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Joe Johnson #2
The Old Bridge
The dark side of espionage . . . Joe Johnson’s investigation into a horrific wartime killing on an iconic bridge is thrown off track by his former CIA boss, who once hired him, then later fired him. Now, decades later, he’s trying to kill him.
Former spy Johnson’s war crimes inquiry begins in some of Europe’s most beautiful locations, but takes on a new dimension when it uncovers high level corruption within the Agency—his old employer. It culminates in an electrifying hunt for a killer in New York City and London.
Johnson and his ex-MI6 colleague Jayne Robinson literally walk a minefield while searching for an army officer who vanished after the Yugoslav civil war with a secret dossier linked to the White House. The search takes them to Mostar and Dubrovnik.
They end up fending off powerful intelligence agency leaders with vested interests.
The Old Bridge is the second taut thriller in the Joe Johnson series.
See how Johnson draws on all his resources to uncover the truth about what happened several decades earlier, while battling against dark forces that are working against him.
Former spy Johnson’s war crimes inquiry begins in some of Europe’s most beautiful locations, but takes on a new dimension when it uncovers high level corruption within the Agency—his old employer. It culminates in an electrifying hunt for a killer in New York City and London.
Johnson and his ex-MI6 colleague Jayne Robinson literally walk a minefield while searching for an army officer who vanished after the Yugoslav civil war with a secret dossier linked to the White House. The search takes them to Mostar and Dubrovnik.
They end up fending off powerful intelligence agency leaders with vested interests.
The Old Bridge is the second taut thriller in the Joe Johnson series.
See how Johnson draws on all his resources to uncover the truth about what happened several decades earlier, while battling against dark forces that are working against him.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2018
1773 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Turpin
13 books124 followersAndrew is a former journalist who has always had a love of writing and a passion for reading good thrillers. Now he has finally put the two interests together.
His first book in the Joe Johnson thriller series, The Last Nazi, was published in August 2017, and the second, The Old Bridge, in January 2018. The third, Bandit Country, followed in February 2018. In January 2019 the fourth, Stalin's Final Sting, was published along with a prequel to the series, entitled The Afghan. Book #5 in the series, The Nazi's Son, appeared in November 2019, followed by book 6, The Black Sea, published in May 2020.
The themes behind these thrillers also pull together some of Andrew’s other interests, particularly history, world news, and travel. They explore the ways in which events and human behaviors deep into the past continue to impact on modern society, politics and business.
All of Andrew's books draw strongly on these themes. They feature Joe Johnson, an ex-CIA officer and former U.S. Nazi hunter with the Office of Special Investigations, part of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Johnson has a passion for justice and a drive to investigate unsolved war crimes in different parts of the world.
Andrew studied history at Loughborough University and worked for many years as a business and financial journalist before becoming a corporate and financial communications adviser with several large energy companies.
He originally came from Grantham, Lincolnshire, and lives with his family in St. Albans in Hertfordshire, U.K.
His first book in the Joe Johnson thriller series, The Last Nazi, was published in August 2017, and the second, The Old Bridge, in January 2018. The third, Bandit Country, followed in February 2018. In January 2019 the fourth, Stalin's Final Sting, was published along with a prequel to the series, entitled The Afghan. Book #5 in the series, The Nazi's Son, appeared in November 2019, followed by book 6, The Black Sea, published in May 2020.
The themes behind these thrillers also pull together some of Andrew’s other interests, particularly history, world news, and travel. They explore the ways in which events and human behaviors deep into the past continue to impact on modern society, politics and business.
All of Andrew's books draw strongly on these themes. They feature Joe Johnson, an ex-CIA officer and former U.S. Nazi hunter with the Office of Special Investigations, part of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Johnson has a passion for justice and a drive to investigate unsolved war crimes in different parts of the world.
Andrew studied history at Loughborough University and worked for many years as a business and financial journalist before becoming a corporate and financial communications adviser with several large energy companies.
He originally came from Grantham, Lincolnshire, and lives with his family in St. Albans in Hertfordshire, U.K.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 10, 2018
The Old Bridge is a significant improvement on The Last Nazi.
For one, it has an interesting setting - the balkans and the civil war in the 90s - which I have not read much about. It is far more contemporary than World War 2 but still relevant for the lessons it has to teach us.
The second, and more important from a story telling perspective, is that, there is actually some tension and originality in the plot. Since the civil war really had no good guys or bad guys, and everyone was involved in some kind of atrocity or another, Andrew Turpin is able to integrate this cycle of violence and revenge into the story itself.
For one, it has an interesting setting - the balkans and the civil war in the 90s - which I have not read much about. It is far more contemporary than World War 2 but still relevant for the lessons it has to teach us.
The second, and more important from a story telling perspective, is that, there is actually some tension and originality in the plot. Since the civil war really had no good guys or bad guys, and everyone was involved in some kind of atrocity or another, Andrew Turpin is able to integrate this cycle of violence and revenge into the story itself.
January 31, 2018
Last year I was introduced to Joe Johnson, a war crimes investigator. In this second instalment Joe is taken to Europe, to investigate claims of war crimes during the Bosnia-Croatia conflict in the 1990's. He teams up with MI6 colleague Jayne as they hunt for men implicated in the horrific crimes they have been accused of. Add into this a request to find sensitive documents that could prove catastrophic to the political balance.
Starting at pace and with the descriptions of people being shelled on Stari Most Bridge (Old Bridge) in the midst of the conflict between Bosnians and Croatians. Once they lived amicably, lived side by side and married until they are torn apart by this conflict. It is at this point of the story that you realise that Andrew has done his research, there are a lot of details that have been included. This is a conflict that was watched on television by millions around the world, using information gathered from a large variety of sources, Andrew has created a fictional plot to wrap around factual events.
The story is gripping, full of action, danger, conspiracy and believable. The extra details in this story are important adding a more authentic feeling to situations. I was glad to see the return of some old characters to join Joe, but there is still a thorn in his side that makes his presence known as the story unfolds. The plot was a glorious read with subplots, it has twists that follows the investigations as they unfold, following leads asking questions and also the frustrations that are encountered. I thought it was a clever and well laid out plot, it followed a logical path and made sense through to a satisfying ending.
This is a book that I didn't want to rush due to all the details and information that have been included. At the end of the story Andrew has included a brilliant piece that discusses his research, sources of information and where he found it all. It also makes for great reading and gives the reader the opportunity to follow up further. I would also suggest making an internet search of the images of Stari Most Bridge, this I found added an extra dimension to the book as I could see the actual setting as well as the destruction of this 450 year old Ottoman built bridge. Pay attention to the cover of this book, it gives you the structure of the bridge.
This is a book that would appeal to readers who like historical fiction that is action packed, well paced with crime, mystery, intrigue, a thriller that is heavy in excitement and historical research.
I am already lining the next book in the series up for reading soon.
Starting at pace and with the descriptions of people being shelled on Stari Most Bridge (Old Bridge) in the midst of the conflict between Bosnians and Croatians. Once they lived amicably, lived side by side and married until they are torn apart by this conflict. It is at this point of the story that you realise that Andrew has done his research, there are a lot of details that have been included. This is a conflict that was watched on television by millions around the world, using information gathered from a large variety of sources, Andrew has created a fictional plot to wrap around factual events.
The story is gripping, full of action, danger, conspiracy and believable. The extra details in this story are important adding a more authentic feeling to situations. I was glad to see the return of some old characters to join Joe, but there is still a thorn in his side that makes his presence known as the story unfolds. The plot was a glorious read with subplots, it has twists that follows the investigations as they unfold, following leads asking questions and also the frustrations that are encountered. I thought it was a clever and well laid out plot, it followed a logical path and made sense through to a satisfying ending.
This is a book that I didn't want to rush due to all the details and information that have been included. At the end of the story Andrew has included a brilliant piece that discusses his research, sources of information and where he found it all. It also makes for great reading and gives the reader the opportunity to follow up further. I would also suggest making an internet search of the images of Stari Most Bridge, this I found added an extra dimension to the book as I could see the actual setting as well as the destruction of this 450 year old Ottoman built bridge. Pay attention to the cover of this book, it gives you the structure of the bridge.
This is a book that would appeal to readers who like historical fiction that is action packed, well paced with crime, mystery, intrigue, a thriller that is heavy in excitement and historical research.
I am already lining the next book in the series up for reading soon.
February 11, 2018
Centuries of conflict characterise the history of the Balkans. The most recent war of the 1990s is the background for this riveting, multi-layered page-turner.
An eponymous 450-year-old bridge is one of the key players. Premeditated murders were committed on the bridge in the midst of battle during the Balkans war. A relative of the dead is imbued with deep-seated hatred triggered 20 years later. The opportunity to extract revenge is irresistible.
The Old Bridge is more than a revenge story. Ex-CIA agent and war crimes investigator Joe Johnson is hired to find a dossier compiled during the war people in high places don’t want revealed. One of those people is a high-profile television journalist.
Joe is joined by Jayne Robinson, a former MI6 agent. They discover his ex-CIA boss, Robert Watson, also to stop them finding the dossier – and uncovering other activities in which Watson is involved.
The web Andrew Turpin weaves is complex and complicated. But his clear and concise writing make for a rewarding reading experience. The avenger, the television journalist, the dossier and other thrilling threads are drawn together to culminate in a dramatic climax in New York. The novel is steeped in history and has a strong sense of place and time. Andrew’s former career as a journalist is apparent in the tight writing and meticulous research.
The Old Bridge is the second in the Joe Johnson series. The Last Nazi was the first and the third is Bandit Country.
An eponymous 450-year-old bridge is one of the key players. Premeditated murders were committed on the bridge in the midst of battle during the Balkans war. A relative of the dead is imbued with deep-seated hatred triggered 20 years later. The opportunity to extract revenge is irresistible.
The Old Bridge is more than a revenge story. Ex-CIA agent and war crimes investigator Joe Johnson is hired to find a dossier compiled during the war people in high places don’t want revealed. One of those people is a high-profile television journalist.
Joe is joined by Jayne Robinson, a former MI6 agent. They discover his ex-CIA boss, Robert Watson, also to stop them finding the dossier – and uncovering other activities in which Watson is involved.
The web Andrew Turpin weaves is complex and complicated. But his clear and concise writing make for a rewarding reading experience. The avenger, the television journalist, the dossier and other thrilling threads are drawn together to culminate in a dramatic climax in New York. The novel is steeped in history and has a strong sense of place and time. Andrew’s former career as a journalist is apparent in the tight writing and meticulous research.
The Old Bridge is the second in the Joe Johnson series. The Last Nazi was the first and the third is Bandit Country.
February 16, 2018
This is a great book written by a very, very talented author. I was impressed with the details, you could feel the pain, smell the gun power and see everything by his description. A superb novel which I highly recommend for any age, as the dialog is clean. I don't think I can say anymore that the other reviewers have in lauding it's praises. Get it for yourself, it's well worth it's price.
February 9, 2018
Good read with a few twists not as good as the last Nazi but still good keeps you wanting to see when he has a new book coming
Good read with a few twist s not as good as the last Nazi but still good keeps you wanting to to see when he has handbook coming out
Good read with a few twist s not as good as the last Nazi but still good keeps you wanting to to see when he has handbook coming out
February 10, 2018
Two great books
I read both of the books about Joe Johnson. Great reading. Well researched and presented in well written style. Would recommend.
I read both of the books about Joe Johnson. Great reading. Well researched and presented in well written style. Would recommend.
January 28, 2018
I am very impressed by the amount of research that Andrew Turpin must have done prior to writing this book, it is so believable, tieing in the historical events of the dreadful Serbo-Croat conflict with a brilliantly written piece of fiction.
The actions, and reactions of all the protagonists in this far-reaching tale of what happened in the conflict and afterwards are all so authentic, and are woven into a gripping story with a literally explosive ending.
I love the main protagonist Joe Johnson, he is a very capable investigator, but the author has resisted the temptation to make him in to a superman, as so many authors would have done, but also for a change he isn't a 'damaged' man as seems to be fashion with s many thriller authors, his only real vice is an occasional cigarette.
This book works as a straightforward thriller, a great historical novel, and also as a study in human nature. This is the first of Andrew Turpin's books that I have read, but it won't be the last, I have 'The Last Nazi' queued up on my Kindle to be read in the very near future.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this review based on my own opinions.
The actions, and reactions of all the protagonists in this far-reaching tale of what happened in the conflict and afterwards are all so authentic, and are woven into a gripping story with a literally explosive ending.
I love the main protagonist Joe Johnson, he is a very capable investigator, but the author has resisted the temptation to make him in to a superman, as so many authors would have done, but also for a change he isn't a 'damaged' man as seems to be fashion with s many thriller authors, his only real vice is an occasional cigarette.
This book works as a straightforward thriller, a great historical novel, and also as a study in human nature. This is the first of Andrew Turpin's books that I have read, but it won't be the last, I have 'The Last Nazi' queued up on my Kindle to be read in the very near future.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this review based on my own opinions.
January 31, 2018
This book is about Joe Johnson a war crimes investigator. He attend a conference in Dubrovnik and is approached by a man who wants to meet him. The next day he meets the man only to find out about 2 war crimainals who escaped justice by turning his brother in. Joe hasn’t decided if he’s going to investigate until the man is shot day when he goes to the restroom. As the investigation proceeds he is threatened and shot at multiple times. Meanwhile his ex CIA friend wants him to find some sensitive documents that went missing during the war. The more he looks into both cases the more he realizes they are connected! I won’t say any more or I’ll be giving away the plot. This was a fast paced, thrilling book with very real history included and believable characters. I couldn’t put it down. This is one of the best books I’ve read in awhile. I highly recommend this book and this author. I’m anxiously awaiting his next book!
February 5, 2018
Joe Johnson is back investigating war crimes, but this time from a more recent era, notably the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Once again I am impressed by the amount of detail by Andrew Turpin in describing the historical context, the various characters populating the novel and also how things tie in from this fairly recent history to modern day lives of the people who have lived through these times and other events that are currently in the news.
Plenty of action, credible characters and a strong storyline make this a superb read.
Plenty of action, credible characters and a strong storyline make this a superb read.
February 1, 2018
Andrew Turpin has an incredible talent for blending history with events that occur in his mind into a gripping tale that kept me turning pages late into the night. This combination of mystery, history and fiction is very well written with the protagonist, Joe Johnson, from Mr Turpin's first novel, The Last Nazi, so that not only is this an excellent read but also with a favorite character of mine.
I highly recommend this well researched novel.
This is my honest review of an ARC.
I highly recommend this well researched novel.
This is my honest review of an ARC.
January 19, 2018
This was another stellar outing from Turpin and his war crimes investigator Joe Johnson.
Meticulously researched, it sings with realism. This time Johnson is inveigled into researching a war crime resulting from the atrocities that occurred in the 1990s Yugoslavian civil war.
Once more, the now retiring MI6 agent and friend, Jayne Robinson leaps into the fray alongside Johnson. I'd not wish to cross her, she's an impressively adept individual whether she happens to be looking for information from prior contacts or flinging dangerous ordnance around. Together they make an inspiring pair.
This was an intriguing, action-packed, adrenaline fuelled, highly plausible scenario and a book quite impossible to put down once opened. As outstanding as the first book of this series, The Last Nazi, and if you haven't yet read either, you definitely should!
Meticulously researched, it sings with realism. This time Johnson is inveigled into researching a war crime resulting from the atrocities that occurred in the 1990s Yugoslavian civil war.
Once more, the now retiring MI6 agent and friend, Jayne Robinson leaps into the fray alongside Johnson. I'd not wish to cross her, she's an impressively adept individual whether she happens to be looking for information from prior contacts or flinging dangerous ordnance around. Together they make an inspiring pair.
This was an intriguing, action-packed, adrenaline fuelled, highly plausible scenario and a book quite impossible to put down once opened. As outstanding as the first book of this series, The Last Nazi, and if you haven't yet read either, you definitely should!
January 20, 2018
This is Joe Johnson's second foray into hunting down perpetrators of atrocities, this time it it involves crimes committed during the civil war that tore apart the old Yugoslavia. I was fortunate enough to read this book prior to publication and I enjoyed every minute of it. Joe Johnson has learned a lot since his last escapade in "The Last Nazi". The story is well thought out and very believable even though this conflict is very recent I haven't studied the subject at all but the Author has and it shows. If you enjoy history and examining the reasons why conflicts and particularly civil war erupt you will enjoy this book which has enough flash backs in time to explain why the animosity still lingers and the violence continues to erupt as vengeance so many years later. A totally absorbing read. I will continue to follow Joe Johnson's adventures and look forward to his next foray
January 19, 2018
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read this authors first book The Last Nazi. I loved it. Great read. I was very excited to get his second book The Old Bridge. I was not disappointed. What a great read! The author did a lot of research in order to be able to write this book. There is a lot of history that makes for great reading, this book grabbed me from the first chapter. I did not know where it was going but all was told piece by piece like a complicated puzzle. Joe Johnson is a very warm hearted but complex character. I do enjoy him. And I hope to see Jayne in the next book. She’s a tough smart lady.
You will not see the end coming. I just kept saying wow oh wow! I really enjoyed this book.
I read this authors first book The Last Nazi. I loved it. Great read. I was very excited to get his second book The Old Bridge. I was not disappointed. What a great read! The author did a lot of research in order to be able to write this book. There is a lot of history that makes for great reading, this book grabbed me from the first chapter. I did not know where it was going but all was told piece by piece like a complicated puzzle. Joe Johnson is a very warm hearted but complex character. I do enjoy him. And I hope to see Jayne in the next book. She’s a tough smart lady.
You will not see the end coming. I just kept saying wow oh wow! I really enjoyed this book.
January 21, 2018
What a brilliant story. A worthy 2nd book in the Joe Johnston series.
I was totally captivated again and was interested to read the blog at the end of the book detailing the real life facts in the Bosnia / Croatian conflict. I had no idea all this went on when Yugoslavia was split up.
This was a thriller of the highest quality based on real life events. I felt I was sharing the exciting journey with Joe in his search for truth in war crimes committed in this area.
Can't wait for book three.
Well done Andrew. Thoroughly recommended reading.
I was totally captivated again and was interested to read the blog at the end of the book detailing the real life facts in the Bosnia / Croatian conflict. I had no idea all this went on when Yugoslavia was split up.
This was a thriller of the highest quality based on real life events. I felt I was sharing the exciting journey with Joe in his search for truth in war crimes committed in this area.
Can't wait for book three.
Well done Andrew. Thoroughly recommended reading.
January 19, 2018
A very exciting thriller with a firm historical base. The writing captures the look and feel of Croatia and the disasters that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia. Everything about the story is five star except the dialogue which comes across as a little stilted. Certainly the level of realism is very good in all other aspects. The suspense continues to increase as the story continues. Near misses keep Joe Johnson on edge, and the outcome is uncertain right up to the very end. To me the book clearly shows the terrible impact of religious extremism, as two major religions claiming to be peaceful produce war, torture and massacres with tendrils extending right up to the present day.
January 9, 2018
The Old Bridge is the 2nd in the Joe Johnson, war crimes investigator, series. This time, the war crimes occurred in Bosnia / Croatia in the 1990's. Having been a young adult at this time, I remember the war and I remember it was on the news nightly. I didn't understand why it was happening and why the two groups (christian and muslim) couldn't get along. I suppose all that's happened in the last 20 years either answers that question or makes it all the more confusing!
The book may seem a little long but it is packed with history and unending action. At the end, you come away with a sense that there's more than one side to the story and that both sides committed atrocities. It was war and no one was unscathed.
I recommend this book and the first in the series, The Last Nazi. I'm also looking forward to the next one.
The book may seem a little long but it is packed with history and unending action. At the end, you come away with a sense that there's more than one side to the story and that both sides committed atrocities. It was war and no one was unscathed.
I recommend this book and the first in the series, The Last Nazi. I'm also looking forward to the next one.
February 17, 2023
The Old Bridge is another stellar novel by Andrew Turpin. Joe Johnson continues the action in this politically-twisted crime thriller. It is exceptionally written and well researched, with fascinating attention to detail. I cannot wait for the next one!
January 19, 2018
This book left me emotionally drained but I'm happy I have read it.
I loved the author's first book "The Last Nazi" and was thrilled to be lucky enough to be able to read a pre-publish copy.
If you are a bit of History nut who also likes spy and mystery novels like me then this book is for you. I liked the book so much that I purchased a copy on amazon.
The book is a frictional story but based on historical facts. And the life stories portrayed sure must have happened to some people. The end results of the stories leave us helpless and frustrated but they closely mirror the reality. Makes you also think about the current politicks and the general feeling these day about emigration and refugees both in Europe and the US.
When you finish the book take the time at the end to check the Background reading and bibliography it shows how much research the author has but into writing this book and gives you plenty of links to additional information.
I loved the author's first book "The Last Nazi" and was thrilled to be lucky enough to be able to read a pre-publish copy.
If you are a bit of History nut who also likes spy and mystery novels like me then this book is for you. I liked the book so much that I purchased a copy on amazon.
The book is a frictional story but based on historical facts. And the life stories portrayed sure must have happened to some people. The end results of the stories leave us helpless and frustrated but they closely mirror the reality. Makes you also think about the current politicks and the general feeling these day about emigration and refugees both in Europe and the US.
When you finish the book take the time at the end to check the Background reading and bibliography it shows how much research the author has but into writing this book and gives you plenty of links to additional information.
August 8, 2021
Just 'Wow'. Being the second installment in the Joe Johnson series where first being The Last Nazi, author Andrew Turpin just kicks the ball out of the stadium. I very much liked the first one and I loved this one.
Joe Johnson is an ex-CIA, ex-OSI ex-NAZI hunter, who is currently a private investigator. He loves to hunt war-criminals. In this installment, the story revolves around catching some war-criminals who had their hands very much dirty during the war which eventually resulted in a big death toll and the collapse of the Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina. This is a gist, and the story is very much more than that. It is indeed super-engaging.
Doesn't ever feel like its the author's second book ever, as for me his work feels to be better than the first two Robert Galbraith books I have read. Very much prepared to fetch the third installment ASAP. Hatsoff to Andrew Turpin.
Joe Johnson is an ex-CIA, ex-OSI ex-NAZI hunter, who is currently a private investigator. He loves to hunt war-criminals. In this installment, the story revolves around catching some war-criminals who had their hands very much dirty during the war which eventually resulted in a big death toll and the collapse of the Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina. This is a gist, and the story is very much more than that. It is indeed super-engaging.
Doesn't ever feel like its the author's second book ever, as for me his work feels to be better than the first two Robert Galbraith books I have read. Very much prepared to fetch the third installment ASAP. Hatsoff to Andrew Turpin.
December 2, 2019
The Old Bridge is another very fine novel featuring war crimes investigator Joe Johnson. This time we're in the former Yugoslavia, scene of one of the bloodiest of recent civil wars. Johnson again puts his life on the line in pursuit of justice and comes close to losing it on a number of occasions.
Johnson is a very attractive character, a good single father and seeker after justice, and the locations he chooses to work in are both fascinating and extremely dangerous and it is one of the author's great skills that he describes the locations so accurately. I like the dialogue, simple and straightforward, and I find the characters interesting. The plot's pretty gripping as well. Looking forward to the next which is, I believe, set in Northern Ireland.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
Johnson is a very attractive character, a good single father and seeker after justice, and the locations he chooses to work in are both fascinating and extremely dangerous and it is one of the author's great skills that he describes the locations so accurately. I like the dialogue, simple and straightforward, and I find the characters interesting. The plot's pretty gripping as well. Looking forward to the next which is, I believe, set in Northern Ireland.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
February 21, 2020
The Old Bridge by Andrew Turpin
Joe Johnson is a private eye but also a war crimes investigator. His mother’s experiences in a concentration camp is his motivation. This book deals with the war in the former Yugoslavia. The long lasting consequences of discrimination and hatred color the book. Look at our own issues with Union and Confederacy which has been over for more than 150 years for clarity in understanding.
Joe has assistance from Jayne, a former lover, adroit operative and just retired British intelligence.
There is lots of action set in interesting locales. Joe, as a former CIA agent, makes some truly bone head mistakes that are hard to reconcile with his background and training. Otherwise, this is a good mystery with a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
Joe Johnson is a private eye but also a war crimes investigator. His mother’s experiences in a concentration camp is his motivation. This book deals with the war in the former Yugoslavia. The long lasting consequences of discrimination and hatred color the book. Look at our own issues with Union and Confederacy which has been over for more than 150 years for clarity in understanding.
Joe has assistance from Jayne, a former lover, adroit operative and just retired British intelligence.
There is lots of action set in interesting locales. Joe, as a former CIA agent, makes some truly bone head mistakes that are hard to reconcile with his background and training. Otherwise, this is a good mystery with a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
August 11, 2018
This is a big improvement on the first book. I found I could get into this book more.
The setting was interesting and brought back memories of news reports from this era. The research into this book was apparent and in my opinion made the plot line more believable than the first.
The characters have developed and although I am still not totally convinced by the main character Joe, I warming to him. I was pleased to see Jane back as she is a strong character and her role in this book was more involved.
I will be reading the next instalment and hope that the character continue to develop and mature.
The setting was interesting and brought back memories of news reports from this era. The research into this book was apparent and in my opinion made the plot line more believable than the first.
The characters have developed and although I am still not totally convinced by the main character Joe, I warming to him. I was pleased to see Jane back as she is a strong character and her role in this book was more involved.
I will be reading the next instalment and hope that the character continue to develop and mature.
May 24, 2020
This is the third book in the series and again it was an excellent read .
This one again focuses on Joe Johnson a war crimes investigator but this time is based on the war in the Balkans .
The story is excellent and again is really well researched both in relation to the was itself and locations . Having visited the area of Dubrovnik where part of the book is set it’s clear that the author does his research and is authentic.
The sort is very interesting and the author blends historical fact into a story that is a real page turner.
It’s a real bonus to read a story that also provides a journey through history.
Excellent!
This one again focuses on Joe Johnson a war crimes investigator but this time is based on the war in the Balkans .
The story is excellent and again is really well researched both in relation to the was itself and locations . Having visited the area of Dubrovnik where part of the book is set it’s clear that the author does his research and is authentic.
The sort is very interesting and the author blends historical fact into a story that is a real page turner.
It’s a real bonus to read a story that also provides a journey through history.
Excellent!
March 26, 2025
Exciting Book w Very good sub plots.
Firstly, the book is well written and I'm a fussy reader. Kudos to Turpin.
Characters well developed. Plot and storyline well executed. Surprises and plot twists throughout which is evidence it was well planned. I remember Sarajevo well because I had friends with relatives there. Sad times.
One truth that Turin layer out in the end: Christians and Muslims have been fighting for 1,000+ years and will continue. Your nationality doesn't matter. Same for Arabs and Israelis, souls and Shiites et al.
Its always about Geography (land), Religion or Politics.
Firstly, the book is well written and I'm a fussy reader. Kudos to Turpin.
Characters well developed. Plot and storyline well executed. Surprises and plot twists throughout which is evidence it was well planned. I remember Sarajevo well because I had friends with relatives there. Sad times.
One truth that Turin layer out in the end: Christians and Muslims have been fighting for 1,000+ years and will continue. Your nationality doesn't matter. Same for Arabs and Israelis, souls and Shiites et al.
Its always about Geography (land), Religion or Politics.
November 4, 2019
3.5 stars. This book is the second in the series. The main character is a former CIA agent who now freelances as a war crimes investigator. I read the first one in the series, and I have to say that I really like the series. The stories are well thought out, and move at a really good pace. I enjoy the relationships the character has with his coworker, etc. and it’s not the typical “brooding - got something to prove” male lead. I enjoyed the book and will read the next one in the series soon!
March 5, 2025
The reason I like these books is because they are I dependant. In many cases a publishing company would redact a story.
Very well written and as it is with detective novels hard to follow and often hard to believe.
You could almost say this was non fiction unlike a book such as Bourne by Ludlum.
These stories by Turpin are oddly fascinating and inspire you to read as it's not just some D grade junk story loosely pulled together with some cultural appeal.
I've got more Turpin books coming which I look forward to.
Very well written and as it is with detective novels hard to follow and often hard to believe.
You could almost say this was non fiction unlike a book such as Bourne by Ludlum.
These stories by Turpin are oddly fascinating and inspire you to read as it's not just some D grade junk story loosely pulled together with some cultural appeal.
I've got more Turpin books coming which I look forward to.
March 24, 2018
Great CIA investigative realistic novel
Second in Joe Johnson series takes place in Mostar and Split. Interesting story development of main character hunting for war criminals that involves CIA operatives and corrupt media and political figures. Detail is very good and realism makes story authentic. There is Little James Bond unrealistic heroics. I Constantly viewed places via google maps as author described locations. Added much to reading this book.
Second in Joe Johnson series takes place in Mostar and Split. Interesting story development of main character hunting for war criminals that involves CIA operatives and corrupt media and political figures. Detail is very good and realism makes story authentic. There is Little James Bond unrealistic heroics. I Constantly viewed places via google maps as author described locations. Added much to reading this book.
April 25, 2018
Even better than his first book
Having just read and enjoyed The Last Nazi, I was delighted to find that this book had all the fast paced excitement of the first one, but In a total different setting. So this time was taken to a part of the world I had never been to but now have, Bosnia, as I find his description of the area so good it had my imagination running at full speed. I just hope that the !number 1 baddie Watson gets his well deserved comeuppance eventually?
Having just read and enjoyed The Last Nazi, I was delighted to find that this book had all the fast paced excitement of the first one, but In a total different setting. So this time was taken to a part of the world I had never been to but now have, Bosnia, as I find his description of the area so good it had my imagination running at full speed. I just hope that the !number 1 baddie Watson gets his well deserved comeuppance eventually?
October 21, 2018
Excellent Novel!
This Book and The Last Nazi are interesting reading. I love books like The Old Bridge where the protagonist, Joe Johnson, builds his case from nothing to successful conclusion. It's very much like a good spy novel. Also learning some of the history of the Bosnian/Croatian war in the 1990's was interesting. I'm looking forward to reading the third book Bandit Country.
This Book and The Last Nazi are interesting reading. I love books like The Old Bridge where the protagonist, Joe Johnson, builds his case from nothing to successful conclusion. It's very much like a good spy novel. Also learning some of the history of the Bosnian/Croatian war in the 1990's was interesting. I'm looking forward to reading the third book Bandit Country.
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