turner!
From start to finish, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! For anyone familiar with A P Bateman's books, it would come as no surprise that the prequel is just as brilliant as the rest in the series. Well thought out, the plot is highly believable and the plot twists keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Can't recommend this book enough!
From start to finish, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! For anyone familiar with A P Bateman's books, it would come as no surprise that the prequel is just as brilliant as the rest in the series. Well thought out, the plot is highly believable and the plot twists keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Can't recommend this book enough!
April 2, 2025
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous ones in the series that I have read . It seemed very dated and unrealistic . Carrying millions of pounds in a suitcase into France as well as a disassembled gun . Not really . The lady involved with her son calling her mummy every few sentences and the big bad bully of a stepfather/ boyfriend was a bit overdone .
I'll read the next book in the series before deciding whether I read any others .
I'll read the next book in the series before deciding whether I read any others .
August 5, 2018
These get better and better. Getting a real feel for the characters
And the treachery involved in the secret services. Much appreciated. Not sure how many more to read but am enjoying each one immensely.
And the treachery involved in the secret services. Much appreciated. Not sure how many more to read but am enjoying each one immensely.
December 6, 2018
My current favourite secret agent goes back to PIRA and the Good Friday agreement. Lots of action, plenty of wry political comment and predictions for the future (easy in retrospect). So, book #4 next.
November 10, 2020
Beginnings
A good story woven out of tales heard & taught. The detailed knowledge of behind the scenes makes for a very believable story. Well written, filled with intrigue & double cross. Would love to read more about “The Troubles” & the Det.
A good story woven out of tales heard & taught. The detailed knowledge of behind the scenes makes for a very believable story. Well written, filled with intrigue & double cross. Would love to read more about “The Troubles” & the Det.
March 9, 2021
I found this an absolutely brilliant read. It was totally engrossing and I found it really hard to put down. It came across as really well written and researched and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 7, 2022
Hard to put down
Excellent 3rd book inbthe series possible more gripping that the two previous titles. Finnished in two days dueto spending reading when I was supposed to be doing other things. Great distraction.
Excellent 3rd book inbthe series possible more gripping that the two previous titles. Finnished in two days dueto spending reading when I was supposed to be doing other things. Great distraction.
February 8, 2023
good read
Another great read ,I have read a few all ready ,they are all great books ,just my type action/spy’s/adventure/violence and intrigue. I now subscribe to kindle unlimited so l can buy all his books
Another great read ,I have read a few all ready ,they are all great books ,just my type action/spy’s/adventure/violence and intrigue. I now subscribe to kindle unlimited so l can buy all his books
July 24, 2023
nice book
AP Bateman does a good job with this Alex King series. This is the prequel for the series which explains a little more about Alex King. He’s a good operator with great skills along with a heart too. Nice read. Highly recommend!
AP Bateman does a good job with this Alex King series. This is the prequel for the series which explains a little more about Alex King. He’s a good operator with great skills along with a heart too. Nice read. Highly recommend!
July 30, 2018
History
Mixed political history with a brilliant book, again thought it was well written kept you very interested and looking for the next page..is there another ?
Mixed political history with a brilliant book, again thought it was well written kept you very interested and looking for the next page..is there another ?
October 8, 2020
Have read the first three of the Alex King series. Good exciting reads.
October 19, 2020
Terrific story
Lots of action, several twists to the plot and great characters. Loved it, can’t wait to read the next one.
Lots of action, several twists to the plot and great characters. Loved it, can’t wait to read the next one.
October 22, 2020
A good long book
I like the Alex king books but I got to say this wasn't as good as the other one I have read, but if you like a long book with a lot of action this is it!
I like the Alex king books but I got to say this wasn't as good as the other one I have read, but if you like a long book with a lot of action this is it!
December 4, 2020
Another great read
The Alex King series are hard to put down with many twists and turns to keep your attention. Another must read.
The Alex King series are hard to put down with many twists and turns to keep your attention. Another must read.
May 18, 2021
Not anything like as good as the last one. Stereotypical characters and more loose ends than an old sweater.
May 29, 2021
Great story
A great book with some interesting twists and turns with an interesting mix of characters. Previous books in the series were easier to read.
A great book with some interesting twists and turns with an interesting mix of characters. Previous books in the series were easier to read.
January 27, 2022
Alex King never disappoints
I liked the way the characters were developed and the relationships between them. Engrossing story and I have thoroughly enjoyed them.
I liked the way the characters were developed and the relationships between them. Engrossing story and I have thoroughly enjoyed them.
July 23, 2023
Fast paced with a lot of twists
October 21, 2023
Clever and Convoluted
The trip to the past was unexpected but entertaining (if you remember the nineties). The guilty hide everywhere and everyone has secrets.
The trip to the past was unexpected but entertaining (if you remember the nineties). The guilty hide everywhere and everyone has secrets.
June 9, 2024
Great read
Just love these sitting on the edge of your seat nail biting books..endings are a bit weak ...overall great story
Just love these sitting on the edge of your seat nail biting books..endings are a bit weak ...overall great story
August 19, 2024
The people in the alex king books are true - you can see them existing and maybe meeting them on the street .
I like the previos book more but still good and will read the next one !
I like the previos book more but still good and will read the next one !
September 15, 2024
King of the hill
Again another good read and an insight on Kings beginning his cloak and dagger escapades and interesting that it's based on real events around the good Friday
Again another good read and an insight on Kings beginning his cloak and dagger escapades and interesting that it's based on real events around the good Friday
May 5, 2017
Great read
AP Bateman s book just keep getting better and better.one of my top five thriller writers , read it you won't be disappointed.
AP Bateman s book just keep getting better and better.one of my top five thriller writers , read it you won't be disappointed.
January 15, 2023
These books are soo well written and great to read well worth a read .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews