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Inspector George Zammit #2
Bullets in the Sand
Friendship comes at a cost
When Inspector George Zammit, of the Maltese Pulizija, reluctantly agrees to help his old friend, the former Libyan militia leader, Abdullah Belkacem, his quiet life is turned upside down. George is thrown into an adventure in the wilds of North Africa, encountering American special forces, Russian mercenaries and warring militias, all with their own complex agendas.
An old foe
Natasha Bonnici is part of The Family, a sophisticated, organised crime group, based in Milan. Ambitious and ruthless, she sets her sights on a share of Europe’s energy market, as well as control of The Family itself and there are no limits to how far she will go.
In the southern Mediterranean, nothing is what it seems
Abdullah Belkacem wants to win back his lands and his money, as well as avenging his brother’s death. He cannot do it alone and so turns to powerful forces, dragging George – the only person he can trust – with him.
If you like Henning Mankell's Wallander books, or those of Michael Dibden’s Aurelio Zen, you will love Bullets in the Sand, with its unique blend of humour, drama and adventure.
George Zammit is to Malta, what Montalbano is to Sicily or Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti is to Venice.
When Inspector George Zammit, of the Maltese Pulizija, reluctantly agrees to help his old friend, the former Libyan militia leader, Abdullah Belkacem, his quiet life is turned upside down. George is thrown into an adventure in the wilds of North Africa, encountering American special forces, Russian mercenaries and warring militias, all with their own complex agendas.
An old foe
Natasha Bonnici is part of The Family, a sophisticated, organised crime group, based in Milan. Ambitious and ruthless, she sets her sights on a share of Europe’s energy market, as well as control of The Family itself and there are no limits to how far she will go.
In the southern Mediterranean, nothing is what it seems
Abdullah Belkacem wants to win back his lands and his money, as well as avenging his brother’s death. He cannot do it alone and so turns to powerful forces, dragging George – the only person he can trust – with him.
If you like Henning Mankell's Wallander books, or those of Michael Dibden’s Aurelio Zen, you will love Bullets in the Sand, with its unique blend of humour, drama and adventure.
George Zammit is to Malta, what Montalbano is to Sicily or Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti is to Venice.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2022
About the author
A.J. Aberford
5 books12 followersAJ Aberford has enjoyed a varied career, having been both a corporate and banking lawyer, owning and running a private investment company and founding a leading Yorkshire craft brewery. Changing direction again, he is now the author of the Inspector George Zammit crime and thriller series.
AJ Aberford still keeps his house in Yorkshire, UK, but lives primarily in Malta, which is the inspiration for the Inspector George Zammit series. Upon moving there, he soon became enthralled by the culture and history of the island that acts as a bridge between Europe and North Africa.
Malta’s position at the sharp end of the migrant crisis, as well as the rapid growth of its commercial and offshore-financial sectors, provide a rich backdrop for his writing. The culture, politics and geography of the southern Mediterranean continually throws-up surprises in this fascinating part of the world, nothing is ever what it seems, with the lines between right and wrong often blurred and twisted.
AJ Aberford is married and has two grown-up sons, as well as grandchildren. He is a keen cook, an adventurous traveller, a cyclist and is currently writing the sixth book in the Inspector George Zammit series. The Inspector Zammit series is published by Hobeck Books https://www.hobeck.net/
AJ Aberford still keeps his house in Yorkshire, UK, but lives primarily in Malta, which is the inspiration for the Inspector George Zammit series. Upon moving there, he soon became enthralled by the culture and history of the island that acts as a bridge between Europe and North Africa.
Malta’s position at the sharp end of the migrant crisis, as well as the rapid growth of its commercial and offshore-financial sectors, provide a rich backdrop for his writing. The culture, politics and geography of the southern Mediterranean continually throws-up surprises in this fascinating part of the world, nothing is ever what it seems, with the lines between right and wrong often blurred and twisted.
AJ Aberford is married and has two grown-up sons, as well as grandchildren. He is a keen cook, an adventurous traveller, a cyclist and is currently writing the sixth book in the Inspector George Zammit series. The Inspector Zammit series is published by Hobeck Books https://www.hobeck.net/
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 15, 2022
The 2nd installment in the George Zammit saga does not disappoint. We are seeing George evolving, finding new and welcome facets of himself. Aberford throws a heavy burden on our George but he is rising up to the challenge.
The story continues with new paths, new players, old players, Malta, Libya, gas, Americans, Russians all tumbling in the tumble dryer that is the Mediterranean. What comes out of the dryer, you'd have to read to see. Me, well I'm going on to the third one.
The story continues with new paths, new players, old players, Malta, Libya, gas, Americans, Russians all tumbling in the tumble dryer that is the Mediterranean. What comes out of the dryer, you'd have to read to see. Me, well I'm going on to the third one.
Dunes, Oceano - Edward Weston 1936
October 25, 2022
This is the second book in the series, and it was delightful to be back with George again, for more adventures. I really like George, and he seems quite a simple soul, trying to please everyone, especially his wife!
Anyway, as usual, he gets coerced into activities that are really way above his head, and somehow, he finds himself involved in more misdemeanours through his friend Abdullah. The story itself is about fuel and gas being laid from Libya via Malta to the EU (sound familiar)! The Americans are involved and there’s lots of dodgy dealing. At times, I had to laugh at poor George, for a policeman, he is quite an innocent individual, who doesn’t see bad in many people.
Natalie is back, I think she’s a bad ‘un, even her father Marco can’t see how ruthless she is. She reminded me of Alexis in Dynasty, she is such a bitch, manipulative and really doesn’t care about anyone but herself. All she wants to be is top dog.
As George goes about his business, the story becomes more and more gripping, and at times I did wonder what would happen.
I, for one, loved these books, they are so different to the usual crime books, and take you to places I’ll probably never see. The writing is descriptive and wonderful and I felt as though I was there in the relentless heat and dusty places.
My thanks to the author, and Hobeck Books for the ARC , and I can’t wait to see what happens to George in the next one.
Anyway, as usual, he gets coerced into activities that are really way above his head, and somehow, he finds himself involved in more misdemeanours through his friend Abdullah. The story itself is about fuel and gas being laid from Libya via Malta to the EU (sound familiar)! The Americans are involved and there’s lots of dodgy dealing. At times, I had to laugh at poor George, for a policeman, he is quite an innocent individual, who doesn’t see bad in many people.
Natalie is back, I think she’s a bad ‘un, even her father Marco can’t see how ruthless she is. She reminded me of Alexis in Dynasty, she is such a bitch, manipulative and really doesn’t care about anyone but herself. All she wants to be is top dog.
As George goes about his business, the story becomes more and more gripping, and at times I did wonder what would happen.
I, for one, loved these books, they are so different to the usual crime books, and take you to places I’ll probably never see. The writing is descriptive and wonderful and I felt as though I was there in the relentless heat and dusty places.
My thanks to the author, and Hobeck Books for the ARC , and I can’t wait to see what happens to George in the next one.
September 21, 2022
This is book two in the trilogy about Inspector George Zammit and the chaos that insists on infiltrating his quest for a quiet life.
Following the same key characters as the first book, and introducing some new ones, this twisty thriller travels from Malta to Libya and Italy and tells a story that takes in the black market of oil and gas sales, shady crime families, and terrorism. George once again finds himself thrust into the strange mould of hero. He even picks up a cool nickname this time: the Maltese Machine Gun. I love George, he’s like a cross between Victor Meldrew and John Wick, if you can imagine such a thing.
As with Bodies in the Water, the quality of storytelling and AJ Aberford’s ability to lead you down the wrong road until he’s ready to expose what’s really going on is top class.
I think I enjoyed the storyline that focused on the Bonnici family more than Abdullah’s exploits - although I do love his propensity for exaggeration and how much he clearly cares for George.
Another fantastic book from AJ Aberford and from the patrons of Hobeck towers, who have never disappointed me yet
Following the same key characters as the first book, and introducing some new ones, this twisty thriller travels from Malta to Libya and Italy and tells a story that takes in the black market of oil and gas sales, shady crime families, and terrorism. George once again finds himself thrust into the strange mould of hero. He even picks up a cool nickname this time: the Maltese Machine Gun. I love George, he’s like a cross between Victor Meldrew and John Wick, if you can imagine such a thing.
As with Bodies in the Water, the quality of storytelling and AJ Aberford’s ability to lead you down the wrong road until he’s ready to expose what’s really going on is top class.
I think I enjoyed the storyline that focused on the Bonnici family more than Abdullah’s exploits - although I do love his propensity for exaggeration and how much he clearly cares for George.
Another fantastic book from AJ Aberford and from the patrons of Hobeck towers, who have never disappointed me yet
January 17, 2023
Book 2 of the George Zammit Crime series and I recommend you read Book 1 to get a sense of the people involved and the nature of their relationships. George is an Inspector in the Maltese Police Force. The book is set 4 years after the events described in Book 1 and he is settled into his job.
Briefly, following a bomb outrage in Valletta which killed a US official George is asked/told by his corrupt chief to help his old colleague Abdullah Belkacem in securing oil rights and supply from Libya. George becomes quickly embroiled in the politics of Libya where opposing forces are trying to seize control. In the meantime back in Malta the deadly Natasha is trying to take over ‘The Family’ firm. In the midst of US forces, Russian mercenaries and Arabs all trying to outwit each other, with Natasha trying to pull the strings, we find the slightly bemused George.
Loved the descriptions of Malta and Libya. As for poor George, oh dear! Such an harmless people pleaser who always seems to be in a bit over his head. Lots of dead bodies, a bit of romance and humour kept me page turning. A good fun read.
Briefly, following a bomb outrage in Valletta which killed a US official George is asked/told by his corrupt chief to help his old colleague Abdullah Belkacem in securing oil rights and supply from Libya. George becomes quickly embroiled in the politics of Libya where opposing forces are trying to seize control. In the meantime back in Malta the deadly Natasha is trying to take over ‘The Family’ firm. In the midst of US forces, Russian mercenaries and Arabs all trying to outwit each other, with Natasha trying to pull the strings, we find the slightly bemused George.
Loved the descriptions of Malta and Libya. As for poor George, oh dear! Such an harmless people pleaser who always seems to be in a bit over his head. Lots of dead bodies, a bit of romance and humour kept me page turning. A good fun read.
September 21, 2022
Thanks to @hobeckbooks for the ebook version for review.
This is one hell of a book!!, it has everything under the sun, murder, humour, romance and especially action and plenty of it!!.
This time we find Inspector George Zammit from the Maltese Pulizija helping his friend Abdullah Belkacem take back his lands and fortune plus revenge for the death of his brother. The story centres around "The Family" which isn't like the mafia, this organisation is centuries old. It has its long fingers into everything but now it has its sights on natural gas, a multi-billion euro commodity. George is a simple man who only wants an easy life but oh no his destined for more incredible things.
It was an amazing read full of action, I liked the way the chapters are structured with different characters, it was easy to follow. The author's ability to lead the reader through the story is superb.
Book 1 is explained throughout the first chapters but I urge you to read it as it's truly an adventure.
An amazing read and highly recommended. Book 3 is next in the queue.
This is one hell of a book!!, it has everything under the sun, murder, humour, romance and especially action and plenty of it!!.
This time we find Inspector George Zammit from the Maltese Pulizija helping his friend Abdullah Belkacem take back his lands and fortune plus revenge for the death of his brother. The story centres around "The Family" which isn't like the mafia, this organisation is centuries old. It has its long fingers into everything but now it has its sights on natural gas, a multi-billion euro commodity. George is a simple man who only wants an easy life but oh no his destined for more incredible things.
It was an amazing read full of action, I liked the way the chapters are structured with different characters, it was easy to follow. The author's ability to lead the reader through the story is superb.
Book 1 is explained throughout the first chapters but I urge you to read it as it's truly an adventure.
An amazing read and highly recommended. Book 3 is next in the queue.
March 14, 2023
The plot thickens for George and Abdullah. Family loyalties and friendships are tested to the limit. I really enjoy the mix of politics, business, murder and intrigue in the books of AJ Aberford. Recommend to all!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews