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Matt Logan #1
Capture or Kill
For fans of Ant Middleton and the BBC's Bodyguard , read this gripping thriller from former MI5 operative, Tom Marcus. Author of the bestselling Soldier Spy . Matt Logan is an MI5 agent for the British government. Working on the frontline of counter-terrorism in the UK he’s trained to protect its citizens against all threats. When two brothers known operationally as ‘Iron Sword’ and ‘Stone Fist’ are suspected of plotting a major terrorist event, Logan and his team work undercover to track them down. If they fail, an attack will be unleashed that will rock the country to its very core. Frustrated by always needing to obey the rules, Logan yearns for a way to break through the red tape that hinders their progress. His wishes seem to come true when he is offered the chance to join a new, deniable outfit known as ‘Blindeye’. Then devastating news reaches Logan, throwing his world into turmoil. But one thing remains certain, he will join the team and become their fiercest, most ruthless operative . . . Capture or Kill is the first in Tom Marcus's breathtaking series featuring tortured MI5 operative Matt Logan.
336 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2019
189 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Tom Marcus
14 books164 followersTom Marcus, former MI5, grew up on the streets in the North of England. He joined the Army at sixteen and went on to became the youngest member of the Armed Forces to pass the 6-month selection process for Special Operations in Northern Ireland.
He was hand picked from the Army into MI5 as a Surveillance Officer. He left the Security Service recently after a decade on the frontline protecting his country due to being diagnosed with PTSD.
An extraordinary battle and recovery took place which led Tom to write his first book, Soldier Spy which has been vetted and cleared for publication by MI5, it's the first true ground level account ever to be told. The first time in the Security Services' history a Surveillance Officer has told the real story of the fight on our streets and his debut book went straight to Number 1 on the Sunday Times best sellers list and Number 1 on Amazon.
Tom's new fiction series featuring Matt Logan starts in May 2018 with his first book; Capture or Kill.
Tom, now consults on projects within TV and film including the TV dramatisation of his book Soldier Spy.
Due to the ongoing specific threat to Tom Marcus, MI5 insist he keep his identity hidden and he continues to work with the Security Service and other agencies to ensure he stays safe.
He was hand picked from the Army into MI5 as a Surveillance Officer. He left the Security Service recently after a decade on the frontline protecting his country due to being diagnosed with PTSD.
An extraordinary battle and recovery took place which led Tom to write his first book, Soldier Spy which has been vetted and cleared for publication by MI5, it's the first true ground level account ever to be told. The first time in the Security Services' history a Surveillance Officer has told the real story of the fight on our streets and his debut book went straight to Number 1 on the Sunday Times best sellers list and Number 1 on Amazon.
Tom's new fiction series featuring Matt Logan starts in May 2018 with his first book; Capture or Kill.
Tom, now consults on projects within TV and film including the TV dramatisation of his book Soldier Spy.
Due to the ongoing specific threat to Tom Marcus, MI5 insist he keep his identity hidden and he continues to work with the Security Service and other agencies to ensure he stays safe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
June 10, 2018
Dont know why I continued with this. Protagonist is quite one dimensional and really not interesting. The plot is pretty simple and the writing ok. The action didn't excite me at all. I also think the middle eastern terrorist novels have be done too much since the early 2000s. Hopefully book 2 is much better
October 20, 2023
For fans of Chris Ryan, Andy McNab, Kerry J Donovan, Ant Middleton and the BBC's Bodyguard. Read this gripping thriller from former MI5 operative, Tom Marcus, author of the bestselling Soldier Spy.
Matt Logan is an MI5 agent for the British government. Working on the frontline of counter-terrorism in the UK he’s trained to protect its citizens against all threats.
When two brothers known operationally as ‘Iron Sword’ and ‘Stone Fist’ are suspected of plotting a major terrorist event, Logan and his team work undercover to track them down. If they fail, an attack will be unleashed that will rock the country to its very core.
Frustrated by always needing to obey the rules, Logan yearns for a way to break through the red tape that hinders their progress. His wishes seem to come true when he is offered the chance to join a new, deniable outfit known as ‘Blindeye’.
Then devastating news reaches Logan, throwing his world into turmoil. But one thing remains certain, he will join the team and become their fiercest, most ruthless operative . . .
A powerful, authentic, very detailed, realistic, strong, well paced thriller, which builds to a fast paced conclusion. A clear and powerful collection of strong characters.
Capture or Kill is the first in Tom Marcus's breath taking series featuring tortured MI5 operative Matt Logan.
Tom Marcus, former MI5, grew up on the streets in the North of England. He joined the Army at sixteen and went on to became the youngest member of the Armed Forces to pass the 6-month selection process for Special Operations in Northern Ireland.
He was hand picked from the Army into MI5 as a Surveillance Officer. He left the Security Service after a decade on the frontline protecting his country due to being diagnosed with PTSD.
An extraordinary battle and recovery took place which led Tom to write his first book, Soldier Spy which has been vetted and cleared for publication by MI5.
I give this book four stars, some may give it less, as to close to his own story, but I believe his life story proves he has the knowledge to create a gripping story, which could be so close to the truth, we the public will never knows what goes on behind the doors !
Matt Logan is an MI5 agent for the British government. Working on the frontline of counter-terrorism in the UK he’s trained to protect its citizens against all threats.
When two brothers known operationally as ‘Iron Sword’ and ‘Stone Fist’ are suspected of plotting a major terrorist event, Logan and his team work undercover to track them down. If they fail, an attack will be unleashed that will rock the country to its very core.
Frustrated by always needing to obey the rules, Logan yearns for a way to break through the red tape that hinders their progress. His wishes seem to come true when he is offered the chance to join a new, deniable outfit known as ‘Blindeye’.
Then devastating news reaches Logan, throwing his world into turmoil. But one thing remains certain, he will join the team and become their fiercest, most ruthless operative . . .
A powerful, authentic, very detailed, realistic, strong, well paced thriller, which builds to a fast paced conclusion. A clear and powerful collection of strong characters.
Capture or Kill is the first in Tom Marcus's breath taking series featuring tortured MI5 operative Matt Logan.
Tom Marcus, former MI5, grew up on the streets in the North of England. He joined the Army at sixteen and went on to became the youngest member of the Armed Forces to pass the 6-month selection process for Special Operations in Northern Ireland.
He was hand picked from the Army into MI5 as a Surveillance Officer. He left the Security Service after a decade on the frontline protecting his country due to being diagnosed with PTSD.
An extraordinary battle and recovery took place which led Tom to write his first book, Soldier Spy which has been vetted and cleared for publication by MI5.
I give this book four stars, some may give it less, as to close to his own story, but I believe his life story proves he has the knowledge to create a gripping story, which could be so close to the truth, we the public will never knows what goes on behind the doors !
December 26, 2018
A blistering counter-terrorism romp set in London, reputedly written by a former agent with experience in the field who goes by the name of Tom Marcus. Marcus uses the first person present throughout and two POVs, whose voices are irreverent and strongly effective. The novel’s themes are topical and quite refreshing in literary fiction. The main character is endearingly flawed and the chief antagonist is sinister despite his rare appearances. I found the ending to be very satisfying and there’s plenty of scope for more sequels.
December 31, 2018
Capture or Kill – Fantastic Spook Thriller
Capture or Kill is the fantastic debut thriller from former Mi5 operative Tom Marcus, who first came to our attention with his autobiographic first book, Soldier Spy. Capture or Kill brings that knowledge of his spy trade into the light for readers to enjoy. This is an excellent piece of thriller writing where you question could Mi5 really get away with any of this, or they tied up with red-tape. This is truly a page turner!
Matt Logan is an Mi5 officer working on the front line of counter-terrorism operations in the UK. He and his team have been tasked with watching two brothers who have come on to the terrorist watchlist and that is what they are doing. But when the team leader at Thames House requests that Logan’s team pull back, do they lose the brothers.
Having seen terror operations hampered by bureaucracy Logan and a number of other Mi5 operatives are offered the opportunity to be in a dark deniable operations team. Like the terrorists they would have no rules than other than stop at all costs any terrorist that has been targeted as part of their mission. This team would go into action and emotion could not be part of the deal.
When the brothers who they had been watching start an attack at the heart of the British establishment, Logan begins to see the deniable unit kicked into action. Will the Logan be able to stop the attack, or will it be a major embarrassment to the country.
A fantastic thriller that really does live up to the cliché of a real page turner. The insight of Marcus shows throughout the thriller, and that knowledge makes this book so good.
Capture or Kill is the fantastic debut thriller from former Mi5 operative Tom Marcus, who first came to our attention with his autobiographic first book, Soldier Spy. Capture or Kill brings that knowledge of his spy trade into the light for readers to enjoy. This is an excellent piece of thriller writing where you question could Mi5 really get away with any of this, or they tied up with red-tape. This is truly a page turner!
Matt Logan is an Mi5 officer working on the front line of counter-terrorism operations in the UK. He and his team have been tasked with watching two brothers who have come on to the terrorist watchlist and that is what they are doing. But when the team leader at Thames House requests that Logan’s team pull back, do they lose the brothers.
Having seen terror operations hampered by bureaucracy Logan and a number of other Mi5 operatives are offered the opportunity to be in a dark deniable operations team. Like the terrorists they would have no rules than other than stop at all costs any terrorist that has been targeted as part of their mission. This team would go into action and emotion could not be part of the deal.
When the brothers who they had been watching start an attack at the heart of the British establishment, Logan begins to see the deniable unit kicked into action. Will the Logan be able to stop the attack, or will it be a major embarrassment to the country.
A fantastic thriller that really does live up to the cliché of a real page turner. The insight of Marcus shows throughout the thriller, and that knowledge makes this book so good.
September 14, 2020
Not my normal genre but was actually a really good read. Would recommend
November 29, 2018
Capture or Kill by Tom Marcus
Official blurb
From the bestselling author of Soldier Spy, former MI5 officer Tom Marcus, comes the first in a thrilling new fiction series.
Matt Logan is an MI5 agent for the British government. Working on the frontline of counter-terrorism in the UK he’s trained to protect its citizens against all threats.
