What do you think?
Rate this book
The Killing Grounds
Ex-US Navy-turned-investigator Thomas J. Cooper is tortured by the past. A deadly fight with Somali pirates and a tragic accident at sea have left him struggling with PTSD and an addiction to prescription drugs. When he and his colleague Maddie return to the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a plane, what they find is far more sinister and dangerous...
Audiobook
Published June 29, 2017
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Jack Ford
31 books32 followersJack Ford is a novelist and is the author of six gritty British crime novels published under a pseudonym. Having studied global political Islam and American politics Jack went on to take a Master of Science degree in counter-terrorism, and will further those studies next year by tackling a PHD focusing on radicalisation and extremism.
Jack lives in a quiet part of England and has three children along with lots of dogs and horses.
Jack lives in a quiet part of England and has three children along with lots of dogs and horses.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 29, 2017
The Killing Grounds by Jack Ford is a contemporary political thriller that I just could not put down. There are some books that when you've read them, all you can say is... Wow! The Killing Grounds is one such book. It just blew me away with it's marvellous plot and it's realistic characters.
The plot is full of twists and turns, truth and lies, politics and business. It was intricately constructed yet easy to follow as it alternated between America and the DRC (Congo). Politics and business deals collided, both seemingly intertwined. Decisions in one affected the other. Hands were tied, eyes were turned, would the truth ever immerge? Business ethics were considered. Business ethics were thrown out. With one eye on the world of politics and another on the plight of people... which way to jump?
The novel warns of the dangers of being motivated by money and power. A drive for more of either can produce corruption at both the highest and lowest levels of society.
There is the subject of PTSD. "You don't have to be in a combat situation to be traumatised." PTSD has far reaching effects. It will bounce back to haunt you when you least expect it.
Past events have the power to effect present living. Carrying the burdens of the past becomes heavier with time. You have to deal with it. You cannot run from it. "You're running from yourself, but you can't." The past must be faced and our fears and guilt left behind, they are of no use to us.
There is the theme of fear throughout. People of little education are exploited and manipulated through fear.
The bond of brotherhood is shown in the book. There are a small group of people who know they can trust the others to have their back. The loyalty is beautiful to witness.
The reader becomes intimately acquainted with everyday life in both politics in Washington and the witchcraft and rituals of life in the DRC.
Truth and lies run throughout the novel. Sometimes truth is hidden in order to protect. At other times truth is suppressed for personal gain. The world of politics is seen to be a complicated affair. And not all wars are fought with guns.
The characters are all marvellously drawn. The sinister ones definitely have an air of menace about them, with a hint of pure evil at times. The upstanding characters had their own flaws and quirks but their hearts were in the right place. They endeared themselves to the reader.
The Killing Grounds was not my usual genre but what a fabulous read it was. I am hoping that there will be more books as I for one, certainly want to read more. I thought the frightening thing was, the action could really happen, as it is a strange world that we now live in. And this heightened my responses to the situations within the book. The action in the novel certainly had my pulse rising as I journeyed to the conclusion. As politics and businesses interact, I became totally consumed with the action.
A perfectly fabulous book and I cannot wait to read more by Jack Ford.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The plot is full of twists and turns, truth and lies, politics and business. It was intricately constructed yet easy to follow as it alternated between America and the DRC (Congo). Politics and business deals collided, both seemingly intertwined. Decisions in one affected the other. Hands were tied, eyes were turned, would the truth ever immerge? Business ethics were considered. Business ethics were thrown out. With one eye on the world of politics and another on the plight of people... which way to jump?
The novel warns of the dangers of being motivated by money and power. A drive for more of either can produce corruption at both the highest and lowest levels of society.
There is the subject of PTSD. "You don't have to be in a combat situation to be traumatised." PTSD has far reaching effects. It will bounce back to haunt you when you least expect it.
Past events have the power to effect present living. Carrying the burdens of the past becomes heavier with time. You have to deal with it. You cannot run from it. "You're running from yourself, but you can't." The past must be faced and our fears and guilt left behind, they are of no use to us.
There is the theme of fear throughout. People of little education are exploited and manipulated through fear.
The bond of brotherhood is shown in the book. There are a small group of people who know they can trust the others to have their back. The loyalty is beautiful to witness.
The reader becomes intimately acquainted with everyday life in both politics in Washington and the witchcraft and rituals of life in the DRC.
Truth and lies run throughout the novel. Sometimes truth is hidden in order to protect. At other times truth is suppressed for personal gain. The world of politics is seen to be a complicated affair. And not all wars are fought with guns.
The characters are all marvellously drawn. The sinister ones definitely have an air of menace about them, with a hint of pure evil at times. The upstanding characters had their own flaws and quirks but their hearts were in the right place. They endeared themselves to the reader.
The Killing Grounds was not my usual genre but what a fabulous read it was. I am hoping that there will be more books as I for one, certainly want to read more. I thought the frightening thing was, the action could really happen, as it is a strange world that we now live in. And this heightened my responses to the situations within the book. The action in the novel certainly had my pulse rising as I journeyed to the conclusion. As politics and businesses interact, I became totally consumed with the action.
A perfectly fabulous book and I cannot wait to read more by Jack Ford.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
June 27, 2017
ARC
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com
Where to even begin. The Killing Grounds is a thrilling read with such a complex and multi-layered plot, it's difficult to just sum my reading experience up in a few sentences.
First things first: I love the cover. Great design - stands out without being too loud. The same goes for the blurb. It gives you just enough to draw you in, but not too much as to give away too much of the story-line. Perfect balance.
As I mentioned before, the story is pretty complex. There's lots of different characters, each with their own secrets, but also with their own dynamics between them. I can't say all of them came across right away (the dynamic between Cooper and Maddie is a tough one for me to really understand, and Rosedale took some getting used to as well), but slowly they all find their place in the story. The same goes for the complex puzzle they stumble upon in Congo. What starts out as a pretty straight forward mission soon becomes complicated, dangerous and very unpredictable. The plot grows bigger and more detailed and when it finally clicks.. well, it left me amazed and surprised.
The beginning of the story is a bit confusing with a lot of new characters and a lot of (unfinished) conversations. As a reader you get some hints about what happened in the past between these characters, but the emotions run high from the very beginning. And those more "heated" discussions or dialogues made it a bit difficult to find your bearing.
I was hooked from the moment their mission started and I have a feeling I will think back on this book, long after turning that last page. Because apart from some more "difficult" dynamics and dialogues between the characters, this was a thrilling read. The Killing Grounds has relationships, politics - both US and international - violence, grief, addiction, religion and superstition and so much more at its heart, all with an incredible amount of research and detail. I would definitely love to revisit Thomas Cooper in Jack Ford's upcoming novels.
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com
Where to even begin. The Killing Grounds is a thrilling read with such a complex and multi-layered plot, it's difficult to just sum my reading experience up in a few sentences.
First things first: I love the cover. Great design - stands out without being too loud. The same goes for the blurb. It gives you just enough to draw you in, but not too much as to give away too much of the story-line. Perfect balance.
As I mentioned before, the story is pretty complex. There's lots of different characters, each with their own secrets, but also with their own dynamics between them. I can't say all of them came across right away (the dynamic between Cooper and Maddie is a tough one for me to really understand, and Rosedale took some getting used to as well), but slowly they all find their place in the story. The same goes for the complex puzzle they stumble upon in Congo. What starts out as a pretty straight forward mission soon becomes complicated, dangerous and very unpredictable. The plot grows bigger and more detailed and when it finally clicks.. well, it left me amazed and surprised.
The beginning of the story is a bit confusing with a lot of new characters and a lot of (unfinished) conversations. As a reader you get some hints about what happened in the past between these characters, but the emotions run high from the very beginning. And those more "heated" discussions or dialogues made it a bit difficult to find your bearing.
I was hooked from the moment their mission started and I have a feeling I will think back on this book, long after turning that last page. Because apart from some more "difficult" dynamics and dialogues between the characters, this was a thrilling read. The Killing Grounds has relationships, politics - both US and international - violence, grief, addiction, religion and superstition and so much more at its heart, all with an incredible amount of research and detail. I would definitely love to revisit Thomas Cooper in Jack Ford's upcoming novels.
February 18, 2021
I haven’t picked up a crime book in a long time, and it was nice to have the familiarity of the genre again. However, while the plot of this novel was strong, there was something about it that just didn’t click with me.
For starters, the whole thing sounds like it was written by someone who think women belong in the kitchen. Since when were women these deeply complicated creatures that are completely unknowable? Maybe if the male characters in the text asked Maddie how she was then they’d know!
The plot was interesting - and the setting of the DRC was something unique and exciting. The moralistic tone of a lot of the text was a bit jarring though and the sections set in the White House seemed hyperbolic. I think had the characters been less stereotypical and more individual the novel would have come together more cohesively.
But it was a fun, fast-paced read which I did enjoy.
For starters, the whole thing sounds like it was written by someone who think women belong in the kitchen. Since when were women these deeply complicated creatures that are completely unknowable? Maybe if the male characters in the text asked Maddie how she was then they’d know!
The plot was interesting - and the setting of the DRC was something unique and exciting. The moralistic tone of a lot of the text was a bit jarring though and the sections set in the White House seemed hyperbolic. I think had the characters been less stereotypical and more individual the novel would have come together more cohesively.
But it was a fun, fast-paced read which I did enjoy.
August 29, 2022
Just awful. Such a shame because the plot was good. I continued reading despite sexist clichés and grammatical errors every few pages. There's a cringeworthy amount of heavy handed exposition and a few plot holes thrown in for good measure. The hook at the start never actually gets concluded, which leaves the story feeling unfinished. The junkie protagonist is unlikable, but every woman he encounters is dubiously flirtatious with him. Here's my favourite quote "Sometimes women and him just didn't mix. Especially when he was tired." Disgusting. If you want to roll your eyes on repeat, read this book.
Read
December 22, 2021Generally - enjoyable read. What I do NOT enjoy - is contradictory details like: chapter 4 "Austro AE330 jet fuel piston engine" followed by "the jet's door opened".
The engine is a multi-fuel engine, and can work on jet fuel as well as Avgas- OK. But where did the "jet's door" came from ?
Just saying...
The engine is a multi-fuel engine, and can work on jet fuel as well as Avgas- OK. But where did the "jet's door" came from ?
Just saying...
June 29, 2017
The Killing Grounds is the start of a new crime series and introduces ex US Navy turned high asset recovery investigator Thomas J Cooper. Thomas suffers from PTSD and is addicted to prescription drugs, not that he will admit it, but after his true love Ellie disappears following an encounter with Somali pirates his life changes forever. Thomas feels responsible and his passion in searching for her is relentless as well as damaging to his wife and colleague Maddison and their daughter Corrie. This story sees Thomas, Maddison and new recruit Rosedale on a mission to The Democratic Republic of Congo to recover a plane as the owner has defaulted on payments. This leads them all into extremely dangerous territory as the country is totally corrupt and lawless. They soon get caught up in uncovering and helping its citizens who are suffering due to poverty, conflict, corruption and death.
This book has a strong US political thread that is interwoven with Coppers assignment which I enjoyed. Thanks to HQ Stories and NetGalley for the ARC copy. This is my honest opinion.
This book has a strong US political thread that is interwoven with Coppers assignment which I enjoyed. Thanks to HQ Stories and NetGalley for the ARC copy. This is my honest opinion.
September 9, 2017
啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊歪歪歪啊
September 2, 2018
The story was ok, but I found the large number of incomplete sentences intensely annoying.
March 21, 2019
Sometimes 'got lost' in the book - found some of the scenes too graphic and sad (obviously well written to keep me involved).
Good book - unfortunately for me, not a definite ending to this story.
Good book - unfortunately for me, not a definite ending to this story.
December 19, 2025
Honestamente?
Começou por ser incrível, passou a algo enfadonho e depois foi impossível parar de ler.
valeu a pena
Começou por ser incrível, passou a algo enfadonho e depois foi impossível parar de ler.
valeu a pena
September 4, 2017
This review can be found on http://bookpolar.wordpress.com
No slow burning introduction today.... This book was INCREDIBLE!
Set between the US and the Democratic Republic of Congo it follows Thomas Cooper a 'Private Investigator' working for a firm locating high-priced items across the globe for banks and the government. Cooper suffering from severe PTSD after a traumatic event, told in chapter 1, and battling with grief, depression and addiction Cooper is assigned a trip to the DRC to locate a plane and return it to the US. Along with his team of colleagues he goes to the politically disruptive and dangerous county but they find much more than they bargained for.
The story flits back and forth between Tom and his team and the president (an old family friend), occasionally connecting the two with the story lines eventually combining.
Genre wise I would class this as a political mystery/thriller, I have never read a book with such strong political themes and it's not something I would usually read but it definitely gave the book another aspect and I will no doubt love to read more political thrillers in the future.
My favorite thing about the book was the dual settings, having also never read a book based in the DRC. I loved the contrasting settings and how vastly different they were to each other. Every time Tom came back from the DRC it gave me a great chance to catch my breath and unwind from the tensions of the jungle.
I really enjoyed the religious and ritualistic themes and it has definitely spiked my interest in the subject, it was fascinating.
Although good at heart, valiant and determined Tom himself was not the most likable character. his self-destructive path paired with denial over PTSD made for some frustrating scenes as family and friends give him numerous 'get it together' lectures. As annoying and pathetic as Tom could be the secondary characters were amazing. Maddie, his long-suffering wife was so bad ass, juggling motherhood and her ridiculous husband with fighting black magic in the Congo. Rosedale, sent by the president to keep an eye on Tom was big and brash and so entertaining. He brought some great needed humor to the serious plot. Other characters include Tom's oldest friend Jackson, after going through the same trauma, suffering horrific life changing injures, and battling being the Presidents son. The suicidal Jackson and Tom have the most beautiful caring relationship based purely on their love for one another. Tom's old friend Levi, his boss, Beau his uncle and the president can also be found tolerating Tom Cooper and his destructive yet heroic ways.
It is very rare that you can find a book that is so character driven yet with such an amazing setting and engaging story line. I wasn't initially planning on reading the book so soon, but thought I would read the first chapter to see what it was like... I finished the book 2 days later.
Finally one of the best things about this book is that it's the start of a series!!
I have a huge book hangover since finishing The Killing Grounds and I would recommend the book to any fan of thrillers or mysteries looking for a deep, intelligent, engaging read with dual settings and a great group of characters.
5 STAR read
No slow burning introduction today.... This book was INCREDIBLE!
Set between the US and the Democratic Republic of Congo it follows Thomas Cooper a 'Private Investigator' working for a firm locating high-priced items across the globe for banks and the government. Cooper suffering from severe PTSD after a traumatic event, told in chapter 1, and battling with grief, depression and addiction Cooper is assigned a trip to the DRC to locate a plane and return it to the US. Along with his team of colleagues he goes to the politically disruptive and dangerous county but they find much more than they bargained for.
The story flits back and forth between Tom and his team and the president (an old family friend), occasionally connecting the two with the story lines eventually combining.
Genre wise I would class this as a political mystery/thriller, I have never read a book with such strong political themes and it's not something I would usually read but it definitely gave the book another aspect and I will no doubt love to read more political thrillers in the future.
My favorite thing about the book was the dual settings, having also never read a book based in the DRC. I loved the contrasting settings and how vastly different they were to each other. Every time Tom came back from the DRC it gave me a great chance to catch my breath and unwind from the tensions of the jungle.
I really enjoyed the religious and ritualistic themes and it has definitely spiked my interest in the subject, it was fascinating.
Although good at heart, valiant and determined Tom himself was not the most likable character. his self-destructive path paired with denial over PTSD made for some frustrating scenes as family and friends give him numerous 'get it together' lectures. As annoying and pathetic as Tom could be the secondary characters were amazing. Maddie, his long-suffering wife was so bad ass, juggling motherhood and her ridiculous husband with fighting black magic in the Congo. Rosedale, sent by the president to keep an eye on Tom was big and brash and so entertaining. He brought some great needed humor to the serious plot. Other characters include Tom's oldest friend Jackson, after going through the same trauma, suffering horrific life changing injures, and battling being the Presidents son. The suicidal Jackson and Tom have the most beautiful caring relationship based purely on their love for one another. Tom's old friend Levi, his boss, Beau his uncle and the president can also be found tolerating Tom Cooper and his destructive yet heroic ways.
It is very rare that you can find a book that is so character driven yet with such an amazing setting and engaging story line. I wasn't initially planning on reading the book so soon, but thought I would read the first chapter to see what it was like... I finished the book 2 days later.
Finally one of the best things about this book is that it's the start of a series!!
I have a huge book hangover since finishing The Killing Grounds and I would recommend the book to any fan of thrillers or mysteries looking for a deep, intelligent, engaging read with dual settings and a great group of characters.
5 STAR read
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews