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The Cyclist
A failed marine, Judd can't believe his luck when Catriona falls for him. He lives in Minnesota; she's from Scotland. They work for the same company, they've messaged online for ages. But when they finally video chat, she turns out to be gorgeous. They may be thousands of miles apart, but they share a deep love of cycling and a passion for life. It's love at first sight.
Judd throws his meager savings to the wind and flies across the Atlantic to meet Cat in person. Together, they plan a bike trip through the desolate Scottish Highlands. Perfect for cycling. Camping out. Being alone. But soon Judd discovers there's more to Cat than meets her alluring brown eyes.
What Judd doesn't know is that someone is following them. Someone with sinister plans. Their lonely journey through the Highlands turns into a game of cat and mouse. Someone is making them ride for their lives. But who exactly is the hunter, and who is the hunted?
About the author
Anthony Neil Smith is a Professor and the Chair of English at Southwest Minnesota State University. He is the author of various novels. Originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he now lives on the frozen prairie with his wife, two needy dogs, and two sneaky cats.
Judd throws his meager savings to the wind and flies across the Atlantic to meet Cat in person. Together, they plan a bike trip through the desolate Scottish Highlands. Perfect for cycling. Camping out. Being alone. But soon Judd discovers there's more to Cat than meets her alluring brown eyes.
What Judd doesn't know is that someone is following them. Someone with sinister plans. Their lonely journey through the Highlands turns into a game of cat and mouse. Someone is making them ride for their lives. But who exactly is the hunter, and who is the hunted?
About the author
Anthony Neil Smith is a Professor and the Chair of English at Southwest Minnesota State University. He is the author of various novels. Originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he now lives on the frozen prairie with his wife, two needy dogs, and two sneaky cats.
- GenresThriller
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2018
6 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Neil Smith
63 books191 followersI write crime novels. PSYCHOSOMATIC, THE DRUMMER, plus the Billy Lafitte series--YELLOW MEDICINE, HOGDOGGIN', THE BADDEST ASS, and HOLY DEATH--and the Mustafa & Adem series--ALL THE YOUNG WARRIORS and ONCE A WARRIOR, in addition to WORM, CHOKE ON YOUR LIES, and the SLOW BEAR trilogy.
I'm an English Professor at Southwest Minnesota State University, and editor of the online lit mag Revolution John.
I'm an English Professor at Southwest Minnesota State University, and editor of the online lit mag Revolution John.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 31, 2018
Judd is a former almost-Navy SEAL, now working a standard nine to five office job, slowly wading through the days in a daze of white-collar tedium.
He's haunted by an unfortunate mishap which nearly cost his training officer his life when he pumped his instructor full of led during a drill. His instructor, menacingly named 'The Cleaver', won't leave Judd alone, and the two make for an interesting dynamic, a kind of friend/enemy push-pull.
Needing an outlet, Judd clocks up the kilometers on his bike, a habit which keeps him sane. He's also met someone online, an attractive cyclist based in Scotland named Cat who eventually convinces Judd to visit her in her homeland.
Leaving his life behind Judd falls into a modern day honey-trap.
The Cyclist is a damn fine book. The characters are well rounded and the linear plot, straightforward and as sharp as a knife blade. To use a somewhat corny term the book is 'all thriller, no filler'.
My rating: 5/5.
He's haunted by an unfortunate mishap which nearly cost his training officer his life when he pumped his instructor full of led during a drill. His instructor, menacingly named 'The Cleaver', won't leave Judd alone, and the two make for an interesting dynamic, a kind of friend/enemy push-pull.
Needing an outlet, Judd clocks up the kilometers on his bike, a habit which keeps him sane. He's also met someone online, an attractive cyclist based in Scotland named Cat who eventually convinces Judd to visit her in her homeland.
Leaving his life behind Judd falls into a modern day honey-trap.
The Cyclist is a damn fine book. The characters are well rounded and the linear plot, straightforward and as sharp as a knife blade. To use a somewhat corny term the book is 'all thriller, no filler'.
My rating: 5/5.
April 18, 2018
This book was definitely fast-paced, but totally unremarkable, and definitely forgettable.
I’m going to start with something nice to say about this book, and that’s that it was an extremely quick read. I very rarely read a book in less than 24 hours but I managed it with this one, even through getting distracted by a series on Netflix and going out for lunch. So there’s something to say about the super fast-paced action in this one. It really did keep me glued to the pages (when I wasn’t getting distracted!) and I’m totally thankful for that as I’ve been stuck on a few lesser interesting, slower paced books recently.
The story was just ridiculous. It was soooooo unrealistic, like one of those dreadful Hollywood horror films that are so bad that they’re almost good. I enjoyed the plot but it’s hard to completely lose yourself in the story when it’s just so ridiculous. I enjoyed the edge-of-your-seat action and the gore (there was a lot of gore) but a lot of the book was extremely cliche and the whole SEAL thing was very macho-macho. I get that some people in the military like talking about the fact they’re in the military, and that they often think they’re above people because they’re in the military, but the amount of times it was mentioned in this got to the point of cringe. We get it, you’re a SEAL, you’re such a tough strong guy.
Unfortunately, the characters were forgettable in this one. They were just completely flat – had no real personality to them all the way through. Not even at the end did anyone develop further from the first moment you meet them, and they all go through a lot of shit. You’d be a changed person after enduring all that.
This book is filled with those short, punchy sentences that are so loved in these throwaway thrillers. Sure, it makes for quick reading but it gets super tedious after a while. Some pages were filled with short sentences.
One after the other.
All the way down the page.
No real description.
No real development.
Just short.
And punchy.
The last thing I have to say about this novel is that the synopsis needs a real good rethink. To be precise, the line “But who exactly is the hunter, and who is the hunted?” – you know from a couple of chapters in what the hell is happening. You are handed the “hunter” and the “hunted” on a silver platter at around 60 pages (which is also when all the action really starts). I came into this book with the impression that Judd (horrible name, by the way) and Cat were going to be stalked and taunted by some unknown person, for all to be revealed in a shocking revelation nearer the end of the book, but that’s not the case at all.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but only while I was reading it. It’s not a story I’ll ever think about again. Maybe I would recommend this to someone looking for a quick, gruesome holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley and be-ebooks for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
I’m going to start with something nice to say about this book, and that’s that it was an extremely quick read. I very rarely read a book in less than 24 hours but I managed it with this one, even through getting distracted by a series on Netflix and going out for lunch. So there’s something to say about the super fast-paced action in this one. It really did keep me glued to the pages (when I wasn’t getting distracted!) and I’m totally thankful for that as I’ve been stuck on a few lesser interesting, slower paced books recently.
The story was just ridiculous. It was soooooo unrealistic, like one of those dreadful Hollywood horror films that are so bad that they’re almost good. I enjoyed the plot but it’s hard to completely lose yourself in the story when it’s just so ridiculous. I enjoyed the edge-of-your-seat action and the gore (there was a lot of gore) but a lot of the book was extremely cliche and the whole SEAL thing was very macho-macho. I get that some people in the military like talking about the fact they’re in the military, and that they often think they’re above people because they’re in the military, but the amount of times it was mentioned in this got to the point of cringe. We get it, you’re a SEAL, you’re such a tough strong guy.
Unfortunately, the characters were forgettable in this one. They were just completely flat – had no real personality to them all the way through. Not even at the end did anyone develop further from the first moment you meet them, and they all go through a lot of shit. You’d be a changed person after enduring all that.
This book is filled with those short, punchy sentences that are so loved in these throwaway thrillers. Sure, it makes for quick reading but it gets super tedious after a while. Some pages were filled with short sentences.
One after the other.
All the way down the page.
No real description.
No real development.
Just short.
And punchy.
The last thing I have to say about this novel is that the synopsis needs a real good rethink. To be precise, the line “But who exactly is the hunter, and who is the hunted?” – you know from a couple of chapters in what the hell is happening. You are handed the “hunter” and the “hunted” on a silver platter at around 60 pages (which is also when all the action really starts). I came into this book with the impression that Judd (horrible name, by the way) and Cat were going to be stalked and taunted by some unknown person, for all to be revealed in a shocking revelation nearer the end of the book, but that’s not the case at all.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but only while I was reading it. It’s not a story I’ll ever think about again. Maybe I would recommend this to someone looking for a quick, gruesome holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley and be-ebooks for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2018
The great thing about being a member of netgalley is the opportunity it offers to the avid reader to explore genres and authors that would have otherwise have passed him by. Equally it gives new authors the chance to reach out to a much greater audience when hopefully their books will receive a warm welcome. I thought The Cyclist was an excellent example of an exciting story that kept me captivated from first page to last and all in one sitting! Not bad for an author whose writing I had only just met...so what's it about?
Judd almost became a navy seal, his friend and mentor Burt "cleaver" worries about him following an incident with live ammo during a field training exercise..."Whatever made him think he was a SEAL material, God only knew".... Judd in his own mind is a washed out failure spending his time cycling and surfing the net in the hope?..........Cat is the answer to his dreams an online companion who finds him funny outgoing and personable, the fact that she lives in Glasgow and he in Minnesota is but a small problem. Judd makes the decision to take out his meagre life savings and make the long journey to Scotland hopeful and confident that Catrina is the love of his life. What follows is an exciting thrill a minute tour de force as Judd tries to comprehend the complex Cat as they journey and cycle north of Inverness in the harsh yet beautiful Scottish countryside. To disclose more would spoil the delights and gruesome pleasures that await you dear reader of my review! I will only add that "Cleaver" shows the meaning of true friendship, and Cat will need to explain to an infatuated Judd just what her relationship with Alistair is?
Many thanks to the good people of netgalley for sending me a gratis copy of The Cyclist in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written. Highly Recommended.
Judd almost became a navy seal, his friend and mentor Burt "cleaver" worries about him following an incident with live ammo during a field training exercise..."Whatever made him think he was a SEAL material, God only knew".... Judd in his own mind is a washed out failure spending his time cycling and surfing the net in the hope?..........Cat is the answer to his dreams an online companion who finds him funny outgoing and personable, the fact that she lives in Glasgow and he in Minnesota is but a small problem. Judd makes the decision to take out his meagre life savings and make the long journey to Scotland hopeful and confident that Catrina is the love of his life. What follows is an exciting thrill a minute tour de force as Judd tries to comprehend the complex Cat as they journey and cycle north of Inverness in the harsh yet beautiful Scottish countryside. To disclose more would spoil the delights and gruesome pleasures that await you dear reader of my review! I will only add that "Cleaver" shows the meaning of true friendship, and Cat will need to explain to an infatuated Judd just what her relationship with Alistair is?
Many thanks to the good people of netgalley for sending me a gratis copy of The Cyclist in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written. Highly Recommended.
April 9, 2018
What a rollicking read! I really enjoyed this book. Equal touches of humour and pure darkness, that propel you through this bumpy ride of a story. At times disturbing, always thrilling, this all too believable tale of a cycling holiday gone very, very wrong is a real page-turner. Smith's easy style is engaging and the characters interactions are well-woven and disturbing. One's empathy for central character, Judd – a failed Navy SEAL, still struggling to come to terms with the reasons for his failure – is set from the start. How I wished that he would have the dream that he wanted, but it became clear very early on that this was not to be. From that point on, with heart in mouth, I just wanted him to make it through his ordeal. An excellent, quick read, and a great story. Bag yourself a copy, now!
May 1, 2018
At less than 200 pages, this is an extremely quick read and just FLIES. Unfortunately, it just didn't quite work for me. I do appreciate the psychos killing just to kill theme but I needed a lot more from the characters. There's virtually no character development and the whole read felt a bit stunted. Dialogue was short and the writing was a bit punchy.
I'm willing to suspend reality a LOT for books but this entire story line was completely unrealistic... or rather, I think had there been more background on the characters, then maybe things would've made some more sense. I even stopped feeling bad for Judd at one point. I will say, I'm impressed with the longevity of the characters after what they were going through. I doubt I'd survive even a quarter of what happened!
If we were to put this to the big screen, I think this would be a popular B horror film. I do have such a soft spot for these types of film, not gonna lie. This is a gruesome, fast moving thriller that never quite gives you the answers you may be looking for.
April 15, 2018
Judd is living and working in America. He's in a bit of a dead end job which he doesn't really enjoy, he's estranged from his family over his failure to become a SEAL due to a nasty incident that led to him being booted out of the training. These days, he pretty much lives to cycle, spending hours clocking up the miles; but he's still pretty lonely. His only "friend" being Cleaver, the man with which he had the SEAL training incident with, who is still bitter and resentful and plays on Judd's guilt. Until that is he meets Catriona (Cat) on line and they start a bit of an internet relationship. She also loves cycling and they start to bond over their mutual love of the sport. Then they take it up a notch and swap messaging for video chatting and when Judd sees how beautiful Cat is he agrees to a meet-up. Only problem is, she's in Scotland!
So, he does what any smitten man would do. He cashes out his savings and up sticks with his bike to visit. But when he gets there it soon becomes apparent that things are not really as described. Cat starts to behave a bit strange and it becomes apparent that there is more to Judd's visit than at first appears. An ulterior motive. Especially when we meet Alistair!
Blimey. What. A. Ride! And I'm not just talking about the cycling here. What a deep, dark and gruesome mind this author must have to create this story. He also has a bit of a warped sense of humour with some of the black comedy also contained therein. Comedy that was completely necessary to offset the violence. Because, be warned, this book does get a bit nasty at times. And by nasty, I actually mean some very graphic torture scenes.
It's hard to mention much more about the plot without spoiling anything so I'll just say that it is very cleverly worked out and executed, It grabbed me from the start and didn't let go, holding my attention very nicely throughout.
There are not many characters in the book so all of them have to be strong enough to keep it all going nicely. Happy to report that even though they are all a bit complex, wounded, and mostly a bit strange, they are all well described. I am not sure that I liked any of them as a whole although I did like some of their various elements and parts. I definitely connected with them emotionally - again not all positive!
Pacing was a bit of a game of two halves. We start with quite a bit of build up and scene setting but once the action gets started it is frenetic to say the least and it does not let up until the end.
This is not my first book by this author but it has been several years since I last read one of his books. I think this one may be the spark that reignites my interest in his back catalogue.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, he does what any smitten man would do. He cashes out his savings and up sticks with his bike to visit. But when he gets there it soon becomes apparent that things are not really as described. Cat starts to behave a bit strange and it becomes apparent that there is more to Judd's visit than at first appears. An ulterior motive. Especially when we meet Alistair!
Blimey. What. A. Ride! And I'm not just talking about the cycling here. What a deep, dark and gruesome mind this author must have to create this story. He also has a bit of a warped sense of humour with some of the black comedy also contained therein. Comedy that was completely necessary to offset the violence. Because, be warned, this book does get a bit nasty at times. And by nasty, I actually mean some very graphic torture scenes.
It's hard to mention much more about the plot without spoiling anything so I'll just say that it is very cleverly worked out and executed, It grabbed me from the start and didn't let go, holding my attention very nicely throughout.
There are not many characters in the book so all of them have to be strong enough to keep it all going nicely. Happy to report that even though they are all a bit complex, wounded, and mostly a bit strange, they are all well described. I am not sure that I liked any of them as a whole although I did like some of their various elements and parts. I definitely connected with them emotionally - again not all positive!
Pacing was a bit of a game of two halves. We start with quite a bit of build up and scene setting but once the action gets started it is frenetic to say the least and it does not let up until the end.
This is not my first book by this author but it has been several years since I last read one of his books. I think this one may be the spark that reignites my interest in his back catalogue.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
April 9, 2018
In honesty, this one maybe rates somewhere between a 3 and a 4, but I've rounded up because I think I'm a nice guy.
Judd has washed out as a Navy SEAL recruit after shooting and almost killing his instructor. Now to get over this and process it he cycles relentlessly whenever he's not working. This is helping a little, but meeting Glaswegian "lass" Cat is helping more as Judd sees an opportunity to put this part of his life behind him. His former instructor has taken it upon himself to harass Judd at every opportunity and make sure he never forgets what he's done.
I was attracted to this one as I'm familiar with the author for his other books (despite not reading any) and his social media presence and because I was intrigued by the prospect of an American author writing about my home country of Scotland. There are some Scottish cliches thrown in, but not without reason and you can see the author has done his research on Scotland. Belle and Sebastian shade aside the author does a good job here.
The tale itself is well built up and holds plenty of twists that you don't see coming. The between 3 and 4 stars come from a few lulls in the story where the pacing just slows to a crawl. They are maybe there for suspense, but I'm an impatient bugger!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley.
Judd has washed out as a Navy SEAL recruit after shooting and almost killing his instructor. Now to get over this and process it he cycles relentlessly whenever he's not working. This is helping a little, but meeting Glaswegian "lass" Cat is helping more as Judd sees an opportunity to put this part of his life behind him. His former instructor has taken it upon himself to harass Judd at every opportunity and make sure he never forgets what he's done.
I was attracted to this one as I'm familiar with the author for his other books (despite not reading any) and his social media presence and because I was intrigued by the prospect of an American author writing about my home country of Scotland. There are some Scottish cliches thrown in, but not without reason and you can see the author has done his research on Scotland. Belle and Sebastian shade aside the author does a good job here.
The tale itself is well built up and holds plenty of twists that you don't see coming. The between 3 and 4 stars come from a few lulls in the story where the pacing just slows to a crawl. They are maybe there for suspense, but I'm an impatient bugger!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley.
June 5, 2018
Judd is a failed Navy SEAL. He is in a boring job & long cycle rides are the only thing that keeps him going until he hooks up on-line with Catriona. Cat seems exactly the person he has been looking for- lively, fun & another cyclist. After many weeks of daily conversation he decides to throw in his life in the US & buy an open-ended flight to Scotland and heads to Glasgow along with his bike.
Cat sweeps him away with her energy, her lust for life and amazing capacity for alcohol! They plan on a cycle trip in the Scottish Highlands but their trip has not gone unnoticed. Someone is watching them & it is not out of concern for their welfare.
I must admit that it was the thought of the setting that drew me to this book. That didn't feature as much as I expected. It is very violent. I did find it a bit unbelievable and I never really warmed to the characters. This is a short and extremely fast paced story, which is probably why I finished it!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for giving me the chance to read & review this book.
Cat sweeps him away with her energy, her lust for life and amazing capacity for alcohol! They plan on a cycle trip in the Scottish Highlands but their trip has not gone unnoticed. Someone is watching them & it is not out of concern for their welfare.
I must admit that it was the thought of the setting that drew me to this book. That didn't feature as much as I expected. It is very violent. I did find it a bit unbelievable and I never really warmed to the characters. This is a short and extremely fast paced story, which is probably why I finished it!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for giving me the chance to read & review this book.
July 15, 2024
Damn. @Prof_AN_Smith hit me right between the eyes with The Cyclist, a story that starts off harmless enough through the first half (boy meets girl online; in-person meeting follows) before a jaw-dropping second half that I did not see coming. Fast-paced short novel that will have you holding your breath throughout the latter part of the tale. Recommended.
May 9, 2018
This book was so easy to get into and I enjoyed the very descriptive writing, the characters seemed to come alive and I managed to read the book in two sittings, not sure what I was expecting but I totally enjoyed the book, the trip through Scotland was nice and scenic with a few pubs thrown in and then the chase was on, then it was a race to the end, good writing
March 25, 2018
All that glitters is not gold, as our main character finds out. Failure, frustration, trust, distrust, fantasies, and a love of cycling begin this fast-reading novel. There's a slow buildup to a crescendo in the Scottish countryside as off-kilter characters contend with a horrific serial killer in scenes that include comic-book style battles, tortures, and viciousness.
April 10, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up
I’m going to preface my review by saying Anthony Neil Smith’s The Cyclist isn’t my normal type of read. True, I like thrillers and mysteries and the like, but this didn’t feel like that. Perhaps it was Judd and his off and on again machismo? Maybe I’m just used to reading books from a woman’s p.o.v? That’s more likely.
The Cyclist has a lot going for it–simmering tension from page one, flawed characters who come full circle, the beautiful scenery of the Scottish countryside and cultural references and slang that I miss so much from living in the U.K. “Taking the piss?” Why doesn’t anyone say that here?! And Wetherspoons. Ahh, love it or hate it, you can’t help but miss it here.
I greatly appreciated Smith including the very real issue of military-related PTSD, even if not combat related. Any attention helps shed light on a very real issue that I think isn’t talked about as much as it should be. That element also gave the book a different voice than you normally hear which made it more interesting for me. I wasn’t sure I totally understood what happened between Judd and his military buddy (not really sure what else to call him) Cleaver; I felt like there was more going on there but the idea never fully came to fruition.
My only real turn off when it came to The Cyclist was the level of graphic violence in the last half. It was more than I was expecting, and I was left feeling pretty queasy at some of the torture scenes. It used to be years ago I could read books like that, but these days I just don’t have it in me to digest it anymore. I get nightmares/panic dreams super easy now, so watching or reading anything overly violent tends to trigger that for me.
If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller that’s a little different than what’s already out there now, give The Cyclist a try!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’m going to preface my review by saying Anthony Neil Smith’s The Cyclist isn’t my normal type of read. True, I like thrillers and mysteries and the like, but this didn’t feel like that. Perhaps it was Judd and his off and on again machismo? Maybe I’m just used to reading books from a woman’s p.o.v? That’s more likely.
The Cyclist has a lot going for it–simmering tension from page one, flawed characters who come full circle, the beautiful scenery of the Scottish countryside and cultural references and slang that I miss so much from living in the U.K. “Taking the piss?” Why doesn’t anyone say that here?! And Wetherspoons. Ahh, love it or hate it, you can’t help but miss it here.
I greatly appreciated Smith including the very real issue of military-related PTSD, even if not combat related. Any attention helps shed light on a very real issue that I think isn’t talked about as much as it should be. That element also gave the book a different voice than you normally hear which made it more interesting for me. I wasn’t sure I totally understood what happened between Judd and his military buddy (not really sure what else to call him) Cleaver; I felt like there was more going on there but the idea never fully came to fruition.
My only real turn off when it came to The Cyclist was the level of graphic violence in the last half. It was more than I was expecting, and I was left feeling pretty queasy at some of the torture scenes. It used to be years ago I could read books like that, but these days I just don’t have it in me to digest it anymore. I get nightmares/panic dreams super easy now, so watching or reading anything overly violent tends to trigger that for me.
If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller that’s a little different than what’s already out there now, give The Cyclist a try!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2018
Never quite got there, Judd is a marine recruit who failed to make the grade who loves cycling. As luck would have it he meets his ideal mate whilst working for a bank but she lives in Scotland. Fed up with his job and the promise of a good time with Cat he drops all and flies to Glasgow. From the start of his visit things are not quite right. The author has moved very quickly and has you asking why, why and why but not giving anything away. This a great fast moving thriller that takes you places that make your toes curl. As a Scot I can confirm we are not all like the characters in this gruesome but exciting novel.
March 26, 2018
Like always Anthony Neil Smith delivers a quick easy read that keeps you turning pages. Smith always comes up with characters that you seem to connect with even though in real like you may not.
Really enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed it.
April 19, 2018
ARC received with thanks from Netgalley and publisher.
April 2, 2018
Very good fast paced page turner. I have read several books by A N Smith and have enjoyed them all, this was no exception. this was a standalone featuring a lonely failed Navy Seal who toils away at a desk job counting the hours until he can go biking again in his native Mn. he soon gets distracted by a female colleague who lives in Scotland and is enticed to visit her on a biking holiday and possibly more. best not to say to much more, except things do not go exactly as planned for all involved. this was a lean, crisp and well plotted thriller tho not for the squeamish as there are a few scenes of intense violence. 4 + stars and thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy. I think this would make a great movie thriller as well.
May 1, 2018
Read the detailed review on my blog - https://www.bookgeeks.in/the-cyclist-...
May 16, 2018
There is a thin line between crime and horror, Stephen King’s Misery and Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series spring to mind. You can now add Anthony Neil Smith’s The Cyclist to this list. Smith’s latest book tells the story of Judd, a washed-out Navy SEAL in the US, who falls in love with Cat, a co-worker who lives in Scotland. Judd’s dismissal from the Navy was, shall we say, due to a colossal fuckup – in a panic, he fired live ammunition at his SEAL instructor and hit him several times. Dealing with this pain of being unceremoniously discharged, Judd returns home to Minnesota where he tries to bury his problems by cycling hundreds of miles at a time.
Cat asks Judd to visit and he abandons everything in Minnesota meet up with Cat for a cycling vacation of Scotland. It’s his final act of desperation as what better way to deal with his problems than to run away half-way around the world.
This is the second book I’ve read of Anthony Neil Smith and his third book published since August 2017. Smith may be more prolific than fellow crime writer Eric Beetner, but probably not. Like Castle Danger: Woman on Ice, Smith’s The Cyclist takes a strong turn half-way through as Judd goes from a shell of a man grasping for some sort of meaningful existence to a man desperately fighting for his life and others.
As I wrote at the beginning, Smith’s The Cyclist blurs the line between crime and horror. Smith had me turning my head away from the pages and wincing in pain at the terror. In a recent interview with author Tom Leins at Dirty Books, Leins asked, “Given the right break, The Cyclist feels like it could resonate with a mainstream audience – was that intentional?”. Smith replied:
Not only do I agree with Leins that The Cyclist could, even should, connect with that mainstream audience, it can keep those fans of Smith’s earlier work happy as well. Currently selling for $2.99, The Cyclist is a steal compared to the $14.99 for Baldacci or Patterson’s latest thrillers. Pick it up, read it and then recommend Smith's The Cyclist to your friends that only read Stephen King, Lee Child and the rest.
Cat asks Judd to visit and he abandons everything in Minnesota meet up with Cat for a cycling vacation of Scotland. It’s his final act of desperation as what better way to deal with his problems than to run away half-way around the world.
This is the second book I’ve read of Anthony Neil Smith and his third book published since August 2017. Smith may be more prolific than fellow crime writer Eric Beetner, but probably not. Like Castle Danger: Woman on Ice, Smith’s The Cyclist takes a strong turn half-way through as Judd goes from a shell of a man grasping for some sort of meaningful existence to a man desperately fighting for his life and others.
As I wrote at the beginning, Smith’s The Cyclist blurs the line between crime and horror. Smith had me turning my head away from the pages and wincing in pain at the terror. In a recent interview with author Tom Leins at Dirty Books, Leins asked, “Given the right break, The Cyclist feels like it could resonate with a mainstream audience – was that intentional?”. Smith replied:
Absolutely. I’ve written thirteen previous novels, all of which have attracted a “cult” audience, I’d say, and some of the early ones were really rough “gonzo noir.” And I love those books! However, I’ve always dreamed of a larger audience enjoying my books, the same way I enjoy a lot of mainstream thrillers and crime novels. So that’s a goal of mine: to learn how to write a book that can reach out and grab a very large swath of thriller readers. THE CYCLIST is another step on that journey. I mean, some writers may scoff at James Patterson or John Grisham, but they must know *something* I haven’t figured out yet in order to have so many people love to read them.
Not only do I agree with Leins that The Cyclist could, even should, connect with that mainstream audience, it can keep those fans of Smith’s earlier work happy as well. Currently selling for $2.99, The Cyclist is a steal compared to the $14.99 for Baldacci or Patterson’s latest thrillers. Pick it up, read it and then recommend Smith's The Cyclist to your friends that only read Stephen King, Lee Child and the rest.
July 20, 2018
This was his penance: The Cleaver was his Marley, except every day instead of just Christmas.
Judd didn't have what it took to make it as a Navy SEAL. Not only did he fail in his attempt to take the grade, he almost took out his infamous trainer, The Cleaver, in the process by shooting him in the legs and chest during a training exercise.
Now Judd is full of guilt. He's cut off ties with his father, hates his civilian job and is constantly haunted by The Cleaver who is now a drunken shadow of his former self and turns up like a bad cent whenever the sun goes down.
The only things that keep him going are hard, fast and dangerous cycling and the time he spends video messaging a rather cute Scottish lass called Cat. The cycling's all about getting away from everything and has the added bonus of the possibility of suicide by pedalling. Cat, on the other hand, offers something like hope. The chance that his life might not be over, after all.
When Cat suggests that Judd go over to Scotland for a cycling holiday, it's too good an offer for him to resist. He jacks in his job, cuts the physical ties to Minnesota and sneaks away from his conscience-pricking war-vet millstone while he's not paying attention.
What follows is difficult to sum up without spoiling things for you when it's your turn. Suffice to say, Cat isn't everything Judd expected. Her bike is barely fit for the road and she can't ride for toffee. More confusingly, she's uninterested in a physical relationship with Judd and plies him with enough beer and whisky to make sure that sex is out of the question. There's also a sticky issue of her other boyfriend, a rather disturbed young man who is sicker than rabies.
Cleaver, left at home with little left to fill his time now Judd has gone, smells a rat. He fears Judd might be another in a long line of SEAL suicides and decides he can't let that happen. He responds in the only way he understands, with a covert operation designed to protect his fellow countryman.
In The Cyclist, there's plenty of action for adrenaline junkies. There are also some great observations about the little differences between Scotland and the US. The Judd/Cleaver relationship is complex and compelling and their undulating loyalties are like a journey through the Highlands themselves.
Twists, turns, shocks and toe-curling brutality all play their part as this one free-falls with alarming pace to it's climax. A must for the fan of the action thriller, a no-go area for the faint-hearted.
A smashing summer read.
Judd didn't have what it took to make it as a Navy SEAL. Not only did he fail in his attempt to take the grade, he almost took out his infamous trainer, The Cleaver, in the process by shooting him in the legs and chest during a training exercise.
Now Judd is full of guilt. He's cut off ties with his father, hates his civilian job and is constantly haunted by The Cleaver who is now a drunken shadow of his former self and turns up like a bad cent whenever the sun goes down.
The only things that keep him going are hard, fast and dangerous cycling and the time he spends video messaging a rather cute Scottish lass called Cat. The cycling's all about getting away from everything and has the added bonus of the possibility of suicide by pedalling. Cat, on the other hand, offers something like hope. The chance that his life might not be over, after all.
When Cat suggests that Judd go over to Scotland for a cycling holiday, it's too good an offer for him to resist. He jacks in his job, cuts the physical ties to Minnesota and sneaks away from his conscience-pricking war-vet millstone while he's not paying attention.
What follows is difficult to sum up without spoiling things for you when it's your turn. Suffice to say, Cat isn't everything Judd expected. Her bike is barely fit for the road and she can't ride for toffee. More confusingly, she's uninterested in a physical relationship with Judd and plies him with enough beer and whisky to make sure that sex is out of the question. There's also a sticky issue of her other boyfriend, a rather disturbed young man who is sicker than rabies.
Cleaver, left at home with little left to fill his time now Judd has gone, smells a rat. He fears Judd might be another in a long line of SEAL suicides and decides he can't let that happen. He responds in the only way he understands, with a covert operation designed to protect his fellow countryman.
In The Cyclist, there's plenty of action for adrenaline junkies. There are also some great observations about the little differences between Scotland and the US. The Judd/Cleaver relationship is complex and compelling and their undulating loyalties are like a journey through the Highlands themselves.
Twists, turns, shocks and toe-curling brutality all play their part as this one free-falls with alarming pace to it's climax. A must for the fan of the action thriller, a no-go area for the faint-hearted.
A smashing summer read.
April 14, 2018
Thanks to Bastei Entertainment and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.
Anthony Neil Smith’s latest book, The Cyclist is a thriller that’s very different than the other books I’ve read of his. That’s not to say it’s not enjoyable, because it is, but it seems a more traditional book than what I’ve read before. I’m no expert though on his books, so maybe it’s not that different from some of his other books.
Judd had almost all the qualities to be a Navy Seal, but unfortunately, he made the mistake of firing and injuring his instructor during one of his training events. He and the instructor (“Cleaver”) left the Navy and ended up living nearby, with Cleaver taking frequent times to remind Judd of his mistake. Judd has a job he doesn’t really like that pays him just enough to live on and fund his one main hobby, riding his bicycle. However, Cat, a woman from a Scottish branch of his company, contacts him and their frequent discussions including their passion of riding their bikes leads Judd to fall in love. She convinces him to come to Scotland and Judd pools his money and does just that.
Judd finds Cat to be even more desirable in person, but he becomes somewhat suspicious about her inferior bike and her apparently limited biking ability. However, he does get to enjoy his time with her, but he eventually finds out that she has other plans and Judd’s life may be in danger. From here on the book turns into a page-turner and enjoyable thriller that needed to be read quickly to the end.
This is the 6th book I’ve read of the 10 books of Anthony Neil Smith books I own. I’ve enjoyed them all and this book is certainly one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to reading more of his books.
Anthony Neil Smith’s latest book, The Cyclist is a thriller that’s very different than the other books I’ve read of his. That’s not to say it’s not enjoyable, because it is, but it seems a more traditional book than what I’ve read before. I’m no expert though on his books, so maybe it’s not that different from some of his other books.
Judd had almost all the qualities to be a Navy Seal, but unfortunately, he made the mistake of firing and injuring his instructor during one of his training events. He and the instructor (“Cleaver”) left the Navy and ended up living nearby, with Cleaver taking frequent times to remind Judd of his mistake. Judd has a job he doesn’t really like that pays him just enough to live on and fund his one main hobby, riding his bicycle. However, Cat, a woman from a Scottish branch of his company, contacts him and their frequent discussions including their passion of riding their bikes leads Judd to fall in love. She convinces him to come to Scotland and Judd pools his money and does just that.
Judd finds Cat to be even more desirable in person, but he becomes somewhat suspicious about her inferior bike and her apparently limited biking ability. However, he does get to enjoy his time with her, but he eventually finds out that she has other plans and Judd’s life may be in danger. From here on the book turns into a page-turner and enjoyable thriller that needed to be read quickly to the end.
This is the 6th book I’ve read of the 10 books of Anthony Neil Smith books I own. I’ve enjoyed them all and this book is certainly one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to reading more of his books.
April 2, 2018
The Cyclist follows Judd, a cycling enthusiast from Minnesota. He has a troubled past, having washed out from Seal training after an accident that left one of his superiors in a bad way. He has an average job which leaves him cold and in his spare time cycles miles and miles to escape his demons.
He meets Cat, a beautiful Scottish girl, online. She shares his love of cycling and he finds himself falling for her. He is amazed when she asks him to come and stay with her so they can cycle The Highlands together. Giving up pretty much everything he has in a moment of rash desire, he flies to see her, unaware of the nightmare that awaits him.
I will stop there in terms of the plot, not wanting to give any more anyway. This book was a surprise to me, as with its themes of the military and cycling it’s not my usual type of yarn. I couldn’t help but be drawn in though by the pace of the storytelling; almost frantic at times and written with a sense of constant urgency throughout it had me turning pages at a rate of knots! Gruesome in places and pretty darn far fetched I must say, I actually enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
I’m not sure I will be rushing to read more books like this but I have to say I’m glad I did read it and I will more than likely read more of this author’s work down the line. It was like a crazy adventure in the midst of my usual reading!
My thanks to #NetGalley and #BasteiEntertainment for a free copy of #TheCyclist in exchange for an honest review.
He meets Cat, a beautiful Scottish girl, online. She shares his love of cycling and he finds himself falling for her. He is amazed when she asks him to come and stay with her so they can cycle The Highlands together. Giving up pretty much everything he has in a moment of rash desire, he flies to see her, unaware of the nightmare that awaits him.
I will stop there in terms of the plot, not wanting to give any more anyway. This book was a surprise to me, as with its themes of the military and cycling it’s not my usual type of yarn. I couldn’t help but be drawn in though by the pace of the storytelling; almost frantic at times and written with a sense of constant urgency throughout it had me turning pages at a rate of knots! Gruesome in places and pretty darn far fetched I must say, I actually enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
I’m not sure I will be rushing to read more books like this but I have to say I’m glad I did read it and I will more than likely read more of this author’s work down the line. It was like a crazy adventure in the midst of my usual reading!
My thanks to #NetGalley and #BasteiEntertainment for a free copy of #TheCyclist in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2018
Judd is a failed Seal candidate looking for love. He meets Cat online and decides to travel to Scotland to get to know her better and have a short cycling holiday.
The Cleaver is an ex Seal now alcoholic who sleeps on the floor with a few blankets a habit from his army days in enemy territory. He has some history with Judd and tracks him to Scotland fearing he will commit suicide.
Cat is not the person she pretends to be. Her best friend Alistair has a few issues and suffers from invisible bugs. Together they have something special planned for Judd and the woman of his dreams will turn into a nightmare.
The non-descript title might lull you into thinking this about a harmless cycling holiday. That will be the first mistake you make. Cat and Alistair are a crazy pair of psychos with a plan to enjoy every minute of Judd’s time left.
My favourite character was The Cleaver. Despite his own problems and the possibility of losing his life, he still endeavored to look out for Judd.
This book has some pretty full on graphic descriptions and not recommended for anyone a bit squeamish. I started this book with low expectations, which developed into time flying by. Great thriller and well worth a read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy in return for an honest review.
The Cleaver is an ex Seal now alcoholic who sleeps on the floor with a few blankets a habit from his army days in enemy territory. He has some history with Judd and tracks him to Scotland fearing he will commit suicide.
Cat is not the person she pretends to be. Her best friend Alistair has a few issues and suffers from invisible bugs. Together they have something special planned for Judd and the woman of his dreams will turn into a nightmare.
The non-descript title might lull you into thinking this about a harmless cycling holiday. That will be the first mistake you make. Cat and Alistair are a crazy pair of psychos with a plan to enjoy every minute of Judd’s time left.
My favourite character was The Cleaver. Despite his own problems and the possibility of losing his life, he still endeavored to look out for Judd.
This book has some pretty full on graphic descriptions and not recommended for anyone a bit squeamish. I started this book with low expectations, which developed into time flying by. Great thriller and well worth a read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy in return for an honest review.
October 26, 2020
THE CYCLIST is billed by Anthony Neil Smith, long a dweller in the hardboiled underground of crime fiction, as a bid for entry into the mainstream thriller market. It succeeds at the thriller basics — putting its characters in an unholy mess and making you burn through the pages to see who survives and how — but takes a needlessly wobbly ride in getting there.
I wasn't prepared for—nor could easily stomach—a hard and unsignaled turn off the paved path into the thickets of torture-porn. And the prose was lumpy for thrillers, which usually traffic in the sleek, smooth simple declarative. Short emotional bursts of run-ons and fragments are interspersed with long sentences waylaid by parenthetic asides and nested clauses, making this literary bicycle trek a less comfortable ride than it could have been. (An example: "They passed an ancient-looking hotel and pub, this one very much alive, and several newish (let’s say nineties) storefronts on buildings from long ago –cafes, an Indian takeaway, a small grocer, more pubs.”)
Smith is a good storyteller, and he's got some fine work in his backlist and likely better stuff in his future, but THE CYCLIST is, to my mind, not the ideal showcase for gaining a mainstream-thriller audience. But as a gut-clenching tale to pass the time, it gets the job done.
I wasn't prepared for—nor could easily stomach—a hard and unsignaled turn off the paved path into the thickets of torture-porn. And the prose was lumpy for thrillers, which usually traffic in the sleek, smooth simple declarative. Short emotional bursts of run-ons and fragments are interspersed with long sentences waylaid by parenthetic asides and nested clauses, making this literary bicycle trek a less comfortable ride than it could have been. (An example: "They passed an ancient-looking hotel and pub, this one very much alive, and several newish (let’s say nineties) storefronts on buildings from long ago –cafes, an Indian takeaway, a small grocer, more pubs.”)
Smith is a good storyteller, and he's got some fine work in his backlist and likely better stuff in his future, but THE CYCLIST is, to my mind, not the ideal showcase for gaining a mainstream-thriller audience. But as a gut-clenching tale to pass the time, it gets the job done.
May 15, 2018
This was certainly an interesting book but I would expect no less from Anthony Neil Smith.
Judd is a washed out Navy Seal who lives to ride his bike. He washed out because he accidentally shot his training officer who he continues to have an odd symbiotic relationship with. While at work in a job he hates, he meets a co-worker on line who lives in Scotland. Catriona works for the same bank and while at work she and Judd skype and become close. She invites him to Scotland to ride bikes together around the country. He decides to take a chance, sells everything he owns except for his bike and hops on a plane.
When he gets to Scotland, Catriona is not what he was led to believe.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The writing style makes it flow. I was concerned a bit into it that it might become more graphic than I could handle but it wasn't. Good thing.
Judd is a washed out Navy Seal who lives to ride his bike. He washed out because he accidentally shot his training officer who he continues to have an odd symbiotic relationship with. While at work in a job he hates, he meets a co-worker on line who lives in Scotland. Catriona works for the same bank and while at work she and Judd skype and become close. She invites him to Scotland to ride bikes together around the country. He decides to take a chance, sells everything he owns except for his bike and hops on a plane.
When he gets to Scotland, Catriona is not what he was led to believe.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The writing style makes it flow. I was concerned a bit into it that it might become more graphic than I could handle but it wasn't. Good thing.
June 17, 2018
Three and a half star rating.
Don’t take anything on face value, especially online - something Judd forgot when he flew from the U S to see Catriona in Scotland. This keen cyclist got more than he bargained for - much more! The book really got into its stride once Judd and Catriona met at Glasgow airport and from then on it was absolutely action packed, a thrill a minute, but who is the cat and who is the mouse in this violent story? It certainly kept me entertained! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t take anything on face value, especially online - something Judd forgot when he flew from the U S to see Catriona in Scotland. This keen cyclist got more than he bargained for - much more! The book really got into its stride once Judd and Catriona met at Glasgow airport and from then on it was absolutely action packed, a thrill a minute, but who is the cat and who is the mouse in this violent story? It certainly kept me entertained! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2020
What a disappointment - I have had this author on my 'to read' list for ages - wish I hadn't bothered. The premise sounded really promising but turned out to be a ludicrous plot with unbelievable characters and an extremely unpleasant and grisly chapter of torture and murder which I felt to be wholly unnecessary and way too graphic. Glad to finish it and move on to something more pleasant and engaging.
May 26, 2018
I'm a die-hard AN-Smith fan and this story did not disappoint. Dark and horrific in parts, warm and funny in others. It kept me gripped until the very last full-stop... Deliverance in the Highlands. Smith is a sorely underrated author who deserves a much larger audience. I hope this book will open some doors for him. Highly recommended (as are all his books).
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