When two brothers known operationally as ‘Iron Sword’ and ‘Stone Fist’ are suspected of plotting a major terrorist event, Logan and his team work undercover to track them down. If they fail, an attack will be unleashed that will rock the country to its very core.
Frustrated by always needing to obey the rules, Logan yearns for a way to break through the red tape that hinders their progress. His wishes seem to come true when he is offered the chance to join a new, deniable outfit known as ‘Blindeye’.
Then devastating news reaches Logan, throwing his world into turmoil. But one thing remains certain, he will join the team and become their fiercest, most ruthless operative . . .
Capture or Kill is the first in Tom Marcus's breathtaking series featuring tortured MI5 operative Matt Logan.
My Review
Matt Logan is an MI5 agent and when a mission goes ‘wrong’ and they lose the subject of their observations, he’s frustrated at the powers that be. There is then a terrorist attack and his family are gone. He almost loses the will to live and contemplates suicide but because of his sheer dedication to get some sort of revenge he decides to carry on.
He and some members of his team are recruited into a sort of black ops team, with full deniability and all sorts of tech at hand to try to stop further atrocities in this incredible, fast paced, breathtaking novel. The writing is so attention grabbing you really cannot stop reading, as you just have to know what on earth is going to happen next.
There are twists, some insights in to politics of undercover operations, politics in general and sheer brutal violence at times. In my opinion a more modern day cross between Robert Ludlum and Le Carre. I can thoroughly recommend it.
My thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity to read Capture or Kill.
Published in May 2018 by Macmillan
Official blurb
From the bestselling author of Soldier Spy, former MI5 officer Tom Marcus, comes the first in a thrilling new fiction series.
Matt Logan is an MI5 agent for the British government. Working on the frontline of counter-terrorism in the UK he’s trained to protect its citizens against all threats.
When two brothers known operationally as ‘Iron Sword’ and ‘Stone Fist’ are suspected of plotting a major terrorist event, Logan and his team work undercover to track them down. If they fail, an attack will be unleashed that will rock the country to its very core.
Frustrated by always needing to obey the rules, Logan yearns for a way to break through the red tape that hinders their progress. His wishes seem to come true when he is offered the chance to join a new, deniable outfit known as ‘Blindeye’.
Then devastating news reaches Logan, throwing his world into turmoil. But one thing remains certain, he will join the team and become their fiercest, most ruthless operative . . .
Capture or Kill is the first in Tom Marcus's breathtaking series featuring tortured MI5 operative Matt Logan.
My Review
Matt Logan is an MI5 agent and when a mission goes ‘wrong’ and they lose the subject of their observations, he’s frustrated at the powers that be. There is then a terrorist attack and his family are gone. He almost loses the will to live and contemplates suicide but because of his sheer dedication to get some sort of revenge he decides to carry on.
He and some members of his team are recruited into a sort of black ops team, with full deniability and all sorts of tech at hand to try to stop further atrocities in this incredible, fast paced, breathtaking novel. The writing is so attention grabbing you really cannot stop reading, as you just have to know what on earth is going to happen next.
There are twists, some insights in to politics of undercover operations, politics in general and sheer brutal violence at times. In my opinion a more modern day cross between Robert Ludlum and Le Carre. I can thoroughly recommend it.
My thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity to read Capture or Kill.
Published in May 2018 by Macmillan
December 21, 2018
I read this book through The Pigeonhole, a free online book club. It was split into 10 parts, called staves, that I read through the nifty Pigeonhole app. I could interact with other readers and read the interview from the author that was shared throughout the 10 days.
I signed up for this book a while ago, but when it came to read it live on the app, with other readers I wasn’t in the right mood. I’d just finished two similar audiobooks. and needed a change so I waited a while before coming back to it. Fortunately with The Pigeonhole the book stays on your bookshelf for a month so you can still read it when the 10 days are over. This is what I did and I’m so pleased that I did because I enjoyed it immensely.
This book was a wild ride, it gripped me from the start and didn’t let go one bit. which is why I read within 24 hours! Tom Marcus’ fast paced story kept me flipping those pages on my phone until I got to the end. I couldn’t stop, I had to find out what was going to happen next to Logan and his new team, ‘Blindeye’.
I liked Logan the main character, although I don’t think I’d want to get on his wrong side, as he did have a few demons hanging around him. I guess anyone working in the secruity services is going to have a lot baggage considering what their job entails. I enjoyed the descritptions of how the team worked together, it showed how surveillance work is a lot less glamours than what’s shown in films and TV.
I highly recommend this if you enjoy thrillers, especially ones set in the world of MI5.
I signed up for this book a while ago, but when it came to read it live on the app, with other readers I wasn’t in the right mood. I’d just finished two similar audiobooks. and needed a change so I waited a while before coming back to it. Fortunately with The Pigeonhole the book stays on your bookshelf for a month so you can still read it when the 10 days are over. This is what I did and I’m so pleased that I did because I enjoyed it immensely.
This book was a wild ride, it gripped me from the start and didn’t let go one bit. which is why I read within 24 hours! Tom Marcus’ fast paced story kept me flipping those pages on my phone until I got to the end. I couldn’t stop, I had to find out what was going to happen next to Logan and his new team, ‘Blindeye’.
I liked Logan the main character, although I don’t think I’d want to get on his wrong side, as he did have a few demons hanging around him. I guess anyone working in the secruity services is going to have a lot baggage considering what their job entails. I enjoyed the descritptions of how the team worked together, it showed how surveillance work is a lot less glamours than what’s shown in films and TV.
I highly recommend this if you enjoy thrillers, especially ones set in the world of MI5.
September 5, 2020
I did not DNF this book because I felt bad doing that. I felt like the main character was not very interesting and there could have been more depth to him. The action was my least favourite part of this book and if anything it should be the part I’m most excited about.
Overall, this was not my type of book, I got it in my A Box of Stories subscription box so I had to give it a try. There is a second book in the works but I don’t plan on reading it. The reason I could have disliked it could be because it was not my usual genre of book, so I’d always say read a book yourself so you can make your own decision but sadly this one wasn’t for me.
Overall, this was not my type of book, I got it in my A Box of Stories subscription box so I had to give it a try. There is a second book in the works but I don’t plan on reading it. The reason I could have disliked it could be because it was not my usual genre of book, so I’d always say read a book yourself so you can make your own decision but sadly this one wasn’t for me.
August 3, 2018
Fast-Paced Fun Spy Story!
In terms of credentials for writing spook stories few are going to beat ex-MI5 man Tom Marcus. To my surprise in his fictional writing he has chosen a light touch, fast-paced approach to his expertise. You aren't going to find out a huge amount about how MI5 operates here, he's not showing off his undoubted knowledge. Instead he treats us to a fast-paced adventure that is very efficiently written with almost no padding. Written in the first person it follows MI5 agent Matt Logan through a brief but very traumatic adventure.
In truth while I enjoyed it immensely because of its very fast pacing, good action and an extremely impressive narration by Jason Langley you aren't going to find any great character depth or originality here apart from possibly how the final scenes work out. Put simply, this is a well put together story of British agents battling jihadi terrorists. But if that's your thing and you like a book that doesn't pull any punches or hang around on street corners discussing the finer points in life you'll likely get a lot of fun out of it like I did.
In terms of credentials for writing spook stories few are going to beat ex-MI5 man Tom Marcus. To my surprise in his fictional writing he has chosen a light touch, fast-paced approach to his expertise. You aren't going to find out a huge amount about how MI5 operates here, he's not showing off his undoubted knowledge. Instead he treats us to a fast-paced adventure that is very efficiently written with almost no padding. Written in the first person it follows MI5 agent Matt Logan through a brief but very traumatic adventure.
In truth while I enjoyed it immensely because of its very fast pacing, good action and an extremely impressive narration by Jason Langley you aren't going to find any great character depth or originality here apart from possibly how the final scenes work out. Put simply, this is a well put together story of British agents battling jihadi terrorists. But if that's your thing and you like a book that doesn't pull any punches or hang around on street corners discussing the finer points in life you'll likely get a lot of fun out of it like I did.
November 29, 2018
Capture or kill by Tom Marcus.
This is the first book by this author that I have read and wow what a read. It had everything in it. I loved the story and the characters. Didn't like Jeremy though. Didn't trust him. Loved Logan and Alex. Looking forward to reading more from this author. 5*.
This is the first book by this author that I have read and wow what a read. It had everything in it. I loved the story and the characters. Didn't like Jeremy though. Didn't trust him. Loved Logan and Alex. Looking forward to reading more from this author. 5*.
February 3, 2019
Oh I do love me a spy thriller. Gripping from the start. An author full of knowledge of the game! Fast paced, exciting and a great story to go with it I can't wait for the next instalment. Keep writing Tom Marcus. Da iawn.
December 5, 2020
Omg I didnt expect to like this but it was excellent. Great story, great delivery (Audible) and I loved it all.
June 4, 2021
I found the book pretty awful and Logan an unlikeable character. There is no way anyone in his emotional state should be allowed anywhere near undercover operations. Sorry, I am sure there are people who totally love it, but not me!
July 28, 2025
A fun book.
June 12, 2019
Logan works undercover on special missions and understands every day could be his last, but when his son and his partner Sarah are killed in a hit while out on a harmless day to the zoo he blames himself for not protecting them.
In grief he swears to avenge them and take out the "bad guys" to keep the rest of society safe.
But now he is going deeper, working for Blindeye a sideline covert ops programme to hit at terrorism cells and one of his duties is to save the foreign secretary who has just been taken hostage and is due to be publicly executed by his captors.
Tense, exciting and credible this was a great thriller.
In grief he swears to avenge them and take out the "bad guys" to keep the rest of society safe.
But now he is going deeper, working for Blindeye a sideline covert ops programme to hit at terrorism cells and one of his duties is to save the foreign secretary who has just been taken hostage and is due to be publicly executed by his captors.
Tense, exciting and credible this was a great thriller.
July 30, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Found it fun and easy to read. It’s not perfect, it’s got flaws. There are some mistakes and minor issues throughout but I could look past them.
The storyline was interesting. It has a Jihad plot that was mostly obvious as a bit cliche, yet it did keep me interested throughout and wanting to find out what the final solution would be.
The characters are fairly interesting. Clearly developing them out further for future novels.
There is an obvious route for a sequel and in my head I could potentially “write it” following similar plot lines and narratives I have read before. I’m hoping if there is it won’t fall into the same topic tropes this book has. But I’ll probably still read it.
The storyline was interesting. It has a Jihad plot that was mostly obvious as a bit cliche, yet it did keep me interested throughout and wanting to find out what the final solution would be.
The characters are fairly interesting. Clearly developing them out further for future novels.
There is an obvious route for a sequel and in my head I could potentially “write it” following similar plot lines and narratives I have read before. I’m hoping if there is it won’t fall into the same topic tropes this book has. But I’ll probably still read it.
December 2, 2018
Capture or Kill by Tom Marcus.
What is real and what is fiction?
Tom Marcus has a formidable knack of breathing life into his characters. Capture or Kill is a strong, bloody story, a gritty read, with a seriously fast pace, the narrative, dialogue and action are breath-taking. A storyline so “real” it’s easy to become lost in the book, a veritable fly on the wall so close to the action. The storyline is of today, it’s happening around us, to read, and feel the the world of such courageous people through these characters. It is incredible. The Independent newspaper and BBC programme Victoria Derbyshire’s interviews with Tom and his own accounts of his life as a former MI5 agent, is irresistible to read and watch. So many thanks to Tom Marcus for writing the book and to the Pigeonhole for giving us this story to read. It’s simply an incredible story.
What is real and what is fiction?
Tom Marcus has a formidable knack of breathing life into his characters. Capture or Kill is a strong, bloody story, a gritty read, with a seriously fast pace, the narrative, dialogue and action are breath-taking. A storyline so “real” it’s easy to become lost in the book, a veritable fly on the wall so close to the action. The storyline is of today, it’s happening around us, to read, and feel the the world of such courageous people through these characters. It is incredible. The Independent newspaper and BBC programme Victoria Derbyshire’s interviews with Tom and his own accounts of his life as a former MI5 agent, is irresistible to read and watch. So many thanks to Tom Marcus for writing the book and to the Pigeonhole for giving us this story to read. It’s simply an incredible story.
November 29, 2018
Three words describe this novel: excellent, real, and believable. It's a no-nonsense roller coaster ride of tension, written in a no-nonsense style, which makes it all too real. And it is. Tom Marcus draws on his own experiences to bring us this thriller, and we'd better take note, because this is a fictional story, but what's behind it is not!
My thanks to the Pigeonhole for making this book available. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
My thanks to the Pigeonhole for making this book available. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
November 30, 2018
I’ve just been on a breathless rollercoaster of a ride and we have now stopped half way round with the last big drop to come!
Tom Marcus’s writing draws you straight in and keeps you spellbound until the end. This is fiction but it feels so real. I hope a sequel is imminent and I can’t wait to read it.
I highly recommend this book and thank both the author and Pigeonhole for the chance to read it.
Tom Marcus’s writing draws you straight in and keeps you spellbound until the end. This is fiction but it feels so real. I hope a sequel is imminent and I can’t wait to read it.
I highly recommend this book and thank both the author and Pigeonhole for the chance to read it.
July 17, 2018
As much as I enjoyed this book I found the dialogue between the characters to be hard to follow at times. I would though recommend it to anyone who enjoys British spy thrillers.
June 12, 2018
I really liked Tom Marcus’ biography, so, although this is not really my sort of book, I thought that I’d give it ago. It tells the story of an MI5 operative who is recruited into a secret team which ends up chasing two terrorist brothers. Tom Marcus, being ex-MI5 provides lots of realistic sounding details, it’s for that and the fact that the ending was rather good, that it gets four stars, other than that, it’s a solid entertaining three stars.
January 12, 2019
I'd heard a lot of good things about 'Tom Marcus' (as soon as you hear he is ex-MI5, you can presume that Tom Marcus isn't his real name), but this was all rather disappointing. If these people are our last line of defence against international terrorism, then we better hope that the first few lines are a lot more professional and thorough. As presented here, it was all too amateurish, though that was partly the stereotypical characterisation of many of the main players. And those code names - that's a paddlin'
The surveillance operation at the start is however, exceptionally well done. I'd have liked to have seen that developed more, meaning 'lasted longer.' Knowing now what his background was before he became MI5, I can see why he was so good at writing those scenes. Sparingly described, but suggesting a whole lot more, the image of life on the cutting edge of On The Streets, is not one you want to be in yourself. The gratitude one feels for someone like him, who does go there, willingly, to protect us, is impossible to avoid. The scenes could have been made longer, more involved to dramatically increase the tension of the processes of the two brothers, and further highlight later, why it was so important to stop them. Unfortunately, the situation that the brothers are setting up, is, I'm sure, one that will be met with a massive "meh!"< by more than half of the British populace. I'll say no more than that it doesn't end the book in a way that might have rescued it after a limp middle.
The real problem comes fairly early on, with the setting up of this secret unit, by none other than the Director General of MI5 himself. As if... And, as if he would be known as 'DG.' And as if it would be so easy to break into his house... But I don't want to give the game away too much. The 'frustrations' that the main character voices, are very similar to those expressed in Lone Survivor, with the 'if only they'd take the shackles off us' attitude. The whole frustrated by always needing to obey the rules is ok for the main man to have, but really needs to be tempered, no matter how onerous the author might feel it to be, by the downside, by consequences. Though, because I've seen it in a couple of books recently, and written by authors who were active service members, it has to be a commonly held belief. As Tom Marcus is still working for the MI5, then you have to assume that it isn't a feeling he himself is allowed to (publicly) buy into, and that the scenario he writes about, is speculating what might happen if there were really 'shackles' taken off. It could be that he believes, as the action in the book is successful, that taking the shackles off is better than the situation at the moment, but as a responsible author, not to say current member of the secret services, he has to show the consequences.
I didn't know there was going to be a recommendation from The Sun on the front when I bought it. If I had, I wouldn't have...and a review from Kay Burley isn't helping any either.
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The surveillance operation at the start is however, exceptionally well done. I'd have liked to have seen that developed more, meaning 'lasted longer.' Knowing now what his background was before he became MI5, I can see why he was so good at writing those scenes. Sparingly described, but suggesting a whole lot more, the image of life on the cutting edge of On The Streets, is not one you want to be in yourself. The gratitude one feels for someone like him, who does go there, willingly, to protect us, is impossible to avoid. The scenes could have been made longer, more involved to dramatically increase the tension of the processes of the two brothers, and further highlight later, why it was so important to stop them. Unfortunately, the situation that the brothers are setting up, is, I'm sure, one that will be met with a massive "meh!"< by more than half of the British populace. I'll say no more than that it doesn't end the book in a way that might have rescued it after a limp middle.
The real problem comes fairly early on, with the setting up of this secret unit, by none other than the Director General of MI5 himself. As if... And, as if he would be known as 'DG.' And as if it would be so easy to break into his house... But I don't want to give the game away too much. The 'frustrations' that the main character voices, are very similar to those expressed in Lone Survivor, with the 'if only they'd take the shackles off us' attitude. The whole frustrated by always needing to obey the rules is ok for the main man to have, but really needs to be tempered, no matter how onerous the author might feel it to be, by the downside, by consequences. Though, because I've seen it in a couple of books recently, and written by authors who were active service members, it has to be a commonly held belief. As Tom Marcus is still working for the MI5, then you have to assume that it isn't a feeling he himself is allowed to (publicly) buy into, and that the scenario he writes about, is speculating what might happen if there were really 'shackles' taken off. It could be that he believes, as the action in the book is successful, that taking the shackles off is better than the situation at the moment, but as a responsible author, not to say current member of the secret services, he has to show the consequences.
I didn't know there was going to be a recommendation from The Sun on the front when I bought it. If I had, I wouldn't have...and a review from Kay Burley isn't helping any either.
Blog: Speesh Reads
Facebook: Speesh Reads
Pinterest: Speesh Reads
November 22, 2020
Right so it's a MI5 book. It's got a B movie esc plot which is fine. The characters are dull as f**k tho. All simple archetypes with no character growth. The twist smells a bit having been pulled from an a**e somewhere. No hints or suggestions something's up, just a insert twist cause needed. It has a healthy dose of contemporary racism cause it's extremists (ok) who are Muslim (oh) who plan in mosques (erm) and who hide in plain sight as doctors and the like (ah). The supporting cast at the start are barely established then dropped. The next set/team are described then not fleshed out and rarely scene. The tech guys shows up and it's like oh I know him we worked together I'm now going to explicitly trust him on everything. The main character has a wife and child so obviously b***h dead within minutes cause ooo sympathy for a character who is a c**t, fighting for and joining a team of deniability, championing the Idea that everything is permissible including unwarranted murder. When that happens he starts seeing his dead wife who's like say you didn't like it. When he starts enjoying violence and murder suddenly wifey don't give two honks anymore. The murder was of an extremist on day realise. What's the reaction? Nowt. No police. No news. You've lost a terrorist and no one cares. The plot resolves cause they see a teen video a video. Everything they did before then don't matter and nothing would be done if that didn't happen. It's a very telly story. Early on ooo I'm treated differently because I'm from the streets. Do we see that? No. He's treated the same, maybe even defacto leader at times but oh no I discriminated against, not like all those bad Muslims nah they defo deserve it. Oh and the oh so loving wife refers to her husband with his last name? Only once is his first name ever used. And those wifey visions only happen in action lulls. Like the author had his big blow out so has to start swinging the melodrama sledgehammer. And obviously it effects the plot about as much as breakfast that morning. The new team have a guy whom abandoned a tailing mission to beat up some thugs trying to rape a woman. So much for greater good justifications. That's all his character development as well. Another guy stops the main character killing, that's his development. One is Muslim ect. And a spelling mistake, the most unforgivable of sins. So you may be thinking why do I wanna read the sequel? I only enjoyed this book because it's lack of quality has a fascinating aura, watching it flounder
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2020
From the bestselling author of Soldier Spy, former MI5 officer Tom Marcus, comes the first in a thrilling new fiction series.
Matt Logan is an MI5 agent for the British government. Working on the frontline of counter-terrorism in the UK he’s trained to protect its citizens against all threats.
When two brothers known operationally as ‘Iron Sword’ and ‘Stone Fist’ are suspected of plotting a major terrorist event, Logan and his team work undercover to track them down. If they fail, an attack will be unleashed that will rock the country to its very core.
Frustrated by always needing to obey the rules, Logan yearns for a way to break through the red tape that hinders their progress. His wishes seem to come true when he is offered the chance to join a new, deniable outfit known as ‘Blindeye’.
Then devastating news reaches Logan, throwing his world into turmoil. But one thing remains certain, he will join the team and become their fiercest, most ruthless operative . . .
Capture or Kill is the first in Tom Marcus's breathtaking series featuring tortured MI5 operative Matt Logan.
A very good book based on Tom Marcus's experience and knowledge of working with MI5.
Fast paced with lots of action, you can easily get submerged into the plot and story.
In parts, if I'm honest towards the end, there were a few moments that didnt sit well with me, especially when he goes to see the DG at home and Alex and Logan's visit to Emily. It seemed a bit cringy and unnecessary and I cant imagine an agent going to those lengths and using those tactics.
On the whole though, it was a really good book with an excellent twist on the very last page
Matt Logan is an MI5 agent for the British government. Working on the frontline of counter-terrorism in the UK he’s trained to protect its citizens against all threats.
When two brothers known operationally as ‘Iron Sword’ and ‘Stone Fist’ are suspected of plotting a major terrorist event, Logan and his team work undercover to track them down. If they fail, an attack will be unleashed that will rock the country to its very core.
Frustrated by always needing to obey the rules, Logan yearns for a way to break through the red tape that hinders their progress. His wishes seem to come true when he is offered the chance to join a new, deniable outfit known as ‘Blindeye’.
Then devastating news reaches Logan, throwing his world into turmoil. But one thing remains certain, he will join the team and become their fiercest, most ruthless operative . . .
Capture or Kill is the first in Tom Marcus's breathtaking series featuring tortured MI5 operative Matt Logan.
A very good book based on Tom Marcus's experience and knowledge of working with MI5.
Fast paced with lots of action, you can easily get submerged into the plot and story.
In parts, if I'm honest towards the end, there were a few moments that didnt sit well with me, especially when he goes to see the DG at home and Alex and Logan's visit to Emily. It seemed a bit cringy and unnecessary and I cant imagine an agent going to those lengths and using those tactics.
On the whole though, it was a really good book with an excellent twist on the very last page
September 28, 2023
Matt Logan was desperate for a change. He lost his wife and kid and now looking for something to distract him from his pain.
The operation side of things is kind of boring, to begin with. The story itself is okay but the characters lack depth or a deeper understanding of life.
To begin with, Matt was frustrated with the work and wanted to take more direct action against those who did harm.
So a man who has just lost his wife and kid should not be put back into action. It is poor management, to begin with.
His black-ops team is just formed and now they are chasing after brothers who are also bomb placing terrorists. The very same one that got away when they set a bomb to kill Matt wife and kid.
The two brothers are good in terms of not getting caught with the police.
The MI5 are not as good as doing their job.
Matt's team is now doing the chase again. They were asked to back up and then something else happened that sped things up a bit.
It was all good until the shitty side-track into religion. This is the part I hate the most about the whole story.
The lack of character interaction and development is forgivable. As the main character is grieving.
Back to the story. Matt finally figured out something wrong with the setup when the brothers kidnapped a politician. Things got violent in the last 10%. OK ending.
I would have given it 4.5 stars for detailing the operation. But I minus half a star for the sidetracking.
If it appears in the next book, I would deduce at least one star for such side-tracking.
The operation side of things is kind of boring, to begin with. The story itself is okay but the characters lack depth or a deeper understanding of life.
To begin with, Matt was frustrated with the work and wanted to take more direct action against those who did harm.
So a man who has just lost his wife and kid should not be put back into action. It is poor management, to begin with.
His black-ops team is just formed and now they are chasing after brothers who are also bomb placing terrorists. The very same one that got away when they set a bomb to kill Matt wife and kid.
The two brothers are good in terms of not getting caught with the police.
The MI5 are not as good as doing their job.
Matt's team is now doing the chase again. They were asked to back up and then something else happened that sped things up a bit.
It was all good until the shitty side-track into religion. This is the part I hate the most about the whole story.
The lack of character interaction and development is forgivable. As the main character is grieving.
Back to the story. Matt finally figured out something wrong with the setup when the brothers kidnapped a politician. Things got violent in the last 10%. OK ending.
I would have given it 4.5 stars for detailing the operation. But I minus half a star for the sidetracking.
If it appears in the next book, I would deduce at least one star for such side-tracking.
February 22, 2021
This is a review of the Audible version of the book, narrated by Jason Langley.
A fast paced and exciting thriller, with plot twists and an ending that leads perfectly into another book. After reading the two non-fiction books by the author, I took a leap with this one and thoroughly enjoyed it.
No, it may not be a work of literary genius. The plot may have holes and at times seem a little far fetched, but it’s fiction, and as a piece of escapism I found it the perfect way to spend my Sunday, completing the book in a day.
Often I shy away from audiobooks because so much depends on the narrator. Jason Langley absolutely nails this, as he did the two non-fiction books. I’ve even searched now for anything else he’s narrated, regardless of what it may be, because I am confident that if he’s reading it I’m going to enjoy it. The variances in pace and tone are expertly carried out and the changes of person or accent are subtle and not overplayed. Often those are the things that make me cringe and really put me off, but he carries it off to perfection. He was a perfect choice for this book.
A fast paced and exciting thriller, with plot twists and an ending that leads perfectly into another book. After reading the two non-fiction books by the author, I took a leap with this one and thoroughly enjoyed it.
No, it may not be a work of literary genius. The plot may have holes and at times seem a little far fetched, but it’s fiction, and as a piece of escapism I found it the perfect way to spend my Sunday, completing the book in a day.
Often I shy away from audiobooks because so much depends on the narrator. Jason Langley absolutely nails this, as he did the two non-fiction books. I’ve even searched now for anything else he’s narrated, regardless of what it may be, because I am confident that if he’s reading it I’m going to enjoy it. The variances in pace and tone are expertly carried out and the changes of person or accent are subtle and not overplayed. Often those are the things that make me cringe and really put me off, but he carries it off to perfection. He was a perfect choice for this book.
January 19, 2023
Listened via Audible.
After being engrossed by his two autobiographies about his life in MI5, I was excited to see what Tom Marcus' fiction was like, particularly as I like crime/thrillers. It kept on the same style as his autobiographies, making it almost seem like Logan was an extension of Tom Marcus himself and like it was something that he would have wanted to do at points in his career. I was a bit disappointed that Sarah and his son were killed off so early in the book, but understood that this was the motivation for the character to actually join the stealthy and deniable team. It probably wouldn't be possible to complete those missions with a baby and wife at home.
I loved the characters in the story and particularly how the team all wanted to gel together. It seemed well rounded, and I particularly liked that chapters which showed the mindset of terrorists and how they may be thinking.
Listening to this on Audible did make me a bit more paranoid walking down the street though, like I was actually part of a covert mission myself!
An easy but satisfying read with a quick pace.
After being engrossed by his two autobiographies about his life in MI5, I was excited to see what Tom Marcus' fiction was like, particularly as I like crime/thrillers. It kept on the same style as his autobiographies, making it almost seem like Logan was an extension of Tom Marcus himself and like it was something that he would have wanted to do at points in his career. I was a bit disappointed that Sarah and his son were killed off so early in the book, but understood that this was the motivation for the character to actually join the stealthy and deniable team. It probably wouldn't be possible to complete those missions with a baby and wife at home.
I loved the characters in the story and particularly how the team all wanted to gel together. It seemed well rounded, and I particularly liked that chapters which showed the mindset of terrorists and how they may be thinking.
Listening to this on Audible did make me a bit more paranoid walking down the street though, like I was actually part of a covert mission myself!
An easy but satisfying read with a quick pace.
February 18, 2024
There's plenty of action and description of surveillance but too much which doesn't ring true. No-one in the main character's state of mind should be allowed on operations - rational thought and action would be all but impossible and quite how some jumped-up desk jockey could hide a major operation - sanctioning torture and murder - from his boss stretches belief to the limit and beyond. The author portrays the palpably broken British legal system well - fanatics who will kill and maim with impunity scream very loudly when their 'rights' are being transgressed - and law enforcement agencies undeniably need to know what these unhinged types are planning. Not a badly written book, but not wholly believable.
July 29, 2019
This is the third book I have read by Tom Marcus and this one was a novel of his character in the MI5......the previous 2 books were accounts of his work at the front end of MI5. This novel did not disappoint me as it was so like his own experiences. It was a book that I found difficult to put down as I was so engaged in the plot and of the characters in the team and those on the dark side. He writes well and managed to create the tension build up when bad things were taking place and of the pressures of dangerous work where he risked his own life to protect the public from terrorism. There are a few surprises in the plot and story and very with while the time spent reading this book.
November 17, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this fast paced thriller.
Matt Logan is an MI5 operative frontline in counter terrorism within the UK.
The team he works with are tracking two terrorists, who they suspect are planning a major terrorist attack.
Logan feels frustrated with the boundaries that they sometimes have to work within,
so that when an offer to work in a top secret covert group called Blindeye comes up that enables him and a small team to break through barriers and red tape he agrees to join it.
What follows next is a roller coaster ride that you don’t want to get off till the last page, a great read.
Matt Logan is an MI5 operative frontline in counter terrorism within the UK.
The team he works with are tracking two terrorists, who they suspect are planning a major terrorist attack.
Logan feels frustrated with the boundaries that they sometimes have to work within,
so that when an offer to work in a top secret covert group called Blindeye comes up that enables him and a small team to break through barriers and red tape he agrees to join it.
What follows next is a roller coaster ride that you don’t want to get off till the last page, a great read.
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