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John Bailey #1
The Greater Good
He had never killed anyone who hadn’t deserved it. The means always justified the end. He didn’t need forgiveness. He needed justification. The greater good.
Battered war correspondent John Bailey is a man living on the edge. He’s haunted by nightmares of being kidnapped and tortured in Iraq and he’s drinking too much to drown the memories. As he battles to get his life back together, a story breaks that will force him back into the spotlight – and into the crosshairs of a deadly international player.
When a beautiful prostitute is found murdered in her luxury Sydney apartment, Bailey is ordered to cover the story by The Journal’s editor and his old friend, Gerald Summers, because he can’t trust anyone else.
One of the victim’s clients, a key advisor to the Defence Minister, is chief suspect in her murder and he’s on the run. When he contacts Bailey, claiming to have information that will bring down the government, the stakes become deadly. To complicate matters,the investigating police detective is the woman Bailey walked out on a decade ago.
When a ruthless CIA fixer turns up, followed by a murderous Chinese agent hot on his trail, Bailey realises he has stumbled onto the story of a lifetime – one that he may not live to tell.
Battered war correspondent John Bailey is a man living on the edge. He’s haunted by nightmares of being kidnapped and tortured in Iraq and he’s drinking too much to drown the memories. As he battles to get his life back together, a story breaks that will force him back into the spotlight – and into the crosshairs of a deadly international player.
When a beautiful prostitute is found murdered in her luxury Sydney apartment, Bailey is ordered to cover the story by The Journal’s editor and his old friend, Gerald Summers, because he can’t trust anyone else.
One of the victim’s clients, a key advisor to the Defence Minister, is chief suspect in her murder and he’s on the run. When he contacts Bailey, claiming to have information that will bring down the government, the stakes become deadly. To complicate matters,the investigating police detective is the woman Bailey walked out on a decade ago.
When a ruthless CIA fixer turns up, followed by a murderous Chinese agent hot on his trail, Bailey realises he has stumbled onto the story of a lifetime – one that he may not live to tell.
375 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2018
135 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Tim Ayliffe
6 books95 followersTim Ayliffe’s thriller novels have been informed by his 25-year career as a journalist in Australia and around the world. He writes about espionage, extremism, politics and the global power games at play in the 21st Century.
He is the author the standalone thriller - Dark Desert Road - and the ‘John Bailey’ series including The Greater Good, State of Fear, The Enemy Within, Killer Traitor Spy and The Wrong Man. Ayliffe's novels are also in development for TV.
When he's not writing or chasing news stories, Ayliffe watches rugby and surfs. He lives in Sydney.
He is the author the standalone thriller - Dark Desert Road - and the ‘John Bailey’ series including The Greater Good, State of Fear, The Enemy Within, Killer Traitor Spy and The Wrong Man. Ayliffe's novels are also in development for TV.
When he's not writing or chasing news stories, Ayliffe watches rugby and surfs. He lives in Sydney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 4, 2019
A wonderful yarn that starts with a high class prostitute found murdered in her Sydney apartment. One of the first on the scene is jaded journalist John Bailey, still suffering from the trauma of being a war correspondent in Iraq. The detective signed to the case just happens to be his ex-lover Sharon Dexter, who he walked out on many years ago. What should be an open and shut case turns out to be anything but, with leads turning to corrupt police officials, power hungry politicians and greedy foreign ambassadors. Even the CIA decide to put their noses into the mix. Bailey finds himself in the middle of a political turmoil, one that will wreck lives and destroy careers, and with his penchant for pissing people off, finds himself in a world of bother, and wondering if he will even survive this time.
Tim Ayliffe has written a remarkable, timely tale that is all too believable. I loved the character of John Bailey, flawed, broken and all too human, often seeking solace at the bottom of a bottle. The setting of Sydney also is brought to life, with a tour of the pubs, cafes and foreshores. I found this book very hard to put down, I had to keep reading to find out how an imperfect man was going to try to take on the might of officialdom, and what the outcome would be. I can't wait til the next book in the John Bailey series is out! Highly recommended.
Tim Ayliffe has written a remarkable, timely tale that is all too believable. I loved the character of John Bailey, flawed, broken and all too human, often seeking solace at the bottom of a bottle. The setting of Sydney also is brought to life, with a tour of the pubs, cafes and foreshores. I found this book very hard to put down, I had to keep reading to find out how an imperfect man was going to try to take on the might of officialdom, and what the outcome would be. I can't wait til the next book in the John Bailey series is out! Highly recommended.
March 23, 2022
This was pretty good although not as brilliant as the reviews are making it out to be. It will make a good movie though.
The story was excellent and there was a lot of excitement and tension. The characters were okay if a little stereotypical. John Bailey actually drank so much I was amazed he was still standing. He was a good main character but I thought Ronnie had even more potential. He was smart, sober and always on the ball. Plus he was very, very sly.
I will read the next book in the series because I would like to see where it takes us. I hope Bailey stops with the self pity and realises he has at least half a dozen lovely people looking out for him. He cannot be all bad!
The story was excellent and there was a lot of excitement and tension. The characters were okay if a little stereotypical. John Bailey actually drank so much I was amazed he was still standing. He was a good main character but I thought Ronnie had even more potential. He was smart, sober and always on the ball. Plus he was very, very sly.
I will read the next book in the series because I would like to see where it takes us. I hope Bailey stops with the self pity and realises he has at least half a dozen lovely people looking out for him. He cannot be all bad!
March 27, 2022
John Bailey is an Australian war correspondent who was kidnapped, tortured and held hostage for ten months in Iraq. Still suffering PTSD and drinking way too much, he’s now back in Sydney with a job as a features journalist working for his old army buddy Gerald, now the newspaper’s editor. With his marriage destroyed long ago by his long absences overseas, he is still friendly with his ex wife and has been working hard to reconnect with his now grown up daughter Miranda.
An early morning call from Gerald sends Bailey to the scene of a murder of a high class prostitute, making him wonder what is so special about this case. However, when he finds out that the young woman was dating a key advisor to the defence minister, and a CIA agent (the man who rescued Bailey in Iran), shows interest in the case it looks as if he may have stumbled right into the middle of an international political scandal that could bring down the government. Bailey’s ex-lover Sharon Dexter is the detective in charge of the case and is able to pass him some information in exchange for what he knows.
This all made for a good political thriller with a plausible and scary plot. Although it has to be said that Bailey seems a bit old and battered to be doing half of what he did, especially with the amount of alcohol he regularly consumed. Perhaps with the resurrection of his journalistic career and reconnection with Miranda and Sharon Dexter he will start to handle his depression and PTSD a little better.
An early morning call from Gerald sends Bailey to the scene of a murder of a high class prostitute, making him wonder what is so special about this case. However, when he finds out that the young woman was dating a key advisor to the defence minister, and a CIA agent (the man who rescued Bailey in Iran), shows interest in the case it looks as if he may have stumbled right into the middle of an international political scandal that could bring down the government. Bailey’s ex-lover Sharon Dexter is the detective in charge of the case and is able to pass him some information in exchange for what he knows.
This all made for a good political thriller with a plausible and scary plot. Although it has to be said that Bailey seems a bit old and battered to be doing half of what he did, especially with the amount of alcohol he regularly consumed. Perhaps with the resurrection of his journalistic career and reconnection with Miranda and Sharon Dexter he will start to handle his depression and PTSD a little better.
October 5, 2021
4.5★
“‘Careful, Bailey.’ Gerald lowered his voice again. ‘We’re back in the corridors of power and we’re the expendable ones.’
‘Just like old times.’”
John Bailey, Bailey, is an Aussie journalist who survived, but never really recovered from, his years spent reporting on the war in Iraq. He’s back in Sydney now, where his adult daughter lives, as well as his remarried ex-wife and his ex-girlfriend/partner (a cop) who eventually gave up on him when he kept drifting back to war zones and forgetting to stay in touch.
We find out why he didn’t stay in touch through an occasional chapter from the past, although I was pleased that the timeline doesn’t keep shifting, and it is never confusing. Past events are introduced as we need to know them, and after we have witnessed a few of the nightmares or flashbacks.
We also see that the women in his life are all fond of him in spite of himself, and I was too. After Iraq he was sent to London, a place out of the line of fire, they thought. Where he could recuperate, they thought. Report on politics and the fallout from 9/11.
“Less than twenty-four hours after Bailey had written a story about London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, he was back in what felt like a warzone.
When Bailey arrived at Edgware Road tube station on the morning of 7 July 2005, the smoke was still billowing from the underground and people were stumbling over each other, their blackened faces in shock at the terror that had killed, maimed and bloodied so many.”
After more years spent working around Europe, his self-medication catches up with him. He passes out once too often in the foyer of the building and the neighbours complain.
“He was drinking himself to sleep. When the bad dreams began to seep into his days, Bailey started opening a bottle at lunchtime. Then breakfast. It had always started with one drink. Just enough to numb the pain. Until just enough was never enough.”
He’s sent back to Sydney where a murder triggers an intense investigation that seems to be connected to the highest level of politicians, spies, criminals, gangsters, and some international intrigue. Aussie, American, Chinese, and friends. Just the sort of case he needs to relax, right?
Of course, when he turns on the radio, he doesn’t get his favourite Stones music, he gets a local radio shock jock. He speaks for me as well when he calls them
“Inflammatory morons masquerading as journalists, purveyors of somebody’s truth, the working people’s watchdog. They were the nation’s best bullshitters. Yet, somehow, they were always talking about the issues that people cared about.”
About Keith Roberts himself:
“It was almost impossible to challenge the views of a guy like Keith Roberts. When people tried, he simply raised the tone of his voice. The louder he spoke, the more right he was. Heavy with opinion, light on facts. And he was a bully.”
But there are good guys – it’s just hard to be sure who they are. His editor is an old friend, and another old American friend turns up, and eventually everybody seems to be, or have been, in bed with, or cahoots with, everybody else, so it’s hard for Bailey (and us) to know who’s trustworthy and who’s playing both ends against the middle. A great read!
I enjoyed this as much for the location as the plot, because all of the places he goes around Sydney are my old stomping grounds (many years earlier). The story moves at such a rapid pace that I did have trouble believing Bailey was still on his feet after so much booze (single malt whiskey, thanks), so little sleep and taking so much physical punishment. I was exhausted.
The greater good is, more or less, the end justifies the means, and I have to admit that there is a certain satisfaction if I agree with the end – at least in fiction. 😊
Ayliffe understands the historical and political landscape, which makes this is frighteningly believable. It was published in 2018, so now I'm really keen to catch up on the next two books in the series.
“‘Careful, Bailey.’ Gerald lowered his voice again. ‘We’re back in the corridors of power and we’re the expendable ones.’
‘Just like old times.’”
John Bailey, Bailey, is an Aussie journalist who survived, but never really recovered from, his years spent reporting on the war in Iraq. He’s back in Sydney now, where his adult daughter lives, as well as his remarried ex-wife and his ex-girlfriend/partner (a cop) who eventually gave up on him when he kept drifting back to war zones and forgetting to stay in touch.
We find out why he didn’t stay in touch through an occasional chapter from the past, although I was pleased that the timeline doesn’t keep shifting, and it is never confusing. Past events are introduced as we need to know them, and after we have witnessed a few of the nightmares or flashbacks.
We also see that the women in his life are all fond of him in spite of himself, and I was too. After Iraq he was sent to London, a place out of the line of fire, they thought. Where he could recuperate, they thought. Report on politics and the fallout from 9/11.
“Less than twenty-four hours after Bailey had written a story about London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, he was back in what felt like a warzone.
When Bailey arrived at Edgware Road tube station on the morning of 7 July 2005, the smoke was still billowing from the underground and people were stumbling over each other, their blackened faces in shock at the terror that had killed, maimed and bloodied so many.”
After more years spent working around Europe, his self-medication catches up with him. He passes out once too often in the foyer of the building and the neighbours complain.
“He was drinking himself to sleep. When the bad dreams began to seep into his days, Bailey started opening a bottle at lunchtime. Then breakfast. It had always started with one drink. Just enough to numb the pain. Until just enough was never enough.”
He’s sent back to Sydney where a murder triggers an intense investigation that seems to be connected to the highest level of politicians, spies, criminals, gangsters, and some international intrigue. Aussie, American, Chinese, and friends. Just the sort of case he needs to relax, right?
Of course, when he turns on the radio, he doesn’t get his favourite Stones music, he gets a local radio shock jock. He speaks for me as well when he calls them
“Inflammatory morons masquerading as journalists, purveyors of somebody’s truth, the working people’s watchdog. They were the nation’s best bullshitters. Yet, somehow, they were always talking about the issues that people cared about.”
About Keith Roberts himself:
“It was almost impossible to challenge the views of a guy like Keith Roberts. When people tried, he simply raised the tone of his voice. The louder he spoke, the more right he was. Heavy with opinion, light on facts. And he was a bully.”
But there are good guys – it’s just hard to be sure who they are. His editor is an old friend, and another old American friend turns up, and eventually everybody seems to be, or have been, in bed with, or cahoots with, everybody else, so it’s hard for Bailey (and us) to know who’s trustworthy and who’s playing both ends against the middle. A great read!
I enjoyed this as much for the location as the plot, because all of the places he goes around Sydney are my old stomping grounds (many years earlier). The story moves at such a rapid pace that I did have trouble believing Bailey was still on his feet after so much booze (single malt whiskey, thanks), so little sleep and taking so much physical punishment. I was exhausted.
The greater good is, more or less, the end justifies the means, and I have to admit that there is a certain satisfaction if I agree with the end – at least in fiction. 😊
Ayliffe understands the historical and political landscape, which makes this is frighteningly believable. It was published in 2018, so now I'm really keen to catch up on the next two books in the series.
January 17, 2022
Australian author Tim Ayliffe certainly knows how to write an intriguing page-turner. The Greater Good is the first book in the John Bailey series and I can honestly say after reading this book I know it's going to be one hell of a series. Discovering new authors like Tim is always exciting and knowing there are more books of his to be read is just as exciting and I can’t wait to get my hands on them. If you enjoy reading crime or thriller novels, then I highly recommend you read this book.
August 3, 2021
I have had this book on my Kindle app for some time and now I wonder why!
It was actually a really good story and right up there with Chris Hammer in terms of quality.
John Bailey is an Australian journalist who has worked in the past as a war correspondent. While covering Iraq he was captured and held hostage for some ten months. Now he is back in Australia and coming off a three year hiatus of drinking and punishing himself.
He is snapped to attention when given the story of a murdered prostitute who turns out to be connected to a lot of key political figures.
This story had a lot of twists and turns and some great characters. Happily there are already two more instalments in this series, and I am really looking forward to them.
It was actually a really good story and right up there with Chris Hammer in terms of quality.
John Bailey is an Australian journalist who has worked in the past as a war correspondent. While covering Iraq he was captured and held hostage for some ten months. Now he is back in Australia and coming off a three year hiatus of drinking and punishing himself.
He is snapped to attention when given the story of a murdered prostitute who turns out to be connected to a lot of key political figures.
This story had a lot of twists and turns and some great characters. Happily there are already two more instalments in this series, and I am really looking forward to them.
March 7, 2022
They both knew Ronnie Johnson as well as anyone gets to know a man like him. Enough to know that he always has an agenda. Ronnie also had a habit of arriving at a place either just before the bombs landed, or immediately afterwards to clean up the mess. He was also the world’s best liar.
It was difficult to review this one as nothing seemed to stack up. I had a hard time convincing myself that John Bailey, an alcoholic war correspondent who survived ten months as a prisoner in Falluja and Baghdad (2004-05), released by the CIA for cash, can suddenly become a lucid, crusading journalist for a Sydney newspaper, owned by his mate, Gerald.
Sent to cover the story of the murder of a high-class prostitute in Rushcutters Bay, he finds the lead detective is his ex-lover, Sharon Dexter, who he walked out on, working with a slime-ball male detective, a case that the NSW Police Commissioner is taking a personal interest in. Toss in that Dexter had an affair with the said police commissioner and that the victim was studying law at night school, the lecturer being Bailey’s daughter Miranda, and this moves swiftly from fiction to the realms of soap opera.
Somehow, people want the jaded Bailey to tell their story to the world, from the Iraqi leader who captured him, to the assistant to the Australian Defence Minister who is cosying up to the Chinese Ambassador. The CIA link, Ronnie Johnson, is supposedly on the payroll of the American Ambassador but seems to be shadowing Bailey in Sydney rather than swanning around in the Canberra diplomatic circuit. More bodies turn up. The stench of corruption reaches the top.
I would have liked this one better if the characters were not “shouting” at each other or trading insults - this the paperback copy. I can only imagine what the audio version would be like, with or without the radio shock-jock. Not my kind of book, obviously, and Sydney is one of my least favourite destinations in Australia, after Normanton.
It was difficult to review this one as nothing seemed to stack up. I had a hard time convincing myself that John Bailey, an alcoholic war correspondent who survived ten months as a prisoner in Falluja and Baghdad (2004-05), released by the CIA for cash, can suddenly become a lucid, crusading journalist for a Sydney newspaper, owned by his mate, Gerald.
Sent to cover the story of the murder of a high-class prostitute in Rushcutters Bay, he finds the lead detective is his ex-lover, Sharon Dexter, who he walked out on, working with a slime-ball male detective, a case that the NSW Police Commissioner is taking a personal interest in. Toss in that Dexter had an affair with the said police commissioner and that the victim was studying law at night school, the lecturer being Bailey’s daughter Miranda, and this moves swiftly from fiction to the realms of soap opera.
Somehow, people want the jaded Bailey to tell their story to the world, from the Iraqi leader who captured him, to the assistant to the Australian Defence Minister who is cosying up to the Chinese Ambassador. The CIA link, Ronnie Johnson, is supposedly on the payroll of the American Ambassador but seems to be shadowing Bailey in Sydney rather than swanning around in the Canberra diplomatic circuit. More bodies turn up. The stench of corruption reaches the top.
I would have liked this one better if the characters were not “shouting” at each other or trading insults - this the paperback copy. I can only imagine what the audio version would be like, with or without the radio shock-jock. Not my kind of book, obviously, and Sydney is one of my least favourite destinations in Australia, after Normanton.
January 17, 2024
This was perfectly readable, but I admit to feeling a little disappointed after reading all the good reviews. I'm not sure whether it was the writing, the narration (I have heard this narrator before and wasn't wowed that time, either) or just the fact that it was a story about corruption in government/politics, which bores me to tears considering it's so often in the real life news. Having said that and read the blurb for instalment #2, I'm willing to give it a try and see if we get on better next time. But I'll be going for a text edition.
October 3, 2022
The Greater Good is a briskly paced thriller that introduces Sydney-based journalist and one-time war correspondent John Bailey. He has just resumed his job at a local newspaper but still battles the memories of the trauma from 10 months as a captive hostage in Iraq. As a barely functioning alcoholic he comes with every piece of baggage a battle-scarred veteran is lumbered with. He’s an interesting character for sure.
The story starts with Bailey invited to the scene of a murdered prostitute in inner city Sydney. He has been asked to attend by his former girlfriend, police homicide detective Sharon Dexter. The case has significance because the last person seen entering her apartment was an aide to the Minister of Defence.
The prospect of a murder case with a political link is too tasty a morsel for Bailey to ignore and he’s off and running with his investigation. When he cops his first beating he’s happy enough to take it as confirmation there’s something big to play for.
Not unexpectedly, his investigation uncovers a strong whiff of political corruption, dodgy high-ranking police and a dangerous alliance with foreign officials. Of course, suspecting or even knowing things and proving them are two completely different beasts. Not to mention there’s enough at stake to put his life on an absolute tightrope.
As far as troubled lead protagonists go Bailey pretty much has all the big cliches covered. He has a full-on drinking problem, a failed marriage behind him and suffers PTSD from his time in Iraq. He’s accustomed to traumatic situations and seems to have the knack of stepping straight into them. Following his exploits certainly means there’s rarely a dull moment.
What Bailey has in his favour is a strong network of support. This is good for us as the reader because it means he always seems to be able to get things done quickly. This is a real bonus in an action/thriller story. As well as homicide detective Sharon Dexter he has the resources of his best friend and newspaper editor Gerald Summers not to mention the enigmatic (former?) CIA Ronnie Johnson.
The Greater Good is a strong political thriller that succeeds in providing consistent entertainment. Tim Ayliffe manages to portray a seemingly accurate view of local and international politics with a caution around the potential for greed and self-aggrandisement that may lead to global destabilisation on a grand scale.
The story starts with Bailey invited to the scene of a murdered prostitute in inner city Sydney. He has been asked to attend by his former girlfriend, police homicide detective Sharon Dexter. The case has significance because the last person seen entering her apartment was an aide to the Minister of Defence.
The prospect of a murder case with a political link is too tasty a morsel for Bailey to ignore and he’s off and running with his investigation. When he cops his first beating he’s happy enough to take it as confirmation there’s something big to play for.
Not unexpectedly, his investigation uncovers a strong whiff of political corruption, dodgy high-ranking police and a dangerous alliance with foreign officials. Of course, suspecting or even knowing things and proving them are two completely different beasts. Not to mention there’s enough at stake to put his life on an absolute tightrope.
As far as troubled lead protagonists go Bailey pretty much has all the big cliches covered. He has a full-on drinking problem, a failed marriage behind him and suffers PTSD from his time in Iraq. He’s accustomed to traumatic situations and seems to have the knack of stepping straight into them. Following his exploits certainly means there’s rarely a dull moment.
What Bailey has in his favour is a strong network of support. This is good for us as the reader because it means he always seems to be able to get things done quickly. This is a real bonus in an action/thriller story. As well as homicide detective Sharon Dexter he has the resources of his best friend and newspaper editor Gerald Summers not to mention the enigmatic (former?) CIA Ronnie Johnson.
The Greater Good is a strong political thriller that succeeds in providing consistent entertainment. Tim Ayliffe manages to portray a seemingly accurate view of local and international politics with a caution around the potential for greed and self-aggrandisement that may lead to global destabilisation on a grand scale.
January 16, 2024
It’s remiss and I hate being late to anything but I’ve only just jumped on the Tim Ayliffe bandwagon.
Instinctively I knew I would enjoy and I will scramble to catch-up on the back catalogue.
Solid, articulate and raw writing.
The bravery and or stupidity of a war correspondent is a high stakes role both physically and mentally.
John Bailey was captured in Iraq and suffered the abuse by his captors leaving him scarred and with PTSD.
Alcohol becoming an ally as he battles through life post war.
He is ordered to cover a story on a murdered prostitute in a swanky part of Sydney.
Having to liaise with an ex, a CIA link, Chinese Ambassador and the stench of corruption not only keeps him on his toes but his life in danger.
This is book one in the series and I am keen to see what other scenarios Bailey finds himself in.
This coordinated a crime web well and our flawed lead character was likeable.
I found this connected Australia to the world stage of politics and organisations.
Instinctively I knew I would enjoy and I will scramble to catch-up on the back catalogue.
Solid, articulate and raw writing.
The bravery and or stupidity of a war correspondent is a high stakes role both physically and mentally.
John Bailey was captured in Iraq and suffered the abuse by his captors leaving him scarred and with PTSD.
Alcohol becoming an ally as he battles through life post war.
He is ordered to cover a story on a murdered prostitute in a swanky part of Sydney.
Having to liaise with an ex, a CIA link, Chinese Ambassador and the stench of corruption not only keeps him on his toes but his life in danger.
This is book one in the series and I am keen to see what other scenarios Bailey finds himself in.
This coordinated a crime web well and our flawed lead character was likeable.
I found this connected Australia to the world stage of politics and organisations.
June 25, 2018
The pacing was all over the shop, the descriptions of all the female characters were uncomfortably sexist.
While the story did move at quite good pace, often the sentence structure and descriptive devices were poor : eg "the loud bang of the bomb" - read a lot like a second or third draft.
Also the protagonist isn't at all like Jason Bourne - so that sell on the cover is a bit of a misstatement.
An easy read, perfect for a plane ride where you don't want to watch the in flight movie but need something that you can breeze through quickly with big font, wide margins, and chapters that get shorter and shorter as you near the end of the book.
While the story did move at quite good pace, often the sentence structure and descriptive devices were poor : eg "the loud bang of the bomb" - read a lot like a second or third draft.
Also the protagonist isn't at all like Jason Bourne - so that sell on the cover is a bit of a misstatement.
An easy read, perfect for a plane ride where you don't want to watch the in flight movie but need something that you can breeze through quickly with big font, wide margins, and chapters that get shorter and shorter as you near the end of the book.
January 1, 2021
I had previously read book 2 first in this three part series and enjoyed it very much. This first book filled in some of the gaps and was no less enjoyable. The local Sydney flavour is strong and familiar - and the demons that drive John Bailey are explained more thoroughly. Excellent plot line that only occasionally became a little hard to keep track of - and interesting characters that all seem true to life and only a step away from being real...!
June 20, 2022
Honestly fantastic. Great if you like a mix of politico, espionage, geopolitics and thrillers!
January 3, 2025
This was a book recommendation from a lovely staff member at Harry Hartog Mosman. I walked in after a last minute walk to the Woolworths Metro getting supplies for New Years Eve, and decided I needed to read a new book on the 1st. Then promptly came to goodreads to set everything up.
I was in the crime aisle and requested a "book one" of any series he thought was good. So that if I loved it I could come back and read the rest. What I didn't clarify, and didn't think of it until I opened the pages of this book and started to read, is I don't generally like stories set in Australia. Particularly in areas that I am very familiar with. For me, it takes away from my imagination doing the work. The fact that I have been where the protagonist has been, I live in a suburb mentioned, I visit regularly a lot of the area of the book, took me away and out of the story that was being told on the pages.
As the story unfolded there were large sections that were written very well. Fast paced, good story telling, and then it fell back into a lot of Sydney 'trope' that made me lose the enjoyment of the story.
The best part of the whole book - for me - was the Epilogue. I could see it was going to happen, but not exactly how or by whom. And other than a small blurb on the location, it could have been set anywhere in the world, and the words flowed. I wished the entire book had been written that way.
3 stars because the plot itself was good. The backstory was woven in (too many times - repetitively) to make sure any subsequent books had a base - and that is smart. I also liked a few of the characters and potentially could have grown to like them enough to want to know what they get up to next.
I can see why people loved it.
I can understand why some people did not.
I won't be going out of my way to read the next one.
I was in the crime aisle and requested a "book one" of any series he thought was good. So that if I loved it I could come back and read the rest. What I didn't clarify, and didn't think of it until I opened the pages of this book and started to read, is I don't generally like stories set in Australia. Particularly in areas that I am very familiar with. For me, it takes away from my imagination doing the work. The fact that I have been where the protagonist has been, I live in a suburb mentioned, I visit regularly a lot of the area of the book, took me away and out of the story that was being told on the pages.
As the story unfolded there were large sections that were written very well. Fast paced, good story telling, and then it fell back into a lot of Sydney 'trope' that made me lose the enjoyment of the story.
The best part of the whole book - for me - was the Epilogue. I could see it was going to happen, but not exactly how or by whom. And other than a small blurb on the location, it could have been set anywhere in the world, and the words flowed. I wished the entire book had been written that way.
3 stars because the plot itself was good. The backstory was woven in (too many times - repetitively) to make sure any subsequent books had a base - and that is smart. I also liked a few of the characters and potentially could have grown to like them enough to want to know what they get up to next.
I can see why people loved it.
I can understand why some people did not.
I won't be going out of my way to read the next one.
July 23, 2025
I was introduced to Tim at an event in October of 2024 and have had his books on my list ever since. He was a great speaker and the his books sounded exactly like what I enjoy.
Incredibly binge worthy. I found myself absolutely engrossed. A really interesting thriller with high stakes. The plot was intriguing despite minor flaws which could have used some further fine tuning. At times it felt a bit far fetched and a stretch from reality which took away from the dramatic effect. I do think it felt a bit rushed at times. Although the pacing was great as it was very fast, making it incredibly engaging, it felt as though we were missing out on some greater depth and insight into the characters which could have been achieved from slowing down and stretching the story a bit further. I would have enjoyed a deeper insight into the characters as I feel this would have added much greater depth to them.
The epilogue and ending created a real sense of intrigue and it has me reaching for the next instalment. I did feel as though there were a few loose ends which were not wrapped up, which is fine but I felt some of the plot points were rushed and brushed over. Slowing down would’ve helped to reduce this as we could have taken a moment to appreciate what was going on and the ramifications for the characters.
Overall, despite a few critiques, I feel a high rating is deserved, heavily influenced by how I did not want to put it down. A story which has me hooked is what I am always looking for and when done, I am able to overlook flaws or weaknesses. Looking forward to the next story.
Incredibly binge worthy. I found myself absolutely engrossed. A really interesting thriller with high stakes. The plot was intriguing despite minor flaws which could have used some further fine tuning. At times it felt a bit far fetched and a stretch from reality which took away from the dramatic effect. I do think it felt a bit rushed at times. Although the pacing was great as it was very fast, making it incredibly engaging, it felt as though we were missing out on some greater depth and insight into the characters which could have been achieved from slowing down and stretching the story a bit further. I would have enjoyed a deeper insight into the characters as I feel this would have added much greater depth to them.
The epilogue and ending created a real sense of intrigue and it has me reaching for the next instalment. I did feel as though there were a few loose ends which were not wrapped up, which is fine but I felt some of the plot points were rushed and brushed over. Slowing down would’ve helped to reduce this as we could have taken a moment to appreciate what was going on and the ramifications for the characters.
Overall, despite a few critiques, I feel a high rating is deserved, heavily influenced by how I did not want to put it down. A story which has me hooked is what I am always looking for and when done, I am able to overlook flaws or weaknesses. Looking forward to the next story.
October 15, 2019
I didn’t mind the story itself, but was left ultimately cold by a book featuring a grotty, overweight old mess, who makes countless questionable decisions, yet still has smart and beautiful women who love him. He’s no Jason Bourne! Some of the dialogue was downright painful and Trump-like (the line “these are bad guys” featured more often than a decent book ever needs) and the ending was ridiculous. I enjoyed seeing my city featured so well and there was a nice pace to the action. Perhaps I’m just not the target audience.
July 15, 2020
A number of other reviewers have captured my feeling about this book so I'll simply summarise the points: good airplane read (except we're not flying anywhere); too much easy (and easily recovered from) violence; how can someone who drinks that much actually get anything done; interesting contemporary politics. In other words, a mixed bag but not a bad one.
August 29, 2021
The first 3/4 of the book were 5 stars but after that John Bailey's ability to withstand torture and bounce back from beatings become too unrealistic and I found the ending unbelievable and an easy way to finish the story.
November 20, 2021
Tim Ayliffe writes a good cracking page turner. References lots of familiar places in Sydney and the politicians are all made up with characteristics of actual real people jumbled around a bit. Well worth reading.
August 14, 2024
This is an easy book to read, a well paced thriller. I probably engaged with it because I am very familiar with many of the locations in Sydney. I’m in a bit of black hole with my reading at the moment, and these types of books might just be the remedy.
December 29, 2024
A riveting read that demanded "just one more chapter" (and another, and . . . .) into the night.
After reading 3 other titles in this series by Tim Ayliffe, I finally got around to reading the first - and was fully engrossed throughout.
This depicted more violence than the other books, but it seemed necessary to place Bailey into his life in a believable way. Books to follow referred to past trauma, but this really set the scene for his hard drinking and nightmares, as well as his relationship difficulties.
Ayliffe includes contemporary issues in his books - this time political corruption and the rise of Chinese influence in the world. As a former journalist. Ayliffe always stresses that Bailey and his editor friend, Gerald) insist on verifying facts before publishing.
There are rumours that the books could be made into a streaming series. They would be ideal for that. And I am looking forward to seeing how they would be adapted for the screen.
Recommended for those who enjoy mystery/thrillers with likeable down-to-earth characters
He had never killed anyone who hadn’t deserved it. The means always justified the end. He didn’t need forgiveness. He needed justification. The greater good. Battered war correspondent John Bailey is a man living on the edge. He’s haunted by nightmares of being kidnapped and tortured in Iraq and he’s drinking too much to drown the memories. As he battles to get his life back together, a story breaks that will force him back into the spotlight – and into the crosshairs of a deadly international player. When a beautiful prostitute is found murdered in her luxury Sydney apartment, Bailey is ordered to cover the story by The Journal’s editor and his old friend, Gerald Summers, because he can’t trust anyone else. One of the victim’s clients, a key advisor to the Defence Minister, is chief suspect in her murder and he’s on the run. When he contacts Bailey, claiming to have information that will bring down the government, the stakes become deadly. To complicate matters,the investigating police detective is the woman Bailey walked out on a decade ago. When a ruthless CIA fixer turns up, followed by a murderous Chinese agent hot on his trail, Bailey realises he has stumbled onto the story of a lifetime – one that he may not live to tell.
After reading 3 other titles in this series by Tim Ayliffe, I finally got around to reading the first - and was fully engrossed throughout.
This depicted more violence than the other books, but it seemed necessary to place Bailey into his life in a believable way. Books to follow referred to past trauma, but this really set the scene for his hard drinking and nightmares, as well as his relationship difficulties.
Ayliffe includes contemporary issues in his books - this time political corruption and the rise of Chinese influence in the world. As a former journalist. Ayliffe always stresses that Bailey and his editor friend, Gerald) insist on verifying facts before publishing.
There are rumours that the books could be made into a streaming series. They would be ideal for that. And I am looking forward to seeing how they would be adapted for the screen.
Recommended for those who enjoy mystery/thrillers with likeable down-to-earth characters
He had never killed anyone who hadn’t deserved it. The means always justified the end. He didn’t need forgiveness. He needed justification. The greater good. Battered war correspondent John Bailey is a man living on the edge. He’s haunted by nightmares of being kidnapped and tortured in Iraq and he’s drinking too much to drown the memories. As he battles to get his life back together, a story breaks that will force him back into the spotlight – and into the crosshairs of a deadly international player. When a beautiful prostitute is found murdered in her luxury Sydney apartment, Bailey is ordered to cover the story by The Journal’s editor and his old friend, Gerald Summers, because he can’t trust anyone else. One of the victim’s clients, a key advisor to the Defence Minister, is chief suspect in her murder and he’s on the run. When he contacts Bailey, claiming to have information that will bring down the government, the stakes become deadly. To complicate matters,the investigating police detective is the woman Bailey walked out on a decade ago. When a ruthless CIA fixer turns up, followed by a murderous Chinese agent hot on his trail, Bailey realises he has stumbled onto the story of a lifetime – one that he may not live to tell.
May 16, 2018
Book blurb...
He had never killed anyone who hadn’t deserved it. The means always justified the end. He didn’t need forgiveness.He needed justification. The greater good.
Battered war correspondent John Bailey is a man living on the edge. He’s haunted by nightmares of being kidnapped and tortured in Iraq and he’s drinking too much to drown the memories. As he battles to get his life back together, a story breaks that will force him back into the spotlight – and into the crosshairs of a deadly international player.
When a beautiful prostitute is found murdered in her luxury Sydney apartment, Bailey is ordered to cover the story by The Journal’s editor and his old friend, Gerald Summers, because he can’t trust anyone else.
One of the victim’s clients, a key advisor to the Defence Minister, is chief suspect in her murder and he’s on the run. When he contacts Bailey, claiming to have information that will bring down the government, the stakes become deadly. To complicate matters,the investigating police detective is the woman Bailey walked out on a decade ago.
When a ruthless CIA fixer turns up, followed by a murderous Chinese agent hot on his trail, Bailey realises he has stumbled onto the story of a lifetime – one that he may not live to tell.
My thoughts…
I love a good Australian-based story with a mix of crime and politics. Throw in a frighteningly real plot line and a battered war correspondent battling PTSD and I am a happy reader!
A suffering character makes for great conflict in fiction and what John Bailey goes through will make you wonder and weep.
This story is intriguing and will keep you guessing who the bad guys are and how deep the corruption goes.
A good read. Highly recommended.
This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
He had never killed anyone who hadn’t deserved it. The means always justified the end. He didn’t need forgiveness.He needed justification. The greater good.
Battered war correspondent John Bailey is a man living on the edge. He’s haunted by nightmares of being kidnapped and tortured in Iraq and he’s drinking too much to drown the memories. As he battles to get his life back together, a story breaks that will force him back into the spotlight – and into the crosshairs of a deadly international player.
When a beautiful prostitute is found murdered in her luxury Sydney apartment, Bailey is ordered to cover the story by The Journal’s editor and his old friend, Gerald Summers, because he can’t trust anyone else.
One of the victim’s clients, a key advisor to the Defence Minister, is chief suspect in her murder and he’s on the run. When he contacts Bailey, claiming to have information that will bring down the government, the stakes become deadly. To complicate matters,the investigating police detective is the woman Bailey walked out on a decade ago.
When a ruthless CIA fixer turns up, followed by a murderous Chinese agent hot on his trail, Bailey realises he has stumbled onto the story of a lifetime – one that he may not live to tell.
My thoughts…
I love a good Australian-based story with a mix of crime and politics. Throw in a frighteningly real plot line and a battered war correspondent battling PTSD and I am a happy reader!
A suffering character makes for great conflict in fiction and what John Bailey goes through will make you wonder and weep.
This story is intriguing and will keep you guessing who the bad guys are and how deep the corruption goes.
A good read. Highly recommended.
This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
September 4, 2024
Throw together the fallout from the Iraq War and the perennially meddlesome CIA, mix in a murdered sex worker and a Chinese standover merchant, spice it up with some corrupt police and profiteering politicians, and then stir through a hard-nosed, ‘old school’ journalist. What do you get? A cracking yarn.
In the case of Tim Ayliffe’s The Greater Good, a cracking yarn that’s a tense, well-paced thriller, unfolding on the streets of Sydney.
Journalist John Bailey survived capture while a war correspondent in Iraq but his survival has not come without a price. Decades later, his PTSD is mostly kept at bay with copious quantities of alcohol. The women in his life – his daughter Miranda and sometime partner Detective Sharon Dexter – also help keep him anchored, along with Gerald Summers, his old pal and boss at The Journal.
When Catherine Chamberlain (aka Ruby Chambers) is found dead in her Rushcutters Bay apartment, it’s meant to look like suicide. It’s not. And when Bailey and Dexter start digging, the whole house of cards starts to tremble.
The Greater Good is the first of Tim Ayliffe’s John Bailey thrillers. Book two in the series is State of Fear .
In the case of Tim Ayliffe’s The Greater Good, a cracking yarn that’s a tense, well-paced thriller, unfolding on the streets of Sydney.
Journalist John Bailey survived capture while a war correspondent in Iraq but his survival has not come without a price. Decades later, his PTSD is mostly kept at bay with copious quantities of alcohol. The women in his life – his daughter Miranda and sometime partner Detective Sharon Dexter – also help keep him anchored, along with Gerald Summers, his old pal and boss at The Journal.
When Catherine Chamberlain (aka Ruby Chambers) is found dead in her Rushcutters Bay apartment, it’s meant to look like suicide. It’s not. And when Bailey and Dexter start digging, the whole house of cards starts to tremble.
The Greater Good is the first of Tim Ayliffe’s John Bailey thrillers. Book two in the series is State of Fear .
June 10, 2018
A new thriller series set in Sydney.
Tim Ayliffe is a journalist who writes about what he knows - politics and news reporting.
The Greater Good is a contemporary fast paced novel in which the rehabilitating foreign correspondent John Bailey is thrust into a complex investigation after the murder of a prostitute turns out to be far from simple. Bailey has been "rescued" and given a job as a local news reporter by his old friend who is now a newspaper editor. Another old CIA friend Ronnie, also reappears in his Sydney life and the story because increasingly more interesting, complicated and political. The horrific circumstances that led to Bailey's breakdown are slowly revealed in flashbacks to his time in Iraq and his current investigations trigger further nightmares when he becomes a target for the criminals he is investigating. The twists and turns as Bailey attempts to reestablish his life and reconnect with his daughter and old girlfriend makes the story more enjoyable and Bailey a more credible character.
This is a fine first book and will have readers looking out for the sequel.
Thank you to Good Reading magazine and Simon & Schuster for my uncorrected proof copy.
Tim Ayliffe is a journalist who writes about what he knows - politics and news reporting.
The Greater Good is a contemporary fast paced novel in which the rehabilitating foreign correspondent John Bailey is thrust into a complex investigation after the murder of a prostitute turns out to be far from simple. Bailey has been "rescued" and given a job as a local news reporter by his old friend who is now a newspaper editor. Another old CIA friend Ronnie, also reappears in his Sydney life and the story because increasingly more interesting, complicated and political. The horrific circumstances that led to Bailey's breakdown are slowly revealed in flashbacks to his time in Iraq and his current investigations trigger further nightmares when he becomes a target for the criminals he is investigating. The twists and turns as Bailey attempts to reestablish his life and reconnect with his daughter and old girlfriend makes the story more enjoyable and Bailey a more credible character.
This is a fine first book and will have readers looking out for the sequel.
Thank you to Good Reading magazine and Simon & Schuster for my uncorrected proof copy.
March 6, 2020
Brutal
I am beginning to think that all heroes are alcoholic, divorced guys, who's former partners still have a soft spot for them. In other words, lovable rogues. These types seem to inspire loyalty from their friends and tend to piss everyone else off. They have a high tolerance for pain. Which is just as well, because they seem to go from one bad situation to the next, with regularity. However, during the course of their misadventures, they are able to gather the clues to solve the case. The bigger their injuries, the more information they gain.
This is how Bailey, broken down journalist and former foreign correspondent, seems to operate.
The Greater Good has a distinctly Australian flavour to it. Every Australian reader will relate to it and will find themselves nodding along as they turn pages. Every character will remind them of someone. Purely coincidentally, of course. Right down to the very last page. What other way could this story end?
I am beginning to think that all heroes are alcoholic, divorced guys, who's former partners still have a soft spot for them. In other words, lovable rogues. These types seem to inspire loyalty from their friends and tend to piss everyone else off. They have a high tolerance for pain. Which is just as well, because they seem to go from one bad situation to the next, with regularity. However, during the course of their misadventures, they are able to gather the clues to solve the case. The bigger their injuries, the more information they gain.
This is how Bailey, broken down journalist and former foreign correspondent, seems to operate.
The Greater Good has a distinctly Australian flavour to it. Every Australian reader will relate to it and will find themselves nodding along as they turn pages. Every character will remind them of someone. Purely coincidentally, of course. Right down to the very last page. What other way could this story end?
July 1, 2018
I received a copy of The Greater Good from Simon & Schuster Australia to review.
Australian author Tim Ayliffe presents a fantastic debut thriller set in iconic Sydney that delves into the heart of politics and the role of the media in the modern world.
John Bailey was a brilliant war correspondent for the Australian paper, The Journal. However, his life took a downward turn when he was kidnapped in Iraq and tortured for several months. Now, years later, Bailey is living a life of alcoholism and self-destruction, only occasionally contributing articles to The Journal.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/07/01/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Australian author Tim Ayliffe presents a fantastic debut thriller set in iconic Sydney that delves into the heart of politics and the role of the media in the modern world.
John Bailey was a brilliant war correspondent for the Australian paper, The Journal. However, his life took a downward turn when he was kidnapped in Iraq and tortured for several months. Now, years later, Bailey is living a life of alcoholism and self-destruction, only occasionally contributing articles to The Journal.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/07/01/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
April 6, 2020
Former war correspondent journalist John Bailey works for a newspaper in Sydney, Australia when his boss and editor friend Gerald stumbles across a prostitute who died in mysterious circumstances. Digging into the story Bailey is soon caught up in a dodgy deal done which involves well known people within the Australian police and Australian government.
With his old friend from Iraq CIA spy Ronnie coming to Sydney regarding the case, and Bailey’s detective girlfriend Dexter having to take down someone she knows well, it soon becomes apparent to all of them just now big the story is and who is shockingly involved.
Author, Tim Ayliffe is fast becoming a favourite author to read. His style is easy to read and the characters good. Will happily read more from this author!
With his old friend from Iraq CIA spy Ronnie coming to Sydney regarding the case, and Bailey’s detective girlfriend Dexter having to take down someone she knows well, it soon becomes apparent to all of them just now big the story is and who is shockingly involved.
Author, Tim Ayliffe is fast becoming a favourite author to read. His style is easy to read and the characters good. Will happily read more from this author!
December 22, 2025
Conspiracies, corruption, and the creeping realisation that absolutely no one is the good guy here. 😬
The Greater Good is a sharp, fast-paced dive into political intrigue and shadowy agendas, the kind of thriller that keeps tightening the screws until you start side-eyeing everyone involved. Tim Ayliffe clearly knows his way around big systems, big power, and the quiet menace of decisions made behind closed doors, and it shows in the confident plotting and high-stakes momentum.
Bailey is… complicated. Not exactly likeable, not exactly hateable either—more the sort of protagonist you watch warily, unsure whether you’re meant to root for him or brace for disappointment. That moral ambiguity works for the story, even if it sometimes left me emotionally at arm’s length. The conspiracy itself, though, is compelling and well-constructed, with enough realism to make it feel uncomfortably plausible.
The Greater Good is a sharp, fast-paced dive into political intrigue and shadowy agendas, the kind of thriller that keeps tightening the screws until you start side-eyeing everyone involved. Tim Ayliffe clearly knows his way around big systems, big power, and the quiet menace of decisions made behind closed doors, and it shows in the confident plotting and high-stakes momentum.
Bailey is… complicated. Not exactly likeable, not exactly hateable either—more the sort of protagonist you watch warily, unsure whether you’re meant to root for him or brace for disappointment. That moral ambiguity works for the story, even if it sometimes left me emotionally at arm’s length. The conspiracy itself, though, is compelling and well-constructed, with enough realism to make it feel uncomfortably plausible.
April 23, 2022
Australian war correspondent, John Bailey is haunted by his kidnapping & torture in Iraq years previously. He is an alcoholic & washed up journalist whose editor friend tries to keep him employed. When a beautiful prostitute is found murdered in her luxurious Sydney apartment Bailey is given the story to cover. The investigating police detective is the woman Bailey walked out on a decade ago. The key suspect is the Advisor for the Minister of Defence who has gone missing. Complicating matters further is the involvement of the chief of police & Dana’s lover.
Stumbling on a story of a life time, Bailey relentlessly & methodically claws his way back to journalistic credibility. On the way, he unearth international espionage, further murders & becomes a victim of torturous villains!!!
Constantly moving at breakneck speed, this thriller was definitely engaging til the last page!
Stumbling on a story of a life time, Bailey relentlessly & methodically claws his way back to journalistic credibility. On the way, he unearth international espionage, further murders & becomes a victim of torturous villains!!!
Constantly moving at breakneck speed, this thriller was definitely engaging til the last page!
March 8, 2018
Read an advanced reading copy from the publisher. A fast-paced chillingly real political thriller by a news journalist. Former war correspondent John Bailey drinks heavily while he struggles with memories of being kidnapped and tortured in Iraq and while trying to repair the damage to his relationship with his daughter caused mainly by his many years of being away from home.
His boss and friend Gerald Summers has called Bailey in to cover a story of a dead prostitute; there’s more than meets the eye to this case and Gerald can trust no-one else to find out the real story. Then CIA agent Ronnie Johnson appears and Bailey realises he’s onto something very big.
Hope to read more of Bailey’s adventures very soon.
His boss and friend Gerald Summers has called Bailey in to cover a story of a dead prostitute; there’s more than meets the eye to this case and Gerald can trust no-one else to find out the real story. Then CIA agent Ronnie Johnson appears and Bailey realises he’s onto something very big.
Hope to read more of Bailey’s adventures very soon.
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