What do you think?
Rate this book
Powell #6
The Cabal
Powell stumbles across a sinister and clandestine group intent on changing the world order. The mysterious Chairman of this group, has brought together some of the wealthiest and most powerful men on the planet.
But Powell’s focus is on saving one abused woman and her children.
Rose Carter has discovered evidence of the group’s existence and must be silenced. Ruthless assassins are hunting down the family and Powell must keep one step ahead if he’s to keep them alive.
In a gripping thriller, the book races to a shocking climax before Powell receives help from an unexpected quarter.
But Powell’s focus is on saving one abused woman and her children.
Rose Carter has discovered evidence of the group’s existence and must be silenced. Ruthless assassins are hunting down the family and Powell must keep one step ahead if he’s to keep them alive.
In a gripping thriller, the book races to a shocking climax before Powell receives help from an unexpected quarter.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2017
39 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Bill Ward
9 books177 followersBill’s love of reading commenced at a very young age. He credits his Gran for encouraging his interest by regularly taking him to the local library after primary school. At boarding school, when the lights went out in his dormitory, he was often encouraged by the other boys to tell stories. English Literature was always his favourite school subject.
A long and successful career in IT saw him live and travel all over the world. With hindsight it was the start of his writing fiction but they were called business proposals in those days! Having always enjoyed different cultures, the one life lesson Bill has learned is “wherever you go you will find good and bad people. This is not determined by colour, race, religion or country.”
Bill has finally fulfilled his lifelong ambition to become an author and has now written nine thrillers including seven in the best selling Powell series.
Bill lives near Nottingham, UK with his German wife and has seven daughters, a son, a stepson, three horses, a dog, two cats and two rabbites! When he’s not writing he’s probably watching his football team West Brom, who he has now been supporting for over fifty years!
A long and successful career in IT saw him live and travel all over the world. With hindsight it was the start of his writing fiction but they were called business proposals in those days! Having always enjoyed different cultures, the one life lesson Bill has learned is “wherever you go you will find good and bad people. This is not determined by colour, race, religion or country.”
Bill has finally fulfilled his lifelong ambition to become an author and has now written nine thrillers including seven in the best selling Powell series.
Bill lives near Nottingham, UK with his German wife and has seven daughters, a son, a stepson, three horses, a dog, two cats and two rabbites! When he’s not writing he’s probably watching his football team West Brom, who he has now been supporting for over fifty years!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 14, 2018
A great mix of political intrigue on an international stage with action.
October 4, 2017
This is the second novel I’ve read from Bill Ward, and just like Trafficking, I couldn’t put it down. The Cabal is a well written, very topical and fast paced thriller. Powell is a very likeable and well rounded character and I enjoyed seeing the progression of his relationship with Afina, from the first book in the series. I look forward to reading more from Bill Ward.
August 6, 2017
GOOD SOLID READ
This book was fun to read, it’s not quite a cozy mystery, as usual Powell doesn’t pull any punches. The first few pages dragged me in and I was hooked. I also loved the way the book is right up to date – an unnamed president of the United States no one likes for example, the pressure the Cabal put on him not to sign the Paris Climate Agreement. I’m pleased to see that Bill Ward has kept the same high standard in all his books. I shall be looking out for the next one.
This book was fun to read, it’s not quite a cozy mystery, as usual Powell doesn’t pull any punches. The first few pages dragged me in and I was hooked. I also loved the way the book is right up to date – an unnamed president of the United States no one likes for example, the pressure the Cabal put on him not to sign the Paris Climate Agreement. I’m pleased to see that Bill Ward has kept the same high standard in all his books. I shall be looking out for the next one.
February 25, 2018
If you've followed Powell and his adventures before this is a great book. Fast paced and quickly into the action.
It seemed shorter than previous books and I think if I hadn't read previous books the relationships within the main characters may have been difficult to follow.
I look forward to The Chairman raising his head in the future but due to the quickness of this book maybe that could have been expanded and concluded here.
I like Powell and as always I look forward to meeting him again.
It seemed shorter than previous books and I think if I hadn't read previous books the relationships within the main characters may have been difficult to follow.
I look forward to The Chairman raising his head in the future but due to the quickness of this book maybe that could have been expanded and concluded here.
I like Powell and as always I look forward to meeting him again.
August 6, 2017
What is it about Bill Ward’s writing that made me read three of his books within one week? The Cabal is the third of them and, like the rest, the compulsion to read and read until I was finished was irresistible. The writing is accomplished, certainly, but it is clear that Bill doesn’t agonise over it and he isn’t afraid to use the odd cliché or two. Other writers would get hammered for that but Bill sails blithely along, dragging his reader breathlessly behind him, page after page. So what is it? Wish I could figure it out. As a writer, I would find it useful to eke out Bill’s secret and employ it for my own books.
Obviously story is a big element and Bill’s stories are always well plotted and relevant to modern times. The Cabal is a particularly thrilling novel. It tells the story of a sinister group of billionaires trying to save the world. Odd thing, though, they don’t care who they kill in order to be able to do things their own way. It was a bad day for Powell, then, when a job he is asked to do accidently puts him into conflict with this group and, in particular, with a menacing individual called The Chairman. In determining to protect a battered woman and her children, Powell suddenly finds himself targeted by a series of hit-men, particularly a highly professional, deadly dangerous ex-IRA killer. Once the chase starts, the excitement mounts until the book climaxes, leaving the reader sure that we haven’t heard the last of The Chairman.
Yes, Bill’s writing, however he does it, clutches at the reader’s empathy, clutches at that part of the brain that lights up when triggered by a fascinating story. Whatever it is, keep on doing it Bill. This reviewer, for sure, will be reading everything you write from now on.
Readers, if you have not yet read a story the features Ward’s Reacher-like protagonist, Powell, start now with The Cabal. You’ll love it.
Obviously story is a big element and Bill’s stories are always well plotted and relevant to modern times. The Cabal is a particularly thrilling novel. It tells the story of a sinister group of billionaires trying to save the world. Odd thing, though, they don’t care who they kill in order to be able to do things their own way. It was a bad day for Powell, then, when a job he is asked to do accidently puts him into conflict with this group and, in particular, with a menacing individual called The Chairman. In determining to protect a battered woman and her children, Powell suddenly finds himself targeted by a series of hit-men, particularly a highly professional, deadly dangerous ex-IRA killer. Once the chase starts, the excitement mounts until the book climaxes, leaving the reader sure that we haven’t heard the last of The Chairman.
Yes, Bill’s writing, however he does it, clutches at the reader’s empathy, clutches at that part of the brain that lights up when triggered by a fascinating story. Whatever it is, keep on doing it Bill. This reviewer, for sure, will be reading everything you write from now on.
Readers, if you have not yet read a story the features Ward’s Reacher-like protagonist, Powell, start now with The Cabal. You’ll love it.
October 25, 2017
The Cabal (Powell Book 6) by Bill Ward is a very timely novel involving political intrigue and alluding to current world leaders with such veracity as to put this right up with one of the possible conspiracy theories that very politician might believe, were he not implicated. I’ve been a fan of this writer and read the prior Powell series to find that with each I’m involved right from the beginning and find it hard to put the book down. It’s an easy read in that it flows well from chapter to chapter starting with a mysterious cabal and its very powerful Director. It is composed of the planets powerful international leaders, where wealth is no limit. There is a mysterious murder, and an involved British politician whose wife thinks he’s having an affair. When she snoops into his computer she discovers an email that once shared with her friend, and implicates Powell, risks all their lives. As Powell comes on board to protect the wife and her children, the intense action begins: men appear at doors that are not what they appear, police are assaulted, children are followed with the aide of hidden GPS devises, and hideouts become a necessity. The cast of characters is familiar with the addition of the cabal members. As Powell follows the threads, involving his friends, the action continues to intensity right down to a satisfying ending. No doubt, I will continue to be a fan, and hope there will be another Power book to follow.
August 16, 2017
As usual Ward has produced a book that is fast paced, topical and so very readable. It's almost a guilty pleasure to read. Also, having read all his books as they are released meeting Powell, Afina and Jenkins is like catching up with old friends.
A group of the super rich and powerful have joined together to make the world a better place unfettered by politics or the need for public approval. Manipulating terrorist attacks along with assisting an unpopular American President with secret understandings with Russia is all part of the course to achieve their greater aims. With such far reaching plans there's always going to be collateral damage involving insignificant people. That is until Powell becomes involved in helping one of those people.
A group of the super rich and powerful have joined together to make the world a better place unfettered by politics or the need for public approval. Manipulating terrorist attacks along with assisting an unpopular American President with secret understandings with Russia is all part of the course to achieve their greater aims. With such far reaching plans there's always going to be collateral damage involving insignificant people. That is until Powell becomes involved in helping one of those people.
August 7, 2017
This is a very good book, possibly my favorite of the series. It goes along like an express train and I loved the development of Powell and Afina's relationship. Great twists at the end as you expect with one of this author's books. Still loads of action and suspense but unlike most of the author's other books, no explicit sex so a great read for everyone who likes a crime thriller. I must also mention the story is incredibly topical. Roll on the next one!
June 14, 2018
I like reading about clandestine Cabals, Cartels, Secret Societies and their immoral Conspiracies. Bill Ward dishes this up for me in spades with his vivid imagination.
This is his second novel I’ve read. It is a well written, well plotted and relevant in today’s chaotic world, where a dubious character with the mental acuity and grasp on reality of a two- year old is in charge of a major country.
A sinister group of powerful and wealthy international leaders purporting to save the world are quite happy to murder anyone who gets in the way of their plans. The hero Powell is a worthy assailant to tackle the ruthless Chairman of this group, whose idea of promoting his favorite politician is to have someone shoot him. Not fatally of course. Just enough to raise sympathy.
The book delivers fast paced action from well-developed characters with whom I connected instantly.
An excellent easy to read political thriller, I highly recommend it. Not to be missed.
This is his second novel I’ve read. It is a well written, well plotted and relevant in today’s chaotic world, where a dubious character with the mental acuity and grasp on reality of a two- year old is in charge of a major country.
A sinister group of powerful and wealthy international leaders purporting to save the world are quite happy to murder anyone who gets in the way of their plans. The hero Powell is a worthy assailant to tackle the ruthless Chairman of this group, whose idea of promoting his favorite politician is to have someone shoot him. Not fatally of course. Just enough to raise sympathy.
The book delivers fast paced action from well-developed characters with whom I connected instantly.
An excellent easy to read political thriller, I highly recommend it. Not to be missed.
March 29, 2018
A Direct Style that Delivers on Action and Characters? This Book Does!
Do you like straight talk in your novels? The Cabal has it. People aren’t pierced by a projectile; they’re shot. Their life force doesn’t ebb from their body; they bleed. It’s a great style for action, and the Cabal has that too. From the opening scene in which a businessman is assassinated in Singapore to the finale when Powell is trapped in his office by the same man, the action comes steadily, relentlessly. Yes, there’s a bit of romance, some humor, and a few clever nods to politics in both the US and the UK that round out the story, but action is at the heart.
The ruthless Chairman gets top billing as the villain, but he is not the only obstacle Powell has to face. The unwitting pawn of the Chairman, the husband of the woman Powell is protecting presents his own challenges. And very soon, Ward paints him as a man easy to hate. I did. The abused woman, Rose, on the other hand lacks the self-esteem necessary to pull herself from this man, further complicating Powell’s mission and making me feel both pity for her and frustration – someone drag her out of there. But the fact that these characters elicited so much emotion testifies to how skillfully Ward uses his writing style. I didn’t necessarily expect that.
There were a few plot weaknesses in the book. For example, the letter that implicated the husband’s involvement was in the un-emptied recycle bin on his computer. Seems a bit amateurish for someone involved with terrorism. As another example, Powell makes Rose dispose of her phone, but let’s her kids keep theirs. And he keeps his. Avoiding phones seems pretty basic, if you want to stay off the grid. But such issues are minor in the context of the story.
Overall, The Cabal delivered action while giving me more fully developed characters than I expected. It’s a fun, fast read well worth your time.
Do you like straight talk in your novels? The Cabal has it. People aren’t pierced by a projectile; they’re shot. Their life force doesn’t ebb from their body; they bleed. It’s a great style for action, and the Cabal has that too. From the opening scene in which a businessman is assassinated in Singapore to the finale when Powell is trapped in his office by the same man, the action comes steadily, relentlessly. Yes, there’s a bit of romance, some humor, and a few clever nods to politics in both the US and the UK that round out the story, but action is at the heart.
The ruthless Chairman gets top billing as the villain, but he is not the only obstacle Powell has to face. The unwitting pawn of the Chairman, the husband of the woman Powell is protecting presents his own challenges. And very soon, Ward paints him as a man easy to hate. I did. The abused woman, Rose, on the other hand lacks the self-esteem necessary to pull herself from this man, further complicating Powell’s mission and making me feel both pity for her and frustration – someone drag her out of there. But the fact that these characters elicited so much emotion testifies to how skillfully Ward uses his writing style. I didn’t necessarily expect that.
There were a few plot weaknesses in the book. For example, the letter that implicated the husband’s involvement was in the un-emptied recycle bin on his computer. Seems a bit amateurish for someone involved with terrorism. As another example, Powell makes Rose dispose of her phone, but let’s her kids keep theirs. And he keeps his. Avoiding phones seems pretty basic, if you want to stay off the grid. But such issues are minor in the context of the story.
Overall, The Cabal delivered action while giving me more fully developed characters than I expected. It’s a fun, fast read well worth your time.
January 3, 2019
The Cabal features Powell in a very different thriller from the earlier books in the series, in that it involves “The Chairman” and his plan to rid the world of terrorists. He is a very rich man with contacts in high places and no personal desire for more money or kudos. Sounds good? It would be if The Chairman didn’t hold the view that this is war – undeniable – and there are always casualties in war, and he has no scruples about employing killers to dispose of anyone – terrorist or not – who gets his way.
Women Mr Ward’s readers have met before feature in this story; Powell is drawn into the case by Angela, the woman whose children he rescued from her Muslim husband, who happens to be a friend of Rose, wife of a British MP with his eye on Number 10 Downing Street. Rose, a battered wife blackmailed into staying with her husband by threats to prevent her seeing their two children if she leaves him, has rebelled to the extent of investigating his computer and read a secret, but not about a liaison with another woman.
Powell is persuaded to help Rose – a course that leads to a violent rollercoaster ride of thrills and intrigue, and him personally to romance and the fear of endangering the woman he loves just by doing the job he’s good at and feels is his duty.
Women Mr Ward’s readers have met before feature in this story; Powell is drawn into the case by Angela, the woman whose children he rescued from her Muslim husband, who happens to be a friend of Rose, wife of a British MP with his eye on Number 10 Downing Street. Rose, a battered wife blackmailed into staying with her husband by threats to prevent her seeing their two children if she leaves him, has rebelled to the extent of investigating his computer and read a secret, but not about a liaison with another woman.
Powell is persuaded to help Rose – a course that leads to a violent rollercoaster ride of thrills and intrigue, and him personally to romance and the fear of endangering the woman he loves just by doing the job he’s good at and feels is his duty.
June 6, 2018
I have bitter-sweet emotions after reading this book: on one hand it was such a wonderful, thrilling ride, but on the other hand, it was the last book in the series and now I officially don’t know what to do with myself! I hope that new Powell installment is in the works and I’ll get to read about his saving the day once again.
In The Cabal, Powell has to not only save the day but the world itself as it seems, after uncovering the plot about an organization that plans on changing it forever. They’re the most powerful people on the planet, holding a quarter of its riches; so, what can possibly one ordinary (ok, maybe extraordinary due to all of his talents) man do to disrupt their plans? Read, and you’ll find out.
The plot in this last installment was incredibly dynamic and fast-moving. The atmosphere was charged with tension and I found myself on the edge of my seat quite a few times. Also, featuring a newly elected American President in a couple of scenes was also a very interesting touch, and the characterization was spot on. If you love conspiracy theory thrillers and just thrillers with riveting plots, this book is perfect for you. Five stars!
In The Cabal, Powell has to not only save the day but the world itself as it seems, after uncovering the plot about an organization that plans on changing it forever. They’re the most powerful people on the planet, holding a quarter of its riches; so, what can possibly one ordinary (ok, maybe extraordinary due to all of his talents) man do to disrupt their plans? Read, and you’ll find out.
The plot in this last installment was incredibly dynamic and fast-moving. The atmosphere was charged with tension and I found myself on the edge of my seat quite a few times. Also, featuring a newly elected American President in a couple of scenes was also a very interesting touch, and the characterization was spot on. If you love conspiracy theory thrillers and just thrillers with riveting plots, this book is perfect for you. Five stars!
August 30, 2017
I've read all of the Powell series so when I saw this one was out, I had to grab it. While there are hints of picking up from where book five left off, the story takes a completely different direction and as I've come to expect from Ward and Powell, you are not disappointed. A strange Cabal has started to influence world leaders and decisions, and when a terrorist attack is thinly linked to an MP, Powell gets involved. The story was great, the characters as usually beautifully written, and I get the feeling that we will see more of this set of characters and story and I can't wait. I love Ward's way of writing and am very much a fan. Highly recommended!
June 15, 2018
The latest in the series, see’s Powell in the middle of an plot by a small group of world elites who will stop at nothing to manipulate events and reshape the world into a globally just and peaceful society. However their arrogance quickly reveals the contradiction between their benign vision and the ruthless violence of the ‘By any means necessary’ methodology.
As he ages and forms deeper relationships, Powell is perhaps more vulnerable than ever, adding poignancy and an increased tension to the fast paced narrative .
A very entertaining and well executed thriller. Highly recommended.
As he ages and forms deeper relationships, Powell is perhaps more vulnerable than ever, adding poignancy and an increased tension to the fast paced narrative .
A very entertaining and well executed thriller. Highly recommended.
September 8, 2017
4.5 stars
A nice mix of political intrigue on an international stage with pulse-pounding action. Ward’s hero balances the very personal—saving a woman’s life and the lives of her children—with fending off a globe-changing conspiracy. These books are always good, but this one is one of my favorites.
A nice mix of political intrigue on an international stage with pulse-pounding action. Ward’s hero balances the very personal—saving a woman’s life and the lives of her children—with fending off a globe-changing conspiracy. These books are always good, but this one is one of my favorites.
September 26, 2018
bill wards impeccable writing had me YET AGAIN gripped from start to finish in Powell's latest escapade.
the comparisons between Powell and lee child's teacher are well established.
bill ward regularly produces incredible novels involving poignant and realistic issues ... a fantastic author. I can't wait to read more!!
HAPPY READING!!!
the comparisons between Powell and lee child's teacher are well established.
bill ward regularly produces incredible novels involving poignant and realistic issues ... a fantastic author. I can't wait to read more!!
HAPPY READING!!!
September 9, 2020
The Cabal⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well the 6th & hopefully not the last Powell book.I want to see him & Afina have some happiness 💞 I have enjoyed the series it's been an eye opener the things that go on but it's also good seeing there is good people that will not turn a blind eye to all the nasty & evil people.such a good series ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well the 6th & hopefully not the last Powell book.I want to see him & Afina have some happiness 💞 I have enjoyed the series it's been an eye opener the things that go on but it's also good seeing there is good people that will not turn a blind eye to all the nasty & evil people.such a good series ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 16, 2017
Loved it.
The story is well paced though it did feel that some parts were written with the influence of today's political view. The influence did not impact the story negatively. The pace is fast and well written as well as the characters being believable. I loved it.
The story is well paced though it did feel that some parts were written with the influence of today's political view. The influence did not impact the story negatively. The pace is fast and well written as well as the characters being believable. I loved it.
October 11, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Not having read any of Bill Ward’s stories before, I didn’t know quite what to expect. But the moment I start reading I became mesmerised by the plot and couldn’t stop until I had reached the end. It began when Powell, the hero of the story, is persuaded by a friend he has helped in the past, to come to the rescue of Rose, the battered wife of an ambitious MP who blackmails her into staying with him for the sake of her two children who she cannot bear to lose. Puzzled by his mysterious meetings, she looks for an answer on his computer and triggers off a mystery that only Powell, it is hoped, will be able to solve. Coming to her rescue, he discovers that her husband is a member of a group of rich and powerful international figures, led by a ruthless Chairman who intends to influence world events by using whatever methods he decides are necessary and without a thought of whoever he has to have eliminated on the way. At this point, the story gathers momentum and ends up with a thrilling and unexpected climax that has you rivetted in your seats. Highly recommended – I can’t wait for the next adventure in the saga.
Not having read any of Bill Ward’s stories before, I didn’t know quite what to expect. But the moment I start reading I became mesmerised by the plot and couldn’t stop until I had reached the end. It began when Powell, the hero of the story, is persuaded by a friend he has helped in the past, to come to the rescue of Rose, the battered wife of an ambitious MP who blackmails her into staying with him for the sake of her two children who she cannot bear to lose. Puzzled by his mysterious meetings, she looks for an answer on his computer and triggers off a mystery that only Powell, it is hoped, will be able to solve. Coming to her rescue, he discovers that her husband is a member of a group of rich and powerful international figures, led by a ruthless Chairman who intends to influence world events by using whatever methods he decides are necessary and without a thought of whoever he has to have eliminated on the way. At this point, the story gathers momentum and ends up with a thrilling and unexpected climax that has you rivetted in your seats. Highly recommended – I can’t wait for the next adventure in the saga.
December 26, 2019
This is the first Powell novel I've read, and it's easy to follow the story without having read any of the others. It's a fast-paced thriller, with a bit of romance and heartache thrown in. Powerful men seek to change the world. The theme reminded me of Taylor Caldwell novels, but these men are "supposedly" out to make the world a better place. But crossing them is dangerous. Once you know their plans, you are either a part of it -- or you are dead! Although they remain unnamed, it's easy to pick out the politicians the story is making fun of.
Along with trying to discover the identity of the Chairman and the purpose of The Cabal, Powell finds himself trying to safeguard a woman abused by her political husband. Like many women in this situation, fear of so many things makes it difficult for her to leave her husband. It breaks your heart that so much of this exists in "civilized" societies.
If you've read other Powell novels, you are sure to enjoy this one as well. If you haven't read any, why not try it. Plenty of action to keep you reading.
Along with trying to discover the identity of the Chairman and the purpose of The Cabal, Powell finds himself trying to safeguard a woman abused by her political husband. Like many women in this situation, fear of so many things makes it difficult for her to leave her husband. It breaks your heart that so much of this exists in "civilized" societies.
If you've read other Powell novels, you are sure to enjoy this one as well. If you haven't read any, why not try it. Plenty of action to keep you reading.
July 22, 2020
Intense thriller!
Cabal is a superbly paced thriller with political intrigue and romantic subplots. This is the third Powell book I have read and this one may be my favorite. Read in just a few sittings, I devoured the story and was always eager to turn to next page and discover the next twist of the plot.
Cabal is a superbly paced thriller with political intrigue and romantic subplots. This is the third Powell book I have read and this one may be my favorite. Read in just a few sittings, I devoured the story and was always eager to turn to next page and discover the next twist of the plot.
November 26, 2020
How many stars can I give as 5 just isn't enough..Never disappointed with Powell's adventures... Thank you Bill Ward ...********************
January 2, 2024
Intriguing not quite conspiracy.
AN interesting edition of this superb series., can't wait to read the next episode, in this fascinating story. Very good.
AN interesting edition of this superb series., can't wait to read the next episode, in this fascinating story. Very good.
July 16, 2024
Great read
Slow to get going, but once into the story, it gor pretty interesting..
Would recommend this author .
Some of the books you can't put down
Slow to get going, but once into the story, it gor pretty interesting..
Would recommend this author .
Some of the books you can't put down
May 27, 2025
I read the first book in this series in April 2016 so you better believe I was excited when I realised this year there were 3 more out that I hadn't yet read.
These books provide 150-200 pages of unadulterated action, there is no fluff and there's definitely no filler.
This one specifically didn't hit all the usual boxes but I still had a great time and I also learned the word Cabal.
These books provide 150-200 pages of unadulterated action, there is no fluff and there's definitely no filler.
This one specifically didn't hit all the usual boxes but I still had a great time and I also learned the word Cabal.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews