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Rina Walker #4
Stealth
One tough woman. One fight to the death . . .
London 1967. A working girl is brutally murdered in a Soho club. Rina Walker takes out the killer and attracts the attention of a sinister line-up of gangland enforcers with a great deal to prove.
When a member of British Military Intelligence becomes aware of her failure to fulfill a contract, issued by an inmate of Broadmoor, he forces her into the deadly arena of the Cold War, with orders to kill an enemy agent.
Rina must call upon all her skills, not simply to survive but to protect the ones she loves.
Will she make it out alive?,
London 1967. A working girl is brutally murdered in a Soho club. Rina Walker takes out the killer and attracts the attention of a sinister line-up of gangland enforcers with a great deal to prove.
When a member of British Military Intelligence becomes aware of her failure to fulfill a contract, issued by an inmate of Broadmoor, he forces her into the deadly arena of the Cold War, with orders to kill an enemy agent.
Rina must call upon all her skills, not simply to survive but to protect the ones she loves.
Will she make it out alive?,
266 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 13, 2018
Erm,...
This was confusing, all over the place, predictable, lacking plot, thriving on completely nonsensical and gratuitous violence and ... I am so disappointed.
There was hardly any character development with respect to Rina or anyone else other than her baby sister growing into her own badass-style of assertiveness.
Other than that, I have the same issues with this book as I had with the first instalment, Harm, except there was no longer anything fresh or intriguing about the story.
Could it be that Hugh is churning out these books too fast? Not enough time to develop a plot? Or a point?
Yeah, this was not good.
This was confusing, all over the place, predictable, lacking plot, thriving on completely nonsensical and gratuitous violence and ... I am so disappointed.
There was hardly any character development with respect to Rina or anyone else other than her baby sister growing into her own badass-style of assertiveness.
Other than that, I have the same issues with this book as I had with the first instalment, Harm, except there was no longer anything fresh or intriguing about the story.
Could it be that Hugh is churning out these books too fast? Not enough time to develop a plot? Or a point?
Yeah, this was not good.
November 1, 2018
Stealth is the fourth book in the fabulous Rina Walker series and probably best read in order.
What I really love about these books is how the author brings the sixties very much to life. The cars, the music, the clothes, you really get transported back to that era and whilst I may not have been born then, I can still appreciate what life was like then.
Rina is a woman with morals. Even in her line of work there are some lines that she won’t cross. This inevitably causes issues. Rina as usual finds herself getting involved in issues she would rather not be as well as putting her own life at risk.
As I have come to expect from this authors books, this was another gripping, fast paced read with lots of action. I love how even set years ago, the author has made it very current with a strong protagonist who is in a relationship with another woman who has been around since book one. I like that there is a long lasting partner as all to often in this sort of genre, relationships sadly never seem to last for long. Then again Lizzie is also very much a best friend to Rina also. They are almost soul mates.
Stealth is a compulsive read that had me tearing through the pages. With some unexpected turns and twists, the author ensures he keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, holding on for dear life. A series that just gets better and better.
What I really love about these books is how the author brings the sixties very much to life. The cars, the music, the clothes, you really get transported back to that era and whilst I may not have been born then, I can still appreciate what life was like then.
Rina is a woman with morals. Even in her line of work there are some lines that she won’t cross. This inevitably causes issues. Rina as usual finds herself getting involved in issues she would rather not be as well as putting her own life at risk.
As I have come to expect from this authors books, this was another gripping, fast paced read with lots of action. I love how even set years ago, the author has made it very current with a strong protagonist who is in a relationship with another woman who has been around since book one. I like that there is a long lasting partner as all to often in this sort of genre, relationships sadly never seem to last for long. Then again Lizzie is also very much a best friend to Rina also. They are almost soul mates.
Stealth is a compulsive read that had me tearing through the pages. With some unexpected turns and twists, the author ensures he keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, holding on for dear life. A series that just gets better and better.
October 2, 2018
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 360
Publisher - Urbane Publications
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
When a step out of line means a fight to the death... London 1967 A working girl is brutally murdered in a Soho club. Rina Walker takes out the killer and attracts the attention of a sinister line-up of gangland enforcers with a great deal to prove. When a member of British Military Intelligence becomes aware of her failure to fulfill a contract issued by an inmate of Broadmoor, he forces her into the deadly arena of the Cold War, with orders to kill an enemy agent. Rina needs to call upon all her dark skills, not simply to survive, but to protect the ones she loves.
My Review
1967, meet Rina Walker, pretty much a killer for hire. She is tough, takes no nonsense, fights for what is hers and has a penchant for protecting those weaker than her. When someone is murdered in her girlfriends club Rina goes after the killer and attracts the attention of more than one organisation. Her hand is forced to do a job that tangles her with the British Military Intelligence whilst avoiding a few faces who are also targeting her. Life is anything but simple for Rina, add into all of that when she sees someone being prayed upon she can't help but put herself on the line and intervene!
So this is book four in a series I believe but my first time reading this author. I don't feel I missed anything out by not reading the previous books however I did like this one so much I will be visiting the books that come before it. Rina is such a great character, she is a brutally strong female, an assassin which is practically unheard of in the time period it is set. She is a lesbian which would also be a huge issue for that era yet nothing phases her or stops her being who she is. She is solid, ruthless, brutal, a killer and yet we see a softer side of her with those weaker, with her family, with her lover. She is a really well rounded character and I cannot wait to read more of her antics and catch up on her back story.
There are a few themes within this book that some may find difficult to read. Sexual abuse, deviancy, child abuse, rape, violence and torture which I know some readers really struggle with. For me there was an incident that I had to read twice and couldn't wrap my head around the characters reaction or lack of, for real life regardless of who you are that isn't a reaction that rang true for me and we didn't revisit it at all. I am sure many readers would get past it or maybe not even clock on but it is just something I had to mention as it was really one of the only things in the book I didn't get or love.
Talking of love, the music within this book absolutely needs highlighted. It is the 1960's and lots of our gangster's business and meetings takes place in clubs. Music playing in the background in many scenes whilst not the focus of the particular part in the story was actually a huge pull for me. I LOVED THIS and it was such an unexpected perk within the book, you read crime and brutality you don't think you are going to get something like music as maybe more than a passing reference. If a book was ever written to come with a soundtrack it should absolutely be this one, I was taken on such a great trip down memory lane. Some songs I hadn't heard of before so my Alexa fair worked for her money the two days I was reading this book. I would love the publishers to create a playlist for this book, some amazing tunes that just make the scenes a wee bit more vivid and real when playing out the story in your head.
A book that packs a punch, has skulduggery, lots of violence and rage, good and bad, love, relationships, right and wrong, amazing music and that is just some of the themes. My first dance with this author it will not be my last, 3.5/5 for me this time. Thanks so much to Lovebooksgrouptours for introducing me to a new author I may well have missed
Pages - 360
Publisher - Urbane Publications
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
When a step out of line means a fight to the death... London 1967 A working girl is brutally murdered in a Soho club. Rina Walker takes out the killer and attracts the attention of a sinister line-up of gangland enforcers with a great deal to prove. When a member of British Military Intelligence becomes aware of her failure to fulfill a contract issued by an inmate of Broadmoor, he forces her into the deadly arena of the Cold War, with orders to kill an enemy agent. Rina needs to call upon all her dark skills, not simply to survive, but to protect the ones she loves.
My Review
1967, meet Rina Walker, pretty much a killer for hire. She is tough, takes no nonsense, fights for what is hers and has a penchant for protecting those weaker than her. When someone is murdered in her girlfriends club Rina goes after the killer and attracts the attention of more than one organisation. Her hand is forced to do a job that tangles her with the British Military Intelligence whilst avoiding a few faces who are also targeting her. Life is anything but simple for Rina, add into all of that when she sees someone being prayed upon she can't help but put herself on the line and intervene!
So this is book four in a series I believe but my first time reading this author. I don't feel I missed anything out by not reading the previous books however I did like this one so much I will be visiting the books that come before it. Rina is such a great character, she is a brutally strong female, an assassin which is practically unheard of in the time period it is set. She is a lesbian which would also be a huge issue for that era yet nothing phases her or stops her being who she is. She is solid, ruthless, brutal, a killer and yet we see a softer side of her with those weaker, with her family, with her lover. She is a really well rounded character and I cannot wait to read more of her antics and catch up on her back story.
There are a few themes within this book that some may find difficult to read. Sexual abuse, deviancy, child abuse, rape, violence and torture which I know some readers really struggle with. For me there was an incident that I had to read twice and couldn't wrap my head around the characters reaction or lack of, for real life regardless of who you are that isn't a reaction that rang true for me and we didn't revisit it at all. I am sure many readers would get past it or maybe not even clock on but it is just something I had to mention as it was really one of the only things in the book I didn't get or love.
Talking of love, the music within this book absolutely needs highlighted. It is the 1960's and lots of our gangster's business and meetings takes place in clubs. Music playing in the background in many scenes whilst not the focus of the particular part in the story was actually a huge pull for me. I LOVED THIS and it was such an unexpected perk within the book, you read crime and brutality you don't think you are going to get something like music as maybe more than a passing reference. If a book was ever written to come with a soundtrack it should absolutely be this one, I was taken on such a great trip down memory lane. Some songs I hadn't heard of before so my Alexa fair worked for her money the two days I was reading this book. I would love the publishers to create a playlist for this book, some amazing tunes that just make the scenes a wee bit more vivid and real when playing out the story in your head.
A book that packs a punch, has skulduggery, lots of violence and rage, good and bad, love, relationships, right and wrong, amazing music and that is just some of the themes. My first dance with this author it will not be my last, 3.5/5 for me this time. Thanks so much to Lovebooksgrouptours for introducing me to a new author I may well have missed
November 5, 2018
WOW! This hit the ground running and didn't stop until the very end. Non stop action all the way. I was exhausted by the time I had turned the last page.
Ok the boring bit, this is book four and although there is some catch-up, all the previous three books in the series are so good that you really have no excuse not to read them first. Rina has a bit of a past and I believe you would really get the best of her if you start her journey at the beginning.
So... back to the book. One of her previous outings has put Rina in the crosshairs of some really rather nasty people and she is forced to take on a hit that, when she observes the people personally, she really doesn't want to perform. She does her best to cover up her non activity but sadly she is found out and basically becomes a marked woman. But, this is just one of the things that happens in this book - basically Rina is one bad-ass killing machine here - with good cause on the whole, and she zooms from kill to kill, escaping capture and digging herself out of the tightest spots with a little help from her friends and allies. Just when she thinks she's got on top of things, she hears something else, is blackmailed by someone else, coerced by another... it's a bit heavy and non-stop. Thrilling to say the least though! And then we have some more tender moments, mostly between Rina and Lizzie to redress the balance.
And all these shenanigans are going on in a 1960s London, complete with music from the era and news too. I especially loved the mention of one of my favourite playwrights and, unfortunately, his sad demise. These mentions and asides really do set the scene perfectly and add a background rich colour to what is going on in the foreground with Rina. The author is also up with the fashions of the day too describing Rina's various outfits with great aplomb.
All in all, a cracking addition to a series that I really love. Come on Rina, what you going to get up to next time? I really can't wait to hear about it all.
Ok the boring bit, this is book four and although there is some catch-up, all the previous three books in the series are so good that you really have no excuse not to read them first. Rina has a bit of a past and I believe you would really get the best of her if you start her journey at the beginning.
So... back to the book. One of her previous outings has put Rina in the crosshairs of some really rather nasty people and she is forced to take on a hit that, when she observes the people personally, she really doesn't want to perform. She does her best to cover up her non activity but sadly she is found out and basically becomes a marked woman. But, this is just one of the things that happens in this book - basically Rina is one bad-ass killing machine here - with good cause on the whole, and she zooms from kill to kill, escaping capture and digging herself out of the tightest spots with a little help from her friends and allies. Just when she thinks she's got on top of things, she hears something else, is blackmailed by someone else, coerced by another... it's a bit heavy and non-stop. Thrilling to say the least though! And then we have some more tender moments, mostly between Rina and Lizzie to redress the balance.
And all these shenanigans are going on in a 1960s London, complete with music from the era and news too. I especially loved the mention of one of my favourite playwrights and, unfortunately, his sad demise. These mentions and asides really do set the scene perfectly and add a background rich colour to what is going on in the foreground with Rina. The author is also up with the fashions of the day too describing Rina's various outfits with great aplomb.
All in all, a cracking addition to a series that I really love. Come on Rina, what you going to get up to next time? I really can't wait to hear about it all.
October 19, 2018
“An action-packed thriller with a powerful heroine”
London, 1967. A working girl is brutally murdered in a club in Soho. Trained by her own life experiences, Rina Walker takes out the killer. However, in doing so, she inadvertently attracts the attention of sinister individuals who belong to gangs and organisations within London’s criminal underworld. When she fails to fulfil a contract issued by an inmate of Broadmoor prison, Rina’s on the radar of a member of British Military Intelligence, who forces her into the perilous world of the Cold War. With orders to kill an enemy agent, Rina must use all her skills, not only to survive, but also to protect those that she loves.
Although this novel is the fourth in the Rina Walker series, I did not feel that this was the case; Fraser provided brief summaries of Rina’s past and how she came into contact with certain people. These little overviews were very helpful as they filled me in on some background information which subsequently provided greater character depth of Rina. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed (with Rina kicking some serious butt), and just when she thought that she could safely get on with her life, she would have another contract to complete. It is not action all the time however. There are moments within the book that allow you to breathe and supply you with some lovely emotional scenes that build on the relationship between Rina and her lover, Lizzie.
I loved the authenticity of the period in which this book is set. Readers are immersed in the Swinging Sixties with references to music, fashion and cars that were all present at this time. I felt like I had stepped into a time machine and been transported back to an era where things were very different to now. The setting was simultaneously familiar and strange to me because even though the book is predominantly set in London, it is in a time that I haven’t witnessed first-hand myself. Fraser doesn’t just tell you about the late ‘60s, but shows you and he does a brilliant job of it too.
The character of Rina is so likeable as a protagonist; she is strong, independent and capable of bringing people to justice who would otherwise evade it if situations were left to government authorities. She is an assassin-for-hire which might make you regard her as cold-hearted and unfeeling. However, she has morals and very strong ones which, although get her in a bit of trouble, make you respect her and view her as human. A few concise synopses of Rina’s earlier life evoked sympathy from me because she had such a tough beginning. Instead of that crushing her, she has fought back and made a way in life for both herself and her younger sister, Georgie. Moments between Rina and Lizzie were raw and heartfelt, and I was glad to see that she had found a means of happiness with someone she truly loves.
Overall, Stealth is a thriller full of action with a tough and capable heroine at its heart. You will be transported back to the Swinging Sixties and London’s criminal underworld. Although this is the fourth book in the Rina Walker series, this works perfectly as a standalone novel, and I will definitely be reading the previous three novels.
London, 1967. A working girl is brutally murdered in a club in Soho. Trained by her own life experiences, Rina Walker takes out the killer. However, in doing so, she inadvertently attracts the attention of sinister individuals who belong to gangs and organisations within London’s criminal underworld. When she fails to fulfil a contract issued by an inmate of Broadmoor prison, Rina’s on the radar of a member of British Military Intelligence, who forces her into the perilous world of the Cold War. With orders to kill an enemy agent, Rina must use all her skills, not only to survive, but also to protect those that she loves.
Although this novel is the fourth in the Rina Walker series, I did not feel that this was the case; Fraser provided brief summaries of Rina’s past and how she came into contact with certain people. These little overviews were very helpful as they filled me in on some background information which subsequently provided greater character depth of Rina. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed (with Rina kicking some serious butt), and just when she thought that she could safely get on with her life, she would have another contract to complete. It is not action all the time however. There are moments within the book that allow you to breathe and supply you with some lovely emotional scenes that build on the relationship between Rina and her lover, Lizzie.
I loved the authenticity of the period in which this book is set. Readers are immersed in the Swinging Sixties with references to music, fashion and cars that were all present at this time. I felt like I had stepped into a time machine and been transported back to an era where things were very different to now. The setting was simultaneously familiar and strange to me because even though the book is predominantly set in London, it is in a time that I haven’t witnessed first-hand myself. Fraser doesn’t just tell you about the late ‘60s, but shows you and he does a brilliant job of it too.
The character of Rina is so likeable as a protagonist; she is strong, independent and capable of bringing people to justice who would otherwise evade it if situations were left to government authorities. She is an assassin-for-hire which might make you regard her as cold-hearted and unfeeling. However, she has morals and very strong ones which, although get her in a bit of trouble, make you respect her and view her as human. A few concise synopses of Rina’s earlier life evoked sympathy from me because she had such a tough beginning. Instead of that crushing her, she has fought back and made a way in life for both herself and her younger sister, Georgie. Moments between Rina and Lizzie were raw and heartfelt, and I was glad to see that she had found a means of happiness with someone she truly loves.
Overall, Stealth is a thriller full of action with a tough and capable heroine at its heart. You will be transported back to the Swinging Sixties and London’s criminal underworld. Although this is the fourth book in the Rina Walker series, this works perfectly as a standalone novel, and I will definitely be reading the previous three novels.
March 1, 2021
I love Rina the lesbian assassin with a heart of gold but this book did feel a little disjointed and the ending on Hydra a little too rushed.
I still enjoyed it and read it in just four days. The feel of the sixties and the life the Rina has had forced upon her due to her early life feels very real.
I am not sure about the relationship with her sister and the fact it is only explored in this book in the last few chapters and then almost used as a get out of jail free card to set up the ending felt a little false. Also the Georgie we met in the 70’s in book one seemed a lot more damaged from her early childhood than the one we meet at the end of this book which is set in the 60’s so I am not sure what happened there.
This is the last book published in this series so I am hoping Hugh Fraser has used his lockdown well and that there are more to come.
I still enjoyed it and read it in just four days. The feel of the sixties and the life the Rina has had forced upon her due to her early life feels very real.
I am not sure about the relationship with her sister and the fact it is only explored in this book in the last few chapters and then almost used as a get out of jail free card to set up the ending felt a little false. Also the Georgie we met in the 70’s in book one seemed a lot more damaged from her early childhood than the one we meet at the end of this book which is set in the 60’s so I am not sure what happened there.
This is the last book published in this series so I am hoping Hugh Fraser has used his lockdown well and that there are more to come.
October 27, 2018
A superb action packed crime novel
Once again Hugh pulls it off with an exceptional return to the Swinging Sixties in gritty gangland London. Although this is my fourth encounter with the book’s protagonist, Rina Walker, it certainly can be enjoyed as a standalone. The story behind Rina’s background is cleverly brought in to the novel and gives you a good impression of her past. An excellent plot with plenty of tension and nail-biting moments. Just as you feel Rina has got her way out of another near death situation, she’s up against it again. Stealth is brilliantly written and well composed, I love the reference to places, fashion and the Sounds of the Sixties. An unputdownable and highly recommended book.
Once again Hugh pulls it off with an exceptional return to the Swinging Sixties in gritty gangland London. Although this is my fourth encounter with the book’s protagonist, Rina Walker, it certainly can be enjoyed as a standalone. The story behind Rina’s background is cleverly brought in to the novel and gives you a good impression of her past. An excellent plot with plenty of tension and nail-biting moments. Just as you feel Rina has got her way out of another near death situation, she’s up against it again. Stealth is brilliantly written and well composed, I love the reference to places, fashion and the Sounds of the Sixties. An unputdownable and highly recommended book.
November 12, 2018
Well what a Cracker of a book i got sucked in from the first page and have loved my journey with Rina has she fights her way through life.She has to look after not only herself and the people she loves but she has to keep ahead of people who are out to kill her.Hugh Fraser certainly knows how to hook us readers and then draws us in.I can say this is a 5* book from me.
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