A gripping, fast paced story of abduction, forced sexual slavery, and a father's hunt to find his daughter and punish the ruthless crime syndicates that treat girls as commodities.
It should have been an uneventful, routine, car journey home for ex-cop Mason Cooper and his sixteen-year-old daughter Rosie, but a chance encounter with human traffickers changes everything.
When Mason finds his wife seriously injured and his daughter missing, and an overstretched police force with different priorities, he has no choice but to use his skills to track down and infiltrate the crime syndicates, and exact his own brand of justice. What he discovers is more ruthless, more perverse, and more deadly, than he could have imagined.
But Mason Cooper is no ordinary ex-cop, and with the help of Natasha, a beautiful East European girl, he is determined to rescue his daughter, and take down the organisations that treat girls as their property, to be bought, sold, and used as they wish. What follows will test him far beyond anything he faced in his twenty-five year police career.
Meanwhile, his daughter faces her own battle to survive at the hands of a private group with three things in common: Extreme wealth, perverse appetites, and secret membership of The Scarlet Club.
Is it possible, that amongst these violent, tragic, and shocking events, a little forbidden romance could surface?
Taken a few days to get around to writing this review but here we are.
This book is dark and opens doors to things that we like to think don't happen in our society, but frighteningly, probably do. They say absolute power corrupts absolutely; do men of power and money become so corrupted that they feel the need to form secret societies to commit atrocities, unspeakable deeds, that are morally and legally abhorrent but they crave them anyway? Are young girls and women really traded as mere commodities, disposable playthings for men who see themselves as entitled to such things? I, and I'm sure you, would certainly like to think not but are we just kidding ourselves?
One such Society snatches Mason Cooper's 16 year old daughter as retribution for a good deed (see the novella Taking Natasha). What they don't know is Mason Cooper is a recently retired super-cop who will stop at nothing to get her back. And anyone who gets in his way is in for it.
Okay, you say, I've seen this before. Isn't that more or less the exact same plot as the film Taken? Well, yes, it certainly isn't an unprecedented plot line, and Mason is a seemingly superhuman hero we've seen many times before. I'm sure the author wouldn't claim to have created something the world has never seen before. What he has done, though, is weave a disturbing story about a subject we inhabitants of "civilised" countries like to think don't happen here, and he has done so intelligently and sensitively, no trace of gratuitousness about it. You can tangibly feel the helplessness of the victims, as well as the frantic desperation of the angry yet distraught father trying to find his little girl while there is still a little girl left to find.
I think I've managed to outline what this book is about without any spoilers, so I will leave it at that. I was slightly critical of Taking Natasha in being somewhat mis-sold, as it is in truth a prologue for this book. I would certainly recommend reading it first (it is free on Amazon so what's to lose?) as it sets the scene and introduces the main characters in context, but this book is what it is really all about. An enjoyable, if disturbing, fast-paced action story with lots of brutality and good characters. There are a few aspects of their personalities and interrelationships I would have liked the author to build upon, but I suppose that's not what sort of book this is. Enjoy it for what it is, I rate it a healthy 4 stars.
So I now read the second book of the series and omg I’m hooked. I don’t like adding spoilers to my reviews so I wont. But I suggest you add this to your reading list this book is such an eye opener on the issues of human trafficking the only issue I had is this book should include a trigger warning for them people That have gone threw a horrid time and can be warned before reading these books.
This book was worth the read. Honestly you’ll love it these are the best books I’ve ever read
Continuing on where Taking Natasha ended, The Scarlet Club takes the reader on an adrenaline pumping journey through the violent labyrinthine world of modern day slave trafficking.
I've read a little about the subject before, but this book, as well as the previous book, Taking Natasha, really brought it home to me, just how easy it is for someone, especially a teenage girl or young woman to simply vanish from her former life and never be found, meanwhile being forced into work as a prostitute, where she has the right only to do as she is told or risk having her family killed of enslaved as well as being killed herself.
Mr Mitford has done a fantastic job of giving us a window into the horrible things that are happening every day all over the world.
The books don't hold any punches, yet despite the subject of rape and murder, they are written in a victim-sensitive way, with no elements of eroticism, only chilling truths of sexual abuse.
There is a bit of eroticism between people who are not in captivity, but it is tastefully done as well.
I highly recommend this book to adults who can handle a gritty, violent story, as I feel it is important for everyone to see how easily this can happen and to recognize the signs of someone who is being held against their will. You never know when you might be parked next to a young woman who is being trafficked. Knowing the signs and calling for help just might save her life.
Wow! This book is definitely not for the weak! I'm not weak; however, reading about human trafficking makes me cringe and reading this book made me cry. Human trafficking is all too real and to read about scumbags who have no to absolutely no value for human life was pretty eye-opening and totally disgusting. Although it's a difficult read, I do think it's important to see just how these jerks work to get a girl in the first place and how they manage to keep them without the girls trying to run away.
Cooper's 16 year old daughter Rosie
One thing I was missing is that
Recommendation: I recommend this book if you can handle this subject matter. While the reading is hard in places, the reader will mostly feel the ending was as it should be.
I was going to write that this was one of the best books that I have read this year, but I have changed my mind and will say instead that it is the best book that I have read this year. The plot is superb and deals with the very sensitive subject of sex trafficking and forced prostitution, but without any trace of eroticism, and definitely without glamorising it. Even the scenes where the girls are 'tamed', although horrific is written from the girls point of view and with no sensationalism. I love the 'hero' Mason Cooper who is a very gritty, generous, honest and indomitable character, and Natasha is a great invention as well. I don't want to give the impression that this is just a 'worthy' book though, it is also a great thriller, with some heart-thumpingly well written action sequences as part of a real roller coaster plot. The most important thing about this book for is to highlight just how easy it is for gangs to 'buy' and 'sell' girls and to raise awareness of this huge issue, but the best thing about it is that it is a damn good, well written, enthralling, adrenaline fuelled, exciting read.
Move over Jack Reacher, there's a new kid in town and his name is Mason Cooper!!! I loved everything about this book. I was afraid I would be lost since I have not yet read Taking Natasha, but I wasn't. The events in book one are explained and tie in perfectly in book two. I love the emphasis placed on family in the story and the way Mason is determined to reclaim his daughter and repay the bad guys for every frightening moment she has had; which he does in spades!!!! This book has everything I could possibly want: action, adventure, a strong, capable, almost fearless male lead and then a female lead that really impresses, a touch of romance, and dry,, slightly sarcastic humor. I loved watching Natasha develop from a frightened victim into a determined, capable, strong woman who was not afraid to do what needed to be done. The story is so well-written and engrossing that I found myself reading when I should have been doing non-fun things like sleeping, cleaning house or washing clothes. All of that could wait. I HAD to see what happened next. Don't miss out on this book. You will be very sorry if you do. I can't wait to see what Mason manages to get himself into next!
Yet I found this highly readable. Reasonably gritty and dark, the story rattled along at a good pace and the writing was solid. I was entertained throughout and looked forward to my next session reading it. At no point did it drag or feel like a chore.
To elevate to 5* I would have liked the good guys to suffer a bit more, for example .
A gripping tale that played havoc with my emotions
An extremely well written account of life in the underworld of human trafficking. Sometimes I cringed at what was happening. Sometimes my blood boiled with anger. And there were many tender moments that made me feel warm with hope for the human spirit.
At one point I thought the images were becoming too graphic and I almost set the book aside, but I had been hooked by the prequel and I carried on. I'm glad I did, and I eagerly await book 3.
I loved Taking Natasha so much that I had to read The Scarlet Club. I was hooked from the very first page. I couldn't put it down. I would lose hours. I don't think that I would have had Mark and Natasha get together though, that kind of ruined it for me. I know that he rescued her and there were extenuating circumstances involved but numerous times Natasha was compared to his daughter and it just made it weird for me. I don't want to ruin the book for you, so read it for yourself because it is an excellent, edge of your seat read!
This is an excellent book. Even though it's fiction, it gives a very real picture of sex trafficking. While parts are gritty, as they say, the characters themselves are shown in a very emotional and real way. What happens to these girls and young women after they're kidnapped is portrayed in a very real, but sensitive manner. If you've been involved in any type of abusive relationship, or abuse in any way, do not read this book. It is definitely not for the faint at heart.
This is a new author to me but definitely not my last read. It was a great read from beginning to end. Very dark in places. What makes it quite scary is that it so close to reality we have all read in the papers from one time or another. The kidnap of girls for the sex trade. Except this time they took his daughter. Fast and furious throughout. Every guy will want to be Mason Cooper, and every girl would want to spend time with him. Reader, enjoy.
I just had to find out what was going to happen next
I really enjoyed this book. Having finished the prequel I just had to find out what was happening next. Well written, well researched, fun, fast paced, it really was one of those books that will keep you awake until the end. I only have it 4 stars because I found the "love story" really annoying. I look forward to read the next one.
First, I would like to say this subject of sex trafficking is a must read for everyone. This novel details the horrors of young girls being sold and resold into 'big business' sexual slavery. The author is a retired police officer and the knowledge and realism in his writing will keep you reading way beyond your bedtime. I would highly recommend that you read this book to gain insight into today's 'slavery' of young innocent girls/boys.
Not a pleasant subject to read about but it was a very action filled read. A one man fighting crew. Finally a book that doesn't have a wimpy law enforcement agent that gets bested by the bad guys. Here is one lone retired officer (and his female accomplish) take out a whole gang of thugs. Was so great to read about the good side winning for a change. Waited a long, long time for a read like this. Hurry for the good forces.
This was a very good story. I read the prequel, Taking Natasha and it led me to The Scarlet Club. I think this author will only improve with time. The writing was a bit rough in places and believability a bit stretched in others, but not enough to effect the overall experience.. I really enjoyed the book and will be waiting for more from Mr. Mitford.
This book picks up where Taking Natasha left off. Once again it is a hard hitting, no holds barred, look at human trafficking and how these young girls/women are tricked and taken in against their will. The action never stops and kept me reading from page one through to the end. I highly recommend these books and look forward to the next book in the series.
Just WOW!!!. This story was so exciting, entertaining and moving!!!. These thugs got what they deserved and nothing less!!!. Animals that do this kind of s_it, doesn't deserve to live or have any rights, because they still them from their victims. They ALL should be nurtured!!!. Terence is a Fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer!!!
I have really enjoyed the Mason Cooper series with Natasha. These things do happen in our world and there are everyday heroes. Following the story and detail of the chemistry between the 2 taking on horrific gangs is an enjoyable page turner with every mix of emotion.
This is a brilliant book well written none stop action describes what goes on in the real world without making it sexualized it certainly opened my eyes it's a hard book to put down well done Terence can't wait for your next book.
The author has done a fabulous job of wrapping this story up, Great Ending. This story is indeed a very exciting and a book you do not want to put down until the last punctuation mark of the last page. Great Job!!!
I have read 2 of Terence Mitford books now & they're fast paced sometimes so shocking because inside you know it goes on & your heart hurts for the girls,I love the main characters & I will definitely read more .
Reading this really makes you think of all the cruel, heartless people in the world! I cried reading this book. It was so emotional for me! The ending was so great! I hope they both find happiness!
This book is amazing. The gifted writer is also amazing. Mr. Mitford did a fantastic job telling his story, and I loved every word. I can hardly wait to begin Book 3!