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Adam Park #1
The Dead and the Missing
A globe-trotting thriller from the author of His First His Second and Three Years Dead.
When his mentor’s niece rips off a local organised crime syndicate and disappears, Adam Park – a former private investigator and security consultant – has little choice but to return home to help track her down.
As he commences his investigation, it becomes clear the troubled young woman was acting under the influence of a domineering boyfriend and, using cutting edge technology, Adam tracks the pair to Paris. Here, he learns not only have they involved themselves in a criminal venture that may now cost them their lives, but elements back home are also seeking revenge upon them.
Pursuing them from the UK to Paris, then out into the wider world, Adam will confront an international network of criminals for whom human life is nothing but another business commodity. If he is to survive, return the girl safely, and protect the people he cares for most, he must delve into the darkest recesses of his soul, and blur his previously-solid concepts of right and wrong.
When his mentor’s niece rips off a local organised crime syndicate and disappears, Adam Park – a former private investigator and security consultant – has little choice but to return home to help track her down.
As he commences his investigation, it becomes clear the troubled young woman was acting under the influence of a domineering boyfriend and, using cutting edge technology, Adam tracks the pair to Paris. Here, he learns not only have they involved themselves in a criminal venture that may now cost them their lives, but elements back home are also seeking revenge upon them.
Pursuing them from the UK to Paris, then out into the wider world, Adam will confront an international network of criminals for whom human life is nothing but another business commodity. If he is to survive, return the girl safely, and protect the people he cares for most, he must delve into the darkest recesses of his soul, and blur his previously-solid concepts of right and wrong.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2015
2276 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
A.D. Davies
35 books74 followersA.D. Davies grew up in Leeds, West Yorkshire. In high school his ambition was to be a writer of horror novels, although in adult life he became an avid fan of crime fiction. He also dabbles in action-adventure.
After a long stint in an unsatisfying job, he attended the University of Leeds where he attained a degree in creative writing.
He is well-travelled, his favourite destinations being New Zealand and Vietnam, which have influenced his writing immensely, especially obvious in his Adam Park novel.
For now, however, globe-trotting is taking a back-seat to raising his two children and writing, although he hopes to one day combine all three.
He now resides in Staffordshire, UK, with his wife and two children.
Connect in the following ways:
Twitter: @authoraddavies
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authoraddavies
Website: www.addavies.com (including email list sign-up)
Do say hi.
After a long stint in an unsatisfying job, he attended the University of Leeds where he attained a degree in creative writing.
He is well-travelled, his favourite destinations being New Zealand and Vietnam, which have influenced his writing immensely, especially obvious in his Adam Park novel.
For now, however, globe-trotting is taking a back-seat to raising his two children and writing, although he hopes to one day combine all three.
He now resides in Staffordshire, UK, with his wife and two children.
Connect in the following ways:
Twitter: @authoraddavies
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authoraddavies
Website: www.addavies.com (including email list sign-up)
Do say hi.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 8, 2016
This is a mystery, detective, missing crime read.
The main character in this book is Adam Park, and its his business to find missing persons.
A woman goes missing, and obviously this is not going to be straight forward, there are some bumps in the road which find him at times out of his depth and in a whole heap of problems.
Hes a strong man, hes also a man that makes mistakes and someone who has a heart.
This is road trafficking and something that takes Adam around the world seeking the missing woman.
For me, I read a heap of books each year and this is an OK read, not outstanding but has great potential. I feel that the series [if there will be one] will only get better and better.
This first book is a good start.
January 1, 2017
encore un roman au héros superman, riche, auto-marginalisé etc qui part en quête et lutte contre des mafieux en tous genres dans différents pays (le thème prétexte est la traite des femmes...) Bien entendu, il prend des coups mais on sait que tout finira par s'arranger
Peut-être suis je loin du monde des mafieux, mais j'ai un peu de mal quand il s'agit d'une accumulation de faits sans le côté décalé et la pointe d'étrangeté d'un Rollins...
Bref, un bon livre pour qui aime ce type de héros L'auteur fait son travail pour corser l'intrigue avec des fausses pistes et des retournements de situation ainsi que pour nous rendre son personnage humain et sympathique (après tout, comme le dit Adam lui-même, c'est lui le "bon" !!!)
bref, ce n'est pas de la grande littérature mais un bon moment de lecture avec quelques descriptions réalistes de pays - où je n'ai jamais mis les pieds donc je dois croire l'auteur - posant des questions sur les fonctionnements de ces états, de leurs polices etc qui paraissent proche de la réalité (ce que l'on peut en lire dans les journaux...)
A PARTE : qu'il est bon parfois de n'être qu'un simple quidam dans la foule ; de vivre une vie simple et de ne pas avoir à faire des cauchemars pour le restant de ces jours après avoir (sur) vécu à tant d'horreurs...
Je lirai le tome 2
Peut-être suis je loin du monde des mafieux, mais j'ai un peu de mal quand il s'agit d'une accumulation de faits sans le côté décalé et la pointe d'étrangeté d'un Rollins...
Bref, un bon livre pour qui aime ce type de héros L'auteur fait son travail pour corser l'intrigue avec des fausses pistes et des retournements de situation ainsi que pour nous rendre son personnage humain et sympathique (après tout, comme le dit Adam lui-même, c'est lui le "bon" !!!)
bref, ce n'est pas de la grande littérature mais un bon moment de lecture avec quelques descriptions réalistes de pays - où je n'ai jamais mis les pieds donc je dois croire l'auteur - posant des questions sur les fonctionnements de ces états, de leurs polices etc qui paraissent proche de la réalité (ce que l'on peut en lire dans les journaux...)
A PARTE : qu'il est bon parfois de n'être qu'un simple quidam dans la foule ; de vivre une vie simple et de ne pas avoir à faire des cauchemars pour le restant de ces jours après avoir (sur) vécu à tant d'horreurs...
Je lirai le tome 2
June 20, 2017
Adam Park is a surfer, and a great investigator. He is forced to abandon his life of leisure to chase down a missing woman and her boyfriend. They have been accused of robbery of a dangerous criminal, who uses threats to force Adam to act rapidly. The characters are clearly drawn to guide the reader as for who to like and who to hate. Several subplots add to the interest and entertainment. Park is a hero who uses strategy rather than brute force, making the action all the more interesting. The action travels from England to Paris to Vietnam. Strong characters emerge in the different locations, and they continue in the story. The style of writing captures just the right level of detail to fill out the story without detracting from the action. I want to read more about Adam Park.
July 16, 2019
This was not a fast or fun read. Adam Park is an extremely wealthy PI who has walked away from his business because his personal ethical standards were no longer being met. He begins to look into the case of a young woman who was taken by her boyfriend from where she worked as a stripper and disappeared. His investigation is frequently violent to the extreme and takes him from England to France to Viet Nam and into the world of white slavery. It is not a pleasant place to be. Going any further into the plot will reveal too many spoilers. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-Galley for an honest review. It is also more recently titled The Dead and The Missing.
November 22, 2018
Well written tale about a former British PI who who has turned himself into a surf bum. He's pulled back into the investigation game when the sister of a girl who has gone missing convinces him to help. The story morphs into a chase from Britain to France to Vietnam chasing those involved in the sex slavery trade.
A few twists make this for a pretty good tale. As the title indicates, this is book 1 of a series so there really is no suspense as to the outcome of any fights involving Park.
A few twists make this for a pretty good tale. As the title indicates, this is book 1 of a series so there really is no suspense as to the outcome of any fights involving Park.
January 24, 2019
Excellent! A must read!
Non stop action spanning continents that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the pages turn all the way to the end.
Non stop action spanning continents that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the pages turn all the way to the end.
March 2, 2017
Very enjoyable
Well considering the first time I read this author I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Had me on the edge of my seat engrossed and wanting to read non stop. It has however out me off visiting Vietnam but not to worry as plenty of other places to go. Thank you Mr Davies. Looking forward to the next one. Love your character. Real man
Well considering the first time I read this author I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Had me on the edge of my seat engrossed and wanting to read non stop. It has however out me off visiting Vietnam but not to worry as plenty of other places to go. Thank you Mr Davies. Looking forward to the next one. Love your character. Real man
May 25, 2015
Review: TWILIGHT BURNING by A. D. Davies
Adam Park is a particular and unusual hero. A man driven by moral outrage and idealism, he is compelled to lavish his enormous wealth, not on high living and expensive commodities, but on improvements to the human condition. His contributions to charities are but one of the reasons his former corporation despises him. By contractual obligation, Adam is bound not to work in private investigation nor to use the proprietary database-search software he designed. Yet his heart overrules legality as his compassion draws him into the case of a missing, or disappeared, young lady, who may or may not have stolen her employer's profits--and quite possibly, state secrets.
Adam Park is a particular and unusual hero. A man driven by moral outrage and idealism, he is compelled to lavish his enormous wealth, not on high living and expensive commodities, but on improvements to the human condition. His contributions to charities are but one of the reasons his former corporation despises him. By contractual obligation, Adam is bound not to work in private investigation nor to use the proprietary database-search software he designed. Yet his heart overrules legality as his compassion draws him into the case of a missing, or disappeared, young lady, who may or may not have stolen her employer's profits--and quite possibly, state secrets.
April 11, 2020
Mistaken Expectations 'll
I was looking forward to reading this series because of expectations that popped into my head. I was expecting someone more along the line of Dexter but got Mr. Bean or possibly Inspector Clouseau. Our "hero" consistently made faulty plans but somehow made it out alive. Went back and read some reviews that mentioned vulgar language but honestly don't what those were referring to. Can't say I will be continuing this series of reading anything else by author.
I was looking forward to reading this series because of expectations that popped into my head. I was expecting someone more along the line of Dexter but got Mr. Bean or possibly Inspector Clouseau. Our "hero" consistently made faulty plans but somehow made it out alive. Went back and read some reviews that mentioned vulgar language but honestly don't what those were referring to. Can't say I will be continuing this series of reading anything else by author.
March 8, 2018
confusing, to much money involved, a nutcase main character who survives everything with just a few broken ribs and gets out of his mess pretty clean ... of course he saved everybody ! way over the top ......
August 28, 2017
UK. Caroline Stiles at Sanjay’s Bar (Aragon Bay), asked PI Adam Park, to find her missing sister Sarah Stiles (18, stripper/dancer).
Curtis Benson is her boss/owner of Blazing Seas table-dancing bar.
What were Vila Fanuco, & Dac Kien Anh (gang leader, Paris) going to do to Sammy LeHavre (French)?
The other gang members are: Michelin Man, Butterball, Umbrella Man, Bomber Jacket, & Man in Tan.
What was Gardien Bertrand (CID liaison) up to?
Henrietta Dupree has been missing for a month.
What terms were Gareth Delingpole (aka Joseph Coulet), & Major Lanh Giang (Sr. Officer) discussing?
Is there something going on between Curtis Benson & Agent Frank McCabe (MI5)?
My biological egg donor was from Leeds, never knew her.
11/1969-2/1971, memories of Saigon, Vietnam (Ho Chi Ming City); make sure you ask the venders what kind of meat that is in your stir fry! Monkey, cat, dog, rat, human?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written international thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great international thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Bookfunnel; North Publishing: Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Curtis Benson is her boss/owner of Blazing Seas table-dancing bar.
What were Vila Fanuco, & Dac Kien Anh (gang leader, Paris) going to do to Sammy LeHavre (French)?
The other gang members are: Michelin Man, Butterball, Umbrella Man, Bomber Jacket, & Man in Tan.
What was Gardien Bertrand (CID liaison) up to?
Henrietta Dupree has been missing for a month.
What terms were Gareth Delingpole (aka Joseph Coulet), & Major Lanh Giang (Sr. Officer) discussing?
Is there something going on between Curtis Benson & Agent Frank McCabe (MI5)?
My biological egg donor was from Leeds, never knew her.
11/1969-2/1971, memories of Saigon, Vietnam (Ho Chi Ming City); make sure you ask the venders what kind of meat that is in your stir fry! Monkey, cat, dog, rat, human?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written international thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great international thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Bookfunnel; North Publishing: Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Read
January 5, 2021Adam Park has a business and plenty of money. He has been surfing for the last two years, now he needs to find his niece who has gone missing. He has no choice and is given a week to find her. She has taken a computer drive and a SIM card with damaging evidence on it.
This story takes Adam from England to France to Viet Nam. It looks like a straight forward rescue but because Gorman, who wants Adam's lucrative business continues to cause problems, Adam is at times hunted by authorities and at other times cut off from his bank account. There are so many twists to this tale. All incredible accounts that keep the reader glued to the pages.
This story takes Adam from England to France to Viet Nam. It looks like a straight forward rescue but because Gorman, who wants Adam's lucrative business continues to cause problems, Adam is at times hunted by authorities and at other times cut off from his bank account. There are so many twists to this tale. All incredible accounts that keep the reader glued to the pages.
August 25, 2022
DNF: I could not get past the first chapter. This is just not my cup of tea when it comes to books I enjoy. I believe I read the title wrong and thought it was going to be more of a Murder mystery. I usually read the reviews first but since the book was free on apple I didn’t. I have to many other books I wish to read, to waste my time on this one. Maybe I will go back to this book one day,but not anytime soon.
Note: I believe after reading the summary of the book on Goodreads I am happy I’m not continuing this book. The summary was like one of those tv trailers for a movie that shows you most of the movie that you decide you do not need to see it anymore.
Queen Sheryl
Note: I believe after reading the summary of the book on Goodreads I am happy I’m not continuing this book. The summary was like one of those tv trailers for a movie that shows you most of the movie that you decide you do not need to see it anymore.
Queen Sheryl
February 7, 2019
The Dead and The Missing was a wonderful read. A.D. Davies is a very skillful writer and the reader reaps the reward. Really liked that Mr. Davies addresses a lot of social ills in his book, like human trafficking, drugs, etc. Social redeeming words for sure as the cast of characters go from hither to yon dealing with some very unsavory people as main character Adam tries desperately to rescue those in need of rescuing and coming out alive in the end too. Loved this page turner, action packed book. Page turner for sure. HIGHLY recommend this book!!
August 4, 2018
Action packed!
Wow! This is truly an action packed thriller. There are a large number of actors involved throughout the book. The story takes the reader through a number of countries and brings them back to the UK. It involves a look at some underworld and illegal activities as the main character Adam Park travels through these countries to retrieve a young woman sold into human trafficking and sex slave business. There seems to be action at his every move.
Wow! This is truly an action packed thriller. There are a large number of actors involved throughout the book. The story takes the reader through a number of countries and brings them back to the UK. It involves a look at some underworld and illegal activities as the main character Adam Park travels through these countries to retrieve a young woman sold into human trafficking and sex slave business. There seems to be action at his every move.
May 9, 2019
I did not finish this book, which is very rare as I almost always stick it out to the end.
The main character makes bad choices, butts heads with very bad people (way more than is believable) and comes out alive .... unbelievably. No real character development. He has but 3 friends, and because of him they are always in danger of losing life or job. But he has wads of money and spends it like there's no tomorrow.
The main character makes bad choices, butts heads with very bad people (way more than is believable) and comes out alive .... unbelievably. No real character development. He has but 3 friends, and because of him they are always in danger of losing life or job. But he has wads of money and spends it like there's no tomorrow.
May 13, 2019
A Barrel Over Niagra Falls
The author starts the adventure, drops you over the falls and you just keep falling as the main characters keep tumbling over and over thru one wave into another or over another fall. He kept me guessing as to the ulterior motives of all the players and how the main character will win one of the mind games and corporate games of chess. The book is a great thrill...read it.
The author starts the adventure, drops you over the falls and you just keep falling as the main characters keep tumbling over and over thru one wave into another or over another fall. He kept me guessing as to the ulterior motives of all the players and how the main character will win one of the mind games and corporate games of chess. The book is a great thrill...read it.
September 8, 2019
This book has so much going on that it's hard to keep up with all the characters and who is connected to which organization . It seemed to go on forever Adam Park's search for Sarah that I wanted to give up reading but then another twist occurred in the plot to keep you reading . This book was intense and I'm glad I made it to the end .
January 7, 2020
😊
Fast paced, action packed investigative thriller. Written well that keeps the attention.
Semi retired but drawn back into PI business by his old friend Harry, Adam goes in search of a missing girl and her boyfriend who have been accused of stealing from a criminal on rise. Along the way Adam travels from the UK to Paris and various other places using cutting edge technology. Does he find and save the girl?
Fast paced, action packed investigative thriller. Written well that keeps the attention.
Semi retired but drawn back into PI business by his old friend Harry, Adam goes in search of a missing girl and her boyfriend who have been accused of stealing from a criminal on rise. Along the way Adam travels from the UK to Paris and various other places using cutting edge technology. Does he find and save the girl?
April 25, 2020
Action thriller
This action thriller is surprisingly detailed. The plot is very detailed and complex, you have to concentrate throughout for fear of missing some link or understanding. It also has a strong message about the dreadful way many people must live out their lives. However the hero shows how his strong sense of humanity and justice can be undermined by circumstances. A solid action thriller that keeps you reading even when you know you should really be doing something else!
This action thriller is surprisingly detailed. The plot is very detailed and complex, you have to concentrate throughout for fear of missing some link or understanding. It also has a strong message about the dreadful way many people must live out their lives. However the hero shows how his strong sense of humanity and justice can be undermined by circumstances. A solid action thriller that keeps you reading even when you know you should really be doing something else!
June 28, 2024
Loved it ☺️
Adam park had stepped away from life but he's meets a desperate woman and he's drawn back into his old life.
This is very much story driven, continental and evenly paced thriller. I've not read anything of this genre before but I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be buying the next book.
The characters are wonderful and Adam is a swoon worthy hero taking us on an adventure.
This would make an excellent TV series if done correctly.
Adam park had stepped away from life but he's meets a desperate woman and he's drawn back into his old life.
This is very much story driven, continental and evenly paced thriller. I've not read anything of this genre before but I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be buying the next book.
The characters are wonderful and Adam is a swoon worthy hero taking us on an adventure.
This would make an excellent TV series if done correctly.
October 27, 2016
Well written, detailed, descriptive. Plenty of twists and turns in the plot made it unpredictable. It was full of action and I could really visualise the characters and the environments. I've been to all of the locations in the book and the author really described them very well. Will read the next book in the series.
May 6, 2017
Fantastic read
This book, I could not put down and read almost continuously. It was gripping and couldn't wait to turn the page. It was set in UK, France and Vietnam with threats of Europe included. The best book I've read in a while. Reminded me of a British author, Lee Childs, Jack Reacher.
This book, I could not put down and read almost continuously. It was gripping and couldn't wait to turn the page. It was set in UK, France and Vietnam with threats of Europe included. The best book I've read in a while. Reminded me of a British author, Lee Childs, Jack Reacher.
June 3, 2017
Well fleshed out characters. Plot keeps moving at a good pace. I have been to many of the places Adam Park goes to in this story but the one I really don't like to be reminded of was Vietnam where I was during the Vietnam war. However, in spite of my memories, I found the book quite enjoyable and would recommend it.
January 22, 2018
Excellent gripping read. It always tries me a little just how often the 'hero' can be beaten, kicked, hit, attacked, even have fingers broken, or have a hand gashed, who never sleep, rarely eat etc and still have the acute senses, a clear thinking mind to plan and save the day. However Adam does his best despite trials and barriers from all sides.
September 12, 2018
To Take A Life of Not
This compelling story that makes you question your own moral and integral position is a fascinating weave of good writing. What makes you give in and cross the line? Adam's facing his dilemmas and making quick decisions for that in which he cares made this a must read. Thank you, A.D. Davies for helping the reader to make a choice.
This compelling story that makes you question your own moral and integral position is a fascinating weave of good writing. What makes you give in and cross the line? Adam's facing his dilemmas and making quick decisions for that in which he cares made this a must read. Thank you, A.D. Davies for helping the reader to make a choice.
December 7, 2018
An entertaining novel
A Well written story of an anti-hero who crosses back and forth the line between good and evil. However he usually has the right reasons for crossing the line.
Adam Park started out as an altruistic Private Investigator who is forced into situations wherein he too must become a lawbreaker
A Well written story of an anti-hero who crosses back and forth the line between good and evil. However he usually has the right reasons for crossing the line.
Adam Park started out as an altruistic Private Investigator who is forced into situations wherein he too must become a lawbreaker
September 13, 2020
3+ enjoyed it mostly. The story line kind of dragged but was also believable because it was unlikely he (Adam) was going to just immediately solve the missing people quest. It seems typical in thrillers for the hero to take an incredible beating but just keep going including taking down fresh and superior opponents.
November 6, 2023
Caroline's half sisters disappeared. The police she and her boyfriend stole money and left England. She asks Adam, an ex PI, to investigate. I just loved this book. It is intriguing, suspenseful, a page turner. The characters are well developed. Up to number 2 in this series.
I received a free advance review copy via ReadingDeals and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received a free advance review copy via ReadingDeals and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
May 19, 2017
I wish this novel was missing
What might have been a good nouvelle or even a short story rapidly became a trial of wills. Mr Davies will to apparently bore me to distraction and my will to retrieve some value for the time I spent reading this drivel. Don't bother.
What might have been a good nouvelle or even a short story rapidly became a trial of wills. Mr Davies will to apparently bore me to distraction and my will to retrieve some value for the time I spent reading this drivel. Don't bother.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews