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Lex Harper #2
Breakout
A friend in need is a friend indeed. And no one is a better friend than hitman-for-hire Lex Harper.
When a mate from his past ends up in a Bolivian prison, Harper doesn’t think twice about going to his aid.
Beatings, rapes and murders are an everyday occurrence in the prison – and that’s just the guards. But the only way to break his friend out is for Harper to put his own life on the line, in a place where death comes quickly and only the strong survive.
Getting into the prison is easy enough – but can Harper get out? And how many people will he have to kill to make it back?
When a mate from his past ends up in a Bolivian prison, Harper doesn’t think twice about going to his aid.
Beatings, rapes and murders are an everyday occurrence in the prison – and that’s just the guards. But the only way to break his friend out is for Harper to put his own life on the line, in a place where death comes quickly and only the strong survive.
Getting into the prison is easy enough – but can Harper get out? And how many people will he have to kill to make it back?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2020
363 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
246 books1,531 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 24, 2020
We have an unbelievable scenario here but, as the author explains in his introduction, the San Pedro prison in Bolivia is very much real. Check it out and a) be amazed and b) see why it is such a bizarre and interesting setting.
Anyway welcome back the dangerous and immoral Lex Harper. Harper is a pragmatic and talented individual with a personal baseline of looking after his friends and doing harm to his enemies. He has a fairly ambiguous moral compass and his dangerous personality is a good counterbalance to the white knight that is Spider Shepherd.
An ex colleague and friend goes missing during a courier mission to Bolivia. Harper sees his old friend abandoned and sets out to find him in one of the most lawless and ruthless countries on Earth.
Harper discovers that his friend, “Scouse” is in San Pedro prison and he will need all of his skills to get in there and then get him out.
A big slab of MacGyver as Harper uses his smarts to rescue Scouse and to get out of the prison and then the pair end up on the run using all their Escape and Evasion skills.
This was indeed different and the Bolivian Tourist Board are not going to thank Stephen Leather. But what a glimpse into a dangerous and scary part of the world. It had a different sort of pace and a very unique setting. Those expecting the “norm” may be confused or slightly disappointed but they need to remember that this is an author that tries to evolve and not just regurgitate previous plots
Embrace and enjoy.
Anyway welcome back the dangerous and immoral Lex Harper. Harper is a pragmatic and talented individual with a personal baseline of looking after his friends and doing harm to his enemies. He has a fairly ambiguous moral compass and his dangerous personality is a good counterbalance to the white knight that is Spider Shepherd.
An ex colleague and friend goes missing during a courier mission to Bolivia. Harper sees his old friend abandoned and sets out to find him in one of the most lawless and ruthless countries on Earth.
Harper discovers that his friend, “Scouse” is in San Pedro prison and he will need all of his skills to get in there and then get him out.
A big slab of MacGyver as Harper uses his smarts to rescue Scouse and to get out of the prison and then the pair end up on the run using all their Escape and Evasion skills.
This was indeed different and the Bolivian Tourist Board are not going to thank Stephen Leather. But what a glimpse into a dangerous and scary part of the world. It had a different sort of pace and a very unique setting. Those expecting the “norm” may be confused or slightly disappointed but they need to remember that this is an author that tries to evolve and not just regurgitate previous plots
Embrace and enjoy.
October 19, 2020
I’m a big Stephen Leather fan, but, Jesus Mary and Joseph, this is by far the worst thing I’ve subjected my eyes and mind to. I had to finish it just to see if, by some miracle, it could get better. But no, it just got worse. Long drawn-out scenes with extra info that added zero value, mind-numbing detail of walks in the mountains or transit via Peruvian buses. Not forgetting all the copy/paste research on topics like travel and drug mules for the reader to see how much time was spent Googling content for the story (‘story’ is a strong word for this drivel). This book was horrid. Just plain horrid.
January 2, 2021
Sorry Mr. Leather but I believe this has to be your first ever book and I am glad it was not the first book of yours that I read. If it had been I would have missed all the other excellent books that I've read of yours. Rob. of Fareham
May 28, 2020
I have read all Stephen Leather books, from back in the Cramer days and up to shepherd...even read all the nightingale's and the standalones. I have never had any complaints (apart from Shepherd starting to become a bit too goodygoody).....but this!?... really? I was looking forward to reading more about Harper as he started to appear as an exciting old buddy of Shepherd's lately, and as Shepherd's ever growing collection of morals are getting tiresome I was prepared to get back to an exciting Shepherd of old read...... nope! I find it hard to believe this is Stephen Leather..... despite the books necessary introduction into the unique prison, it is still utterly unbelievable, and even ludicrous at some points. I had to stop 3/4 way through for the sake of my sanity.
August 17, 2020
Long time reader of Mr. Leather, all the Spiders, Nightingale and many more and the first Lex book and was looking forward to this.
Without question, this is the worst Leather book I have ever read, just awful. I don't even believe this was written by Mr. Leather, it lacks the quality and thoughtfulness that we have come to expect.
The conversations are so bad, Lex asks a simple question and the asset just reveal everything they know on the subject without and prompting, it becomes comically awful.
I had to stop a couple times, close the book and come back a couple days later. I finished the book only because I was bored and hoping it would get better, it did not.
Back to waiting for more Spider, Danny Black and OrpahnX!
Without question, this is the worst Leather book I have ever read, just awful. I don't even believe this was written by Mr. Leather, it lacks the quality and thoughtfulness that we have come to expect.
The conversations are so bad, Lex asks a simple question and the asset just reveal everything they know on the subject without and prompting, it becomes comically awful.
I had to stop a couple times, close the book and come back a couple days later. I finished the book only because I was bored and hoping it would get better, it did not.
Back to waiting for more Spider, Danny Black and OrpahnX!
May 31, 2020
Fast paced page turner
The brilliant lex Harper is back and what a character he is. Another excellent novel from one of the most under celebrated writers of our time. Most of his books would make top class films as the character building and story.lines are second to none. Most of his books are educational, this one has brilliant attention to detail on geographical locations which only adds to the story line with sheer magnificence. Very well researched back drops and another excellent story line which makes leather the master In this field.
The brilliant lex Harper is back and what a character he is. Another excellent novel from one of the most under celebrated writers of our time. Most of his books would make top class films as the character building and story.lines are second to none. Most of his books are educational, this one has brilliant attention to detail on geographical locations which only adds to the story line with sheer magnificence. Very well researched back drops and another excellent story line which makes leather the master In this field.
July 30, 2020
I rarely write negative reviews however as I've read nearly aii of Stephen Leather's books I think on this occasion I can be objective and suggest this one is by far the worst.... and I'm even questioning whether he actually wrote it. Superman(the fantasy) would be hard pushed to challenge Harper and survive, so many ludicrous situations which became rediculous and boring and lead me for the first time ever to skip pages and hope for the end. Sorry Stephen but an honest review of an author I have always looked forward to reading.... but this book has done you no favours.
May 27, 2020
When lex gets a call from the wife of an old army buddy he jumps into action to help out his old mate. He travels to south America and tracks down his comrade. He has to help him escape from a notorious and very dangerous prison and then try to get him out of the country
Another well researched book, the scenery that Mr leather paints with his words is amazing
A strong plot line and strong characters make this another great read
Another well researched book, the scenery that Mr leather paints with his words is amazing
A strong plot line and strong characters make this another great read
May 28, 2020
Harper's back this time taking on not only the Bolivian cartels but also the Brazilian cartels as he embarks on an epic journey to rescue his old friend Scouse Davies being held in a notorious prison in La Paz the deaths mount up as he encounters a sadistic prison governor intent on selling Scouse as a human sacrifice for a corrupt builder. Heart stopping action and a massive trek through the Andes and back to Pattia, at least that's the plan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2020
Great Read
Lex Harper hears that a good friend is wrongly held in a Bolivian prison and the only way to get him out is to break in and release him. It’s a tough ask but Lex succeeds even though he has to kill many in doing so. His friend, Scouse, however is very weak so can Lex get him across the border to safety? A great Stephen Leather one off story with great details of the area.
Lex Harper hears that a good friend is wrongly held in a Bolivian prison and the only way to get him out is to break in and release him. It’s a tough ask but Lex succeeds even though he has to kill many in doing so. His friend, Scouse, however is very weak so can Lex get him across the border to safety? A great Stephen Leather one off story with great details of the area.
August 4, 2020
Disappointing
I have read Stephen Leather for many years he is one of my go to authors for a good yarn that will keep me entertained.
This book is really poor and I cannot believe it is by the same writer. If it is his work he was certainly having an off day dialogue is just not believable and the plot drifts into pure fantasy. Many better books by Stephen Leather don't waste your money on this .
I have read Stephen Leather for many years he is one of my go to authors for a good yarn that will keep me entertained.
This book is really poor and I cannot believe it is by the same writer. If it is his work he was certainly having an off day dialogue is just not believable and the plot drifts into pure fantasy. Many better books by Stephen Leather don't waste your money on this .
May 16, 2021
Action packed thriller
Lex Harper takes up the challenge to find out what has happened to a friend from the past,who has disappeared whilst on a job for a major company based in Geneva who have sent him to South America in possession of money to pay off kidnappers.
Lex finds himself having to fight his way out of a prison while rescuing his friend who was being held there by corrupt officials.
Lex Harper takes up the challenge to find out what has happened to a friend from the past,who has disappeared whilst on a job for a major company based in Geneva who have sent him to South America in possession of money to pay off kidnappers.
Lex finds himself having to fight his way out of a prison while rescuing his friend who was being held there by corrupt officials.
March 9, 2022
great action and adventure story with a very dangerous anti-hero.
Mr Leather is so good at crafting different types of stories with his three action heroes.
First we have SPIDER who is the moral conscience, wants to do everything right to help his country. HARPER is the complete opposite who will break every rule if it gets the job done...for money.
And now we have STANDING who sits somewhere in between.
great action heroes,great stories
MR Leather, keep em coming.
Brilliant
Mr Leather is so good at crafting different types of stories with his three action heroes.
First we have SPIDER who is the moral conscience, wants to do everything right to help his country. HARPER is the complete opposite who will break every rule if it gets the job done...for money.
And now we have STANDING who sits somewhere in between.
great action heroes,great stories
MR Leather, keep em coming.
Brilliant
June 18, 2020
A thoroughly engrossing thriller
Stephen Leather writes an adventure novel that is both gripping and action packed. This book contains both violence, adventure and action. The characters are finely drawn and believable. The scenes taking place in Bolivia are finely wrought and described by the hand of master.
Stephen Leather writes an adventure novel that is both gripping and action packed. This book contains both violence, adventure and action. The characters are finely drawn and believable. The scenes taking place in Bolivia are finely wrought and described by the hand of master.
November 18, 2020
Plenty of action
This book has plenty of action and a good story line and is in the true tradition of Steven Leather a wonderful author full of excitement and intrigue I gave it 4 stars because it was very detailed about things in the story that didn't in my opinion matter to the story but never the less really entertained me
This book has plenty of action and a good story line and is in the true tradition of Steven Leather a wonderful author full of excitement and intrigue I gave it 4 stars because it was very detailed about things in the story that didn't in my opinion matter to the story but never the less really entertained me
December 19, 2022
Gee, so many negative reviews. I actually enjoyed this action/adventure novel. Sure there is a lot of gruesome detail into the attrocoties ecountered, but hey, thatt's what attrocities are - gruesome. As this is the first Stephen Leather book I have read, I now must find the first Lex Harper episode to compare with this one.
December 15, 2023
Good action thriller
This is the first of what looks like a new series.
The story set up is quickly established, and the resulting travel to foreign climes begins the rescue mission of a friend of an ex SAS soldier.
A good start to the series, but would like to see more character development of the main man in the next book.
This is the first of what looks like a new series.
The story set up is quickly established, and the resulting travel to foreign climes begins the rescue mission of a friend of an ex SAS soldier.
A good start to the series, but would like to see more character development of the main man in the next book.
May 22, 2020
Hits the spot
Another fast paced, with unexpected twists thriller from Mr Leather. Escape your lockdown home, and travel to South America taking in breathtaking sights. If you love violent but clever books, don’t miss this latest Lex instalment.
Another fast paced, with unexpected twists thriller from Mr Leather. Escape your lockdown home, and travel to South America taking in breathtaking sights. If you love violent but clever books, don’t miss this latest Lex instalment.
June 9, 2020
Another exciting tale from this master of thriller
Writers. Could definitely step into 'Fleming's' shoes, If a Beach so desired. A beautifully fast paced trip
through the underside of central America.
Writers. Could definitely step into 'Fleming's' shoes, If a Beach so desired. A beautifully fast paced trip
through the underside of central America.
June 17, 2020
Basil Exposition?
Good fast read and fascinating stuff about the area, but the way the characters deliver the lectures about the history/location/invention of gunpowder, jars a bit.
Good fast read and fascinating stuff about the area, but the way the characters deliver the lectures about the history/location/invention of gunpowder, jars a bit.
July 25, 2020
Great book
Lex is a great character with a good sense of humour. I was expecting a shorter book so was pleased when I got a longer one. Hoped for a different ending but lex harper books tend to be brutal.
Lex is a great character with a good sense of humour. I was expecting a shorter book so was pleased when I got a longer one. Hoped for a different ending but lex harper books tend to be brutal.
July 28, 2020
Another great story
Another great story by Stephen Leather featuring Lex Harper set in the balance of Bolivia and Peru. Well crafted plot with plenty of twists and turns and one that keeps you gripped right to the end. More please.
Another great story by Stephen Leather featuring Lex Harper set in the balance of Bolivia and Peru. Well crafted plot with plenty of twists and turns and one that keeps you gripped right to the end. More please.
June 10, 2021
Strange book...
A strange book. I'm an enormous fan of Leather's writing but this book is one of my least favourite. Long sequences describing details that for me added little to the story and dragged on and on. The final few chapters were more enjoyable.
A strange book. I'm an enormous fan of Leather's writing but this book is one of my least favourite. Long sequences describing details that for me added little to the story and dragged on and on. The final few chapters were more enjoyable.
February 3, 2023
A gripping page Turner and exciting insight into South American .....read and enjoy
As ihave read all Spider Shepards books by Stephen Leather this was another good read and I am looking forward to catching the rest of the books Wee Cookie
As ihave read all Spider Shepards books by Stephen Leather this was another good read and I am looking forward to catching the rest of the books Wee Cookie
May 19, 2023
In this episode at least something realistic (barely) happens when the hero isn't quite able to deliver the goods. Again the initial scene strains credibility in the expectations of the key character, so we can't feel too badly for him, nor for the hero, when he finally arrives.
May 21, 2020
Classic
Another fast paced classic from the genius that is Stephen Leather.........Lex Harper is fast becoming as popular as Spider Shepherd
Another fast paced classic from the genius that is Stephen Leather.........Lex Harper is fast becoming as popular as Spider Shepherd
May 22, 2020
Breakout
Once again Mr Leather has penned a page turner.
His knowledge of South American geography is very well researched.
I'm looking forward to the next Spider Shepherd novel.
Once again Mr Leather has penned a page turner.
His knowledge of South American geography is very well researched.
I'm looking forward to the next Spider Shepherd novel.
May 29, 2020
Disappointing
Probably the worst Stephen Leather book I've read. Not a patch on others. Big disappointment as I was looking forward to it.
Probably the worst Stephen Leather book I've read. Not a patch on others. Big disappointment as I was looking forward to it.
June 3, 2020
Excellent read as always.
Could not put it down. Stephen Leather consistently delivers. Can't wait until July for the next instalment in the amazing Spider Shepherd series.
Could not put it down. Stephen Leather consistently delivers. Can't wait until July for the next instalment in the amazing Spider Shepherd series.
June 4, 2020
Amazing book
Another amazing book by Stephen Leather, Lex Harper joins Spider Sheperd in the ranks of brilliant characters. Keep up the good work Mr Leather
Another amazing book by Stephen Leather, Lex Harper joins Spider Sheperd in the ranks of brilliant characters. Keep up the good work Mr Leather
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews