The Controller

Lynch and Rose #1

by Matt Brolly

From the bestselling author of the acclaimed DCI Lambert series comes The Controller, a gripping serial killer thriller introducing Sam Lynch and Special Agent Sandra Rose.

It is six years since special agent Samuel Lynch left the FBI following the disappearance of his son, Daniel. Lynch believes an underground organisation known as The Railroad is responsible and has never stopped searching.

When Special Agent Sandra Rose investigates a house invasion gone wrong, she discovers the assailant has the legendary, and infamous, Railroad tattoo carved onto his back and he claims to know Daniel’s whereabouts.

Rose draws Lynch in to her case, and together they become embroiled in an unparalleled world of violence and evil.

It seems that to see his son again, Lynch will have to confront his greatest fear and face the ultimate test: an encounter with the Railroad’s enigmatic and deadly leader, The Controller.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Detective

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2019

About the author

Matt Brolly is the Amazon number one bestselling author of the DI Blackwell novels set in Weston-supper-Mare, as well as the DCI Lambert crime novels, the acclaimed near future crime novel, Zero, and the US thriller, The Controller.

Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.

Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK


Matt Brolly books in order:

DI Blackwell:

The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)

DCI Lambert Series

Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time

Other books

Zero
The Controller

For children (as M.J. Brolly)

The Sleeping Bug

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ Action Packed Crime Fiction

This is my first book I have read by Matt Brolly and the first book in a new series.
Both going on my to watch out for list!

The Controller is an action packed, Twisty Crime Fiction with a dash of Mystery that will most definitely keep you on your toes.

I'm not going to go into too much detail with the plot as there is lots going on and I think the blurb sums it up nicely.

Special Agent Samuel Lynch and Special Agent Rose set out to find out who is behind 'The Railroad'
Lynch's Son David disappeared several years ago and he is convinced 'The Railroad' are responsible for his and several others disappearances.
But what is the connection between Agent Rose's current case and the disappearances?

As the two set out to find out answers, they step into a very dangerous world, where no one is safe and people will stop at nothing to keep things secret. But who is trust worthy and just who is 'The Controller' calling all the shots?!

I really liked Lynch his determination to find his Son shone through, no matter the danger he ploughed on searching.
I didn't particularly like the relationship between Lynch and Rose, I felt professionally they were very strong together, but relationship wise they should of stayed platonic colleagues in order to keep a clear head. But that's just my opinion.

If you love your Crime Fiction with a twist of thriller & Mystery thats Gripping, action packed, ramps up the tension bit by bit, gory, Thrilling with perfectly created twists and turns, them The Controller is the Perfect Read for you!

Thank you to Damppebbles tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.


My Review is also on my Blog Website :-


https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CONTROLLER (A Lynch and Rose Thriller Book 1) by Matt Brolly is a fast-paced, high octane suspense/thriller that I could not put down until the explosive end. A former and current FBI agent work together to bring down an organization that is only spoken about as a legend.

Special Agent Samuel Lynch left the FBI. He was forced out as he spent every minute investigating an underground organization known as The Railroad who he believed kidnapped his son and hundreds of others. Each time he gets close, his lead evaporates, but he will never stop searching until his son, Daniel is found.

Seven years have passed.

Special Agent Sandra Rose is sent to investigate a home invasion were the killer sadistically eliminated an entire family. He is taken into custody, but refuses to talk to anyone but Samuel Lynch. He claims to know were Daniel is being held - alive.

Rose brings Lynch in and together they become entangled in a world where no one can be trusted. As Rose works with her partner within the system, Lynch will allow himself to be taken by The Controller, who is the sadistic and deadly leader of The Railroad. He will do anything to see his son again, but will it be the last thing he ever does?

This book drops you immediately into action that never lets up. The author weaves Lynch and Rose’s backstories throughout without losing momentum. There are gruesome scenes that are graphic, but this is a thriller about an organization of sadists and I never felt the scenes were gratuitous. The Controller was a truly scary psychopath who is still out there. (This is not a secret, so I will be looking for him in future books.) All of the secondary characters kept you guessing if they were good or bad which added to the tension.

I am very interested in following this duo to see how the author handles each going forward. The next thrill ride cannot come soon enough!

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Controller by Matt Brolly is the first in the Samuel Lynch and Sandra Rose series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Oblong Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Six years ago, Daniel Lynch went missing. He was seven. His father was the head of the San Antonio FBI field office. Following up on his son’s case cost Samuel Lynch his job, his friends, his marriage… but his obsession to find his son never faltered.

Lynch had discovered an underground organization called The Railroad, who he believes is responsible for his son’s disappearance as well as many others. No one in the FBI believed him. He has continued his investigation on his own, and is now in search of the head of this group, called “The Controller”.

FBI Special Agent Sandra Rose is called to investigate a hostage situation. A man named Razinski is holding a family captive, and the only one he will talk to is Lynch. He wants immunity. He says he knows the location of Lynch's son.

Lynch and Rose begin to work together, neither totally trusting the other, or knowing who else they can trust. The case will lead them through treacherous betrayals and into unknown territory, where violence and evil go hand in hand.


My Opinions:
This is the first book I have read by Matt Brolly. It was a wild ride. The suspense and action was non-stop, and the plot sucked me in right from the start. Some of the scenes were a little gruesome, but that never bothers me. A couple of the twists really surprised me.

The characters are strong, driven, and likable. They have depth. I quickly became a fan of both Lynch and Rose (and McBride). None of them are perfect, which makes them more real.

I understand the author’s other series is based in England, and you can tell his nationality by some of the phrases. Since this book takes place in the States, perhaps the book should have been a little more “Americanized”, but overall, I didn’t care. The book was good!

I could definitely see a movie….or a television series….I just can’t wait for the next book.

[Erin]

Giveaway win

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well hello there Mr Brolly, I think it is safe to say you have got a new number one fan in me! How have I not read anything by you before?! This needs to be rectified!

I was sucked in from the opening pages with the tidbits of information you are given at first to Lynch and his life and a hostage situation with Special Agent Rose. From the get-go, the action and suspense is ramped up to such a high velocity I felt tired from reading it! To me, Lynch is Jack Reacher in his heyday! This man kicks ass, but with the added bonus he shows feelings, especially when it comes to Daniel, his missing son.

I was hooked (and breathless) on Brolly’s writing, it was so easy to follow and could imagine if this was a TV show I would be watching it as I absolutely adore this type of high octane action, such an adrenaline junkie when it is not me doing everything!

Not going to lie there are some bits in the book that were a bit gruesome and uncomfortable to read, but I must be desensitised to it all now (worrying thought), the power of these ritualistic murders hold on the Lynch and Rose and everyone around them was poignant. Each death served a purpose to deliver a message to the duo and both felt the guilt plus having to deal with the horror of what was in front of them. I loved that we experienced their feelings with the murders, we are briefly shown how the macabre scenes but the rest of it left to your imagination as you are swamped with emotion from everyone at the scene.

I really liked Rose, she was unsure who to trust but she and Lynch had a connection, which I felt worked and did not feel forced. Lynch’s backstory and what truly drives him, is a power that you do not want to mess with. To be made an example of by the FBI over the Railroads murders to find out the truth behind it all, this guy was not going to stop on his mission! Who is The Controller?!?

I am dying to read the next one, as the ending sets up for what is, possibly, yet to come! I have to know now! #Bookhangover but at least I can breathe again!

In three words

Kick-Ass Action

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Controller is the first in a new US crime thriller series by Matt Brolly, and what a promising start it is. It follows Samuel Lynch as he searches for his son who went missing six years ago, and he thinks its connected to an underground organisation known as the Railroad. Special Agent Sandra Rose, called to an assignment, ends up pulling Lynch in to the case as she believes it to be connected to the Railroad.

I found The Controller to be a solid start to a new series. It builds up enough back story, introduces the characters, and leaves enough unanswered questions that the reader will be looking forward to the next book.

The premise for the book is also quite clever. Lynch was ousted from the FBI after he carried out an investigation into The Railroad, but he ends up being pulled into Rose’s case when she finds out the assailant has the markings of the Railroad on his body.

What follows is an action-packed, dark and at times, harrowing read. You will question the motivations of those involved, while at the same time, willing Lynch on as he continues to search for his son.

The Controller is dark, cinematic and definitely one to add to your list if you enjoy US-based conspiracy thrillers.

Recommended for sure.

[Janet Newport · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Oblong Books for this arc.

I'm not sure I read the same book as other reviewers.... Maybe it's just me.... I've read a string of some really good books lately, so this may just be part of "all good things come to an end" disappointment....

WHAT A RIDICULOUS WASTE OF MY TIME!!

Or was it some silly satire of a read presented as a serial killer/police procedural???

It was obviously written by a Brit... British spellings, British idioms, British colloquialisms, but it was about an FBI (a USA law enforcement agency) hunt for a serial killer set in the state of Texas (a US state, granted they're pretty independent, but still a US state).led by a current agent - Rose who pulls in a former agent - Lynch to aid in her investigation. Within like 12 hours of her meeting him, she crawls into the shower with him so that she can "find comfort" with him. AAARRRGH!

Both protagonists were just awful.... Obsessive, self-justifying rationalizations, guilt-ridden parodies of humans.
The story was just too, too over-the-top for me with all the ginormous conspiracy of corruption within ALL law enforcement agencies and the collusion with "BIG Business" interests. Sprinkle in a couple of Area 51 sites, add in a couple of bombings and top it all with the requisite Black Ops helicopters for a fast paced read.

The ONLY reason I finished.... I wanted to find out what McBride's game was. McBride being the only intriguing character I found in the entire book. But he just disappeared completely. Lynch does live happily ever after....
Rose does too (except her mother doesn't).

[Meredith Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Controller, by Matt Brolly
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Oblong Books
Release Date: May 23, 2019

Summary of The Controller
Six years ago, former FBI agent Sam Lynch‘s young son Daniel disappeared. Lynch is convinced that a mysterious organization nicknamed The Railroad is responsible. Rumor has it that they kidnap people near railroads and that each member is branded with a railroad tattoo. Problem is, the FBI doesn’t believe the Railroad even exists. After leaving the Bureau, Lynch continues an unofficial investigation.

Special Agent Sandra Rose investigates a brutal murder, a seemingly random house invasion turned deadly. The killer Razinski bears the railroad tattoo. He refuses to talk to anyone other than Lynch, though Lynch has never met the man before, and seems to have connections within the FBI itself. The former agent and Rose join forces to investigate and as things take an even more violent turn, they are given a name, one clue about the railroad: the possible name of its head, The Controller.

My thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed this novel.

A few issues:

British spellings in an American novel
The novel takes place in America, with an all-American cast of characters, yet there were times when Brolly uses the British spelling of words. Colour instead of color; fibre, centre, honour, that sort of thing. There were also times when he used words more common in British than American English: grotty or fug, for example, aren’t used much in America. This seems petty, but it can be distracting to American readers. (Especially readers like me, who notice details like this. Sometimes I wish I could turn off my typo-radar!) I read an unedited ARC, though, and I trust that some of this will be corrected for the final version. I’m not “counting off” for this!

The sudden sexual relationship between Rose and Lynch
I don’t think this is quite a spoiler, really. It’s (almost) a truth universally (or in this genre, at least!) acknowledged that two investigators of the opposite gender must be sexually attracted to one another.

Here, though, I didn’t buy it. Having sex to relieve their tension makes sense. But there wasn’t enough buildup to this point. I didn’t see a lot of sparks flying. Granted, up until then, they’d been dealing with non-stop violence. But I wanted a bit more awareness of each other’s sexuality before this.

A little too much telling
This is a writer thing. There were times when I felt frustrated at being told when I wanted to be showed and experience the characters’ emotions. For example, a lot of Rose’s feelings about her troubled relationships with her younger sister and her mother, dying of dementia, felt like it was told to me. I never felt immersed in Rose’s emotions and her internal conflict between the demands of work and the demands of a sick mother.

Whether a normal thriller reader would feel bothered by this, I don’t know. Writers tend to be hyper-aware of itty-bitty story craft issues that regular people aren’t. But for me, this issue detracted from the story.

Now for the fun part: what I enjoyed!

The violence is well-handled.
The seeming-house-invasion-gone-wrong ends with extreme violence and multiple deaths. Many people die in the course of the novel. Toward the end, there are people being hurt. Given the nature of these criminals, this is expected.

Brolly gives just enough detail in describing the crime scenes that we understand the horrible nature of the crime without feeling like voyeurs. He doesn’t resort to sensationalism when showing crimes as they are committed, either. Lynch watches people being hurt, but instead of describing how or what is happening, we get his emotions and reactions. This lets us fill in the blanks for ourselves. Very effective.

Lynch is a complicated man.
He’s a courageous, intelligent man who strategizes and acts professionally, even in deadly circumstances. (Even though he’s been ousted from the FBI for years! I guess you can take a man out of the FBI but you can’t take the FBI out of a man.) Even though he is divorced from his wife, he wants to protect her from the Railroad’s violence. He also is surprisingly accepting and protective of her new boyfriend, and acknowledges that the new guy’s presence helps Lynch’s relationship with his ex-wife. Ironic. Definitely not what I expected. (Nicely played, Mr. Brolly!)

Yet there is great darkness in him, too. His drive to find the Railroad and his son has made him obsessive. There are glimpses of guilt, too, as he feels responsible for his son’s abduction. This grief and fear make for a compelling character and it really drives the story. (What parent can’t identify with this compulsion to protect their child?) He is capable of violence, though he takes no pleasure in it.

The backstory is woven into the story.
Obviously, there’s backstory: Daniel’s abduction, Lynch’s investigation, his divorce, and the FBI’s refusal to let him investigate. But we receive the necessary information at strategic points throughout the narrative, rather than all in one big wad somewhere at the beginning. We learn what we need to, when we need to. It’s difficult to do this without confusing the reader. My inner writer applauds.

There’s even a delightful hint that Lynch has been through a terrible traumatic experience sometime in the past involving captivity, a killer, and a SWAT team rescue. (Okay, delightful's a stretch. It really sounds horrible!) But it intrigued me, and though I didn’t get answers in this book, I hope to get them sometime in the future. Which brings me to my last point:

The ending sets up for sequels.
The last chapter–no spoilers, I promise!–hints at more books to come. Consider it a bit like MCU’s end scenes, whetting our appetite for the next big movie. Only here, it’s the next big book, and I didn’t have to sit through all the movie credits to get it! Nice.

The verdict
While there were definitely some distracting issues with the narrative, this is a good start to a series. Lynch and Rose are promising as series characters, and I’m interested in seeing how their relationship develops as they investigate crimes. Will Lynch be reinstated to the FBI? I don’t know. I hope so. 4 stars.

Thanks to #NetGalley, Oblong Books, and Matt Brolly for letting me read an ARC of #TheController in exchange for a honest review. I appreciate it.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Oblong Books for an advance copy of The Controller, the first novel to feature former FBI Special Agent Samuel Lynch and current Special Agent Sandra Rose, set in Texas.

When a home invasion goes wrong Agent Rose is put in charge of the hostage negotiation but the invader has his own agenda and insists on talking to Lynch. Lynch was investigating the disappearance of hundreds of people at various times but with one commonality, they all disappeared near railroad tracks and had identified a group known as The Railroad as the perpetrators when his seven year old son, Daniel, was taken. With his grief over his son and the FBI’s view that The Railroad is an urban myth he was forced out. When the invader is captured it becomes apparent that The Railroad is more than a legend so Rose co-opts Lynch Into her investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Controller which is a high octane thriller with plenty of twists and turns. It is not for the faint hearted as the cruelty and violence are stomach churning in parts but if you have the stomach it is tense, exciting and highly addictive. I must admit that I had to put it down at times due to the tension so it is a measure of Mr Brolly’s skill that I got so invested. The plot is well done with action, tension and a mysterious organisation whose aims still seem a bit obscure to me but this will no doubt be explored more in further novels as it obviously isn’t all over in this one novel. I would suggest that there is virtually no realism in the novel but, given the genre, it doesn’t matter especially as it is gripping and highly entertaining.

I like the characters of Lynch and Rose, both of whom have the anti-authoritarian gene but use it in different ways. Lynch has a more scorched earth policy, willing to use any means to rescue his son. He is tough, uncompromising and task orientated. Rose is more idealistic, prepared to break the rules in search of justice and doing the right thing. They make a great team and I’m looking forward to their next outing.

The Controller is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Alexia Capsomidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what a gripping read! I have to admit that having read some of Matt Brolly’s DCI Lambert books previously I couldn’t wait to start reading this as it downloaded to my Kindle.

In The Controller we are introduced to Samuel Lynch, an ex-FBI agent whose son went missing six years ago and Lynch believes a violent crime organisation called The Railroad and their leader, The Controller are responsible. Following an incident at a house invasion gone wrong, Lynch is brought in by Special Agent Sandra Rose to assist with enquiries. It is soon apparent that there is more than meets the eye and so begins our thrilling and suspense filled journey from start to finish.

Impossible to put down, tense page-turner to the end, this is an absolute must read!

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a arc e book for my i pad thru net galley. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.

[Andres Kabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've rarely read a thriller that wastes as little time getting to the thrills, and The Controller keeps up the pace throughout. If you loved Ludlum, this might be for you.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Controller by Matt Brolly is a fast-paced, gritty and fantastic piece of pure thrilling content. It hooks you in right from the get-go and the tension keeps mounting with every subsequent chapter. I found this book very difficult to put down!
Following the disappearance of his only child, 6 years ago, Samuel Lynch an ex-FBI agent has had only one goal - to find his son, Daniel. He's never stopped looking; Samuel believes that an organization called "The Railroad" is responsible for the disappearance of Daniel and hundreds of others. A home invasion gone wrong has brought together Special Agent Sandra Rose and Samuel Lynch together. Together they journey through to solve the most challenging cases of their lives encountering the darkest and most depraved individuals who stop at nothing.
This book has a seriously high body count. I wouldn't call it twisty but it's highly engrossing nonetheless. The dialogues are superb. All characters are well-drawn and the plot is simply one of the best I have read so far. Matt Brolly has been able to capture all scenes and emotions flawlessly. Since this was an arc I expected a few minor editorial oversights, but overall this book was just fabulous! I was anxious for Samuel & Sandra until the very end.
I was very impressed with the book and it seems like there will be more of Samuel Lynch. I can't wait!
Thank you, NetGalley, Oblong Books & Matt Brolly for an arc!

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book for this author. I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I went on a ride with the characters. It was a dark thriller and I think it was just want I needed for today to read. There was lots of action in this book and some scenes that may not be suitable for younger people. "This book was given to me for free at my request from Netgalley and I provided this voluntary review."

[Brian Deegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ This is only the 2nd book of Matt's I have read but have already downloaded more of his books. Really enjoy his writing style.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edge of the seat plot. From the minute it began I was enthralled and wanted more. Unique an interesting storyline that involves FBI scandals an wondering who can be trusted. The main character I really liked he was very real but even for an ex FBI agent he had no one to turn to. The other main character was very relatable but in a strange kind of way. In the middle of the action it reverts back to her personal life so shows a deeper side to her.
Only negative would be that important information isn’t explained. The storyline is such a good one but yet in the end I’m still left with no reasoning behind how it started or why or an insight into the sinister character behind it all. What certain aspects of it mean which is really annoying as it’s potential with this information could have been great an then it just ENDS... So many unanswered questions and people whose actions that lead to serious repercussions futures just left hanging with no explanations or why they acted in this way. But it does leave an opening for a follow on book which has huge potential.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a crazy ride this book was. You had no idea of where it was going next and the thrills and chills and betrayals just kept you moving on the down the track to the next chapter.

After reading a review and then a sample of the first couple of chapters I knew I had to read this book. The author is male and from the UK yet the book is set and takes place totally in Texas. He nailed the Texas part. My tiny little critique is no one that was born and raised in the USA calls their Mom/Mommy, Mum or Mummy which is used throughout the book. Other than that it was excellent writing.

For fans of police procedures, thrillers, whacked out egotistical killers, lovers of high octane thrill rides this is the book for you.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine that after 6 years since your son disappeared someone gives you the hope that he is still alive? Even if you have thought all this time that he has been dead, I am sure you stick to this hope till your last breath, bad news is always better than no news.
This is a really personal case for the special agent Samuel Lynch, he is not working for the FBI anymore, he is only on one case, finding who had kidnapped his son and finding him. So when in a house call, the police arrest a man with a railroad tattoo and asking to speak to Samuel Lynch, the detective on the case, the Special Agent Sandra Rose knows that this case will be like no other; they are searching for a ghost, The Controller. Is he real or simply a legend? Ready to discover it?
This is not the first case I’ve read from Matt Brolly, so when I started reading I was totally aware that this will be a non-stop book; full of adrenaline, twists and rising tension scenes. I can’t say that I didn’t love each page and I was totally glued to it; I finished wanting more, more cases, more action and more of all!
Since the beginning you suspect that the Controller is someone dangerous and with high contacts, the problem is that the two detectives of the case can’t trust anyone and is not easy to investigate someone that it doesn’t exist and with connections everywhere, don’t you think?
I liked how the main character, Samuel, is ready to risk everything only to know if his son is dead or alive, he knows that the chance is low, really low, but he needs to know the truth and after so much time trying to discover a clue, this mysterious man is the only one he has. He will have to trust the Special Agent Sandra Rose who since the beginning it seems there’s a special connection between them, they haven’t worked together but they trust each other since the first moment. Their partnership in this case is not very long, but I think they will work really good together and I can’t wait to read another case featuring both detectives, I know that Samuel is not anymore part of the agency, but I hope we will know more about his future in a next book.
This is not the first case of the Detective Samuel Lynch, but all his baggage is perfectly explained and you don’t feel lost at all during the book, don’t fear it, is an amazing read, AMAZING!

[Tesia Mentzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if your child was kidnapped? What if everyone started giving up searching after it became years and years? Would you give up hope too? Would you give up even if it had been going on 6yrs with no trace or evidence? How far would you go to get answers? Samuel Lynch asked himself the very same questions when is 7year old Daniel disappeared. As a former FBI agent, Lynch never stopped searching for his son. So much so, that it became an obsession and he was made to quit his job. Even so, this still didn’t stop him from seeking answers. Soon a brutal family murder soon points him on the right path to his son. Leaving him to believe his son is still alive he gets closer and closer until he gets kidnapped as well. Can Lynch find a way to escape his new underground prison and rescue his son? Will the man who kidnapped him be brought to justice? Read on to find out your own answers.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different kind of thriller, but no less enjoyable for that. Definitely a series to keep tabs on.

Samuel Lynch was an FBI agent until his son disappeared and, understandably, that took over his life; fully believing that an unknown organisation was involved, he has never given up on finding his boy. Sandra Rose is the Special Agent who arrests a perpetrator of heinous crimes who demands to speak to Lynch, intimating that he knows the whereabouts of his son. With agency bosses refusing to believe in the existence of the organisation referred to as 'The Railroad', Rose and Lynch have to go it alone.

None of what happens here is predictable. It was, for me, a very unusual read. I felt all at sea for quite a while trying to work out where the connections would be made, but slowly all the pieces came together and I realised that this is an awesome piece of fiction! A totally unique read which had me squirming in my seat more than once. Carefully crafted and well written, it unfolds bit by bit. I would have liked a more definitive ending, but wonder if perhaps the story will pick up again in future. Either way, I'm very happy to give this one four stars.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining and fast-paced action book. A former FBI agent whose son has been missing for years was brought into a case with information on an underground gang. The issue is who to trust as some agents could be in the gang. While agents try to solve a case and the former agent looks for his son, the gang is onto them. Reading this takes you through all the action and puts you in the action. This was a very interest book that I recommend reading.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really gripping read. I was pleased to find this new novel by Matt Brolly. It is a departure on his early work, which was about the British police. This book is more of a thriller, with non-stop action, set in Texas. I liked the edge this new setting gave the book, and I couldn't put it down.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this is one of the wildest conspiracy books I have ever read.

What a crazy ride, I’m still reeling and I finished a bit ago. I don’t think I have ever loved a more tenacious character than Lynch...AND Rose...she is a hero! I’m also a fan of McBride.

I’m really interested in book 2.

[Paul Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Fantastic, action packed read. Never lets up pace and I really hope the author has more planned for this series. Thanks to Netgalley and Oblong Books for the copy.

[Urszula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, chilling and gruesome, The Controller kept me up wondering about the next move in the plot. Emotional (yes, some tears were shed) and engaging, it was a great read. What a ride!

[Flapper72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great. Intriguing but I like a nice neat conclusion and I definitely didn't get that with, 'The Controller'. I guess it makes you want to read more and, indeed, it does!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that i have read any books by Matt Brolly and am now eager to read more. 'The Controller' was an excellent read and had me hooked from virtually the first page. I do prefer thrillers when they are fast paced which this book certainly was. Recommended.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.

[Mrs S J Owen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst book I have ever come across and the only book I have ever returned on kindle.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This, unfortunately, was one of my less favorite books of late. While it did have some bright spots, overall, it was a miss for me.

I liked the overall premise of a secret organization disappearing people around train tracks. I found it plausible and scary and original. I enjoyed the character Samuel Lynch. I wanted him to win. His motivations and actions were realistic and he became a full-fledged person for me.

I did not like the torture scenes, the Rose character, the British slang coming out of Texans mouths, the lack of characterization outside of Lynch, and the innumerable "you don't want to know" comments that veiled the true motivations and perclivities of the Railroad. The torture scenes may have been benign by some standards, but they came early and were brutal enough. I never connected with Rose, even with her sub-plot, I just felt like she was a flat character. I am pretty sure there are no native Texans who use the word "whilst", ever. All of the FBI characters ran together in my head and there was never any reason to truly know which one was which. Thank goodness, because I couldn't. Finally, while trying to find the truth, the answer Lynch got most often was, "it's too terrible to name, so I am going to let you just wonder". This reader was frustrated by that response. Not that I want to know about the terrible things people can and will do to one another, but once in a while, it would have been nice to have a horrible act to attach to the character I am supposed to hate.

While I am not likely to recommend this one, I am intersted in reading other books by this author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. Sorry this one was not quite up my alley.

[Lel Budge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Controller had promised to call him and Lynch had promised to himself he would end the man’s life.”

This is #1 in the Lynch and Rose series by Matt Brolly.

Special Agent Sandra Rose is called to the aftermath of an hostage situation. Razinski had the Gunn family trapped in their home but tortured and murdered them all. After his arrest he is demanding to speak to ex-FBI Agent Samuel Lynch..

Razinski has killed all the family and a police officer and has been taken into custody while Lynch is found……he drops the bombshell that Samuel’s son, who has been missing for 6 years is still alive…..

What follows is an incredibly fast paced, violent, tense thriller, it reminded me of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, in that Samuel is a bit of a troubled renegade but is basically a good man……but who can he trust?

The Railroad, an almost mythical organisation who abduct people near railroads and they are never seen again….just how far does this organisation go….and are the rail track tattoos the only identification?? Not for the faint hearted as there’s a lot of blood and violence, but this is a stunning thriller with great characters and enough tension to set your heart racing…..I can recommend it without reservation…..

Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review