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S-Squad #5
Operation: Loch Ness
S-Squad are relieved to be home, and even an order to investigate animal mutilations at a local wildlife park does not seem like an onerous detail.
But things take a turn to the twilight zone all too quickly around the S-Squad, and even their homeland is not immune.
Something is feeding, ravenously, on animals, wildlife, and now people in the Scottish Highlands, and the trail leads to only one place, a place of legends, and the dark waters of Loch Ness.
But things take a turn to the twilight zone all too quickly around the S-Squad, and even their homeland is not immune.
Something is feeding, ravenously, on animals, wildlife, and now people in the Scottish Highlands, and the trail leads to only one place, a place of legends, and the dark waters of Loch Ness.
137 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2018
224 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
William Meikle
407 books1,850 followersI'm a Scottish writer, now living in Canada, with more than thirty novels published in the genre press and over 300 short story credits in thirteen countries.
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 29, 2023
A Giant Otter? 🦦
Captain Banks and his S-Squad are on the tail of a myth. The fabled Nessie of Loch Ness.
At least that’s what they think they are chasing. A ton of animals from a zoo have been murdered and the rumors are, Nessie is on the move.
Then again, someone thinks it’s a giant otter. A giant otter?! The cute and adorable otter? Big enough to kill a polar bear?
Now I’ve heard everything.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Captain Banks and his S-Squad are on the tail of a myth. The fabled Nessie of Loch Ness.
At least that’s what they think they are chasing. A ton of animals from a zoo have been murdered and the rumors are, Nessie is on the move.
Then again, someone thinks it’s a giant otter. A giant otter?! The cute and adorable otter? Big enough to kill a polar bear?
Now I’ve heard everything.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 7, 2023
Captain Banks and his squad is on home soil this time after something big ravages wildlife and tourist alike around Loch Ness. This makes it pretty obvious what they will come up against, but a big surprise awaits them as to just what the Loch Ness monster really is. The story is fast, and action packed as is the norm for the S-Squad books, but this one has a little more depth in the story line than the previous books. This is also the first time the men are in action in a populated place which makes it that more intense.
This is by far the best one in the series so far for me, as the ending for a change is better crafted by the author. Quick, fast and enjoyable read.
This is by far the best one in the series so far for me, as the ending for a change is better crafted by the author. Quick, fast and enjoyable read.
December 3, 2018
William Meikle’s “Operation: Loch Ness (S-Squad Book 5)” allows ongoing character Captain Banks and his men of the S-Squad to stay in their own Scottish back yard, near the city of Inverness, Scotland. Inverness is situated at the mouth of the River Ness (which flows from nearby Loch Ness), and most know what creature may or may not live there.
In this creature feature Mr. Meikle creates an amalgamation of dis-separate, yet linked set of contributors ranging from the famous Loch Ness monster, Aleister Crowley, and Led Zeppelin. It seems Crowley was able to control the monster through his mysterious magicks, and kept the monster bound to caverns beneath his home. Now the creature has become hungry.
Of interest is another character who endears himself to Banks and his squad. He is Alexander Seaton, who in this novella has been studying the ways of Crowley for many years and wants to be of assistance to Banks mission. Seaton (before 1626 – after 1649) is based on a Scottish historical figure who became a colonel in the Norwegian army. More recently the historical Seaton has been the main character of a series of books by Shona MacLean (Herself a Scottish author) who portrays Alexander Seaton as a schoolmaster, in 1620's Banff and Aberdeen, Scotland, and portrays him as a seventeenth-century academic.
All that considered, this is fun escapism and another solid entry in this ongoing series. Mr. Meikle has already announced the next to appear.
Update 12/3/18:
S-Squad #6, which will be OPERATION: SYRIA, is well underway. Deserted ancient cities and temples, an ongoing war zone…and spiders. Big Spiders.
In this creature feature Mr. Meikle creates an amalgamation of dis-separate, yet linked set of contributors ranging from the famous Loch Ness monster, Aleister Crowley, and Led Zeppelin. It seems Crowley was able to control the monster through his mysterious magicks, and kept the monster bound to caverns beneath his home. Now the creature has become hungry.
Of interest is another character who endears himself to Banks and his squad. He is Alexander Seaton, who in this novella has been studying the ways of Crowley for many years and wants to be of assistance to Banks mission. Seaton (before 1626 – after 1649) is based on a Scottish historical figure who became a colonel in the Norwegian army. More recently the historical Seaton has been the main character of a series of books by Shona MacLean (Herself a Scottish author) who portrays Alexander Seaton as a schoolmaster, in 1620's Banff and Aberdeen, Scotland, and portrays him as a seventeenth-century academic.
All that considered, this is fun escapism and another solid entry in this ongoing series. Mr. Meikle has already announced the next to appear.
Update 12/3/18:
S-Squad #6, which will be OPERATION: SYRIA, is well underway. Deserted ancient cities and temples, an ongoing war zone…and spiders. Big Spiders.
April 23, 2025
Ich sollte vielleicht die Horrors von Meikle meiden, die mit irgendwas okkultem zu tun hat, weil er JEDESMAL auf irgendeinen furchtbar langweiligen Exkurs geht, der in der Vergangenheit spielt, um die okkulten Dinge in der Jetztzeit zu erklären...
Und generell war der Band wieder sehr typisch wie die anderen aufgebaut, hin und her gerenne, komischer okkulter Scheiß, und wenn ihc noch einmal lesen muss, dass die Soldaten dreimal schießen, kotze ich. Keine Ahnung, aber ic würd bei einem 10 meter großen Monster mein gewehr auf Dauerschuss umstellen und es einfach durchsieben *augenroll* aber ich war ja nicht beim Militär, also was weiß ich schon.
Und sowieso war Nessie jetzt doch leider irgendwie sehr lahm - und die Beschreibung war leider so blöd gemacht, dass ich die ganze Zeit an einen 10m großen süßen Otter denken musste :D das hat jetzt das Blutbad nicht verbessert, was verantstaltet wurde.
Den nächsten Band les ich mal auf Englisch. Vielleicht ist auch einfach nur die deutsche Übersetzung so schlecht, aber ich bezweifle es.
Und generell war der Band wieder sehr typisch wie die anderen aufgebaut, hin und her gerenne, komischer okkulter Scheiß, und wenn ihc noch einmal lesen muss, dass die Soldaten dreimal schießen, kotze ich. Keine Ahnung, aber ic würd bei einem 10 meter großen Monster mein gewehr auf Dauerschuss umstellen und es einfach durchsieben *augenroll* aber ich war ja nicht beim Militär, also was weiß ich schon.
Und sowieso war Nessie jetzt doch leider irgendwie sehr lahm - und die Beschreibung war leider so blöd gemacht, dass ich die ganze Zeit an einen 10m großen süßen Otter denken musste :D das hat jetzt das Blutbad nicht verbessert, was verantstaltet wurde.
Den nächsten Band les ich mal auf Englisch. Vielleicht ist auch einfach nur die deutsche Übersetzung so schlecht, aber ich bezweifle es.
June 22, 2019
Really enjoyed this one
April 16, 2019
My fifth S-Squad adventure. I like these military X-files type of stories. But they could be spiced up a bit more for my tastes. Meikle keeps the specifics about the guns/firepower way down almost to the generic level. Some authors would get into the caliber of the ammo, the rate of fire and other aspects. This author keeps it simple. Might add some spice to let us know what type of weapons these soldiers are using. And the rank structure seems a bit off, a Captain and a sergeant plus a private? I would imagine S-Squad would have a few more soldiers in their makeup. What makes this guys special? Are they? They just seem to get the weird off the wall assignments. No need to get all tech happy on us, but maybe make these stories a little more realistic by describing the men and their weapons.
November 26, 2018
Nessie with a twist
Enjoyed the read. A very special, Special Ops team, tracks a hungry killer, in the Highlands of Scotland. But, it winds up biting more off than it can chew with these boys . Would like to see more of these characters together, Alexander Seaton is great.
Enjoyed the read. A very special, Special Ops team, tracks a hungry killer, in the Highlands of Scotland. But, it winds up biting more off than it can chew with these boys . Would like to see more of these characters together, Alexander Seaton is great.
August 12, 2021
The S-Squad gents are back for another rollicking adventure, this time in their own back yard. Called in to sort out a rogue, unknown animal that decimated a local wildlife reserve the four squaddies are soon embroiled in another adventure with an enormous beastie and more weirdness that defies logical explanation.
I’m a huge fan of these short stories. They’re exactly like reading a B-grade movie and just as deliciously (albeit guiltily) satisfying. This time I was interested that Meikle seemed to mesh a number of his various series together in this one book. A fair bit of his magical world crossed over into his paranormal/big beastie world and I found the results highly interesting and really well handled. To a degree it felt odd that the magical elements were scattered amongst the paranormal and military setting – but I have to be honest, if any of Meikle’s S-Squad stories (so far) could have carried it off – Loch Ness in the wilds of Scotland was the only setting I feel have the magical elements appearing to make sense.
I particularly adore this series because each book can very happily be read on its own – but we also get more character growth and insight into each squad member as the stories progress. There’s also something just really appealing for me, personally, about how quick the pace of these stories are and how over the top each situation becomes. These stories are the ultimate guilty pleasure and I am always excited for the next to appear.
Readers looking for a deeply complex plot or very heavy style of story won’t find that here. While there is indeed a good adventure – and an interesting and slightly complex magical/supernatural component to this particular story – at heart this is a fun rollick of a story that is meant to be enjoyed and not dissected and intellectually examined. Relax, have a drink and roll along with the squaddies – it’s a trip well worth taking.
I’m a huge fan of these short stories. They’re exactly like reading a B-grade movie and just as deliciously (albeit guiltily) satisfying. This time I was interested that Meikle seemed to mesh a number of his various series together in this one book. A fair bit of his magical world crossed over into his paranormal/big beastie world and I found the results highly interesting and really well handled. To a degree it felt odd that the magical elements were scattered amongst the paranormal and military setting – but I have to be honest, if any of Meikle’s S-Squad stories (so far) could have carried it off – Loch Ness in the wilds of Scotland was the only setting I feel have the magical elements appearing to make sense.
I particularly adore this series because each book can very happily be read on its own – but we also get more character growth and insight into each squad member as the stories progress. There’s also something just really appealing for me, personally, about how quick the pace of these stories are and how over the top each situation becomes. These stories are the ultimate guilty pleasure and I am always excited for the next to appear.
Readers looking for a deeply complex plot or very heavy style of story won’t find that here. While there is indeed a good adventure – and an interesting and slightly complex magical/supernatural component to this particular story – at heart this is a fun rollick of a story that is meant to be enjoyed and not dissected and intellectually examined. Relax, have a drink and roll along with the squaddies – it’s a trip well worth taking.
December 1, 2024
S Squad are called into a community on the edge of Loch Ness to examine the massacre of local animals in a wildlife park. Banks is disturbed to see the brutality of the crime scene and the team start to track the creature responsible which seems to have made its home in Loch Ness itself. Is this the legendary Nessie? Banks concerns about killing a local legend and tourist attraction have to be put aside when a tourist campsite is attacked and not all are accounted for.
I've read a few Loch Ness based books but this is up there as one of the better ones for sure. Banks, Hynd, McCally and Wiggins are called out to their latest weird case, and they are disturbed by what they find. Trying to keep the nosy and disruptive media out of the way is proving to be a test of the Colonel's patience, even bringing him down from his nice office in Lossiemouth to be at the scene. It was interesting to see the stress that he was under over the missing people and the effect that this had on how he handled his men. It was interesting to see a new side to him.
McCally has interesting input into the story as he mentions the superstitious nature of people from the Highlands when it comes to local legends, and he voices his fears about Kelpies. I liked the discussion about the Loch Ness Monster, delving deeper into the history of the various sightings and speculation about the kind of monster it is. The discussion became more interesting when the character of Seton, monster enthusiast and occult experts joins them. He was eccentric but smart and I liked having the myth and supernatural elements to the story to make it a bit different from the usual monster story about Nessie.
The monster itself turns out to be pretty darn scary and not the typical view of Nessie seen in the tourist shops. You don't want to mess with this version, that's for sure. It is a relentless beast and Banks soon discovers that the best laid plans may not be enough to stop it. It's the usual fast paced and scary monster tale that you expect from S Squad and it doesn't disappoint.
There is the usual banter between the characters with Wiggo being his usual self, complaining one minute and cracking jokes the next. I really love his character. I'm not a fan of the mainstream media so the parts where Nessie takes a dislike to them too had me smiling a fair bit!
Love this series, straight on to the next...
I've read a few Loch Ness based books but this is up there as one of the better ones for sure. Banks, Hynd, McCally and Wiggins are called out to their latest weird case, and they are disturbed by what they find. Trying to keep the nosy and disruptive media out of the way is proving to be a test of the Colonel's patience, even bringing him down from his nice office in Lossiemouth to be at the scene. It was interesting to see the stress that he was under over the missing people and the effect that this had on how he handled his men. It was interesting to see a new side to him.
McCally has interesting input into the story as he mentions the superstitious nature of people from the Highlands when it comes to local legends, and he voices his fears about Kelpies. I liked the discussion about the Loch Ness Monster, delving deeper into the history of the various sightings and speculation about the kind of monster it is. The discussion became more interesting when the character of Seton, monster enthusiast and occult experts joins them. He was eccentric but smart and I liked having the myth and supernatural elements to the story to make it a bit different from the usual monster story about Nessie.
The monster itself turns out to be pretty darn scary and not the typical view of Nessie seen in the tourist shops. You don't want to mess with this version, that's for sure. It is a relentless beast and Banks soon discovers that the best laid plans may not be enough to stop it. It's the usual fast paced and scary monster tale that you expect from S Squad and it doesn't disappoint.
There is the usual banter between the characters with Wiggo being his usual self, complaining one minute and cracking jokes the next. I really love his character. I'm not a fan of the mainstream media so the parts where Nessie takes a dislike to them too had me smiling a fair bit!
Love this series, straight on to the next...
May 16, 2019
I think of this more as an R-rated depiction of a modern-day UNIT from Dr. Who, but I can see where it could also be viewed as the X-Files with lots more gunfire and swearing. Either way, it’s a terribly fun series in which we get to watch a military squad take on all the types of fun monsters you can imagine. So far, giant undersea isopods, Nazi ice zombies and UFOs, giant and aggressive re-discovered ancient animals, giant Amazon snake-shifters, and now Nessie. The fun pop culture references are courtesy of Wiggins, and are not overly frequent–it’s just enough to get the snort of laughter for a moment, and helps to ground this in the modern day.
Speaking of Wiggins, I do love the characters. They’re drawn with a few simple sentences here and there, but it’s enough to give them detail. From Banks, who’s gone back to smoking since the Amazon mission, to Wiggins, who feels it necessary to break the tension with jokes about Sergeant Hynd’s wife. Sandy is an interesting character. He plays a similar role to the Russian scientist in the first book, but has his own specialties and personality. He has a bit of a background in the occult, and is able to help the lads with finding their prey.
Despite the relative shortness and simplicity of these novels, they’re very good at answering the little questions I find myself writing down as I read. I eventually end up crossing them all out as answered.
The storytelling is excellent. It’s easy to get a visual sense of the story, and the firefights feel positively cinematic. All in all, a great bit of fun.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/05/r...
Speaking of Wiggins, I do love the characters. They’re drawn with a few simple sentences here and there, but it’s enough to give them detail. From Banks, who’s gone back to smoking since the Amazon mission, to Wiggins, who feels it necessary to break the tension with jokes about Sergeant Hynd’s wife. Sandy is an interesting character. He plays a similar role to the Russian scientist in the first book, but has his own specialties and personality. He has a bit of a background in the occult, and is able to help the lads with finding their prey.
Despite the relative shortness and simplicity of these novels, they’re very good at answering the little questions I find myself writing down as I read. I eventually end up crossing them all out as answered.
The storytelling is excellent. It’s easy to get a visual sense of the story, and the firefights feel positively cinematic. All in all, a great bit of fun.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/05/r...
August 16, 2020
Captain John Banks and his S-Squad soldiers are sent along to investigate bizarre events at a Scottish wildlife park. However, they soon find themselves dealing with a mythical creature stalking prey round the shores of Loch Ness. For once S-Squad are on home soil and this only adds to the enjoyment of another fast-paced novel in the brilliant series by William Meikle. Operation Loch Ness is the fifth novel in the S-Squad saga which just keeps getting better and better. Anyone looking for some much-needed escapism in these desperate times should not hesitate to pick up this novel. Just for information there’s no need to read any of the previous books in the series first but for those who might be interested I would also highly recommend all the other previous novels in the S-Squad collection.
February 13, 2023
This time the threat is much closer to home for S-Squad, creating new complications for the squad as they try to deal with a local legend that's become dangerous.
The monster they face in this one is pretty obvious just based on the title alone, it's the Loch Ness Monster. This was a fun but at times frustrating read, the frustration all coming from outside interference the squad must deal with while trying to take down the monster. The series also continues it's trend of interesting side characters although we only get one this time. A certain phrase from the second book returns here which adds new mystery that I have to keep my out for as I continue to read
As the previous books it took me about an hour and a half to finish reading, and I went straight on to the next book
The monster they face in this one is pretty obvious just based on the title alone, it's the Loch Ness Monster. This was a fun but at times frustrating read, the frustration all coming from outside interference the squad must deal with while trying to take down the monster. The series also continues it's trend of interesting side characters although we only get one this time. A certain phrase from the second book returns here which adds new mystery that I have to keep my out for as I continue to read
As the previous books it took me about an hour and a half to finish reading, and I went straight on to the next book
July 12, 2022
This latest instalment of the fast-paced military fantasy series sees the S-Squad attempting to track down Scotland's very own version of the Dobhar-chú, all the while smoking, swearing and bringing up their seemingly-endless movie references.
I think this is my favourite of the series so far, maybe because it feels more expansive in its setting, but equally possibly because that setting is my native country. The reader will have to decide on this one for themselves, but overall it’s a great read that drakes neither a lot of time nor concentration.
I think this is my favourite of the series so far, maybe because it feels more expansive in its setting, but equally possibly because that setting is my native country. The reader will have to decide on this one for themselves, but overall it’s a great read that drakes neither a lot of time nor concentration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2022
Nessie is an otter?
I’ve heard of Alastair Crowley being linked to the Loch Ness monster and I think the author scored 100 for using that connection to come up with this book. I liked the story a lot as I am a big fan of the Loch Ness mystery and watch any tv program that delves into it. Thanks for the great story!
I’ve heard of Alastair Crowley being linked to the Loch Ness monster and I think the author scored 100 for using that connection to come up with this book. I liked the story a lot as I am a big fan of the Loch Ness mystery and watch any tv program that delves into it. Thanks for the great story!
May 26, 2022
Caaaaaally! Nooooooooooo!
So, Meikle knows virtually nothing about how the military or spec ops work and his understanding of animal behaviour is also pretty non-existant. But he does know how to spin a good yarn. I've read half the S-Squad books in less than a week and I'm gutted that I don't currently have the spare cash to buy the rest of them.
So, Meikle knows virtually nothing about how the military or spec ops work and his understanding of animal behaviour is also pretty non-existant. But he does know how to spin a good yarn. I've read half the S-Squad books in less than a week and I'm gutted that I don't currently have the spare cash to buy the rest of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
Nessie
Another rapid paced adventure taking place in Scotland. Involving the Loch Ness monster , missing animals including bison and polar bears. , an old burned out estate, associated with satanic rituals. The story seemed to be a bit more personal this time. The S-squad loses a member . A quick fun read.
Another rapid paced adventure taking place in Scotland. Involving the Loch Ness monster , missing animals including bison and polar bears. , an old burned out estate, associated with satanic rituals. The story seemed to be a bit more personal this time. The S-squad loses a member . A quick fun read.
April 28, 2019
I didn't like it as much as some of the other books. The "animal" that is the monster isn't that believable to me. Steven Alten's The Loch is far superior in this regard. But still it is an S-Squad book at the squad itself is enough reason to read it. Looking forward to the other books.
January 30, 2021
Interesting take and a good S Squad tale
This is one of the better books so far, imo, though I’ve enjoyed them all. If you like the S Squad books, definitely check it out! If you haven’t read them at all, you should!
This is one of the better books so far, imo, though I’ve enjoyed them all. If you like the S Squad books, definitely check it out! If you haven’t read them at all, you should!
December 16, 2021
Great story
I enjoyed this book and had to force myself to put it down. Great story with lots of action and suspense. Captain Banks and his team got into another tough predicament. Worth the time to read.
I enjoyed this book and had to force myself to put it down. Great story with lots of action and suspense. Captain Banks and his team got into another tough predicament. Worth the time to read.
December 16, 2018
AND THEN THERE WERE THREE IT IS.......
Hello, I really like these stories. The men of S-Squad are some interesting characters. Very entertaining to read. Good stuff. Thanks.
Hello, I really like these stories. The men of S-Squad are some interesting characters. Very entertaining to read. Good stuff. Thanks.
December 30, 2018
Couldn't put it down
I love all the books I have read from this author. I am never disappointed. The S-Squad books are amazing!
I love all the books I have read from this author. I am never disappointed. The S-Squad books are amazing!
January 31, 2019
Hi hum
Not too bad. Easy read but routine beasties chasing and killing townsfolk in a Scottish village near loch ness. Fair!
Not too bad. Easy read but routine beasties chasing and killing townsfolk in a Scottish village near loch ness. Fair!
February 15, 2019
This series continues to be great
Another S-squad vs. a mysterious creature. Another great read. Loved every minute of this book. Now, on to the next adventure.
Another S-squad vs. a mysterious creature. Another great read. Loved every minute of this book. Now, on to the next adventure.
April 6, 2019
A Page turner
Love this book, kept me reading, a page Turner
Was sad when it ended. I will definitely read more from this author.
Love this book, kept me reading, a page Turner
Was sad when it ended. I will definitely read more from this author.
September 3, 2019
another great read by author. I love these characters and their language, accent, and love what they do.
March 30, 2020
Lake monsters
Lake monsters! Standard soldiers vs monsters. Magic. Led Zeppelin. It’s all in her and it’s all cool. Worth your time and slime:
Lake monsters! Standard soldiers vs monsters. Magic. Led Zeppelin. It’s all in her and it’s all cool. Worth your time and slime:
November 11, 2020
S-Squad are back and this time the assignment is local and the hunt for the legendary Nessie. Another good mission story.
February 16, 2021
Nessie (sort of)
Another fun read from Meikle, intermingled with some interesting little bits of history and legend. The Loch Ness Monster, with a twist.
Another fun read from Meikle, intermingled with some interesting little bits of history and legend. The Loch Ness Monster, with a twist.
April 6, 2021
YAY FOR THE GOOD GUYS!!!
Love this man's work!! His stories will get the blood boiling and are FUN!! WELL worth the $$ and the time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Love this man's work!! His stories will get the blood boiling and are FUN!! WELL worth the $$ and the time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
April 27, 2022
Great read. Love this series of books. Plenty of spoilers on other reviews. So read and decide for yourself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews