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Joe Johnson #0
The Afghan
A Cold War attack by Soviet helicopters on an Afghan village. A knife-edge CIA operation that goes wrong. And a vengeful mujahideen tribesman, armed with Stinger missiles.
When CIA officer Joe Johnson is handed the tough task by his boss of capturing a Soviet helicopter and forging better contacts among the mujahideen, he unknowingly finds himself up against a sinister KGB rival who wants him dead.
But after coming under fire, Johnson comes to suspect that his difficulties stem not just from the Soviets—but from a traitor on his own side.
To extricate himself from the web of deceit in which he finds himself, Johnson comes to rely on a female colleague from Britain’s MI6, Jayne Robinson, to whom he grows unexpectedly close.
As pressure mounts on Johnson from CIA headquarters at Langley and politicians in Washington, DC, the story reaches a climax during a life-or-death shootout in Jalalabad.
The Afghan , set in 1988, is a thriller that forms a compelling prequel to the Joe Johnson series as a whole. It also creates the backdrop for book four in the series, Stalin’s Final Sting , set in Afghanistan, New York City, and Moscow in the present day.
Meet Joe Johnson today and read how he uncovers dark secrets.
When CIA officer Joe Johnson is handed the tough task by his boss of capturing a Soviet helicopter and forging better contacts among the mujahideen, he unknowingly finds himself up against a sinister KGB rival who wants him dead.
But after coming under fire, Johnson comes to suspect that his difficulties stem not just from the Soviets—but from a traitor on his own side.
To extricate himself from the web of deceit in which he finds himself, Johnson comes to rely on a female colleague from Britain’s MI6, Jayne Robinson, to whom he grows unexpectedly close.
As pressure mounts on Johnson from CIA headquarters at Langley and politicians in Washington, DC, the story reaches a climax during a life-or-death shootout in Jalalabad.
The Afghan , set in 1988, is a thriller that forms a compelling prequel to the Joe Johnson series as a whole. It also creates the backdrop for book four in the series, Stalin’s Final Sting , set in Afghanistan, New York City, and Moscow in the present day.
Meet Joe Johnson today and read how he uncovers dark secrets.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2019
188 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Turpin
13 books124 followersAndrew is a former journalist who has always had a love of writing and a passion for reading good thrillers. Now he has finally put the two interests together.
His first book in the Joe Johnson thriller series, The Last Nazi, was published in August 2017, and the second, The Old Bridge, in January 2018. The third, Bandit Country, followed in February 2018. In January 2019 the fourth, Stalin's Final Sting, was published along with a prequel to the series, entitled The Afghan. Book #5 in the series, The Nazi's Son, appeared in November 2019, followed by book 6, The Black Sea, published in May 2020.
The themes behind these thrillers also pull together some of Andrew’s other interests, particularly history, world news, and travel. They explore the ways in which events and human behaviors deep into the past continue to impact on modern society, politics and business.
All of Andrew's books draw strongly on these themes. They feature Joe Johnson, an ex-CIA officer and former U.S. Nazi hunter with the Office of Special Investigations, part of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Johnson has a passion for justice and a drive to investigate unsolved war crimes in different parts of the world.
Andrew studied history at Loughborough University and worked for many years as a business and financial journalist before becoming a corporate and financial communications adviser with several large energy companies.
He originally came from Grantham, Lincolnshire, and lives with his family in St. Albans in Hertfordshire, U.K.
His first book in the Joe Johnson thriller series, The Last Nazi, was published in August 2017, and the second, The Old Bridge, in January 2018. The third, Bandit Country, followed in February 2018. In January 2019 the fourth, Stalin's Final Sting, was published along with a prequel to the series, entitled The Afghan. Book #5 in the series, The Nazi's Son, appeared in November 2019, followed by book 6, The Black Sea, published in May 2020.
The themes behind these thrillers also pull together some of Andrew’s other interests, particularly history, world news, and travel. They explore the ways in which events and human behaviors deep into the past continue to impact on modern society, politics and business.
All of Andrew's books draw strongly on these themes. They feature Joe Johnson, an ex-CIA officer and former U.S. Nazi hunter with the Office of Special Investigations, part of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Johnson has a passion for justice and a drive to investigate unsolved war crimes in different parts of the world.
Andrew studied history at Loughborough University and worked for many years as a business and financial journalist before becoming a corporate and financial communications adviser with several large energy companies.
He originally came from Grantham, Lincolnshire, and lives with his family in St. Albans in Hertfordshire, U.K.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 3, 2019
I read Andrew Turpin's The Last Nazi a couple on months ago and enjoyed it very much. I intend to read the remainder of this series, featuring Joe Johnson. Imagine my surprise when I found there was novel, The Afghan, which chronologically preceded The Last Nazi. This turned out to be an introduction to Joe Johnson and focusses on our hero's life back in the 1980s when he was an active CIA agent. And very good it is too.
Johnson finds himself posted to Islamabad and becomes involved in the USSR's war in Afghanistan. Some of the scenes are necessarily brutal and tragic and the plot weaves skilfully a way through double crosses and, maybe triple agents. The characters are very interesting, the locations well described and the action scenes tough and exciting.
The Afghan is an excellent thriller and I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
Johnson finds himself posted to Islamabad and becomes involved in the USSR's war in Afghanistan. Some of the scenes are necessarily brutal and tragic and the plot weaves skilfully a way through double crosses and, maybe triple agents. The characters are very interesting, the locations well described and the action scenes tough and exciting.
The Afghan is an excellent thriller and I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
May 30, 2021
As you can see in countless other reviews, this book is a fast-paced thriller which sets the base for Joe Johnson and Jayne Robinson series. Minute details have been taken great care of, in this book.
August 25, 2021
Author Andrew Turpin (https://www.andrewturpin.com) published the book “The Afghan” in 2019. Mr. Turpin has published eight novels. This is the prequel or book #0 of his Joe Johnson Thriller series. I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Turpin in September of 2018. You can read it here.
I received a copy of this book through a promotion by the author. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because it contains violence and mature language. The primary character in the novel is CIA operative Joe Johnson.
It is 1988. Johnson has been with the CIA for three years and is assigned to an office in Afghanistan. The CIA is routing assistance through Pakistan to the mujahideen. These Afghani tribesmen are fighting the Russians who have occupied their country.
The Russians seem on the verge of pulling out of Afghanistan. US Stinger shoulder-launched missiles have been sent to the mujahideen through Pakistan. Johnson is tasked with identifying who has stocks of these weapons. He has also been ordered to get access to Russian equipment. Both a Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter and one of their communications vans is on the wish list.
He must go into Afghanistan to make the needed contacts for this information. Crossing the border and making direct contact is against the wishes of the Pakistani government. The Russian KGB is also aware of him and they want him dead. He realizes that he is working with a mole. The Russians always seem to know what his plans are. Johnson must survive these obstacles to get his job done.
I enjoyed the 3.5+ hours I spent reading this 212-page thriller. This is the third of Turpin’s thrillers that I have read. I have really enjoyed them all. Unlike so many thrillers, his characters and plots are very believable. It is readable on its own, though I would read it before the other six in the series. I like the chosen cover art. I give this book a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received a copy of this book through a promotion by the author. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because it contains violence and mature language. The primary character in the novel is CIA operative Joe Johnson.
It is 1988. Johnson has been with the CIA for three years and is assigned to an office in Afghanistan. The CIA is routing assistance through Pakistan to the mujahideen. These Afghani tribesmen are fighting the Russians who have occupied their country.
The Russians seem on the verge of pulling out of Afghanistan. US Stinger shoulder-launched missiles have been sent to the mujahideen through Pakistan. Johnson is tasked with identifying who has stocks of these weapons. He has also been ordered to get access to Russian equipment. Both a Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter and one of their communications vans is on the wish list.
He must go into Afghanistan to make the needed contacts for this information. Crossing the border and making direct contact is against the wishes of the Pakistani government. The Russian KGB is also aware of him and they want him dead. He realizes that he is working with a mole. The Russians always seem to know what his plans are. Johnson must survive these obstacles to get his job done.
I enjoyed the 3.5+ hours I spent reading this 212-page thriller. This is the third of Turpin’s thrillers that I have read. I have really enjoyed them all. Unlike so many thrillers, his characters and plots are very believable. It is readable on its own, though I would read it before the other six in the series. I like the chosen cover art. I give this book a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
April 11, 2019
Having read the three previous books by this author, and enjoying them all, I have to say it was nice to have a slightly different feel to the latest book. It took me on a journey back in time to the days when Joe worked for the CIA. It is a prequel to the series, also an intro to the 4th book Stalin’s Final Sting, and yep I have that one as well.
So, Joe is caught in the conflict between Russia and Afghanistan 1988 in a complex plot that pulls in a myriad of elements and deceptions. To be honest I expect deception and mistrust when the CIA is involved in anything!
The story sees the meeting of Joe and MI6 agent Jayne Robinson. This aspect of the story I really enjoyed as the two form a friendship that extends into the future, so it was good to see how they first met.
One thing that I have come to expect from this author is the meticulous attention to detail. This is a large part of his books and they are brilliantly wrapped into each story in such a way that keeps each story flowing and not getting bogged down with an overload of facts and info. This story is no exception.
The action for this is relentless and Joe finds himself in a minefield of political pressure, a country in turmoil, arms deals, KGB, CIA and undercover double-crossing. With all this going on, it creates a fast-paced and intense flow to the story. It keeps the tension and the suspense building.
As always there is a fabulous section after the story ends, in this section the author presents his research and bibliography.
If you are after a gritty action-packed read then you will find it in this authors books. The Afghan is the perfect place to start for a series that I highly recommend.
So, Joe is caught in the conflict between Russia and Afghanistan 1988 in a complex plot that pulls in a myriad of elements and deceptions. To be honest I expect deception and mistrust when the CIA is involved in anything!
The story sees the meeting of Joe and MI6 agent Jayne Robinson. This aspect of the story I really enjoyed as the two form a friendship that extends into the future, so it was good to see how they first met.
One thing that I have come to expect from this author is the meticulous attention to detail. This is a large part of his books and they are brilliantly wrapped into each story in such a way that keeps each story flowing and not getting bogged down with an overload of facts and info. This story is no exception.
The action for this is relentless and Joe finds himself in a minefield of political pressure, a country in turmoil, arms deals, KGB, CIA and undercover double-crossing. With all this going on, it creates a fast-paced and intense flow to the story. It keeps the tension and the suspense building.
As always there is a fabulous section after the story ends, in this section the author presents his research and bibliography.
If you are after a gritty action-packed read then you will find it in this authors books. The Afghan is the perfect place to start for a series that I highly recommend.
February 6, 2019
After turning out three full length and well-researched Joe Johnson novels, Andrew Turpin has written a prequel to the three, as an introduction to the fourth Joe Johnson novel – Stalin’s Final Sting.
The Afghan is written with the same integrity as those first Joe Johnson novels. Like his previous work, The Afghan contains a well-presented Research and Bibliography section at the end. His insightful use of the material he used for the setting and events of the story comes through clearly. The Afghan blends suspense, interesting characters, and action that keeps it real. No Jason Bourne or James Bond blurry and superhuman explosions of mayhem. Joe Jackson is an often conflicted man with a strong moral compass, and as a beer commercial in Canada goes with one substituted pronoun – “Those who like him, like him a lot.”
My working copy for The Afghan was a free download, but I purchased voluntarily in the hope that Amazon will consider this review a legitimate one based the investment by this reviewer.
I have also purchased Stalin’s Final Sting, with the full confidence that I will also “like it a lot”.
The Afghan is written with the same integrity as those first Joe Johnson novels. Like his previous work, The Afghan contains a well-presented Research and Bibliography section at the end. His insightful use of the material he used for the setting and events of the story comes through clearly. The Afghan blends suspense, interesting characters, and action that keeps it real. No Jason Bourne or James Bond blurry and superhuman explosions of mayhem. Joe Jackson is an often conflicted man with a strong moral compass, and as a beer commercial in Canada goes with one substituted pronoun – “Those who like him, like him a lot.”
My working copy for The Afghan was a free download, but I purchased voluntarily in the hope that Amazon will consider this review a legitimate one based the investment by this reviewer.
I have also purchased Stalin’s Final Sting, with the full confidence that I will also “like it a lot”.
July 19, 2023
Thank You Andrew Turpin
This is the prequel for the entire Joe Johnson of thrillers which are set in the present day. Joe is no longer a CIA officer, he is now an independent war crimes investigator. He used his skills as a Former CIA officer in his current job.
This is my first time reading the Author. The writing was as smooth as drinking whiskey and feeling it move down your throat. Unfortunately, Joe is in a bad situation that turns worst as time goes by. Readers who enjoyed Charlie's War featuring Tom Hanks will most likely enjoy this story. There are parts you might cry so bring tissues. Some parts you may want to throw the book cause the atmosphere and tone of this Novella is on the money.
Secrets
Historical Fiction/ Events
Military Crime
This is the prequel for the entire Joe Johnson of thrillers which are set in the present day. Joe is no longer a CIA officer, he is now an independent war crimes investigator. He used his skills as a Former CIA officer in his current job.
This is my first time reading the Author. The writing was as smooth as drinking whiskey and feeling it move down your throat. Unfortunately, Joe is in a bad situation that turns worst as time goes by. Readers who enjoyed Charlie's War featuring Tom Hanks will most likely enjoy this story. There are parts you might cry so bring tissues. Some parts you may want to throw the book cause the atmosphere and tone of this Novella is on the money.
Secrets
Historical Fiction/ Events
Military Crime
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2022
Andrew Turpin has written a book, "The Afghan" which is an action adventure thriller that keeps a reader involved from the introduction until the last page. His style of writing reminds me of Tom Clancy and James Patterson in books like "Patriot Games" and "The President is Missing."
It is a "hold on tight and don't let go" book. Every page has action and dangers. It is a start of a new series of books involving a CIA agent by the name of Joe Johnson involved in Russia versus the mujahideen in Afghanistan in 1988. I won't give away the plot but it is nonstop action and realistic. I am giving it a rating of 5 stars.
It is a "hold on tight and don't let go" book. Every page has action and dangers. It is a start of a new series of books involving a CIA agent by the name of Joe Johnson involved in Russia versus the mujahideen in Afghanistan in 1988. I won't give away the plot but it is nonstop action and realistic. I am giving it a rating of 5 stars.
May 8, 2023
The Afghan by Andrew Turpin is a prequel to his Joe Johnson series of books. This is the first time I have read anything by this author.
Joe Johnson is a CIA Officer who is sent on a mission into an Afghan village but unbeknown to him there is a mole who is leaking information concerning his whereabouts left right and centre. The KGB are also involved in this espionage thriller which starts in 1988.
I thought the start was heavy going but I never give up on a book and was glad I had finished it. The latter part of the thriller does get very exciting when Joe and his team confront the enemy.
Joe Johnson is a CIA Officer who is sent on a mission into an Afghan village but unbeknown to him there is a mole who is leaking information concerning his whereabouts left right and centre. The KGB are also involved in this espionage thriller which starts in 1988.
I thought the start was heavy going but I never give up on a book and was glad I had finished it. The latter part of the thriller does get very exciting when Joe and his team confront the enemy.
January 19, 2019
This book is a prequel to four other books in this series. Even though I read this book after the others it only added to the wonderful story of the main character Joe Johnson from past to present, how he met the other characters along the way and how he got to where he is in the last book in this series. Each book grabs you from page one. Each book is action packed. The author does incredible research on each location Joe Johnson winds up in. This is a wonderful series and this author can’t write fast enough for me. I enjoy this series that much!
October 30, 2019
Great introduction to Joe Johnson and the future books in the series. In this book based in 1988 Joe is a CIA officer who is pulled into a bad situation in Afghanistan with Soviets and murjhaeers at the time of The Cold War. Joe has a few close with death but as we know more books to come based on him in the 2010's we know he survives. The writing is very descriptive with scenery and setting the scene with terminology you can understand even if you have involvement with war time/ guns etc.
Looking forward to reading the other books in the series
Looking forward to reading the other books in the series
February 27, 2019
Andrew Turpin has turned out another masterful piece of work with this book. As a prequel to the Joe Johnson thrillers, and specifically to the fourth installment in the series, it is a rich, dark and brilliantly-written story. I love the historical depth, the ties to factual information, and the way the reader is skillfully kept in the dark for a good portion of the narrative. I cannot wait to continue the adventure in Stalin's Final Sting.
December 11, 2019
Excellent book that I couldn’t put down
Andrew Turpin has now become one of my favorite authors. After stumbling upon this book by accident, I read it in 2 days. The characters are interesting and well developed. The constant twists and turns will keep you wanting more. I can’t wait to start the second book in this series.
Andrew Turpin has now become one of my favorite authors. After stumbling upon this book by accident, I read it in 2 days. The characters are interesting and well developed. The constant twists and turns will keep you wanting more. I can’t wait to start the second book in this series.
August 22, 2020
When I listened to the preview, I was immediately transported back in time when I was a child in Afghanistan.
Although the story lines are fictional, the events and places are based on reality. It is a great read and It is rare to read about the war in Afghanistan that ended the cold war and the USSR. I would love to see it on the big screen.
Although the story lines are fictional, the events and places are based on reality. It is a great read and It is rare to read about the war in Afghanistan that ended the cold war and the USSR. I would love to see it on the big screen.
November 22, 2020
Unlike Tom Clancy styled fictions (which have multidimensional subplots and heavy technical descriptions of military hardware), this title by Andrew Turpin has a one dimension plot presented in an interesting way with minimal military jargon. Looking forward for the next installment "The Last Nazi".
September 13, 2022
A very close echo to the way things were (and perhaps still are) in the intel business of the late 1980’s. Good research has resulted in an almost real life tale of the dedication of patriots and also how the smell of money can turn someone the wrong way. It’s a well written book and really worth reading.
November 15, 2019
Another excellent Joe Johnson story where we first meet Mary and Severinhov set against the backdrop of the latter days of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan as the CIA try to find and collate the weapons handed to the Mughedin especially the stinger anti aircraft weapon.
All round a good book.
All round a good book.
February 14, 2020
This was the prequel to the book The Last Nazi also written by Andrew Turpin. I am glad that I had read it too. It gives a clear picture of just who Joe Johnson was and what drove him to care so much about the underdogs of the world. A very good novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
The first events in Andrew Turpin's Joe Johnson thrillers. The book introduces us to characters that will reappear in the subsequent Joe Johnson adventures and sets the tone for those books which I have also read. If you like thrillers, it would be hard to beat Joe Johnson. A must read for me.
September 20, 2021
Fascinating reading especially in light of the recent pullout of the US.
Fascinating reading and background especially in light of the recent pullout from Afghanistan by the US. I look forward to reading some of the recommendations by Andrew
Fascinating reading and background especially in light of the recent pullout from Afghanistan by the US. I look forward to reading some of the recommendations by Andrew
January 28, 2019
a good and realistic story about a wet behind the ears CIA Agent Joe Johnson as he starts his career in Afghanistan and his struggle against his Job , his superiors and the local citizens.
June 22, 2019
I've loved the fast pace of this series. There is such detail and action that you don't want to stop reading. "The Afgan" is another great book in this series!
November 22, 2019
The characters are fictional . Events probably are too.
But is suspect the plot is close. The story just feels real
which makes for a really good read .
But is suspect the plot is close. The story just feels real
which makes for a really good read .
June 16, 2020
it was just ok...
April 25, 2021
Fantastic read. Well worth my time.
Loved every page!! We get to see how Joe starts out in the CIA and how he meets Jayne.
All in all a very fast paced and exciting thriller.
Loved every page!! We get to see how Joe starts out in the CIA and how he meets Jayne.
All in all a very fast paced and exciting thriller.
February 17, 2022
As always, this series doesn't fail to keep your attention and make you not want to put the book down.
October 10, 2022
Amazing read !!
September 14, 2024
Interesting book that takes place in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the late 80’s a prequel to a series I might have to dive into.
December 13, 2021
I enjoyed learning the origins of Joe Johnson having started Andrew Turpin books with The Last Nazi. This was a well researched and well written book. Some events didn't seem to have a conclusion which I hope means they will be revisited in later books that I am yet to read. Would recommend Andrew Turpin to anyone with an interest in military/Spies/ thriller
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews