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Motive
Drummed out of the army, Ryan Anderson is looking for a new career. When the opportunity to work for a Manchester gangland figure arises, he jumps at the chance.
Retired DCI James Knight is arrested for a murder he swears he didn't commit.
Scott Davison is recovering from a traumatic incident when Kelly Stone walks into his life. Is it a chance meeting, or is she part of the past Scott is trying to escape?
Karen Harper has killed before, and she’s planning to kill again…and again.
Their lives are entwined, and it’s up to Detective Inspector John Latimer to unravel the threads before it becomes personal.
Motive is the latest thriller from million-copy bestselling author Alan McDermott, creator of the explosive Tom Gray and Eva Driscoll series.
Retired DCI James Knight is arrested for a murder he swears he didn't commit.
Scott Davison is recovering from a traumatic incident when Kelly Stone walks into his life. Is it a chance meeting, or is she part of the past Scott is trying to escape?
Karen Harper has killed before, and she’s planning to kill again…and again.
Their lives are entwined, and it’s up to Detective Inspector John Latimer to unravel the threads before it becomes personal.
Motive is the latest thriller from million-copy bestselling author Alan McDermott, creator of the explosive Tom Gray and Eva Driscoll series.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2020
600 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Alan McDermott
31 books772 followersAlan McDermott is a full time author from the south of England, married with beautiful twin daughters. He used to write critical applications for the NHS, but now he spends his days writing action thrillers.
His debut novel, Gray Justice, has been very well received and earned him membership of http://independentauthorsinternationa.... He was subsequently picked up by Thomas & Mercer, who published his first 10 books.
Alan's 7th novel Trojan was shortlisted for an ITW thriller award.
In March 2020 he release a new standalone called Motive, and the 7th Tom Gray will be released on June 4th 2020.
The reading order of Alan's books can be found at www.alanmcdermottbooks.co.uk
You can follow Alan on Twitter through his @Jambalian account and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrayJustice
His debut novel, Gray Justice, has been very well received and earned him membership of http://independentauthorsinternationa.... He was subsequently picked up by Thomas & Mercer, who published his first 10 books.
Alan's 7th novel Trojan was shortlisted for an ITW thriller award.
In March 2020 he release a new standalone called Motive, and the 7th Tom Gray will be released on June 4th 2020.
The reading order of Alan's books can be found at www.alanmcdermottbooks.co.uk
You can follow Alan on Twitter through his @Jambalian account and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrayJustice
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 13, 2020
Well, Alan McDermott takes off at full speed in this new series so please fasten your seat belts because it is one hell of a ride!
Wow, I bounced between the storylines at the beginning of this book wanting each one to continue, hating leaving the characters behind to join a new storyline then hating leaving that one which I was equally involved in. Some became entwined early on but the reasons why things were happening was a mystery.
I love the anger that I could feel from some of the characters and the seeing and not believing by others before everything is too late for them. I liked getting to know DI John Latimer a determined man that feels what he sees. He is loyal to his friends and goes with his gut instinct. The connection already feels like it is there and I am already wanting to know more about him has his character develops in the future.
Ryan is a real focused character that has to control his emotions or risk losing his life in situations where his choices could mean life or death not just for him. Oh my, stomach-churning moments that still make me shudder. This author knows how to through a punch that counts and this story hits hard for some characters.
All the pieces click into place of the who is who, the whys, the when and the what-ifs. It has all been there tucked away. A brilliant beginning to what promises so much more as a series.
Wow, I bounced between the storylines at the beginning of this book wanting each one to continue, hating leaving the characters behind to join a new storyline then hating leaving that one which I was equally involved in. Some became entwined early on but the reasons why things were happening was a mystery.
I love the anger that I could feel from some of the characters and the seeing and not believing by others before everything is too late for them. I liked getting to know DI John Latimer a determined man that feels what he sees. He is loyal to his friends and goes with his gut instinct. The connection already feels like it is there and I am already wanting to know more about him has his character develops in the future.
Ryan is a real focused character that has to control his emotions or risk losing his life in situations where his choices could mean life or death not just for him. Oh my, stomach-churning moments that still make me shudder. This author knows how to through a punch that counts and this story hits hard for some characters.
All the pieces click into place of the who is who, the whys, the when and the what-ifs. It has all been there tucked away. A brilliant beginning to what promises so much more as a series.
November 24, 2020
A random kindle freebie grab. Never heard of the author, he seems to specialize in action series, definitely not for me. But this one appeared to be a standalone and looked decent enough. In fact was decent enough.
It still had that definitive lean toward the testosterony high octane driven thrillers with maybe even some spy action thrown in, but it also had a female serial killer, a beast so singular and exciting, it more or less saved the entire enterprise.
So yeah, meet Karen, she doesn’t just like to kill, she loves getting away with it, so she crafts her murders with not just a victim in mind but also someone to take the blame for it. And she has done so since she was 16. Only instead of pacing herself she gets greedy and her latest victim might not be as helpless as she needs him to be. In fact, he might be the exactly wrong kind of guy to mess with.
There are other characters, of course, like the wrong guy to mess with, some detectives to solve all these crimes, some gangster types, etc. and some of their stories are fairly cleverly interlaced, but for me it was pretty much a Karen show through and through.
Professional job through and through, the author’s experienced enough to deliver a slick fast paced tale. It’s a fairly superficial appeal, it’s decently written but this isn’t literature by any means, the characters mostly serve as vehicles in this fast and furious rendition of a book. It’s too much of a tough guy thriller for my liking, much like straight to video B movies that pay Nicholas Cage’s (and stars of similar vintage and career trajectories) bills these days. But, you know, entertaining enough and a pretty, albeit mindless, reasonably fun read.
It still had that definitive lean toward the testosterony high octane driven thrillers with maybe even some spy action thrown in, but it also had a female serial killer, a beast so singular and exciting, it more or less saved the entire enterprise.
So yeah, meet Karen, she doesn’t just like to kill, she loves getting away with it, so she crafts her murders with not just a victim in mind but also someone to take the blame for it. And she has done so since she was 16. Only instead of pacing herself she gets greedy and her latest victim might not be as helpless as she needs him to be. In fact, he might be the exactly wrong kind of guy to mess with.
There are other characters, of course, like the wrong guy to mess with, some detectives to solve all these crimes, some gangster types, etc. and some of their stories are fairly cleverly interlaced, but for me it was pretty much a Karen show through and through.
Professional job through and through, the author’s experienced enough to deliver a slick fast paced tale. It’s a fairly superficial appeal, it’s decently written but this isn’t literature by any means, the characters mostly serve as vehicles in this fast and furious rendition of a book. It’s too much of a tough guy thriller for my liking, much like straight to video B movies that pay Nicholas Cage’s (and stars of similar vintage and career trajectories) bills these days. But, you know, entertaining enough and a pretty, albeit mindless, reasonably fun read.
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November 28, 2020
A taut, full=fleshed murder mystery that blends madness, police procedure and a host of deep and flawed characters! The threads seem separate and unattached for so long, one is tempted to give up in confusion, but McDermott deftly weaves them together in the end that satisfies. A great ride and, to use the cliché, a real page-turner!
January 1, 2021
I really wanted to give 'Motive' 4.5 stars but that's not an option unfortunately so 4 stars it is.
I listened as an audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrator, Andy Stevenson, was great and his voices for the different character really added to my enjoyment of the book.
The characters are well drawn and interesting and all piqued my interest leaving me curious to know more about them and where their place was in the whole story. Ryan is my favourite with the serial killer a close second! The things which happen to them and their reactions are all quite plausible which added to the enjoyment for me.
The plot is slow to begin but quickly gains pace and momentum with some super twists and turns. I will definitely be checking out some of the author's other books.
I have just deducted one star for the initial jumping around between the four main characters. I think listening to an audiobook made this more of an issue than I would've had with a print version
I listened as an audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrator, Andy Stevenson, was great and his voices for the different character really added to my enjoyment of the book.
The characters are well drawn and interesting and all piqued my interest leaving me curious to know more about them and where their place was in the whole story. Ryan is my favourite with the serial killer a close second! The things which happen to them and their reactions are all quite plausible which added to the enjoyment for me.
The plot is slow to begin but quickly gains pace and momentum with some super twists and turns. I will definitely be checking out some of the author's other books.
I have just deducted one star for the initial jumping around between the four main characters. I think listening to an audiobook made this more of an issue than I would've had with a print version
March 23, 2020
I make no secret of the fact that this is one of my favourite authors, having read and loved every book he has released since I read Gray Justice back in 2012. This book marks a bit of a change from his usually offerings but the quality of writing and plotting are still very much evident.
It's a hard book to review as there are multiple threads that appear completely separate. In fact, I said to my brother when I was about half way through that I had absolutely no idea where we were going and that isn't something I say very often, being as this is my go-to genre and I usually have some inkling by then.
We have Ryan who leaves the army for a job with a gangland criminal. Scott recovering from an accident who meets and starts a relationship with Kelly. Then there's Karen who likes to kill people. And then we have a retired DCI who is accused of murder. Quite how all this connects I'll leave you to discover as the author intends, with a little assistance from DI Latimer...
Plotting is extremely well done and executed. It's quite convoluted and I did spend quite a while totally flummoxed until it all started to come together. But never confused enough to quit. It was so intriguing that I was powerless to put it down.
I was also very interested in some of the methods that the characters employed to do what they did. Sorry I'm trying to be oblique so as not to spoil things, but, in a nutshell, as always, the research that has gone into this book is evident and thorough.
Characterisation is also quite interesting - and you'll get what I mean only when you have read the book. Suffice to say that the author has once again created some really interesting characters all of whom act according to their parts in the story being told.
And with an ending that both satisfies and hints at more to come... Definitely going to be looking out for a follow-up book as it's obvious that certain characters have more to give.
It's a hard book to review as there are multiple threads that appear completely separate. In fact, I said to my brother when I was about half way through that I had absolutely no idea where we were going and that isn't something I say very often, being as this is my go-to genre and I usually have some inkling by then.
We have Ryan who leaves the army for a job with a gangland criminal. Scott recovering from an accident who meets and starts a relationship with Kelly. Then there's Karen who likes to kill people. And then we have a retired DCI who is accused of murder. Quite how all this connects I'll leave you to discover as the author intends, with a little assistance from DI Latimer...
Plotting is extremely well done and executed. It's quite convoluted and I did spend quite a while totally flummoxed until it all started to come together. But never confused enough to quit. It was so intriguing that I was powerless to put it down.
I was also very interested in some of the methods that the characters employed to do what they did. Sorry I'm trying to be oblique so as not to spoil things, but, in a nutshell, as always, the research that has gone into this book is evident and thorough.
Characterisation is also quite interesting - and you'll get what I mean only when you have read the book. Suffice to say that the author has once again created some really interesting characters all of whom act according to their parts in the story being told.
And with an ending that both satisfies and hints at more to come... Definitely going to be looking out for a follow-up book as it's obvious that certain characters have more to give.
January 21, 2021
Review of MOTIVE written by Alan Mcdermott
Thank you again to the our wonderful group and Alan for giving me the opportunity to listen and review this book.
Wow what a story !!! I loved it. It took me two attempts to get into the book, I managed to get to chapter 5 and had to start again, what with my hubby working from home and keeping interrupting me, it is such a pain having to stop, start take the head phones off then put them back on again, plus I did not jell with the narrator straight away, I think David Thorpe would of been a really good fit for this book.
As with all my reviews, I am not going to spoil the story and give away the plot, but wow, what a story, I was totally hooked, and fast moving there is a lot going on this book, several stories that come together in the end, it keeps you wondering all they way through how they are linked.
All the character were really interesting and you felt as thou you really got to know them, I can't wait for the next book, I am looking forward to hearing about Ryan's next adventure.
Alan Mcdermott is not an author I have chosen before, but having listened to this book is someone I will definitely consider again, when choosing my next title.
I can honestly say well worth a listen, If I was giving stars, it would be 4.5 out of 5 just dropping half a point for the narrator, he was just not quite manly enough for me ( sorry Andy Stevenson if your reading this) and I think the book deserved a really strong voice.
Thank you again to the our wonderful group and Alan for giving me the opportunity to listen and review this book.
Wow what a story !!! I loved it. It took me two attempts to get into the book, I managed to get to chapter 5 and had to start again, what with my hubby working from home and keeping interrupting me, it is such a pain having to stop, start take the head phones off then put them back on again, plus I did not jell with the narrator straight away, I think David Thorpe would of been a really good fit for this book.
As with all my reviews, I am not going to spoil the story and give away the plot, but wow, what a story, I was totally hooked, and fast moving there is a lot going on this book, several stories that come together in the end, it keeps you wondering all they way through how they are linked.
All the character were really interesting and you felt as thou you really got to know them, I can't wait for the next book, I am looking forward to hearing about Ryan's next adventure.
Alan Mcdermott is not an author I have chosen before, but having listened to this book is someone I will definitely consider again, when choosing my next title.
I can honestly say well worth a listen, If I was giving stars, it would be 4.5 out of 5 just dropping half a point for the narrator, he was just not quite manly enough for me ( sorry Andy Stevenson if your reading this) and I think the book deserved a really strong voice.
February 5, 2021
I listened to the audio version of this entertaining thriller after receiving a free copy in exchange for an honest review. The plot features a rare antagonist, a female serial killer. Particularly chilling, this blonde bombshell gets a thrill out framing those who had a motive to kill her victims.
The book weaves the stories of multiple interesting characters, including the villain, who is introduced while executing a brutal and methodical killing. Other characters include an unassuming, love-struck man with a disability, a police officer who is troubled by an apparently air-tight murder charge against his colleague, and an undercover agent trying to take down an organized crime boss.
I enjoyed the different points of view but was starting to wonder well into the book if the story lines would intersect. Rest assured, the puzzle pieces fit. They all come together to form a pattern suddenly in an “Aha” moment. You also feel a fleeting sense of sympathy for the villain when you get some of her backstory, but it is very short-lived as the action ramps up for the finale.
The characters are well developed, and the plot is intriguing. I particularly enjoyed Andy Stevenson's narration. He has a soothing voice, reminiscent of some of my other favorites like British narrator Tony Britton. He gave the characters distinctive voices that were easily recognizable. He kept me fully engaged in the plot.
The book weaves the stories of multiple interesting characters, including the villain, who is introduced while executing a brutal and methodical killing. Other characters include an unassuming, love-struck man with a disability, a police officer who is troubled by an apparently air-tight murder charge against his colleague, and an undercover agent trying to take down an organized crime boss.
I enjoyed the different points of view but was starting to wonder well into the book if the story lines would intersect. Rest assured, the puzzle pieces fit. They all come together to form a pattern suddenly in an “Aha” moment. You also feel a fleeting sense of sympathy for the villain when you get some of her backstory, but it is very short-lived as the action ramps up for the finale.
The characters are well developed, and the plot is intriguing. I particularly enjoyed Andy Stevenson's narration. He has a soothing voice, reminiscent of some of my other favorites like British narrator Tony Britton. He gave the characters distinctive voices that were easily recognizable. He kept me fully engaged in the plot.
January 19, 2021
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. I really enjoyed this story. It's a British crime fiction that switches from different characters, back and forth, past and present, and the threads just keep tightening more and more towards the end. By the last few chapters the suspense was real. I thought I'd figured some things out and really enjoyed how the storyline and the answers were laid out.
I won't give away the plot, but this book is just crazy good and very exciting. There's serial killer stuff, undercover agent stuff, witness protection program type stuff, really bad dudes - basically everything that makes a crime fiction book a real page turner.
I didn't find switching between characters to be confusing, as some reviewers have said. I found it to be an interesting and intelligent way to lay out the story. Just let the story unfold, is my advice.
The narrator (Andy Stevenson) is one of my favorites. He hasn't narrated a ton of books yet, but I've listened to two and both are wonderful. I'll definitely give a listen to anything that has his name on it. I find that Andy makes a good story even better.
I'll seek out more Alan McDermott books after this one. I like his style.
I won't give away the plot, but this book is just crazy good and very exciting. There's serial killer stuff, undercover agent stuff, witness protection program type stuff, really bad dudes - basically everything that makes a crime fiction book a real page turner.
I didn't find switching between characters to be confusing, as some reviewers have said. I found it to be an interesting and intelligent way to lay out the story. Just let the story unfold, is my advice.
The narrator (Andy Stevenson) is one of my favorites. He hasn't narrated a ton of books yet, but I've listened to two and both are wonderful. I'll definitely give a listen to anything that has his name on it. I find that Andy makes a good story even better.
I'll seek out more Alan McDermott books after this one. I like his style.
December 26, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"The stand out candidate."
Ryan Anderson is hand with his fists and, after his background is checked, joins the employment of a Manchester club owner as one of his body guards cum subordinates. Meanwhiles, a serial killer is at work but others are becoming suspects of the murders from evidence found at the crime scenes. Running side by side as three intertwined but separate stories, this is a thrilling, if slowmoving, thriller with well developed cbaracters. The intrigue is further enhanced by a distortion in the timeline presentation.
Narration by Andy Stevenson is excellent -clear, well paced and articulated, as well as giving individualized voice to various protagonists. A good performance.
This is my first encounter with the writings of Alan McDermott and I hope that it will not be the last. Although slightly confusing at times but predictable at others, this was still a sell written and enjoyable book which evolves as the reader progresses. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of Motive via Audiobook Boom. Recommended.
"The stand out candidate."
Ryan Anderson is hand with his fists and, after his background is checked, joins the employment of a Manchester club owner as one of his body guards cum subordinates. Meanwhiles, a serial killer is at work but others are becoming suspects of the murders from evidence found at the crime scenes. Running side by side as three intertwined but separate stories, this is a thrilling, if slowmoving, thriller with well developed cbaracters. The intrigue is further enhanced by a distortion in the timeline presentation.
Narration by Andy Stevenson is excellent -clear, well paced and articulated, as well as giving individualized voice to various protagonists. A good performance.
This is my first encounter with the writings of Alan McDermott and I hope that it will not be the last. Although slightly confusing at times but predictable at others, this was still a sell written and enjoyable book which evolves as the reader progresses. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of Motive via Audiobook Boom. Recommended.
March 31, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
A new offering from Alan McDermott, away from his two previous series. The author assured us that this will not mean the end of those, and hopefully, this will mean the beginning of another really enjoyable series......or will that be two? Ryan Anderson is obviously the star of this future series, but is John Latimer also going to get a look in with another book starring him? It will possibly be difficult to keep him involved with Ryan Anderson if Anderson is going to be working internationally.
“Motive” is a good read, with interesting characters, that at first seem to be three totally uninvolved people, but we are slowly introduced to the twisted mind of Karen Harper and her different aliases and the story draws in. Very good, and although I know absolutely nothing about the minds of, or the reasons behind most serial killers, I accept that the motive here is good enough to be realistic.
A new offering from Alan McDermott, away from his two previous series. The author assured us that this will not mean the end of those, and hopefully, this will mean the beginning of another really enjoyable series......or will that be two? Ryan Anderson is obviously the star of this future series, but is John Latimer also going to get a look in with another book starring him? It will possibly be difficult to keep him involved with Ryan Anderson if Anderson is going to be working internationally.
“Motive” is a good read, with interesting characters, that at first seem to be three totally uninvolved people, but we are slowly introduced to the twisted mind of Karen Harper and her different aliases and the story draws in. Very good, and although I know absolutely nothing about the minds of, or the reasons behind most serial killers, I accept that the motive here is good enough to be realistic.
January 25, 2021
'i've read a couple of Alan McDermott's Tom Gray thrillers a few years ago and really enjoyed them so jumped at the chance to review Motive, his latest novel. Thank you to Alan and the TBC Audible Listeners group for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. there are 4 different storylines that at first feel unconnected but the author draws the strands together with skill to create a really exciting narrative.
I really liked the characterisation in this book and hope and ryan anderson in particular might make a reappearance in a future book. the serial killer angle
the audio book was narrated by Andy Stevenson who did a great job with a range of different accents across the book and I hope to here more of his narrations in the future.
I really enjoyed this story. there are 4 different storylines that at first feel unconnected but the author draws the strands together with skill to create a really exciting narrative.
I really liked the characterisation in this book and hope and ryan anderson in particular might make a reappearance in a future book. the serial killer angle
the audio book was narrated by Andy Stevenson who did a great job with a range of different accents across the book and I hope to here more of his narrations in the future.
January 1, 2021
DCI James Knight has been arrested for murder
Meanwhile Scott Davidson is recovering from an accident when he meets the lovely Kelly Stone.
Meanwhile Ryan Anderson has been thrown out of the army and is looking for a new job and he’ll do anything.
Meanwhile Karen Harper is killing and totally enjoying it
Detective John Latimer is a friend of DCI James Knight and he vows to help his friend.
This has been an amazing audible book. I released my detecting brain to the stories of all these fascinating individual stories and I was not let down.
The twists and turns of this plot are both clever and surprising.
I would most certainly recommend this book
Last but not least Andy Stevenson is a great narrator.
Meanwhile Scott Davidson is recovering from an accident when he meets the lovely Kelly Stone.
Meanwhile Ryan Anderson has been thrown out of the army and is looking for a new job and he’ll do anything.
Meanwhile Karen Harper is killing and totally enjoying it
Detective John Latimer is a friend of DCI James Knight and he vows to help his friend.
This has been an amazing audible book. I released my detecting brain to the stories of all these fascinating individual stories and I was not let down.
The twists and turns of this plot are both clever and surprising.
I would most certainly recommend this book
Last but not least Andy Stevenson is a great narrator.
May 23, 2020
A book that kept me riveted from beginning to the end
This is the second time I've come across Alan McDermott, the first book being 'Trojan ' and now 'Motive'. What a story line about a psychotic murderer. Normally I've sussed the killer long before I get to half way but with 'Motive' it was totally different. It took be a long time to realise the main male character's roll as, without wanting to spoil the story, the book is a book with probably four stories ending in one.
Alan McDermott is a very skilled writer and he's plots are well thought out. If you like suspense thrillers read Alan McDermott. Highly recommended.
This is the second time I've come across Alan McDermott, the first book being 'Trojan ' and now 'Motive'. What a story line about a psychotic murderer. Normally I've sussed the killer long before I get to half way but with 'Motive' it was totally different. It took be a long time to realise the main male character's roll as, without wanting to spoil the story, the book is a book with probably four stories ending in one.
Alan McDermott is a very skilled writer and he's plots are well thought out. If you like suspense thrillers read Alan McDermott. Highly recommended.
September 29, 2020
4.25 Stars.
2 PARA, airborne light infantry, 16 Air Assault Brigade, Colchester Garrison, Essex, England. Ryan Anderson, a 23-year-old corporal, is up to his third stripe and weeks away from attempting SAS selection. The tough but sweet life with the elite forces. But, before his dream happens, he gets recruited to join British intelligence.
The MI-5 assigns Anderson to infiltrate the inner circle of a suspected illegal arms dealer based in Manchester, possibly supplying "The Base" itself. Al Qaeda.
It was a rookie job - safe, quick and easy. Or so they promised.
In a multifaceted approach, Alan McDermott builds up his excellently written, self-published thriller, traversing Europe from the UK to Tirana, Albania, effectively using time-lapse playbacks to converge into a single reality: the hunt for a serial killer with a "Motive", wreaking havoc in England, in France. And perhaps, on Ryan, himself.
Always a pleasure to read the author's books!
2 PARA, airborne light infantry, 16 Air Assault Brigade, Colchester Garrison, Essex, England. Ryan Anderson, a 23-year-old corporal, is up to his third stripe and weeks away from attempting SAS selection. The tough but sweet life with the elite forces. But, before his dream happens, he gets recruited to join British intelligence.
The MI-5 assigns Anderson to infiltrate the inner circle of a suspected illegal arms dealer based in Manchester, possibly supplying "The Base" itself. Al Qaeda.
It was a rookie job - safe, quick and easy. Or so they promised.
In a multifaceted approach, Alan McDermott builds up his excellently written, self-published thriller, traversing Europe from the UK to Tirana, Albania, effectively using time-lapse playbacks to converge into a single reality: the hunt for a serial killer with a "Motive", wreaking havoc in England, in France. And perhaps, on Ryan, himself.
Always a pleasure to read the author's books!
June 27, 2021
Not so brilliant. The plot was rather contrived and difficult to believe in parts, and above all the characters were rather two-dimensional and stereotyped. The ex-soldier is violent and stifles his emotions. The detective is a work-obsessed alcoholic. The psychopath had a bad childhood. The French shopkeepers refuse to speak English (have you ever heard an English shopkeeper switching to French when a French customer comes in their shop?). A thriller can get away with that if it is fast-paced enough that the reader doesn't have time to pause and see the issues, but the text also didn't carry me on enough to achieve that.
December 17, 2024
Thrilling!
Alan McDermott is a new author to me and I'm very impressed with this first read. Kept me on the edge of my seat. A clever and intriguing plot and packed with suspense. Loved the main character, Ryan. James Bond eat your heart out!
There are different threads that give the impression of completely different stories going on but nothing is what it seems in a spy thriller. It's great trying to make the connection. What an ending! I was hoping this was the first book in a series by the time I'd finished ( should be) but I can't find any more. Luckily for me the author has two series that I can try.
Alan McDermott is a new author to me and I'm very impressed with this first read. Kept me on the edge of my seat. A clever and intriguing plot and packed with suspense. Loved the main character, Ryan. James Bond eat your heart out!
There are different threads that give the impression of completely different stories going on but nothing is what it seems in a spy thriller. It's great trying to make the connection. What an ending! I was hoping this was the first book in a series by the time I'd finished ( should be) but I can't find any more. Luckily for me the author has two series that I can try.
November 18, 2020
This was an entertaining and interesting murder mystery. However, I found the plot quite confusing, as the author jumped around among different times, different places, different people, some of whom turned out to be the same people with new names. In spite of the problem I had in sorting it all out, I found the story to be new and different. There were several villains, one of whom used a unique method of choosing the victims to be killed. The protagonist is a sympathetic character, and I have no doubt there will be more books featuring him. I will try to read them.
November 18, 2020
Excellent
This is the first book I've read written by this author and what a brilliant book it is we start off with a murder but it's a woman that's doing the killing so that grabs your attention straight away .plus we have it all ,drug dealers who think nothing of cutting someone's toes of and much more even MI5 are chucked into the mix . Its fast paced and goes off in all directions so it certainly never boring and keeps your attention till the end . So I think I've found another favourite author
This is the first book I've read written by this author and what a brilliant book it is we start off with a murder but it's a woman that's doing the killing so that grabs your attention straight away .plus we have it all ,drug dealers who think nothing of cutting someone's toes of and much more even MI5 are chucked into the mix . Its fast paced and goes off in all directions so it certainly never boring and keeps your attention till the end . So I think I've found another favourite author
January 11, 2021
An excellent story which keeps you guessing to the end, as apparently individual story-lines become intertwined with some brilliant surprises. This is suspense in the hands of a master craftsman, as Alan McDermott creates very believable characters and a story which really sucks you in. I listened to the audiobook version which was superb, with Andy Stevenson bringing the characters (and so the story) to life. I love the way the story evolves to create an extremely fluid and exciting read. I rated this book 5 stars and highly recommend, with special praise for the audio version.
January 20, 2021
Starting off with a few different characters and their stories, you wonder where this thriller will take you and how their stories become entwined. Keeping the characters separate until a way through the book you just get into one character and then you're off on the story of another and then to another. It certainly keeps your attention. The narration was great, capturing the characters well. The story started off slowly but gradually built pace as it progressed. Alan McDermott skillfully weaves the stories around each other until the thrilling climax.
January 23, 2021
There is so much going on in this well plotted fast paced thriller! The different threads seemed totally unrelated and made me scratch my head a few times, but when they came together everything made sense. The last few chapters of the book had me on the very edge of my seat!
The characters are all so well written that you feel like you really know them. They're not all likeable but they do feel very real. It was nice to see a female serial killer too :-)
I enjoyed the narration by Andy Stevenson, and his voices for the different characters were great.
The characters are all so well written that you feel like you really know them. They're not all likeable but they do feel very real. It was nice to see a female serial killer too :-)
I enjoyed the narration by Andy Stevenson, and his voices for the different characters were great.
March 25, 2020
This is something of a departure for action thriller series writer Alan McDermott. As you’d expect, the writing is crisp and the story enticing. I really enjoy his style of writing. I particularly enjoyed the way the protagonist was gradually revealed to us. It’s a story of a number of separate lives which become entwined in a way that’s not at first obvious. It’s a high-energy read and I really enjoyed it.
April 1, 2020
Alan McDermott's writing just gets better and better. Ryan Andersons dream of joining the SAS is about to come true when he gets an alternative offer. Will he take the alternative or fulfill his dream. This book gives us 3 themes and we are kept guessing until the end as to how the dots are joined up. From the army to underworld gangland Manchester to rural France and London suburbs this book will keep you turning the pages and asking for more. Brilliant writing.
November 25, 2020
Motive
There's a lot to say regarding this book. My first response is: stupid, stupid, stupid. So totally unbelievable it was hard to finish. I believe this author has the ability to tell a good story. But instead he chose to get cute with the timeline and characters. The reader is 3/4 of the way through the book before it all falls into place. Why not just tell a good and believable story? Gimmicks are gimmicks and rarely work. For me, this one clearly didn't.
There's a lot to say regarding this book. My first response is: stupid, stupid, stupid. So totally unbelievable it was hard to finish. I believe this author has the ability to tell a good story. But instead he chose to get cute with the timeline and characters. The reader is 3/4 of the way through the book before it all falls into place. Why not just tell a good and believable story? Gimmicks are gimmicks and rarely work. For me, this one clearly didn't.
May 19, 2020
An action packed page turner
I’ve read a few books by Alan Mcdeemott and this one doesn’t disappoint- fast moving storyline including a gangland boss an M15 agent a serial killer and a police officer. All seemingly on different paths when our hero finds himself bang in the centre. Well worth a read.
I’ve read a few books by Alan Mcdeemott and this one doesn’t disappoint- fast moving storyline including a gangland boss an M15 agent a serial killer and a police officer. All seemingly on different paths when our hero finds himself bang in the centre. Well worth a read.
July 28, 2020
Fantastic new character
A number of different storylines which do not at first appear to have connections, but gradually the dots connect. Gripping reading and at 80% couldnt stop as needed to find out the ending. Two potential future characters to continue their stories, both quite different. Looking forward to reading about both in the future. Recommend competely.
A number of different storylines which do not at first appear to have connections, but gradually the dots connect. Gripping reading and at 80% couldnt stop as needed to find out the ending. Two potential future characters to continue their stories, both quite different. Looking forward to reading about both in the future. Recommend competely.
November 20, 2020
Is Ryan really a loser who was kicked out of the Army or a plant? The mob doesn't like rats. How did they find him again after being relocated with a new name. And how did he get so lucky as to meet beautiful Kelly? Didn't really like the characters but this was a good mystery. I rate this a 4.6.
December 9, 2020
I was very pleasantly surprised by this tale that grabs you in early and keeps you riding the wave until the very exciting end. This is not a legal thriller, but rather a story about an intriguing motive for killing and its execution. There are a few parallel stories that seemingly have no connection until they suddenly do. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope to read about Ryan Anderson again.
December 11, 2020
I first came across Alan McDermott in his Gray Justice series, which I really enjoyed. This novel is a bit different - and I think a little further insight into Karen Harper wouldn't have gone amiss, but the way the author tells the story, slowly pulling the threads until we see how everything ties together, kept me intrigued.
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