Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Ali Sinclair #1

Desperate Ground

Rate this book
When the secrecy of a nuclear weapon agreement is thrown into doubt, a disgraced intelligence operative is recruited to find out if the deal is still safe…

Ali Sinclair, wrongly convicted and on the run from a Mexican prison, is enlisted to infiltrate her old friend’s inner circle and find the evidence.

The only people on her side are an ex-Cold War spook and the former Royal Marine that was sent to find her. Together they discover that the stakes are much higher than anyone knew, and the fate of the world is at risk…

But when you live in the shadows who can you trust?

222 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2018

11 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

L.J. Morris

4 books5 followers
L J Morris was born in Cold War, West Germany, but grew up in the North of England. During his childhood, books were always an important part of his life. He read everything he could get his hands on but always found himself drawn towards the Thriller genre. At 16, eager to see the world he had read about, he left school and spent most of the 80s and 90s serving in the Royal Navy.

After his military service, he continued to live and work across Europe, The USA, and South East Asia for several more years. It was during this time that his love of storytelling resurfaced. He jotted down ideas, using the locations he found himself in as a backdrop and added details from his own experiences to make the stories feel authentic.

He now lives back in the North of England, with his wife and two sons, where he still works in the defence industry.

L J Morris is deaf. He uses hearing aids, lip-reads, and recently began learning British Sign Language (BSL). He is planning to include more of his experiences with hearing loss in his work.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
40 (43%)
4 stars
37 (40%)
3 stars
12 (13%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Sue.
1,418 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2018
DESPERATE GROUND by L.J. Morris is a gripping action thriller, that will have you glued to your seat, enjoying the non-stop action. This is not normally the type of book that I am drawn to as I primarily enjoy reading mystery suspense psychological thrillers, but it was a refreshing change and I really enjoyed it.

This novel begins from a Mexican prison, where the strong female protagonist, Ali Sinclair, wrongly convicted and waiting to be released by the British government, escapes from prison with the help of her friend and colleague, Frank McGill. Stuck in the US, Ali just wants to get home to the UK. But right now, she was just living in the shadows.

When Frank discovers a way for her to escape the US, she jumps at the chance. But is comes at a cost! It requires that Ali must infiltrate her old friend’s inner circle and find the evidence about the nuclear weapon agreement. Is the deal safe?

The stakes are high and the fate of the world is at risk…Who can she trust?

Desperate Ground, was an action packed, active story, about drug cartels, bad guys against the CIA, FBI and M16, with the tension escalating right up to the finish.

Many thanks to Bloodhound Books via NetGalley for my copy.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,959 reviews224 followers
April 24, 2018
Admittedly I wasn't to sure if this would be my type of read but I am so glad I gave it a go as I was gripped from the off and really enjoyed it.

Ali is a force to be reckoned with. Nothing seems to phase her. She finds herself in situations that would be my worst nightmare and would sent me into a complete melt down. Ali though is pretty much calm and collective on the outside while her head meticulously works out how she is going to handle it.

Frank is someone that Ali has worked with and known for a while. In their line of work they need to know who they can trust and each would trust each other with their own lives. I really enjoyed the bond between both. It was more a brother/sister relationship and you can see how much they care about each other.

There is lots of action and violence in the book, similar to what you would expect say from an action movie. It really makes for an intense and entertaining read as it is very much a race against time to stop the bad guys.

Desperate Ground is a thrilling and exciting read that will send your heart rate soaring. Can't wait to read more!

My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Profile Image for Books 'n' All  Promotions.
844 reviews40 followers
May 1, 2018
Ali Sinclair is a fiesty lady who sacrificed her freedom to help a friend. She escaped from a Mexican prison with the help of her friend Frank McGill. The pair then become involved in preventing a group carry out terrorism on a massive scale.

The book moves along steadily. I felt with all the action it should have been faster paced but it was missing something for me.

The main characters are Ali and Frank and although they were at the forefront all the way through the book I don’t feel I learned much about their characters.

Thank you to Bloodhound Books and Netgalley for the advance copy
Profile Image for Alexina.
476 reviews41 followers
April 30, 2018
Having previously read Rob Sinclairs Red Cobra Trilogy and enjoying them, I felt the blurb had some similarities, but I was excited to see that the protagonist was Ali, a female. I had no hesitation in requesting Desperate Ground.
I appreciated that the author gave us a strong female lead, but kept her from being too harshly portrayed. This made me want to be alongside her on every step of this traumatic journey.
Mc Gill was an interesting balancing character to Ali, and also when Ali’s friend Jo was brought in, it just added to the tension and dimension of the read, as Jo was like adding fuel to the fire as she was trying her best to protect her sons, but at what cost?
Desperate Ground, was an action packed, energetic story, I found it a refreshing way to be reading about drug cartels, and the story that starts off with tension, keeps up the tempo, turning it up fully the closer you get to the finale.
Highly recommend this, and loved seeing the scenes playing out in my head as I read.
A solid 4.5 star read.

Thank you to #netgalley and #bloodhoundbooks for an advanced reader copy of #desperateground all thoughts in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Between The Pages (Gemma M) .
1,358 reviews30 followers
May 2, 2018
This is a one of a kind story, different from those everyday thrillers that all seem the same. Desperate Ground is unique and had me hooked! Very impressed. I didn’t think I would enjoy this story as much as I did! I loved the relationship and bond between Ali and Frank.

Ali is a brilliant, strong willed and clever female lead character within this story who is not to be messed with. Desperate Ground is an action packed thriller that doesn’t stop until the last page and a brilliant debut by L.J. Morris. A well deserved four stars from me and I would highly recommend! I devoured this… What a cleverly written story!
Profile Image for Susan Hampson.
1,521 reviews69 followers
May 1, 2018
This isn’t really a very long book but it certainly packs and punch and put my imagination into overdrive. Working under cover really takes on a new meaning for Ali Sinclair because a few Mexicans would like to welcome her back for an extended stay. Ali’s best buddy Frank McGill and MI6 had other plans though. Once back on home ground Ali is soon tangled up with what should have been a programme to safe guard the world but could lead to its destruction with unthinkable casualties.
If you love thrillers with plenty of action then this could be for you but it does come with quite a bit of violence with full on descriptions, making the story very visual as a reader. There is a great relationship with Ali and Frank that is very essential if they are both to survive. Cor blimey though the bad guys are pretty wicked with an ever increasing body count wherever they seem to be, making it a real heart in your mouth moments read.
I liked that these characters already had lives and pasts when I joined the story, so where as in most new series they would have to bond, that has already happened. I just need drip feeding in coming books to fill in their colourful past. Do get on board from the beginning with this one right from the start. The thought of the second book is already buzzing in my head.
I wish to thank Bloodhound Book and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,345 reviews119 followers
November 29, 2019
Desperate Ground by L. J. Morris
Ali Sinclair #1

Ali Sinclair is breaking out of a Mexican prison when she enters the story. She has been there two years for something she is really not guilty of. On her way to safety she is met by her good friend Frank McGill and once they are safe a job is offered to them...one they feel compelled to take. What is the job? Preventing a nuclear catastrophe being plotted by terrorists.

What I liked:
* Ali Sinclair – a smart, strong, resilient woman with impeccable training and background ranging from military to MI6 – I liked her
* Frank McGill - retired royal marine commando with operational experience willing to do anything to keep family and friends safe. He is also a man not to trifle with. He will seek revenge if someone he cares for his harmed/killed – I like him and the friendship he has with Ali.
* The story – the plotting was perfect, the fight scenes realistic, the characters believable
* Quinn, her sons Simeon and Danny...all great supporting characters

What I did not like:
* Bazarov and his thugs – evil incarnate
* The way agents are left to fend for themselves in bad situations
* Not finding out who the mole in England is – Vadim deserves a wicked fate

Thank you to the author and BOTBS for the ARC – This is my honest revieww.

4-5 Stars
Profile Image for Julie Lacey.
2,034 reviews129 followers
April 26, 2018
This is a gripping thriller.
Frank McGill helps Ali Sinclair to escape from a Mexican prison where she was waiting to be released by the British government. They had more or less washed their hands of her so it was down to Frank to help her.
They are soon asked to help MI6 with a very sensitive task which involves nuclear weapons and their lives are soon at risk.
Ali is asked to get information from an old friend but she finds it hard to get past all the security surrounding her. Once she’s in though it soon comes to light that Jo is in way over her head and Ali and Frank have a race against time to stop the nuclear weapon being deployed.
I really liked both Ali and Frank and hope there are more books to follow this one.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
776 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2018
This is a brilliant start to what could be a very long series. Again feisty female just what I like. It’s non stop action all the way through. I just couldn’t put it down. This is a cracking action thriller, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended must read.
Profile Image for David Baird.
587 reviews23 followers
November 1, 2019
Ali Sinclair and Frank McGill are not to be messed with.. Ali has quite a skill set and with Frank backing her up with fire power when needed you are in deep trouble if they come calling.

Sinclair has spent time behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit.. she took the blame for the right reasons but she will never trust those in power again who left her in a hell hole of a prison.

When Sinclair breaks free Frank is their waiting.. nows she’s keeping her head down as she will be sent back to jail if caught.

When Simeon Carter learns of a potential situation that could use the skills and knowledge of Sinclair it’s Frank who must act as a middle man and gain Ali’s support… this is a chance for her to come home.. it’s not one she can pass up. She’s the ideal candidate.. she’s got the skills and a past connection on the inside to help… or are they part of the madness also?

As Frank and Ali set out on their mission Simeon is also doing his bit..he’s got an expert working with her to uncover the threat but with limited info it’s not going to be easy.

It soon comes clear there is more to this threat than originally thought and it could have devastating results.

Everything comes to an explosive conclusion but there threads left to set the scene for the next book in the series which I’m excited to read.

What I really enjoyed about the book was the plot..the whole idea of how the bad guy thinks he can get his hands on nuclear weapons was fascinating.. the whole idea that security put in place to protect these system could be exploited was right up my street.

The story is quite plot driven so I would have loved a little more character development as I didn’t feel like I knew them well enough by the end of the tale..Sinclair and McGill are a tight team but I’d like to explore the background to this more.. hopefully we will see their connection grow further in the next instalment.

Desperate Ground is a spy thriller full of action and violence.. it’s the perfect thriller.. reminds me of Mission Impossible/James Bond and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ali is such a strong and fearless force it’s hard not to love her.
Profile Image for Kaisha (The Writing Garnet).
655 reviews184 followers
May 1, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

I think I have found a new contender for my top book of 2018 list! What a mind-blowing, oxygen denying, high speed read! This review will be vague and short because I don't want to give anything away, not even a smidge.

It's not often I say this but after you have purchased 'Desperate Ground' and are getting ready to read it - turn off all phones, mute the children, mute the dog and put a 'do not disturb' sign on your front door so that you can enjoy every morsel of this book without any disruptions.

Ali is such a firecracker of a character, and the characters who run alongside her in the storyline are very complex and highly entertaining. Put it this way, the characters are matched to the storyline exceptionally well and for once, I didn't actually dislike any of the main characters! I know, I know, I was as shocked as you.

'Desperate Ground' is the type of book I love to read, yet is one that if anyone asked me what types of books I enjoyed, I wouldn't be able to describe it in fear of getting it wrong or not doing it justice. Hell, even my review won't do this book justice and I am fully aware of that, but, I cannot stress this enough; YOU NEED TO GO AND BUY THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT IS F'AMAZING!

I knew early one in the story that I wouldn't be putting it down until the very last page, and I didn't. Yes, I read it in one sitting and I was absolutely devastated when it finished as I wanted more. I didn't want more like the feeling you get when you want a new pair of shoes. No. I wanted more like the feeling you get after you take a sip of your very first coffee of the day. Not only do you want more, you need more. I need more of Ali Sinclair and friends, and I cannot wait to read more from LJ Morris.

What a fantastic book this is! I am quite willing to share my soap box with this book so that I can tell the whole world and its wife about it.
Profile Image for Beverley.
370 reviews44 followers
April 30, 2018
Desperate Ground by LJ Morris opens with a shocking moment and what follows is an adrenalin fuelled trip which takes us from a Mexican prison to London and to dark corners of the US. Ali is on the run. Desperate to get home to the UK she is trapped in the US and is constantly looking over shoulder. When her friend and confidant, Franks, finds a way to help her escape the US she jumps at the chance. It means working for those in the top echelons of power in London and requires nerves of steel. Ali is a ball-breaking, kick-ass heroine whose physical and mental prowess is to be admired. Desperate Ground is an action-movie in book form – a strong protagonist, evil bad guys and the CIA, FBI and MI6 throwing their weight in when needed.
642 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2018
Desperate Ground is exciting fast pace and edge of your seat thriller. Not overly long but throws a good punch. This is a new author for me but will certainly be looking out for him again. The heroine in this instant is back in a Mexican jail where she first started and after escaping once bet they will be keeping their eyes open this time in case it happens again, so hopefully there will be another book as Ali is waiting for the British to hold their hands up as they know she is innocent and bring her back home.
31 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2018
This pacy action thriller is just my kind of read. The pairing of principled and strong Ali Sinclair and her take no prisoners friend Frank McGill is inspired. Promising that this formidable team will have numerous further outings.

The story grips from the start with Ali's escape with Frank's help from a Mexican prison. I don't want to say too much, as I detest spoilers but they must work in the shadows, their lives at risk and the stakes involve a nuclear weapon. What more do you want?

Desperate ground is a first class page turner.
Profile Image for Sandra.
Author 12 books33 followers
March 31, 2019
I've been promising myself a read of this since March last year. It arrived yesterday afternoon, I read a bit before bedtime and finished it over a (very) long lunch today.

It's a bit of a sideways step from my usual genres but, as with Chris Simms, contains a fast-paced, lucidly-plotted, high tension story which I much enjoyed, with the pairing of Ali Sinclair and Frank McGill to give it the central relationship focus which, in my opinion, every book needs.
Best of all it looks like this is - had better be! - the first of many.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
May 3, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I love this kind of book so after reading the blurb for the book I jumped at the chance to get my hands on a copy and read it as soon as it landed on my Kindle!!

I was thrown straight in to the story and gripped right from the first few pages, I thought that it was excellent, definitely a read for me and I loved the characters, plot, pace, cover, pretty much everything!! The story was detailed enough to keep me entertained throughout and I loved guessing where the story was going to take me. Very well planned out and the execution of the story was great!

Five stars from me - very enjoyable and I was gripped from the start!!
35 reviews
May 3, 2018
Cracking read, McGill & Sinclair are a formidable team. The story skips along nicely, never getting too hung up on the characters, although they are fleshed out nicely. A good story line partly believable. Still a thriller is a thriller, would recommend as a good read.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,899 reviews464 followers
May 25, 2018
After being wrongly convicted, former intelligence operative Ali Sinclair has been hiding out ever since her escape from a Mexican jail. Only good friend and ex-Marine Frank McGill knows her whereabouts. Meanwhile, Ali's friend Jo Quinn was seen with an arms dealer apparently connected to a nuclear weapons agreement. MI6 recruits Ali to spy on her friend for what could ultimately lead to saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Ali is skating on thin ice while McGill works closely with her and does his best to protect her.

What I hated about this book: it was not my cup of tea. What I loved about this book: it was not my cup of tea. Forgive the dichotomy, because I’m ecstatic that I read this book! Desperate Ground is wickedly fast-paced. A truly exciting change of pace from my usual fare. It was a thrilling, engrossing, edge-of-your-seat read!

Many thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for this ARC to review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.