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Thomas Bladen #5
Flashpoint
Assignment: The Security Service (MI5)
LONDON COMES UNDER ATTACK AND BLADEN’S LIFE IS FALLING APART.
As the security services scramble in the aftermath of a coordinated terror attack on London, undercover operative Thomas Bladen is in deep trouble. His department is taken over by MI5, his girlfriend’s gone, and he’s “lost” a handgun during unofficial surveillance of a politician. When two key SSU personnel disappear, Thomas Bladen chooses loyalty over protocol. Forced into a pact with an old adversary, what he discovers could change the rules forever.
The latest kindle edition includes a glossary of British slang used in the book.
LONDON COMES UNDER ATTACK AND BLADEN’S LIFE IS FALLING APART.
As the security services scramble in the aftermath of a coordinated terror attack on London, undercover operative Thomas Bladen is in deep trouble. His department is taken over by MI5, his girlfriend’s gone, and he’s “lost” a handgun during unofficial surveillance of a politician. When two key SSU personnel disappear, Thomas Bladen chooses loyalty over protocol. Forced into a pact with an old adversary, what he discovers could change the rules forever.
The latest kindle edition includes a glossary of British slang used in the book.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2018
50 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Derek Thompson
22 books41 followersDerek is a British author of novels and short fiction.
The Complete Thomas Bladen Spy Thrillers boxset, published by Joffe Books, comprises: STANDPOINT, LINE OF SIGHT, CAUSE & EFFECT, SHADOW STATE, and FLASHPOINT.
Book 6, PATHFINDER, is by Sixpence Publishing.
DS Wild Crime Mysteries published by Joffe Books:
1. LONG SHADOWS
2. WEST COUNTRY MURDER
3. *** Available in April 2026 ***
INTO THE VOID is a collection of short fiction by Sixpence Publishing.
Reviews
THOMAS BLADEN SPY THRILLERS
"Realistic rather than glitzy. This story did not disappoint with its gritty detail and credible characters. Kept me hooked right to the end. Great writing!" VC
DS WILD CRIME MYSTERIES
"...Slid down like a beer at the end of a hard day... engaging and entertaining story that kept me in suspense. A good balance of male & female characters, well written and believable." Helenmx5
The Complete Thomas Bladen Spy Thrillers boxset, published by Joffe Books, comprises: STANDPOINT, LINE OF SIGHT, CAUSE & EFFECT, SHADOW STATE, and FLASHPOINT.
Book 6, PATHFINDER, is by Sixpence Publishing.
DS Wild Crime Mysteries published by Joffe Books:
1. LONG SHADOWS
2. WEST COUNTRY MURDER
3. *** Available in April 2026 ***
INTO THE VOID is a collection of short fiction by Sixpence Publishing.
Reviews
THOMAS BLADEN SPY THRILLERS
"Realistic rather than glitzy. This story did not disappoint with its gritty detail and credible characters. Kept me hooked right to the end. Great writing!" VC
DS WILD CRIME MYSTERIES
"...Slid down like a beer at the end of a hard day... engaging and entertaining story that kept me in suspense. A good balance of male & female characters, well written and believable." Helenmx5
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 8, 2018
As the security services scramble to deal with the aftermath of a coordinated terrorist attack, undercover operative Thomas Balden is in deep trouble. His department has been taken over by MI5, his girlfriend's gone and he's "lost" a handgun during surveillance of a high-profile politician. Then two of his senior colleagues disappear. Who has taken them and why? Bladen's search for answers is blocked at every turn. Is there a double agent in his team.
This book deals with a terrorist attack in London and how the aftermath was dealt with. Thomas Balden is an undercover surveillance agent and the main person responsible for finding his two bosses. With security levels heightened, his job is far from easy. This book is action packed. I just had to keep reading this book as I wanted to see how where it was going and how it was going to end. Loved it.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Derek Thompson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book deals with a terrorist attack in London and how the aftermath was dealt with. Thomas Balden is an undercover surveillance agent and the main person responsible for finding his two bosses. With security levels heightened, his job is far from easy. This book is action packed. I just had to keep reading this book as I wanted to see how where it was going and how it was going to end. Loved it.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Derek Thompson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This is the fifth book in the Thomas Bladen series but it the first one that I have read. As I haven't read the previous books I do think that it works fine as a stand alone but I am intrigued now about what happens in the previous books so have just downloaded the first in the series so I can catch up!
This book starts with a bang in the form of a terrorist attack and it is sadly current with the recent terrorist attacks that we have had in the UK. There is just the right amount of suspense in the book for me, it was set at a great pace, the plot was genuine and well planned out and I thought that the characters were great.
Four stars from me for this one - a thoroughly enjoyable read, highly recommended!
This is the fifth book in the Thomas Bladen series but it the first one that I have read. As I haven't read the previous books I do think that it works fine as a stand alone but I am intrigued now about what happens in the previous books so have just downloaded the first in the series so I can catch up!
This book starts with a bang in the form of a terrorist attack and it is sadly current with the recent terrorist attacks that we have had in the UK. There is just the right amount of suspense in the book for me, it was set at a great pace, the plot was genuine and well planned out and I thought that the characters were great.
Four stars from me for this one - a thoroughly enjoyable read, highly recommended!
February 14, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Derek and is book 5 in the Thomas Bladen series. It works well as stand-alone but think it would be more enjoyable to have read the series from the beginning.
The book starts with a bang in the form of a terrorist attack and the suspense keeps building. When 2 of their bosses disappear Thomas and Karl are charged with finding them.
There are many twists and turns to the story as we are taken on a tour of the corrupt underworld of the security services.
With all the odds against success with Thomas survive and just what happened to Christine?
A fast moving story with characters that develop well I really enjoyed this book and will be reading the back list.
The book starts with a bang in the form of a terrorist attack and the suspense keeps building. When 2 of their bosses disappear Thomas and Karl are charged with finding them.
There are many twists and turns to the story as we are taken on a tour of the corrupt underworld of the security services.
With all the odds against success with Thomas survive and just what happened to Christine?
A fast moving story with characters that develop well I really enjoyed this book and will be reading the back list.
February 15, 2018
This is the fifth book in a series and I wish I'd read the other four before I read this. The story does stand alone, however, so it isn't absolutely necessary to have read the others.
Thomas Bladen is part of the Security Services but definitely not a 'James Bond' figure. His main job is in the surveillance section where he stakes out a character or location and takes photos of them. As the story starts, the terrible events of '7/7' have just happened and London is reacting to the fear and worry now endemic in the city.
All is not well within the security services as two members of staff have disappeared and Thomas is having problems with his girlfriend.
This is an action-packed story which rattles along at speed, making the reader turn pages quickly to get to the next part of the story. It was an eye-opener for me because I hadn't realised that the security services are such a collection of different departments with links to the services in other countries. From the story it seems that the operatives in each department aren't always sure which departments they are linked to or who may be a plant, there to report to other authorities.
I found the characters interesting and the storyline beguiling, although I think I may have missed some of the nuances of the background through my own innocence of the setup.
It's definitely worth reading and I have downloaded one of the earlier books in the series in order to gain greater understanding of the security background.
Thomas Bladen is part of the Security Services but definitely not a 'James Bond' figure. His main job is in the surveillance section where he stakes out a character or location and takes photos of them. As the story starts, the terrible events of '7/7' have just happened and London is reacting to the fear and worry now endemic in the city.
All is not well within the security services as two members of staff have disappeared and Thomas is having problems with his girlfriend.
This is an action-packed story which rattles along at speed, making the reader turn pages quickly to get to the next part of the story. It was an eye-opener for me because I hadn't realised that the security services are such a collection of different departments with links to the services in other countries. From the story it seems that the operatives in each department aren't always sure which departments they are linked to or who may be a plant, there to report to other authorities.
I found the characters interesting and the storyline beguiling, although I think I may have missed some of the nuances of the background through my own innocence of the setup.
It's definitely worth reading and I have downloaded one of the earlier books in the series in order to gain greater understanding of the security background.
July 11, 2018
Flash point by Derek Thompson.
Thomas bladen works in the ssu surveillance support unit. He works with Karl Ann and Christine. When Christine goes missing others are called in from other regions. They all work together to try and find out what happened to her. Plus other things happen to Thomas too. Like losing his gun when he isn't supposed to be carrying one.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Thomas was my favourite character. This book really had me hooked. 4*.
Merged review:
Flash point by Derek Thompson. Thomas bladen works in the ssu surveillance support unit. He works with Karl Ann and Christine. When Christine goes missing others are called in from other regions. They all work together to try and find out what happened to her. Plus other things happen to Thomas too. Like losing his gun when he isn't supposed to be carrying one. A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Thomas was my favourite character. This book really had me hooked. 4*.
Thomas bladen works in the ssu surveillance support unit. He works with Karl Ann and Christine. When Christine goes missing others are called in from other regions. They all work together to try and find out what happened to her. Plus other things happen to Thomas too. Like losing his gun when he isn't supposed to be carrying one.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Thomas was my favourite character. This book really had me hooked. 4*.
Merged review:
Flash point by Derek Thompson. Thomas bladen works in the ssu surveillance support unit. He works with Karl Ann and Christine. When Christine goes missing others are called in from other regions. They all work together to try and find out what happened to her. Plus other things happen to Thomas too. Like losing his gun when he isn't supposed to be carrying one. A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Thomas was my favourite character. This book really had me hooked. 4*.
February 24, 2018
Flash Point is a well crafted thriller with a super plot. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed this author’s work. My first book in this series. I recommend to fans of a good thriller.
June 4, 2018
Not your average spy - Thomas Bladen is the real deal.
Flashpoint rewrites the rules and pits Thomas and Karl against MI5, a terror suspect and the Surveillance Support Unit. A smart British spy thriller with a touch of Raymond Chandler - sharp, fast-paced and funny. Best book of the series so far and as twisty as ever!
Flashpoint rewrites the rules and pits Thomas and Karl against MI5, a terror suspect and the Surveillance Support Unit. A smart British spy thriller with a touch of Raymond Chandler - sharp, fast-paced and funny. Best book of the series so far and as twisty as ever!
July 10, 2020
This book didn't do anything for me. I liked it the least of this series.
February 8, 2018
This is the first book of Derek's I have read and I can honestly say it won't be the last as I loved the way the book was written and the way all the characters and locations within the story were described really well.
The book deals with a terrorist attack in London, and the security services way of dealing with the aftermath, along with two missing bosses of the main character.
Thomas Bladen is the main character in question and he is an undercover surveillance agent and is the main person responsible for finding his bosses, with everyone trying to stop him from finding them.
Along with this the book is set just after the terror attacks so he has to also deal with the heightened security levels, and Thomas has personal issues which he needs to deal with. He also has to work out who he can trust as there appears to be a mole within his department stopping him from succeeding in his missions.
Overall the book is full of intrigue and mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book deals with a terrorist attack in London, and the security services way of dealing with the aftermath, along with two missing bosses of the main character.
Thomas Bladen is the main character in question and he is an undercover surveillance agent and is the main person responsible for finding his bosses, with everyone trying to stop him from finding them.
Along with this the book is set just after the terror attacks so he has to also deal with the heightened security levels, and Thomas has personal issues which he needs to deal with. He also has to work out who he can trust as there appears to be a mole within his department stopping him from succeeding in his missions.
Overall the book is full of intrigue and mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
February 5, 2018
Thomas Bladen works for the security service unit which now seems to have been taken over by MI5 and hard to tell who he is working for from day to day. His co-worker, Karl and Thomas run a little business off the books that sometimes gets them into a lot of trouble. Then He also has a problem balancing old girl friends with present at times. Christine, their boss has gone missing. One minute they see her and the next she is no where to be found. Can the two of them keep their job going by day, do the evening jobs and find Christine when they find a dead end at every turn? Then who is working for what agency or maybe for the bad guys? Too many questions and not enough answers.
June 6, 2020
Thomas working for a shady security company in Britain. So shady the boss Christine is missing. A couple others have a side job, that gets them into trouble. Hopefully, the answer will be revealed by the end of story. Readers will be intrigued with a different plot line. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
April 22, 2018
Wow, what an exciting start to the book! Kept up all the way through!
This book is a credit to you Derek! Keep them coming 👍
This book is a credit to you Derek! Keep them coming 👍
February 16, 2018
Thomas Balden works for the Surveillance Support Unit otherwise known as the SSU, who are used by other agencies and called the unkind nickname of ‘floaters’. After the 7/7 London attacks his unit is taken over by MI5, then suddenly his boss Christine, disappears along with Sir Peter Carroll the Director General of the SSU.
Thomas thinks foul play is involved, he desperately works to find them both, while dealing with other problems closer to home.
I didn’t realise when I started reading this it was the fifth in the series (this is why you should always read the blurbs fully). It took me a while in this book to grasp who was who, and understand their relationships etc. I would recommend to read the earlier books to have a better understanding, although as with most Joffe books, there was a handy character guide at the back to help.
The book is set against the backdrop of 7/7 and really captures the feel of paranoia and fear that surrounded the country at that time. I also really got a good sense of London while reading it, which I think is a difficult thing to do!
Thomas Balden is how I would imagine an actual spy to be, not running around sipping martinis and driving flash cars like James Bond, but running surveillance operations and generally hiding in the shadows.
This is a very action packed and tense read but I feel after the build up, the ending was a little bit of a let down but of course that might be me just being picky.
Thomas thinks foul play is involved, he desperately works to find them both, while dealing with other problems closer to home.
I didn’t realise when I started reading this it was the fifth in the series (this is why you should always read the blurbs fully). It took me a while in this book to grasp who was who, and understand their relationships etc. I would recommend to read the earlier books to have a better understanding, although as with most Joffe books, there was a handy character guide at the back to help.
The book is set against the backdrop of 7/7 and really captures the feel of paranoia and fear that surrounded the country at that time. I also really got a good sense of London while reading it, which I think is a difficult thing to do!
Thomas Balden is how I would imagine an actual spy to be, not running around sipping martinis and driving flash cars like James Bond, but running surveillance operations and generally hiding in the shadows.
This is a very action packed and tense read but I feel after the build up, the ending was a little bit of a let down but of course that might be me just being picky.
November 18, 2023
Yeah, I know, authors don't usually review their own books, but bear with me. I was researching for a possible follow-on novel, so I read this 'cold'.
Things I liked:
The dialogue between Thomas and Miranda, and Thomas and Karl. The relationships change according to the situation, as they should. Thomas and Karl's differing attitudes to the terrorism threat - and how to tackle it - show that they come at the problem from very different perspectives. I also like how 07/07 impacts the characters, and how those attrocities drive key events in Flashpoint without exploiting it. It's good to see a couple of characters from the previous books making a return, and new alliances being formed. The 'two' endings (you'll understand when you read it) resolve two plotlines and develop an overarching plotline that spans the series. It also leaves the way open for 'what happened next'.
Things I didn't like as much:
On reflection, it could have been a longer book, given the themes and the fact that this book drew together some of the series-wide strands. I also think that weaving factual events into fiction is problematic, especially when - as a born-and-bred Londoner - you have a sense of personal connection with an event.
Overall though, I'm pleased with the book. It works as a pulp thriller, reads as funny where I intended it, and there's a twisty ending that I don't think readers will expect.
ADDENDUM 2023
I've now added a sixth book to the canon - PATHFINDER - which addresses some of the issues above.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Things I liked:
The dialogue between Thomas and Miranda, and Thomas and Karl. The relationships change according to the situation, as they should. Thomas and Karl's differing attitudes to the terrorism threat - and how to tackle it - show that they come at the problem from very different perspectives. I also like how 07/07 impacts the characters, and how those attrocities drive key events in Flashpoint without exploiting it. It's good to see a couple of characters from the previous books making a return, and new alliances being formed. The 'two' endings (you'll understand when you read it) resolve two plotlines and develop an overarching plotline that spans the series. It also leaves the way open for 'what happened next'.
Things I didn't like as much:
On reflection, it could have been a longer book, given the themes and the fact that this book drew together some of the series-wide strands. I also think that weaving factual events into fiction is problematic, especially when - as a born-and-bred Londoner - you have a sense of personal connection with an event.
Overall though, I'm pleased with the book. It works as a pulp thriller, reads as funny where I intended it, and there's a twisty ending that I don't think readers will expect.
ADDENDUM 2023
I've now added a sixth book to the canon - PATHFINDER - which addresses some of the issues above.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews