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Keeping Secrets: A Daniel Grant Secret Service Thriller
What happens when a spook breaks their silence?Former Secret intelligence service operative Daniel Grant has recently started his most complex posting yet – setting up and running Shady Fields, a residential home for former spies. The clientele collectively hold some of the country’s deepest secrets. And as their minds become less focused, the risk of these explosive memories being released grows. Dan’s job is to keep the residents safe, and their knowledge protected.
But Shady Fields is under threat from a review being carried out by Bernard Cummings, an MI5 Director with secrets of his own. If he gets his way, the home will be closed, and its residents left to fend for themselves. But there’s more to his involvement than simple economics – his desperation to bury his own past could have devastating consequences.
With shocking events in danger of being exposed and lives at risk, can Dan keep his promise to protect Shady Fields and the spies who’ve given so much in the service of their country?
But Shady Fields is under threat from a review being carried out by Bernard Cummings, an MI5 Director with secrets of his own. If he gets his way, the home will be closed, and its residents left to fend for themselves. But there’s more to his involvement than simple economics – his desperation to bury his own past could have devastating consequences.
With shocking events in danger of being exposed and lives at risk, can Dan keep his promise to protect Shady Fields and the spies who’ve given so much in the service of their country?
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Charlton
3 books2 followersBorn and raised in the heart of the Midlands in the swinging sixties I developed a passion for reading and writing my own stories. At the start of the 6 weeks holidays I got a pack of blank exercise books and some new pens and that was it!
I fell in love with murder mysteries through Agatha Christie, Ngao Marsh, Conan Doyle and Margery Allingham. Intrigue, fast paced plots and the obligatory twist led me to thrillers and the rest (as they say) is geography.
After 30 years of running businesses and coaching others I moved to leafy Staffordshire and began writing espionage thrillers.
I have a husband, a mad standard poodle called Kipper and a taste for a good single malt.
I fell in love with murder mysteries through Agatha Christie, Ngao Marsh, Conan Doyle and Margery Allingham. Intrigue, fast paced plots and the obligatory twist led me to thrillers and the rest (as they say) is geography.
After 30 years of running businesses and coaching others I moved to leafy Staffordshire and began writing espionage thrillers.
I have a husband, a mad standard poodle called Kipper and a taste for a good single malt.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 2, 2021
A fantastic espionage thriller that flits between Cold War era conflict and modern day. Set in the wonderfully realised Shady Fields, a retirement home for ex secret service agents it follows Daniel Grant as he fights to prove the home is fundamental to national security.
As the plot thickens a nearly 30 year old conspiracy begins to unravel that could prove detrimental to some, how far will they go to cover their tracks and make sure it doesn’t surface?
A colourful cast of characters make this a true ensemble piece, a femme fatale & master of disguise, a pair of explosives experts and a man who claims to be Lord Lucan to name a few. The characters are written incredibly well, endearing, expressive and fully fleshed.
Wendy is a true master of descriptive writing, she evokes vivid imagery and makes her settings and characters tangible. She also conveys emotion incredibly well through character action and expression, given that some of the residents suffer with dementia it was a necessity and done with the utmost respect and heedfulness.
Overall I would recommend this book in a heartbeat, a brilliant thriller with plenty to sink your teeth into. I’m highly anticipating the sequel!
As the plot thickens a nearly 30 year old conspiracy begins to unravel that could prove detrimental to some, how far will they go to cover their tracks and make sure it doesn’t surface?
A colourful cast of characters make this a true ensemble piece, a femme fatale & master of disguise, a pair of explosives experts and a man who claims to be Lord Lucan to name a few. The characters are written incredibly well, endearing, expressive and fully fleshed.
Wendy is a true master of descriptive writing, she evokes vivid imagery and makes her settings and characters tangible. She also conveys emotion incredibly well through character action and expression, given that some of the residents suffer with dementia it was a necessity and done with the utmost respect and heedfulness.
Overall I would recommend this book in a heartbeat, a brilliant thriller with plenty to sink your teeth into. I’m highly anticipating the sequel!
October 22, 2020
Harlan Coben eat your heart out! A page turner that draws you in and makes it really difficult to put down.
The clever flowing style makes it an easy, enjoyable read. The characters are well defined and believable. And the inside knowledge of MI5 and the Secret Service are fascinating. Are you sure the author isn’t/hasn’t actually been a spy?
Every element of the story is believable and a testament to the author’s thorough research methods.
The insight into dementia is terribly sad but also lends itself to brilliant moments of humour and would be a valuable read for anyone battling with this terrible disease, including those working in the care sector.
I’m really hoping this is the first of many novels and can’t wait to see what Myron Bolitar, sorry Daniel Grant, gets up to next. Maybe a touch of romance, Wendy?
The clever flowing style makes it an easy, enjoyable read. The characters are well defined and believable. And the inside knowledge of MI5 and the Secret Service are fascinating. Are you sure the author isn’t/hasn’t actually been a spy?
Every element of the story is believable and a testament to the author’s thorough research methods.
The insight into dementia is terribly sad but also lends itself to brilliant moments of humour and would be a valuable read for anyone battling with this terrible disease, including those working in the care sector.
I’m really hoping this is the first of many novels and can’t wait to see what Myron Bolitar, sorry Daniel Grant, gets up to next. Maybe a touch of romance, Wendy?
October 30, 2020
Loved it. Loved the whole concept of retired spies suffering from various degrees of dementia and potentially causing embarrassment and or serious trouble for the British Government. What to do with them ? Put them in a rather grand specially planned home. Some wonderful characters a couple of which l found especially endearing, l enjoyed the gradual revealing of their various histories. The villain was remarkably easy to dislike as he challenges the ‘value’ to the Secret Service of providing such facilities especially since there is a much more cost effective way of dealing with the issue! Really looking forward to the next book in the series.
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November 3, 2020This kept me captivated, building a secret service thriller chapter by chapter. What I found really different was that I could check back facts, people and events as the actual chapters were short and punchy and easy to refer back to. I hoped the ending was what I thought during the read. Part of it was but a great twist involving one person I did not think would have been involved. Looking forward to the next Daniel Grant thriller from Wendy Charlton.
December 15, 2020
Just finished your book. Loved it! Would make a great one of mini series/drama! X
January 11, 2023
A new author for me and a recent addition to authors that I have met in person.
This book is a lovely read, with twists and turns along the way, as well as giving an insight into the Intelligence Service.
If spy thrillers are your choice, give this a read: you won't be disappointed!
This book is a lovely read, with twists and turns along the way, as well as giving an insight into the Intelligence Service.
If spy thrillers are your choice, give this a read: you won't be disappointed!
August 2, 2022
Fantastic gripping read
It had me gripped from the first couple of chapters. Loved the characters and the way the plot flowed between past and present. Excellent work
It had me gripped from the first couple of chapters. Loved the characters and the way the plot flowed between past and present. Excellent work
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews