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Softley Softley #1
The Harder They Fall
WOULD YOU START A WAR TO AVENGE YOUR BROTHER’S MURDER?
Ian Softley is a killer. He’s the man governments call when they want somebody dead. His is a life of intimidation and brutality, of beatings and executions—including, ultimately, his own.
Jack Softley’s life is a world away from his brother’s. A high school English teacher, devoted father, and all-round nice guy, Jack tries to stay as far from trouble as possible. But when he receives word that Ian has been murdered, he finds himself dragged into a storm of violence and danger.
Because the same people who killed his brother want him dead too.
Hunted by government agents and brutal assassins, Jack must discover the truth about Ian’s dark past if he wants to stay alive. But Ian isn’t the only Softley to have secrets. Jack hasn’t always been a teacher. He hasn’t always been a nice guy.
And when push comes to shove, he doesn’t do things softly.
Ian Softley is a killer. He’s the man governments call when they want somebody dead. His is a life of intimidation and brutality, of beatings and executions—including, ultimately, his own.
Jack Softley’s life is a world away from his brother’s. A high school English teacher, devoted father, and all-round nice guy, Jack tries to stay as far from trouble as possible. But when he receives word that Ian has been murdered, he finds himself dragged into a storm of violence and danger.
Because the same people who killed his brother want him dead too.
Hunted by government agents and brutal assassins, Jack must discover the truth about Ian’s dark past if he wants to stay alive. But Ian isn’t the only Softley to have secrets. Jack hasn’t always been a teacher. He hasn’t always been a nice guy.
And when push comes to shove, he doesn’t do things softly.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2020
796 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
25 books683 followersAlex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in them too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it. In between these two books he has published twelve other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of readers worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 5, 2020
This is the third mystery or thriller I have read from Alex Smith. I have read the first two stories on the DCI Kett stories that I have read and I have can state that both were great crime mystery novels. This is the first of the Softley Softley series I have read. A decade ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. I compared the DCI Kett series to TV series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. Reading this was more like reading a British story similar to the Jack Reacher series, by Lee Child. or the character John T. Clark from Tom Clancy's works. In fact, I am almost certain that people who like the Reacher stories will thoroughly enjoy this first novel in a new series from Smith.
This is a revised version of this novel. It has been updated with links to the DCI Kett stories. The original version of this that was released makes no reference to Kett, and the beginning because of that is slightly different. But the main story is the same. I can only expect that at some point the two series are going to cross over in a much more dramatic manner. If you have read the first version you only really need to reread the section where Jack Softley receives the news that his brother Liam is dead. He and his brother had mostly been estranged and had not seen each other in years. When he goes to London to the funeral, Jack gets mixed up in a world that he did not know existed, and that his brother had apparently been a part of.
The story is fast packed, and is intense from the moment Jack walks into the funeral home until the story concludes. The Softley brothers appear to be very different. Jack is an English teacher, family man, and just wants to get back together with his wife and help look after his son. Liam was special forces and did a lot of contract work after his military time. But Jack holds secrets, and they upbringing at the hands of a brutal drunk has given both of them tools to survive, and tools to fight with. And Soon Jack is in a fight for his life and those of his family. Jack’s fight is both literal, in a bare-knuckle ring, against thugs, and against underworld characters. But also figurative in getting himself up and moving again and again no matter how hard he has been knocked down or what has happened to him.
Woven through the current events that are taking place over a few days, are Jack’s memories. Remembering back to his childhood. To Liam as his older brother and protector. To their father beating them and their mother. To them finding a dead body in the woods. And even finding a gun.
There are a couple of real twists in this story. Both took me by surprise. And the end leaves you desperate for book two. Up until this past year I had not read many in the mystery or crime genres for over 25 years. But last year I did read a lot of crime and mystery books. I read all the books available by Maureen Jennings, the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child, and the Hunt for Reacher series by Diane Capri. And the writing in this story kept up with each of them. It is a great first story in a series. And sets us up for some serious action in the coming volumes.
It is a great read for anyone who enjoys the crime, mystery, thriller genres!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alex Smith. And also an author profile and interview with Alexander Gordon Smith.
This is a revised version of this novel. It has been updated with links to the DCI Kett stories. The original version of this that was released makes no reference to Kett, and the beginning because of that is slightly different. But the main story is the same. I can only expect that at some point the two series are going to cross over in a much more dramatic manner. If you have read the first version you only really need to reread the section where Jack Softley receives the news that his brother Liam is dead. He and his brother had mostly been estranged and had not seen each other in years. When he goes to London to the funeral, Jack gets mixed up in a world that he did not know existed, and that his brother had apparently been a part of.
The story is fast packed, and is intense from the moment Jack walks into the funeral home until the story concludes. The Softley brothers appear to be very different. Jack is an English teacher, family man, and just wants to get back together with his wife and help look after his son. Liam was special forces and did a lot of contract work after his military time. But Jack holds secrets, and they upbringing at the hands of a brutal drunk has given both of them tools to survive, and tools to fight with. And Soon Jack is in a fight for his life and those of his family. Jack’s fight is both literal, in a bare-knuckle ring, against thugs, and against underworld characters. But also figurative in getting himself up and moving again and again no matter how hard he has been knocked down or what has happened to him.
Woven through the current events that are taking place over a few days, are Jack’s memories. Remembering back to his childhood. To Liam as his older brother and protector. To their father beating them and their mother. To them finding a dead body in the woods. And even finding a gun.
There are a couple of real twists in this story. Both took me by surprise. And the end leaves you desperate for book two. Up until this past year I had not read many in the mystery or crime genres for over 25 years. But last year I did read a lot of crime and mystery books. I read all the books available by Maureen Jennings, the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child, and the Hunt for Reacher series by Diane Capri. And the writing in this story kept up with each of them. It is a great first story in a series. And sets us up for some serious action in the coming volumes.
It is a great read for anyone who enjoys the crime, mystery, thriller genres!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Alex Smith. And also an author profile and interview with Alexander Gordon Smith.
June 14, 2020
Well, this was a fun read! I've been reading a lot of British crime novels recently and I was looking for something a bit different, something to give me a rest after a surfeit of detectives and murders and I'd enjoyed the DCI Kett Paper Girlsseries by this author so I thought Id give it a try.
This turned out to be a fast-paced, punchy novel that ramped up the tension and kept me reading to the end. Not a long book, but plenty of action. I don't usually like books with 'flashbacks' but in this case they worked. (I have more than a few doubts about whether the child abuse would have gone unnoticed, etc particularly in hospital, but I was willing to overlook that because the writing was so darn good.)
I also liked the way the wife was no a major character in the actual story. It worked really well.
Five stars. Fun. Fast. Furious.
This turned out to be a fast-paced, punchy novel that ramped up the tension and kept me reading to the end. Not a long book, but plenty of action. I don't usually like books with 'flashbacks' but in this case they worked. (I have more than a few doubts about whether the child abuse would have gone unnoticed, etc particularly in hospital, but I was willing to overlook that because the writing was so darn good.)
I also liked the way the wife was no a major character in the actual story. It worked really well.
Five stars. Fun. Fast. Furious.
October 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I just finished the DCI Robert Kett series (so far). I was reluctant to start another one of the same author so soon in case it let me down, I did not have to worry at all.
This is a hard gritty and violent book which got down and dirty with its reader. Alex Smith didn’t hold back with descriptions and content and I thought that was excellent. It won’t be for everyone, but for those of you who like a bit of true grit give this a go.
I enjoyed the storyline, the flashbacks and the few little ‘Easter eggs’ in the story (no spoilers for me read for yourself - fans of Alex Smith’ other works will not be disappointed). I was ready to put this one down and immediately start the next one but found it was not yet out!!!
Super keen for the next one definitely 5 stars here from me!!
This is a hard gritty and violent book which got down and dirty with its reader. Alex Smith didn’t hold back with descriptions and content and I thought that was excellent. It won’t be for everyone, but for those of you who like a bit of true grit give this a go.
I enjoyed the storyline, the flashbacks and the few little ‘Easter eggs’ in the story (no spoilers for me read for yourself - fans of Alex Smith’ other works will not be disappointed). I was ready to put this one down and immediately start the next one but found it was not yet out!!!
Super keen for the next one definitely 5 stars here from me!!
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March 31, 2023rtc
July 19, 2021
Falling standards
After very much enjoying the Kett books, I had high hopes for this. Alas, plot holes, continuity errors and the stereotypical characters can't be saved by the fast paced action. I'd rather have a cup of Potter's tea in all honesty.
After very much enjoying the Kett books, I had high hopes for this. Alas, plot holes, continuity errors and the stereotypical characters can't be saved by the fast paced action. I'd rather have a cup of Potter's tea in all honesty.
March 3, 2023
Bye, Dad.
The Softely brothers, Ian and Jack.
Ian, the eldest who bore the brunt of his father's drunken violence, living with the shell of a woman, who was once their mother, now she was the old man's spare punch bag.
Jack, the younger brother, didn't hurt it as bad as the other two, but he had felt his father's wrath enough times to try and keep out of his way.
The neighbours knew what went on, they also knew to mind their own business or get a beating themselves.
Now Jack was reading a letter from his brother, a posthumous one. Ian was dead, funeral details enclosed. Ian had gone bad after his father took a hammer to his skull and almost killed him, he'd been mean before, but that blow had damaged his brain and Jack was frightened by what he saw. That was twenty three years ago.
Their lives couldn't have been more different in adulthood. Ian had continued on his destructive path, DD from the forces, a government killing machine, then freelance until he became a pawn in a rich old people game. Kill or be killed.
Whereas Jack had an education and became a teacher, very insular, his wife had kicked him out. Saying that she was married to a stranger.
So Ian was gone, no question, he would go down to London for the funeral. They had kept in touch sporadically, but Ian was always busy and they drifted apart.
Jack went to London and found the funeral home. Little did he know that his life was about to do 180 degree turn, and he would meet raw life, the Dark Web kind.
The Softely brothers, Ian and Jack.
Ian, the eldest who bore the brunt of his father's drunken violence, living with the shell of a woman, who was once their mother, now she was the old man's spare punch bag.
Jack, the younger brother, didn't hurt it as bad as the other two, but he had felt his father's wrath enough times to try and keep out of his way.
The neighbours knew what went on, they also knew to mind their own business or get a beating themselves.
Now Jack was reading a letter from his brother, a posthumous one. Ian was dead, funeral details enclosed. Ian had gone bad after his father took a hammer to his skull and almost killed him, he'd been mean before, but that blow had damaged his brain and Jack was frightened by what he saw. That was twenty three years ago.
Their lives couldn't have been more different in adulthood. Ian had continued on his destructive path, DD from the forces, a government killing machine, then freelance until he became a pawn in a rich old people game. Kill or be killed.
Whereas Jack had an education and became a teacher, very insular, his wife had kicked him out. Saying that she was married to a stranger.
So Ian was gone, no question, he would go down to London for the funeral. They had kept in touch sporadically, but Ian was always busy and they drifted apart.
Jack went to London and found the funeral home. Little did he know that his life was about to do 180 degree turn, and he would meet raw life, the Dark Web kind.
June 13, 2021
The harder they fall
I’ve read the full Robert Kett series and thoroughly enjoyed each book. I was uncertain what this would be like and pleased to say it was not a let down. Like all of Alex’s books it is a pager turner and full of action. The only difference between this and the Kett series, this book doesn’t have the same humour though. I will be looking to read the follow up. 4.9 out of 5 from me.
I’ve read the full Robert Kett series and thoroughly enjoyed each book. I was uncertain what this would be like and pleased to say it was not a let down. Like all of Alex’s books it is a pager turner and full of action. The only difference between this and the Kett series, this book doesn’t have the same humour though. I will be looking to read the follow up. 4.9 out of 5 from me.
June 27, 2021
Heart pounding action thriller
This was definitely a bone breaking thriller! I love the descriptive realistic style of writing that Alex Smith has. Having read all of the DCI Kett novels the Softley Softley collection has got off to a fantastic start. I liked the character of Jack from the start and I liked how the book ended. I don't want to give any spoilers away but I highly recommend people to read this author's work.
This was definitely a bone breaking thriller! I love the descriptive realistic style of writing that Alex Smith has. Having read all of the DCI Kett novels the Softley Softley collection has got off to a fantastic start. I liked the character of Jack from the start and I liked how the book ended. I don't want to give any spoilers away but I highly recommend people to read this author's work.
June 13, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book, to me the style of writing helped me visualise the characters and action. The flipping through the boys lives held the progress in the main tale.
The difficulty in their childhood meeting head on with a strange conflict journeying to the truth. I had deduced some of the events, but really liked the book.
The difficulty in their childhood meeting head on with a strange conflict journeying to the truth. I had deduced some of the events, but really liked the book.
July 2, 2021
I found this a really exciting and thoroughly entertaining thriller that was really well written. I found it really hard to put down and there seemed to be something happening on every page. The style of writing really reminded me of Simon Kernick whose books I think are brilliant. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 27, 2022
Fast paced action
Love all Alex's books especially DCI Kett. This one is completely different but so full of action I couldn't put it down. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Softly brothers progress and the action that comes with it, if you enjoy action and some blood and violence then give this one a read, you won't be disappointed
Love all Alex's books especially DCI Kett. This one is completely different but so full of action I couldn't put it down. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Softly brothers progress and the action that comes with it, if you enjoy action and some blood and violence then give this one a read, you won't be disappointed
September 1, 2025
Another Good One
How do Smith’s character survive themselves, go on, death blow after death blow. What a wild plot. That was some father that hardened those boys to steel. Highly unbelievable but a good start to the Hollenbeck story. So what happened to Book Two and the rest of this series?…
How do Smith’s character survive themselves, go on, death blow after death blow. What a wild plot. That was some father that hardened those boys to steel. Highly unbelievable but a good start to the Hollenbeck story. So what happened to Book Two and the rest of this series?…
October 18, 2020
Gripping thriller
I was pretty much hooked after the first couple of chapters, very absorbing read and I was willing Jack to survive and get revenge, I am definitely reading the next book straightaway
I was pretty much hooked after the first couple of chapters, very absorbing read and I was willing Jack to survive and get revenge, I am definitely reading the next book straightaway
December 1, 2020
Brilliant book
I loved reading this book. The suspense is almost too much to bear. I went through it as fast as my busy schedule has let me. Can't wait for the next one... Hard luck house
I loved reading this book. The suspense is almost too much to bear. I went through it as fast as my busy schedule has let me. Can't wait for the next one... Hard luck house
December 17, 2020
Honestly did not enjoy this book to the same extent as the Robbie Kett series. It seemed to be very fragmented and all over the place. I struggled to the end, but very much doubt I will read anymore in this series.
January 21, 2021
Good read
The first book of the series and I'm loving it already! Very action packed and thrilling. There were parts where I felt I couldn't breathe just due to the suspense. Can't wait for the next book!
The first book of the series and I'm loving it already! Very action packed and thrilling. There were parts where I felt I couldn't breathe just due to the suspense. Can't wait for the next book!
January 21, 2021
A good introduction to a new series.
An enjoyable start to a new series. Looking forward to next one, story is a bit chewy at points, not as smooth as the Robbie Kett series. Looking forward to the next one.
An enjoyable start to a new series. Looking forward to next one, story is a bit chewy at points, not as smooth as the Robbie Kett series. Looking forward to the next one.
February 16, 2021
A really great book full of surprises Jack on the hunt for what his brother Ian left him after his death and the way he was betrayed !loved this felt soo sorry for Jack but like i said full of surprises can't wait for the next book .I have read the Kett's series and was just as good brill Author .
February 27, 2021
Fast paced, thrilling, some parts were just ludicrous, some parts were expected, and it was just a great story. Loads of action, crazy fight scenes, a protagonist that is likeable. Really looking forward to the next one.
March 8, 2021
Didn't think I would like this because it was not a detective crime mystery. But the story of two brothers in a dysfunctional family with a brutal father and the future events got me gripped. More to come, I thnk.
June 5, 2021
Edge of your seat thriller
Co
Another winning novel by Alexis Smith,which I could not put down!
This book is truly a gripping thriller; I can't wait to read the next Softley book!
Co
Another winning novel by Alexis Smith,which I could not put down!
This book is truly a gripping thriller; I can't wait to read the next Softley book!
September 2, 2021
Great book, fast paced but..
Great book, fast paced but needs better proofing like in one part,
Jack needed something to drink so he drank water straight from the tap as all the glasses were smashed. Once he had enough he put the glass down! 😒
Great book, fast paced but needs better proofing like in one part,
Jack needed something to drink so he drank water straight from the tap as all the glasses were smashed. Once he had enough he put the glass down! 😒
September 8, 2021
Mostly pretty good, once I got the basic father was abusive & would probably be killed I skipped those chapters as I'm not into abuse fiction but I don't think I missed anything apart from some nuanced motivation.
The rest of the book was full of Acton & an interesting story, I would read more.
The rest of the book was full of Acton & an interesting story, I would read more.
April 9, 2022
The harder they fall
Love D C I Kett and his daughters. They keep him down to earth. This book has everything. Tension, keeps you on your toes wondering what is going to happen next. Gritty drama
Love D C I Kett and his daughters. They keep him down to earth. This book has everything. Tension, keeps you on your toes wondering what is going to happen next. Gritty drama
January 5, 2023
Great book
Excellent book I read all the dci kett series so thought I'd give this one a go it's brilliant I wasn't disappointed at all nice to see porter and kett and little moira get a mention really hoping there will be a book 2 of this soon
Excellent book I read all the dci kett series so thought I'd give this one a go it's brilliant I wasn't disappointed at all nice to see porter and kett and little moira get a mention really hoping there will be a book 2 of this soon
February 2, 2024
I loved reading this book. It was a great read. I loved the brothers characters, can’t wait to read more about the Softley brothers.
Twists and turns, a lot of action all the way through. Couldn’t stop reading.
Twists and turns, a lot of action all the way through. Couldn’t stop reading.
July 25, 2024
Excellent Story
Another excellent story by Alex Smith. Good string characters and a gripping story.Having read the Kett series so am hoping this develops into one equally as good.Looking forward to reading more.
Another excellent story by Alex Smith. Good string characters and a gripping story.Having read the Kett series so am hoping this develops into one equally as good.Looking forward to reading more.
August 26, 2018
Good book, good action but, i don't know for me something was missing. Try it you may like it. I've put 3 1/2 stars.
April 24, 2020
Great read
I loved this book Alex Smith has great style. I just want them all available so I can read them now 😳
I loved this book Alex Smith has great style. I just want them all available so I can read them now 😳
March 27, 2021
Great fast paced thriller, gripping and engaging story, would highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews