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Duncan Grant #1
Kill Day
A rookie MI6 operative’s hunt for a legendary spy gone rogue.
Duncan Grant is MI6’s most talented rookie, with a reputation for maverick brilliance. When a routine operation ends in murder, Grant is tasked with capturing the assassin: rogue MI6 officer Henry Marlow.
But as Grant leads the hunt, Marlow’s renegade mission escalates, targeting anyone who could expose his secrets. If Grant wants to stop him, he must uncover a shadowy plot that links a Saudi prince, a corrupt Interpol detective, and an infamous black ops programme.
With the very future of MI6 at stake, Grant must confront Marlow in a terrifying endgame – after which nothing will be the same again.
The epic journey starts here.
Duncan Grant is MI6’s most talented rookie, with a reputation for maverick brilliance. When a routine operation ends in murder, Grant is tasked with capturing the assassin: rogue MI6 officer Henry Marlow.
But as Grant leads the hunt, Marlow’s renegade mission escalates, targeting anyone who could expose his secrets. If Grant wants to stop him, he must uncover a shadowy plot that links a Saudi prince, a corrupt Interpol detective, and an infamous black ops programme.
With the very future of MI6 at stake, Grant must confront Marlow in a terrifying endgame – after which nothing will be the same again.
The epic journey starts here.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2021
424 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Raymond
15 books255 followersI've been a fan of thrillers ever since watching All the President's Men when I was far too young to understand what was going on. Now every day I get to indulge in my passion for fast-paced stories, characters you really care about, and to bring you behind the scenes of the intelligence agencies and the most secretive parts of the political world (the parts they don't want you to know about).
It's often said that I write cinematically, which isn't a coincidence, as my influences are as much in cinema as literature: Daniel Craig's Bond films, Glengarry Glen Ross, Spartan. TV has also been a major factor in my writing. From the original BBC miniseries State of Play, David Simon's The Wire, and Aaron Sorkin, writer of The West Wing; and the US version of House of Cards.
I have worked in the book industry since I was 21.
It's often said that I write cinematically, which isn't a coincidence, as my influences are as much in cinema as literature: Daniel Craig's Bond films, Glengarry Glen Ross, Spartan. TV has also been a major factor in my writing. From the original BBC miniseries State of Play, David Simon's The Wire, and Aaron Sorkin, writer of The West Wing; and the US version of House of Cards.
I have worked in the book industry since I was 21.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 14, 2021
Wow.....Another first in a series. Duncan Grant. What an epic....
Suspense, gripping, action packed epic thriller.
After an MI6 operation ends in murder, a covert operative must race against time to capture a legendary assassin.
When a contact with vital intelligence is killed in cold blood it doesn’t take long to identify the killer: black ops veteran turned rogue, Henry Marlow. Sent to capture him is the man being groomed to be Marlow’s successor: enigmatic covert operative Duncan Grant.
But as Grant digs into Marlow’s past, he uncovers a deadly plot that links an agency mole and an infamous assassination programme – a plot that some of the world’s most powerful people will do anything to keep secret.
Tearing up the espionage rule book, Marlow’s renegade mission pulls Grant into a world where kills don’t come easily, and the line between good and evil is not as clear as his superiors would have him believe. With the very future of MI6 at stake in a terrifying endgame, Grant will learn his most important lesson: trust no one.
The epic journey starts here!!
Wow.... My type of book, my type of action thriller it has everything, great characters, great villains, great surprises, great twists, action throughout the world. Just sat in the garden and read the last half of the book could not stop !!
Ordered number 2 !
Suspense, gripping, action packed epic thriller.
After an MI6 operation ends in murder, a covert operative must race against time to capture a legendary assassin.
When a contact with vital intelligence is killed in cold blood it doesn’t take long to identify the killer: black ops veteran turned rogue, Henry Marlow. Sent to capture him is the man being groomed to be Marlow’s successor: enigmatic covert operative Duncan Grant.
But as Grant digs into Marlow’s past, he uncovers a deadly plot that links an agency mole and an infamous assassination programme – a plot that some of the world’s most powerful people will do anything to keep secret.
Tearing up the espionage rule book, Marlow’s renegade mission pulls Grant into a world where kills don’t come easily, and the line between good and evil is not as clear as his superiors would have him believe. With the very future of MI6 at stake in a terrifying endgame, Grant will learn his most important lesson: trust no one.
The epic journey starts here!!
Wow.... My type of book, my type of action thriller it has everything, great characters, great villains, great surprises, great twists, action throughout the world. Just sat in the garden and read the last half of the book could not stop !!
Ordered number 2 !
July 23, 2021
Andrew Raymond is a new author to watch out for. His fast paced novel had my heart racing from beginning to end.
Espionage and spy novels are usually not a genre I enjoy but this is by far the best book I’ve read this year.
It’s fast paced, exciting, gruesome, thrilling and full of twists and turns - quite simply it has everything you want in a good book.
Absolutely loved it and cannot wait until the next for the next encounter with Duncan Grant.
Espionage and spy novels are usually not a genre I enjoy but this is by far the best book I’ve read this year.
It’s fast paced, exciting, gruesome, thrilling and full of twists and turns - quite simply it has everything you want in a good book.
Absolutely loved it and cannot wait until the next for the next encounter with Duncan Grant.
June 29, 2021
A Killer of a Book!
A brilliant book from this new author. Talk about keeping you guessing for a while, who the good and the bad guys are? Twists and turns all through the book, all over the world. Absolutely superb. Jason Bourne meets James Bond! Fantastic!
A brilliant book from this new author. Talk about keeping you guessing for a while, who the good and the bad guys are? Twists and turns all through the book, all over the world. Absolutely superb. Jason Bourne meets James Bond! Fantastic!
September 16, 2021
I chose to listen to this book as I was looking for a spy thriller. The beginning of the book was absolutely what I was looking for and I enjoyed listening. Then it got a bit weird. The main character was chasing down this known former agent and somehow the hunt took him to the Kongo. He finds Hell there and listening to this part of the book I was totally confused and had no idea why he had to go there or why he found what he did. It had turned into a horror show that I did not like or understand, checking the Audiobook I saw that I was only about half way through, which surprised me. I continued listening, as I needed to know what happens next and it came back to the real world and spy craft but then a stabbing was explained in too much detail and gore. The two agents meet and we are about to find out what the Kongo has to do with it all, but in the last moment the agent deems the "newbie" not ready yet and I am left with a bad feeling having listened to a form of Hell that is out there and not knowing why it was in this book.
April 21, 2021
I came across the author Andrew Raymond through reviews on social media and it became obvious I needed to read at least one of his books. I duly started to read 'Official Secrets', I was hooked...!! I simply had to read the sequels in what is at present a trilogy, they too were simply riveting. As if by magic and sensing my disappointment at not having another Novak & Mitchell story to read the author came up with 'Kill Day', and introduced me to 'Duncan Grant' a rookie MI6 agent. My fears of this new storyline not being as strong or thrilling as the Novak/Mitchell stories were quickly dispelled, I was rapidly taken deep into a labyrinth of intriguing plots with the authors trademark of captivating twists & turns. This storyline and character was so compelling I have already pre-ordered my copy of the sequel 'Dead Flags', due out in December 2021...
September 28, 2024
HIGH-OCTANE ADVENTURE THRILLER
Firstly, an accolade to Angus King, narrator extraordinaire. This was a terrific introduction to Duncan Grant and I look forward to the next one. Andrew Raymond is a master of the suspenseful, action-filled, twisty plot - always fast-paced and exciting. The Congo scenes are pretty harrowing with a hat tip to Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ and the echoes of that brilliant novella’s anti-hero Kurt’s megalomania and nihilism that has consumed the rogue agent, Marlow. Raymond brings a philosophical light to the various mindsets of the characters in Kill Day, especially to those who have to, or want to kill. Raymond’s writing is of the highest quality, and I had to look up the French word ‘connard’ which was the perfect choice for a Gallic insult! I recommend this book unreservedly, and look forward to Book 2.
Firstly, an accolade to Angus King, narrator extraordinaire. This was a terrific introduction to Duncan Grant and I look forward to the next one. Andrew Raymond is a master of the suspenseful, action-filled, twisty plot - always fast-paced and exciting. The Congo scenes are pretty harrowing with a hat tip to Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ and the echoes of that brilliant novella’s anti-hero Kurt’s megalomania and nihilism that has consumed the rogue agent, Marlow. Raymond brings a philosophical light to the various mindsets of the characters in Kill Day, especially to those who have to, or want to kill. Raymond’s writing is of the highest quality, and I had to look up the French word ‘connard’ which was the perfect choice for a Gallic insult! I recommend this book unreservedly, and look forward to Book 2.
May 4, 2021
Wow! What a start to a new series.
I am a big fan on Andrew's Novak & Mitchell series and was wondering how this book would go which wasn't part of the same series. I needn't have worried.
As I've come to expect from this author, the book is a fast moving and complex thriller. Duncan Grant is tasked with tracking down a disavowed agent, Henry Marlow but can he trust his superiors?
The story begins in Paris, and involves non-stop action set in France, the UK, Estonia and the Congo.
The good news is that book 2 in the series is scheduled for release in December and I can't wait to throw myself into Duncan's next mission.
I am a big fan on Andrew's Novak & Mitchell series and was wondering how this book would go which wasn't part of the same series. I needn't have worried.
As I've come to expect from this author, the book is a fast moving and complex thriller. Duncan Grant is tasked with tracking down a disavowed agent, Henry Marlow but can he trust his superiors?
The story begins in Paris, and involves non-stop action set in France, the UK, Estonia and the Congo.
The good news is that book 2 in the series is scheduled for release in December and I can't wait to throw myself into Duncan's next mission.
March 3, 2024
Kill Day -
I have read Andrew’s Novak & Mitchell series and a couple of his DCI Lomond series, and I have enjoyed them all. The Novak & Mitchell series were all cracking books and probably one of my favourites series, along side Alex Smith’s Kett series. This book, Duncan Grant - Book 1 - didn’t disappoint. Andrew’s books are always fast paced, full of action and keep you on edge. I’ve already downloaded the second in the series. If you haven’t read Andrew’s books I would highly recommend you do. 5 out of 5 from me.
I have read Andrew’s Novak & Mitchell series and a couple of his DCI Lomond series, and I have enjoyed them all. The Novak & Mitchell series were all cracking books and probably one of my favourites series, along side Alex Smith’s Kett series. This book, Duncan Grant - Book 1 - didn’t disappoint. Andrew’s books are always fast paced, full of action and keep you on edge. I’ve already downloaded the second in the series. If you haven’t read Andrew’s books I would highly recommend you do. 5 out of 5 from me.
April 16, 2024
I have always enjoyed this author's books. However, this time I found the number of characters quite confusing. There were a so many characters and it was hard to remember which organisation they belonged to and also it didn't help that several who were on the good side, or so we believed, ended rather too often to have gone rogue. I accept fully it might just be me, busy at the moment so reading it in short bursts. I would be interested to read other people's views. He is still a very good writer with amazing plots.
June 3, 2021
I really enjoyed the Novak & Mitchell books so was looking forward to reading this one, featuring new characters. I did like the story, but parts were a bit too fact heavy for me, and I skip-read some of the more violent parts, especially the Congo bits. I've come to the conclusion that I prefer books where there isn't just the one main character with a lonely backstory going it alone. I will give the next one a go though.
December 28, 2021
Thorough!y enjoyed
I've been looking for new author that I could relate to in their style pace and subject matter.
I've exhausted all I could find by super writers such as Kathy Reichs, Lee Child, Linda Fairstein, Karin Slaughter, Steve Cavanagh.....and more. This was the first Andrew Raymond book I've read and it did not disappoint. Waiting on the next in the series due in a few days time. Well worth a try if you like quality stories with great characters.
I've been looking for new author that I could relate to in their style pace and subject matter.
I've exhausted all I could find by super writers such as Kathy Reichs, Lee Child, Linda Fairstein, Karin Slaughter, Steve Cavanagh.....and more. This was the first Andrew Raymond book I've read and it did not disappoint. Waiting on the next in the series due in a few days time. Well worth a try if you like quality stories with great characters.
April 17, 2021
Thought this might be a bit too much Bond/Reacher, loads of action, simple plot. There is a lot of action, but it's actually a very intelligent, well researched and complex spy thriller. Don't just skim through it, there's a lot to take in. Think Charles Cumming or John le Carre with a splash of Rob Sinclair.
July 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it , it has strong characters and a compelling storyline which I found very engrossing. This is a clever and exciting thriller with a wonderful insight into the secret service. The author has a great style of writing and I really look forward to the next story featuring Duncan Grant as this character has a lot more t9 come…
April 2, 2022
Great
I can't help but like this book
It feels like it has lots of little flaws and plot gaps which will probably frustrate lots of readers who like this genre. But I think that's part of its charm. And the action is good and the set pieces bound along and don't give you to much time to ponder.
Has the makings of a great series
I can't help but like this book
It feels like it has lots of little flaws and plot gaps which will probably frustrate lots of readers who like this genre. But I think that's part of its charm. And the action is good and the set pieces bound along and don't give you to much time to ponder.
Has the makings of a great series
January 5, 2025
This is the first book i,ve read by this author and i seem to have an author to follow. Excellent start to a new series for the operative d. grant mi6. We have murders , car chases, and numerous plots.( no spoilers). This book captures a rookie mi6 op grant starting his career and you will enjoy it,so get hooked like me on mr raymond as a author to follow.
March 16, 2025
Wow !
This book took me into a world I knew next to nothing about. The highly secretive work of the agencies supposedly protecting the country from hostile infiltrators, in other words protecting the status quo , and those with power.
The writer's style is fast paced, he is skilled at building credible characters, and keeping the reader engrossed.
An interesting and good read.
This book took me into a world I knew next to nothing about. The highly secretive work of the agencies supposedly protecting the country from hostile infiltrators, in other words protecting the status quo , and those with power.
The writer's style is fast paced, he is skilled at building credible characters, and keeping the reader engrossed.
An interesting and good read.
June 9, 2021
This is the first of Andrew Raymond's new thriller series featuring the character Duncan Grant. Just as good as his Novak and Mitchell thrillers. I highly recommend to readers who enjoy the spy genre.
June 17, 2021
A good read for anyone who enjoys British secret service fiction
I really enjoyed this book, with twist and turns, good story telling and it rings of truth behind the fiction, loved it.
I really enjoyed this book, with twist and turns, good story telling and it rings of truth behind the fiction, loved it.
June 21, 2021
Not just another thriller.
The lone hero of current fiction has been done to death. But in Duncan Grant you can take my word that you’ll find it difficult to put down and be eager for the next one.
The lone hero of current fiction has been done to death. But in Duncan Grant you can take my word that you’ll find it difficult to put down and be eager for the next one.
July 17, 2021
A great read!
I loved the Stella and Novak series and hoped this book would live up to my expectations. It didn't disappoint! Fast-paced but full of detail. I finished it in no time, looking forward to the next installment!
I loved the Stella and Novak series and hoped this book would live up to my expectations. It didn't disappoint! Fast-paced but full of detail. I finished it in no time, looking forward to the next installment!
December 12, 2021
A very good book. Unlike some I’ve read recently, it’s got a good beginning, interesting story, and a a proper ending. Looking forward to the next in the series, plus other books by the same author in the hope they read like this one.
January 21, 2022
Believable
What a page turner, if you are looking for a really exciting action and intriguing thriller look no further. Excellent main character with tough enemies,well written the details are really good, could not put it down.
What a page turner, if you are looking for a really exciting action and intriguing thriller look no further. Excellent main character with tough enemies,well written the details are really good, could not put it down.
April 17, 2021
Pretty good. Got a little bogged down. Skipped some pages. Too much info dumping at times I liked the main character . I would read the next one.
October 5, 2021
Really good read and i will download more from this author and look forward to the next instalment.
October 31, 2021
Great read, if you like spy thrillers and James Bond, you will enjoy this!
March 12, 2022
Another great book from Andrew Raymond! Really enjoyed this, it was fast moving and a great story. Can’t wait to start the next one!
April 6, 2022
It was good fun.
I’m a huge le Carré, Gerald Seymour, Ted Allbeury enthusiast and this isn’t in their league but very readable. I didn’t have to work to ‘suspend my disbelief’ as you have to with many in this genre.
I’m a huge le Carré, Gerald Seymour, Ted Allbeury enthusiast and this isn’t in their league but very readable. I didn’t have to work to ‘suspend my disbelief’ as you have to with many in this genre.
September 23, 2022
2.5 rounded up. This was ok at best. A bit too much and predictable.
April 28, 2023
Really, 3.5 stars. Solid book but not great.
July 12, 2023
Another excellent read from Andrew Raymond 👍🏻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews