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Would you have done what he did?
They hurt his wife, in front of his daughter.
Sam must wrap his little girl in love, to help her heal. He must also provide for her. His extraction from special operations at sea leads him to form a clandestine company. 'CHARLIE' helps Sam appease his desire for vengeance, to deal with his grief, and to cleanse his conscience of some of the questionable things he's seen and done. Until he's asked to do a job which throws their healing, and safety, into doubt.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2019

388 people are currently reading
367 people want to read

About the author

Finn Og

10 books15 followers
Finn lives and works in Ireland, surrounded by rogues and the sea. He has published three thrillers as well as drama, shorts and comedy using different pen names.

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5 stars
231 (42%)
4 stars
189 (34%)
3 stars
85 (15%)
2 stars
30 (5%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Abibliofob.
1,598 reviews103 followers
March 27, 2024
I stumbled upon this author on social media and thought I would give him a try. Charlie is the first book of four so far in the series about ex SBS soldier Sam ireland by Finn Óg. It is really a great story and it certainly isn't like everything else in this genre. I was pleasantly surprised and will read more books in this series. This book deals with some dark stuff and it does it well. Sam has a new career after his time in the service and it involves a different kind of justice. I can recommend this series.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,587 reviews47 followers
March 2, 2018
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win

This tells of things you must do despite what other might think is morally acceptable. How far will you go for others and the struggles along the way Is vengeance really worth it?

This is a quick pace story and part one of the saga.
1,004 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2018
Charlie by Finn Og is book 1 of the Recovering Commando series /saga, It is a fast pace thriller with twists and turns. It is well written. It goes between Sam's past and the present.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
Profile Image for Natalie.
56 reviews
March 1, 2018
Good mystery

I really got into this mystery story and it was well written. I didn't expect the outcome that it came to and will be looking for the next book to continue my reading.
187 reviews44 followers
March 27, 2018
This is book one of a series. Very good book excited
to read book two.
Profile Image for Sara Claridge.
Author 6 books38 followers
October 10, 2017
This is a fast paced thriller that gripped me from the beginning. It flicks back and forth from Sam’s past to his present interweaving the two stories right up to the final twist at the end. Perfectly paced, with a tension that builds through the book, I can’t wait to read more.
Charlie is the first part of a trilogy, but doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for John.
492 reviews18 followers
October 2, 2017
Vengeance, sweet & simple!

They killed his wife in front of his daughter. Sam is a former special boat service ( naval version of the SAS), who is more the capable of exacting revenge. While he's exacting that revenge, he comes across something so hideous and vile that he has to do something. Want to know more, you'll have to read it yourself. Really enjoyed Charlie and will be looking for Charlie 2 in the future keep up with Sam's exploits.
Profile Image for Jenny Potts.
Author 4 books64 followers
January 31, 2018
A classic international thriller. The hero, Sam, grapples with his demons and parental commitment whilst surfing the tide of unbearable loss. But Sam is made of very stern stuff indeed. You know within just a few lines that you are in the hands of a master craftsman. The author is brimming with knowledge for the geography, scale and backdrop of 'Charlie'. But there is no self-indulgence with Og's experience or research. The pace is fast but pitched perfectly; the chapters ricochet. The dialogue was flawless too. A very impressive debut from an extremely competent storyteller. Congratulations, Finn Og.
Profile Image for Carolyn Crowther.
1 review
January 8, 2018
Could not put it down. You keep turning the pages to find out what happens next and when you look up, you realize you've been reading for hours and hours. Enjoyed every minute. Realistic and enthralling .... can't wait for the next one.
16 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2020
Yes! A great thriller!

I really like the hero and the story is good with some nice twists. Will definitely be following Finn Ogg’s books
Profile Image for Viragored.
168 reviews
April 26, 2021
This book really had me gripped. But a caution - the background to the action involves child abuse, so if the thought of such a thing horrifies you the book might not be for you. Rest assured though, Sam the hero is on the side of right and there are no excessive descriptions of abuse.
The story is told in a way that weaves together the background to why Sam is who he is and what he is, using flashbacks. It took me a bit to understand what was happening when, but I'm not the sharpest reader when it comes to that type of writing. The telling and unfolding is effective and paints a great overall picture. I disagree with the quoted reviewer on the cover of the book, I didn't find it "So fast I was left breathless", instead I relished the steady pace of the story and the detail contained in the descriptions.
I'm wondering to myself if the author just has a great imagination, or is using his imagination to build on real-life experience. Whichever, I totally enjoyed the book and am keen to read more.
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books17 followers
June 24, 2023
Action, suspense, drama, well developed characters, and an Irish brogue that is sure to intrigue. The part that stuck out the most to me is the lack of weapons used throughout the story. Unlike U.S. authors that always fall back to their firearms, this hero doesn't need props. He is a destructive force all unto himself. Great read. Very entertaining. Definitely looking forward to more from this series.
842 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2020
Very full of himself is ‘Charlie’. He wants to be a good father, cares for his 5 years old who probably will become an MI5 spy or run a boot camp. To,much back and forth almost as if the author cannot keep track of what he is doing. His wife is killed, yes, but why exactly that reason has evaded me... should I read this again? No. Too arduous!
19 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2022
I loved this book and I am planning to purchase the entire series. Mr. Finn Og is a very talented author. He excels in describing the father/child bond and as a soldier in battle realistically. The pages came alive for me. I am surprised Librarything didn't have any other reviews for this talented writer with his unique script.
459 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2022
A dark story of intrigue.

A convoluted tale that races to a sharp conclusion. Some distasteful content though. Hold the interest right the way through and some vivid descriptions of the various locations.
Profile Image for Dave.
638 reviews9 followers
September 25, 2023
I loved this series of books featuring Sam Ireland; a strong, capable action hero who has some depth and a compelling back story. Although I read them out of sequence by mistake, it didn't detract from the reading experience. I really enjoyed reading all three books and am hoping for many more!
17 reviews
March 28, 2025
Unusual style of story telling

A complex tale well written. Initially confusing due to the employment of flashbacks, but then became logical. Lots of action and avoidance of graphic sex made it an enjoyable adult read for me.
98 reviews
October 17, 2025
Not for me

Typing errors really spoil a book and there were a few. The story felt disjointed backwards and forwards. I was at 40% when I decided to abandon it and look for another read.
13 reviews
April 16, 2020
Damn good read

I did not put this book down until I'd turned the last page.
A very clever and well written story that just leaves you wanting more.
5 reviews
August 25, 2020
Charlie review

This was an interesting novel. I found it a bit disjointed because it kept jumping forward and back, but still kept my interest to the end
11 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2021
Unfortunately I found this an unsatisfying read in a few dimensions and after reading about 25% I gave up and discontinued. Disappointing as I was hoping to find a new good read author.
66 reviews
February 16, 2022
Disjointed

I enjoyed the main story line a great deal but it felt laborious going back to review/retell Sam’s and friends’ history.
Profile Image for Ian Murray.
97 reviews
November 15, 2022
I'm a long-standing Jack Reacher fan, and now in Sam Ireland I've fund an action hero in the same league. As soon as I post this review, I'll be searching for and buying the sequels.
3 reviews
November 27, 2022
Great read

Interesting plot like the uncomplicated characters hope they will feature in the books that will follow glad to have a new Author to enjoy
1 review
January 27, 2025
Good read

Great story line. Keeps you guessing Gill you get well into the book. Interesting story to read shifting from country
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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