Sanction

by William Hunter

Previous cover edition for ASIN B074QRJ25X
For alternate cover edition see here

Best Indie Thrillers of 2017, Kirkus Reviews
Best Books of 2017, BlueInk Review
Nominated for the Kirkus Prize

While in England on an unsanctioned assignment, Sean Garrett witnesses the shooting of a distinguished Cambridge professor by elite contract killer David Laurent. With his cover blown, Garrett is on the run from an assassin desperate to erase his tracks, and authorities who believe he is responsible for the murder.

Banastre Montjoy, a burned-out head of section at the Secret Intelligence Service, is in a race himself to discover if the scholar's death is linked to a bombing of the London Underground a year earlier. Montjoy's nemesis, the power-hungry and scheming Berwyn Rees, seeks to drum his rival out of MI6, while maneuvering to become deputy chief.

With time running out, SOG operators Tre Ward and Brian Bishop are sent in by the CIA to locate and extract Garrett. As Laurent, MI5, and Scotland Yard close in on their target, Montjoy uncovers a devastating secret, one that someone inside the British government has sought to keep buried since World War II.

Genres: Thriller, Espionage

302 pages, ebook

First published August 10, 2017

About the author

William Hunter is a former professional athlete and Revolutionary War historian. He played pro soccer in Europe and the U.S., and holds a BA in history from the University of South Carolina, and an MPhil, and PhD, from the University of Cambridge. He has lived in Scotland, England, Germany, and Switzerland, and now owns and operates a cattle farm with his family in South Carolina. Hunter has written two bestselling spy-thrillers, and his debut novel, Sanction, was named Best Indie Thrillers of 2017 by Kirkus Reviews, Best Books of 2017 by BlueInk Review, and was a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Book Award winner of 2018.

Reviews

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

As William Hunter’s extraordinary political thriller begins, two assassins stalk Saudi Mohammad Haamid Ahmad, a distinguished professor at the University of Cambridge’s King’s College. But Ahmad, a frequent BBC pundit born of Saudi wealth, had made plenty of enemies over the course of his long career. His life outside the classroom is complicated, including work as an MI6 operative codenamed Shepherd, and allegedly, as a mole.

Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a debut novel and there's no doubt that William Hunter has the ability to be a top notch writer of espionage. He has a command of the nuances found in upper shelf spy/thriller work, but my one criticism is a substantial one and it's awkward to admit.

Though the chapters (and there are a large amount of them) are short, they're dense with multiple plot lines and characters both integral and minor. There was simply too much going on while at many times it felt like it was taking forever to move forward. Once momentum took hold...it would come to an abrupt end with the more explanatory, alternative activity elsewhere.

In a nutshell, I like a complicated and intelligent novel and it's here...but it was lost in a clutter of stops and starts...and a legion of participants that moved to and fro without allowing for much of a real connection to the reader.

With all that said, I came to this book because it didn't look like the kind of pot-boiler that spelled everything out. I need a writer whose smarter than I am...and he's definitely here. Perhaps his next novel will be less frenetic. If so, I'm interested

[Mandy Walkden-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like a Le Carrè, Forsyth or Clancy (before the latter over-complicated his plots so much that I got lost in the spaghetti tangle if not read in one sitting). Reminiscent of some of the best spy/espionage fiction of the Cold War era, but contemporary and relevant, reflecting current terrorist cells, but also harking back to events of WWII. Riveting stuff.

Complex, layered, intricate and nuanced. The characters are a delight, the suspense compelling and the plot woven with guile and agility.

Incredible that this a debut work, it's certainly a polished, compelling tale, impossible to put down and, I'm sure, harder to forget.

The twists and turns one would expect from a dab hand at this genre, and Hunter doesn't disappoint, there were some zingers.

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley and happily volunteer a review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my top listing of Thriller, Espionage, and all round Who Done It books of all times. I have read many but this book was such a page-turner that I was actually disappointed when it came to an end. Not that I wanted anyone to get killed, but I wanted to find out what happened to a few of the characters.
I loved Montjoy's part in this book. I'm sure there are a few more books that can be written with the connecting characters. Loved Anderton and her naughty streak.
Secret service and espionage are a thing in real life, I didn't realize how easy it would be to be fooled into a state of blissful ignorance. To think you are safe in this world is everyone's first mistake. I personally live every day as if it's my last and that's only because I believe that I'm here for a good time not a long time. This book. This insight into things I wish did not happen, has me worried about the state of the world we live in.
William Hunter, I pray you are on our side. The good guys' side, no matter what agency may be involved. We can't afford an enemy with an imagination like yours.
Fingers Crossed that there are more books to come.

[rumbledethumps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read a spy thriller in years, and forgot how fun they can be! I read this in basically one day, so the pacing is perfect for a thriller. But, this is Hunter's debut novel, so it's a little rough around the edges. There are a couple chapters where one character just explains everything that's going on to another character in order to reveal details to the reader. And about 7 or 8 times a character thinks something along the lines of "Once I finish this task, I'll be out of the country before anyone's the wiser!" Which was either an inside joke by the author, or clumsy foreshadowing.

Overall, a fun read. I'll definitely try one of his other novels next time I'm in the mood for a thriller.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid reader of spy and suspense novels, I enjoyed this story with all its twists and turns that brings questions and answers as the reader progresses through the long book. This was probably one of the most convoluted and twisted stories I have read in a long time, as it was difficult to keep up with who all the major players were, and which ones were good and which ones were the bad guys, but that just actually added to the enjoyment. The only negative I had, was trying to keep up with all the governmental alphabet organizations (FBI, CIA, Interpol, SIS, OSS, SOG, JSOC, etc.) This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and was delighted to see that he's a fellow South Carolinian This was a great book, well written with characters with lots of depth. /It was fun peeling back the layers. This spy thriller will capture your attention at the beginning and have you page turning quickly. You'll be captivated with all the twists and surprises as you follow the CIA and Scotland Yard in their investigation. I was fortunate to receive an advance copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started this book I could not put it down, it had a great pace that kept you glued to the pages and needing to find out where things were going to end up! There were plenty of twists, suspense and thrills to keep you guessing on who is involved with what and who is not. This is not light reading, there is plenty to take in as you try and work things out as you read which I found really refreshing . A great start for a debut novel and look forward to reading more by William Hunter.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Carol Keen · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like the who-done-it part, this book was overwhelming. It's detail soaked to the point that it bogs down. I hated that because it had a lot more potential than it reached. It also irks me because I love details, but drowning in them wasn't pleasant. Pushing through and past that you have a solid story that's a strong one. As this author grows I hope he will have that one thing refined.

My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The assassination of a renowned Cambridge professor is the starting point from which the author weaves an impressively tangled web of intrigue, betrayal, murder, double-crosses and cover-ups, involving intelligence agencies on both sides of the Atlantic, several professional killers, an independent operative with a personal grudge, an intelligence veteran who may or may not be working for either of the agencies involved, and more. Gripping from the start and containing numerous twists, this was a very promising debut novel.

[Jon C. Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

An assassin kills a muslin professor which in turns gets the attention of MI5, MI6, CIA, Scotland Yard, NSA ETC. They all were using this guy for Middle East information for many years. At the time of the killing a second agent was there and the hunt is on find both men. The ins and outs of the story of the murdered Muslim weaves back to the Second World War and Hitler. I’ve never read a story with so many characters, who they work for, what they are after and who did what over time. You almost think the story is never going to conclude. Stick with it as it’s very interesting and exciting.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complex and compelling.

I actually read Fallout the sequel to Sanction, last year and was very impressed. It was not an easy read and neither is Sanction. Both books require your full attention, but you are rewarded with two very complex but compelling reads. The plot is as labyrinth as Le Carre at his best. Great writing with no words wasted and characters that keep your interest.
Hope that number 3 comes along soon.

[Martha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

A definite winner in this genre. Took a lot of research and understanding of life from the 40’s to current to build a history on the characters involved that worked as well as this one does. I particularly liked the hidden agendas that are sneaked into the plot. Cudo’s to the author.

[Callee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanction has proven to be just as the reviewers said, a thrilling read that kept me engaged until the last page! The pace of the story is perfectly done, and the twists and turns left me deeply satisfied. A must read, and cannot wait to see more from William Hunter.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good action packed book. It has a lot of detail about the different organizations and all the major characters have an extensive background to give you a good idea of them. I would definately recommend it.

[Holly Senecal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanction was a little James Bond, a little Criminal Minds, a little Nikita and all good. It was one of those books where I got so into the story that I forgot I was reading on my kindle and reached up to turn the page...

[June Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard Work

I had a hard time with the names and who was who. I kept going but it didn’t get any easier. So many long convoluted explanations of relationships. I wanted to like it but I’m exhausted!

[Pat Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super espionage thriller

Great characters and a very intricately woven plot. Comes together very nicely indeed. I'm looking forward to reading more from William as I found this book very well written.

[Mike milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

Enjoyed every step of the story, intriguing how the author keeps you locked into the story and how masterfully guiding you to keep reading

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy 4 stars. Great read. Interesting mix if characters. Well researched technically and geographically. Keeps your attention throughout.
I voluntarily read a gifted copy.

[Terence Stamp Durso · Rating 3 out of 5]

👍

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out Sam's review from April 14, 2020. Pretty much exactly what I was thinking and feeling, I just don't have the ability to explain it as well.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complicated plot involving the British spy game with lots of twists and turns and no real hero at the end. John LeCarre would approve the result.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was slightly overwhelming with the amount of information the author suppied. While the storyline and character development were superbly executed, there was just too many characters and background information. The authors approach to writing this book reminded me of someone who is obsessed with something (book series, video games, sitcom) and they want to get you interested in it so badly that they sprout as much information about it as fast as they can. You didn't really need to know, in example, David's favorite coffee in the morning is a double expresso with half fat steamed milk and a pump of vanilla, but in the afternoon it's an iced machiotto with hazelnut and dark chocolate. While this is an interesting fact, it is irrelevant to the overall story and just bogs down the readers ability to retain the important details.
The overall story was well written and so intriguing. I had a hard time putting it down. Definitely would be 5 stars if there was some editing done to slim down the character list and the details throughout the story.