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Secret State: Enemy
Paul needs to work out who's trying to kill him...if only they’d stop for long enough to let him
Paul Qayf. Secret Service agent. Reckless. Flamboyant. Dangerous.
John Bean. Copper. Steady. Small town. Determined.
Everything that Paul Qayf isn’t.
‘Distrust’ doesn’t even come close.
Qayf’s job is simple. Stop a smuggling gang operating in the desolate, Dickensian marshes to the east of London.
And he can’t do it alone.
He needs help. Help from a small town, small time cop he doesn’t even like.
But the only way to stop the gang is to work together.
Two very different men.
Playing by very different rules.
But with one thing in common…
Paul Qayf. Secret Service agent. Reckless. Flamboyant. Dangerous.
John Bean. Copper. Steady. Small town. Determined.
Everything that Paul Qayf isn’t.
‘Distrust’ doesn’t even come close.
Qayf’s job is simple. Stop a smuggling gang operating in the desolate, Dickensian marshes to the east of London.
And he can’t do it alone.
He needs help. Help from a small town, small time cop he doesn’t even like.
But the only way to stop the gang is to work together.
Two very different men.
Playing by very different rules.
But with one thing in common…
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2022
46 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 8, 2023
Solid 4++ stars, by far the best thing I've read by this author to date.
I had previously read the entire Daniel Owen series and really liked it. (Note: I've also read the Charlie Rees series, but alas, I'm not real fond of Charlie). My favorite character is Mal. So imagine my surprise and delight when I realized that this book is about Mal's ex. I already loved this book, but that added another very intriguing layer to the story.
From A Teachable Moment, Mal thinking about Paul:
He had lived with Paul for two years, and told himself he was happy. Then Paul had proposed and Mal had been forced to face the truth—that he didn’t love Paul enough to marry him. He liked Paul, they had fun, but Mal had checked out of the relationship emotionally not long after they had moved in together. He deserves better than someone who is too cowardly to break up even though he knows it’s over. Mal knew the decision to leave London was his way of punishing himself for his treatment of Paul.
Oh Mal, you rat bastard, you!
Now from this book, Paul thinking about Mal:
I had thought we loved each other - Paul and Mal forever. I asked him to marry me and the next day he was gone.
Well, having read this book I can now say - Mal, you are an IDIOT for not staying with this guy. Paul is just all kinds of quirky and wonderful. He is smart, determined, funny, stubborn in the best ways, complex, and, based on the cover, quite attractive. On top of all of that, the author has given him an exquisitely delicious vein of femmeness (so not a word, but there you go) and he's not the least bit concerned about letting it show. I do love me some proudly femme men who also have more cojones when it counts than the average butch straight guy. Here are some of my favorite glimpses of Paul:
I’d shot a rabbit once and cried. (I immediately fell in love with the character the minute I read that.)
I may have flounced, ever so slightly. 😁🥰I swear, this line is absolutely classic, and is going on my list of all-time favorite quotes.
In the morning I dressed with care, in my own clothes, and added bracelets, earrings and eyeliner. I wanted John to see me as myself. If he liked it, excellent. If he didn't, well, I would know. Damned right! And if he didn't like it, he's a fool (note: as you might expect, he does like it - in fact, he likes it a lot. Good taste, that John.)
Paul also has a gentle side that means he is occasionally overwhelmed when crap gets really, really bad and he is unafraid of crying in such circumstances. Wow, what a concept - a man who is unafraid of showing real emotions. Love it.
Beyond the yummy goodness of Paul, this is a solid, complex mystery, typical of this author. An additional plus is that, unlike many of the author's other books, the writing in this book is rock solid and blessedly free of typos, missing words, and wonky formatting; my only constructive comment would be that the author is far too fond of starting new chapters every few pages, even when there's no logical reason to insert such a break. Fewer chapters means less interruptions to the enjoyment of the story.
The very ending of this book hints at the possibility of (a) sequel(s). I really hope there are more books with Paul and his new beau, John. I would be sure to read them.
Can be read as a stand-alone, so definitely recommend to one and all.
I had previously read the entire Daniel Owen series and really liked it. (Note: I've also read the Charlie Rees series, but alas, I'm not real fond of Charlie). My favorite character is Mal. So imagine my surprise and delight when I realized that this book is about Mal's ex. I already loved this book, but that added another very intriguing layer to the story.
From A Teachable Moment, Mal thinking about Paul:
He had lived with Paul for two years, and told himself he was happy. Then Paul had proposed and Mal had been forced to face the truth—that he didn’t love Paul enough to marry him. He liked Paul, they had fun, but Mal had checked out of the relationship emotionally not long after they had moved in together. He deserves better than someone who is too cowardly to break up even though he knows it’s over. Mal knew the decision to leave London was his way of punishing himself for his treatment of Paul.
Oh Mal, you rat bastard, you!
Now from this book, Paul thinking about Mal:
I had thought we loved each other - Paul and Mal forever. I asked him to marry me and the next day he was gone.
Well, having read this book I can now say - Mal, you are an IDIOT for not staying with this guy. Paul is just all kinds of quirky and wonderful. He is smart, determined, funny, stubborn in the best ways, complex, and, based on the cover, quite attractive. On top of all of that, the author has given him an exquisitely delicious vein of femmeness (so not a word, but there you go) and he's not the least bit concerned about letting it show. I do love me some proudly femme men who also have more cojones when it counts than the average butch straight guy. Here are some of my favorite glimpses of Paul:
I’d shot a rabbit once and cried. (I immediately fell in love with the character the minute I read that.)
I may have flounced, ever so slightly. 😁🥰I swear, this line is absolutely classic, and is going on my list of all-time favorite quotes.
In the morning I dressed with care, in my own clothes, and added bracelets, earrings and eyeliner. I wanted John to see me as myself. If he liked it, excellent. If he didn't, well, I would know. Damned right! And if he didn't like it, he's a fool (note: as you might expect, he does like it - in fact, he likes it a lot. Good taste, that John.)
Paul also has a gentle side that means he is occasionally overwhelmed when crap gets really, really bad and he is unafraid of crying in such circumstances. Wow, what a concept - a man who is unafraid of showing real emotions. Love it.
Beyond the yummy goodness of Paul, this is a solid, complex mystery, typical of this author. An additional plus is that, unlike many of the author's other books, the writing in this book is rock solid and blessedly free of typos, missing words, and wonky formatting; my only constructive comment would be that the author is far too fond of starting new chapters every few pages, even when there's no logical reason to insert such a break. Fewer chapters means less interruptions to the enjoyment of the story.
The very ending of this book hints at the possibility of (a) sequel(s). I really hope there are more books with Paul and his new beau, John. I would be sure to read them.
Can be read as a stand-alone, so definitely recommend to one and all.
October 24, 2022
Secret State: Enemy
How could you not love a book in which the main character, upon meeting the second main character, thinks, “if he was gay, he was so far back in the closet, he had a foot in Narnia.”
Ripley Hayes, author of the awesome Daniel Owen mystery series set in Wales, has written a suspense novel thar simply draws you in to the lives of two men - Paul and John - who meet on a parallel search for smugglers. In Wales, of course.
The story is so well written that by the third chapter you are immersed in these men’s very different lives, so much so that you can smell the ocean tides that are an essential part of the plot.
You do want read this book.
If you choose a book by its cover, you will surely be seduced by the gorgeous cover of this book (yum).
How could you not love a book in which the main character, upon meeting the second main character, thinks, “if he was gay, he was so far back in the closet, he had a foot in Narnia.”
Ripley Hayes, author of the awesome Daniel Owen mystery series set in Wales, has written a suspense novel thar simply draws you in to the lives of two men - Paul and John - who meet on a parallel search for smugglers. In Wales, of course.
The story is so well written that by the third chapter you are immersed in these men’s very different lives, so much so that you can smell the ocean tides that are an essential part of the plot.
You do want read this book.
If you choose a book by its cover, you will surely be seduced by the gorgeous cover of this book (yum).
October 26, 2022
I agree with one of the other reviewers--I hope this is a start of a new series. This was an excellent story, well written and almost continuous action. Liked the characters, both MCs and SCs. I will definitely read this book again and I hope there is another one coming. Recommend reading.
October 17, 2022
I love a good mystery
This was my type of book and like Ripley Hayes other books it is a good mystery with a dash of romance. I hope it is a start to a new series.
This was my type of book and like Ripley Hayes other books it is a good mystery with a dash of romance. I hope it is a start to a new series.
August 29, 2024
Brilliant!
Be careful what you wish for! Paul Qayf is a Spook, has been since he was recruited out of university but it’s not as glamorous as it seems, especially when your boss hates you, lies are spread around the department about you and your family and you spend too much time in the office staring at a screen.
Paul’s talent is finding anomalies, digging deep, and when he finds too many anomalies all emanating from one small town in Kent he uncovers more than just tobacco and alcohol smuggling, boats can operate both ways. Instead of concentrating on what smugglers are bringing into he country, Paul believes the department should be looking at what is leaving. But his superior isn’t interested and so Paul arranges to meet with the DCI of Ledmarsh to put his concerns to him. Before his meeting Paul does a little digging himself which leads to him almost being killed.
DCI John Bean is new to Ledmarsh. He is a good looking, decent, down to earth man and unfortunately just Paul’s kryptonite. We find that Paul had his heart broken by a copper he lived with for two years and it was non other than Mal Kent, Daniel’s other half from the Daniel Owen Welsh Mysteries books!
This book was fast paced with murders and lots of twists and turns and someone definitely wanted Paul dead as one attempt after another was made on his life and he was more than a little bashed up.
Paul and John were a good match, the book was really enjoyable and there were not one but two twists at the end that I didn’t see coming!
Definitely recommend.
Be careful what you wish for! Paul Qayf is a Spook, has been since he was recruited out of university but it’s not as glamorous as it seems, especially when your boss hates you, lies are spread around the department about you and your family and you spend too much time in the office staring at a screen.
Paul’s talent is finding anomalies, digging deep, and when he finds too many anomalies all emanating from one small town in Kent he uncovers more than just tobacco and alcohol smuggling, boats can operate both ways. Instead of concentrating on what smugglers are bringing into he country, Paul believes the department should be looking at what is leaving. But his superior isn’t interested and so Paul arranges to meet with the DCI of Ledmarsh to put his concerns to him. Before his meeting Paul does a little digging himself which leads to him almost being killed.
DCI John Bean is new to Ledmarsh. He is a good looking, decent, down to earth man and unfortunately just Paul’s kryptonite. We find that Paul had his heart broken by a copper he lived with for two years and it was non other than Mal Kent, Daniel’s other half from the Daniel Owen Welsh Mysteries books!
This book was fast paced with murders and lots of twists and turns and someone definitely wanted Paul dead as one attempt after another was made on his life and he was more than a little bashed up.
Paul and John were a good match, the book was really enjoyable and there were not one but two twists at the end that I didn’t see coming!
Definitely recommend.
November 30, 2022
New book, hopefully new series
I adore all of the mysteries that I have read by this author and I think I gave read them all. I would love to read more about these two, so hopefully there may be more coming. More of a suspense thriller, with a touch of romance, this one really hit the spot.
I adore all of the mysteries that I have read by this author and I think I gave read them all. I would love to read more about these two, so hopefully there may be more coming. More of a suspense thriller, with a touch of romance, this one really hit the spot.
April 27, 2024
Okaay - this might be "just" a 4 stars for me but really only because I didn't find the "crime plot" so interesting, there were a few "plotholes" in it and the ending just doesn't fit for me. I'm not going to spoiler but the last scene in the Smuggler's Inn is just not working for me, I knew quite early who was responsible and the end annoyed me.
Otherwise it is a solid Ripley Hayes book with engaging characters and good writing. I love that Paul is a bit different from the usual MCs. The tentative flirting and the following increased flirting worked. Paul and John will make a great couple and I hope to see them in a more "established" context.
I assume this is the start to a new series so I'm looking forward to the next book.
Otherwise it is a solid Ripley Hayes book with engaging characters and good writing. I love that Paul is a bit different from the usual MCs. The tentative flirting and the following increased flirting worked. Paul and John will make a great couple and I hope to see them in a more "established" context.
I assume this is the start to a new series so I'm looking forward to the next book.
February 24, 2025
Smuggling, betrayal and espionage!
Secret State: Enemy by Ripley Hayes is an exciting story about a smuggling operation, betrayal, and a bit of espionage. DCI John Bean & OOTS agent Paul Qayf must work together to solve a couple of murders that lead them to a smuggling operation.
I love MM suspense and this book did not disappoint! I would love to see more of this couple fighting crime together and wouldn't mind a bit more steam, too!
Romance - ❤️❤️❤️
Steam - 🔥
Humor - 🤣🤣
Angst - 😭😭😭
Writing - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Secret State: Enemy by Ripley Hayes is an exciting story about a smuggling operation, betrayal, and a bit of espionage. DCI John Bean & OOTS agent Paul Qayf must work together to solve a couple of murders that lead them to a smuggling operation.
I love MM suspense and this book did not disappoint! I would love to see more of this couple fighting crime together and wouldn't mind a bit more steam, too!
Romance - ❤️❤️❤️
Steam - 🔥
Humor - 🤣🤣
Angst - 😭😭😭
Writing - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 15, 2022
Would have been five stars
But the ending ruined it. How can you start a book about being accused, wrongly, of doing something and have the whole plot built around it and then have the main character do the something at the end of the story and allow his love to be accessory, much less remain in their jobs? It sucked big time. Five stars if you changed the ending, but this ending taints the main characters.
But the ending ruined it. How can you start a book about being accused, wrongly, of doing something and have the whole plot built around it and then have the main character do the something at the end of the story and allow his love to be accessory, much less remain in their jobs? It sucked big time. Five stars if you changed the ending, but this ending taints the main characters.
November 20, 2023
The beginning to a series?
Very good with a lot of action. You know smuggling, betrayal, murder with Cops and Spooks. Someone is trying to kill Paul for finding out about these illegal dealings and John Bean is by his side doing his best to help him. Who really is the bad guy, the person he suspected for someone else? It ends in a to be continued way but its also wrapped up nice so its hard to say.
Very good with a lot of action. You know smuggling, betrayal, murder with Cops and Spooks. Someone is trying to kill Paul for finding out about these illegal dealings and John Bean is by his side doing his best to help him. Who really is the bad guy, the person he suspected for someone else? It ends in a to be continued way but its also wrapped up nice so its hard to say.
January 28, 2023
I didn't realize that these characters revolved around the same universe as the Daniel Owens Welsh series. When Paul would think about Mal, I thought he couldn't be thinking about Daniel's Mal. Well he was. It wasn't a bad read, but near the end Paul was constantly crying or throwing up and it turned me off from the story. It's no wonder Mal hightailed it back to Daniel.
June 4, 2024
I enjoy this authors writing, being set in UK helps.
John seems quite buttoned up on first meet but shows his true mettle as he and Paul dive into the muddy waters - literally - of Kentish smuggling.
Paul seems extraordinarily targetted and this comes back to too close for comfort at the end.
A few tstl moments but overall a good read, with some references to Mal from Daniel Owen series
John seems quite buttoned up on first meet but shows his true mettle as he and Paul dive into the muddy waters - literally - of Kentish smuggling.
Paul seems extraordinarily targetted and this comes back to too close for comfort at the end.
A few tstl moments but overall a good read, with some references to Mal from Daniel Owen series
December 6, 2022
Pretty good spin off from Daniel Owens Mysteries
I hope this author continues with another installment. Bean and Paul didn’t have quite the chemistry of Daniel and Mal, but the mystery was great and I’d still love to see more of them.
I hope this author continues with another installment. Bean and Paul didn’t have quite the chemistry of Daniel and Mal, but the mystery was great and I’d still love to see more of them.
December 12, 2022
Really enjoyed this.
Had no idea when I started that this was a spin off from the Daniel Owens series. Looking forward to the next book! Interested to see what Mal’s response will be to Paul and John Bean being together. 👀
Had no idea when I started that this was a spin off from the Daniel Owens series. Looking forward to the next book! Interested to see what Mal’s response will be to Paul and John Bean being together. 👀
April 1, 2023
Circles within circles?
Paul worked for the government as an analyst. John was a DCI with the Kent Police. Together they worked a murder and smuggling case. They continually teased around their attraction for each other.
Good characters and excellent plot twists.
Paul worked for the government as an analyst. John was a DCI with the Kent Police. Together they worked a murder and smuggling case. They continually teased around their attraction for each other.
Good characters and excellent plot twists.
October 25, 2023
really good book, but
This is a well written book and I recommend it to all. The only problem I had with was one of the MC’s name was John Bean, John rhymes with Sean, so I kept reading Sean instead of John. 🤣
This is a well written book and I recommend it to all. The only problem I had with was one of the MC’s name was John Bean, John rhymes with Sean, so I kept reading Sean instead of John. 🤣
May 31, 2025
Really good! A well-crafted mystery with lots of suspense, as well as intrigue that stays a little messy in a way that’s all about the realities of government agencies. Interesting characters with more than one plot twist and turn along the way.
June 4, 2025
While not my favorite Ripley Hayes book ( a lot of incident but little actual investigating (plus I kinda of hate it when the investigator is so closely tied to all the criminals)) it is still a fun little crime novel.
June 23, 2023
Good writing
I’m really liking this author in general. This book has a good mystery and lots of action. I’m not sure how I felt about the epilogue though…
I’m really liking this author in general. This book has a good mystery and lots of action. I’m not sure how I felt about the epilogue though…
September 29, 2025
I loved this surprise spin-off from the Daniel Owen series, as we meet Paul, reluctant secret service paper pusher and Mal's ex.
Impatient with being chained to a desk, Paul decides to do some actual investigation and finds himself in a whole heap of trouble in a close-knit community rural Kent, falling foul of the local police officer, John.
I really enjoyed the chemistry and push-pull between impulsive, intuitive Paul and calm, methodical John. The coastal setting was beautifully described and really added to the tension of the developing plot. Great characters and a really exciting storyline. I hope there's more to come from these two!
Impatient with being chained to a desk, Paul decides to do some actual investigation and finds himself in a whole heap of trouble in a close-knit community rural Kent, falling foul of the local police officer, John.
I really enjoyed the chemistry and push-pull between impulsive, intuitive Paul and calm, methodical John. The coastal setting was beautifully described and really added to the tension of the developing plot. Great characters and a really exciting storyline. I hope there's more to come from these two!
October 27, 2023
Loved the twists and turns in this story. Lots of surprises. The ending kinda left an opening for a second book...... I love characters like Paul - vilified by their boss, and the boss eating humble pie at the end. Good ! He was a total prat. And a good cop amongst the head turners - what's not to like? Want more from this author who know how to write - well - a pretty decent story
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews