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The Sokolov Agenda
Alex Mann is MI6’s top operative in Moscow, but when his cover is blown, it’s a race against time to get him home. Not only is Mann facing certain death in a notorious penal colony, but only he knows the identity of a Russian terrorist who has London in his sights.
The Sokolov Agenda is the latest blockbuster thriller from million-copy bestseller Alan McDermott
The Sokolov Agenda is the latest blockbuster thriller from million-copy bestseller Alan McDermott
- GenresAudiobook
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
154 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Alan McDermott
31 books773 followersAlan McDermott is a full time author from the south of England, married with beautiful twin daughters. He used to write critical applications for the NHS, but now he spends his days writing action thrillers.
His debut novel, Gray Justice, has been very well received and earned him membership of http://independentauthorsinternationa.... He was subsequently picked up by Thomas & Mercer, who published his first 10 books.
Alan's 7th novel Trojan was shortlisted for an ITW thriller award.
In March 2020 he release a new standalone called Motive, and the 7th Tom Gray will be released on June 4th 2020.
The reading order of Alan's books can be found at www.alanmcdermottbooks.co.uk
You can follow Alan on Twitter through his @Jambalian account and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrayJustice
His debut novel, Gray Justice, has been very well received and earned him membership of http://independentauthorsinternationa.... He was subsequently picked up by Thomas & Mercer, who published his first 10 books.
Alan's 7th novel Trojan was shortlisted for an ITW thriller award.
In March 2020 he release a new standalone called Motive, and the 7th Tom Gray will be released on June 4th 2020.
The reading order of Alan's books can be found at www.alanmcdermottbooks.co.uk
You can follow Alan on Twitter through his @Jambalian account and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrayJustice
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 25, 2022
Amazing coincidence
It is remarkable how the turn of events occurred after the author wrote this story, to include the invasion of Ukrainia prior to it happening is uncanny. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found the story to be riveting, it was another one of those books that I couldn’t put down, I had to read it to the end. It’s a pity that the current incumbent can’t suffer the same fate.
It is remarkable how the turn of events occurred after the author wrote this story, to include the invasion of Ukrainia prior to it happening is uncanny. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found the story to be riveting, it was another one of those books that I couldn’t put down, I had to read it to the end. It’s a pity that the current incumbent can’t suffer the same fate.
August 6, 2022
I listened to the Audible version and have not read the kindle edition. I am reviewing it here as the audio edition is not on Goodreads and I can't add it.
I quite enjoy an occasional foray into spy story territory and won a copy of this audiobook so was very pleased to give it a go.
The story focuses on Alex Mann, a British spy who gets caught, unexpectedly. It soon becomes clear he was the victim of a mole. The story has two main threads- What happens to Alex, his trials and tribulations, fights, threats and turmoil; and what is happening back in England with politicians, MI5 and MI6, and his family, all in the mix.
The characterisation for me is a bit lightweight, or maybe a bit derivative of other spy stories and sadly it is very easy to spot who the mole is going to turn out to be very early on. However it wasn't a bad story, the action is plentiful, and settings well-drawn. The dialogue as narrated was variable- sometimes sounding a bit clunky.
The narrator wasn't great. I think he has the wrong voice for this book and his overall presentation was a bit amateurish.
Overall 3 stars
Narrator 2 stars
Story 3 stars
I quite enjoy an occasional foray into spy story territory and won a copy of this audiobook so was very pleased to give it a go.
The story focuses on Alex Mann, a British spy who gets caught, unexpectedly. It soon becomes clear he was the victim of a mole. The story has two main threads- What happens to Alex, his trials and tribulations, fights, threats and turmoil; and what is happening back in England with politicians, MI5 and MI6, and his family, all in the mix.
The characterisation for me is a bit lightweight, or maybe a bit derivative of other spy stories and sadly it is very easy to spot who the mole is going to turn out to be very early on. However it wasn't a bad story, the action is plentiful, and settings well-drawn. The dialogue as narrated was variable- sometimes sounding a bit clunky.
The narrator wasn't great. I think he has the wrong voice for this book and his overall presentation was a bit amateurish.
Overall 3 stars
Narrator 2 stars
Story 3 stars
August 2, 2022
An entertaining derivative of a standard espionage story coming out of an autocratic Russia … with hints at current affairs (e.g the invasion of Ukraine). The excellent narration makes the fairly predictable story worth a listen … which leans heavily on nominally competent professionals and the typically thrill of “the hunt.” Some of the characters seemed a tad “over the top” but still within my ability to “suspend disbelief” enough to enjoy the story (just like most of that comes out of Hollywood for this genre). So just relax and enjoy the ride …
I was given this free advance listener copy (ALC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#TheSokolovAgenda #AudibookFree #KindleUnlimited
I was given this free advance listener copy (ALC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#TheSokolovAgenda #AudibookFree #KindleUnlimited
August 30, 2022
I listened to the audio version. I don’t often listen to this genre and was really looking forward to a modern day setting, page turning, suspense mystery but only found it to bea a relatable easy listening saga with an average and predictable storyline, there was no in depth knowledge of characters, it wasn’t gripping, wasn’t full of suspense or a page turner and it didn’t take long to suss out the ‘baddie’,found the insertion of gun firing noises and tape recordings of phone conversations to be tacky and felt the narrator wasn’t good at portraying female voices and Russian accents although his speech was clear and at the right speed/tone. If you want something to listen to whilst pottering around without having to think then you’ll enjoy this
September 2, 2022
A great read/listen. I have the audio version and a thriller it is.
Mainly set in Russia (where else), Alex Mann if that is his real name a spy who needs to get back to London England as his cover is blown and has vital information.
Too late! now he's been arrested and now put in one of Russia's notorious penal colonies where death lurks every day. He along with some other shady prisoners does manage to escape, and this is where the audio gets exciting. London is hot on his trail to get him home as he knows the identity of a Russian spy who will wreak havoc in London.
Immensely powerful listen and the narrator Andy Stevenson also played a special part in the good narration, it was one of Alan McDermott's best novels
Mainly set in Russia (where else), Alex Mann if that is his real name a spy who needs to get back to London England as his cover is blown and has vital information.
Too late! now he's been arrested and now put in one of Russia's notorious penal colonies where death lurks every day. He along with some other shady prisoners does manage to escape, and this is where the audio gets exciting. London is hot on his trail to get him home as he knows the identity of a Russian spy who will wreak havoc in London.
Immensely powerful listen and the narrator Andy Stevenson also played a special part in the good narration, it was one of Alan McDermott's best novels
July 5, 2022
This latest book by Alan McDermott may well be his best, and that’s saying something. Alex Mann, a British spy in Russia is compromised and he and his contact captured. They know his real name. There’s a mole somewhere. An old friend disobeys orders to come to his rescue, a seemingly impossible task. The story is very exciting, with a number of twists and turns in the path. In the current world climate it feels very up to date and horribly plausible. Alan McDermott’s writing is always engaging, clear and articulate. It pulls the reader into the action with no extra padding. I’m hoping this will be the first in a series featuring these two characters.
August 10, 2022
Loved the narration of Andy Stevenson, great range of accents and keeping all the characters fresh .
Alex Mann on mission in Moscow, but when his cover is blown and he is captured he not only faces a stay in Russia's most notorious and dangerous prison. He knows the identity of a Russian terrorist with his sights set on the UK. Alex must escape a to stop the deadly attack.
Alex Mann on mission in Moscow, but when his cover is blown and he is captured he not only faces a stay in Russia's most notorious and dangerous prison. He knows the identity of a Russian terrorist with his sights set on the UK. Alex must escape a to stop the deadly attack.
July 9, 2022
I’ve been waiting for the release of this book by one of my favourite authors for some months now and I devoured it in two sittings. It’s strange how fiction can mimic real life and McDermott seems to have a knack for for telling the future. The similarities with The current Russian president and Sokolov are remarkable. I’m just hoping there will be a follow up to the book and we don’t have to wait too long.
July 11, 2022
Fast and Furious
This is a bang up to date story of the plight of a British undercover agent who has to be exfiltrated from Russia. The plot swirls from agency to agency to criminals and underworld characters. The ending is as exciting as it is unpredictable!
This is a bang up to date story of the plight of a British undercover agent who has to be exfiltrated from Russia. The plot swirls from agency to agency to criminals and underworld characters. The ending is as exciting as it is unpredictable!
July 18, 2022
Another excellent read
I've read all of Alan's books and none disappoint. Page turners from start to finish and this one is no exception. Clever use of modern day real life events mixed into a spy story and gripping to the final page. Highly recommended
I've read all of Alan's books and none disappoint. Page turners from start to finish and this one is no exception. Clever use of modern day real life events mixed into a spy story and gripping to the final page. Highly recommended
July 27, 2022
A poignant thriller for present times
Once again Alan delivers a terrific thriller with lots of action and introduces a very tough and interesting new character in Alex Mann.
I'm intrigued to see where his, and Cooper's, story goes now.
Once again Alan delivers a terrific thriller with lots of action and introduces a very tough and interesting new character in Alex Mann.
I'm intrigued to see where his, and Cooper's, story goes now.
August 15, 2022
the narration worked really well which is no mean feat given how many Russian voices there were to do.
the story was good and does feel believable given what is going on in the world.
all in all I really enjoyed it.
I was given a free copy by the book club audible but the review is entirely my own.
the story was good and does feel believable given what is going on in the world.
all in all I really enjoyed it.
I was given a free copy by the book club audible but the review is entirely my own.
December 4, 2022
Topical and a clever weave of fact and fiction
This is the first Alan McDermott novel I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Topical, well written and hard to put down.
No spoilers...
Enjoy!
This is the first Alan McDermott novel I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Topical, well written and hard to put down.
No spoilers...
Enjoy!
January 22, 2023
MI6 spy Alex Mann is on a routine drop in Russia, when he and his contact are picked up by the FSB. In prisoned and disavowed by his government, Alex is on his own, he needs to escape Russia's top prison, stop a terrorist attack and find who burned him. Good story, that moves at a nice pace.
May 30, 2023
Shades of Putin!
As always Alan has brilliant characters and Mann and .cooper are no exception. What Alex puts up with it amazing and he wins through despite his wife’s best efforts. Another book you can’t stop reading!!
As always Alan has brilliant characters and Mann and .cooper are no exception. What Alex puts up with it amazing and he wins through despite his wife’s best efforts. Another book you can’t stop reading!!
May 1, 2024
A gripping spy thriller
What I liked about this book was lots of new plots in the world of espionage. Great characters and some edge of your seat moments. Well written Alan McDermott
What I liked about this book was lots of new plots in the world of espionage. Great characters and some edge of your seat moments. Well written Alan McDermott
July 4, 2022
Read it in two days. Really enjoyed this book. Authors books are always a great story
July 10, 2022
Definitely the start of another great series!
A new series with everything you could want, spies, action, mayhem, cleverly written, page turning and new, highly recommended read.
A new series with everything you could want, spies, action, mayhem, cleverly written, page turning and new, highly recommended read.
July 11, 2022
Brilliant
Loved this book. It kept me enthralled from start to finish. Well written, great story -line, plenty of action and many twists. Highly recommended.
Loved this book. It kept me enthralled from start to finish. Well written, great story -line, plenty of action and many twists. Highly recommended.
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July 11, 2022Terrific Book
Another great read, more please. All your books are those that can't be out down once started. Thank you Alan.
Another great read, more please. All your books are those that can't be out down once started. Thank you Alan.
July 21, 2022
Great read.
I love Alan McDermott books. This one doesn’t disappoint. Looks like he’s created some new characters for his next book hopefully. Good stuff!
I love Alan McDermott books. This one doesn’t disappoint. Looks like he’s created some new characters for his next book hopefully. Good stuff!
September 11, 2022
Excellent
Alan doesn't write crap books. Period. A slow burner and a great political thriller with usual twists and turns and a fabulous ending.
Alan doesn't write crap books. Period. A slow burner and a great political thriller with usual twists and turns and a fabulous ending.
January 13, 2023
Great read !!!
Fantastic storyline , fast-paced , plausible plotting , great action , couldn't put it down , looking forward to the next book !!
Fantastic storyline , fast-paced , plausible plotting , great action , couldn't put it down , looking forward to the next book !!
February 6, 2023
What a cracking read. A spy thriller that has the Brits vs the Russians and a British Prime Minister who doesn't have the operatives backs. A few twists and a great read. Look forward to the next.
May 1, 2023
Great story
Twists and turns, this again is very difficult to put down so read in less than a day whilst on holiday. Highly recommend!
Twists and turns, this again is very difficult to put down so read in less than a day whilst on holiday. Highly recommend!
May 10, 2023
Solid Agenda
A little bit “ripped from the headlines,” a little bit fiction, all thriller and entertaining and fun. Nice read to enjoy and to ponder.
A little bit “ripped from the headlines,” a little bit fiction, all thriller and entertaining and fun. Nice read to enjoy and to ponder.
September 6, 2023
a cracking good read Alan
A great story with all the twists and turns, first book I have read from Alan McDermott , it won’t be the last
A great story with all the twists and turns, first book I have read from Alan McDermott , it won’t be the last
January 5, 2024
Well written
Although not a Le Carre a good spy novel. It could be a bit longer in the narration, had some suspense .
Although not a Le Carre a good spy novel. It could be a bit longer in the narration, had some suspense .
January 14, 2024
Scintillating
Gripping from beginning to end. Definitely looking for more by this author. You'd want to include this for sure on your TBR asap.
Gripping from beginning to end. Definitely looking for more by this author. You'd want to include this for sure on your TBR asap.
July 3, 2024
Easy to read, enjoyable characters, believable plot and there is a significant lack of padding, a la Forsyth with too much technical stuff. Good writer in my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews