The Inside Man

by James Phelps

He's the only one who can stop a massacre ... The unputdownable action thriller from Australia's no.1 true crime writer.Riley Jax, convicted murderer. Once a promising engineer in the army, he lost everything in a single night when he killed a man – an act he cannot remember. It's a devastating gap in an otherwise perfect memory. Now he's facing a new life, one behind bars, where he has to learn a whole different set of rules and only the toughest survive. And as a series of deadly bombings rocks the outside world, the only man who might be able to find the truth behind the conspiracy ... is on the inside. Australia's no.1 true crime writer lets his imagination off the leash in this unputdownable action thriller for all fans of Matthew Reilly, Lee Child and David Baldacci. 'An exciting action thriller ... An enjoyable, easy flowing tale that will keep you turning the pages ' Canberra Weekly 'A gripping new action thriller ... The story moves along at a lightning-fast pace. [Phelps has] got a knack for bringing you right into the heart of the action, making for some truly tense moments. The Inside Man ticks all the boxes when it comes to an action-packed crime novel . If you enjoy authors like Tom Clancy, or are just looking for a thrilling new read, check out The Inside Man . I can't wait to see where Phelps takes this series next.' Better Reading

Genres: Thriller

MP3 CD

About the author

James Phelps is an award-winning senior reporter for the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph in Sydney.

He began as on overnight police rounds reporter before moving into sport, where he became one of Australia's best news-breaking rugby league reporters.

James became News Corp Australia's Chief National Motorsports Writer and travelled the world, chasing F1 stories as well as becoming Australia's number one V8 Supercar reporter. James is also a senior feature writer for the Sunday Telegraph.

Following the bestselling Dick Johnson: The Autobiography of a True-Blue Aussie Sporting Legend, James returned to his roots to delve into the criminal underworld with a series of crime books: Australia's Hardest Prison: Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail; Australia's Most Murderous Prison; and Australia's Toughest Prisons: Inmates. James is a twice V8 Supercar media award winner and a former News Awards 'Young Journalist of the Year' and 'Sport Reporter of the Year'.

Reviews

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of fast paced, action thrillers then The Inside Man is for you. It is brutal and violent, with alot of bad language - as you would expect from a prison novel. The story never lets up and I flew through it. I really hope that we will hear more from Riley Jax, his story is far from over.

Riley Jax is a top army engineer with a bright future. So how does he find himself in Long Bay Maximum Security Prison in Sydney as a convicted murderer? A murder that he has no recollection of committing. On arrival he knows he needs to stay out of trouble and go under the radar.. he wants no trouble. But trouble seems to find him. But his skills and expertise are required by his government and he soon find himself working as the Inside Man, to help catch the bombers that are terrorizing the world.

Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for my copy of this book to read.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a great new Aussie author find!

I am also hoping this is the first in a series featuring Riley Jax. Not a read for the feint-hearted as this contains its fair share of brutality, violence and prison-grade bad language. The story does have a bit of a 'cinematic' feel, and the story arc keeps building in pace, which had me reading it in one sitting.

Riley Jax's age made the character a little tricky to believe but suspending my judgement on this front helped. Finding a very young army engineer (with an IQ of 222) in Sydney's Long Bay Maximum Security Prison as a convicted murderer was not what I anticipated, but it made for a unique perspective.

Jax knows he needs to stay out of trouble while serving his sentence for murder, but this seems impossible in prison. Phelp's has an incredible insight into prison life, and this aspect I found the most interesting of the read. Jax's skills and expertise soon see him working as the Inside Man to help catch a bomber terrorizing the world. This added a real "James Bond" type quality to the novel, worth its entertainment value.

Great new author find for me, and one I would read an instalment two with this protagonist.

[Meegz Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3-3.5 Stars*

Copy kindly received from Harper Collins Australia for an honest review.

This was my first fiction book by James Phelps and it was an intriguing read (I just realised I read the autobiography he wrote for Dick Johnson). There was quite a lot of world building and the ending definitely made me think this may become the first in a series. Whilst this is a fiction novel, it gives a look into the harsh realities of prison life, and also the crazy minds behind some of the worst crimes committed not just in Aus, but the world.

There's a fair bit of switching between characters in this, which as a personal thing for me, sometimes gets frustrating, even when I know its essential to the plot, and that everything will come together in the end.

I found Jax to be a likeable character, and his chapters were my favourite. Mind you, the book is about him so I suppose that's to be expected. There were certain things that I wasn't quite sure I felt we got closure on, particularly the likes of Marsh and Nikki, and also the truth of what happens right at the start of the book. This is another thing that leads me to believe this will be the start of a series.

Whilst not my favourite book, this was still a good read, and I would read the next one if another came out based around Jax and this world.


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[Jay Dwight · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I'm sure this one will be the first in a series. A fair amount of scene setting as we are introduced to Riley Jax, a young man with a perfect memory, except for an apparent murder he has committed. Ex-Army and an IQ of 222, he now finds himself in Long Bay.

On the outside, a series of terrorist bombings are taking place, and Riley's unique skills need to be called on to assist authorities discover who is behind the attacks. Can the Inside Man solve the mystery?

The pace quickens as the book progresses, with the clock ticking down to the next terrorist attack.

It will be interesting to see where Riley's journey leads, and how he will react when he learns the truth regarding the murder he was jailed for.

[Gabby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This ain’t it

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Australian author James Phelps has a distinguished writing career as a journalist and sports reporter. He's written multiple non-fiction books including Australia's Hardest Prison: Inside the Walls of Long Bay Jail, Australia's Most Murderous Prison and Australia's Toughest Prisons: Inmates.

His most recent book is a work of fiction called The Inside Man - a story about a young soldier called Riley Jax jailed for a murder he can't even remember. This is Jax making his way through the prison system in Australia's toughest prisons. It's vivid, incredibly real and a tad ironic that the reader identifies with Jax despite his crime, because Jax is recruited when the world outside the jail starts crashing down. He's gifted, talented and a freakin' genius. He's also trying to stay alive.

He's The Inside Man.

I get the feeling this is only the start of a very interesting future for Jax though I'm intrigued about the reality of his crime and what's found him sitting in a cell - what came first?

The start of this book reminded me of a True Crime podcast. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.

[Amanda E · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75☆

This debut novel from James Phelps is definitely for readers of Jack Reacher and other military/crime/spy thrillers.

Although the storyline is really detailed from the authors years of experience, research and journalism, it was hard to connect to characters that just seemed to young to be in prison and deal with terrorism, even if the character is a genius and makes a great spy.

The Inside Man captures your attention with the prologue, but it's a slow burn story until the action starts, and even then, the reader is engaged and must piece the story together as the clock counts down.

A copy of The Inside Man was provided by BetterReading in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story tells of Jax’s entry into the prison system in maximum security and his interactions with the other inmates. Then it takes a twist and the real story begins.
This is an action packed and fast paced story filled with gritty and raw detail that leaves you in no doubt how Jax was feeling and what he was experiencing.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t wait to read what would happen next. It’s definitely not a story that would appeal to everyone, however if you’re a fan of crime and thrillers and action and love all the raw and graphic details along the way, then this is worth a read.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took over 200 pages to understand where the story was going. Everything then revealed itself. Brutal and fast paced to finish the story off. Interesting read from a true crime author. Maybe a sequel to see where Jax ends up next?

[Karan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Riley Jax finds himself in Long Bay jail for a murder he can't remember committing. The rest of the world is experiencing a series of deadly bombings. Can he solve the conspiracy before it's too late?

I found the first half of the book focused on Jax's horrendous experience in jail. His girlfriend made an appearance for a while and then was never heard of again.

Suddenly you discover that Jax has amazing hidden talents and is the only one who can save the world, even after suffering numerous beatings and injuries to the head with no concussion or memory loss.

I enjoyed the book in places but it was all a little far fetched for me, especially concluding with a call from the President.

Thanks to Better Reading and Harper Collins for an exclusive early reading copy.

[Book Clubber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in my pyjamas on the couch with my cat curled up at my feet, but I felt like I was sitting in a cinema watching the end credits roll on a Hollywood blockbuster. My heart rate was up, my mind was racing and I was blown away that a book could deliver the same impact as a big-screen action thriller. Congratulations to Australian author James Phelps on his first crime fiction novel. I haven’t read any of his best-selling true crime stories, but I’m already anticipating the sequel to The Inside Man that the final chapter of this book alludes to.
The story starts with Riley Jax, a promising young engineer in the army, waking up to find a murdered man in his dorm and all the evidence pointing to him. He doesn’t remember anything and soon finds himself behind bars in a maximum-security prison. The first quarter of the book is devoted to setting the scene, which may sound boring but isn’t. The author paints a vivid and unsettling image of prison life, introducing us to a cast of unsavoury characters and the life or death decisions every inmate has to make that will either seal their fate or determine the quality of their life while they serve their sentence. I instantly liked Riley for his integrity and heart, which is precisely why I feared for him every time he left his cell. There is one scene that was particularly difficult to read. Had it been on the big screen, I know my eyes would have been squeezed shut.
Before I knew it, the book changed pace as Riley becomes the only man who might be able to stop a series of deadly bombings that are happening in the outside world.
At times graphic, this book is spy thriller meets action with a good dose of mystery and a dash of romance. At first, I found Riley’s age of 19 to be completely unbelievable. It eventually makes sense, but I still aged him by a few years to make it plausible in my own mind. There were a few (not many) passages that felt like the author was doing more telling than showing, but I'm being picky now. The plot is intricately woven and smart and I genuinely enjoyed the ride this book took me on.
If you’re looking for a gift for the man in your life, I highly recommend this.

[Lesley Olariu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Inside Man" by James Phelps is a cracking read from go to whoa. Not a genre I would normally pick but thanks to #BRPreview and an advance reading copy I dipped my toes into the water then plunged right in!
The main character Riley Jax is ex military, in prison for a murder he doesn't remember committing....strange since he is a rare individual, a mnemonist who remembers everything.
In prison, Riley must adapt and survive a brutal environment. The threat of violence is ever present and soon rears its ugly head. The graphic horror of what goes on is terrifying but believable in the context, particularly when you take into account the author's background in true crime reporting.
Against this narrative, we have a series of terrorist attacks happening in churches around the world and when links are made to Goulburn jail, Riley is bought in as "The Inside Man" to help uncover the cell and prevent further attacks. The machinations of the CIA and ASIO who must work together while revealing as little as possible to Jax are interesting and come to a head at the conclusion of the novel....a sequel looks highly likely and I for one, will be looking out for the next instalment.

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was pleasantly surprised with this novel. When I first started reading this book I didn't think I would enjoy it. I don't usually like reading books that are so vivid involving crimes, torture and harming of others. But this novel got me hooked and I couldn't put it down. The book is about a young soldier, Riley Jax, who was convicted and jailed for a murder he can't remember committing. Jax loses everything, his army career and his Fiancé Nicki due to his conviction and is now facing a new life behind bars having to adapt and learn a new set of rules that are so very different to his life as an engineer in the army. He is a very intelligent man with a perfect memory. On the outside a series of terrorist church bombings around the world are taking place. Hudson Sami is head of CIA's Russian and European Analysis team. He tracks the bombings mastermind to Goulburn Jail in NSW Australia. Sami learns of Jax's intelligence and enlists him as The Inside Man to assist the CIA to prevent further bombings. I so hope that this is a series as it finishes with a lot of unanswered question. I would love to know what happens to Jax and how he reacts when he finds out really what happened on the night of the murder and where this leads him.
Thank you to Better Reading and Harper Collins for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful novel.

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked parts of this book but I couldn't fully enjoy it because of how much I had to suspend my disbelief. It had a nice mix of action and an interesting plot, but it just didn't come together well for me. I think it was mainly just because of the disconnect between how the main character acts in the first half of the book and the second half - along with his age. Some of the ways Phelps had Riley Jax negotiate situations in the book had me shaking my head. He's 19 years old with minimal training, yet somehow is a super spy that outsmarts everyone. I wanted to like it because I don't think we see enough interesting spy or action thrillers based in Australia, but it wasn't quite there for me. Having said that, I feel like there could be something there for another book following Jax, if the writing improves.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complex but well plotted. Fast paced, tense and gripping. Rather violent in parts. The ending suggests there could be more adventures for Riley Jax.

Riley Jax, convicted murderer. Once a promising engineer in the army, he lost everything in a single night when he killed a man - an act he cannot remember.
It's a devastating gap in an otherwise perfect memory.
Now he's facing a new life, one behind bars, where he has to learn a whole different set of rules and only the toughest survive.
And as a series of deadly bombings rocks the outside world, the only man who might be able to find the truth behind the conspiracy ... is on the inside.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW, what a ride! The Inside Man by James Phelps is an absolute corker. So intense in parts, I had to put it down, but I always wanted to pick it back up. From the beginning, I was drawn into this story and I was invested in Jax's character. The violence was not gratuitous, but so well written that it conveyed more than was on the page. Not thrilled about how it ended, but I won't spoil it, however, it looks like it's been set up for more instalments, and I look for to them. Thank you to BetterReading for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Renee Hermansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast paced action thriller that really kept me on my toes.
Jax, good army guy, was put in jail for murder. Whilst inside this book gives a realistic view of the fear, violence and sexual assault.
Jax is to help find the people responsible for bombing churches whilst serving his time.
There are many twists that keep it interesting.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
Thanks to Better Reading and Harper Collins for this ARC to read and review.

[Con Shalevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first action, thrilling espionage book I've read, and I loved it.
This is a story of made-up, but it can come true, with a story that has excitement and action.
Simply putting it, i loved it.
A well written book for actioned thrill-seekers who love a true blue hero.
As an author myself writing crime thrilling horror, i found this book exciting and captivating.
Well done, James, on this brilliant novel.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very book. A very different Australian story in which a young man imprisoned for a murder he couldn't recall committing is identified as having the skills and contacts on the inside to prevent a major terrorist event.
A well written page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Shirley Baerken · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK!!! Lots of very unexpected twists and turns that keeps you turning the pages. It kept me up many nights until 2 am as I just couldn't stop. I highly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to more from James Phelps. FABULOUS!!!

[Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Great storyline and character development of the protagonist. Clever concept & a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. Enjoyed the international flair that it brought too.
Highly recommend to lovers of crime/thrillers.

[Iain Muir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wouldn't usually read something like this. It was alright. A lot of swearing, which made sense given the environment. I did enjoy Phelps' command of the language, but as for the story itself, I didn't find it too gripping.

[Ally Zychowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced thriller. Kept me guessing until about half-way through but a little bit predictable towards the end. The Inside Man’ definitely has the feeling of being the first in a series.

[Lidia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked the story. The title was a give away and I only waiting the moment of revelation. My only critique è there are a lot of facts to follow.

[Di Christensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too graphical violent.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

JP's writing skills are most evident in this book.
I feel Riley Jax series coming.....and bring it on !

[John Priest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt the book started a bit meh and was destined to be a bit mediocre but about 1/3 of the way through it picked up and got better, even if I was able to guess the hidden villain.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow burn for some and a complete fizzle out like a damp campfire for me.

[Asha Stark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perfectly readable, though belief credulity must be suspended at moments

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thriller from start to finish.
I was on the edge of my seat during the final quarter constantly wondering what was coming next