What should have been a routine arrest turns into a bloody shoot-out near Geneva that leaves four terrorists and four policeman dead, and Richter on the run from a murder charge. Closer to home, an old tramp is viciously murdered on the Isle of Sheppey. Then a surveillance operation in Stuttgart goes badly wrong when someone tips off the terrorists that the police are closing in. As Richter looks for some connection between these widely separated events, he discovers a diabolical plot intended to devastate the City of London and leave thousands dead. A plot that will combine the world’s largest ever non-nuclear explosion with the power of the sea to deadly effect. As the tension mounts, Richter finds himself pitted against both a vicious and highly experienced professional terrorist and a ruthless gang of international criminals. But the identity of the mastermind comes as a shock to everyone.
James Barrington writes gripping novels! I have read his first four books which cover four different topics with the same protagonist who is becoming a more admirable character. Simpson, his Intelligence supervisor, still doesn't show him much respect, but Paul Richter is a brilliant anti-terrorist and risks his life selflessly. James Barrington a lot of research for Timebomb which takes place outside of Stuttgart and Geneva as well as London.
The main character is likeable his boss less so and that's intentional, but the interactions between the 2 are enjoyable as a result The story gets a tad drawn out at points and the what's the plan, what's the target storyline just takes too long. It's enjoyable enough to want to read the next in the series, but only just
Typical Richter adventure with Sherlock Holmes deductions but not necessarily by the hero. German protagonist stereotype sued very successfully as were the Islamic radicals.
Paul Richter is chasing terrorists all over Europe, but every lead points toward London, his hometown, as the main target. Twists and turns in every chapter. A great rollercoaster ride.