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Dempsey/Devlin #3
Power Play
When a plane explodes over the Atlantic Ocean, killing hundreds of passengers, including controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor, it appears to be a clear-cut case of terrorism. The suspect has even confessed to the bombing. But as criminal barrister Michael Devlin is about to discover, everything is not as it seems.
Also suspecting there are other forces at work, intelligence agent Joe Dempsey is driven to investigate. Who would have wanted Victor out of the way - and would commit mass murder to do it? As the evidence begins to mount, everything seems to point to the US government itself, all the way to the top. And now someone is determined to stop Dempsey and Devlin from discovering the truth. At any cost.
With countless more lives on the line, Dempsey must find a way to prove who's pulling the strings, and free the White House from the deadly grip that has taken hold of power.
Also suspecting there are other forces at work, intelligence agent Joe Dempsey is driven to investigate. Who would have wanted Victor out of the way - and would commit mass murder to do it? As the evidence begins to mount, everything seems to point to the US government itself, all the way to the top. And now someone is determined to stop Dempsey and Devlin from discovering the truth. At any cost.
With countless more lives on the line, Dempsey must find a way to prove who's pulling the strings, and free the White House from the deadly grip that has taken hold of power.
496 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2020
53 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Tony Kent
12 books94 followersTony Kent’s first novel, KILLER INTENT, was one of the ‘must reads’ of 2018. It was selected for the Zoe Ball Book Club and is now to be adapted for television, directed by the award-winning filmmaker Duncan Jones.
Tony Kent grew up in a close-knit Irish family in London and studied law in Scotland.
A top-ranking barrister, Tony’s case history includes prosecuting and defending many high-profile, nationally reported trials.
Before his legal career, Tony boxed internationally as a heavyweight and won a host of national amateur titles.
Tony’s love of crime thrillers was inspired by powerhouse writers like Lee Child, Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, David Baldacci and Frederick Forsyth.
Tony Kent grew up in a close-knit Irish family in London and studied law in Scotland.
A top-ranking barrister, Tony’s case history includes prosecuting and defending many high-profile, nationally reported trials.
Before his legal career, Tony boxed internationally as a heavyweight and won a host of national amateur titles.
Tony’s love of crime thrillers was inspired by powerhouse writers like Lee Child, Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, David Baldacci and Frederick Forsyth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 14, 2020
Tony Kent's latest addition to his criminal barrister, Michael Devlin series, is an exciting, fast paced geopolitical conspiracy thriller that grips from beginning to end. It all begins with an explosion on a plane flying across the Atlantic, killing all 534 passengers on board, including the popular presidential candidate, the charismatic Dale Victor. In London, Syrian baggage handler, Nizar Mansour, arrives out of breath into a police station, confessing to putting the bomb on the plane. Black DCI Bruce Bull, the most experienced officer in counter-terrorism command knows he has a short window of time to interview Nizar before the Americans arrive and take over the investigation. He immediately feels something is terribly wrong, Nizar does not fit the terrorist profile, he can feel his terror, but the man is reluctant to talk.
Matters escalate with the arrival of the unbelievably arrogant and obnoxious American secret agent, Romeo Meyer, whose presence triggers a hyper terrified reaction in Nizar. Bull immediately intuits that Nizar knows Romeo, but how? Bull ensures that Nizar is legally represented by the tough Glasgow solicitor, Will Duffy, and the criminal barrister, Michael Devlin, both men, he deems, who can handle themselves when it comes to the pressures, threats and dangers that are certain to come their way. In New York, Joe Dempsey is a agent working for the International Security Bureau, a multinational UN intelligence agency, headed by Elizabeth Kirk. Kirk has suspicions that the bombing of the plane may be linked to the White House, and tasks Dempsey to investigate, but can Dempsey, joined by FBI Special Agent Eden Grace, survive the attempts to kill him as he travels to find answers in Tookai, Afghanistan?
Kent's intricate and complex plotting sets the action in London, New York and Afghanistan, there are ruthless forces who think nothing of killing huge numbers of people anywhere and engaging in deception and fraud. Michael Devlin is a traumatised man who has endured losses that he can barely live with, he cannot afford to lose his partner, top journalist Sarah Truman, but once again danger hones in on him. Joe Dempsey refuses to be cowed by the forces arraigned against him, he will do whatever is necessary to get to truth, even if he dies in the process. This is a tense and entertaining thriller from an author who certainly knows how to expertly ramp up the suspense and twists in this addition to the great series. Many thanks to Elliot and Thompson for an ARC.
Matters escalate with the arrival of the unbelievably arrogant and obnoxious American secret agent, Romeo Meyer, whose presence triggers a hyper terrified reaction in Nizar. Bull immediately intuits that Nizar knows Romeo, but how? Bull ensures that Nizar is legally represented by the tough Glasgow solicitor, Will Duffy, and the criminal barrister, Michael Devlin, both men, he deems, who can handle themselves when it comes to the pressures, threats and dangers that are certain to come their way. In New York, Joe Dempsey is a agent working for the International Security Bureau, a multinational UN intelligence agency, headed by Elizabeth Kirk. Kirk has suspicions that the bombing of the plane may be linked to the White House, and tasks Dempsey to investigate, but can Dempsey, joined by FBI Special Agent Eden Grace, survive the attempts to kill him as he travels to find answers in Tookai, Afghanistan?
Kent's intricate and complex plotting sets the action in London, New York and Afghanistan, there are ruthless forces who think nothing of killing huge numbers of people anywhere and engaging in deception and fraud. Michael Devlin is a traumatised man who has endured losses that he can barely live with, he cannot afford to lose his partner, top journalist Sarah Truman, but once again danger hones in on him. Joe Dempsey refuses to be cowed by the forces arraigned against him, he will do whatever is necessary to get to truth, even if he dies in the process. This is a tense and entertaining thriller from an author who certainly knows how to expertly ramp up the suspense and twists in this addition to the great series. Many thanks to Elliot and Thompson for an ARC.
June 14, 2020
Keeping the fast pace of his previous two novels, Tony Kent delivers this explosive thriller that straddles both sides of the Atlantic. When Pan-Atlantic Flight 16 explodes on its way from London to New York, all passengers and crew are killed, including a charismatic candidate for President of the United States. Soon thereafter, Nizar Mansour turns himself in, admitting that he planted the bomb in his role as a luggage handler. With a suspect in custody, the British prepare to get the entire story and share it with their American counterparts. In New York, Joe Dempsey has accepted a new investigative role with the International Security Bureau, overseen by the UN Security Council. When Dempsey is asked to discreetly investigate the terror plot, he is pointed in the direction of the White House, where some believe President John Knowles might have had a hand in ensuring his opponent could never challenge him at the polls. When Dempsey begins to poke around, he learns that his questions are not only met with a stone wall, but that he has made no friends. Back in London, Michael Devlin has been asked to serve on the defence team for Nizar Mansour, where they uncover that there was a quick confession as soon as the US Secret Service showed up, only adding to the theory that the highest levels of the US Government might be involved. With his tenacity, Devlin pushes and soon finds himself in the crosshairs alongside Dempsey, where their silence is the only thing sure to keep the plot under wraps. When Dempsey and a Secret Service agent begin working together to peel back the layers on the plot, they discover that things run deep and could be tied to a time when John Knowles was a Marine, working on a mission in Afghanistan. Trying to stay one step ahead of those sent to kill them, they travel to the desert land and seek answers that could be at the root of the plot to see a presidential candidate killed and a country held hostage by its own leader. A brilliant book that touches on the politics and legal aspects of terror and the battle to combat it. Kent has outdone himself with this piece and is sure to impress his followers. Recommended to those who enjoy something with a little grit, as well as the reader who has come to enjoy Tony Kent’s style and delivery.
It is hard to believe that it was only a week ago that I began this series, which has pulled me in from the outset. Working on a simple premise and delving deeper with each novel, Tony Kent has done well to develop his characters and plots with some fabulous writing, as well as powerful themes based on politics and the British legal system. Joe Dempsey is back in the protagonist’s chair, working his magic at cracking a terror plot wide open, not caring where it takes him or who falls to the wayside during the investigation. Kent has honed his skills since his appearance in the debut novel, adding new and exciting aspects to the man’s personality and character, which helps him become even more exciting for the reader. Michael Devlin is still a strong player in this piece, though his star shines with a little less lustre, which does not indicate that he is without any development. He and Sarah Truman are still a force in this book and show it both in their professional lives as well as some of the personal news that comes to pass for them. Many of the other characters do well to keep the story sharp and keenly interesting to the curious reader, who has little about which to worry when it comes to entertainment value. Kent shapes his story with strong characters whose uniqueness flavour the narrative at every turn. The plot of this piece may not be entirely unique, but Kent presents it in such a way that the reader cannot help but connect with the story and want to know every detail. I was fascinated to see how things would progress and what twists would arise as the plot thickens. I am a fan and have made sure to keep Tony Kent on my radar, hoping others will read this series and do the same.
Kudos, Mr. Kent, for a great addition to the series, which never left me waning for a moment.
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/...
It is hard to believe that it was only a week ago that I began this series, which has pulled me in from the outset. Working on a simple premise and delving deeper with each novel, Tony Kent has done well to develop his characters and plots with some fabulous writing, as well as powerful themes based on politics and the British legal system. Joe Dempsey is back in the protagonist’s chair, working his magic at cracking a terror plot wide open, not caring where it takes him or who falls to the wayside during the investigation. Kent has honed his skills since his appearance in the debut novel, adding new and exciting aspects to the man’s personality and character, which helps him become even more exciting for the reader. Michael Devlin is still a strong player in this piece, though his star shines with a little less lustre, which does not indicate that he is without any development. He and Sarah Truman are still a force in this book and show it both in their professional lives as well as some of the personal news that comes to pass for them. Many of the other characters do well to keep the story sharp and keenly interesting to the curious reader, who has little about which to worry when it comes to entertainment value. Kent shapes his story with strong characters whose uniqueness flavour the narrative at every turn. The plot of this piece may not be entirely unique, but Kent presents it in such a way that the reader cannot help but connect with the story and want to know every detail. I was fascinated to see how things would progress and what twists would arise as the plot thickens. I am a fan and have made sure to keep Tony Kent on my radar, hoping others will read this series and do the same.
Kudos, Mr. Kent, for a great addition to the series, which never left me waning for a moment.
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/...
May 22, 2020
When a plane crashes to the ground killing all aboard including a presidential candidate, the obvious conclusion is a terrorist attack. When someone comes forward to confess to planting the bomb, it would seem to be a cut and dry case. But DCI Bruce Bull suspects this isn’t as cut and dried as it may look and he is not the only one with suspicions. Joe Dempsey and his boss from the International Security Bureau suspect that this goes all the way to the top, with the President himself somehow embroiled in the mass murder. It isn’t long however before their questions attract some unwanted attention and it isn’t just their suspect in danger, but everyone connected.
This is a fast paced, high action political thriller that doesn’t pull it’s punches as it hurtles you into a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of government. I struggled to get into it at first, perhaps because of the number of characters introduced in the initial short, sharp introduction but before long I was hooked. That is perhaps that novels main flaw; it introduces a lot of characters yet doesn’t develop enough of them. It works as a stand-alone novel because of the fast pace, but I can’t help but think there was something missing. Several characters clearly have a backstory explained in previous novels, but unless you have read the prior novels, you are left rather in the dark and expected to connect with characters you know precious little about.
The lawyer is perhaps the best example of this. He has clearly been a lead character in previous novels and so Kent wastes few words building him up. For those of us coming in blind though, this leaves a supposedly crucial character feeling strangely two dimensional. He gets dragged into events almost accidentally but he remains an accidental character to the end. Kent is strongest when building his truly incidental characters; those who haven’t got a backstory written that a new reader is unaware of. A lot of characters are also introduced very quickly, meaning that to begin with it was difficult to keep various characters straight in your head. This became less of an issue as the novel went on, but did make it difficult to initially jump into.
Once events get going, it is all hands on deck as those in a place of power to do so turn to ever more ruthless methods to suppress what the truth and stop the spread of information. I admit that I found the number of 'hits' ordered to be somewhat extreme and rather implausible - by the time you've failed to kill three people, it surely must occur to you that you are simply making the situation worse. Instead events keep on multiplying with more dead bodies and what must have been an unavoidable amount of public attention in real life. The underhanded political machinations are given far less credence than the big bang action scenes with guns and it all because a little too implausible for my liking, even if the fast paced action certainly does keep you turning the pages.
All in all, this is well written and if you like your novels to be full of tense shoot outs and hits gone wrong, then you will likely love this novel. Personally, I found the events depicted became almost farcical as Kent ramped up the pace. Nobody seemed to stop and think of the likely consequences of so many bodies surrounding a high profile terrorist case, which seems unlikely to say the least. I also felt more could have been done with the characters, particularly those who have back-story in previous novels as if you come in to this cold like I did, there is an assumption that you have more information than you really do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.
This is a fast paced, high action political thriller that doesn’t pull it’s punches as it hurtles you into a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of government. I struggled to get into it at first, perhaps because of the number of characters introduced in the initial short, sharp introduction but before long I was hooked. That is perhaps that novels main flaw; it introduces a lot of characters yet doesn’t develop enough of them. It works as a stand-alone novel because of the fast pace, but I can’t help but think there was something missing. Several characters clearly have a backstory explained in previous novels, but unless you have read the prior novels, you are left rather in the dark and expected to connect with characters you know precious little about.
The lawyer is perhaps the best example of this. He has clearly been a lead character in previous novels and so Kent wastes few words building him up. For those of us coming in blind though, this leaves a supposedly crucial character feeling strangely two dimensional. He gets dragged into events almost accidentally but he remains an accidental character to the end. Kent is strongest when building his truly incidental characters; those who haven’t got a backstory written that a new reader is unaware of. A lot of characters are also introduced very quickly, meaning that to begin with it was difficult to keep various characters straight in your head. This became less of an issue as the novel went on, but did make it difficult to initially jump into.
Once events get going, it is all hands on deck as those in a place of power to do so turn to ever more ruthless methods to suppress what the truth and stop the spread of information. I admit that I found the number of 'hits' ordered to be somewhat extreme and rather implausible - by the time you've failed to kill three people, it surely must occur to you that you are simply making the situation worse. Instead events keep on multiplying with more dead bodies and what must have been an unavoidable amount of public attention in real life. The underhanded political machinations are given far less credence than the big bang action scenes with guns and it all because a little too implausible for my liking, even if the fast paced action certainly does keep you turning the pages.
All in all, this is well written and if you like your novels to be full of tense shoot outs and hits gone wrong, then you will likely love this novel. Personally, I found the events depicted became almost farcical as Kent ramped up the pace. Nobody seemed to stop and think of the likely consequences of so many bodies surrounding a high profile terrorist case, which seems unlikely to say the least. I also felt more could have been done with the characters, particularly those who have back-story in previous novels as if you come in to this cold like I did, there is an assumption that you have more information than you really do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.
April 27, 2020
This book took me a few days to ‘get into’, lots of ‘immediate’ characters and whether its a consequence of the world situation at the moment ( easy for the mind to wander ) am unsure but took me forever to remember who was who and who worked for which organisation and who was good or bad but as I say there is a LOT of folk to quickly be accustomed to, and I didnt 😃
(This was a surprise as the first chapter setting the premise of the book was literally dynamite!)
However once I worked out who was doing what the story flowed quite well and had excitement as well as intrigue
A plane is blown up, a contender for President is onboard and a ‘Muslim Terrorist’ races into a Police Station to confess he planted the bomb! all seems an open and shut case, it’s not of course and what unfurls is a look into the Secret Service and the Current President and just who really owns and runs the Oval office and what they have done and why
With all good stories like this there is a rogue this and a rogue that, 1 or 2
Undercover Men In Black and plenty of tables turned all headed up by 1 man ( in this case Dempsey ) who ‘wont rest’ until the truth is out
The last quarter of the book is fast paced and the conclusion will satisfy any lovers of this kind of thriller
The characters ranged from painfully wooden to likeable hero and the writing once I got to grips with the story was fine
Maybe more me than the book itself but I just kinda enjoyed it, no more, no less but would read more from this author
6/10
3 Stars
February 24, 2020
Another pacy yet considered thriller from an author fast becoming a favourite. Such great plotting, realistically scary premise and the characters are all like friends now. Love it.
Full review nearer publication.
Full review nearer publication.
April 7, 2020
More on Chill and read
Power Play is a political thriller that leaves you longing for more on every single page, of every single chapter. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I picked up this book, but now I’m so captivated of Kent’s writing, that I want to read everything he’s ever written! This action packed 496 pages contemporary thriller is full of conspiracy, not just theories, and a lot of different terrifying aspects that reminds the reader of everyday reality.
When a plain explodes over the Atlantic, carrying more than 500 innocent people and the controversial US presidential candidate Dale Viktor, the whole world believes this is an act or terror. The plane initiated its journey from Heathrow airport in London, heading back to the states. Therefore, all investigation is focused on those two countries to find out what happened and who is responsible for the death of all those people. In the course of events a Muslim man confess to planting a bomb on the plane, while on both sides of the Atlantic all evidence show otherwise.
Barrister Michael Devlin in London and intelligence agent Joe Dempsey in New York follow a different course of events and a totally different trail of evidence, all of which point up to the White House and the US government. This is a dangerous game they are both playing and now they both have someone on their tail, trying to stop them from finding out the truth and what lies behind the crime vale that has been drawn over the incident. Finding out who is pulling the strings is a tough race that could cost them their lives.
The story is captivating! It was the high profile story one would expect when the US government is involved as well as a good old mystery/thriller in the lovable London! It displays in a great way all those hidden part we all suspect about power and corruption, but no one can really prove. The hidden truths and the what ifs that will be crawling around your mind, making you think that this all could be true. This whole fiction, could be not just fiction but reality. And it doesn’t involve high tech technology that doesn’t yet exist, but it involves something that exists throughout our own existence. The hunger for power, for absolute power. The corruption and the greed that leads many people forward, through dark paths, that seem so distant and unlikely to happen, until, well, until shit hits the fan and all is out there for everyone to see or anyone to find out.
I really liked Tony Kent’s writing style. He is keeping his British identity true and he is bringing it forward and on the right parts of the book. His British characters are true to themselves and you can easily spot and recognize them. They have all the characteristics that will make them stand out in a crowd full of Americans. I have enjoyed so mane good books of this genre from US authors, but I have to say that I have a sweet tooth for UK authors when it comes this!
Read it and you will thank me!
The book is coming out at the 16th of April in the UK by Elliott & Thompson and it’s more than certain that it has a great number of fans waiting for it!
Power Play is a political thriller that leaves you longing for more on every single page, of every single chapter. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I picked up this book, but now I’m so captivated of Kent’s writing, that I want to read everything he’s ever written! This action packed 496 pages contemporary thriller is full of conspiracy, not just theories, and a lot of different terrifying aspects that reminds the reader of everyday reality.
When a plain explodes over the Atlantic, carrying more than 500 innocent people and the controversial US presidential candidate Dale Viktor, the whole world believes this is an act or terror. The plane initiated its journey from Heathrow airport in London, heading back to the states. Therefore, all investigation is focused on those two countries to find out what happened and who is responsible for the death of all those people. In the course of events a Muslim man confess to planting a bomb on the plane, while on both sides of the Atlantic all evidence show otherwise.
Barrister Michael Devlin in London and intelligence agent Joe Dempsey in New York follow a different course of events and a totally different trail of evidence, all of which point up to the White House and the US government. This is a dangerous game they are both playing and now they both have someone on their tail, trying to stop them from finding out the truth and what lies behind the crime vale that has been drawn over the incident. Finding out who is pulling the strings is a tough race that could cost them their lives.
The story is captivating! It was the high profile story one would expect when the US government is involved as well as a good old mystery/thriller in the lovable London! It displays in a great way all those hidden part we all suspect about power and corruption, but no one can really prove. The hidden truths and the what ifs that will be crawling around your mind, making you think that this all could be true. This whole fiction, could be not just fiction but reality. And it doesn’t involve high tech technology that doesn’t yet exist, but it involves something that exists throughout our own existence. The hunger for power, for absolute power. The corruption and the greed that leads many people forward, through dark paths, that seem so distant and unlikely to happen, until, well, until shit hits the fan and all is out there for everyone to see or anyone to find out.
I really liked Tony Kent’s writing style. He is keeping his British identity true and he is bringing it forward and on the right parts of the book. His British characters are true to themselves and you can easily spot and recognize them. They have all the characteristics that will make them stand out in a crowd full of Americans. I have enjoyed so mane good books of this genre from US authors, but I have to say that I have a sweet tooth for UK authors when it comes this!
Read it and you will thank me!
The book is coming out at the 16th of April in the UK by Elliott & Thompson and it’s more than certain that it has a great number of fans waiting for it!
May 1, 2020
Wow, I'm exhausted after this read!! So much action and such a brilliant story. I feel like I need a martini....shaken not stirred!
"Absolute power is possible if you are willing to do what you must to take it. And what you must to keep it......if you take the White House, you take the world."
And that is what this book is about. It's about power and the abuse of it. About the corrupt and the incorruptible. It's about how far people will go to protect what and who they believe in.
There are so many facets to this book. Its a brilliant and well-rounded story with many stand our characters. I loved every moment and I'm so sorry that the story had to end. I'm definitely reading more from this author. He is up there with the best.
Thank you to Netgalley and Elliot & Thomson for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
"Absolute power is possible if you are willing to do what you must to take it. And what you must to keep it......if you take the White House, you take the world."
And that is what this book is about. It's about power and the abuse of it. About the corrupt and the incorruptible. It's about how far people will go to protect what and who they believe in.
There are so many facets to this book. Its a brilliant and well-rounded story with many stand our characters. I loved every moment and I'm so sorry that the story had to end. I'm definitely reading more from this author. He is up there with the best.
Thank you to Netgalley and Elliot & Thomson for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 10, 2020
Tony Kent is one of the very best thriller authors about today and Power Play is very possibly the best of his novels to day, which is saying something because the previous three, also featuring the same heroes, are superb. The action moves between the UK and the USA and the stakes could not be higher or the risks greater. This time, we spend more page time with intelligence agent Joe Dempsey, learning more about his past and his character. It's a riveting story, exhilarating, chilling and clever. More, please! Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
March 6, 2020
The third novel by Tony Kent opens with the killing of US presidential candidate Dale Victor in a plane explosion along with hundreds of other victims, seemingly a case of terrorism. However when a Syrian refugee walks into a Police Station all that will change, meanwhile over in the states Jack Dempsey is tasked into investigating the possibility that the aircraft was brought down to silence Dale Victor.
What you have here is a cleverly constructed Political thriller where the stakes are set at the highest level as a power play within the White House threatens the President and democracy where the winner takes all. Joe Dempsey has to learn fast who he can trust as the unseen enemy try to prevent him from getting to the truth. It’s a battle for survival where the ramifications for failure don’t bear thinking about. Packed with plenty of twists and turns to keep you second guessing and one curveball that I for one didn’t see coming which added a completely new thread and took the story of in a new direction adding a whole different dimension to the storyline.
Whilst the authors first two books centred more around Michael Devlin, here Joe Dempsey comes more to the fore which add a new dimension and viewpoint to the book. The book is packed with plenty of gripping tension and drama a story full of pace and fast moving action which are sure to keep the reader hooked, particularly one scene centre around the London Underground. Centred around all the action the book has plenty of characters showing the human cost and emotion of the events taking place, all thoughtfully written in a way which bring them to life on the page.
Entertaining and compelling. Tony Kent totally captures the essence of thriller writing and brings together all the elements and ingredients which go into making for a stellar read and combines them with a writing style that make for compulsive reading, from the literally explosive opening to the highly charged ending. A book that once started you won’t want to put down, the words page turner were invented for books like this
Power Play is definitely a thriller for todays times, Tony Kent has conjured up a story topical and highly relevant.
Tony Kent burst onto the thriller writing scene with Killer Intent a Zoe Ball book club pick, followed by Marked for Death a Richard & Judy book club. For me though Power Play has taking his writing to a whole new level a tour de force in thriller writing
What you have here is a cleverly constructed Political thriller where the stakes are set at the highest level as a power play within the White House threatens the President and democracy where the winner takes all. Joe Dempsey has to learn fast who he can trust as the unseen enemy try to prevent him from getting to the truth. It’s a battle for survival where the ramifications for failure don’t bear thinking about. Packed with plenty of twists and turns to keep you second guessing and one curveball that I for one didn’t see coming which added a completely new thread and took the story of in a new direction adding a whole different dimension to the storyline.
Whilst the authors first two books centred more around Michael Devlin, here Joe Dempsey comes more to the fore which add a new dimension and viewpoint to the book. The book is packed with plenty of gripping tension and drama a story full of pace and fast moving action which are sure to keep the reader hooked, particularly one scene centre around the London Underground. Centred around all the action the book has plenty of characters showing the human cost and emotion of the events taking place, all thoughtfully written in a way which bring them to life on the page.
Entertaining and compelling. Tony Kent totally captures the essence of thriller writing and brings together all the elements and ingredients which go into making for a stellar read and combines them with a writing style that make for compulsive reading, from the literally explosive opening to the highly charged ending. A book that once started you won’t want to put down, the words page turner were invented for books like this
Power Play is definitely a thriller for todays times, Tony Kent has conjured up a story topical and highly relevant.
Tony Kent burst onto the thriller writing scene with Killer Intent a Zoe Ball book club pick, followed by Marked for Death a Richard & Judy book club. For me though Power Play has taking his writing to a whole new level a tour de force in thriller writing
April 23, 2020
Political thrillers always intrigue me, and this one is exciting, frightening and realistic. The two main characters, one in the US and one in the UK, have featured in previous novels. I read this as a standalone and didn't find it lacking.
The scenario is a popular contemporary one, high-level conspiracy, threatening the basic tenants of democracy, in the search for ultimate power. This story has something unique to bring to this storyline, which is delivered with adrenaline-fueled action, devastating human collateral damage, and a complex pacy plot.
The cast of characters are well written and the plot layers are continually more addictive as the story progresses.
A compelling, thought-provoking contemporary thriller written in an easy to absorb style that keeps you reading until the conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
The scenario is a popular contemporary one, high-level conspiracy, threatening the basic tenants of democracy, in the search for ultimate power. This story has something unique to bring to this storyline, which is delivered with adrenaline-fueled action, devastating human collateral damage, and a complex pacy plot.
The cast of characters are well written and the plot layers are continually more addictive as the story progresses.
A compelling, thought-provoking contemporary thriller written in an easy to absorb style that keeps you reading until the conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
May 1, 2020
POWER PLAY ~ TONY KENT
I was lucky enough to be sent a proof of this by tandemcollectiveuk and simonandschuster back in February. This was a page turner and I flew through it! I don't often read thrillers, not because I don't like them but because I prefer them in small portions, so when I do read them I enjoy getting swept up with the pace and intrigue, much like sitting back in the sofa watching a blockbuster.
"When controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor is killed in a plane explosion along with hundreds of passengers, it appears to be a clear-cut case of terrorism. But as criminal barrister Michael Devlin and intelligence agent Joe Dempsey investigate, all the evidence started to point to the very top of the US government. And now someone is determined to stop Dempsey and Devlin from discovering the truth. At any cost. Together they must find a way to prove who's pulling the strings, and free the White House from the deadly grip that has taken hold over power."
The author is a criminal barrister and it is clear he draws on this experience in his writing as well as his past as a heavyweight boxer, making it all the more convincing. If you enjoy a legal thriller with international corruption, clever agents, pace and a sound plot, this is the book for you.
I was lucky enough to be sent a proof of this by tandemcollectiveuk and simonandschuster back in February. This was a page turner and I flew through it! I don't often read thrillers, not because I don't like them but because I prefer them in small portions, so when I do read them I enjoy getting swept up with the pace and intrigue, much like sitting back in the sofa watching a blockbuster.
"When controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor is killed in a plane explosion along with hundreds of passengers, it appears to be a clear-cut case of terrorism. But as criminal barrister Michael Devlin and intelligence agent Joe Dempsey investigate, all the evidence started to point to the very top of the US government. And now someone is determined to stop Dempsey and Devlin from discovering the truth. At any cost. Together they must find a way to prove who's pulling the strings, and free the White House from the deadly grip that has taken hold over power."
The author is a criminal barrister and it is clear he draws on this experience in his writing as well as his past as a heavyweight boxer, making it all the more convincing. If you enjoy a legal thriller with international corruption, clever agents, pace and a sound plot, this is the book for you.
March 12, 2020
I didn't approach this book with too much enthusiasm as the blurb seemed familiar and predictable. That was soon dispelled by the blistering pace and constant tension. Yes, the central character Dempsey is far from unique, as are the other players and the general plot, but the author has still managed to create something compelling and immensely enjoyable.
Read as a stand alone novel, which didn't seem to matter, and didn't notice anything that looked like repetition from previous books (always a bonus!)
Read as a stand alone novel, which didn't seem to matter, and didn't notice anything that looked like repetition from previous books (always a bonus!)
February 25, 2020
THE ENEMIES AREN'T AT THE GATE
THEY RE ALREADY INSIDE
The pulse-pounding new thriller from crime fiction's major new star: Richard & Judy and Zoe Ball Book Club author, Tony Kent.
When a plane explodes over the Atlantic Ocean, killing hundreds of passengers, including controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor, it appears to be a clear-cut case of terrorism. The suspect has even confessed to the bombing. But as criminal barrister Michael Devlin is about to discover, everything is not as it seems.
Also suspecting there are other forces at work, intelligence agent Joe Dempsey is driven to investigate. Who would have wanted Victor out of the way - and would commit mass murder to do it? As the evidence begins to mount, everything seems to point to the US government itself, all the way to the top. And now someone is determined to stop Dempsey and Devlin from discovering the truth. At any cost.
With countless more lives on the line, Dempsey must find a way to prove who's pulling the strings, and free the White House from the deadly grip that has taken hold of power.
My thoughts about this powerful action thriller was outstanding loved it a fast paced thirller with
A edge of your seat rollocoster ride a race against time to save
The white house from group of Terrorists loved it Tony Kent packs a punch with this explosive third blockbuster in a row I would like to say thank you to Tony Kent for a early review copy highly recommended and one of the best thirllers of 2020 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
THEY RE ALREADY INSIDE
The pulse-pounding new thriller from crime fiction's major new star: Richard & Judy and Zoe Ball Book Club author, Tony Kent.
When a plane explodes over the Atlantic Ocean, killing hundreds of passengers, including controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor, it appears to be a clear-cut case of terrorism. The suspect has even confessed to the bombing. But as criminal barrister Michael Devlin is about to discover, everything is not as it seems.
Also suspecting there are other forces at work, intelligence agent Joe Dempsey is driven to investigate. Who would have wanted Victor out of the way - and would commit mass murder to do it? As the evidence begins to mount, everything seems to point to the US government itself, all the way to the top. And now someone is determined to stop Dempsey and Devlin from discovering the truth. At any cost.
With countless more lives on the line, Dempsey must find a way to prove who's pulling the strings, and free the White House from the deadly grip that has taken hold of power.
My thoughts about this powerful action thriller was outstanding loved it a fast paced thirller with
A edge of your seat rollocoster ride a race against time to save
The white house from group of Terrorists loved it Tony Kent packs a punch with this explosive third blockbuster in a row I would like to say thank you to Tony Kent for a early review copy highly recommended and one of the best thirllers of 2020 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
March 14, 2020
Power Play is The third book in the Killer intent series from Tony Kent featuring the same characters of the previous two books.
When a plane explodes over the Atlantic Ocean, killing hundreds of passengers, including controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor, it seems a clear-cut case of terrorism, If only everything was that cut and dry however as expected with a Kent book things are not always as they seem.
Kent weaves an outstanding political thriller here with many twist and turns and keeps you guessing right up to the very end.
This being the third installment I'm happy to report that you don't need to have read what has gone before to enjoy Power Play this is an outstanding read and a return to form from Kent I have been a fan of both books but felt Marked For Death was good if a little underwhelming.
The writing is excellent and the plot is superb all the characters are really fleshed out and I enjoyed spending My time with them it was especially good to see Agent Joe Dempsey take a more central role in this book.
Kent really gets your brain matter working here as you consistently question who are the good guys.
Barrister Devlin along with Sarah, his fiancé take a back seat this time round but when they do appear it is meaningful and relevant and moves the story on.
one scene with Devlin in London is incredibly tense that My heart rate went through the roof and I started sweating as if I was running for My life well done Mr Kent super stuff incredibly gripping.
This is a very clever pacy political thriller and quite possibly one of the reads of 2020.
Well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
I like to thank Netgalley the Author and the publisher for the ARC.
When a plane explodes over the Atlantic Ocean, killing hundreds of passengers, including controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor, it seems a clear-cut case of terrorism, If only everything was that cut and dry however as expected with a Kent book things are not always as they seem.
Kent weaves an outstanding political thriller here with many twist and turns and keeps you guessing right up to the very end.
This being the third installment I'm happy to report that you don't need to have read what has gone before to enjoy Power Play this is an outstanding read and a return to form from Kent I have been a fan of both books but felt Marked For Death was good if a little underwhelming.
The writing is excellent and the plot is superb all the characters are really fleshed out and I enjoyed spending My time with them it was especially good to see Agent Joe Dempsey take a more central role in this book.
Kent really gets your brain matter working here as you consistently question who are the good guys.
Barrister Devlin along with Sarah, his fiancé take a back seat this time round but when they do appear it is meaningful and relevant and moves the story on.
one scene with Devlin in London is incredibly tense that My heart rate went through the roof and I started sweating as if I was running for My life well done Mr Kent super stuff incredibly gripping.
This is a very clever pacy political thriller and quite possibly one of the reads of 2020.
Well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
I like to thank Netgalley the Author and the publisher for the ARC.
April 24, 2020
How to redefine a genre with a single book
I was introduced to Tony Kent at a charity event in 2018. Sadly, we didn't have a chance to talk literature then, but it was enough to make me want to read his entire catalogue. And so I did...
The "Killer Intent" series starts as a gripping amalgamation of a courtroom drama and political thriller. The second book, "Marked for Death" spills over into the realm of the genre of a serial killer thriller and Tony indeed delivered (see my review of "Marked for Death").
With the third instalment of Devlin/Dempsey saga, Tony returns to the political thriller - the genre that kickstarted his career as an author.
I have pre-ordered "Power Play" as soon as it became available to do so, and was genuinely lucky to have the e-book delivered a few weeks before the official paperback release. I will be honest. I didn't read it straight away. I have put off reading it for a few days. I was almost psyching myself up for what was to come. But also because I didn't want to read the book of which arrival I was awaiting with so much anticipation.
Then I did. And, have finished the book in two sittings over a couple of evenings in late February. The book rendered me speechless. I sat there thinking: "It's not right... It must be the adrenaline talking." I made a decision there and then that I will only review the book upon re-reading it nearer the official publication date.
The second reading
After the initial buzz I got from reading the incredible story masterfully told by Tony Kent, I sat down with the book to give it another read. And I was not disappointed.
The book starts with an explosion of a plane over the Atlantic Ocean, which kills over 500 passengers, including a populist US presidential candidate. Tony Kent plunges us straight into action, which doesn't stop until the very last page of the novel. The author takes us on a phenomenal ride, filled with our beloved, albeit by now well-developed characters, brilliantly fleshed-out villains, and the world, where no-one can be trusted.
To me, this is one of the best-developed motifs of the book. The sense of paranoia makes you second-guess everything you read. The tension builds up across the pages and makes your heart pound uncontrollably quite a few times throughout the story. The universe created by Kent is expanse but doesn't feel disjointed. Every single element is meticulously planted in its place, may it be an action sequence or an exchange between the protagonist and his man of the cloth of a friend. It's clear that Tony's style and the direction of the series are already well thought out, and there's more to it already in the works.
And this is where I would normally make a comparison between authors. I'd typically try to convey the atmosphere of a book by liking it to a similar story by another author, to give you a glimpse of what you may expect from reading "Power Play".
Luckily, on this occasion, I fail to do so. Tony's style is distinctive. The story, albeit resembling high-paced blockbusters, is one of a kind. The book is very British and unapologetically entertaining. At the same time, it has a sense of decorum and a healthy dose of well-researched facts. It simply doesn't feel stupid. You don't have to suspend disbelief to enjoy it, because quite easily this could have been a dramatised account of real events.
And this is what makes Tony's latest novel so exquisitely refreshing. No crazy explosions fuelled by corruption and betrayal. We have a story deeply rooted in the political tradition of the US and the military culture of the UK. It's a phenomenally written thriller that truly redefines the genre and gives the best-established authors a bloody good run for their money.
I genuinely cannot wait until the next instalment of "Killer Intent" saga.
I was introduced to Tony Kent at a charity event in 2018. Sadly, we didn't have a chance to talk literature then, but it was enough to make me want to read his entire catalogue. And so I did...
The "Killer Intent" series starts as a gripping amalgamation of a courtroom drama and political thriller. The second book, "Marked for Death" spills over into the realm of the genre of a serial killer thriller and Tony indeed delivered (see my review of "Marked for Death").
With the third instalment of Devlin/Dempsey saga, Tony returns to the political thriller - the genre that kickstarted his career as an author.
I have pre-ordered "Power Play" as soon as it became available to do so, and was genuinely lucky to have the e-book delivered a few weeks before the official paperback release. I will be honest. I didn't read it straight away. I have put off reading it for a few days. I was almost psyching myself up for what was to come. But also because I didn't want to read the book of which arrival I was awaiting with so much anticipation.
Then I did. And, have finished the book in two sittings over a couple of evenings in late February. The book rendered me speechless. I sat there thinking: "It's not right... It must be the adrenaline talking." I made a decision there and then that I will only review the book upon re-reading it nearer the official publication date.
The second reading
After the initial buzz I got from reading the incredible story masterfully told by Tony Kent, I sat down with the book to give it another read. And I was not disappointed.
The book starts with an explosion of a plane over the Atlantic Ocean, which kills over 500 passengers, including a populist US presidential candidate. Tony Kent plunges us straight into action, which doesn't stop until the very last page of the novel. The author takes us on a phenomenal ride, filled with our beloved, albeit by now well-developed characters, brilliantly fleshed-out villains, and the world, where no-one can be trusted.
To me, this is one of the best-developed motifs of the book. The sense of paranoia makes you second-guess everything you read. The tension builds up across the pages and makes your heart pound uncontrollably quite a few times throughout the story. The universe created by Kent is expanse but doesn't feel disjointed. Every single element is meticulously planted in its place, may it be an action sequence or an exchange between the protagonist and his man of the cloth of a friend. It's clear that Tony's style and the direction of the series are already well thought out, and there's more to it already in the works.
And this is where I would normally make a comparison between authors. I'd typically try to convey the atmosphere of a book by liking it to a similar story by another author, to give you a glimpse of what you may expect from reading "Power Play".
Luckily, on this occasion, I fail to do so. Tony's style is distinctive. The story, albeit resembling high-paced blockbusters, is one of a kind. The book is very British and unapologetically entertaining. At the same time, it has a sense of decorum and a healthy dose of well-researched facts. It simply doesn't feel stupid. You don't have to suspend disbelief to enjoy it, because quite easily this could have been a dramatised account of real events.
And this is what makes Tony's latest novel so exquisitely refreshing. No crazy explosions fuelled by corruption and betrayal. We have a story deeply rooted in the political tradition of the US and the military culture of the UK. It's a phenomenally written thriller that truly redefines the genre and gives the best-established authors a bloody good run for their money.
I genuinely cannot wait until the next instalment of "Killer Intent" saga.
September 13, 2020
Tony Kent gives Power Play an explosive start (quite literally) which commands your immediate attention. He then spends the next 480 pages treating the reader to one of the best action adventure/political thrillers I have ever encountered. At a time I have been struggling to read and concentrate on any one title, Power Play arrived and nothing else has had a look in.
There is a large cast of characters so my normal approach of summarizing the story is not really an option – this is a story which is supported by the players. It is not easy to single out one or two names and try to explain their role as that only touches on small elements of a big adventure. Power Play is very much that, persons unknown have a vested interest in ensuring one narrative is kept secret. There is a second series of events which the opposing faction would like to know about but at the start of the book they don’t even know there is a secret to uncover. Watching two powerful forces trying to outmaneuver each other and gain control is wonderfully entertaining and Tony Kent pitches it perfectly.
The early chapters had me thinking “Hollywood Blockbuster”. The aforementioned explosive start, followed by an intense life-or-death chase scene. A covert special ops teams taking out a house full of bad guys and American agents conducting unauthorized activities on the streets of London. It was a reading rollercoaster with twists, turns and the story shooting me off in unexpected directions. The action was taking place in the US, in the UK and there was the real feeling this was going to be a “big” story – with The White House on the cover the suggestion is that we are looking at incidents which will have a global impact.
Soon I am thinking “not Hollywood” as a big blockbuster film would need to lose so much of the detail which makes Power Play so damned unputdownable. This is a grand story in terms of players and characters with key roles to play who drive the action and suspense. Power Play needs to be dramatized for television and played out over a number of episodes. This would allow the layers of intrigue Kent has built into the story to be given the chance to establish before Joe Dempsey (Intelligence agent) or Michael Devlin (barrister) can begin to unpick the lies behind the “official” sequence of events.
So many elements of the book just cannot be discussed as they would leave clues and spoilers. Frustrating from a review viewpoint as I’d love to champion some of my favourite elements. Suffice to say the author keeps a fast pace story zipping along by excellent use of tight and punchy chapters, numerous character viewpoints to keep events moving and the constant threat of discovery or exposure keeps the villains of the piece edgy and dangerous whilst keeping our heroes in regular peril (even if they don’t know it).
Power Play should appeal to fans of action thrillers and espionage thrillers. Although I mooted Hollywood adaptation or Television Dramatization for Power Play there is one golden rule which should be remembered…the book is ALWAYS better. This book needs to be read, you need Power Play in your life – you will not be disappointed.
There is a large cast of characters so my normal approach of summarizing the story is not really an option – this is a story which is supported by the players. It is not easy to single out one or two names and try to explain their role as that only touches on small elements of a big adventure. Power Play is very much that, persons unknown have a vested interest in ensuring one narrative is kept secret. There is a second series of events which the opposing faction would like to know about but at the start of the book they don’t even know there is a secret to uncover. Watching two powerful forces trying to outmaneuver each other and gain control is wonderfully entertaining and Tony Kent pitches it perfectly.
The early chapters had me thinking “Hollywood Blockbuster”. The aforementioned explosive start, followed by an intense life-or-death chase scene. A covert special ops teams taking out a house full of bad guys and American agents conducting unauthorized activities on the streets of London. It was a reading rollercoaster with twists, turns and the story shooting me off in unexpected directions. The action was taking place in the US, in the UK and there was the real feeling this was going to be a “big” story – with The White House on the cover the suggestion is that we are looking at incidents which will have a global impact.
Soon I am thinking “not Hollywood” as a big blockbuster film would need to lose so much of the detail which makes Power Play so damned unputdownable. This is a grand story in terms of players and characters with key roles to play who drive the action and suspense. Power Play needs to be dramatized for television and played out over a number of episodes. This would allow the layers of intrigue Kent has built into the story to be given the chance to establish before Joe Dempsey (Intelligence agent) or Michael Devlin (barrister) can begin to unpick the lies behind the “official” sequence of events.
So many elements of the book just cannot be discussed as they would leave clues and spoilers. Frustrating from a review viewpoint as I’d love to champion some of my favourite elements. Suffice to say the author keeps a fast pace story zipping along by excellent use of tight and punchy chapters, numerous character viewpoints to keep events moving and the constant threat of discovery or exposure keeps the villains of the piece edgy and dangerous whilst keeping our heroes in regular peril (even if they don’t know it).
Power Play should appeal to fans of action thrillers and espionage thrillers. Although I mooted Hollywood adaptation or Television Dramatization for Power Play there is one golden rule which should be remembered…the book is ALWAYS better. This book needs to be read, you need Power Play in your life – you will not be disappointed.
April 15, 2020
A Pan Am flight explodes over the Atlantic, killing all on board. Amongst the hundreds of victims is Dale Victor, maverick candidate for the Presidency of the United States, and a man who just might have won. When a Syrian immigrant and airport baggage handler runs into a police station claiming to have committed the atrocity, it all looks like an open and shut case. But Dale Victor spoke at a press conference just a little before catching his flight home, whereby he claimed to know the truth about the stellar Afghan war record of the incumbent, President Knowles, and people now wonder what he might have known.
Tony Kent’s novels feature a strong cast, but first amongst equals is Joe Dempsey, a former special forces man now working for the UN's (fictional) spy agency, and Michael Devlin, London barrister with a dark past. Both featured strongly in the author’s debut, Killer Intent, Michael Devlin took centre stage in the sequel, Marked for Death, but Joe Dempsey is back centre stage in this, the third outing. That’s because unlike the second in the series, Marked for Death, Power Play returns to the author’s roots established by his debut, in the genre of conspiracy thriller stretched across a global stage.
In many ways, Power Play takes up where Killer Intent left off. The president is the same (he appeared to be the target of assassination in the debut), indeed Dempsey is conflicted by the possibility that President Knowles might be behind the downing of the Pan Am flight having always admired the man. His and Michael’s concerns are further heightened by the realisation that those trying to silence their investigation are members of the US Secret Service, the body of men and women whose task it is to protect the President. But are they rogue operators, or do they have Knowles’ sanction?
As with Killer Intent, Power Play is a sweeping conspiracy thriller that is remarkably prescient in the current world. The US has elected war veterans before - most famously in President Dwight Eisenhower - and while there have been none in recent years, the military remains held in almost sacred esteem. Then there’s Dale Victor, the maverick candidate. While not based on Trump particularly (Victor only appears at the beginning of the novel, but he’s clearly more articulate than the current POTUS, and less clownish) it is a fact that one of the key planks of both the criticism and praise Trump has received has been his perceived independence. Critics claim that he has no anchor within the institutions of good governance, while supporters say he is not owned by vested interests. And this perception regardless of whether or not it's accurate (and in fact, Trump has as many ties to vested interests as any candidate) has led to the conspiracy theory of the Deep State, that the very vested interests that Trump has supposedly eschewed, are out to bring his administration down.
This is the plank on which the plot of Power Play rests, a what-if scenario where the author ponders how established interests - the rich and powerful elite families that have funded and sponsored politicians on either side of the aisle - would react to a truly independent character with the potential to win the White House. It’s an interesting thought experiment and one that prepares the ground for a gripping and thought-provoking page-turner.
As with Tony Kent’s previous novels, this is a five-star read, a brilliant third outing. I know the author has started work on book four, and I wait patiently (well, impatiently actually) for its arrival.
Tony Kent’s novels feature a strong cast, but first amongst equals is Joe Dempsey, a former special forces man now working for the UN's (fictional) spy agency, and Michael Devlin, London barrister with a dark past. Both featured strongly in the author’s debut, Killer Intent, Michael Devlin took centre stage in the sequel, Marked for Death, but Joe Dempsey is back centre stage in this, the third outing. That’s because unlike the second in the series, Marked for Death, Power Play returns to the author’s roots established by his debut, in the genre of conspiracy thriller stretched across a global stage.
In many ways, Power Play takes up where Killer Intent left off. The president is the same (he appeared to be the target of assassination in the debut), indeed Dempsey is conflicted by the possibility that President Knowles might be behind the downing of the Pan Am flight having always admired the man. His and Michael’s concerns are further heightened by the realisation that those trying to silence their investigation are members of the US Secret Service, the body of men and women whose task it is to protect the President. But are they rogue operators, or do they have Knowles’ sanction?
As with Killer Intent, Power Play is a sweeping conspiracy thriller that is remarkably prescient in the current world. The US has elected war veterans before - most famously in President Dwight Eisenhower - and while there have been none in recent years, the military remains held in almost sacred esteem. Then there’s Dale Victor, the maverick candidate. While not based on Trump particularly (Victor only appears at the beginning of the novel, but he’s clearly more articulate than the current POTUS, and less clownish) it is a fact that one of the key planks of both the criticism and praise Trump has received has been his perceived independence. Critics claim that he has no anchor within the institutions of good governance, while supporters say he is not owned by vested interests. And this perception regardless of whether or not it's accurate (and in fact, Trump has as many ties to vested interests as any candidate) has led to the conspiracy theory of the Deep State, that the very vested interests that Trump has supposedly eschewed, are out to bring his administration down.
This is the plank on which the plot of Power Play rests, a what-if scenario where the author ponders how established interests - the rich and powerful elite families that have funded and sponsored politicians on either side of the aisle - would react to a truly independent character with the potential to win the White House. It’s an interesting thought experiment and one that prepares the ground for a gripping and thought-provoking page-turner.
As with Tony Kent’s previous novels, this is a five-star read, a brilliant third outing. I know the author has started work on book four, and I wait patiently (well, impatiently actually) for its arrival.
April 27, 2020
Power Play is the third book in this series by Tony Kent. It's a very fast paced thriller involving spies, lawyers and politicians, and they're not happy bed fellows.
In Power Play our main protagonists, Joe Dempsey, Michael Devlin and Sarah Truman are involved in investigating a terrorist plot which goes all the way to the White House. A plane is brought down over the Atlantic, killing all on board including a controversial Presidential candidate who only days before stated he had a secret which could bring down the sitting President. Was it coincidence or was he the target? And if he was, what sort of mind kills over 500 people to get at one man.
Very quickly the bomber confesses to police but he's not acting like your "usual" bomber and this makes DCI Bruce Bull very suspicious that his confession is not what it seems. He contacts a solicitor he trusts and Will Duffy in turn contacts Devlin.
As I previously said, it's fast paced, all taking place over a few days. We have politicians, Secret Service agents and retired spies but who are the good guys?
I really like the characters developed by Kent, we already knew the main three from the previous books but DCI Bull brings a bit of old fashioned policing to the story as well, his gut tells him there's a lot more going on here and he kicks off the series of events to come by going against what most cops would do and working alongside the defence team, though very much in secret. We're taken from the back streets of London, through the Oval Office to a village in Afghanistan in what I can only describe as a twisty, complex thriller which hooks you from the very beginning to the last page, where you're never sure exactly who is going to come out on top and who really should either.
Although this is book three in the series, it reads very well as a standalone, I had read Killer Intent, book one but not Marked for Death, book two, and it wasn't an issue. Though I am going to read that next, after all Kent has written them as a series, so I should really have read them that way.
An easy 5 stars from me, I'd highly recommend Power Play.
In Power Play our main protagonists, Joe Dempsey, Michael Devlin and Sarah Truman are involved in investigating a terrorist plot which goes all the way to the White House. A plane is brought down over the Atlantic, killing all on board including a controversial Presidential candidate who only days before stated he had a secret which could bring down the sitting President. Was it coincidence or was he the target? And if he was, what sort of mind kills over 500 people to get at one man.
Very quickly the bomber confesses to police but he's not acting like your "usual" bomber and this makes DCI Bruce Bull very suspicious that his confession is not what it seems. He contacts a solicitor he trusts and Will Duffy in turn contacts Devlin.
As I previously said, it's fast paced, all taking place over a few days. We have politicians, Secret Service agents and retired spies but who are the good guys?
I really like the characters developed by Kent, we already knew the main three from the previous books but DCI Bull brings a bit of old fashioned policing to the story as well, his gut tells him there's a lot more going on here and he kicks off the series of events to come by going against what most cops would do and working alongside the defence team, though very much in secret. We're taken from the back streets of London, through the Oval Office to a village in Afghanistan in what I can only describe as a twisty, complex thriller which hooks you from the very beginning to the last page, where you're never sure exactly who is going to come out on top and who really should either.
Although this is book three in the series, it reads very well as a standalone, I had read Killer Intent, book one but not Marked for Death, book two, and it wasn't an issue. Though I am going to read that next, after all Kent has written them as a series, so I should really have read them that way.
An easy 5 stars from me, I'd highly recommend Power Play.
March 14, 2020
Power Play is The third book in the Killer intent series from Tony Kent featuring the same characters of the previous two books.
When a plane explodes over the Atlantic Ocean, killing hundreds of passengers, including controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor, it seems a clear-cut case of terrorism, If only everything was that cut and dry however as expected with a Kent book things are not always as they seem.
Kent weaves an outstanding political thriller here with many twist and turns and keeps you guessing right up to the very end.
This being the third installment I'm happy to report that you don't need to have read what has gone before to enjoy Power Play this is an outstanding read and a return to form from Kent I have been a fan of both books but felt Marked For Death was good if a little underwhelming.
The writing is excellent and the plot is superb all the characters are really fleshed out and I enjoyed spending My time with them it was especially good to see Agent Joe Dempsey take a more central role in this book.
Kent really gets your brain matter working here as you consistently question who are the good guys.
Barrister Devlin along with Sarah, his fiancé take a back seat this time round but when they do appear it is meaningful and relevant and moves the story on.
one scene with Devlin in London is incredibly tense that My heart rate went through the roof and I started sweating as if I was running for My life well done Mr Kent super stuff incredibly gripping.
This is a very clever pacy political thriller and quite possibly one of the reads of 2020.
Well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
I like to thank Netgalley the Author and the publisher for the ARC.
When a plane explodes over the Atlantic Ocean, killing hundreds of passengers, including controversial US presidential candidate Dale Victor, it seems a clear-cut case of terrorism, If only everything was that cut and dry however as expected with a Kent book things are not always as they seem.
Kent weaves an outstanding political thriller here with many twist and turns and keeps you guessing right up to the very end.
This being the third installment I'm happy to report that you don't need to have read what has gone before to enjoy Power Play this is an outstanding read and a return to form from Kent I have been a fan of both books but felt Marked For Death was good if a little underwhelming.
The writing is excellent and the plot is superb all the characters are really fleshed out and I enjoyed spending My time with them it was especially good to see Agent Joe Dempsey take a more central role in this book.
Kent really gets your brain matter working here as you consistently question who are the good guys.
Barrister Devlin along with Sarah, his fiancé take a back seat this time round but when they do appear it is meaningful and relevant and moves the story on.
one scene with Devlin in London is incredibly tense that My heart rate went through the roof and I started sweating as if I was running for My life well done Mr Kent super stuff incredibly gripping.
This is a very clever pacy political thriller and quite possibly one of the reads of 2020.
Well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
I like to thank Netgalley the Author and the publisher for the ARC.
April 4, 2020
"The enemies aren't at the gate, they're already inside"
Wow, wow, wow. Where do I start with this review? Power Play was a book that upon first impressions, ticked all the boxes for me, promising to be a political thriller that would be action packed. When it arrived through my letterbox, the sheer size of it almost intimidated me, but when I saw that cover, I could not wait to get started on it.
Bringing back Devlin, the gritty high flying lawyer, and Dempsey, the complete powerhouse agent who stops at nothing to do what is right, Power Play follows several characters, each of them as interesting as the other, but what I really fell in love with was the plot. It gave me everything I want in a book, it had twists and turns, thrilling action and characters who you hated and ones you rooted for.
Tony Kent is not only a fantastic author who is quickly becoming a favourite of mine, but he is one of the UK's leading criminal barristers and its clear that his experiences and knowledge really give his writing the authenticity and depth other books can often lack.
I never post reviews that contain spoilers, and I am not going to start now, but for fans of Sam Bourne and Lee Child, this book WILL live up to expectations and make you want to read more of Kent's books.
This book is an easy 5 star read from me. It's one that has had me gripped from the start and I cannot wait to read more.
Thank you to Tandem Collective, Elliot & Thompson and of course Tony Kent for the advanced copy. The book is released on 16th April 2020 in paperback but available now on Kindle and I cant recommend it enough!!
Wow, wow, wow. Where do I start with this review? Power Play was a book that upon first impressions, ticked all the boxes for me, promising to be a political thriller that would be action packed. When it arrived through my letterbox, the sheer size of it almost intimidated me, but when I saw that cover, I could not wait to get started on it.
Bringing back Devlin, the gritty high flying lawyer, and Dempsey, the complete powerhouse agent who stops at nothing to do what is right, Power Play follows several characters, each of them as interesting as the other, but what I really fell in love with was the plot. It gave me everything I want in a book, it had twists and turns, thrilling action and characters who you hated and ones you rooted for.
Tony Kent is not only a fantastic author who is quickly becoming a favourite of mine, but he is one of the UK's leading criminal barristers and its clear that his experiences and knowledge really give his writing the authenticity and depth other books can often lack.
I never post reviews that contain spoilers, and I am not going to start now, but for fans of Sam Bourne and Lee Child, this book WILL live up to expectations and make you want to read more of Kent's books.
This book is an easy 5 star read from me. It's one that has had me gripped from the start and I cannot wait to read more.
Thank you to Tandem Collective, Elliot & Thompson and of course Tony Kent for the advanced copy. The book is released on 16th April 2020 in paperback but available now on Kindle and I cant recommend it enough!!
Read
April 16, 2020Wow! What a ride this book is! Power Play by Tony Kent is the 3rd book in the series but is easy enough to read as a standalone. It's a political thriller packed with action, intrigue and even a hint of romance! Set in The USA and the UK, a jumbo jet with over 500 passengers,and a possible U.S presidential candidate, explodes over the Atlantic with no survivors. Terrorism is a clear cut reason according to the majority, although Michael Devlin a criminal barrister will soon find out different. I have not read any of Tony's books previously so this was my first introduction to Devlin and Joe Dempsey, ex military and now working for The International Security Bureau which is the special intelligence division of the UN Security Council, is tasked with investigating the possibility that the plane crash was a targeted attack to take down the presidential candidate.
It's an action packed and I read the book in no time, the story kept me on a hook constantly wanting to know more. The search for the truth was intense and gritty! The characters are well developed and I lived learning about them to the point of needing to read the first two, if only to get to know more about Dempsey and Devlin! A legal, political and crime thriller all rolled into one
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and to Anne Cater of Random Things for allowing me to join in this blog tour, I loved the book!
It's an action packed and I read the book in no time, the story kept me on a hook constantly wanting to know more. The search for the truth was intense and gritty! The characters are well developed and I lived learning about them to the point of needing to read the first two, if only to get to know more about Dempsey and Devlin! A legal, political and crime thriller all rolled into one
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and to Anne Cater of Random Things for allowing me to join in this blog tour, I loved the book!
March 24, 2020
This novel is not my usual genre as I'm more police thrillers but it did keep me captivated as it seems to take part in UK & USA. Mainly the USA as it's a political thriller and its really about who runs the White House and what role the President plays. It started with a plane crash, was it pilot error or more sinister a terrorist attack? that is what the British need to find out, as an immigrant runs into a police station and admits to bringing down the plane, and there are some influential people that lost their lives on that flight. The British do send an inspector Bull quite high up in the chain to see if there is any truth to this chaps statement or is he just another nutcase? While interviewing the suspect the Americans send it the Secret Service "Meyer" very imposing person and that immediately get Bull's back up, as something is definitely amiss here. Quite in-depth as it went from Britain, the USA to Afganistan, so quite a merry go round before it makes sense.
I've not read any novels before from Tony Kent and he does a good job on this novel and I would like to thank Elliott & Thompson for a copy to read and review. I have given 4*'s as the story joins up quite well from the various countries but does need some concentration.
I've not read any novels before from Tony Kent and he does a good job on this novel and I would like to thank Elliott & Thompson for a copy to read and review. I have given 4*'s as the story joins up quite well from the various countries but does need some concentration.
May 19, 2020
Oh my, what a read this was! Extremely fast paced and had me in the edge of my seat reading it - definitely going into my top books of 2020!
It took me a while to get into this book, lots happening and various characters to get my head around. At first I thought the book was going to be over dramatic and quite film like, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Yes, it’s full of action and suspense, but not in an unbelievable way. It really grabs your attention and makes you think about the going ons that are happening in governments around the world.
Having never read any of Tony’s books before, I went into this with fresh eyes and I loved the style of writing. He works the book between the USA and the UK and manages to develop the characters, whilst still pulling out all the punches. You just can’t help but like Joe Dempsey, despite his unorthodox career choice!
The premise of the book is extremely up to date and grabs you immediately - a flight from London to New York is blown up over the Atlantic Ocean. It touches on terrorism and political corruptness, a thriller of today’s times that certainly packs a punch!
It took me a while to get into this book, lots happening and various characters to get my head around. At first I thought the book was going to be over dramatic and quite film like, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Yes, it’s full of action and suspense, but not in an unbelievable way. It really grabs your attention and makes you think about the going ons that are happening in governments around the world.
Having never read any of Tony’s books before, I went into this with fresh eyes and I loved the style of writing. He works the book between the USA and the UK and manages to develop the characters, whilst still pulling out all the punches. You just can’t help but like Joe Dempsey, despite his unorthodox career choice!
The premise of the book is extremely up to date and grabs you immediately - a flight from London to New York is blown up over the Atlantic Ocean. It touches on terrorism and political corruptness, a thriller of today’s times that certainly packs a punch!
April 13, 2020
I found this tale quite disjointed at the beginning, although it was interesting to know who was responsible for a plane being blown out of the sky from the start! The threads soon became clearer and, although there were numerous dead bodies throughout the book, more than I care for, it was quite a compulsive read. There was a definite divide between the good guys and the bad guys! As would be expected of a political thriller, much information was swept under the carpet at the end.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Tony Kent/Elliott and Thompson for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Tony Kent/Elliott and Thompson for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 24, 2020
This is my first Tony Kent book but I'm sure it won't be my last, I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I was going to. At first I was apprehensive of both the size and idea of a political thriller.
There is so much action packed within the pages, you'd be forgiven for mistaking this as a film. Fast paced, detailed and superbly written.
Switching between the USA and UK and characters was brilliant and I found it easy to maintain my thoughts whilst flitting between countries.
It was hard to put the book down for the readalong, I would have read this within a day, no doubt. It was such a page turner and completely gripping.
There is so much action packed within the pages, you'd be forgiven for mistaking this as a film. Fast paced, detailed and superbly written.
Switching between the USA and UK and characters was brilliant and I found it easy to maintain my thoughts whilst flitting between countries.
It was hard to put the book down for the readalong, I would have read this within a day, no doubt. It was such a page turner and completely gripping.
March 13, 2020
Found this book to be the type that it is difficult to put down. Although there was a good start and then a slightly slower second section the pace then began to pick up again and kept going. The narrative and writing style is one that I like and find easy to enjoy and the premise of a past error by the most influential person having to be covered up by any means is only just in the realms of a conspiracy theory and very understandable (unfortunately) in the current world.
There are enough details to make the premise believable and one that makes the reader want to know what is going to happen next!
A good read!
There are enough details to make the premise believable and one that makes the reader want to know what is going to happen next!
A good read!
September 18, 2023
2.5 stars. I didn’t get “into” this book until about half way (250 pages in 😭) and then I was disappointed with the twist that soon followed. It was a page-turner for brief periods but the plot was just too far-fetched for me, I personally didn’t enjoy the unnecessary descriptions of violence, and I didn’t grow fond of any of the characters.
March 13, 2020
This was a very good story. When you come across a concept like this you wonder if it could really happen. I think it probably could which is a terrifying thought.. There was high tension all the way through, with some excellent characters and a believable storyline. I couldn't put it down until the end.
March 10, 2020
A fascinating story of high-power politics, black mail and manipulation. When those in power are calling the shots, who can stop them. However, when a plane is brought down killing hundreds of passengers’, suspicions are aroused when it is discovered that a presidential candidate who is a threat to those in power is among those killed. Was it really the action of terrorists? A lone international investigator is charged to find out the truth, but the odds are against it when ruthless action is taken by interested parties to eliminate anyone involved. How justice is won with a little help from an unexpected quarter make a roller coaster of an exciting story.
July 19, 2023
Awesome, the best book I’ve read so far this year.
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