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Barbican: A Sterling McQueen Spy Story
Let’s face it, most books in the spy genre these days rely far too much on gadgetry and over-the-top stunts that only happen in the movies. Isn’t it time someone returned to the vintage spy novel? Barbican is a political thriller written in the mold of the old spy classics. Our hero, Sterling McQueen, shuns modern technology in favor of the more reliable standbys of human intelligence and his own keen power of deduction. This is a mystery/thriller filled with intrigue, layered with nuance, and peppered with more twists and turns than an Alpine highway.
Hostages are being snatched all across Europe. They come from different countries and different backgrounds, but they all have two traits in common. They’re Jewish and they’re rich. German intelligence is close to solving the mystery when an asset—a professor of Middle Eastern studies—is kidnapped in Brussels. Sterling McQueen is dispatched by the Strategic Support Branch (SSB) in the United States to assist in the case. He discovers a tangled web of deception and secrecy that has world intelligence agencies chasing their own tails.
The adventure leads McQueen to Brussels, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and a remote Austrian fortress or barbican. McQueen peels back the many layers of this case to discover he’s dealing with an unconventional kind of terrorist group. Their plan could totally realign the power structure of the world. They communicate in a unique code that McQueen has to solve if he’s going to stop them from carrying out their ultimate mission.
From the author of The First Face of Janus and The God Players comes a political thriller so spellbinding it will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Hostages are being snatched all across Europe. They come from different countries and different backgrounds, but they all have two traits in common. They’re Jewish and they’re rich. German intelligence is close to solving the mystery when an asset—a professor of Middle Eastern studies—is kidnapped in Brussels. Sterling McQueen is dispatched by the Strategic Support Branch (SSB) in the United States to assist in the case. He discovers a tangled web of deception and secrecy that has world intelligence agencies chasing their own tails.
The adventure leads McQueen to Brussels, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and a remote Austrian fortress or barbican. McQueen peels back the many layers of this case to discover he’s dealing with an unconventional kind of terrorist group. Their plan could totally realign the power structure of the world. They communicate in a unique code that McQueen has to solve if he’s going to stop them from carrying out their ultimate mission.
From the author of The First Face of Janus and The God Players comes a political thriller so spellbinding it will keep you turning pages late into the night.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2018
About the author
Phil Valentine
6 books46 followersPhil Valentine is the #1 bestselling author of The First Face of Janus.
He's also a syndicated talk show host with Westwood One. He's the recipient of 20 AIR Awards in Nashville and Philadelphia and the winner of the prestigious Gold Worldmedal from the New York Festivals.
His screenwriting has won the California Film Awards, the Nevada Film Festival, the Colorado Film Festival, and was a finalist in 10 other festivals, including the American Movie Awards and the Beverly Hills Film Festival. He's also an award-winning movie producer.
He's also a syndicated talk show host with Westwood One. He's the recipient of 20 AIR Awards in Nashville and Philadelphia and the winner of the prestigious Gold Worldmedal from the New York Festivals.
His screenwriting has won the California Film Awards, the Nevada Film Festival, the Colorado Film Festival, and was a finalist in 10 other festivals, including the American Movie Awards and the Beverly Hills Film Festival. He's also an award-winning movie producer.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 16, 2018
Keeps you guessing till the very end
This book is full of details that make you feel like you’re in the room. Is also a great history lesson and makes you wonder how much of all of this could truly be going on today. Can’t wait for the next one.
This book is full of details that make you feel like you’re in the room. Is also a great history lesson and makes you wonder how much of all of this could truly be going on today. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 17, 2019
I had to go into this with an open mind, really. Phil Valentine has been my favorite talk show host for many, many years. I have laughed, cheered, and gotten quite upset at times, while listening to his show. When I heard he wrote a book, a fiction book no less, I was quite surprised and thrilled. I had to wipe that out of my mind and just read the book, knowing that he wrote it. It was a signed copy. A Christmas present from my husband. Ok, on to my thoughts. I loved it! I got right into the book. It was well written and full of action! It also seemed to have been well researched with many facts about the countries in which the story took place. I loved the character Sterling McQueen! Great job Phil! I am ready to read more!!!
July 5, 2023
I picked up this novel at a library sale, thinking my son and hubby might like it if I didn't. But it's an interesting spy story with many twists, and some unexpected outcomes that remind readers that many things make sense when we know the media news reports are rarely the real story! The main character has quirks and definite personal tastes, and he stays focused on his mission - for which few other people would be qualified to handle.
I passed the paperback on to my son and read the Kindle version. It wasn't until I was far into the book that I encountered some offensive language, otherwise I could have rated it higher. Spy thriller fans who are weary of special effects and unrealistic scenes might enjoy this book.
I passed the paperback on to my son and read the Kindle version. It wasn't until I was far into the book that I encountered some offensive language, otherwise I could have rated it higher. Spy thriller fans who are weary of special effects and unrealistic scenes might enjoy this book.
September 9, 2018
Really enjoyed reading this
Really enjoyed reading this. A good story, a good mystery, informative on history, architecture, events, locations and more. A total learning experience. I have to say, I never saw any of it coming. And the ending, Gobsmacked! The characters are well rounded & developed. The banter between them brings a light & welcomed comedic injection throughout but not overtly so to take away from the seriousness of the story. Well done! Looking forward to the next installment.
Really enjoyed reading this. A good story, a good mystery, informative on history, architecture, events, locations and more. A total learning experience. I have to say, I never saw any of it coming. And the ending, Gobsmacked! The characters are well rounded & developed. The banter between them brings a light & welcomed comedic injection throughout but not overtly so to take away from the seriousness of the story. Well done! Looking forward to the next installment.
August 28, 2020
This book is a wake-up call for Americans
I only bought this book because I am a Fan of Mr Valentine's radio show . You can listen t o it on I Heart radio on 99.7 WTN. This book is about Marxist ideology in Europe but the way antifa is turning our cities into chaos in the United States it is scary to see how Mr. Valentine saw this coming. This was a great suspense spy novel, everyone should read it. This is the first book on my Kindle for which I have written a review.
I only bought this book because I am a Fan of Mr Valentine's radio show . You can listen t o it on I Heart radio on 99.7 WTN. This book is about Marxist ideology in Europe but the way antifa is turning our cities into chaos in the United States it is scary to see how Mr. Valentine saw this coming. This was a great suspense spy novel, everyone should read it. This is the first book on my Kindle for which I have written a review.
June 11, 2018
Terrific Read.
The twists and turns through out the book were uncanny. Will certainly read more of McQueen's adventures. He reminded me of the men and women who first began the art of spying but without the modern world of gadgets. Humit was necessary then and now.
The twists and turns through out the book were uncanny. Will certainly read more of McQueen's adventures. He reminded me of the men and women who first began the art of spying but without the modern world of gadgets. Humit was necessary then and now.
July 16, 2018
Not bad! Some dialog is more stilted than snappy, but in all it's a smooth read with distinct characters, solid twists, and a satisfying ending. I'm glad I gave it a chance, and I would happily return to the world of Sterling McQueen.
July 24, 2018
Another nonstop read!
Phil Valentine has done it again. Old fashioned spy work at it’s best. So many twists, turns and misdirection by all the players. You will never see the end game until the last chapter.
Phil Valentine has done it again. Old fashioned spy work at it’s best. So many twists, turns and misdirection by all the players. You will never see the end game until the last chapter.
June 11, 2018
Riveting!
This book is a page turner! Couldn’t put it down. The unexpected conclusion is the best! This is a great read!
This book is a page turner! Couldn’t put it down. The unexpected conclusion is the best! This is a great read!
June 14, 2018
Good Read
Another good read from Uncle Phil. Sorry it did not beat out Patterson /Clinton, naybe next time. Hope McQueen has other adventures coming.
Another good read from Uncle Phil. Sorry it did not beat out Patterson /Clinton, naybe next time. Hope McQueen has other adventures coming.
June 16, 2018
Excellent plot twist!
It starts out a little slow as the background is built but it picks up for quite the ride! If you are a fan of Clancy you will certainly enjoy Valentine...
It starts out a little slow as the background is built but it picks up for quite the ride! If you are a fan of Clancy you will certainly enjoy Valentine...
June 20, 2018
Good read but.........I
This is a well written work but a little too deep for me. Too much detail for a relaxing read. Thank you ,Phil.
This is a well written work but a little too deep for me. Too much detail for a relaxing read. Thank you ,Phil.
July 20, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Great story. For once I didn’t see the ending coming. Definitely worth the read! Kept me coming back for more, excited for the next one.
Great story. For once I didn’t see the ending coming. Definitely worth the read! Kept me coming back for more, excited for the next one.
July 29, 2018
Way to go Uncle Phil!
Great book! Not quite as good as "The Faces of Janis" but definitely a very close second. I did enjoy reading it and look forward to the series.
Great book! Not quite as good as "The Faces of Janis" but definitely a very close second. I did enjoy reading it and look forward to the series.
September 22, 2018
Good spy novel
Thought it started a little slow, but was great in details and explanations. I am looking forward to the next one
Thought it started a little slow, but was great in details and explanations. I am looking forward to the next one
September 25, 2018
Loved it
I couldn't stop reading this. I missed many a bedtime. I can't wait for the next installment to come out.
I couldn't stop reading this. I missed many a bedtime. I can't wait for the next installment to come out.
September 29, 2019
Fun, interesting spy story
Music and history combine for a compelling thriller.
Worth the time to read, with an unexpected plot twist.
Waiting for the next Sterling McQueen novel!
Music and history combine for a compelling thriller.
Worth the time to read, with an unexpected plot twist.
Waiting for the next Sterling McQueen novel!
Read
November 2, 2018Engaging. Lots of long names to remember. McQueen is a proactive and inventive character. A problem solver. Good book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews