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Gabriel #1
Treasonous
An ex-assassin. A president with a dark secret. And a stash of gold.
Ben Gabriel’s dishonourable discharge from the elite British Special Forces has left him disillusioned and unemployable. When a dead journalist is pulled from the waters of Cape Town harbour, Gabriel seeks the answers to the questions he was asking. Questions about the new president.
How did he survive the fire that killed his freedom fighting comrades? And what happened to the woman who betrayed him?
Gabriel knows that sometimes it takes one killer to stop another, and will do anything to discover the truth, even if that means stepping outside the law.
Sometimes the path to truth is more than a little crooked.
If he fails, what will become of the country under the leadership of a killer president?
Treasonous is the first book in the Gabriel series of thrillers set in the turbulent political landscape of South Africa.
If you like the works of John le Carre, Len Deighton and Lee Child, stories of the underdog who questions authority, and the daring capers of those who break the law to find the truth, then you’ll love this breathtakingly fresh thriller from David Hickson.
Ben Gabriel’s dishonourable discharge from the elite British Special Forces has left him disillusioned and unemployable. When a dead journalist is pulled from the waters of Cape Town harbour, Gabriel seeks the answers to the questions he was asking. Questions about the new president.
How did he survive the fire that killed his freedom fighting comrades? And what happened to the woman who betrayed him?
Gabriel knows that sometimes it takes one killer to stop another, and will do anything to discover the truth, even if that means stepping outside the law.
Sometimes the path to truth is more than a little crooked.
If he fails, what will become of the country under the leadership of a killer president?
Treasonous is the first book in the Gabriel series of thrillers set in the turbulent political landscape of South Africa.
If you like the works of John le Carre, Len Deighton and Lee Child, stories of the underdog who questions authority, and the daring capers of those who break the law to find the truth, then you’ll love this breathtakingly fresh thriller from David Hickson.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2021
132 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
David Hickson
4 books5 followersDavid Hickson is an award-winning filmmaker and writer from South Africa. His work has included internationally released feature films, television series and live entertainment television shows (he directed more live TV than was good for his health).
David travelled to Italy in 2010, an adventure that he and his family, including two young troublemakers and an assortment of very spoilt and demanding domestic animals, are still enjoying. He loves walking and cycling in the hills of Italy, drinking the local wine, and telling stories that entertain and stir the emotions of his reader.
David travelled to Italy in 2010, an adventure that he and his family, including two young troublemakers and an assortment of very spoilt and demanding domestic animals, are still enjoying. He loves walking and cycling in the hills of Italy, drinking the local wine, and telling stories that entertain and stir the emotions of his reader.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 9, 2021
I found this book a fascinating political thriller, if a bit far fetched! It’s a page turner set in familiar South African landscape and cities. The end is inconclusive and unsatisfactory forcing one to read the sequel! It’s available on kindle unlimited
March 14, 2021
Ben Gabriel is my favourite kind of hero - a little bit maverick, someone who doesn't quite follow the rules but even so, is deeply moral.
This (sort of) political thriller had me hooked from page one, and the pace doesn't let up for one minute. The characterisations are wonderful, even those of marginal characters, so I was able to picture every one in my mind's eye. The weather is a character all on its own, and the South African landscape and cities are so carefully and accurately drawn, it made my heart swell to finally find a novel that describes my country properly. David's experience as a film director obviously means that he too visualises scenes in his head and his ability to then put them down on paper is nothing short of remarkable.
The plot is completely believable, and you almost wonder if it could be true! There are nail-biting moments throughout the book, and a little bit of romance as well, which always adds dimension to a spy-cop-thriller-mystery novel (almost the only books I read, actually). In the tradition of the caper story, Gabriel's cohorts are at once somewhat scary and rather funny too.
The dialogue is brilliantly crafted, it's almost possible to hear the characters talking. It is so well placed throughout the story, in between descriptions of people and places. The novel is tightly edited, there is not one sentence that doesn't have a reason for being there.
All in all, this first novel from David Hickson is a real triumph. I will definitely go back and read it again, and I cannot wait for more of Gabriel's capers. Michael Connelly and the rest of them had better watch out!
This (sort of) political thriller had me hooked from page one, and the pace doesn't let up for one minute. The characterisations are wonderful, even those of marginal characters, so I was able to picture every one in my mind's eye. The weather is a character all on its own, and the South African landscape and cities are so carefully and accurately drawn, it made my heart swell to finally find a novel that describes my country properly. David's experience as a film director obviously means that he too visualises scenes in his head and his ability to then put them down on paper is nothing short of remarkable.
The plot is completely believable, and you almost wonder if it could be true! There are nail-biting moments throughout the book, and a little bit of romance as well, which always adds dimension to a spy-cop-thriller-mystery novel (almost the only books I read, actually). In the tradition of the caper story, Gabriel's cohorts are at once somewhat scary and rather funny too.
The dialogue is brilliantly crafted, it's almost possible to hear the characters talking. It is so well placed throughout the story, in between descriptions of people and places. The novel is tightly edited, there is not one sentence that doesn't have a reason for being there.
All in all, this first novel from David Hickson is a real triumph. I will definitely go back and read it again, and I cannot wait for more of Gabriel's capers. Michael Connelly and the rest of them had better watch out!
March 1, 2021
The writing in “Treasonous” is vivid, and you can visualise it as a film playing itself out as you read. The characters are familiar, have good depth, and are very South African, as is the landscape and the cities where the story unfolds.
The story is fast-paced but rests just enough, in the right places, to explore the characters and their relationships. I look forward to the next one!
The main character, Ben Gabriel, is enigmatic and tramatised by his past, but still retains a noble truth-seeking core. Even though he knows he is opening a dangerous pandora’s box by pursuing the mysteries that slowly unfold, he is compelled to keep going.
It’s a thriller and a mystery, with a bit of a love story woven into the underside of the narrative. Great writing from David Hickson, whose experience in film and television shows in this engaging book.
The story is fast-paced but rests just enough, in the right places, to explore the characters and their relationships. I look forward to the next one!
The main character, Ben Gabriel, is enigmatic and tramatised by his past, but still retains a noble truth-seeking core. Even though he knows he is opening a dangerous pandora’s box by pursuing the mysteries that slowly unfold, he is compelled to keep going.
It’s a thriller and a mystery, with a bit of a love story woven into the underside of the narrative. Great writing from David Hickson, whose experience in film and television shows in this engaging book.
March 9, 2021
Great adventure from South Africa
Treasonous is a political thriller from South Africa. The president-elect is facing shadows from the past, from a different world, when there was a state of civil war. Could this affect his ability to govern today? “It’s a matter of accountability. Our leaders should be accountable to us. The most powerful man in the land cannot be hiding secrets from his people. If he killed someone, he cannot expect to assume a position of power.” While following the clues, the former special forces soldier Gabriel is crossing his tracks. And no surprise that owning a gold mine offers certain advantages, but where does the line go? The book is suspense from the beginning, a real page-turner.
Treasonous is a political thriller from South Africa. The president-elect is facing shadows from the past, from a different world, when there was a state of civil war. Could this affect his ability to govern today? “It’s a matter of accountability. Our leaders should be accountable to us. The most powerful man in the land cannot be hiding secrets from his people. If he killed someone, he cannot expect to assume a position of power.” While following the clues, the former special forces soldier Gabriel is crossing his tracks. And no surprise that owning a gold mine offers certain advantages, but where does the line go? The book is suspense from the beginning, a real page-turner.
March 7, 2021
Jack Reacher watch your back!
I love the Jack Reacher and Mitch Rapp novels, and Treasonus is a welcome addition to the genre. David Hickson has written a taut page turner, and it's so refreshing to have a new backdrop for a thriller, in this case the political machinations of South Africa.
I'm thinking James McAvoy for the role of Ben Gabriel in the movie - but what do you think?
Enjoy.
I love the Jack Reacher and Mitch Rapp novels, and Treasonus is a welcome addition to the genre. David Hickson has written a taut page turner, and it's so refreshing to have a new backdrop for a thriller, in this case the political machinations of South Africa.
I'm thinking James McAvoy for the role of Ben Gabriel in the movie - but what do you think?
Enjoy.
March 6, 2021
A riveting thriller filled with political intrigue and mystery. All wrapped in the cloud that is South Africa. The characters pull the reader in and as their lives unfold and are revealed the plot moves on. Pick this novel up, be entertained and educated on this section of our collective global experience.
April 15, 2022
heart pounding!!
Such a thrilling read. I pictured myself in SAfrica - which is something I look for in a book. I truly want to escape into the pages and this book delivered. I was at the edge of my seat wondering about the gold stash, and the politics & secrets. Highly recommend.
Such a thrilling read. I pictured myself in SAfrica - which is something I look for in a book. I truly want to escape into the pages and this book delivered. I was at the edge of my seat wondering about the gold stash, and the politics & secrets. Highly recommend.
March 5, 2021
Hooked from the start, I immediately connected with Ben as he confronted danger. The pacing was excellent and enhanced the mystery. Hard to put down, this thriller is filled with action and suspense. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
March 6, 2021
I enjoyed reading this. It was great to read a fast paced crime mystery set in an African setting. Some really interesting characters and an engaging story. I hope there are going to be more of these.
March 21, 2021
Treasonous by David Hickson captured me from the beginning and held me until the last word. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
April 5, 2021
It's a well plotted book. Set in South Africa, it's easy to read and quite entertaining. I recommend it.
April 30, 2022
Action-packed and page-turning adventure. Good job Mr. Hickson
October 26, 2022
Good read this
I enjoyed this story as it was a good mystery that unfolded as the book progressed. A really good plot with an African tint.
I enjoyed this story as it was a good mystery that unfolded as the book progressed. A really good plot with an African tint.
May 14, 2024
South Africa - a great backdrop for a political thriller with a difference.
Good characters, plenty of action and some intriguing twists and turns.
The start of a promising series.
Good characters, plenty of action and some intriguing twists and turns.
The start of a promising series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews