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Alex King #4
The Five
* Not read an Alex King book before? No problem. The Five is an ideal story to sample the critically acclaimed series. * The choice is simple. Give your wealth to those who need it most or become the next target. That is the manifesto of a new and highly secretive terrorist group who are assassinating the people at the top of the rich list. Anarchy to Recreate Society are regarded by many as heroes to a new world order, but MI5 know there is more to them than altruism and when links to a prominent cabinet member are made, King is sent to investigate.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2018
258 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
A.P. Bateman
44 books79 followersA P Bateman is the author of seventeen novels, with twelve of his titles reaching No.1 in Amazon's paid top 100 categories in all Amazon regions and four titles reaching No.1 in Kindle sales in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 17, 2018
A more mature Alex King, but one that’s just as deadly…
Anarchy to Recreate $ociety is a group which purports to correct the unfairness of society where the richer get richer and the poor suffer as always. To do this they publicise their intent on social media by threatening to kill the top 5 richest men in the world and to continue to do so until wealth is shared more equitably. They have already made good on their promise three times.
Ex MI6 operative, Alex King, is now working for MI5 alongside his fiancée, Caroline, who has been despatched to South Africa to follow up on a lead while King remains in the UK to start his investigations.
The plot starts with another killing as a result of which Alex is thrown together with forensic pathologist Amanda Cunningham. She is young, attractive and just his type and Caroline is away….. And so the fun starts.
This is the fourth in the Alex King series. It can be read as a standalone thriller but any reader would be missing a real trick if he didn’t at least consider picking up the first three. It’s very easy as a reviewer to spot what you don’t like in a book. It’s much more difficult to identify what makes up a really satisfying read and all four books in this series are great reads.
There are several aspects which make the time spent reading this book well spent and very satisfying. First is AP Bateman’s attention to detail and thorough research. This is an author on top of his game. His knowledge of weaponry and the way things work in the secret services are self-evident and if they are not borne of real life experience they are certainly very convincing. Second is the feeling that Alex King is human – cut him and he bleeds. He has emotions and cares about victims which makes him at least likeable if not loveable. Third is credibility. So often I am jolted out of the pages by disappointment that a character has just done something which in reality would not have occurred. Never does that happen in one of Bateman’s novels. Actions are always logical and follow a sensible sequence.
Another tell-tale sign of an excellent story is when the reader is totally drawn into the world on the pages to the exclusion of the outside world. It’s rare for me but I experienced it twice while reading this novel. The plot starts reasonably slowly and builds to a crescendo with plenty of changes of pace in between to allow the reader to recover and draw breath. There are plenty of twists and turns and the ending, although totally satisfying, leaves the reader wondering what will happen to Alex next.
Bring on the next in the series…….I can’t wait!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Anarchy to Recreate $ociety is a group which purports to correct the unfairness of society where the richer get richer and the poor suffer as always. To do this they publicise their intent on social media by threatening to kill the top 5 richest men in the world and to continue to do so until wealth is shared more equitably. They have already made good on their promise three times.
Ex MI6 operative, Alex King, is now working for MI5 alongside his fiancée, Caroline, who has been despatched to South Africa to follow up on a lead while King remains in the UK to start his investigations.
The plot starts with another killing as a result of which Alex is thrown together with forensic pathologist Amanda Cunningham. She is young, attractive and just his type and Caroline is away….. And so the fun starts.
This is the fourth in the Alex King series. It can be read as a standalone thriller but any reader would be missing a real trick if he didn’t at least consider picking up the first three. It’s very easy as a reviewer to spot what you don’t like in a book. It’s much more difficult to identify what makes up a really satisfying read and all four books in this series are great reads.
There are several aspects which make the time spent reading this book well spent and very satisfying. First is AP Bateman’s attention to detail and thorough research. This is an author on top of his game. His knowledge of weaponry and the way things work in the secret services are self-evident and if they are not borne of real life experience they are certainly very convincing. Second is the feeling that Alex King is human – cut him and he bleeds. He has emotions and cares about victims which makes him at least likeable if not loveable. Third is credibility. So often I am jolted out of the pages by disappointment that a character has just done something which in reality would not have occurred. Never does that happen in one of Bateman’s novels. Actions are always logical and follow a sensible sequence.
Another tell-tale sign of an excellent story is when the reader is totally drawn into the world on the pages to the exclusion of the outside world. It’s rare for me but I experienced it twice while reading this novel. The plot starts reasonably slowly and builds to a crescendo with plenty of changes of pace in between to allow the reader to recover and draw breath. There are plenty of twists and turns and the ending, although totally satisfying, leaves the reader wondering what will happen to Alex next.
Bring on the next in the series…….I can’t wait!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
February 20, 2021
I didn't find this one as enjoyable or exciting as the previous thrillers. A lot of "skip over" paragraphs. Ending leads to the next in the series leaving a lot of questions.
February 12, 2018
Incredible, Brilliant. Captivating.
i have read all of Mr. Bateman and enjoyed them all but The Five well that's the best yet..................i was convinced Alex was going soft and heading for retirement, a well deserved one at that ..A well written edge of the seat story with enough twists and turns to keep you wondering..........action is credible and logical, believable , often many things written are just impossible, not with this author.
i am hungry for more and i don't usually comment but that storyline was very enjoyable.
thanks
i have read all of Mr. Bateman and enjoyed them all but The Five well that's the best yet..................i was convinced Alex was going soft and heading for retirement, a well deserved one at that ..A well written edge of the seat story with enough twists and turns to keep you wondering..........action is credible and logical, believable , often many things written are just impossible, not with this author.
i am hungry for more and i don't usually comment but that storyline was very enjoyable.
thanks
August 3, 2022
Each book better than the last
Alex King is a compelling, take no prisoners, antihero. Reading the series in order, each book is more thrilling than the last but don’t take that to mean that the earlier stories are inferior. Merely that Mr Bateman is getting into his stride, that King is a character that is becoming more fleshed out and the reader becomes more invested in his fate.
Try not to read late into the night though, the fast pace and risk to integral characters does not make a good lullaby!
I can’t wait to read the 5th instalment.
Alex King is a compelling, take no prisoners, antihero. Reading the series in order, each book is more thrilling than the last but don’t take that to mean that the earlier stories are inferior. Merely that Mr Bateman is getting into his stride, that King is a character that is becoming more fleshed out and the reader becomes more invested in his fate.
Try not to read late into the night though, the fast pace and risk to integral characters does not make a good lullaby!
I can’t wait to read the 5th instalment.
July 16, 2023
Four books, two days....That's how Mr Bateman is an awesome author.
I read the book 1 to 4 out of sinc. Don't know how I did, but I read the second instalment first. That was in the morning, yesterday, The afternoon I read the first Alex King, today I've done the background into Alex, but have just finished this one. The Five....oh my goodness what a storyteller, I'm so glad I found you. So, thank you Mr Bateman and I will start the next book oh I reckon....as soon as I've made myself a cup of coffee....
Su
I read the book 1 to 4 out of sinc. Don't know how I did, but I read the second instalment first. That was in the morning, yesterday, The afternoon I read the first Alex King, today I've done the background into Alex, but have just finished this one. The Five....oh my goodness what a storyteller, I'm so glad I found you. So, thank you Mr Bateman and I will start the next book oh I reckon....as soon as I've made myself a cup of coffee....
Su
April 8, 2018
Difficult to put down and tensely written. The plot unfolds well and the characters draw the reader onwards, making it a gripping read. Discussion about bullets and guns and stuff make the odd page a little tedious, but the book really started to move along with the 'top tier' meeting in London and all strands started to come together. Really enjoyed the whole series and Alex King is starting to show some cracks... will download and read the next instalment for sure.
December 11, 2018
Lots of action for our favourite secret agent. Emphasis on his intelligence, detective skills and his deep rooted morality (not bad considering the numbers of deaths and amount of torture going on) but we love him really. Plenty of establishment bashing. Politics gets its usual airing and the Brexit word appears in print. The ending means we have to read #6 so I'm glad I bought the box set and will start immediately.
December 1, 2023
There is a new terrorist group in town and they plan to kill the 5 richest people. Bad, right? This causes donations to charity to get out of the 5 spots. Maybe not such a bad thing? When one is taken out by a sniper, Alex King is called in. The distance exceeds even his skills. Itmight surprise you who the perp is and even more to find out who is behind it. Plenty of action and an excellent hook to get the reader to reader Reaper, the next book in the series. No fair peaking.
September 13, 2025
Wow, this was my fist A.P. Bateman book and I am impressed. Although this is part of a series, I didn't realise for a while and the references to the other books are very subtle so do not spoil this one.
Very much in the Jack Reacher style but set mainly in the UK, I found it more "real" in someway, probably because I understand how the UK works better than the USA.
I will definitely be looking out for more from A.P. Bateman.
Very much in the Jack Reacher style but set mainly in the UK, I found it more "real" in someway, probably because I understand how the UK works better than the USA.
I will definitely be looking out for more from A.P. Bateman.
August 20, 2021
Another fantastic Alex King story which was really well written and kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. These are the kind of stories that I like where the villains really get what they deserve and I think I wish life could be like this but then you realise it isn’t. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
November 12, 2023
A power punching knockout
If you have read any of his books you know how intense this story was. Alex King is above and beyond. If this sort of person actually exists you do not want to meet them. You do not want to face them. They scare the hell out of you but you pray they are out there looking out for us. Caroline will be looking for him.
If you have read any of his books you know how intense this story was. Alex King is above and beyond. If this sort of person actually exists you do not want to meet them. You do not want to face them. They scare the hell out of you but you pray they are out there looking out for us. Caroline will be looking for him.
May 2, 2018
Rollercoaster of a read
Fast moving with twists that make the book an enthralling read. Lots of action and a decent plot, but maybe a little bit of failure for the hero every now and then would give it a bit more edge.
Fast moving with twists that make the book an enthralling read. Lots of action and a decent plot, but maybe a little bit of failure for the hero every now and then would give it a bit more edge.
February 3, 2020
Gripping, albeit a slow burner...
Had Kind lost his edge? Has love made him soft? This chapter poses many more questions than it answers and is intriguing for that very reason. The detail is as excellent as ever and the story of Alex King grows ever more intense!
Had Kind lost his edge? Has love made him soft? This chapter poses many more questions than it answers and is intriguing for that very reason. The detail is as excellent as ever and the story of Alex King grows ever more intense!
August 20, 2021
Keeps You Involved
This is the first Alex King book I have read and won’t be the last. It has a good pace to keep the reader interested and the plot is not confusing with too many characters.
This is the first Alex King book I have read and won’t be the last. It has a good pace to keep the reader interested and the plot is not confusing with too many characters.
December 9, 2023
Great read plenty of twists
Like the Authors other books a very compelling read.
Totally enjoyed it .
And thankfully wasn't full of woke nonsense the story has a vitality and is anchored in a real life situational awareness.
I will be getting the next in the series.
Like the Authors other books a very compelling read.
Totally enjoyed it .
And thankfully wasn't full of woke nonsense the story has a vitality and is anchored in a real life situational awareness.
I will be getting the next in the series.
December 19, 2023
easy reading
Action packed. Some of the “English” does not translate into “American”…but this did not effect the enjoyment of the read. If you like Reacher, you will like Alex King.
Action packed. Some of the “English” does not translate into “American”…but this did not effect the enjoyment of the read. If you like Reacher, you will like Alex King.
June 1, 2024
very good read
I absolutely love this Alex King series from author AP Bateman. He writes a great thriller book. This one may be the best in this series so far. Can’t wait to read the next one when Alex King goes scorched earth trying to find Caroline. Highly recommend this book!
I absolutely love this Alex King series from author AP Bateman. He writes a great thriller book. This one may be the best in this series so far. Can’t wait to read the next one when Alex King goes scorched earth trying to find Caroline. Highly recommend this book!
January 30, 2018
Brilliant
As usual as soon as you start you can't put the book down. Great twists in the story, need book 5 asap,
As usual as soon as you start you can't put the book down. Great twists in the story, need book 5 asap,
February 28, 2018
Can't wait for the next book!
March 19, 2018
Gripping story & fast movement
A n Alex King page turner which I didn't want to put down. Would have got 5 stars, but wanted at least a sequal. The ending left me imn limbo.
A n Alex King page turner which I didn't want to put down. Would have got 5 stars, but wanted at least a sequal. The ending left me imn limbo.
March 25, 2018
Loved it
Thrilling from start to finish, character gets better and better. Left wanting more, such a good read couldn't put it down..
Thrilling from start to finish, character gets better and better. Left wanting more, such a good read couldn't put it down..
August 3, 2018
Very very good
Another beaut! Page turner, could not wait till the end of day to start catching up with the plot-sub plots and the complex characters...bring on the next one...
Another beaut! Page turner, could not wait till the end of day to start catching up with the plot-sub plots and the complex characters...bring on the next one...
March 3, 2021
Excellent
Have just ordered the rest of the series- keeping me sane during lockdowns
And another Hero. to follow for summer
Have just ordered the rest of the series- keeping me sane during lockdowns
And another Hero. to follow for summer
July 22, 2021
Audible Audiobook
July 27, 2021
Subtle unpredictable and elegant!
any a
t!ruly enjoyed this book! Not ,like so many others ,predictable.Great CHARACTERS, SUPERB action
With many a rwist and turn!
any a
t!ruly enjoyed this book! Not ,like so many others ,predictable.Great CHARACTERS, SUPERB action
With many a rwist and turn!
July 30, 2021
Unpredictable plot... Lots of twists and turns
A number of typos though not as many as other recent reads.
Bateman spins a good yarn and I look forward to reading Book 5!
A number of typos though not as many as other recent reads.
Bateman spins a good yarn and I look forward to reading Book 5!
March 15, 2022
Excellent
Really enjoyed it although the twist in the tale was a little obvious to lead i
nto the next book.
Otherwise a well crafted and gripping tale with a believable anti hero.
Really enjoyed it although the twist in the tale was a little obvious to lead i
nto the next book.
Otherwise a well crafted and gripping tale with a believable anti hero.
November 29, 2022
The Five
Another great read by AP Bateman.
Now a long wait until the next episode of Mr King’s exploits come to light.
Another great read by AP Bateman.
Now a long wait until the next episode of Mr King’s exploits come to light.
September 19, 2023
A gripping read and clever plot,king is just full of suprises, can't wait for the next one
September 14, 2024
The best in the series so far but i have to say i did not like the ending but still will buy/read the next ones :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews