A handsome detective and heir to a business empire is a renowned security expert...
...yet he never suspects an enemy has him in the cross-hairs.
A simple job at the Louvre in Paris is the perfect trap for this unsuspecting playboy.
Police consultant Leopold Blake jets off to France hoping for an easy payday and a chance to relax. After breezing through an assignment at the Louvre, he expects to revel in the City of Lights. But before he can down his first champagne, his prints are found on a murder victim.
Suddenly a wanted man, Leopold narrowly escapes the police, but can’t abandon an injured witness who needs help. Can he uncover the truth while hunted by the cops, dodging an assassin's bullet, and saddled with a wounded sidekick? Will Leopold discover who’s behind the murder and clear his good name before the killer can silence him for good?
Nick Stephenson was born and raised in Cambridgeshire, England and will now refer to himself in the first person. My approach to writing is to hit hard, hit fast, and leave as few spelling errors as possible. I write thrillers, suspense novels, and the occasional witty postcard, all of which are designed to get your pulse pounding. Don’t let my headshot fool you – I’m actually full colour, on most days.
My books are a mixture of mystery, action, and humour. If you’re looking for a good place to start, take a look at my Leopold Blake series of thrillers, available now at www.noorosha.com/books and out soon on Amazon, Sony, Barnes & Noble, and the iTunes store.
[comments from the author] I wrote the Leopold Blake series to best capture the essence of books I enjoy reading the most. Namely; flat-out pacing, plot twists a-plenty, pulse-pounding action, and a central mystery that will keep you guessing. I wanted to combine the brain-twists of a classic mystery with the excitement of an action thriller, and I’m very pleased with the results.
Published: 16/10/2013 Author: Nick Stephenson Recommended for: fans of suspense thrillers Edition: Kindle
I saw this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a try. I thought that this was a really great suspense thriller novel that keeps up the pace throughout it. This book is in the Leopold Blake series which can be read in any order so if you only find this one you wont feel like you have missed out on something important. This is a very well written novel with great characters featured, particularly the dialog between Leopold and Mary is funny. This is the type of book that manages to keep your attention held right until the very end of the novel this is mainly due to the writing style of Nick Stephenson. I will definately be reading more books of the series and more by this author.
The plot was somewhat predictable with a few twists. There was too much violence. I started this book months back and returned to it on my mission to push to the end. The characters stalled in their development part way through the story. Good ending.
Leopold Blake shows up at the Louvre to investigate a stolen painting and winds up becoming the target of a German sniper. A good, quick, fast-paced thriller that kinda puts in mind Robert Langdon meets James Bond.
Leopold Blake, his bodyguard Jerome, and NYPD detective Mary Jordan are united in Paris, France for an interesting mystery/ thriller. Leopold has been hired by art director at the "Louve", Jean Dubois to critique the security for the valuable art in the "Louve". Leopold finds a problem right away. It seems one famous paintings is actually a fake. Meanwhile, hired hit man Dieter Reiniger has murdered by long range rifle, 5 people, and a police officer in front of Notre Dame. One of Reinger's victims is Jean Dubois. The Paris police immediately suspect Leopold of the shooting because of his stunt with the fake art canvas, and his "fingerprints" are found on the roof where the shooter was camped. Then unfortunately for NYPD detective Mary Jordan who thinks she's getting a nice peaceful vacation to spend time with Leopold, all hell breaks loose. Paris police are then looking for the fugitives Leopold, Mary, and Jerome. Leoplold along with a worker from the "Louve" are forced to run around Paris looking for truth. Captain Rousseau, "The Wolf" dogs the team at their every step. Things seem to point back to Blake industries for the key to the mystery. I was happy the plot along with the story line moves at a very nice pace. Book is pretty packed with action and adventure. Superb dialog helps make the characters in the book really come alive. It's easy to root for the good guys and against the bad guys. Twists and turns close to the end were done pretty well. I did enjoy reading "Wanted" ,by Nick Stephenson very much. His Leopold Blake series is fun to read. Series has some good action to go along with some great characters. I'd recommend this book, and the series itself very highly. I gave the book 5 stars out of a possible 5 stars very easily. I can't wait to jump into the next Leopold Blake adventure from Nick Stephenson. Do yourself a favor and check this series out. It's very easy to read and a lot of fun as well.
I am a huge fan of mysteries and thrillers and I'm pleased to say that this was a pretty enjoyable read.
The plot was fast paced and full of suspense but lacked originality. I found myself spotting similarities to other mystery books that I've read which, on some level, disappointed me. However, the plot was engaging and did keep me interested through the entirety of the book.
The multiple points of view, although a tad confusing at first, converged nicely towards the end of the book and did help move the plot when there seemed to be a momentary pause in Blake's chase.
Blake himself, although intelligent and witty, lacked vulnerability until the very end, making him seem somewhat unrealistic at times. I also didn't like that he didn't seem to worry much for his friends who may have been injured, missing, etc.
However, his interactions and relationship with other characters (i.e. Sophie and Mary) were well developed. While Mary seemed more like a sibling to Blake rather than a potential love interest, her conversations with Blake exposed a lot about her character as well as Blake's.
Overall, the plot was fast-paced and engaging though a bit unoriginal, and the characters were well rounded. This book kept me at the edge of my seat and I would recommend this to anyone who wants a thrilling race for answers and a satisfying resolution.
I got this book free during a promotional period, hoping it might make me want to read the rest of the series. Alas, I don't think I will be reading anymore Leopold Blake novels.
I would best describe this book as being like a straight-to-DVD movie. It's bombastic, action-packed and leaves dead policeman strewn all over the streets of Paris. It's also, therefore, implausible and silly. In fairness, if you're not looking to tax your grey matter, it might suit, and the ending is actually pretty neatly done.
Unfortunately, the character of Blake himself did not appeal to me. Making him the absent head of a global corporation, who is also an art expert and security adviser to galleries is just too obtuse. I didn't care one jot for a millionaire orphan who relies on (expendable) bodyguards and policewomen to escape the ridiculous situations he gets himself into.
It's not irredeemable and there are plenty of more positive reviews - there's a market for this sort of thing, without doubt - it's just not for me.
This suspense thriller takes the reader on a non-stop ride through New York as a team of crime-solvers race to prevent more murder and mayhem. Join the ride and you won't put this book down until you and the sleuths wind up on the last page.
Okay I have officially given up. I cannot understand how so many people think that this book is great. It's terrible. I can't get into it, I don't really like the main character and it's just not really believable. I'm done.
A free book is always a good way to lure readers, I am surely one that takes advantage for any offer that meets my taste. A story combining murder, mystery, mayhem and a healthy dose of humour was right up my alley and I was happy to accept Mr. Stephenson invitation to read and review book 1. “This is the way I see it”, my thoughts are my own and I have not been influenced by the offer.
This is definitely a fun and thrill-ride from page one and I enjoyed particularly the lighting- fast pacing plot that throws numerous twists and turns to derail us and keep us on the edge of our seat the whole time. “Wanted “definitely provides exciting fight that had me clenching me jaws and biting my nails all along. This story which revolves around the Louvre and its arts is very well spun and as good as it comes even with all the similarities to other works of this genre.
Leopold Blake, a private investigator is thrown in the middle of mayhem and comes out with minor injury. There is a lot going on but all the threads come carefully together by the end. Of course we have lots of violence and tension but the craziness is toned down with a bit of humour. Leopold and Mary, the main players have a weird and funny relationship. Some scenes may not have made sense but were great for the imagination. The good guys are good and the bad guys are as evil as can be, what a combination of style.
This story starts the series on the right foot. Of course it may not please everyone but for those enjoying a good chase across Paris by killers and police on a whirlwind ride for evidence you are in for a good time and will have a hard time putting this book down.
I picked this up off of Book Bub, and really I could have stopped reading it after the first 5 or 6 chapters. I really wanted to see what the author was getting at in the story - so I kept reading.
There were too many characters involved in the main plot. At one point I thought they might need a small mini-van or tour bus to get them to all of their many places in Paris.
The use of terminology for the characters kept changing. At one point, we have a name, the next we have the Assassin. And for some reason we have to know that there is definitely a K-Bar knife used by the assassin. Here's my rule - tell them what kind of gun or knife the guy is using - then call it a gun or knife - end of story.
Perhaps this author is writing better books in the rest of his series. I wish him well. Perhaps less is more?
This was a free book on Amazon.A thriller set in France 🇫🇷. The writing was engaging but there are missing words within sentences. Unfortunately it is predictable storyline. As the first novel in a series, it is fast paced with hints to the major characters. Leopold is meant to be smart but evidence wasn't convincing. Luckily he has help from His resourceful bodyguard Jerome and partner Mary. Suspension of belief is required as there are more questions than answers in this first installment. As a light read, I would consider reading more of the series.
"Intoxicating and irresistible - rather like Paris"
It seems too simple to say this was a fast paced, action packed thriller, with great attention to location, characterisation, and plot. How often are we told in life 'Keep it simple'? Nick Stephenson achieves it, but of course it takes a lot of skill to make it appear simple. It strikes me that Mr. Stephenson has the formula for this genre mastered. Highly recommended.
Don't waste your time. The story jumps to unbelievable points. I stuck with it for about three quarters of the way, and just decided I had better things to do than read this.
This book is emblematic of the importance of a skilled editor.
I purchased this book because I mistook the author's name for Neal Stephenson, an author I thoroughly enjoy. I realized my mistake pretty early on, but nevertheless pressed on. Wanted is composed entirely of simple structure and easy diction and should be a quick read, but not for me. The amount of time I spent talking myself into finishing significantly outpaced the time I spent actually reading the book. The narration exhibited a frustrating predictability coupled with lazy reliance upon tropes established by the genre-defining craftsmanship of preceding expert Thriller authors.
*The main cast characterizations were Zig-Zag thin, and the secondary cast's characterizations weren't even a foggy exhale. *The plot unfolded in a series of disjointed chapters led by insufficiently introduced characters with little to no obvious relationship to one another or to the plot. *The Thanatos segment was incoherent and the two paper doll inhabitants of the - ship? secure facility? spaceship?- engaged in a dialogue so superficial it reminded me of my little brother's GI Joe playtime scenarios when he was 10 years old. I didn't know who they were and I didn't care... *Seeding the cartoon panel dialogue with sprinklings of Google Translate French is pretentious and off-putting. *His name is "Leopold" and even his closest friend doesn't call him "Leo"? Come on... *Speaking of Leopold... The drapes don't match the carpet: his character description alludes to a Tony Stark-esque "genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist" but Leopold Blake more closely resembles whiny Justin Hammer. There's a thin membrane between 'Cool' and 'clammy.' And Blake is ...moist. *Plot points were introduced, dropped, thought of later, and then given an unsatisfactory and perfunctory finish. *Lastly, this book games the system in a really disingenuous way: its a "lure" book, someone else called it, a "perma-free" book meant to draw readers to buy the rest of the series. Authors should only employ that tactic when their writing has been beta'd to perfection. Any less effort breaks the sacred contract between readers and authors. Fanfiction writers show more commitment. Sheesh.
The premise had promise. All of the above could have been fixed by hiring a good editor.
While I figured out the plot fairly early on, it was still an enjoyable read. Indeed, I read it in one sitting. It was fast-paced and thrilling, Leopold Blake is an engaging protagonist, and I'll definitely read more in the series.
This is a tough read. The first few chapters are a bit confusing, as to be expected, as I learn about the characters and their situations. However, this confusion never cleared up. It felt as if I had joined a program already in progress- you know like when you join a tv series after 6 episodes? Those who started from the beginning are already there, but you are wondering what's going on and why is this person doing this?
Here is part of the confusion: on Amazon and Goodreads, this book is labeled as Book 1. However, on Mr. Stephenson's website, it is indicated that Panic is the first book written. Huh? It's actually on my summer to do list to read all of these books. I went off of the descriptions on Goodreads, and now I find out it's wrong? Ugh.
Anyway, beyond that confusion, I did not have any connection to any of the characters. I didn't understand what was motivating them, I didn't understand their history, I didn't really like any of them. I found the circumstances they found themselves in to be implausible. Escapes were based on coincidences and conveniency rather than skill, expertise, and brains. Many of the details seemed to repeat themselves through the situations - theme/motif or bad writing?
So now I am at the point where I want to believe in Mr. Stephenson and believe that he has a decent series here. I'm going to go find Panic and start from the beginning, as his website indicates. Hopefully that will clear everything up! I need a checkmark on my summer project list!
This is the author's first in a series of crime novels with the same protagonist, a wealthy man who donates much of his time to sleuthing out difficult to solve mysteries. A valuable painting has been stolen from a museum in Paris, a clever copy swapped out. It's an inside job, furthermore it links to the funding of a rogue criminal syndicate developing dangerous strains of biological weapons. Lots of violence and action, but too little character development to suit my tastes. I like to wrap myself around the heads of the heroes and villians, and see how they got to this point in life, and how their minds work.
A fast paced crime thriller with lots of twists - well constructed, kept me turning the page and holding my breath wanting to know what comes next. The characters were believable and human, pleasantly engaging and not perfect - love that in the protagonist and supporting characters. The plot is classic - PI framed for a murder - but the reasons behind the frame are unique and revealed little by little, creating just the right amount of suspense. The baddie reveal at the end was enough of a surprise to keep me wondering now what happens next? Definitely a nice tight novel, perfect as an introduction for me to the series. Will definitely read more.
'Wanted' is another great thriller in the 'Leopold Blake Series'. I liked the story line. Quite the adventure. Full of action, suspense and thrills. The characters are all great. This book is somewhat similar to the other books in this series, but I thought through this story there was a different task at hand that had Leopold take a different course of action. I definitely look forward to the next book. A must add to your tbr list.
This is a well written mystery set in Paris. The use of current communication technology and the potential of a sinister, unknown approach to chemical warfare lend credence to this a fast-paced and plausible story. The central characters are well developed enough to acquaint the reader without useless sidebar information.Well worth the reader's time!
I really enjoyed this book. The chapters are short which I like. The story is well written and thought out. It's action packed and a definitely page turner. It ends with quite a shock, I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger as such, but it definitely makes you want to read more about these characters. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Loved it. I also love the way this author writes. And the dialog between the characters is pretty funny at times. Especially between Leopold and Mary. There are also some nasty ones in this story, too. But, they do make it an interesting read. Still lots of questions about Leopold, but hoping I get more answers in the following books.
First book I have read by this author but won't be the last. Very fast paced and suspenseful without the vulgar language that is so prevalent in most suspense novels these days.
An action-thriller set mainly in Paris, Wanted doesn't live up to the promise. There is a lot of action and thrills, but the plot seems undercooked. It may get better in the next books of the series, I hope. I may take another chance and read the next one...
The last half of this book is like an overwhelming action film... chasing and running with hardly a plot or character development. I just wanted it to end.