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Connor Reed #1
The Bootneck
How far would you go for a man who gave you a second chance in life?
'The Chameleon Project'—a Black Operations unit led by Bruce McQuillan whose existence is only known to a handful of men. When a corrupt politician with an appetite for preteen girls kidnapped and tortured while under his Unit's surveillance, McQuillan is left with a dilemma - what to do with the rogue Commando responsible? As the stakes escalate, a sinister plot involving a triad of the Russian Bratva, an influential French arms dealer and one of the most powerful men within the British security services threatens to engulf the Isles. Could a man with an impulse for sadism and a three hundred and fifty-year-old ethos burnt within be the only man McQuillan can trust?
'The Chameleon Project'—a Black Operations unit led by Bruce McQuillan whose existence is only known to a handful of men. When a corrupt politician with an appetite for preteen girls kidnapped and tortured while under his Unit's surveillance, McQuillan is left with a dilemma - what to do with the rogue Commando responsible? As the stakes escalate, a sinister plot involving a triad of the Russian Bratva, an influential French arms dealer and one of the most powerful men within the British security services threatens to engulf the Isles. Could a man with an impulse for sadism and a three hundred and fifty-year-old ethos burnt within be the only man McQuillan can trust?
344 pages, ebook
Published December 9, 2017
1526 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Quentin Black
15 books50 followersQuentin Black is a former Royal Marine corporal with a decade of service in the Corps. This includes an operational tour of Afghanistan and an advisory mission in Iraq.
Black is the author of the most politically incorrect, unhinged, and entertaining anti-hero in modern fiction, Connor Reed.
Please follow me on Bookbub for updates
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Black is the author of the most politically incorrect, unhinged, and entertaining anti-hero in modern fiction, Connor Reed.
Please follow me on Bookbub for updates
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/quent...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 25, 2019
Awful
I gave up on this book about a third of the way through. The writing is disjointed and difficult to follow. There is too much backstory about the characters, which disturbs the flow of a very vague plot. The editors and publishers should be ashamed of letting this escape!
I gave up on this book about a third of the way through. The writing is disjointed and difficult to follow. There is too much backstory about the characters, which disturbs the flow of a very vague plot. The editors and publishers should be ashamed of letting this escape!
November 21, 2023
DNF 20%
I didn't like the alpha male, Andrew Tate style, protagonist.
I didn't like the alpha male, Andrew Tate style, protagonist.
December 1, 2023
Great book
Storyline is very clever twist and turnes right till the end very belivable charcters great story line could'nt put it down can't wait to read the next one
Storyline is very clever twist and turnes right till the end very belivable charcters great story line could'nt put it down can't wait to read the next one
November 7, 2024
Awful! DNF. Bad grammar. Tried to use big words in inappropriate places. Horrible immature storytelling.
February 24, 2025
Improbable and stereotyped.
Want to read
August 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/20/2020)! 🎁
August 4, 2023
Good reading.
I enjoyed the book. The story line had me glued to the pages. The characters were all well described and their interactions with each other were all believable. I look forward to reading more from the author.
I enjoyed the book. The story line had me glued to the pages. The characters were all well described and their interactions with each other were all believable. I look forward to reading more from the author.
February 5, 2021
Fought to keep reading the book and not putting it down!
The writer,, in my view, gets too lost in detail. The descriptions of the characters physiques , of which there are many, the details always of the clothes they are wearing, back flashes to previous incidents etc, all to much to keep the interest of the reader, whose interest lies in the unfolding of the story-line.
The fight scenes of which there are also many, the sex scenes, are also a little ponderous and reflect a similarity to Jack Reacher ( Lee Child) -like character and James Bond.
The plot is feasible, quite inventive in fact, but the story tends to plod along to the slow beat of characterisation of the individuals, all of whom are almost super-human in strength and build.
The writer,, in my view, gets too lost in detail. The descriptions of the characters physiques , of which there are many, the details always of the clothes they are wearing, back flashes to previous incidents etc, all to much to keep the interest of the reader, whose interest lies in the unfolding of the story-line.
The fight scenes of which there are also many, the sex scenes, are also a little ponderous and reflect a similarity to Jack Reacher ( Lee Child) -like character and James Bond.
The plot is feasible, quite inventive in fact, but the story tends to plod along to the slow beat of characterisation of the individuals, all of whom are almost super-human in strength and build.
February 7, 2025
Got half-way through, story not too bad, but I couldn't take any more of the misuse of commas, poor tenses ("he was sat"), and the sex-scenes are tacky.
December 5, 2024
A great start to a new series
A very enjoyable all-action thriller set in the United Kingdom. Connor Reed our protagonist is an interesting character not least because he comes across as a little psychotic at times. Quick-witted and intelligent Connor seems to enjoy causing pain to those who deserve it. What he does certainly doesn’t give him bad dreams and he doesn’t hesitate about doing what needs to be done. He feels a bit like James Bond if Joe Abercrombie wrote him.
I don’t think this book will be for everyone, probably a marmite kind of thing. It reeks of male testosterone. If you loved the Commando comics when you were a boy then you will probably love this since it is very alpha-male.
Connor is a Royal Marine with the marine code of honour running through him, however, he comes from a gentlemen-crook background, where his father runs a criminal enterprise but in a vaguely moralistic way which is designed I guess to make him sound like one of those nice criminals, it’s fiction remember! It reads better than I am making it sound but it did feel like there was a checklist of things that Connor had to be. Ladies man tick, badass tick, honour code tick, patriot tick, warrior tick, you get the idea.
The story itself is pretty good, although some may say a little unlikely but only as unlikely as say Mission Impossible is unlikely and who doesn’t like Mission Impossible? The characters were very credible and the dialogue between them flowed smoothly.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I am a Jack Reacher fan and this book has been compared by others to it but I disagree with them. Reacher is a lone wolf whereas Connor is the sharp end of a covert organisation so not the same, apart from the testosterone.
As I usually recommend, take a look inside and read the opening scene. It will give you a taste of what is to come.
A very enjoyable all-action thriller set in the United Kingdom. Connor Reed our protagonist is an interesting character not least because he comes across as a little psychotic at times. Quick-witted and intelligent Connor seems to enjoy causing pain to those who deserve it. What he does certainly doesn’t give him bad dreams and he doesn’t hesitate about doing what needs to be done. He feels a bit like James Bond if Joe Abercrombie wrote him.
I don’t think this book will be for everyone, probably a marmite kind of thing. It reeks of male testosterone. If you loved the Commando comics when you were a boy then you will probably love this since it is very alpha-male.
Connor is a Royal Marine with the marine code of honour running through him, however, he comes from a gentlemen-crook background, where his father runs a criminal enterprise but in a vaguely moralistic way which is designed I guess to make him sound like one of those nice criminals, it’s fiction remember! It reads better than I am making it sound but it did feel like there was a checklist of things that Connor had to be. Ladies man tick, badass tick, honour code tick, patriot tick, warrior tick, you get the idea.
The story itself is pretty good, although some may say a little unlikely but only as unlikely as say Mission Impossible is unlikely and who doesn’t like Mission Impossible? The characters were very credible and the dialogue between them flowed smoothly.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I am a Jack Reacher fan and this book has been compared by others to it but I disagree with them. Reacher is a lone wolf whereas Connor is the sharp end of a covert organisation so not the same, apart from the testosterone.
As I usually recommend, take a look inside and read the opening scene. It will give you a taste of what is to come.
February 24, 2019
Quentin Black has made a very promising debut novel in his series of books. Connor Reed falls into an exciting new career, working with a special unit of men. The former Royal Marine has to undertake training and special assignments to prove his worth to Bruce McQuillan....
Connor Reed is definitely not a 'Jack' the lad. He is a lovable rogue and I can't wait to see what's next for this character. All of the characters were well introduced and described. The way their accents were written made them feel real in the story. Quentin keeps you guessing throughout the book and even right until the end I could never have predicted what was going to happen. It is clearly well researched which makes the story line realistic me and not far fetched. Quentin has a distictive writing style and the story flowed well from scene to scene. This book falls into the action thriller category but Quentin has made this book very unique, and I already cannot wait for the next book in the series. There is something for everyone from humour to suspense. Towards the end of the book the story line gripped me and I couldn't put it down.
I loved the book cover, the design fits the book well and had been well designed. It really jumps out at you. I appreciated the glossary which helped me understand parts and gave me a good laugh too. I love that Quentin has included a sneak preview from the next book in this series.
This book may seem directed to a particular audience, but as a girl with no military background, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this type of genre and even if you don't, you might be pleasantly surprised like I was! It has to be five stars from me.
Connor Reed is definitely not a 'Jack' the lad. He is a lovable rogue and I can't wait to see what's next for this character. All of the characters were well introduced and described. The way their accents were written made them feel real in the story. Quentin keeps you guessing throughout the book and even right until the end I could never have predicted what was going to happen. It is clearly well researched which makes the story line realistic me and not far fetched. Quentin has a distictive writing style and the story flowed well from scene to scene. This book falls into the action thriller category but Quentin has made this book very unique, and I already cannot wait for the next book in the series. There is something for everyone from humour to suspense. Towards the end of the book the story line gripped me and I couldn't put it down.
I loved the book cover, the design fits the book well and had been well designed. It really jumps out at you. I appreciated the glossary which helped me understand parts and gave me a good laugh too. I love that Quentin has included a sneak preview from the next book in this series.
This book may seem directed to a particular audience, but as a girl with no military background, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this type of genre and even if you don't, you might be pleasantly surprised like I was! It has to be five stars from me.
August 27, 2024
NOTHING LIKE REACHER OR RAPP!
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, which was relatively well delivered by Mike Rogers. Credible accents.
In writing style, this is more like Tom Clancy with its overlong descriptions of everything! Why use one succinct phrase when you can prose on forever?
In content, this is a million miles away from Reacher and Rapp! This is 100% low class Britain! Foul language, unnecessarily descriptive (& gratuitous) violence! Ditto sexual content! In none of its “American counterparts” do we find that!
This is not a “family friendly” novel.
It’s not even as tastefully written as the Group 15 or John Milton novels.
Having said all of that - the plot was really good. The constant scene switching, with no context, doesn’t lend itself to audio. I certainly would have preferred title headings (or subheadings) to indicate that we’re now dealing with protagonist W, X, Y or Z. It took a long time to tell this tale and the segues seemed a bit random at times.
This title is currently part of the Audible Plus Catalogue, for which I’m extremely grateful for as, to have paid for this, would not have felt like a good investment to me. I shan’t pursue this series, it’s not like the “Special Ops” tales that I have grown up with. This graphic violence, gratuitous sex and overly wordy narrative is for a younger generation, perhaps.
A generation that needs everything spelled out for them…
I honestly don’t think that it should be marketed for the Reacher/Rapp generation. It’s not for us at all! Connor Reed is, to all intents and purposes, a psychopath! Not someone to be lauded at all. The ends do not justify the methods.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, which was relatively well delivered by Mike Rogers. Credible accents.
In writing style, this is more like Tom Clancy with its overlong descriptions of everything! Why use one succinct phrase when you can prose on forever?
In content, this is a million miles away from Reacher and Rapp! This is 100% low class Britain! Foul language, unnecessarily descriptive (& gratuitous) violence! Ditto sexual content! In none of its “American counterparts” do we find that!
This is not a “family friendly” novel.
It’s not even as tastefully written as the Group 15 or John Milton novels.
Having said all of that - the plot was really good. The constant scene switching, with no context, doesn’t lend itself to audio. I certainly would have preferred title headings (or subheadings) to indicate that we’re now dealing with protagonist W, X, Y or Z. It took a long time to tell this tale and the segues seemed a bit random at times.
This title is currently part of the Audible Plus Catalogue, for which I’m extremely grateful for as, to have paid for this, would not have felt like a good investment to me. I shan’t pursue this series, it’s not like the “Special Ops” tales that I have grown up with. This graphic violence, gratuitous sex and overly wordy narrative is for a younger generation, perhaps.
A generation that needs everything spelled out for them…
I honestly don’t think that it should be marketed for the Reacher/Rapp generation. It’s not for us at all! Connor Reed is, to all intents and purposes, a psychopath! Not someone to be lauded at all. The ends do not justify the methods.
September 1, 2024
Quentin Black’s “The Bootneck” introduces readers to Connor Reed, a former Royal Marine Commando whose transition from military to civilian life anchors the novel’s central premise. This aspect of the narrative is well-conceived and offers a solid foundation for the character’s development and the series at large.
However, the book struggles with its execution, particularly in the pacing and structure of the storyline. A large number of characters are introduced throughout the book, which, while adding to the complexity, often feels overwhelming. Keeping track of each character and their motivations can be challenging, and it occasionally detracts from the main narrative.
Moreover, the plot’s progression suffers from a lack of fluidity. The narrative jumps between different storylines and perspectives, which can feel disjointed and disrupts the flow of the story. This fragmentation sometimes makes it hard to maintain a steady engagement with the plot’s unfolding events.
Despite these shortcomings, the character of Connor Reed is engaging enough that I am inclined to give the second book in the series a try. The potential for a deeper exploration of Reed’s character and his challenges offers enough intrigue to continue the journey.
However, the book struggles with its execution, particularly in the pacing and structure of the storyline. A large number of characters are introduced throughout the book, which, while adding to the complexity, often feels overwhelming. Keeping track of each character and their motivations can be challenging, and it occasionally detracts from the main narrative.
Moreover, the plot’s progression suffers from a lack of fluidity. The narrative jumps between different storylines and perspectives, which can feel disjointed and disrupts the flow of the story. This fragmentation sometimes makes it hard to maintain a steady engagement with the plot’s unfolding events.
Despite these shortcomings, the character of Connor Reed is engaging enough that I am inclined to give the second book in the series a try. The potential for a deeper exploration of Reed’s character and his challenges offers enough intrigue to continue the journey.
March 27, 2019
Quentin Black has set the benchmark high with his debut novel - as you'd perhaps expect from a former Royal Marine Corporal. The Bootneck is a terrifically paced and very well researched thriller, and one that contains more than a few 'wow' factors. The complex plot is both intriguing and advanced enough to captivate serious novelists yet broad enough to encompass the general reader. Black provides an excellent insight to the infrastructure of the British security services and indeed the military psyche. That said, I feel it's not exclusively enjoyable to those with only a political or military background. Connor Reed is in many ways the 'imperfect' protagonist. A protagonist with a difference if you like; he's not the standard 'Mohammed-I'm-Hard-Bruce Lee' - to quote Brick Top in Snatch - but in fact, a very relatable character with as many flaws as you and I, combined with an insatiable thirst for justice and a dark sense of humour.
February 13, 2019
Hooked instantly on the very first chapter!
I found this book very hard to put down and would get excited when the time came to pick it back up again.
The lead character Connor is a legend. He is ruthless and has a strong moral compass that he lives by.
Obviously he has the traits of a good bootneck and anybody from a Marines background will love this guy!
If you have a military background you will enjoy the familiarity and terminology. There is a glossary at the back for military slang that occasionally crops up too.
The speed of the book increases as the various characters and their stories become intertwined and everything twists together for the climax.
I thought it was great and quickly devoured the second book in the series, "Lessons in Blood", and now sit awaiting the third!
I'm happy to fully recommend this book. - Steel
I found this book very hard to put down and would get excited when the time came to pick it back up again.
The lead character Connor is a legend. He is ruthless and has a strong moral compass that he lives by.
Obviously he has the traits of a good bootneck and anybody from a Marines background will love this guy!
If you have a military background you will enjoy the familiarity and terminology. There is a glossary at the back for military slang that occasionally crops up too.
The speed of the book increases as the various characters and their stories become intertwined and everything twists together for the climax.
I thought it was great and quickly devoured the second book in the series, "Lessons in Blood", and now sit awaiting the third!
I'm happy to fully recommend this book. - Steel
May 3, 2024
I like the story and the complexities of the plot in this book and Quentin Black has created compelling reading through his character definitions. The only reason that I didn’t give a 5* is that I am a bit of a grammar pedant and the Past Continuous of to sit is, I/he was sitting, not I/he or Connor was sat (sic). It may be acceptable in accented spoken English but surely not in printed content. Also, as I am a northerner and live in Leeds, the spelling of Headingley, home of Yorkshire Cricket, is with an ley at the end and not ly as in the book. However, I do like the use of local landmarks and areas that Quentin has used.
July 5, 2024
Training Connor
I nearly gave up on this book as I found it hard to follow,, the scenes change so quickly as actions and conversations run concurrently by different bodies of people, you need to be alert to work out who’s who and who is talking but I persevered and got into the book, I did skip a few sections as well so be prepared.
Connor is a strong character who Bruce who is the leader of an off the books government group, he saw potential in Connor, the training builds and the books greatly improves, mostly me getting used to the style of writing. I am going onto book two.
I nearly gave up on this book as I found it hard to follow,, the scenes change so quickly as actions and conversations run concurrently by different bodies of people, you need to be alert to work out who’s who and who is talking but I persevered and got into the book, I did skip a few sections as well so be prepared.
Connor is a strong character who Bruce who is the leader of an off the books government group, he saw potential in Connor, the training builds and the books greatly improves, mostly me getting used to the style of writing. I am going onto book two.
February 3, 2024
Very good book, moves rapidly, and compelling enough to try the second. Connor Reed is a Royal Marine recruited by Bruce McQuillan an off the books MI5/MI6 guy. Reed is killing someone that needs killing and McQuillan has the target under surveillance at the time of Reed's attack. McQuillan recruits Reed to work with him, trains him at length and then he is involved in a plot with the Russian Bratva, a French arms dealer and a traitor in the English government.
One of the best types of these books I have read - self published author
One of the best types of these books I have read - self published author
November 2, 2025
The Bootneck -
I really struggled with this books and nearly gave up on numerous occasions. For me it was quite confusing and difficult to follow in places. I also felt you were reading a paragraph and the next switched to a different storyline without any warning. The plot line was also not particularly clear. I’ve given it 3 stars but probably I would only rate it a 2.75 out of 5. I can’t see myself downloading the next book in the series.
I really struggled with this books and nearly gave up on numerous occasions. For me it was quite confusing and difficult to follow in places. I also felt you were reading a paragraph and the next switched to a different storyline without any warning. The plot line was also not particularly clear. I’ve given it 3 stars but probably I would only rate it a 2.75 out of 5. I can’t see myself downloading the next book in the series.
December 15, 2025
Good start
I did enjoy this book however the amount of slang used in the book is in my opinion way to much and completely pointless. I get that a glossary was provided to explain them but who wants to continuously flip to that just to find out what the words mean when another basic word could have been used instead. So for that reason I won't give it 5 stars. Otherwise it was entertaining and came together really well in the end.
I did enjoy this book however the amount of slang used in the book is in my opinion way to much and completely pointless. I get that a glossary was provided to explain them but who wants to continuously flip to that just to find out what the words mean when another basic word could have been used instead. So for that reason I won't give it 5 stars. Otherwise it was entertaining and came together really well in the end.
June 6, 2021
Wow, a gripping full in your face storyline, with a main character who is nothing less than homicidal when he feels it necessary, yet humble and caring to those he befriends, he is someone you would definitely want by your side or covering your back when the chips are down, someone you could trust with your deepest secrets, camaraderie is his rock...
December 19, 2021
Action from beginning to end.
I enjoyed this story and I was just trying to make sure I knew the main characters to the story line. There was nothing but questions at the start but as I kept reading the story line started to work. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in reading action and twist’s to the book and continued character changes.
I enjoyed this story and I was just trying to make sure I knew the main characters to the story line. There was nothing but questions at the start but as I kept reading the story line started to work. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in reading action and twist’s to the book and continued character changes.
December 23, 2023
This was a book with considerable violence, although it the characters and the people they work for are reviewed it’s not surprising. The descriptions of the fight scenes was well written and I find a few crims getting it in the neck not a bad thing. Cross and double cross would be a way of live for most of these characters.
April 9, 2024
Good story spoilt by poor language.
Liked the story and its development with strong characters.
Disappointed with language characterisation of certain individuals.
Poor editing and overuse of F word and sexual abuse of lovers unnecessary in view of the story line.
Author could do better.
Liked the story and its development with strong characters.
Disappointed with language characterisation of certain individuals.
Poor editing and overuse of F word and sexual abuse of lovers unnecessary in view of the story line.
Author could do better.
July 16, 2024
Looking for something in the genre of Oprhan X, Grey Man etc but really struggled with this. Doesn't flow at all. Too many superficial characters and jumping around so very often had no idea who they were, what their relevance was or how they related to the plot. Persevered as rarely stop halfway through a book but this was very challenging.
Got there in the end but not chancing book 2
Got there in the end but not chancing book 2
January 27, 2019
Great book with a deep and interesting plots and equally as interesting characters. This book was a page turning thriller that kept me awake a bit longer than I had planned. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to start the next by the author.
April 8, 2019
Brilliant debut book by the author. A real page turner, not a huge reader but genuinely couldn’t put this book down. 100% would recommend. The imagination and ‘way with words’ had me intrigued as well as howling with laughter. Quentin’s ‘Bootneck’ sense of humour definitely shows throughout.
July 11, 2019
OKAY
I could not really get into this book. None of the characters were particularly appealing to me even though the book itself was pretty well written. I still prefer Stephen Leather and Chris Ryan for all action and no padding.
I could not really get into this book. None of the characters were particularly appealing to me even though the book itself was pretty well written. I still prefer Stephen Leather and Chris Ryan for all action and no padding.
May 1, 2020
Connor Reed is a Royal Marine with a chequed past, caught administing he's own form of justice against a crooked MP, he is drawn into the secret world of The Chameleon Project run by Bruce McQuillian. Interesting book, although some of the conversation slang was hard to follow.
November 30, 2020
Excellent story
Love the story. Great characters and we'll written. Loved the Naval terminology and the general plot. Would love to meet Grace!! If you like British action stories then give this a go.
Love the story. Great characters and we'll written. Loved the Naval terminology and the general plot. Would love to meet Grace!! If you like British action stories then give this a go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews