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Inspector George Zammit #3
Hawk at the Crossroads
They call him ‘The Hawk’
Turkey is the new powerbroker in the eastern Mediterranean and The Hawk sits in Istanbul, pulling the strings. But why should any of this concern a Maltese policeman?
A Mediterranean odyssey
Inspector George Zammit, of the Maltese Pulizija, receives a phone call from an old friend in need, the Libyan militia leader, Abdullah Belkacem. As a result, George and Abdullah are catapulted into an adventure, taking them from disputed Greek Islands to war-torn Libya, in a journey that tests their friendship to the limit.
As an arch manipulator and power broker, The Hawk plays his cards close to his chest. But, with one daring move, he turns the politics of the eastern Mediterranean upside down, making a powerful enemy.
Unlikely allies
Natasha Bonnici is now the head of a mysterious organised crime family, based in Milan. She and The Hawk circle each other, as the biggest game of all plays out.
Can lowly Inspector George Zammit face these forces and restore order, before the Mediterranean slips into chaos?
If you like Henning Mankell's Wallander books, or those of Michael Dibden’s Aurelio Zen, you will love Hawk at the Crossroad,with its unique blend of humour, drama and adventure.
George Zammit is to Malta, what Montalbanois to Sicily or Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti is to Venice.
Turkey is the new powerbroker in the eastern Mediterranean and The Hawk sits in Istanbul, pulling the strings. But why should any of this concern a Maltese policeman?
A Mediterranean odyssey
Inspector George Zammit, of the Maltese Pulizija, receives a phone call from an old friend in need, the Libyan militia leader, Abdullah Belkacem. As a result, George and Abdullah are catapulted into an adventure, taking them from disputed Greek Islands to war-torn Libya, in a journey that tests their friendship to the limit.
As an arch manipulator and power broker, The Hawk plays his cards close to his chest. But, with one daring move, he turns the politics of the eastern Mediterranean upside down, making a powerful enemy.
Unlikely allies
Natasha Bonnici is now the head of a mysterious organised crime family, based in Milan. She and The Hawk circle each other, as the biggest game of all plays out.
Can lowly Inspector George Zammit face these forces and restore order, before the Mediterranean slips into chaos?
If you like Henning Mankell's Wallander books, or those of Michael Dibden’s Aurelio Zen, you will love Hawk at the Crossroad,with its unique blend of humour, drama and adventure.
George Zammit is to Malta, what Montalbanois to Sicily or Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti is to Venice.
475 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 2, 2023
Many thanks to the author and Hobeck Books for an eARC copy for review.
Oh boy, the series gets better and better, again a read with multiple plots but you are not overwhelmed by it because, in the end, they all come together beautifully. In one of the major plots, our intrepid duo are tasked with the most dangerous mission yet which could potentially destabilise power in the middle east and start WWIII !!!. That should whet your appetite.
In my humble opinion, this latest adventure is the best yet, with nonstop action throughout. Love the character development throughout the series and sad to see a few killed off, major surprise there.
One of my favourite characters is Abdullah's wife Rania, she doesn't have a major role but she's a force to be reckoned with!!.
Can't wait for book 4 to come in March.
To finish off my favourite quote is "Scary shit, don't ya think? And guess what? We've lost one."
Oh boy, the series gets better and better, again a read with multiple plots but you are not overwhelmed by it because, in the end, they all come together beautifully. In one of the major plots, our intrepid duo are tasked with the most dangerous mission yet which could potentially destabilise power in the middle east and start WWIII !!!. That should whet your appetite.
In my humble opinion, this latest adventure is the best yet, with nonstop action throughout. Love the character development throughout the series and sad to see a few killed off, major surprise there.
One of my favourite characters is Abdullah's wife Rania, she doesn't have a major role but she's a force to be reckoned with!!.
Can't wait for book 4 to come in March.
To finish off my favourite quote is "Scary shit, don't ya think? And guess what? We've lost one."
September 28, 2022
Another great instalment in the crime series featuring one of my favourite double-acts, George and Abdullah. Their relationship is like a mix of an old married couple and a pair of teenage friends where one is always dragging the other (who protests but never says no) into crazy adventures.
I have to admit that the first few chapters didn’t grab me as much as the previous two books had, but then I found myself unable to stop reading, eager to find out how all the twisty double-crossing, outsmarting threads were going to play out.
I love the way the depths and motivations of the central characters have been revealed over this trilogy, AJ Aberford has made them all so real. The world he has created is believable too, these aren’t books where people do things and they’re never referenced again or don’t have any impact on future events. There is a strong connection from situation to situation that give a reality to the overarching timeline and evolution.
The dark underworlds of political powerbroking, off-the-books military operations, and organised crime are a brilliant setting for exciting and horrifying stories and that is exactly what you get here but more than that, the book shows you the details of the individuals operating in these areas and how their selfish motivations have wide-ranging consequences
I have to admit that the first few chapters didn’t grab me as much as the previous two books had, but then I found myself unable to stop reading, eager to find out how all the twisty double-crossing, outsmarting threads were going to play out.
I love the way the depths and motivations of the central characters have been revealed over this trilogy, AJ Aberford has made them all so real. The world he has created is believable too, these aren’t books where people do things and they’re never referenced again or don’t have any impact on future events. There is a strong connection from situation to situation that give a reality to the overarching timeline and evolution.
The dark underworlds of political powerbroking, off-the-books military operations, and organised crime are a brilliant setting for exciting and horrifying stories and that is exactly what you get here but more than that, the book shows you the details of the individuals operating in these areas and how their selfish motivations have wide-ranging consequences
March 25, 2023
Another great Zammit adventure
Natasha Bonicci, the Cruella of the series steps up her game for the Family control of the eastern Mediterranean letting nothing stop her: old lovers, faithful staff and international treaties. With a sterling supporting cast, George Zammit rides another dangerous path. Thoroughly enjoyable and eminently readable third book in the series.
Natasha Bonicci, the Cruella of the series steps up her game for the Family control of the eastern Mediterranean letting nothing stop her: old lovers, faithful staff and international treaties. With a sterling supporting cast, George Zammit rides another dangerous path. Thoroughly enjoyable and eminently readable third book in the series.
October 25, 2022
Once again, I was thrilled to be offered this next book in the series and to be transported over to Malta and the Middle East. It was, as always an exciting read, with poor George being shipped off to Libya with his old friend Abdullah. His wife left at home, and giving him grief!
This is a game of cat and mouse with Natasha and “the Hawk”, the Americans, Libyans and everyone thrown into the mix. It is a dangerous game they’re playing which threatens to ruin the fragile stability in the area. As Natasha is now head of “The Family”, she is a force to be reckoned with, untouchable and like Teflon - nothing sticks! As I’ve said before she reminds me of Alexis in Dynasty. She is one evil piece of work.
Whilst I wasn’t too sure of all the political events in this area, it did give me an insight, and I just loved it. As an avid crime reader, and a woman, at first I would have said it was more appealing to men, but after finishing this one, I for one, am so looking forward to the next to see what happens to the characters. Mr Aberford can’t write quick enough for me.
My thanks to the author and Hobeck Books for the ARC.
This is a game of cat and mouse with Natasha and “the Hawk”, the Americans, Libyans and everyone thrown into the mix. It is a dangerous game they’re playing which threatens to ruin the fragile stability in the area. As Natasha is now head of “The Family”, she is a force to be reckoned with, untouchable and like Teflon - nothing sticks! As I’ve said before she reminds me of Alexis in Dynasty. She is one evil piece of work.
Whilst I wasn’t too sure of all the political events in this area, it did give me an insight, and I just loved it. As an avid crime reader, and a woman, at first I would have said it was more appealing to men, but after finishing this one, I for one, am so looking forward to the next to see what happens to the characters. Mr Aberford can’t write quick enough for me.
My thanks to the author and Hobeck Books for the ARC.
May 28, 2023
A couple of years have passed, and George has finished his secondment to Libya doing MalTech’s bidding, and he is happy to be back in Malta full time. His return has necessitated a return to the rank of Inspector something that doesn’t bother him although wife Marianna is less happy about this. Now working as a community liaison officer George is in his element, pottering around, being useful but keeping his head down and away from the action.
Jamal Belkacem is the son of George’s unlikely comrade in arms Abdullah, the head of a militia in Libya. Jamal is young, idealist and headstrong, a dangerous combination. Angered by the increasing influence of Turkey in the affairs of state he decides it is time for action. With a small band of brothers, he decides to strike at the home of the most high-profile representative in Libya, Hakan Toprak, a powerbroker in the oil business known by the sobriquet ‘The Hawk’, a powerful and dangerous man. The attack is a disaster and Jamal ends up in the notorious prison Abu Salim.
After Abdullah pleads for George to intervene, he does the only thing he can think of and calls Natasha Bonnicci to ask for her and MalTech’s influence to be brought. A stupid move. Once again George and Adbullah become mere pawns in a geopolitical power play across the southern Mediterranean. Natasha wants more riches for the family, the Hawk vies for greater influence as Turkey asserts its power and the militias in Libya battle for supremacy.
Old scores are settled, new enemies are made, and George just wants to get back to Malta in one piece.
Assistant Commissioner Gerald Camilleri is showing signs of aging and becoming slightly frail physically. There are hints that his powers are starting to wane as he is no longer in total control, a powerful man contemplating retirement. Natasha Bonnici has become more out of control; she has always been ruthless in business but now she is also spiteful and vindictive to any deemed sleight against her. Still beautiful but no longer so youthful she contemplates her lack of partner and children seeing that time is against her now. George is ever more world weary and is questioning his friendship with Abdullah. He realises everybody uses him and he keeps falling for it or finding himself in a situation where he cannot say no.
The regular brief news report extracts are an excellent way of moving the plot along or filling in background detail without disrupting the flow of the storyline. The journalist Amy Halliday is another vital addition to the mix allowing to reflect upon the difficulties in being an investigative journalist in modern but corrupt environment.
Once again much of the humour comes from Savi Azzopardi the naïve and grungy man-child computer hacker. Perhaps a bit of an easy target, but the comic value is mined to full effect. He is in turn gullible, lazy, stupid, and deluded, to believe that Natasha may be attracted to him despite what Simon tells him remains the icing on the cake. Outlandish, but I think most of us has met someone at least a little like Savi. Scary to think in the years to come many more of these socially inept computer nerds will emerge blinking from their darkened bedrooms and parent’s basements. Curiously the development of Savi’s buddy-buddy friendship with fitness fanatic Danka Bijak has moved from one of pity to her genuinely starting care about him in a friendly maternal way.
Jamal Belkacem is the son of George’s unlikely comrade in arms Abdullah, the head of a militia in Libya. Jamal is young, idealist and headstrong, a dangerous combination. Angered by the increasing influence of Turkey in the affairs of state he decides it is time for action. With a small band of brothers, he decides to strike at the home of the most high-profile representative in Libya, Hakan Toprak, a powerbroker in the oil business known by the sobriquet ‘The Hawk’, a powerful and dangerous man. The attack is a disaster and Jamal ends up in the notorious prison Abu Salim.
After Abdullah pleads for George to intervene, he does the only thing he can think of and calls Natasha Bonnicci to ask for her and MalTech’s influence to be brought. A stupid move. Once again George and Adbullah become mere pawns in a geopolitical power play across the southern Mediterranean. Natasha wants more riches for the family, the Hawk vies for greater influence as Turkey asserts its power and the militias in Libya battle for supremacy.
Old scores are settled, new enemies are made, and George just wants to get back to Malta in one piece.
Assistant Commissioner Gerald Camilleri is showing signs of aging and becoming slightly frail physically. There are hints that his powers are starting to wane as he is no longer in total control, a powerful man contemplating retirement. Natasha Bonnici has become more out of control; she has always been ruthless in business but now she is also spiteful and vindictive to any deemed sleight against her. Still beautiful but no longer so youthful she contemplates her lack of partner and children seeing that time is against her now. George is ever more world weary and is questioning his friendship with Abdullah. He realises everybody uses him and he keeps falling for it or finding himself in a situation where he cannot say no.
The regular brief news report extracts are an excellent way of moving the plot along or filling in background detail without disrupting the flow of the storyline. The journalist Amy Halliday is another vital addition to the mix allowing to reflect upon the difficulties in being an investigative journalist in modern but corrupt environment.
Once again much of the humour comes from Savi Azzopardi the naïve and grungy man-child computer hacker. Perhaps a bit of an easy target, but the comic value is mined to full effect. He is in turn gullible, lazy, stupid, and deluded, to believe that Natasha may be attracted to him despite what Simon tells him remains the icing on the cake. Outlandish, but I think most of us has met someone at least a little like Savi. Scary to think in the years to come many more of these socially inept computer nerds will emerge blinking from their darkened bedrooms and parent’s basements. Curiously the development of Savi’s buddy-buddy friendship with fitness fanatic Danka Bijak has moved from one of pity to her genuinely starting care about him in a friendly maternal way.
March 1, 2023
Book 3 of the Inspector George Zammit series and this continues the rollicking run of the first two books. We continue to be involved with the lives on Malta of the inspector alongside Natasha Bonnici, head of a crime family, corrupt Commissioner Gerald Camilleri and Libyan militia leader Abdullah Belkacem. Could be read as a stand-alone but reading the books in order would definitely provide additional context; I love to see how the relationship between unlikely friends George and Belkacem changes.
Briefly, when Belkacem phones and asks for help George finds himself caught up in drug smuggling, Turkish/Greek politics and a missing nuclear bomb! He needs all the help he can get to try and resolve matters amongst a swathe of blackmail, murder and general mayhem!
Once again the author is using his knowledge of Malta, North Africa and Turkey to bring a fast paced excellent book. Another exciting action thriller with more than a smattering of humour. Onto the next book with much anticipation.
March 14, 2023
Third in the series and yet another fascinating adventure for George and Abdullah. The twists and turns of The Family add to the intrigue. What will Natasha get up to next?! AJ Aberford's characters are fascinating and the suspense keeps you turning the pages till the end. Bravo.
November 2, 2024
Inspector George continues his rollicking romps around the Mediterranean; Natasha descends through more levels of chilling evilness.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews