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On the same day, two thousand miles apart, a woman dies in a terrorist bombing and a homeless man is beaten to death. How could their deaths possibly be connected?

Reluctantly, Cal agrees to investigate the homicide of a homeless man, known only as Wily, who was beaten to death on the streets of Vancouver. Somehow, his investigation triggers the attention of an intelligence officer in the Security Intelligence Service and suddenly Cal and his partner, Nick, find themselves targets. But targets of whom? The deeper they dig, the more they are thwarted by a highly efficient but hidden organization. Follow Cal and Nick from the drug-infested streets to the highest corridors of power, as they uncover a crime that is staggering in its audacity and magnitude.

Get this stunning new addition to the Cal Rogan series now.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2019

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175 people want to read

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Robert P. French

10 books61 followers

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5 stars
410 (59%)
4 stars
193 (28%)
3 stars
59 (8%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Matt.
4,816 reviews13.1k followers
January 9, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Robert P. French for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Having binge-read all four previous books by Robert P. French in as many days, I was eager to get my hands on this latest novel in the Cal Rogan series. When a terrorist bomb explodes in Ottawa, the reverberations can be felt as far away as Vancouver. Cal Rogan is approached by one of his friends from his life on the streets, asking that he look into finding the next of kin for a fellow homeless man who was recently killed. Rogan agrees, knowing that this will be a pro bono case, something he will have to sell to his partner. At Stammo Rogan Investigations, Nick Stammo is meeting with a man whose wife has a habit of disappearing weekly for unknown reasons. After meeting together, Stammo and Rogan pursue their cases, only to discover a connection between the dead homeless man and the terrorist attack in Ottawa. Further documents on the man’s possession show that there may have been illegal goings-on at the top of the Canadian Government. While Stammo follows his own leads, he discovers something equally disturbing and a woman roped into staying quiet. As Rogan and Stammo work to reveal just how sinister things are within the Canadian Government, their lives are thrust into danger, alongside an intelligence officer and a journalist who knows how to press just the right buttons. The safety of all involved hang in the balance in this stunning crime thriller that exemplifies how some use power to pursue nefarious actions. French continues to impress with this series, sure to pull any curious reader into the middle of something exciting. Recommended to those who love crime thrillers with a political twist, as well as those who enjoy something with a little more Canadian flavour.

Any good series deserves some binge reading and Robert P. French’s novels surely rank above some of the best I have read for a long time. Over the past few days, I have learned a great deal about Cal Rogan and his rise back to a degree of normalcy, but also the constant blips on the screen when it comes to his family and the heroin habit that haunts him. Rogan seems to have accepted that he will never be able to find solace with his ex-wife and daughter, as he thrusts them into constant danger no matter what happens. He keep in touch as best he can, but is also willing to move forward and find new sparks in his life. Those sparks are tempered with a return to heroin, something that can be attributed to the loss of his family. However, Rogan will not set aside his passion to help others, pursuing mysteries wherever they lead him. This was the most harrowing story in the series to date, seeing Rogan head to the nation’s capital to track down a killer and collection of villains whose entire purpose is the cause havoc. Nick Stammo remains a strong secondary characters as well, coming out of his shell but also putting himself at risk to the extreme. There are other key characters who place writhing the book could surely enhance the series, should they stick around. That being said, any solo character appearance in this piece enriches the narrative and adds depth to the various plots. The story remained as strong as any other French novel and kept moving at a break-neck pace, only adding to the reader’s enjoyment. With a mix of perspectives woven into the different chapters, I am eager to see what else French has to come, keeping the reader on the edge of their seats while injecting some harrowing plots throughout. This is definitely strong thriller writing with a Canadian flavour, something I thoroughly enjoy. I hope others will take the time to enjoy this series as well.

Kudos, Mr. French, for another explosive thriller. I am eager to see what else Cal Rogan and Nick Stammo might face, allowing me to further my interest in this series.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Profile Image for Pat.
2,310 reviews500 followers
June 20, 2020
I was tossing between 4 and 5 stars - but, what the hell, it was a fitting end to the series (so far) and I loved every word.

This one screams conspiracy 😲. It starts of innocently enough. The homeless community, of which Rogan used to be a part during his heroin days, wants him to find the sister of one of their number who was recently beaten to death so that he can have a proper funeral. Rogan soon learns that the sister died in a bomb blast in Ottawa recently. One the same day her brother died in Vancouver - coincidence, hmm. So when the PI duo of Cal Rogan and Nick Stammo try to track down a friend of the sister to locate any other remaining family, they learn that the friend died in the same bomb blast. OK now coincidence is looking a bit sick!

In typical Rogan fashion events move at lightning speed. He finds a girlfriend, Tina, a journalist who likes poking bears as much as he does. A security specialist from Ottawa, Jen, is also looking into the deaths. She has serious questions. One of the bomb deaths was her best friend. Meanwhile people keep trying to kill Cal, Nick, Tina and Jen either separately or in various combinations. A secret file is recovered and when the decryption is finally cracked it becomes clear that some very high up people in government and in policing are guilty of something heinous. They fly to Ottawa to get answers and only find more people trying to kill them. But Cal and Nick have 9 (more like 90) lives and keep on looking for answers.

Ah look, this was probably the most fantastical of the books, it was far-fetched for sure but so much fun that you just buckle up and go along for the ride. I really, really hope there will be more Cal Rogan books. If you are thinking of reading these, and I highly recommend them, I do suggest you start at book 1. These are not stand-alones.
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews497 followers
January 10, 2020
This is the Best Cal Rogan book thus far!! Fascinating story with two Private Investigators, both ex-cops who traverse the 'grey areas' rather than black and white, and when they find themselves involved in a military conspiracy all hell breaks loose!!
This author continues to improve our knowledge of just what happens in criminal cases and what type of person you Need to be to continue to tackle these crazy cases! Cal has once again found himself using a drug, and is trying to get clean for good to care for his daughter. The PI Office that Nick and Cal started find themselves with two cases, one to see if a wife is cheating, and the second is to find the sister of a homeless man who was killed. As they delve into the cases, they find that the sister was Also murdered, on the Same day!! No Such Thing as Coincidences, as they investigate both cases they find different high-powered agencies involved all over the place!
Cal and Nick go through pain, hospitalization, and some wild moments to try and finish their job..But can they get through the red tape and fight through the justice system to help their clients'?
I received an ARC from the author and I give You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.

Merged review:

Profile Image for Jim Bolger.
25 reviews
December 18, 2019
Excellent Cal Rogan story in keeping with other books in the series. Fast paced and certainly keeps your interest throughout. The story in itself is not a new one but is done in such a way to hold the attention of the reader added to which is Robert P French’s unique way of writing chapters in the first person of all major (and some minor) characters. He is definitely a master storyteller.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
July 27, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/27/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews64 followers
August 5, 2020
Robert P French – Cal Rogan Mysteries Bk 5 – Cabal – Reviewed 8/4/20 – Read 8/1-2/20

Brother and Sister both killed on the same day, something is mighty fishy here!!!

When a street friend of Cal’s, by the name of Ghost reaches out to him for help, Cal cannot turn him down. Apparently, Ghost’s friend Wily got himself killed. He wanted Cal to find his sister and let her know that Wily was dead. He was hoping that she could give him a decent burial. When Cal gets back to the office, he tells Nick about the case, and of course, it would have to be pro bono because there is no way that Ghost could pay. As they start looking around for the sister, they find out that she is connected to the Federal government, and she lived in Ottawa. The same place that just had a terrorist bombing that killed quite a few people. Cal goes down to the morgue and is shocked to find out that Wily had been tortured before he was killed. This case is certainly getting weird. What in the world could Wily be involved in to be tortured??

When they do a little more checking they find out that Wily’s sister, Annie was one of the victims in the terrorist bombing! That bombing was also the same day that Wily died?? Now, this could not be a coincidence!! When a woman shows up at their office wanting to know why they would be checking with the government about Annie, the case just got complicated.

And now the story begins…

What did I like? Wow, this is the fifth book in the series, and I am so hooked! I have kept my box of tissues right beside me and am I ever glad that it is there. Boohoo, the tears flow! I thought the last book “Three” was awesome, but Robert has outdone himself. This one is more complicated and filled with a ton of mystery. The boy's Nick and Cal have made peace with each other and the office is running smoothly. Robert added a new character to the mix, and I love her. With her help, this book has just gone over the top with involved cases and troubles.

What will you like? Action at every turn adding a touch of clandestine that will have you holding your breath, astounding mystery, incredible characters, a touch of romance, throw in a little more humor, and you have an amazing read. The characters are exceptional, Robert gives each one the most astounding touch, helping to make you fall in love with them. Hear the marvelous sounds of the office as they drink the coffee and eat those wonderful digestive chocolate cookies. Listen for the bullets, the thump of the fists, the feel of the bruises, and the excitement of the private investigator comes to life with Robert’s extraordinary details and descriptions. This was an astonishing read that will fit right into your Mystery library. Do not miss it!

• File Size: 1486 KB
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Publisher: Robert P. French (December 16, 2019)
• Publication Date: December 16, 2019
• ASIN: B082TRDY7M
• Genre: Noir Crime, Political Fiction, Political Thriller & Suspense
43 reviews
October 22, 2021
Cabal — a review
(Cal Rogan Mysteries #5)
by Robert P. French (Goodreads Author)
(my Rating 4****)

Right off the bat: this is my first Cal Rogan mystery, and I loved it, but I gave it only 4**** , in protest to the publisher. Proofreading/editing/formatting in the last half was poor, with last lines often missing from pages or duplicated on the next, A good book deserves better.
The structure of the novel is different from most. Each chapter is named for a principal character, who then serves as first-person narrator for that chapter. I liked the method — sort of a circular firing squad arrayed around the action. And there is lots of action, happening in Vancouver and Ottawa.
I could relate to the story in several ways: I live just across the strait from Vancouver, and I have had relatives in Canadian Forces and the RCMP.
Both of those agencies are infiltrated here by right-wing insurrectionists and other criminals. Rogan and his partner Stammo are caught right in the middle. So are some friends (and lovers,)
a reporter and a CSIS officer.
Overall, characters are well-rounded, likeable, and suited to their rôles. The story-line has a few stretches, but lots of twists and turns. I missed a lot of sleep with this novel. Bravo!
148 reviews
August 5, 2021
Fast-moving, intelligent, likable characters, and an interesting plot.

First off, I like that it was set in Canada. It was a refreshing change. Having Cal's bête noire being drug abuse was interesting compared to all of the alcoholic protagonists in mystery/action novels.

The plot was very well done with a number of plausible red herrings. There were plenty of last-minute rescues, but they seemed more realistic than in most novels.

There were several things that I didn't care for. The point of view shifted frequently among multiple characters. Unfortunately, I tend not to read chapter headings. So, I had to train myself to read them, otherwise, I'd get thrown for a loop by the change in character.

There were several plot points that didn't ring true (although this was rare). For example, Cal breaks into a house, checks out everywhere but the basement, and leaves. Turns out he should have checked the basement . . .

But, overall a great effort and I want to read more about these characters.
6 reviews
January 2, 2020
This Guy, Robert P. French, Just Doesn't Quit!

Cal (Rogan) is hitting the heroin again, a 'functioning junkie' as it were. This poor guy never seems to get a break, but otoh, he sets himself up quite often as well. As we move through this book packed with action and intrigue, he works through his withdrawal misery, with the help of a former addict and current newshound. Once again, things start looking up for him.

Stammo, ever the Rock of the partnership, gives Rogan an ultimatum, then jumps into the international case full of bad guys and tries to get himself killed a few times.

Adry is coming into her own as much more than an office manager, which I'm sure will be expanded on in Book 6 (hint hint...hurry! 😁).

No spoilers, just a very strong suggestion that you READ THIS BOOK! Not at bedtime, though, as you won't get any sleep. Yes, it is that good!

Thank you, Mr. French. Please keep them coming!
Profile Image for Zayden Leo.
7 reviews11 followers
December 20, 2025
Cabal by Robert P. French is a gripping and intense thriller that masterfully blends crime, political intrigue, and suspense. From a terrorist bombing in Ottawa to the mysterious death of a homeless man in Vancouver, the plot keeps readers on edge as Cal Rogan and Nick Stammo navigate a dangerous web of corruption, power, and hidden agendas.

French’s skillful storytelling brings Canadian settings vividly to life while balancing fast-paced action with well-developed characters. Cal Rogan is a compelling protagonist whose personal struggles, dedication to justice, and resilience make him easy to root for. Nick Stammo and the supporting cast add depth and variety, keeping the narrative rich and engaging.

This is the most thrilling installment in the Cal Rogan series so far, full of suspense, plot twists, and high stakes. Perfect for fans of crime thrillers, political intrigue, and stories with a strong Canadian flavor.
Profile Image for Dave.
638 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book, but the story was so far-fetched, it was way over the top. First, the good parts: I found the character Cal Rogan well described, interesting, and an easy person to form a bond with. His partners are similarly interesting folks to follow. The setting is Vancouver, BC, which is where I live, so I found the local settings and descriptions mostly familiar and accurate. (One exception would be the Devonshire Hotel, which was demolished many decades ago, but I guess it is a piece of fiction, so why not?) The criminal plot, including multiple murders, would have been reasonable and believable if it had involved mid-level personnel. However, I found it preposterous that a long list of top people in the Federal Government, the RCMP, and the Canadian Military could have been deeply involved in operating this criminal enterprise. Beyond belief!
375 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2023
Riveting!

A homeless man is beaten to death on the streets of Vancouver
City. His friends get in touch with a common friend, Private Investigator(PI), Cal Rogen. They request him to travel out the dead man's sister so that he gets a decent funeral.
When Cal Rogen and his partner, Nick, start the process of tracing out the sister, they are in for a major shock.
The search for the sister starts opening up a lot of cans with dirty worms.
Circumstances lead Cal Rogen to team up with CSIS Officer, Jen and a journalist of a renowned publication, Tina.
The highest authorities of the Country are being suspected by Cal Rogen & Team.
Will they be able to unravel the mystery?
Read this Riveting Political Thriller to know the answer.

Review by SRD

Profile Image for Jan L.
1,002 reviews22 followers
December 21, 2019
Fighting back

As I read the last page I could finally take a deep breath. The cases Stammos and Rogan solve are so filled with danger it's hard to imagine getting free and seeing justice served. Robert French is excellent at his craft and has the ability to make his characters come alive while readers follow Cal into battle. Another great adventure!
Profile Image for Becky.
332 reviews32 followers
January 10, 2020
I really liked this book. It was quite the conspiracy but it was believable. I love how much Cal does to help out homeless people even though he’s no longer homeless. I’m also warming to the fact that he’s probably not getting back with Sam and I like Tina, so I hope she stays around. I can’t wait for the next book !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mark Milotay.
Author 4 books5 followers
May 27, 2020
Best in the series

This book was expletive fantastic! I discovered this series last week and have worked my way through it with joy and excitement. It was exactly the series I needed to help with funk I was in. French is a skilled author and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next. Book 6 can’t come soon enough.
56 reviews
December 2, 2020
Great Addition to the Series!!!!

Well developed story and characters!!! Good action, twist and turns!!! Love the relationship between Carl and his daughter!!! Ellie will make a great cop/detective eventually!!!! That would be the death of Sam!!!! Ready for the next case!!! Keep them coming!!!
41 reviews
August 3, 2021
Confusing!!

The author seems to have trouble deciding if he wants to be an intellectual quoting Shakespeare or use dialog for street smart investigator? The transition between chapters is as confusing as the bewildering dialog. The arrogant withholding of information make me believe he is secretly still injecting chemicals. Paranoia of addict is on full display.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
131 reviews
August 24, 2021
I am so pleased I came across this book! Well written, great characters and a REALLY EXCITING EDGE OF THE SEAT PLOT. It had everything I want in a mystery/private detective story with some terrorist activity thrown in for good measure. I’d certainly recommend this book and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
114 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2021
Another good story from Robert P. French. I enjoy the Cal Rogan series. Along with the mysteries, there is insight given into the lives of homeless people. You might just learn a slightly different perspective. And also, the ending isn’t as dire as some in this series have been. It is an enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Connie Charron.
193 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2019
Really enjoyed this one the most of the series. The characters have much more interactions with each other & the community. I recommend this book. Looking forward to the next. What kind of trouble can Cal Rogan get into next?
Profile Image for karin whitehead.
1,006 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2019
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review. This is the second book I've read it this author and I'm rapidly becoming a fan! Well written, great flawed characters, heart pounding, and keeps you mesmerized. A must read!
46 reviews
July 28, 2021
Good book - I read this within 24 hours. I did sleep, but only because I had things to do that meant I had to sleep first. I enjoy the story and the characters. Being Canadian I recognized some of the places.
10 reviews
July 29, 2021
Great read

Definitely a writer to look out for and follow. This series of six books are some of the best reads i have read couldn't put any of them down .Look forward to more great reads from this writer
56 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2021
Great plot and characters

Don’t be scared off by the politics here. The plot is believable, the characters flawed but like able, and I had a hard time putting this book down until I finished.
Profile Image for mary arnold.
438 reviews
August 1, 2021
First of all, I love that it is set in Canada. There are so many twists in this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are well defined. It’s wonderful when a story has me emotionally invested, and there are so many emotions that are evoked with this thriller.
232 reviews
August 19, 2021
Certainly different.

A touch of James bond and magnum pi. A good look into layers of Canada's law enforcement. My only brush with them was Sergeant Preston, off some recent Netflix series shot in Canada. Good adventure.
186 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2021
Was really good

Was good but a bit confusing with all the different agencies involved. The characters were interesting and very riveting. Found it a little depressing with all the homeless people in this country.
17 reviews
April 27, 2023
A little too over the top

I don’t want to give any spoilers for those who might enjoy this story. Remember the phrase willing suspension of disbelief, I couldn’t suspend it. The first part of the book was it for the last part was a two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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