What do you think?
Rate this book
Matt Standing #2
Standing Alone
How can you follow orders if those orders are to kill a friend?A Navy SEAL has gone rogue, selling his skills to the highest bidder as a professional assassin.Ryan French no longer cares who he kills so long as the price is right.His former bosses want him taken down, but they're not prepared to get their hands dirty so they need a Brit to do the job.SAS trooper Matt "Lastman" Standing is a lethal killing machine with experience in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. Plus he's worked with French in the past. It's not a mission he wants, but Standing made a bad choice in his past and it has come back to haunt him.Now he's hunting French in the lawless Wild West forests of Humboldt County, where the US produces most of its legal - and illegal - cannabis.But French isn't the only predator in the wilderness - there are Mexican cartels, Russian Mafia and Hungarian gangsters - and Standing has to overcome them all to get to his target.
Paperback
First published January 6, 2022
159 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
238 books1,524 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 1, 2022
Standing Alone, number two in the Matt Standing series. Number three ordered.
How can you follow orders if those orders are to kill a friend?
A Navy SEAL has gone rogue, selling his skills to the highest bidder as a professional assassin.
Ryan French no longer cares who he kills so long as the price is right.
His former bosses want him taken down, but they're not prepared to get their hands dirty so they need a Brit to do the job.
SAS trooper Matt "Lastman" Standing is a lethal killing machine with experience in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. Plus he's worked with French in the past. It's not a mission he wants, but Standing made a bad choice in his past and it has come back to haunt him.
Now he's hunting French in the lawless Wild West forests of Humboldt County, where the US produces most of its legal - and illegal - cannabis.
But French isn't the only predator in the wilderness - there are Mexican cartels, Russian Mafia and Hungarian gangsters - and Standing has to overcome them all to get to his target.
Well paced, action packed, gripping thriller, not quite as good as book 1, but not far behind.
Strong on characters, as more stronger back story to this book.
A great new series, now I know I have all the Spider books to catch up on.
Four stars.
How can you follow orders if those orders are to kill a friend?
A Navy SEAL has gone rogue, selling his skills to the highest bidder as a professional assassin.
Ryan French no longer cares who he kills so long as the price is right.
His former bosses want him taken down, but they're not prepared to get their hands dirty so they need a Brit to do the job.
SAS trooper Matt "Lastman" Standing is a lethal killing machine with experience in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. Plus he's worked with French in the past. It's not a mission he wants, but Standing made a bad choice in his past and it has come back to haunt him.
Now he's hunting French in the lawless Wild West forests of Humboldt County, where the US produces most of its legal - and illegal - cannabis.
But French isn't the only predator in the wilderness - there are Mexican cartels, Russian Mafia and Hungarian gangsters - and Standing has to overcome them all to get to his target.
Well paced, action packed, gripping thriller, not quite as good as book 1, but not far behind.
Strong on characters, as more stronger back story to this book.
A great new series, now I know I have all the Spider books to catch up on.
Four stars.
March 13, 2022
As a big fan of this author's Dan "Spider" Shepherd series, I was eager to get my hands on this book (while lamenting the fact that I somehow missed the first one in the series). My conclusion? No shortage of action and I'm looking forward to the next installment, but Spider - who's a friend of SAS trooper Matt Standing, the hero of this series - remains my favorite of the two.
Another character from the Shepherd books plays a big role in Matt's life as well; Charlotte Button, who at least at one time was Spider's controller and now works for The Pool, a nefarious sort of organization that apparently ignores legal boundaries. Setting the rest of the story in motion, she contacts Matt with an offer he literally can't refuse even though he wants to: Chase down and eliminate an old acquaintance - a former Navy SEAL who's now out of the service and gone rogue.
Once in a remote and somewhat lawless section of the country that's a potbed for illegal production and sale of cannabis - where his target is believed to be hiding out - Matt meets up with a crusty but likable self-sufficient guy named Brett (and bonds with him so much so that he feels guilty for not being able to reveal his true mission). But while Matt spends a little time looking for the man he's supposed to kill, he spends far more dealing with the realities of a robust - and cartel-controlled - marijuana industry that tromps on human rights and fiercely protects its territories.
And that is, I think, the biggest turn-off for me; the vast majority of the book centers on all these experiences (some of which nearly get Matt killed) and almost totally sidesteps his original quest to find Charlotte's man. Besides that, there are too many words spent on hot-button political issues like Big Pharma, legalization of marijuana and hemp, what's taught in public schools and such to suit me. That has nothing to do with whether or not I agree - to each his or her own, after all - but rather that I hear enough of that "stuff" in my daily life that I really don't want to read about it as well.
Since this is a series, it's no spoiler to say that Matt somehow makes it through to the end, although it's touch-and-go in a few spots. For the details, you'll just have to read it for yourself; if you love to see action heroes who don't back away from a good fight no matter what the odds, you'll love this character. As for me, I'll just say I enjoyed it very much and thank you to the publisher (via NetGalley) for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
Another character from the Shepherd books plays a big role in Matt's life as well; Charlotte Button, who at least at one time was Spider's controller and now works for The Pool, a nefarious sort of organization that apparently ignores legal boundaries. Setting the rest of the story in motion, she contacts Matt with an offer he literally can't refuse even though he wants to: Chase down and eliminate an old acquaintance - a former Navy SEAL who's now out of the service and gone rogue.
Once in a remote and somewhat lawless section of the country that's a potbed for illegal production and sale of cannabis - where his target is believed to be hiding out - Matt meets up with a crusty but likable self-sufficient guy named Brett (and bonds with him so much so that he feels guilty for not being able to reveal his true mission). But while Matt spends a little time looking for the man he's supposed to kill, he spends far more dealing with the realities of a robust - and cartel-controlled - marijuana industry that tromps on human rights and fiercely protects its territories.
And that is, I think, the biggest turn-off for me; the vast majority of the book centers on all these experiences (some of which nearly get Matt killed) and almost totally sidesteps his original quest to find Charlotte's man. Besides that, there are too many words spent on hot-button political issues like Big Pharma, legalization of marijuana and hemp, what's taught in public schools and such to suit me. That has nothing to do with whether or not I agree - to each his or her own, after all - but rather that I hear enough of that "stuff" in my daily life that I really don't want to read about it as well.
Since this is a series, it's no spoiler to say that Matt somehow makes it through to the end, although it's touch-and-go in a few spots. For the details, you'll just have to read it for yourself; if you love to see action heroes who don't back away from a good fight no matter what the odds, you'll love this character. As for me, I'll just say I enjoyed it very much and thank you to the publisher (via NetGalley) for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
October 31, 2021
One of Britain’s top thriller writers knocks it out of the park. Again.
This is not one of his Spider Shepherd books, but is set in the same “world” with some familiar characters. Matt Standing is a talented SAS Trooper, an instinctive warrior who sometimes does himself no favours. Compelled to take on a side mission for a mysterious group supported by the Government and headed up by Charlotte Button, he finds himself heading for Humboldt County in California. His mission? To kill an ex- Navy SEAL who has apparently gone rogue. A man with similar to Standing himself.
Now, Stephen Leather doesn’t just write page turners, he puts thought and research into his books and characters. Humboldt County is where “legal” cannabis is grown, and is about as wild and lawless as you can get in the US. Where the hippies once grew a few weeds we now have organised gangs and an area where there is money to be made but lives don’t matter. The author provides a lot of fascinating fleshed out detail.
Much as he is a warrior, Standing is not trained as an agent so he does blunder around a bit trying to track down his target and I liked the way he wasn’t the ‘finished’ article. It made his actions more believable. Even Standing isn’t prepared for the violence and death that will stand between him and his target.
Thoughtful premise, great characters and lots of action. Of course it’s good, it’s Stephen Leather!
This is not one of his Spider Shepherd books, but is set in the same “world” with some familiar characters. Matt Standing is a talented SAS Trooper, an instinctive warrior who sometimes does himself no favours. Compelled to take on a side mission for a mysterious group supported by the Government and headed up by Charlotte Button, he finds himself heading for Humboldt County in California. His mission? To kill an ex- Navy SEAL who has apparently gone rogue. A man with similar to Standing himself.
Now, Stephen Leather doesn’t just write page turners, he puts thought and research into his books and characters. Humboldt County is where “legal” cannabis is grown, and is about as wild and lawless as you can get in the US. Where the hippies once grew a few weeds we now have organised gangs and an area where there is money to be made but lives don’t matter. The author provides a lot of fascinating fleshed out detail.
Much as he is a warrior, Standing is not trained as an agent so he does blunder around a bit trying to track down his target and I liked the way he wasn’t the ‘finished’ article. It made his actions more believable. Even Standing isn’t prepared for the violence and death that will stand between him and his target.
Thoughtful premise, great characters and lots of action. Of course it’s good, it’s Stephen Leather!
July 6, 2022
Shades of the Gray Man but borderline Reacher. A self-conscience killer-for-hire journeys to Weed central, albeit, sunny California to find a rogue former CIA agent and Seal member....and to terminate his stead with extreme prejudice.
Just because I have now learned how to plant, grow, and cultivate the flower of power doesn't mean this novel was formidable, or does it, uh, I forget. Sorry, had to go grab some munchies.
Good story about an apparent hero from days past, yet he still has all the qualities to maintain. I just really can't remember....dude.
Just because I have now learned how to plant, grow, and cultivate the flower of power doesn't mean this novel was formidable, or does it, uh, I forget. Sorry, had to go grab some munchies.
Good story about an apparent hero from days past, yet he still has all the qualities to maintain. I just really can't remember....dude.
September 18, 2022
Adrenaline-pumping, suspenseful, and fast-paced!
In this second instalment in the Matt Standing series, Standing Alone, Leather has written an action-packed thrill ride that sees the cocky, talented SAS trooper Standing being blackmailed into taking a side mission for “The Pool, a shady organization headed by Charlotte Button that sees him hunting down ex-Navy Seal Ryan French in rural California where organized crime is rife, people live wild and free, and cannabis grows in abundance.
The writing is brisk and tight. The characters are ruthless, persistent, and experienced. And the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as it submerges you in a menacing tale full of violence, deception, mayhem, danger, control, power, and murder.
Overall, Standing Alone is another tortuous, pacey, exciting tale by Leather that, with its well-drawn characterization, creative storyline, and thrilling conclusion, is sure to be a big hit with longtime fans of this author’s previous novels.
Thank you to Mobius Books US for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this second instalment in the Matt Standing series, Standing Alone, Leather has written an action-packed thrill ride that sees the cocky, talented SAS trooper Standing being blackmailed into taking a side mission for “The Pool, a shady organization headed by Charlotte Button that sees him hunting down ex-Navy Seal Ryan French in rural California where organized crime is rife, people live wild and free, and cannabis grows in abundance.
The writing is brisk and tight. The characters are ruthless, persistent, and experienced. And the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as it submerges you in a menacing tale full of violence, deception, mayhem, danger, control, power, and murder.
Overall, Standing Alone is another tortuous, pacey, exciting tale by Leather that, with its well-drawn characterization, creative storyline, and thrilling conclusion, is sure to be a big hit with longtime fans of this author’s previous novels.
Thank you to Mobius Books US for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2022
Thank you to Mobius Books for gifting me a copy of this action thriller in exchange for an honest review!
I hate to say it...this one was just not for me...at all.
Maybe I'm just not the audience for an action story, but all the detailed description about the different types of military weapons and how they operate and the year-long fight descriptions had me yawning and wondering when I'd get to the real meat and potatoes of the story.
Speaking of...over half the book is spent with Standing and his new pal, Brett, just talking about their political views on Covid and Vietnam and getting high that it's not until the last couple of chapters that we finally get to the entire plot of this book. In short, this could very easily have been a novella and I may have enjoyed it more.
CW: Reference to rape and abuse, LOTS of murder, gun violence, PTSD, drug use
I hate to say it...this one was just not for me...at all.
Maybe I'm just not the audience for an action story, but all the detailed description about the different types of military weapons and how they operate and the year-long fight descriptions had me yawning and wondering when I'd get to the real meat and potatoes of the story.
Speaking of...over half the book is spent with Standing and his new pal, Brett, just talking about their political views on Covid and Vietnam and getting high that it's not until the last couple of chapters that we finally get to the entire plot of this book. In short, this could very easily have been a novella and I may have enjoyed it more.
CW: Reference to rape and abuse, LOTS of murder, gun violence, PTSD, drug use
September 11, 2023
Another good read the 2nd in the Standing series was enjoyable.
Loses a star as it plodded quite a lot in the middle section around the cannabis farming! But overall another great read and going to start the next one in the series now...
Loses a star as it plodded quite a lot in the middle section around the cannabis farming! But overall another great read and going to start the next one in the series now...
May 27, 2023
Fantastic. Well written. I felt as if I was right there with Brett and Dale.
I loved the first book, but this was definitely an improvement on an already great series.
I loved the first book, but this was definitely an improvement on an already great series.
January 9, 2022
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
I am a huge fan of Mr Leather's Dan "Spider" Shepherd series and although I haven't read the first in this series (how the heck did I miss that!!!!), I was pretty sure I was in for a treat and I wasn't wrong.
Matt "Lastman" Standing is being blackmailed to do a job for "The Pool", a shady organisation; his mission is to hunt down and assassinate Ryan French, an ex-Navy Seal who hires himself out to the highest bidder. This is not going to be an easy mission and Matt finds himself in the depths of the wilderness in western America knee deep in cannabis and up to his neck in trouble within a very short period of time.
With excellent and strong characters, an immersive plot and full of action, this is a great story. I also learnt a heck of a lot about cannabis farming - not that it'll do me much good but it was interesting nonetheless.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series and my thanks must go to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I am a huge fan of Mr Leather's Dan "Spider" Shepherd series and although I haven't read the first in this series (how the heck did I miss that!!!!), I was pretty sure I was in for a treat and I wasn't wrong.
Matt "Lastman" Standing is being blackmailed to do a job for "The Pool", a shady organisation; his mission is to hunt down and assassinate Ryan French, an ex-Navy Seal who hires himself out to the highest bidder. This is not going to be an easy mission and Matt finds himself in the depths of the wilderness in western America knee deep in cannabis and up to his neck in trouble within a very short period of time.
With excellent and strong characters, an immersive plot and full of action, this is a great story. I also learnt a heck of a lot about cannabis farming - not that it'll do me much good but it was interesting nonetheless.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series and my thanks must go to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
January 12, 2022
Serving SAS soldier Matt Standing is blackmailed into taking leave and carrying out an off the books job for 'The Pool' by Charlotte Button, a character that will be familiar to regular readers of the authors work. His mission to find and take out former Navy Seal, Ryan French who has gone rogue.
With his short notice leave request approved Standing heads out to the cannabis farms of Humbolt County, California where his target is known to be working.
I'm a big fan of the authors work but I didn't love this one, it was a good read (as Stephen Leathers books always are), but I found the first half quite slow. I like that the author always researches his books thoroughly but I do think the overload of information regarding cannabis farming methods slowed the first half of this one down.
The second half though was as good as any of Stephen Leathers books. The various parties involved, both legal and illegal made for interesting reading, with plenty of action, drama and a gripping conclusion that was well worth waiting for.
My thanks to the publisher Hodder & Stoughton for the advance copy for review purposes. I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.
With his short notice leave request approved Standing heads out to the cannabis farms of Humbolt County, California where his target is known to be working.
I'm a big fan of the authors work but I didn't love this one, it was a good read (as Stephen Leathers books always are), but I found the first half quite slow. I like that the author always researches his books thoroughly but I do think the overload of information regarding cannabis farming methods slowed the first half of this one down.
The second half though was as good as any of Stephen Leathers books. The various parties involved, both legal and illegal made for interesting reading, with plenty of action, drama and a gripping conclusion that was well worth waiting for.
My thanks to the publisher Hodder & Stoughton for the advance copy for review purposes. I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.
October 22, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Having enjoyed many of this authors books in his Spider Shepherd series I was pleased to be approved to read the second book featuring Matt Standing. Did I enjoy this book - yes, although I felt the first book was better. I thought the book started off well and Matt is sent to find and kill someone he once knew. I felt the book was overly long though, especially in the first half - and at times the writing was overly descriptive and I found myself losing concentration, interest in the story and skimmed through some parts of the story. The writing and action did pick up though in the latter part of the book and it raced to a satisfying and final conclusion. I would read the next book in this series to see how the main character develops, and overall I thought this was an ok read, just one that didn’t wow me or have me desperate to keep turning the pages to find out what was coming next.
Having enjoyed many of this authors books in his Spider Shepherd series I was pleased to be approved to read the second book featuring Matt Standing. Did I enjoy this book - yes, although I felt the first book was better. I thought the book started off well and Matt is sent to find and kill someone he once knew. I felt the book was overly long though, especially in the first half - and at times the writing was overly descriptive and I found myself losing concentration, interest in the story and skimmed through some parts of the story. The writing and action did pick up though in the latter part of the book and it raced to a satisfying and final conclusion. I would read the next book in this series to see how the main character develops, and overall I thought this was an ok read, just one that didn’t wow me or have me desperate to keep turning the pages to find out what was coming next.
January 28, 2022
The worst Stephen Leather book I've read. So bad I believe he outsourced it. The reasons below will contain some spoilers, so read on only if you have read it... or are not planning to :)
There was not plot. I mean there was, but it was pasted on. Had this been a standalone book about the weed trade it could have been good. There were bits in the middle that were certainly interresting, but he of what I was being told simply wasn't necessary to the main plot, like at all.
Next, this is probably the biggest case of deus ex machina I have ever read. School kid levels here. Everything just fell into place. Standing didn't do a single thing intentionally everything just happened by coincidence. It was quite ridiculous.
There were basic editing problems too. Like when Matt was driving the escaped girl to meet her mum and they made a glaring continuity error. Did nobody edit this.
----- key spoiler time ----
The most absurd thing though, and this is where the spoiler comes in, is that Matt was sent at all. The reason CB gave only made sense if the story she told him about Frenchy going rogue was true. Even then it was completely unnecessary as there was no reason the killer would ever have had to engage with the guy. See him, shoot him. Anything else would put their life at unnecessary risk. This is true also because then Frenchy would get the chance to tell the person that he was double crossed by The Pool.
This is DOUBLY likely if Frenchy was talking to Matt, there's a huge risk that Matt would find out about the double cross. It would make way more sense had she just sent in an independent contractor on every level.
Lastly, why would she invite Matt in if she had a sniper on the roof. And we already know that she terminates past contractors that leave and are a risk (se poor Frenchy above), so the instant she saw that Matt was recording she should have given the signal to the sniper.
This is such poor writing from the desk of someone who was for a very long time, my favorite author. So disappointing.
There was not plot. I mean there was, but it was pasted on. Had this been a standalone book about the weed trade it could have been good. There were bits in the middle that were certainly interresting, but he of what I was being told simply wasn't necessary to the main plot, like at all.
Next, this is probably the biggest case of deus ex machina I have ever read. School kid levels here. Everything just fell into place. Standing didn't do a single thing intentionally everything just happened by coincidence. It was quite ridiculous.
There were basic editing problems too. Like when Matt was driving the escaped girl to meet her mum and they made a glaring continuity error. Did nobody edit this.
----- key spoiler time ----
The most absurd thing though, and this is where the spoiler comes in, is that Matt was sent at all. The reason CB gave only made sense if the story she told him about Frenchy going rogue was true. Even then it was completely unnecessary as there was no reason the killer would ever have had to engage with the guy. See him, shoot him. Anything else would put their life at unnecessary risk. This is true also because then Frenchy would get the chance to tell the person that he was double crossed by The Pool.
This is DOUBLY likely if Frenchy was talking to Matt, there's a huge risk that Matt would find out about the double cross. It would make way more sense had she just sent in an independent contractor on every level.
Lastly, why would she invite Matt in if she had a sniper on the roof. And we already know that she terminates past contractors that leave and are a risk (se poor Frenchy above), so the instant she saw that Matt was recording she should have given the signal to the sniper.
This is such poor writing from the desk of someone who was for a very long time, my favorite author. So disappointing.
August 11, 2022
I read a lot of non-fiction and research-based books, so, every now and then, I need to lose myself in some fast-paced fiction. I want a good story, characters, and no-nonsense narrative. I often find myself picking up a Lee Child or a Clive Cussler novel at such times, but this book's cover and summary caught my attention - and quickly became my latest choice.
Standing Alone is about an active SAS officer, blackmailed and recruited by a clandestine organisation to find and kill a former Navy Seal he once worked with. Suspected of a number of high-calibre killings, he is told his colleague has gone rogue and is now a gun for hire to the highest bidder.
On arrival in California, our protagonist (Matt Standing) attracts trouble fast and soon finds himself on the wrong side of a biker gang, and then enforcers for an illegal cannabis farm. When an old-timer notices his proficiency in taking care of himself, he offers him some protection and security work. From there, Standing discovers a world of disappeared people and criminality, inhabited by the likes of the Russian mob...and his target.
I really enjoyed Standing Alone. The action is well described and Matt Standing is a likeable character with motives we understand and emphasise with.
My only slight gripe was that a huge chunk of the narrative seemed dedicated to the cultivation of cannabis, and its history - which I didn't think it needed quite so much of. This has the affect if slowing the pace and diluting the story I felt. At times, it definitely felt like a tangent or rabbit hole the author was determined to go down rather than explore lightly - which would have been just as effective.
I have not read the other books (this is a standalone story separate from the series), but I would certainly look to them going forward for my fiction fix.
Standing Alone is about an active SAS officer, blackmailed and recruited by a clandestine organisation to find and kill a former Navy Seal he once worked with. Suspected of a number of high-calibre killings, he is told his colleague has gone rogue and is now a gun for hire to the highest bidder.
On arrival in California, our protagonist (Matt Standing) attracts trouble fast and soon finds himself on the wrong side of a biker gang, and then enforcers for an illegal cannabis farm. When an old-timer notices his proficiency in taking care of himself, he offers him some protection and security work. From there, Standing discovers a world of disappeared people and criminality, inhabited by the likes of the Russian mob...and his target.
I really enjoyed Standing Alone. The action is well described and Matt Standing is a likeable character with motives we understand and emphasise with.
My only slight gripe was that a huge chunk of the narrative seemed dedicated to the cultivation of cannabis, and its history - which I didn't think it needed quite so much of. This has the affect if slowing the pace and diluting the story I felt. At times, it definitely felt like a tangent or rabbit hole the author was determined to go down rather than explore lightly - which would have been just as effective.
I have not read the other books (this is a standalone story separate from the series), but I would certainly look to them going forward for my fiction fix.
January 6, 2022
When you are in a bit of a reading funk you know Stephen Leather is always a safe bet and this book did not disappoint at all!
This is the second instalment in the Matt Standing series. I haven't read the 1st one and fortunately, I didn't miss anything.
First off I have to say I learned a lot about cannabis farming and smoking weed in this book! 🤣
Matt is being blackmailed in doing a job for The Pool. An ex-navy seal has gone over to the dark side and the Americans want to get rid of him. They approached the British to help and because Matt knows the guy he is being tasked with the job of finding and eliminating him. Not such an easy job. To do this he must travel to Humboldt county where a finds a job on an illegal cannabis farm. But Matt Standing is the type who attracts trouble and soon he is knee-deep in it. Will he be able to execute and is it all as it seems?
A fast paced read that I can highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the second instalment in the Matt Standing series. I haven't read the 1st one and fortunately, I didn't miss anything.
First off I have to say I learned a lot about cannabis farming and smoking weed in this book! 🤣
Matt is being blackmailed in doing a job for The Pool. An ex-navy seal has gone over to the dark side and the Americans want to get rid of him. They approached the British to help and because Matt knows the guy he is being tasked with the job of finding and eliminating him. Not such an easy job. To do this he must travel to Humboldt county where a finds a job on an illegal cannabis farm. But Matt Standing is the type who attracts trouble and soon he is knee-deep in it. Will he be able to execute and is it all as it seems?
A fast paced read that I can highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 27, 2021
A new series for me from Stephen Leather and it’s just as good as the Spider Shepherd series.
Matt Standing is hired by Charlotte Button to kill a rogue Navy Seal, Ryan French.
Matt knows him from when they served together in Syria but Button is blackmailing him, so he has no choice but to find him and kill him.
Matt ends up working on a cannabis farm and becomes friends with Brett who owns it.
Trouble is never too far away and soon Matt is fighting with the locals and then the Russian mafia.
This is an action packed thriller that definitely had me hooked.
A brilliant book that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Matt Standing is hired by Charlotte Button to kill a rogue Navy Seal, Ryan French.
Matt knows him from when they served together in Syria but Button is blackmailing him, so he has no choice but to find him and kill him.
Matt ends up working on a cannabis farm and becomes friends with Brett who owns it.
Trouble is never too far away and soon Matt is fighting with the locals and then the Russian mafia.
This is an action packed thriller that definitely had me hooked.
A brilliant book that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 18, 2023
I hadn't come across Stephen Leather until getting this book. I was in for a pleasant surprise!
The main character Matt Standing and the story reminded me of Jack Reacher - extreme skills, rapid action, hero takes all - but with some differences. I'd have rated the book five stars if I hadn't been disappointed in a small number of aspects of the plot, mostly some of the combat scenes which seemed just too easy to be convincing.
But overall a great read, a good action story, and I'll look forward to finding some more of Stephen Leather's work.
The main character Matt Standing and the story reminded me of Jack Reacher - extreme skills, rapid action, hero takes all - but with some differences. I'd have rated the book five stars if I hadn't been disappointed in a small number of aspects of the plot, mostly some of the combat scenes which seemed just too easy to be convincing.
But overall a great read, a good action story, and I'll look forward to finding some more of Stephen Leather's work.
June 6, 2024
Standing in the line of fire
Great Stephen Leather, Matt Standing thriller. Standing is approached by the beautiful and alluring Charlotte Button. He knows of her from his friendship with Spider Shepherd but does not trust her at all. She then nlackmails him to go to the US to resolve an issue with a former SEAL, Ryan French. What follows is a great tale with Standing not only taking on the resolution of the French situation but also the nationalisation of the US Cannabis trade. As ever, Leather's hero wins the day but not without some casualties. Great read
Great Stephen Leather, Matt Standing thriller. Standing is approached by the beautiful and alluring Charlotte Button. He knows of her from his friendship with Spider Shepherd but does not trust her at all. She then nlackmails him to go to the US to resolve an issue with a former SEAL, Ryan French. What follows is a great tale with Standing not only taking on the resolution of the French situation but also the nationalisation of the US Cannabis trade. As ever, Leather's hero wins the day but not without some casualties. Great read
January 6, 2022
Standing alone by Stephen Leather.
Matt Standing Thrillers Book 2.
A Navy SEAL has gone rogue, selling his skills to the highest bidder as a professional assassin. Ryan French no longer cares who he kills so long as the price is right. His former bosses want him taken down, but they're not prepared to get their hands dirty so they need a Brit to do the job.
I enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. 4*.
Matt Standing Thrillers Book 2.
A Navy SEAL has gone rogue, selling his skills to the highest bidder as a professional assassin. Ryan French no longer cares who he kills so long as the price is right. His former bosses want him taken down, but they're not prepared to get their hands dirty so they need a Brit to do the job.
I enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. 4*.
June 17, 2023
Lots of info if you want to grow and cultivate pot. Run of the mill story where the hero virtually takes on the baddies single-handedly except for an old Vietnam vet (isn't it always) who helps but then gets killed. Not sure the girls held and abused (presumed sexually) and then rescued by Matt would be happy just to work at a different pot farm. Sort of enjoyed it. Had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't Spider Shepherd although Spider has less issues than Matt.
February 24, 2024
I have read a few of Stephen Leather's books and enjoyed them.
I was enjoying this one until we got to the ending which totally spoilt the book for me.
It was as if the author was missing a publishing deadline and the book had to be finished right now and he was thinking - I know it's a poor ending but it will have to do.
Sorry but it won't do, the ending did not work, it was poor, awful, dreadful ....
I could go on but I think you get the gist.
I was enjoying this one until we got to the ending which totally spoilt the book for me.
It was as if the author was missing a publishing deadline and the book had to be finished right now and he was thinking - I know it's a poor ending but it will have to do.
Sorry but it won't do, the ending did not work, it was poor, awful, dreadful ....
I could go on but I think you get the gist.
November 4, 2021
First read by the author and this was a superbly written immersive novel. Plenty of action, realism and adventure from the outset with Matt Standing battling terrorists on home soil before heading unexpectedly and involuntarily to the states to fulfil a dangerous mission that will test all of his physical skills and morals to the limit.
January 11, 2022
Good
I was really enjoying this book and decided to tell my boyfriend all about it when he asked what I was reading. I was very confused when he seemed familiar with it since he doesn’t read so he showed me the Netflix series he’s been watching and it’s basically the same - even down to building houses in the nude which disappointed me.
I was really enjoying this book and decided to tell my boyfriend all about it when he asked what I was reading. I was very confused when he seemed familiar with it since he doesn’t read so he showed me the Netflix series he’s been watching and it’s basically the same - even down to building houses in the nude which disappointed me.
January 30, 2022
Wowza!!- this is the Leather book I wanted
Although I love the Spider novels, i always felt he held
back a little due to the nature of his job..
Luckily Lex Harper and Matt Standing are here to sort out the wetwork.
Great story- a part of the USA i didn't know existed- great research and great characters.
Excellent read.
Although I love the Spider novels, i always felt he held
back a little due to the nature of his job..
Luckily Lex Harper and Matt Standing are here to sort out the wetwork.
Great story- a part of the USA i didn't know existed- great research and great characters.
Excellent read.
February 2, 2022
Totally Brilliant!
Couldn't put this book down, an exceptional page turner from one of the finest authors of our time.Most
Fast paced, gripping with up to date current affairs and a dramatic ending, this book has everything.
If you could cast this in a Hollywood movie then it would be Sam Elliott and Jason Stratham without any doubt!!!
Couldn't put this book down, an exceptional page turner from one of the finest authors of our time.Most
Fast paced, gripping with up to date current affairs and a dramatic ending, this book has everything.
If you could cast this in a Hollywood movie then it would be Sam Elliott and Jason Stratham without any doubt!!!
March 7, 2022
I absolutely love Stephen Leather novels, especially the "Spider" series. However this book was a huge disappointment. The whole story was supposed to be about locating and terminating a rogue agent, but 95% was about growing and processing cannabis and locating a girl. I loved the 1st book "Last man Standing" though!
May 5, 2023
Never read Stephen Leather before, and I don't think I will be again. This book is OK if you want to know how to process marihuana buds as most of the book is taken up with a detailed explanation of this. The main action is taken up in the last two or three chapters, the rest of the book is just "padding". Not what I would call an action book at all. Very disappointed.
July 1, 2023
Another exciting read from Stephen Leather, this time featuring Matt Standing in the main role. Although this is the second in the Matt Standing series of books it was still easy to read as a standalone book.
The action scenes were plentiful and exciting, the characters were good and in the case of the “villains” suitably nasty.
A good read for the Summer holidays.
The action scenes were plentiful and exciting, the characters were good and in the case of the “villains” suitably nasty.
A good read for the Summer holidays.
January 23, 2024
Fast-paced thriller, as usual. 'Lastman' Standing is in an impossible situation blackmailed by an organisation to track and kill a former colleague. He has all the skills and know-how to operate alone in the lawless society that surrounds the growing of cannabis. There's lots in this to learn about the growing of cannabis as well as the plot moving forward at a pace.
November 24, 2024
Great story, well written. Matt Standing (SAS) is a well developed character by Leather and the mission and the incidental events move quickly with just the right amount of description and believeability (well almost), and at 300 pages (big print version) is almost a 'short story' by modern standards, very satisfying.
January 30, 2022
superb
A superb read once again by Stephen Leather. This time it’s Matt Standing who is blackmailed by Charlotte Button into killing a rogue Seal. But is he really the bad guy that Charlotte is making out. Another difficult book to put down with action all the way.
A superb read once again by Stephen Leather. This time it’s Matt Standing who is blackmailed by Charlotte Button into killing a rogue Seal. But is he really the bad guy that Charlotte is making out. Another difficult book to put down with action all the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews