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Dan Shepherd #19
Dirty War
The target - the Prime Minister. The assassins - hard-bitten jihadists with nothing to lose.
The only man who can stop them? Dan "Spider" Shepherd.
But Shepherd's reputation is also on the line - he helped get one of the jihadists into the UK during the final days of the War in Afghanistan.
Now he has to track down the man whose life he once saved.
But the assassins aren't lone wolf killers - someone much more devious is pulling their strings.
And the clock is ticking . . .
The only man who can stop them? Dan "Spider" Shepherd.
But Shepherd's reputation is also on the line - he helped get one of the jihadists into the UK during the final days of the War in Afghanistan.
Now he has to track down the man whose life he once saved.
But the assassins aren't lone wolf killers - someone much more devious is pulling their strings.
And the clock is ticking . . .
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2022
225 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,528 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 3, 2022
If you are a Stephen Leather fan you have a lot to be grateful for this year. A Richard Yokely novella, a Jack Nightingale novel and now, a Spider Shepherd thriller. What did we do to deserve this?
Stephen Leather’s books always get a lot of feedback, many readers want a Jack Reacher style repeat of what they are comfortable with, not quite being comfortable that the author evolves his characters and expects his readers to understand that.
Anyway this is as topical and engaging as you would expect. The confusion over the extraction of allied forces from Afghanistan has allowed bad guys in, posing as interpreters. And they are planning a spectacular.
Spider Shepherd is now a respected intelligence operative and is tasked with setting up a small team to track the bad guys and identify what their plan is. Mostly this is about intelligence gathering and the cat and mouse game with those wishing to hide from the authorities. Less of Spider kicking in doors with a gun, more of him leading the hunt. Yes there is action but this is Spider in a slightly different light. Plenty of old faces and friends to enjoy but this feels like Spider is comfortable with himself and what he does. As always views and opinions are offered by some of the characters that we may not agree with, but very much in keeping with the characters and their life experiences.
It’s topical, clever and of course, it’s as excellent as you have come to expect.
Stephen Leather’s books always get a lot of feedback, many readers want a Jack Reacher style repeat of what they are comfortable with, not quite being comfortable that the author evolves his characters and expects his readers to understand that.
Anyway this is as topical and engaging as you would expect. The confusion over the extraction of allied forces from Afghanistan has allowed bad guys in, posing as interpreters. And they are planning a spectacular.
Spider Shepherd is now a respected intelligence operative and is tasked with setting up a small team to track the bad guys and identify what their plan is. Mostly this is about intelligence gathering and the cat and mouse game with those wishing to hide from the authorities. Less of Spider kicking in doors with a gun, more of him leading the hunt. Yes there is action but this is Spider in a slightly different light. Plenty of old faces and friends to enjoy but this feels like Spider is comfortable with himself and what he does. As always views and opinions are offered by some of the characters that we may not agree with, but very much in keeping with the characters and their life experiences.
It’s topical, clever and of course, it’s as excellent as you have come to expect.
September 4, 2022
It was OK a bit too predictable.
August 8, 2023
“Dirty War” by Stephen Leather (2022) First Edition
Overall Rating 9/10 – Lights, sound, camera, ACTION!
Plot
Dan “Spider” Sherperd is back on the case again when some Afghans working for the British Embassy in Afghanistan go missing after being shipped to the UK during the Taliban reconstitution. It is a race against time to discover what they are up to and who their target is …
Writing Style
As with all his earlier works in this series, Leather writes with short, punchy prose with “bang up to date” elegance. Easy to read, nothing extraneous – just relax and let the story unfold around you. So easy to feel you are actually there with the characters.
Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
A continuation of the successful series of Dan “Spider” Shepherd novels written by Leather. As a “stand alone” I think it does extremely well but, knowing all the characters already, I have to say it was imbued with something a little extra. I did miss Charlotte Button but the story didn’t lose anything for her being absent (presumably lolling around on a Caribbean island drinking cocktails) and it was great to see Richard Yokely (that character is a touch of pure genius). Reading these books has become akin to normal life. They are so realistic that it becomes difficult to separate fact and fiction. Yet, the story is so compelling. Once I had started reading, there was no way I was going to put it down until I read every last word. Top stuff.
Overall Rating 9/10 – Lights, sound, camera, ACTION!
Plot
Dan “Spider” Sherperd is back on the case again when some Afghans working for the British Embassy in Afghanistan go missing after being shipped to the UK during the Taliban reconstitution. It is a race against time to discover what they are up to and who their target is …
Writing Style
As with all his earlier works in this series, Leather writes with short, punchy prose with “bang up to date” elegance. Easy to read, nothing extraneous – just relax and let the story unfold around you. So easy to feel you are actually there with the characters.
Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
A continuation of the successful series of Dan “Spider” Shepherd novels written by Leather. As a “stand alone” I think it does extremely well but, knowing all the characters already, I have to say it was imbued with something a little extra. I did miss Charlotte Button but the story didn’t lose anything for her being absent (presumably lolling around on a Caribbean island drinking cocktails) and it was great to see Richard Yokely (that character is a touch of pure genius). Reading these books has become akin to normal life. They are so realistic that it becomes difficult to separate fact and fiction. Yet, the story is so compelling. Once I had started reading, there was no way I was going to put it down until I read every last word. Top stuff.
February 16, 2023
Dirty War
By accident I fell late into this series and have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Very well written with the pace running hot throughout the plot not only held my attention over two day but the information on the current situation with regard to Afghanistan and the mess that the West left behind I found startling. The fact that the UK has something like 180,000 Afghans - mostly young men - registered and unregistered in this country I found appalling. However back to our hero, obviously a man of high integrity who has to work with his team with their hands virtually tied behind their backs however, they do manage to overcome the baddies, just. What I found interesting is the complete lack of a sex life in our heroes life, not even a hint. Simply not believable. I will have to read the next one in the series just to see if he retains his celibate life style. Great read otherwise, recommended.
By accident I fell late into this series and have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Very well written with the pace running hot throughout the plot not only held my attention over two day but the information on the current situation with regard to Afghanistan and the mess that the West left behind I found startling. The fact that the UK has something like 180,000 Afghans - mostly young men - registered and unregistered in this country I found appalling. However back to our hero, obviously a man of high integrity who has to work with his team with their hands virtually tied behind their backs however, they do manage to overcome the baddies, just. What I found interesting is the complete lack of a sex life in our heroes life, not even a hint. Simply not believable. I will have to read the next one in the series just to see if he retains his celibate life style. Great read otherwise, recommended.
January 4, 2023
A fast-paced intelligence thriller, that centers on a supposed Islamic threat to assassinate the British PM and former PMs. Most of the plot deals with Spider Shepherd unravelling the threat and how he combines and works with all the intelligence agencies within Britain to uncover who is actually behind the threat.
At just over 300 pages, it didn't take me long to finish. What it did do, was make me think about the people who work in intelligence and how all the decisions they make are directly influenced by politics and politicians. Not a job for me, I'd probably be fired on my first day for telling some government minister or worker to shove it!
Never having read any Spider Shepherd books before, this was a good introduction and a series that I'll revisit whenever I can.
At just over 300 pages, it didn't take me long to finish. What it did do, was make me think about the people who work in intelligence and how all the decisions they make are directly influenced by politics and politicians. Not a job for me, I'd probably be fired on my first day for telling some government minister or worker to shove it!
Never having read any Spider Shepherd books before, this was a good introduction and a series that I'll revisit whenever I can.
October 6, 2023
Dirty War by Stephen Leather is number 19 in the Dan (Spider) Shepherd series and I think time is beginning to tell on the character leading to a 'been here before' feeling on the latest books.
Spider is ex SAS, ex SOCA/NCA and is now working as a spook. The recent stories are becoming a little formulaic; Spider is drafted in to work on a mission with the SAS, Spider then has to defeat a terrorist plot, which he does just in the nick of time. It's all a little obvious and expected now.
Like Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, maybe 20 is the golden number and by that time you need to retire the character in order to avoid them becoming stale and bromidic.
I've got #20 in the TBR pile and that may be the opportunity to call time on the series.
Spider is ex SAS, ex SOCA/NCA and is now working as a spook. The recent stories are becoming a little formulaic; Spider is drafted in to work on a mission with the SAS, Spider then has to defeat a terrorist plot, which he does just in the nick of time. It's all a little obvious and expected now.
Like Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, maybe 20 is the golden number and by that time you need to retire the character in order to avoid them becoming stale and bromidic.
I've got #20 in the TBR pile and that may be the opportunity to call time on the series.
September 18, 2022
The most current Spider Shepherd episode. Balancing these stories with those of Le Carré would give a more accurate picture of the espionage world. James Bond was only for silly fun. In Like Flint, with Coburn even did that genre better.
Tracking terrorists in the UK, while slapping around the motives and decisions of western politicians, continues in this story of the post-Brexit, post-Afghan withdrawal world.
Just another linguistic note: In the US, when someone is directed to do something, they could very well answer, "Will do." Apparently, in the UK, they answer, "I will do." Sounds really awkward to American ears, but then, so does, "Bob's your uncle."
Tracking terrorists in the UK, while slapping around the motives and decisions of western politicians, continues in this story of the post-Brexit, post-Afghan withdrawal world.
Just another linguistic note: In the US, when someone is directed to do something, they could very well answer, "Will do." Apparently, in the UK, they answer, "I will do." Sounds really awkward to American ears, but then, so does, "Bob's your uncle."
January 22, 2023
The very first book I bought when I got a Kindle happened to be Hard Landing, the first in the Spider Shepherd series and what a fortuitous purchase it was. Now somehow we’re on number 19 in the series and as usual they never fail to deliver. Topical plot and a great mix between the old Spider and the new. Nice to see some crossover characters pop up and the introduction of some new ones I hope we see more of in the future. As always I feel bereft when I finished and would love to be able to jump into the next one immediately.
November 4, 2023
The themes have not changed much, yet the plots are always different and unique and often reflecting current events in the world. The author truly has a talent for the genre.
19 books in and Dan Spider Shepherd still feels like an evolving character with new challenges in each instalment.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book, although I missed Liam. Was hoping to have more development as a character.
The plot was strong although the final chapter seemed rush. Did not feel as though there was mortal danger.
19 books in and Dan Spider Shepherd still feels like an evolving character with new challenges in each instalment.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book, although I missed Liam. Was hoping to have more development as a character.
The plot was strong although the final chapter seemed rush. Did not feel as though there was mortal danger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
Dan's the man
As ever with Stephen Leather, the Dan Shepherd stories are brilliantly written, fast-paced, believable characters and great stories. In this one, Dan is asked to rescue an MI6 operative from a location just outside of Kabul, who has been trapped in the location with his Afghan interpreter and his family. What follows is a tale of the interaction between various terrorist organisations, governments, and their intelligence organisations. Great story, very believable, full of insights into today's terrorist driven world.
As ever with Stephen Leather, the Dan Shepherd stories are brilliantly written, fast-paced, believable characters and great stories. In this one, Dan is asked to rescue an MI6 operative from a location just outside of Kabul, who has been trapped in the location with his Afghan interpreter and his family. What follows is a tale of the interaction between various terrorist organisations, governments, and their intelligence organisations. Great story, very believable, full of insights into today's terrorist driven world.
May 28, 2023
Yet another great read although not as good a previous books as it lacks any sub story. There's no off duty Shepherd so we're left with a somewhat one dimensional character after Katya. Leather still has the propensity to devote a block of about a dozen pages to the mind numbing minutiae, stuff he really could just gloss over. This time it was the church recce. Nonetheless, it's a quick and enjoyable easy read.
September 14, 2024
Dreadful. Used to enjoy Stephen Leather's work, but this book is clearly just a vehicle to push the same right-wing anti immigration nonsense that is present on the stephen Leather Facebook page. Are we really supposed to believe the SAS, some of the best trained soldiers on the planet, will take a break from a mission while on the ground in Afghanistan to give a civilian grief for having been an asylum seeker but going to visit their family?
December 15, 2024
The first part of the story is about Shepherd going into Afghanistan to retrieve people who were helping the British army as translators. The second part is about an attempted terrorist act.
The writing story is a bit more descriptive and technical. Not really my cup of tea but it is well written.
The latter part is better with the setup of a terrorist attack and how to stop it. It is just not a lot of happening but a lot of setting up.
3 stars read.
The writing story is a bit more descriptive and technical. Not really my cup of tea but it is well written.
The latter part is better with the setup of a terrorist attack and how to stop it. It is just not a lot of happening but a lot of setting up.
3 stars read.
January 17, 2024
Another amazing read by Stephen Leather. It frightens me that his writing has some basis in truth. It is scary if only a part of this novel could be true. I love Stephen's writing and especially the character of Spider. I have read all his books and look forward to read more. Kept me gripped from start to finish.
July 25, 2022
Excellent
Stephen Leather has delivered again. Love the Spider Shepherd series. The plots and twists keep the pages turning. Once you start reading its difficult to put down. Highly recommend reading this book.
Stephen Leather has delivered again. Love the Spider Shepherd series. The plots and twists keep the pages turning. Once you start reading its difficult to put down. Highly recommend reading this book.
September 18, 2022
Great read
Another excellent read from Stephen Leather in the Spider Shepherd series.
This book has it all, a great story line, plenty of action and great characters.
Well worth a read.
Another excellent read from Stephen Leather in the Spider Shepherd series.
This book has it all, a great story line, plenty of action and great characters.
Well worth a read.
February 11, 2023
Dirty War 19th Spider Shepherd Thriller
Another great book from Stephen Leather series just keeps getting better in the series of Spider Shepard looking forward to the next in the series
Another great book from Stephen Leather series just keeps getting better in the series of Spider Shepard looking forward to the next in the series
April 23, 2023
A good read and a scary backstory. The premise behind this book is scarily possible ahi much makes it a tense read towards the culmination of the story.
The book is packed with good action scenes and the tension builds beautifully as the story progresses.
The book is packed with good action scenes and the tension builds beautifully as the story progresses.
February 23, 2025
Brilliant, another 2022 Stephen Leather masterpiece. A Dan Sheppard assignment combating terrorism in the UK. Great attention to detail, but moving through the investigation, plot and action so well 370 pages fly by. Read in a day. Can't wait for the next.
August 9, 2022
Spider shepherd
I have read all of these books and I'm never disappointed. They are the only one's I will pay for to read.
I have read all of these books and I'm never disappointed. They are the only one's I will pay for to read.
August 13, 2022
Dirty War Review
Another excellent read! Hopefully there will be more Spider Shepherd stories to follow in from this. Very addictive story lines.
Another excellent read! Hopefully there will be more Spider Shepherd stories to follow in from this. Very addictive story lines.
September 13, 2022
The thinking man's spy.
Not as much action as i'd like but excellent as always
Not as much action as i'd like but excellent as always
September 21, 2022
Enjoyable
November 25, 2022
Another excellent Spider novel.
January 17, 2023
Ever since the first Spider Shepherd book, Hard Landing, I realised that I won't miss any of them in future. Dirty War just confirmed my prediction and I can't wait for the next book!
March 11, 2023
good
Good book as always. Have read this series from the start and I always look forward to the next one.
Good book as always. Have read this series from the start and I always look forward to the next one.
May 15, 2023
Full on action
The content is believable and well written. Action packed all the way through and an ideal read for those that like thrillers.
The content is believable and well written. Action packed all the way through and an ideal read for those that like thrillers.
July 4, 2023
This one was OK but quite predictable. It built up to a big scene but didn't really deliver. I normally love Spider books but this wasn't his best work.
February 23, 2024
Loved every page of this book .Action in every turn of a page. Another awesome spider shepherd book
Top read.
Top read.
March 13, 2024
Another great Spider story. This was set in 2023 which made it even better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews