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Department 89 #1
The Renegade Spy
Librarian note: Older cover of B074LC68S9.
A Deadly Assassin Is After The German Chancellor - But The Assassin Is In Even More Danger Than He Realises.
A page-turning debut novella in the tradition of Daniel Silva, Mark Dawson, and Robert Ludlum, The Renegade Spy is the story of a deadly and maverick female German Intelligence agent, tasked with saving the life of the German Chancellor from a ruthless assassin.
The German chancellor, Claudia Meyer, is riding a wave of popularity at home. But she also has her enemies, and one of them has hired an assassin - nicknamed "The Scorpion" - for twenty million Euros to kill her.
Little does the chancellor know that the Scorpion is relentless. He is ruthless, and he is extremely good at his job. The government has no clue what the Scorpion looks like and how he will strike. Not even her bodyguards are a guarantee of safety. All they know is that the Scorpion leaves a trail of dead bodies in his wake. Captain Sophie Decker of German Intelligence rapidly becomes Meyer’s only chance of ultimate survival, along with her colleague, Lieutenant Wolfgang Schmitz.
Decker and Schmitz are given an order – stop the Scorpion by any means necessary – before the Scorpion gets to the chancellor.
A Deadly Assassin Is After The German Chancellor - But The Assassin Is In Even More Danger Than He Realises.
A page-turning debut novella in the tradition of Daniel Silva, Mark Dawson, and Robert Ludlum, The Renegade Spy is the story of a deadly and maverick female German Intelligence agent, tasked with saving the life of the German Chancellor from a ruthless assassin.
The German chancellor, Claudia Meyer, is riding a wave of popularity at home. But she also has her enemies, and one of them has hired an assassin - nicknamed "The Scorpion" - for twenty million Euros to kill her.
Little does the chancellor know that the Scorpion is relentless. He is ruthless, and he is extremely good at his job. The government has no clue what the Scorpion looks like and how he will strike. Not even her bodyguards are a guarantee of safety. All they know is that the Scorpion leaves a trail of dead bodies in his wake. Captain Sophie Decker of German Intelligence rapidly becomes Meyer’s only chance of ultimate survival, along with her colleague, Lieutenant Wolfgang Schmitz.
Decker and Schmitz are given an order – stop the Scorpion by any means necessary – before the Scorpion gets to the chancellor.
- GenresThriller
170 pages, ebook
Published August 4, 2017
72 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 6, 2020
Enjoyable
This is not a genre I often read, but I got the book for free from Amazon, so why not?
This is a good read. It goes straight to the point, and the book keeps a fast pace throughout. I particularly enjoyed seeing the bad guy's side of the story.
It's clear that this is meant as a series opener, but it's a complete story on its own. It's up to you if you want to read the next installment...
This is not a genre I often read, but I got the book for free from Amazon, so why not?
This is a good read. It goes straight to the point, and the book keeps a fast pace throughout. I particularly enjoyed seeing the bad guy's side of the story.
It's clear that this is meant as a series opener, but it's a complete story on its own. It's up to you if you want to read the next installment...
April 10, 2020
Brilliant read, fast paced with action galore, Very well written and descriptions of what’s happen are very clear.
Cast of characters are spot on, I received this book as an ARC and decided to happily give a review,
Now on too the next book in the series.
Cast of characters are spot on, I received this book as an ARC and decided to happily give a review,
Now on too the next book in the series.
February 22, 2019
The premise is exciting, but the story itself is nothing new. The characters are dull, with very little personality that goes beyond their particular roles in the plot, and the dialogue (although snappy) is cheesy and predictable.
The story is fast-paced, however - you can easily fly through the book in a day, and I appreciated how tight the plot was. It was quick to read, and enjoyable at surface level.
My biggest issue was with the writing. The grammar is frequently awkward, punctuation isn't always used correctly, and adverbs and adjectives clutter the sentences. In addition, the writing style is too removed from the characters that it comes across distant and overly formal. There's plenty of head-hopping, and the everything happening on the page is reported to you by what sounds like an omnipresent narrator. Sentences like "He thought to himself" and "He suddenly felt very disorientated" take you out of the scene, which is distracting. It also allows you no personal connection to the characters.
The story is fast-paced, however - you can easily fly through the book in a day, and I appreciated how tight the plot was. It was quick to read, and enjoyable at surface level.
My biggest issue was with the writing. The grammar is frequently awkward, punctuation isn't always used correctly, and adverbs and adjectives clutter the sentences. In addition, the writing style is too removed from the characters that it comes across distant and overly formal. There's plenty of head-hopping, and the everything happening on the page is reported to you by what sounds like an omnipresent narrator. Sentences like "He thought to himself" and "He suddenly felt very disorientated" take you out of the scene, which is distracting. It also allows you no personal connection to the characters.
August 10, 2022
I believe that I had received this book/novella from the author in return for an honest review.
I found this book an interesting read (how many other books do you know that spend a lot of the book where the reader is looking at the story through the eyes of the antagonist).
The story in a nutshell is that one of the famous assassins of the world, The Scorpion, is hired to assassinate the Chancellor of the German Republic by the one of the heads of criminal enterprises in Europe.
An exciting read the would be enjoyed by fans of police procedural novels, and is easily worthy of the three and three stars (which rounds up to four stars).
As with all my ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I found this book an interesting read (how many other books do you know that spend a lot of the book where the reader is looking at the story through the eyes of the antagonist).
The story in a nutshell is that one of the famous assassins of the world, The Scorpion, is hired to assassinate the Chancellor of the German Republic by the one of the heads of criminal enterprises in Europe.
An exciting read the would be enjoyed by fans of police procedural novels, and is easily worthy of the three and three stars (which rounds up to four stars).
As with all my ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
September 6, 2023
"The Renegade Spy," the first book in the Department 89 series, offers readers a thrilling ride in the world of German Military intelligence. The story centers around the resilient protagonist, Captain Sophie Decker, who finds herself in a high-stakes race against time to thwart an assassination threat on the Chancellor, masterminded by the enigmatic and legendary assassin Scorpion.
One of the strengths of this book is its fast-paced narrative. From the very beginning, the story takes off like a sprinter out of the blocks, and it rarely lets up. The relentless pursuit and the tension-filled cat-and-mouse game between Decker and Scorpion keep you hooked, eagerly turning page after page. This makes "The Renegade Spy" a perfect choice for those seeking an action-packed and quick read.
One of the strengths of this book is its fast-paced narrative. From the very beginning, the story takes off like a sprinter out of the blocks, and it rarely lets up. The relentless pursuit and the tension-filled cat-and-mouse game between Decker and Scorpion keep you hooked, eagerly turning page after page. This makes "The Renegade Spy" a perfect choice for those seeking an action-packed and quick read.
August 31, 2020
From an opening scene reminiscent of a James Bond film, we meet the Scorpion, a sniper, whose next assignment is to kill the Chancellor of Germany. Scorpion is a sympathetic villain in this first book of a series. He reminds me of The Man from St. Petersburg by Ken Follett. The author seems to build his character more, than that of his adversary. As a cat and mouse game with the heroine, Captain Sophie Decker, a female German Intelligence Agent from Department 89, quickens, the body count goes up. We know, it will not end well. This was an very enjoyable book. I will definitely look for further books in the series.
June 29, 2019
This book went by very quickly. It was easy to read, it had interesting characters, and the plot was exciting and full of suspense. The author does a great job on the interactions between the players, and shows the attitude Sophie Decker faces in doing her job. I have read other books in the Department 89 series, so it was interesting to go back and see how things began. I recommend this book highly.
June 21, 2020
Another very good Assassin book by Mark O'Neill. The female agent is a woman named Decker and she is a top notch heroine. This book is themed on an Assassin named Scorpion who is the best in the business. He is hired to assassinate the German Chancellor and there is plenty of insight into setting up a "hit" in this book. It is a quick read for Assassination aficionados as the pages keep turning.
January 21, 2019
am amazing and realistic story about an assassin named Skorpion who is hired to kill the German counselor . Against him is Cpt Decker a female agent with plenty of guts and a witty sense of humor who has little respect for authority or politics with her reasoning being that they are only out for personal gain. A lot of suspense and well worth reading.
February 28, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
The plot is thrilling and pulls you in, but the poor punctuation within speech detracts from the quality of the story. There are commas missing and unnecessary commas added all over the place.
If you can get past this, this book is worth a read.
The plot is thrilling and pulls you in, but the poor punctuation within speech detracts from the quality of the story. There are commas missing and unnecessary commas added all over the place.
If you can get past this, this book is worth a read.
January 15, 2020
A new author to me, but one that is looking good.
Meet Sophie Decker a German spy who is not liked by her boss for being too different. But who has the backing of the deputy director. She is tasked with keeping the German Chancellor safe from a credible death treat.
Well paced and keeps you interested all the way through.
Meet Sophie Decker a German spy who is not liked by her boss for being too different. But who has the backing of the deputy director. She is tasked with keeping the German Chancellor safe from a credible death treat.
Well paced and keeps you interested all the way through.
February 17, 2018
The renegade spy
Great reading. First book I have read from this author. I enjoyed the story line not to mention the Captain Sophie Decker character. I am ready for the next one in this series . Mr. O’Neill is an author to follow if you are a fan of spy thrillers.
Great reading. First book I have read from this author. I enjoyed the story line not to mention the Captain Sophie Decker character. I am ready for the next one in this series . Mr. O’Neill is an author to follow if you are a fan of spy thrillers.
October 3, 2019
THE SCORPION IS WHERE?
Is not the most deep book with accuracy but is not bad. The story of a killer named "SCORPION" who rules his future but at the same time fall for his own ego. There's bad
Is not the most deep book with accuracy but is not bad. The story of a killer named "SCORPION" who rules his future but at the same time fall for his own ego. There's bad
November 23, 2019
I liked it!
Good basis of characters, intriguing premise. Fast-moving and gripping from page 1. The Renegade Spy kept my attention and was a thrill ride all the way through. Looking forward to "The Reichsbank Gold."
Good basis of characters, intriguing premise. Fast-moving and gripping from page 1. The Renegade Spy kept my attention and was a thrill ride all the way through. Looking forward to "The Reichsbank Gold."
February 5, 2020
Truly, Mark O’Neill’s writing is epic. In this novel, I had absolutely no clue what-so-ever how the story was going to unfold. I like that, not knowing what the bloody hell is going on. Keeps things exciting. Can’t wait to read more !
October 7, 2020
Intruiged
My mom suggested that I check out this series. I'm glad she did. I liked Sophie Decker and I'm intruiged to see what comes next. The writing is a bit choppy in parts, heavy on action and bare bones in places, but I enjoyed it.
My mom suggested that I check out this series. I'm glad she did. I liked Sophie Decker and I'm intruiged to see what comes next. The writing is a bit choppy in parts, heavy on action and bare bones in places, but I enjoyed it.
July 28, 2018
one badass heroine, would the powers that be sanction this in real life. Probably not even though it is what's needed
September 21, 2018
Another intriguing story
I always enjoy Mark O'Neill's books and this was no exception. He always comes up with novel ideas and a lot of action.
I always enjoy Mark O'Neill's books and this was no exception. He always comes up with novel ideas and a lot of action.
December 16, 2018
Received a free copy for a review. Wow, great story. Couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
September 1, 2019
Lots of action. Easy read
October 4, 2019
Very good book! Tons of action and sets up for a very exciting series. I am anxious to read more!
January 18, 2020
This is a fast read. I liked one character, the protagonist. Plot was reasonable,but could have been filed out more.
September 10, 2020
Good story. Very readable
November 23, 2020
Loved it. Thought she was American at first but soon realized what was going on. Well written, interesting characters I look forward to watching develop in future titles.
May 20, 2021
A lean and effective thriller. More like this please!
December 1, 2022
I thought that this was an okay read. This short book origin story has action and pace but wasn't quite as engaging as I would have liked.
June 17, 2023
Ok book
Was ok nothing earth shattering but did what it said on the tin an easy read that I got through quickly
Was ok nothing earth shattering but did what it said on the tin an easy read that I got through quickly
November 21, 2024
Short prequel to the Dept. 89 series. Moves along quickly. Acquaints us with Decker and her world. Probably a pretty good series.
December 8, 2024
entertaining
September 9, 2020
Amazing spy thriller
To the point plot, nowhere in the book, the story stray's away from the plot. Full of action and amazing, strong female characters.
Very engaging plot
To the point plot, nowhere in the book, the story stray's away from the plot. Full of action and amazing, strong female characters.
Very engaging plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews