Resurrection

The Englishman #3

by David Gilman

Somewhere in the Sahara, on the desolate border between Sudan and Chad, a P51 Mustang with long-range drop tanks slowly emerges from the dunes.

Inside, the skeletalized remains of a man missing for three decades.

His flying jacket bears no insignia, a worn leather attaché case lies by his side, held securely by a manacle around his left wrist. Inside a document men will kill for. Die for.

The sands of time have shifted, and whoever finds that aircraft finds information that could expose the most valuable spy the UK intelligence service has ever known.

The British, the French, and the Russians are on the trail.

And so is Raglan.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

403 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2023

About the author

David Gilman was raised in Liverpool and educated in Wales. By the time he was 16 he was driving a battered 1946 Ford, ferrying construction workers in the African bush. A variety of jobs followed in different countries: fire and rescue, forestry work, JCB driver, window dresser and professional photographer in an advertising agency. He served in the Parachute Regiment’s Reconnaissance Platoon and then worked in publishing. In 1986 he turned to full-time writing. He has written many radio and television scripts including several years of ‘A Touch of Frost’. In 2007 his ‘Danger Zone’ trilogy for YA was sold in 15 countries. The first in the series – The Devil’s Breath was long listed for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and won the French Prix Polar Jeunesse. He also writes for younger children. MONKEY and ME has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal. ‘MASTER of WAR’ is the first in a series of HF for adults that follows the fortunes of Thomas Blackstone during the 100 Years’ War. The 7th volume - 'SHADOW OF THE HAWK' is published in February 2021.
A new contemporary thriller series - THE ENGLISHMAN - was published in 2020 to critical acclaim. The second book in The Englishman series will be published in early 2022.

Reviews

[Mihaela Abrudan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comploturi, jocuri de putere, trădări, corupție și spionaj toate având în centru un demnitar rus care face un joc periculos toate se regăsesc în acest volum din seria Englezul. Chiar dacă URSS nu mai există, instituțiile ei de forță au supraviețuit și își apară interesele. " Aceeași Mărie cu altă pălărie".

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this author through social media and thought he sounded like someone I would like to try, I sure am glad I did. Resurrection by David Gilman is the third book about Dan "The Englishman" Raglan an ex French foreign legionnaire. I just love the pace and characters in these books. The different stories are also great and this one is one of the best in the series. Its a mystery concerning some espionage that started thirty years ago and actually involved Raglans father. Some people are willing to go to the extreme to cover the identity or reveal the spy it concerns. We get to follow Raglan through some really harsh environments and an intricately woven story. Gilman do have a great way with words and scenery that I do appreciate. I am never really sure where the adventure will take me and that is a big bonus. I really recommend these books and this one hits the shelves early January 2023. Big thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for letting me read this great book and please David keep up the good work.

[Nick Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A talented writer proves just how to write a thriller. Third in “The Englishman” series, one that just gets better and better.
Raglan is English and an ex member of the Foreign Legion. He operates as a fixer and operator for British Intelligence but remains close to the community of ex-Legionnaires. Here he is tasked with a mission that has links to his father’s past and service and leads a group of disgruntled French troops into the desert where he and his team are soon being hunted. The story ends in the bleakness of Russia and with cold war spies and double agents.
It's a proper thriller, full of action but also complex and intelligent plotting along with an array of satisfying characters.
This is a fantastic series I can’t recommend enough.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re seeking a book that puts the ‘thrill’ into ‘thrilling’ then look no further than Resurrection, the third in the series featuring ex-French Foreign Legionaire Dan Raglan.

The striking prologue and the first section of the story which follows is set in a part of Africa, the border between Sudan and Chad, whose turbulent history I knew very little about. And I knew even less about Russian involvement in the area including the activities of the Wagner Group, a private military contractor with close links to the Kremlin, who, as the BBC recently reported, are now active in Ukraine. It’s one of the many things about the book that makes it feel so bang up-to-date.

At the same time as Raglan is engaged on his dangerous recovery mission in the desert – one which has a link to his own past – the hunt is on for a double agent at the heart of a nation’s intelligence service. We could be in John lé Carre territory except that the nation in question is Russia. A fanatical patriotism means the character leading the clandestine search will stop at nothing to unmask the traitor.

The book’s short chapters, that often end with a killer last sentence, keep you turning the pages and the level of technical detail is superb. Having read the book I’m now confident (well, almost) that I could fly a monoplane, ascertain the right dose of antivenom serum to administer, survive alone in the desert for several days, escape drowning in an icy river and assess the relative merits of using 7.62mm or 5.56mm rounds in a Special Operations Combat Assault rifle.

A number of characters return from previous books, including Raglan’s friend and former comrade, Serge ‘Bird’ Sokol, and my potential rival for Raglan’s affections, Colonel Elena Sorokina of Moscow CID. At one point she observes, ‘You cause me much trouble, Englishman. I ask myself why I let you. The answer is not clear to me.’ Well, it’s as clear as day to me.

Ruthless villains, fascinating locations, fist fights and fire fights, car chases, intrigue and a mystery from the past. Oh, and a seemingly indestructible hero. What’s not to like?

Resurrection is another absolutely gripping, action-packed page turner that takes you from the unforgiving Sahara desert to the dangerous ‘Shanghai slums’ area of Moscow, all at whirlwind pace.

[Emil Călinescu]

Va recomand Renasterea (titlul oare la ce va duce cu gandul?), va recomand intreaga serie Englezul. Va recomand thrillerele aparute la Editura Lebada Neagra: toate sunt bine alese, nu sunt atat de cunoscute, nu sunt “bestsellere New York Times”, dar sunt extrem de bine scrise si te tin cu sufletul la gura. Ceea ce trebuie sa faca un thriller bun.

https://citestemil.ro/erenasterea-eng...

[Laura Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.75
I did find this a little difficult to get into, struggled a bit to connect for first few staves (read on The Pigeonhole, where the book is split into 10 daily sections or staves) this might have been because this is part of a series and I had missed some character development.
Glad I stuck with it though, as from about stave 4 or 5, the action and intrigue ramped up a gear and I was gripped.
The descriptions of the fights and the scenery in Africa show that the author did lots of research into these areas as well as the intricacies of Russian intelligence agencies and criminal gangs.
If you like an action/spy thriller this book series could be right up your street, though it's probably best, for greatest enjoyment, to start at book 1 (unlike me).
With thanks to the author and the Pigeonhole for the opportunity.

[Bodo Pfündl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An true powerhouse

Buried under the african sands lays an explosive secret. A secret MI6 has to protect at any cost. And the only one with a slim chance of getting the job done is the man whose father started it all - Dan Raglan…

RESURRECTION is David Gilman’s best Raglan thriller yet That is quite a feat on its own, considering the high bar his previous books set.
The pace and action are relentless, the characters rich and engaging and the research top-notch.

This book has an emotional impact that will stay with you long after its final page and is already a serious contender for best read of 2023. Congratulations, Mr. Gilman!

[jeff popple · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Gilman's Resurrection is a great thriller read for the forthcoming holidays.

Gilman made a spectacular entry into the action end of British spy writing with his first two novels about ex-Foreign Legion fighter and occasional spy Dan Raglan, and now has followed it up with the just as good Resurrection. The story opens with Raglan reluctantly agreeing to take a mission to retrieve documents from the wreck of an aircraft, which has been lost in the desert on the border of the Central African republic for over thirty years. The aircraft has links to Raglan’s father and the documents in it contain information about a British mole still working in the Russian government. The Russians are aware of the plane and what it may contain, and have also dispatched a team to find it.

After the initial set-up, the story moves at a blistering pace as the two teams make their way through the war ravaged and dangerous desert to the site of the aircraft. Meanwhile in Moscow, a rogue member of Russian Intelligence launches a dangerous mission to identify the British spy.

This is a very accomplished spy thriller, with Gilman ably mixing techno-military action on the ground, with equally deadly maneuvering in Moscow. There are some great action set-pieces and plenty of convincing military and spying detail. There are moments when Gilman pushes credibility to the limit, but most people will be busy turning the pages to notice or care.

See my full review and other holiday reading suggestions at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/h...

[Gail Wylde · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start 2023. This is my first book by this author and although it’s the third in the series it didn’t stop me really enjoying it. It’s a high octane, fast paced thriller which takes us from France, to the deserts of Africa and in to the seedy and dangerous side of Moscow. The cast of characters include our hero Raglan along with many “good” guys and some very nasty “bad” guys. I now need to read the first two books and will be recommending this to friends and family who like a great thriller.

Thanks to Pigeonhole and David Gilman for the opportunity to read this.

[Mark Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in the series. Heaps of action and brutal fights

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the highly acclaimed series featuring Dan Raglan

For me this a standout series of thrillers, From the off this is a high octane fast paced thriller that had me on the edge of the proverbial seat. The open page drew me in and offered an intriguing slice as to where the story would lead. A prologue that really captures and sets the scene

The whole book is a masterclass in thriller writing, the plot is rich with real depth, it makes you stop and think, which leads to a read of high intensity, the pace of the book pulsates as the action hits you like a tornado. At times the book is wonderfully intricate in the way the plot allows the action of the characters to take over

It is a story which moves seamlessly between continents, in some ways it has the feel of two stories interlinked by a common thread

Through the writing you get a strong sense of the dangers faced and the risks willing to be taken to protect a source in the world of espionage, It is a read which twists and turns in differing directions, you also get a sense as you read as to who you can and can’t believe such is the game that is being played, that said this all just builds up the drama and intensity,

The author really captures the feel of the characters, you can sense who they are and the parts they play. I always like the way that Raglan comes across, a man not opposed to inflicting pain, tough, to some degree a loner, however, there is a caring and compassionate side to him, he also come across as driven by loyalty

You can also see as you read on the research that the author has taken to ensure the book has an air of authenticity, the writing is on point, with a rich tapestry, vivid and descriptive in bringing the locations to life on the page, at times you can smell the fear and danger etched into the characters

This is a tour de force is the field of spy thrillers, it’s a heart pounding read of such ferocity that leaves you breathless, it is one of those reads where you want to take your time, the writing deserves your full attention

A 5* read where the plot and the characters combine to bring a read which had me engaged and invested from the opening, highly recommend not only this book but the previous two in the series

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and best in what is a growing and developing series featuring Dan Raglan the ex Foreign Legion soldier who is combating his difficult past and now is at the centre of the espionage game as a troubleshooter there to make problems go away.

This is well written with an original plot. The characters are well drawn and interesting and r by r action continuous.

What more can you ask for ?

[Edward Newfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

worst case of claptrap ever

Protagonist is a cross between Calamity Jane and Benny Hill

Why weren’t we told the name of the Spy

I understand why Raglan wasn’t, with an IQ in single figures

Plagiarism abounded and the plot had more holes than a Dutch Cheese

Books by this author to be avoided at all costs.

[Liviu Szoke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Din cronica apărută cu ocazia blog tourului prilejuit de publicarea în limba română a ultimului volum al seriei „Englezul”:

„Blog tour nr. 85 (sau 23/2024): Un thriller plin de adrenalină, așa cum ne-a obișnuit de altfel David Gilman prin superba lui serie Englezul, în care Dan Raglan, eroul principal, face exact ce știe mai bine: duce la îndeplinire misiuni oricât de periculoase ar fi, îi pedepsește pe cei răi, are grijă de cei care nu se pot apăra singuri, suferă atunci când e nevoie, dar e și implacabil atunci când trebuie să atingă un obiectiv, fie el și unul ce are legătură cu răzbunarea sau plătirea unor polițe mai vechi sau mai noi.

Cu Dan Raglan ne-am mai întâlnit deja de două ori, în Englezul și în Trădarea (despre care am scris aici și aici, tot în cadrul proiectului Crime Club, ajuns, iată, deja la ediția cu numărul optzeci și cinci). Un englez, așa cum îi spune și porecla, trecut prin Legiunea străină franceză, agent secret de clasă mondială, mercenar pentru care o misiune, oricât ar fi ea de periculoasă, trebuie dusă la bun sfârșit atunci când el îi vede justețea și consideră că nu va pune în pericol oameni nevinovați, dar cu un trecut chinuitor și plin de secrete, rodul, firește, al unei copilării zbuciumate, marcate de moartea prematură a mamei și absența aproape deplină a tatălui din viața tânărului. Astfel încât putem pune într-o oarecare măsură sângele-rece și lipsa de emoții a adultului Dan Raglan și pe seama acelor traume rămase nevindecate și care au lăsată, firește, urme adânci.
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Am zis încheiere, nu? Așa se pare. David Gilman nu i-a pus însă gând rău lui Dan Raglan, nu l-a aruncat de pe vreo stâncă în hăuri sau în vreo apă ca pe James Bond, pe acest mercenar modern, însă cu metode învechite, deși nu mai puțin eficiente, ci doar l-a trimis iar să se odihnească. De tot. Sau nu. Nu se știe. Poate până la următoarea criză, pentru că lucrul care-i iese cel mai bine lui Gilman, pe lângă intriga beton și scenele de luptă magistrale, este verosimilitatea situațiilor și a problemelor care necesită intrarea în scenă a lui Dan Raglan, un demn confrate al lui Jason Bourne (cel interpretat excelent de Matt Damon, nu cel interpretat de Richard Chamberlain) și omul bun la toate, cu un dram de suflet care nu-l transformă pe deplin într-o mașinărie bună doar de ucis, ci într-un om cu principii, cu morală, dar mai ales cu un simț al datoriei și-al onoarei care-l pune mult deasupra majorității mercenarilor moderni.

„- Haide. Spune-ne. Ce e?

– Un om mort cu un secret viu.”

Mai multe: https://bibliotecaluiliviu.ro/2024/11...

[Sudhagar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the 2nd book in the series (Betrayal) and nowhere as good as the first (The Englishman).

The author has first-hand knowledge of some of the topics and it is clear that he has done some research for this story. He knows his Africa (which is seldom a topic for Western thrillers).

However, the whole premise doesn't make sense and the logic simply not there at the macro level. While the action is fast and furious and Gilman has developed some interesting chracters, I could pick dozens of holes in the plot (apart from the premise itself). I wish the author has done more research to provide a more accurate picture of the locales, units and methods of operations.

For example. the Action Division (SA of DGSE). Obviously he didn't do much research or experience dealing with them. The opearation to retrieve the document itself had numerous planning errors and I doubt the French will be this careless. And why even bother to retrieve it via a very risky operation when you can just destroy it. It is hard to believe it is so hard to track a crashed aircraft in these days of super sensitive satellites and drones. That the operation was carried out from afar without backup or a forward base for example are assnine.

As for the scenes in Moscow, these are only possible in C-grade Hollywood movies. That he travels to Moscow using his own name and runs around without being arrested by FSB is rather far fetched. He also has limited (and wrong) understanding of the role of GRU.

But this is a fun book and a fast moving novel - but certainly far below the lofty standards of the Englishman and only for non-discerning thriller fans. If you want authencity, look elsewhere.

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Englishman is back! Dan Raglan, the English veteran of the French Foreign Legion, returns for a third mission in David Gilman’s “Resurrection”.

This time Raglan returns to Africa to finish what his father started many years ago. The shifting sands of the desert have revealed a missing plane which holds a deadly secret – the identity of a highly placed British spy in Russian intelligence. The British want the document, the French feel that they could use it, and one Russian true believer is after the secret it holds. Raglan is thrown into no man’s land between Sudan and Chad, where competing factions and local warlords decide who to help, who gets to live. Betrayals, hidden agendas, false identities all collide as a sandstorm brews up even more danger.

The action shifts to Moscow as the race is on to expose the spy, protect the secret, or exfiltrate the asset, depending on whose side you’re on. This is also an opportunity for Raglan to reunite with Colonel Elena Sorokina of the Moscow police, for some unfinished business of a different nature, that is if Raglan can avoid being captured and thrown into prison.

Lots of action and excitement, exotic locales, twists and turns. This is definitely a pulse-pounding thriller, with the requisite suspension of belief in some cases, but a fun trip nevertheless.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Gică Andreica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Raglan e omul pe care-l vrei prin preajmă atunci când situația devine critică. Plin de mușchi, cu o minte ageră, analitică, cu un ochi pe prieteni și cu celălalt pe potențialii dușmani, atent la schimbările din decor, un camarad de arme devotat și un  agent care bagă spaima-n oasele mercenarilor și asasinilor. Englezul e, de asemenea, și arma secretă a MI6, chiar dacă s-a retras din activitate și duce un trai liniștit într-un sat uitat de lume, alături de foștii soldați din Legiunea Străină. Și atunci când serviciul de securitate externă al Marii Britanii detectează un pericol iminent la orizont, șefii apelează la Raglan, care nu a dat greș până acum în nicio misiune. Știe cum să se camufleze, să-i atragă pe ceilalți de partea lui, să le fie alături în ultimele clipe și să le ducă povestea mai departe, dar și cum să-i răpună cu propriile arme atunci când cineva drag e la ananghie sau când simte că a căzut, iarăși, într-o capcană.

Recenzia:
https://www.cartilemele.ro/2024/11/re...

[Roslyn Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by David Gilman but, apparently, it is number 3 in "The Englishman" series. Will definitely be reading the first two.
Raglan is an ex-legionnaire, living in France. Although officially retired, he works as a fixer for British intelligence.
He is tasked with retrieving information from a plane brought down in the African desert, a mission which ties in to his father's work 30 years previously. He sets off with a group of French men but someone else is looking for the same information and tracks them through desert.
The action then moves to Russia where certain people will go to any length to retrieve the name of the traitor passing secrets to the British.
The action is fast paced andmthe descriptions of first, the desert terrain and then Russia are superb. Mix that in with some cold war politics and you have all the ingredients for an explosive thriller.
#ThePigeonhole

[Peter Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third book of the series, Daniel Raglan, a former foreign Legionnaire, is tasked with finding a plane that hides in the sands of the Sahara desert. Inside is a corpse that holds the secret identity of the most valuable double agent in British history. In the race to get there first Raglan will have to beat the Russians and the French to preserve a man’s life and the secrets of a nation.
David Gilman is a highly accomplished historical writer and with this series he puts himself up there with the best thriller writers in the business.
He is a wonderful addition to this genre of fiction and is like a hybrid of Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne, with air of class.
I thought this book was sublime, as is the rest in the series. Simply stunning.

[Amzon_Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Grade Action - Espionage - Thriller

Seriously well written.

Mr Raglan is a hard bast’ - he takes part here, in a very well structured story with a strong plot.

The length of the book is huge value for money.

There’s something deeply down to earth with this character; it’s like reading about a highly trained & ultimately motivated person you know really well.

Last paragraph encapsulates so well how utterly brilliant the author is in this series and others.

The author is not hoisted highly enough in the literature circles.

This is excellent work, comparable with the Top Authors: Freddy Forsyth, JLC, Gerald S, & many others.

Recommendations for services to Literature would not go a miss!

[Kriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable thriller, plot well developed, interesting characters and almost topical. The story moves across the deserts of Africa to the cold, snowy backstreets of Moscow. All kinds of questionable characters appear from the highly skilled and much in demand Dragonovic to the double crossing, aloof and quintessential Englishman Maguire. The author seems very well informed regarding the inner workings of the Kremlin’s secret institutions which makes for an even more exciting read.
I understand that there are more stories about Raglan which I am sure will be as or even more thrilling as this one.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and David for the opportunity to read.

[Mike Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resurrection - The Englishman

Quite exceptional. I loved the first novel (The Englishman), and have been waiting for this follow up for a while. It didn’t disappoint. David Gilman writes in the style of Freddy Forsyth and has the same deep intelligence and ability to fool the reader with unexpected twists and turns in the books plot. I loved this book and devoured it in two readings. When you have time Mr Gilman, another follow up of The Englishman would be greatly appreciated. (On a personal level I do love the terminology “An Englishman”. I do love being called an Englishman, it makes me feel special, which of course we are)!
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[The Breakneck Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely brilliant! I'm not usually one for spies and intrigue but this pulled me in and was so fast paced it was like being on a rollercoaster. The story is gripping and the character of Raglan has you wanting him to succeed. The places you visit from the deserts of Africa to the bitter cold of Russia are vivid and the mystery found in the old Mustang takes you on an adventure for sure! I'll be on the hunt for more of the authors books.what a great book to start 2023! thanks to David Gilman and pigeonhole for giving me the chance to read this book

[Judy O'Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm delighted l stumbled across this author in the library.
I loved his fast paced style.
Everything here l adore in a thriller, British spy chasing across Africa, followed by mercenaries, Russian bad boys and women and warlords and Legionnaires. Then having to go deep into enemy territory after the prize.
Of course you know our hero has to come out alive but so what this was a great page turning adventure.
Easy reading with plot lines that were uncomplicated.
I'm onto my next book now about The Englishman.

[Sean McDonald · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Dan AWESOME Raglan awesomed his awesome way down the street awesomely because he was awesome. Oh my gosh said the woman beside him, you're so awesome. Tell me about how you awesomed today".
The first TWENTY pages of this book is the author telling you how UTTERLY awesome Raglan is and how just super duper awesome he is because he bought a village. Twenty eight pages in and I'm bored witless. Hard pass. It was just such a dull read.

[Greer Andjanetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long drawn-out story about Russian spies and British undercover agents. A document naming a British spy in Russian intelligence was lost when a courier plane crashed in the desert. Recently uncovered, all intelligence agencies are trying to recover the document leading to killings around the world. An absorbing read but somewhat dull.

[Domnica · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5

I enjoyed reading this novel more than the first two in the series, simply because I didn’t know if Raglan would survive. When reading the first volume from an ongoing book series, there is always the known spoiler that the main character makes it in the end, otherwise you wouldn’t have the sequel. So this was really exciting to read, keeping the suspense high until the last few pages.

[Guy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable spy thriller , David Gillman's series just keep getting better, the plot line engrossing, characters both believable and engaging.The action sequences, be it a car chase through Moscow or sandstorms in sub Sahara, are compelling and the conclusion satisfying.
A great read .

[W. Boal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. David Gilman is one of the greats when it comes to story telling. This third installment leads our favourite ex-Lionannaire into the desert, then into Russia to finish a mission his father had begun.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was thrills, adventure and fights galore.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything the label says

Great read. Great characters and plot and excitement level up to his usual standard. Can't really say more but looking forward to the next instalment (hopefully)