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Sam Barker #1
Absolution
Could you betray your government to save your country?
Sam Barker works in IT at the Home Office. All he wants is to get his work done and enjoy a quiet existence. But when he’s caught up in a terrorist attack on the London Underground, his life is turned upside down.
As he lies recovering in his hospital bed, a shadowy figure visits him and tells Sam not only is he a key witness to the attack, but he has unique access to information which could blow open a huge conspiracy and bring down the British government.
Will Sam risk everything he knows and loves to save his country?
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2019
33 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Adam Croft
50 books547 followersWith more than half a million books sold to date, Adam Croft is one of the most successful independently published authors in the world, and one of the biggest selling authors of the past year.
Following his 2015 worldwide bestseller Her Last Tomorrow, his psychological thrillers were bought by Thomas & Mercer, an imprint of Amazon Publishing. Prior to the Amazon deal, Her Last Tomorrow sold more than 150,000 copies across all platforms and became one of the bestselling books of the year, reaching the top 10 in the overall Amazon Kindle chart and peaking at number 12 in the combined paperback fiction and non-fiction chart.
His Knight & Culverhouse crime thriller series has sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide, with his Kempston Hardwick mystery books being adapted as audio plays starring some of the biggest names in British TV.
In 2016, the Knight & Culverhouse Box Set reached number 1 in Canada, knocking J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child off the top spot only weeks after Her Last Tomorrow was also number 1 in Canada.
During the summer of 2016, two of Adam’s books hit the USA Today bestseller list only weeks apart, making them two of the most-purchased books in the United States over the summer.
Before writing full time, Adam had previously worked as an internet marketing consultant, delivery driver and professional actor.
Adam has been featured on BBC Radio, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bookseller and a number of other news and media outl
Following his 2015 worldwide bestseller Her Last Tomorrow, his psychological thrillers were bought by Thomas & Mercer, an imprint of Amazon Publishing. Prior to the Amazon deal, Her Last Tomorrow sold more than 150,000 copies across all platforms and became one of the bestselling books of the year, reaching the top 10 in the overall Amazon Kindle chart and peaking at number 12 in the combined paperback fiction and non-fiction chart.
His Knight & Culverhouse crime thriller series has sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide, with his Kempston Hardwick mystery books being adapted as audio plays starring some of the biggest names in British TV.
In 2016, the Knight & Culverhouse Box Set reached number 1 in Canada, knocking J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child off the top spot only weeks after Her Last Tomorrow was also number 1 in Canada.
During the summer of 2016, two of Adam’s books hit the USA Today bestseller list only weeks apart, making them two of the most-purchased books in the United States over the summer.
Before writing full time, Adam had previously worked as an internet marketing consultant, delivery driver and professional actor.
Adam has been featured on BBC Radio, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bookseller and a number of other news and media outl
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 10, 2019
“Time didn’t wait for the truth.”
A wonderful co-written new series! A regular, normal day to day person, with anxiety bouts, with a survivor’s guilt after experiencing a terrorist attack, finds himself in the midst of sinister conspiracies at the governments’ highest levels, covert operations designed to deceive and blame it to another party. Mind blowing revelations and controversial accusations have Sam’s whole integrity, his principles questioned, his beliefs destroyed. He suddenly finds himself enrolled with a secret organisation focused in uncovering government deceits throughout the world. Engrossing, captivating and riveting, thought provoking. A great slow world and character building, it totally pulled me into the story, felt it, a plot that well could be true in reality, which in itself is a horrible and frightening concept! I enjoyed reading this premise immensely!
A wonderful co-written new series! A regular, normal day to day person, with anxiety bouts, with a survivor’s guilt after experiencing a terrorist attack, finds himself in the midst of sinister conspiracies at the governments’ highest levels, covert operations designed to deceive and blame it to another party. Mind blowing revelations and controversial accusations have Sam’s whole integrity, his principles questioned, his beliefs destroyed. He suddenly finds himself enrolled with a secret organisation focused in uncovering government deceits throughout the world. Engrossing, captivating and riveting, thought provoking. A great slow world and character building, it totally pulled me into the story, felt it, a plot that well could be true in reality, which in itself is a horrible and frightening concept! I enjoyed reading this premise immensely!
November 1, 2019
It is just another day at the office for Sam. His biggest problem is that he has forgotten to buy Lucy a birthday present so he diverts to Westminster underground station to buy her some flowers. A cruel stroke of fate places him in the station at the same time as a bomb goes off. Life will never be the same for many people but most of all for Sam.
Sam is a conscientious young man, he accidentally got his girlfriend pregnant when he was young but stood up to the plate and supported them both and now has a healthy, albeit long distance, relationship with both Benji and his mum. He suffers from anxiety and likes his routines and keeping his life nicely organised. The bombing affected him badly apart from the physical injuries he saw his pregnant friend die. Jason visits him in hospital and from there onwards Sam is placed well outside his comfort zone. Despite the doubts about the offer that is made he knows that he has to do the right thing even if it costs him his sanity.
As the story unfolds we learn of corruption, organisations that don't exist and organisations that are so secret very few know of their existence. The possibilities and threats are endless.
This is a very intriguing book that kept me engrossed all the way through as I willed Sam on in his mission. It is a political thriller so very different from my usual books but a very interesting and thought provoking read.
Another great book from a very talented author. I am very much hoping there will be a sequel.
Sam is a conscientious young man, he accidentally got his girlfriend pregnant when he was young but stood up to the plate and supported them both and now has a healthy, albeit long distance, relationship with both Benji and his mum. He suffers from anxiety and likes his routines and keeping his life nicely organised. The bombing affected him badly apart from the physical injuries he saw his pregnant friend die. Jason visits him in hospital and from there onwards Sam is placed well outside his comfort zone. Despite the doubts about the offer that is made he knows that he has to do the right thing even if it costs him his sanity.
As the story unfolds we learn of corruption, organisations that don't exist and organisations that are so secret very few know of their existence. The possibilities and threats are endless.
This is a very intriguing book that kept me engrossed all the way through as I willed Sam on in his mission. It is a political thriller so very different from my usual books but a very interesting and thought provoking read.
Another great book from a very talented author. I am very much hoping there will be a sequel.
November 5, 2019
Sam Barker is a computer nerd ,,, so hod did he get mixed up with terrorists who are trying to destroy his country?
Caught up in an attack on the London Underground, he was lucky that he only cracked a few ribs. A lot of people died.
As he recovers in the hospital, he's paid a visit from a friend who says that there is someone who wants to speak to him. He's quite mysterious about who or what, and Sam is quite intrigued.
Instead of taking Sam home to recuperate, he is told to out on a blindfold, and then taken to someone who tellsl him he is a member of The Firm. Not only is Sam a witness to the attack, but he has the ability to access information which could bring down the corrupt British government.
What Sam does next just might cost him the country he loves ... even his own life.
The plot is one that could have been taken from the newspaper headlines shouting Breaking News. It is well crafted with twists and turns and captivating characters.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this political thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 4, 2020
Sam Barker would never seem to be a spy. A spy that is spying on his own country. Working for the Home Office in London gives him an opportunity to put his computer skills to work.
A good beginning to a new series.
A good beginning to a new series.
November 5, 2019
A terrorist attack, survivor's guilt, a potential conspiracy theory - could the government really be corrupt? And just who is "The Firm"? There's a lot in this book that packs a punch and to keep people wanting to read more. I certainly wanted to keep reading on and on. If only I didn't have a job to go to, I'd have read it in one sitting.
I never gasp at books, but I did when I started to read Absolution. It is a fantastically well conceived beginning with a terrorist on a London tube. So current and topical and written in a way that not only captures the imagination, it is written in a way that brings to to the forefront of the mind, that this has happened, could happen again and anyone could be there. I love that it isn't just any tube station, movements are very specific. For those living in or been to London before, it is easy to picture the Geography of it all.
Sam Barker works for the IT department in the Home Office and also likes to go down the pub with friends and has a lover called Dee. I like that we get a good sense of the man and how ordinary life all seemed 6 weeks ago, where chapter 1 begins. It is interesting and also very real with cancelled leave as his department gets used for cyber crime, meaning he can't see his son in Edinburgh.
The book then jumps to 2 weeks ago. The book does however flow really well and it is great concept and tool to use. The book also then moves to Edinburgh, a place I also know well. Adam Croft has done his research well. It's great how readers can find out a bit more about the relationship between him and Leila and his son.
Chapter 3 takes reader to 1 week ago. As a result to the beginning, I felt the anticipation and tension, even though not written as everything seems relatively normal, as time was getting closer to what went before.
Chapter 4 brings time to today with the location back in London. The contrast between a normal day changing into one of devastation is stark. The reactions feel real and natural. The atmosphere on the tube feels intense and I certainly feel a mix of emotions as I read on about the day that changed so many lives and especially Sam Barker's forever. The book explores survivor's guilt through Sam's character.
Time in general is used very cleverly within this book. It adds to the tension and makes you want to read on.
The book moves on and the organsation called "The Firm" is sinsterly intriguing as is reading about Abdul and a terrorist cell.
The authors have made an interesting comment about how Sam could count on one hand only, the amount of people he knows where he lives. It's a quick sentence, but that packs a lot into it, so much that I can only hope that people think about the number of people they know and set about to change that and get to know more, but without the suspicion Sam has, who is still shocked by recent events.
There are clever uses of the usual types of talks and articles that are published after a terrorist attack, that are echoed within this book.
This is an excellent political thriller that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. I certainly was gripped. It has an excellent balance between the terrorism, political life and the more ordinary life. It has a great pace and is an excellent start to a new series featuring Sam Barker. It's one that will almost undoubtedly leave make an impression and a good one, but also a thought-provoking one at that.
It is perhaps worth me mentioning that there will be an audiobook version of Absolution coming soon.
I recommend taking time to read the acknowledgements at the end. They are so interesting.
I am now looking forward to the next book, whenever it is written, with a start like this one, who wouldn't want to read the next installment?!
I never gasp at books, but I did when I started to read Absolution. It is a fantastically well conceived beginning with a terrorist on a London tube. So current and topical and written in a way that not only captures the imagination, it is written in a way that brings to to the forefront of the mind, that this has happened, could happen again and anyone could be there. I love that it isn't just any tube station, movements are very specific. For those living in or been to London before, it is easy to picture the Geography of it all.
Sam Barker works for the IT department in the Home Office and also likes to go down the pub with friends and has a lover called Dee. I like that we get a good sense of the man and how ordinary life all seemed 6 weeks ago, where chapter 1 begins. It is interesting and also very real with cancelled leave as his department gets used for cyber crime, meaning he can't see his son in Edinburgh.
The book then jumps to 2 weeks ago. The book does however flow really well and it is great concept and tool to use. The book also then moves to Edinburgh, a place I also know well. Adam Croft has done his research well. It's great how readers can find out a bit more about the relationship between him and Leila and his son.
Chapter 3 takes reader to 1 week ago. As a result to the beginning, I felt the anticipation and tension, even though not written as everything seems relatively normal, as time was getting closer to what went before.
Chapter 4 brings time to today with the location back in London. The contrast between a normal day changing into one of devastation is stark. The reactions feel real and natural. The atmosphere on the tube feels intense and I certainly feel a mix of emotions as I read on about the day that changed so many lives and especially Sam Barker's forever. The book explores survivor's guilt through Sam's character.
Time in general is used very cleverly within this book. It adds to the tension and makes you want to read on.
The book moves on and the organsation called "The Firm" is sinsterly intriguing as is reading about Abdul and a terrorist cell.
The authors have made an interesting comment about how Sam could count on one hand only, the amount of people he knows where he lives. It's a quick sentence, but that packs a lot into it, so much that I can only hope that people think about the number of people they know and set about to change that and get to know more, but without the suspicion Sam has, who is still shocked by recent events.
There are clever uses of the usual types of talks and articles that are published after a terrorist attack, that are echoed within this book.
This is an excellent political thriller that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. I certainly was gripped. It has an excellent balance between the terrorism, political life and the more ordinary life. It has a great pace and is an excellent start to a new series featuring Sam Barker. It's one that will almost undoubtedly leave make an impression and a good one, but also a thought-provoking one at that.
It is perhaps worth me mentioning that there will be an audiobook version of Absolution coming soon.
I recommend taking time to read the acknowledgements at the end. They are so interesting.
I am now looking forward to the next book, whenever it is written, with a start like this one, who wouldn't want to read the next installment?!
May 21, 2021
Drivel
Unbelievably poor book. I certainly won’t be reading any more in this series, if indeed the authors bother to produce any. Very disappointed with this. Dull and boring. It looks like someone has picked up a copy of The Daily Mail and tried to write a story from it. Not a believable story with weak insipid characters.
Unbelievably poor book. I certainly won’t be reading any more in this series, if indeed the authors bother to produce any. Very disappointed with this. Dull and boring. It looks like someone has picked up a copy of The Daily Mail and tried to write a story from it. Not a believable story with weak insipid characters.
February 17, 2020
Spellbinding
When I first started reading Absolution I didn’t know if it was my type of reading material, but then I found I could not put it down i finished it in two days. Made you think that is this really happening behind the scenes in government would not be at all surprised?
When I first started reading Absolution I didn’t know if it was my type of reading material, but then I found I could not put it down i finished it in two days. Made you think that is this really happening behind the scenes in government would not be at all surprised?
December 13, 2023
Another blinder by Adam
Slightly different to Adam's other books but I have really enjoyed this and it certainly got me thinking! Want to read the next in the series now but it's mysteriously unavailable on Kindle
Slightly different to Adam's other books but I have really enjoyed this and it certainly got me thinking! Want to read the next in the series now but it's mysteriously unavailable on Kindle
February 8, 2020
Wow
What a great read this book was for me. Sam reminded me so much of myself in a lot of ways.All in all a great read.
What a great read this book was for me. Sam reminded me so much of myself in a lot of ways.All in all a great read.
Read
July 25, 2020Good book however, it ended in the middle of the story or so it seemed. I'm reading and thinking ok now its getting good and it ends. What hsppened to the other half of the story?
Good book
Good book
November 11, 2020
Brilliant author brilliant book.
January 12, 2020
Kobo epub 333 pages; with Steven Moore
Moderately complex conspiracy-in-high-places thriller, set in a recognisable modern Britain (but without Brexit looming. Sam Barker, mildly neurotic Home Office IT expert escapes serious injury when a bomb explodes on a Westminster Underground platform; he is subsequently recruited by The Firm, a shadowy organisation opposed to the hidden corruption in The Establishment.
Elements seem plausible - and others too far-fetched - but the plot ticks over easily and sets up a series.
Moderately complex conspiracy-in-high-places thriller, set in a recognisable modern Britain (but without Brexit looming. Sam Barker, mildly neurotic Home Office IT expert escapes serious injury when a bomb explodes on a Westminster Underground platform; he is subsequently recruited by The Firm, a shadowy organisation opposed to the hidden corruption in The Establishment.
Elements seem plausible - and others too far-fetched - but the plot ticks over easily and sets up a series.
January 10, 2020
Another good book my Adam. His books always leave me wanting to read more of this books. Absolution was a good novel that had a good plot.
December 31, 2019
Just an impressive plot who take some time to put in place but wow how amazing the writers develop and used so well the characters! Keeping the readers on the edge until the last page! Thank to the authors for sharing their talents with us and can’t wait for the next one!!!
November 20, 2019
This book was certainly very different to any of Adam’s previous books that I have read so far, but most definitely in a good way. Right from the start it captured both my interest and my imagination. The very disturbing and complex plot grabbed me so hard, I found it almost impossible to put it down. The somewhat quirky character of Sam Barker was, at first, most irritating but gradually he started to grow on me and I could understand his hesitation in getting involved in what appeared to be dangerous and illegal activities against higher powers. There were many points where I would start to relate what I was reading to real life events and this made it much more interesting. Starting to question whether what was happening in Sam’s world could possibly be in any way true in our world was both fascinating and immensely disconcerting. Eventually, as was hoped, Sam was persuaded to accept that what he had been told was actually true and he battled to defeat the perpetrators and save the day. The ending was neat and tidy, at the same time opening a door into what I hope will be the next in this new series.
It was extremely interesting to read the notes at the end from both Adam and co-author Steven Moore, the fact that they had to reshape the story many times over as true life events started to overtake their fiction was incredible. Having never read any of Mr Moore’s books before, I will now be visiting his website to find out more, and of course I will continue to read as many of Adam’s books as I can.
It was extremely interesting to read the notes at the end from both Adam and co-author Steven Moore, the fact that they had to reshape the story many times over as true life events started to overtake their fiction was incredible. Having never read any of Mr Moore’s books before, I will now be visiting his website to find out more, and of course I will continue to read as many of Adam’s books as I can.
October 20, 2019
Oh boy! The relief at going from an also ran read to this one. One where I am drawn into the pages within a few turns and a plot and characters that are both interesting and intriguing. The difference is beyond words. I’m not normally into political thrillers as in the past both the plot and characters have been flat and uninteresting. This one has turned my head in a big way. Adam has teamed up with Steven Moore for this edge of your seat thriller and a brilliant combination it is too. Sam works at the Home office in cyber security. He has a son who lives with his mother in Edinburgh and so Sam only gets to see Benjamin occasionally. Sam has a fairly hum-drum life. He rents a flat, has a sort of girlfriend in Dee and really doesn’t really do anything exciting. When one day having forgotten to take a work colleague a birthday present he decides to quickly take a detour en route to work and get her some flowers. One small change can change your life. I won’t give any more of the plot away other than to say wow! What a clever and brilliant premise. I loved Sam and how he had to wrangle with what he thought was obvious and known all his life that had now changed. That there was more to him than the main plot line. Jason and Dee with their subterfuge came across very well and have a feeling there is more to come from them. I very much look forward to the rest of the series.
November 12, 2019
Absolutely Briliant
I love Adam Croft's books anyway and was so excited waiting for this book release. I absolutely loved this book guys. I love a book that I can't put down and have to find out what happens next and this book ticked all the boxes. Thank you Adam and Steven for meeting at the London book fair and deciding to write this book. I couldn't put it down til I finished it,only took me a few hours as I was gripped that much with all the twists and turns that Sam Barker went through,won't spoil it for other's but I highly recommend reading this book if you love books that have you totally engrossed from start to finish with twists and turns you don't expect while on the edge of your seat excited to see what happens next with the character's. I loved the journey that Adam and Steven have just taken me on and am so excited for more in this series please?
I love Adam Croft's books anyway and was so excited waiting for this book release. I absolutely loved this book guys. I love a book that I can't put down and have to find out what happens next and this book ticked all the boxes. Thank you Adam and Steven for meeting at the London book fair and deciding to write this book. I couldn't put it down til I finished it,only took me a few hours as I was gripped that much with all the twists and turns that Sam Barker went through,won't spoil it for other's but I highly recommend reading this book if you love books that have you totally engrossed from start to finish with twists and turns you don't expect while on the edge of your seat excited to see what happens next with the character's. I loved the journey that Adam and Steven have just taken me on and am so excited for more in this series please?
May 18, 2021
Just another day at the office for Sam Barker.....or maybe not!
Having just finished this book in under two days should say something! The story had me gripped from the beginning, and the collaboration of writing from Adam Croft and Steven Moore is brilliant. Never mind page turner, each sentence, each paragraph kept the suspense going! Look forward to the next instalment of Sam Barker.
Having just finished this book in under two days should say something! The story had me gripped from the beginning, and the collaboration of writing from Adam Croft and Steven Moore is brilliant. Never mind page turner, each sentence, each paragraph kept the suspense going! Look forward to the next instalment of Sam Barker.
November 14, 2019
Absolution really makes you think what really good on in government circles.
Wow, something very different from Adam and Steven. They make a great team. I love conspiracy theories and this reminds me very much of R J Ellory. None of us really know what goes on within the government and Adam and Steven's book really gives you food for thought, albeit very scary thoughts. Well done Adam and welcome to Steven. (And Sam) Highly recommended.
Wow, something very different from Adam and Steven. They make a great team. I love conspiracy theories and this reminds me very much of R J Ellory. None of us really know what goes on within the government and Adam and Steven's book really gives you food for thought, albeit very scary thoughts. Well done Adam and welcome to Steven. (And Sam) Highly recommended.
November 18, 2019
Sam's day starts off ok except he forgot it was Lucy's birthday so decided to go down to Westminster underground where he knows he can get some flowers. Unfortunately that is where his life turns upside down.
I could go through some of the story but other reviewers have covered a lot of that so all I will say is buy it and enjoy a really good read. I am sure you won't be disappointed, I wasn't.
I could go through some of the story but other reviewers have covered a lot of that so all I will say is buy it and enjoy a really good read. I am sure you won't be disappointed, I wasn't.
November 9, 2019
A really good book that keeps you wanting more! Can't wait for the next book to come out
November 13, 2019
Captivating
Enjoyed every word, very well written book . Kept you guessing until the end of the book. Another great success
Enjoyed every word, very well written book . Kept you guessing until the end of the book. Another great success
November 15, 2019
Absolution
A very interesting read not your usual shoot em up, blow em up. The hero is just a common man who gets caught in intrigue and double dealing.
A very interesting read not your usual shoot em up, blow em up. The hero is just a common man who gets caught in intrigue and double dealing.
November 25, 2019
All he wanted was to buy some flowers
Things seem not to turn out as hoped or hoped for.
Much must be sacrificed to save more
Heart rending action
Things seem not to turn out as hoped or hoped for.
Much must be sacrificed to save more
Heart rending action
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews