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Incognito
PRAISE FOR INCOGNITO:
'The heroine was complex, interesting, and loyal, and I wouldn't want her as an enemy! It was exciting and something quite different'
'Excellent read, great story with a rip roaring faced paced plot. Highly recommended'
'Loved it! I was gripped to the very end. Some great twists and turns!'
'A rollercoaster new thriller that will grip you, twist you and demand you drop everything to read on'
Betrayal deserves vengeance....Redemption needs sacrifice
Still reeling from leading a disastrous raid, SO15 anti-terror officer Lisa Reid is grateful for an easy assignment this time out; identify and bring in a target thought to have information on a fugitive cell leader
There is no such thing as a routine job for Lisa though, and a devastating chain of events quickly plunges her, and her partner Will, into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with thousands of lives hanging in the balance
As the scale of the threat is revealed, and the body count starts to rise, the pair have to make choices that could cost their partnership, if not their lives. But one of them has a deadly agenda all of their own, and as the man that's been pulling all the strings steps out of the shadows to choreograph his masterpiece, that could end up costing a lot more.....
What readers are saying about INCOGNITO
'A great book. Each chapter left you wanting more' - LYBBIE, AMAZON
'Totally different to my usual genre's but I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to more books by Michael Winson' - JULIE CHAPMAN, AMAZON
'Absolutely brilliant read, couldn't put it down' - C WEST
'Excellent, gripping storyline' - A FIELDING, AMAZON
'The heroine was complex, interesting, and loyal, and I wouldn't want her as an enemy! It was exciting and something quite different'
'Excellent read, great story with a rip roaring faced paced plot. Highly recommended'
'Loved it! I was gripped to the very end. Some great twists and turns!'
'A rollercoaster new thriller that will grip you, twist you and demand you drop everything to read on'
Betrayal deserves vengeance....Redemption needs sacrifice
Still reeling from leading a disastrous raid, SO15 anti-terror officer Lisa Reid is grateful for an easy assignment this time out; identify and bring in a target thought to have information on a fugitive cell leader
There is no such thing as a routine job for Lisa though, and a devastating chain of events quickly plunges her, and her partner Will, into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with thousands of lives hanging in the balance
As the scale of the threat is revealed, and the body count starts to rise, the pair have to make choices that could cost their partnership, if not their lives. But one of them has a deadly agenda all of their own, and as the man that's been pulling all the strings steps out of the shadows to choreograph his masterpiece, that could end up costing a lot more.....
What readers are saying about INCOGNITO
'A great book. Each chapter left you wanting more' - LYBBIE, AMAZON
'Totally different to my usual genre's but I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to more books by Michael Winson' - JULIE CHAPMAN, AMAZON
'Absolutely brilliant read, couldn't put it down' - C WEST
'Excellent, gripping storyline' - A FIELDING, AMAZON
188 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2020
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Michael Winson
1 book5 followersI am a proud Dad to 4 strong and bright boys of whom I'm immensely proud. I live in Northamptonshire with my beautiful wife Lisa, the inspiration for the lead character in my first book Incognito.
In my day job I work in financial services, a 'Fixer' of sorts I deal with everything from pone routing through to in-depth data analysis and customer engagement strategy. Exciting I know!
It was on one of the more tedious commutes in to central London that a kernel of an idea came to me. With some nurturing, this idea grew in to the story that I've just published on Amazon.
I've always wanted to try my hand at writing. I've always felt that I could do it and I'm not one to back away from something so once I had the idea formed, I took a week off work, locked myself out of the way of the kids and got to it. That was the base done, then it was just months of edits and re-edits, countless knock-backs from agents and publishers (rite of passage, I'm telling myself) and eventually I was happy to publish what you can see here.
I've learned more from self-publishing than I could've ever hoped, and the next books in this series, and the ones to follow that are already niggling at me, will be all the better for it.
I don't expect my life to change as a result of writing my first book, but I love the idea of someone other than me enjoying something that I've created.
Maybe that someone will be you?
Please do leave a review if so. As well as meaning the world to me personally, reader reviews and recommendations are the most valuable map to help others find my work.
Why not stay in touch with me, and what's going on in the lives of Lisa, Will and co. by signing up to my mailing list or joining me on social media.
I truly hope you enjoy Incognito, and you are staying safe in these strange times
M. Winson
In my day job I work in financial services, a 'Fixer' of sorts I deal with everything from pone routing through to in-depth data analysis and customer engagement strategy. Exciting I know!
It was on one of the more tedious commutes in to central London that a kernel of an idea came to me. With some nurturing, this idea grew in to the story that I've just published on Amazon.
I've always wanted to try my hand at writing. I've always felt that I could do it and I'm not one to back away from something so once I had the idea formed, I took a week off work, locked myself out of the way of the kids and got to it. That was the base done, then it was just months of edits and re-edits, countless knock-backs from agents and publishers (rite of passage, I'm telling myself) and eventually I was happy to publish what you can see here.
I've learned more from self-publishing than I could've ever hoped, and the next books in this series, and the ones to follow that are already niggling at me, will be all the better for it.
I don't expect my life to change as a result of writing my first book, but I love the idea of someone other than me enjoying something that I've created.
Maybe that someone will be you?
Please do leave a review if so. As well as meaning the world to me personally, reader reviews and recommendations are the most valuable map to help others find my work.
Why not stay in touch with me, and what's going on in the lives of Lisa, Will and co. by signing up to my mailing list or joining me on social media.
I truly hope you enjoy Incognito, and you are staying safe in these strange times
M. Winson
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 21, 2020
Well wow!!! What a debut book this was. A gritty, fast paced thriller, told from multiple viewpoints (a fave of mine). Action packed, with twists in all the right places! There was a sufficient amount of backstory to the characters and I was quite invested in their story, testament to Michael’s writing style. It’s not a big book (less than 200 pages) but by no means did it feel rushed. I’m a massive fan of Homeland and 24 and this book took me on the same journey. TW: details of violence and death, so may be unsuitable for some readers. However, if you enjoyed Homeland and 24, this will absolutely not disappoint!! Would thoroughly recommend.
Thank you to LoveBooksTours for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to LoveBooksTours for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2020
For such a short book, I’m amazed at how the author managed to pack so many twists, turns and clever plot loops into such a short book. Each character has their own purpose and back story which creates a well woven narrative.
I enjoyed the layers of Lisa’s character: both strong yet vulnerable, bold yet cautious and fiery yet considered. My only grumble sits with the repetition of how physically attractive she is to the men around her and how she could weaponise that. I felt the strength of her character from her attitude, moral compass and professionalism without this added (and repeated) detail.
While Lisa is at the heart of the novel, I found myself more invested in Abdul’s plight and in the outcome of his choices. I felt his ending was a little rushed, but I hope this is something that could be explored in more detail in future writing.
Finally, this is one of the most brazen flirtations between fiction and non fiction that I’ve read in a while; at points, that makes it quite an uncomfortable and harrowing read, but I was completely gripped. The author asserts the writing as a piece of fiction, but with frequent references to well known (and highly emotive) places and events, this feels very real to read. While I’ve no doubt that this has been done with skill and intention, I think it would be fair to draw the reader’s awareness to potentially triggering material (TW: fundamentalism, radicalisation, racism, death in combat, PTSD)
I can see this appealing to fans of dramas such as The Bodyguard or Homeland; if that’s your cup of tea, I’d highly recommend this. Equally, I could see this translating well into a TV drama, especially how the ending seems to remain open for further development.
While I received a free e-book of Incognito in exchange for participating in a book tour, my views remain honest and my own.
I enjoyed the layers of Lisa’s character: both strong yet vulnerable, bold yet cautious and fiery yet considered. My only grumble sits with the repetition of how physically attractive she is to the men around her and how she could weaponise that. I felt the strength of her character from her attitude, moral compass and professionalism without this added (and repeated) detail.
While Lisa is at the heart of the novel, I found myself more invested in Abdul’s plight and in the outcome of his choices. I felt his ending was a little rushed, but I hope this is something that could be explored in more detail in future writing.
Finally, this is one of the most brazen flirtations between fiction and non fiction that I’ve read in a while; at points, that makes it quite an uncomfortable and harrowing read, but I was completely gripped. The author asserts the writing as a piece of fiction, but with frequent references to well known (and highly emotive) places and events, this feels very real to read. While I’ve no doubt that this has been done with skill and intention, I think it would be fair to draw the reader’s awareness to potentially triggering material (TW: fundamentalism, radicalisation, racism, death in combat, PTSD)
I can see this appealing to fans of dramas such as The Bodyguard or Homeland; if that’s your cup of tea, I’d highly recommend this. Equally, I could see this translating well into a TV drama, especially how the ending seems to remain open for further development.
While I received a free e-book of Incognito in exchange for participating in a book tour, my views remain honest and my own.
December 21, 2020
First off I will say I think for a debut novel this is written incredibly well. It is fast paced, full of twists, has multiple characters views yet never gets confusing. Well done Michael.
I think it was incredibly brave to write a novel about a terrorist cell in a location where there has recently been such an atrocity, it would have been quite easy to set it anywhere else, even a fictional location but choosing a real place was very brave and lent itself enough reality for people familiar with the area (I have only been there once but could picture pieces) I do feel that it may be worth a trigger warning on the book so people are aware that it could be distressing.
The ending felt like it cut off too early though I'm sure this is intentional to make us want the next installment even more.
I have seen comments referring to a likeness of Homeland and 24. I can see why. I can definitely see Lisa as a Jack Bauer type character. Each chapter was like the next hour on the show. Showcasing us a different perspective, character history or setting the scene for an upcoming part.
Really interesting characters, intense, witty, clever. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy a good thriller
I think it was incredibly brave to write a novel about a terrorist cell in a location where there has recently been such an atrocity, it would have been quite easy to set it anywhere else, even a fictional location but choosing a real place was very brave and lent itself enough reality for people familiar with the area (I have only been there once but could picture pieces) I do feel that it may be worth a trigger warning on the book so people are aware that it could be distressing.
The ending felt like it cut off too early though I'm sure this is intentional to make us want the next installment even more.
I have seen comments referring to a likeness of Homeland and 24. I can see why. I can definitely see Lisa as a Jack Bauer type character. Each chapter was like the next hour on the show. Showcasing us a different perspective, character history or setting the scene for an upcoming part.
Really interesting characters, intense, witty, clever. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy a good thriller
December 17, 2020
Radicalisation and Terrorism are topics that I haven’t read a lot of fiction books on. I don’t know if that’s because I just haven’t come across them or just that due to the nature of the topic, it’s not very common. This book is about SO15 anti-terror officer Lisa Reid who’s assignment is to identify and bring in a target thought to have information on a fugitive cell leader. She and her partner are in the Trafford Centre control room when this story starts. The book is from the POV of those officers, a boy who’s family and girlfriend were killed and his life has taken a downward spiral and a terrorist.
This sensitive topic of a Terrorism incident is written and handled very well and is still manages to be a thrilling read. The storyline is well developed. Each character has their own story to tell and it all adds to the main story. The story progresses at a great pace and there is not loads of unnecessary detail. There was a good balance within the characters of their part in the action part of the story and their personal lives.
I love that this story was used as an introduction to a new team and the possibility of more stories. I will without a doubt read them. The author has created a great basis for a series and this is a brilliant debut from Michael Winson.
This sensitive topic of a Terrorism incident is written and handled very well and is still manages to be a thrilling read. The storyline is well developed. Each character has their own story to tell and it all adds to the main story. The story progresses at a great pace and there is not loads of unnecessary detail. There was a good balance within the characters of their part in the action part of the story and their personal lives.
I love that this story was used as an introduction to a new team and the possibility of more stories. I will without a doubt read them. The author has created a great basis for a series and this is a brilliant debut from Michael Winson.
December 16, 2020
Abdul was a young boy when his father, mother and aunt died so his uncle took him under his wing. His uncle had mysterious meetings with friends in the house which he did not allow Abdul to take part in or overhear.
When Abdul was older, his childhood girlfriend died in a bombing which devastated Abdul putting him into a deep pit of depression which gave his uncle an opportunity to manipulate his mind.
Fast forward a few years, there has been a bombing at an Ariana Grande concert (I’m sure we are all aware this happened in real life), a few months later a group called the Brotherhood targeted The Trafford Centre on a busy bank holiday. This book has secrets, devastation and heartbreak. It had me sympathising with Abdul as he was in the situation he was in because of his upbringing, it’s not everyday a book will have you sympathising with a terrorist is it?!
This book was full of action and reminded me of Homeland or 24. So if you are a fan of shows like them, you will be a fan of this book. The book ends with a teaser than the main characters are back which has me hoping for a 2nd book. It was an interesting take on an important topic.
When Abdul was older, his childhood girlfriend died in a bombing which devastated Abdul putting him into a deep pit of depression which gave his uncle an opportunity to manipulate his mind.
Fast forward a few years, there has been a bombing at an Ariana Grande concert (I’m sure we are all aware this happened in real life), a few months later a group called the Brotherhood targeted The Trafford Centre on a busy bank holiday. This book has secrets, devastation and heartbreak. It had me sympathising with Abdul as he was in the situation he was in because of his upbringing, it’s not everyday a book will have you sympathising with a terrorist is it?!
This book was full of action and reminded me of Homeland or 24. So if you are a fan of shows like them, you will be a fan of this book. The book ends with a teaser than the main characters are back which has me hoping for a 2nd book. It was an interesting take on an important topic.
December 18, 2020
What a debit novel, it’s absolutely brilliant.
Told from Multiple perspectives over the past and present, this book is jam packed for a quick read and pretty gritty from the start.
There is a lot of back story from each character, and this equates to so much detail and many twists and turns within the plot. It is written so well, that even with less than 200 pages, the story didn’t feel rushed.
I love programmes about SO15, so I knew I would love this book. Could easily be made into a TV show in my opinion.
Definitely recommend this book!
Told from Multiple perspectives over the past and present, this book is jam packed for a quick read and pretty gritty from the start.
There is a lot of back story from each character, and this equates to so much detail and many twists and turns within the plot. It is written so well, that even with less than 200 pages, the story didn’t feel rushed.
I love programmes about SO15, so I knew I would love this book. Could easily be made into a TV show in my opinion.
Definitely recommend this book!
December 17, 2020
This is essentially a good thriller with a contemporary edge and believable characters.
The plot appears to rely on actual events rather more than is comfortable to read, which may be upsetting for some. Lisa, the main protagonist, is an interesting character, a little stereotypical, but there is lots of potential for character development, as the series progresses.
The author achieves a good balance of characterisation whilst moving the story forward effectively. I would like to see Lisa's character develop in a believable way and more originality in the plot.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The plot appears to rely on actual events rather more than is comfortable to read, which may be upsetting for some. Lisa, the main protagonist, is an interesting character, a little stereotypical, but there is lots of potential for character development, as the series progresses.
The author achieves a good balance of characterisation whilst moving the story forward effectively. I would like to see Lisa's character develop in a believable way and more originality in the plot.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2020
This is a fast paced, action packed book and not too long at only 190 pages. It is totally set in one location, the Trafford Centre in Manchester during a terrorist attack. I don't like reading books about terrorism but I could really appreciate how well this was written and the plot was very good. You get the view points from both the police and the terrorist sides and get the back stories from the 3 main characters, bringing them to life whilst not detracting from the main storyline.
January 16, 2021
I was so keen to read and review this book. It sounded like such a great story and I wasn’t disappointed. I feel like this needs a trigger word for terror attacks or terrorism but I won’t say anything other than that because I don’t want to give anything away. No spoilers here! Suffice to say this is a really tense, gripping story. It really grabs at you and keeps a tight hold till the very last page. If you are into thrillers then this book is for you but again, a cautionary reminder of the triggers. This won’t be for everyone.
April 8, 2025
Great book. Every chapter left me wanting more. The plot is engaging and there are unexpected plot twists. The ending really surprised me. In my opinion, the ending was a bit rushed and this part of the book could have been a bit longer. I can't wait for the next part, the future tasks that the newly formed team with Eric and Abby at the head will have. Maybe the new team will work out a terrorist cell in which women also operate? The author created a great basis for creating a film adaptation. I would love to watch Incognito on the big screen.
February 20, 2021
Wow wow wow! What a fast paced and exciting thriller this is! Absolutely loved the selection of characters that we see here in Incognito, with each one their own stories, backgrounds, and emotions.
Highly emotive, highly dangerous, and a great book that gives both sides of the story. We not only see the Anti-Terror side of the police force with Lisa and Will, but we also see the series of events that can turn one into a Terrorist.
Michael is such a great writer, and we were able to see this through the pacing of Incognito - how he balanced out the crime and action scenes with scenes from childhoods and the past. I think he is definitely one to watch, and I would like to keep reading more of his work!
Huge thank you to the team over at @lovebookstours for giving me the opportunity to read and to review this book! And huge thanks to @mikewwrites for writing it!
A definite five star read!
Highly emotive, highly dangerous, and a great book that gives both sides of the story. We not only see the Anti-Terror side of the police force with Lisa and Will, but we also see the series of events that can turn one into a Terrorist.
Michael is such a great writer, and we were able to see this through the pacing of Incognito - how he balanced out the crime and action scenes with scenes from childhoods and the past. I think he is definitely one to watch, and I would like to keep reading more of his work!
Huge thank you to the team over at @lovebookstours for giving me the opportunity to read and to review this book! And huge thanks to @mikewwrites for writing it!
A definite five star read!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews