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Tom Marlowe #1
Sleeping Soldiers
They tried to kill him - now he wants revenge. Someone is killing old spies. Retired and forgotten, these relics from the Cold War are being removed —quietly and brutally. And when “Section D” MI5 agent Tom Marlowe , on medical leave after a botched mission learns his old mentor is one of the murdered ex-agents, he starts an investigation that threatens to cost him his career, his freedom… and even his life . Uncovering a conspiracy linked to a late-eighties operation called RUBICON , one involving long-forgotten Russian sleeper agents , now operating in the highest echelons of Westminster, Marlowe is thrown down a rabbit hole that forces him off the grid and on the run, hunted by his own people . Out in the cold, with his air supply cut off, burned from working with any allied agency and with only disavowed spies to rely on, Marlowe must try to clear his name and expose this threat, before the US President is assassinated during his next London visit… Gripping, thrilling, filled with action and written by New York Times #1 Bestseller Tony Lee writing as Jack Gatland, Sleeping Soldiers is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Mark Dawson, Lee Child, Mick Herron and Robert Ludlum, among others.
362 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2022
1467 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
59 books235 followersJack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 22, 2023
Another author, like Stephen Leather, I appear to have found late. This one having written more than 20 books. Unusually, I start the first of the series of Tom Marlowe books. An MI5 agent unloved by MI5. The prologue sets the scene for a fast talking and dangerous Marlowe.
In this story of sleeper agents and an attempt to blow up Parliament with a dirty bomb. Marlowe travels many of the Essex haunts I know. Never sure who is to be trusted in MI5 or other spooks.
The first part of the book romped along then slowed towards the end. Hence 4 stars. That said I enjoyed the characters and hope to fall over more books by this author.
In this story of sleeper agents and an attempt to blow up Parliament with a dirty bomb. Marlowe travels many of the Essex haunts I know. Never sure who is to be trusted in MI5 or other spooks.
The first part of the book romped along then slowed towards the end. Hence 4 stars. That said I enjoyed the characters and hope to fall over more books by this author.
August 16, 2022
Sleeping Soldiers is book 1 in the Tom Marlowe series by Jack Gatland. I love a good thriller and this certainly fitted the bill. Some of the characters’ names are familiar from Jack’s DI Declan Walsh series but you don’t need to have read this series before reading Sleeping Soldiers. You have MI5, old and new spies from all sides, secret projects and even Putin. It is a fascinating and intriguing read where nothing is, of course, straight-forward or as it seems. What an imagination Jack Gatland has. Tom Marlowe is being framed as a traitor and fights to prove his innocence.
July 8, 2024
They tried to kill him - now he wants revenge.
Someone is killing old spies. Retired and forgotten, these relics from the Cold War are being removed—quietly and brutally.
And when “Section D” MI5 agent Tom Marlowe, on medical leave after a botched mission learns his old mentor is one of the murdered ex-agents, he starts an investigation that threatens to cost him his career, his freedom… and even his life.
Uncovering a conspiracy linked to a late-eighties operation called RUBICON, one involving long-forgotten Russian sleeper agents, now operating in the highest echelons of Westminster, Marlowe is thrown down a rabbit hole that forces him off the grid and on the run, hunted by his own people.
Although a good character, the pace of this book is a little slow, very confusing and hard to follow.
All I can say is I struggled to finish this book
Three stars
Out in the cold, with his air supply cut off, burned from working with any allied agency and with only disavowed spies to rely on, Marlowe must try to clear his name and expose this threat, before the US President is assassinated during his next London visit, and a new World War begins...
Someone is killing old spies. Retired and forgotten, these relics from the Cold War are being removed—quietly and brutally.
And when “Section D” MI5 agent Tom Marlowe, on medical leave after a botched mission learns his old mentor is one of the murdered ex-agents, he starts an investigation that threatens to cost him his career, his freedom… and even his life.
Uncovering a conspiracy linked to a late-eighties operation called RUBICON, one involving long-forgotten Russian sleeper agents, now operating in the highest echelons of Westminster, Marlowe is thrown down a rabbit hole that forces him off the grid and on the run, hunted by his own people.
Although a good character, the pace of this book is a little slow, very confusing and hard to follow.
All I can say is I struggled to finish this book
Three stars
Out in the cold, with his air supply cut off, burned from working with any allied agency and with only disavowed spies to rely on, Marlowe must try to clear his name and expose this threat, before the US President is assassinated during his next London visit, and a new World War begins...
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June 5, 2023Very good reading
Loved the flow of the story. Deep characters. Only complaint is the repeated misuse of whomever. It is never used as a subject. (Old grammar teacher here). Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Loved the flow of the story. Deep characters. Only complaint is the repeated misuse of whomever. It is never used as a subject. (Old grammar teacher here). Looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 22, 2023
recommend
I really liked this story. The characters were interesting and the plot imaginative. I might read more about Tom Marleau in the future! Sadly, the syntax errors were distracting. Good writing is spoiled by dumb mistakes. Please engage a proofreader.
I really liked this story. The characters were interesting and the plot imaginative. I might read more about Tom Marleau in the future! Sadly, the syntax errors were distracting. Good writing is spoiled by dumb mistakes. Please engage a proofreader.
September 18, 2023
Fantastic
Should be a movie it's so good. Marlowe is right up there with James Bond. Totally believable and Utterly scary.
Should be a movie it's so good. Marlowe is right up there with James Bond. Totally believable and Utterly scary.
June 7, 2023
Sleeping Soldiers
Brilliant Tale of espionage.
Old spies from the Cold War era are being murdered.
When a close friend/former colleague is said to a suffered a heart attack and died Marlowe MI5 goes looking for the truth. He has no idea who he can trust except his hacker friend Trix. What they uncover is pure evil within their own ranks.
A really enjoyable read.
Brilliant Tale of espionage.
Old spies from the Cold War era are being murdered.
When a close friend/former colleague is said to a suffered a heart attack and died Marlowe MI5 goes looking for the truth. He has no idea who he can trust except his hacker friend Trix. What they uncover is pure evil within their own ranks.
A really enjoyable read.
June 13, 2023
A Thrill a minute
I'm usually not fond of British text, but the non stop action and intrigue in this book made me forget the use of a lot of terms we Yanks are not used to. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Thomas Marlowe and his band of misfits and recommend this to all who enjoy a good thrill ride.
I'm usually not fond of British text, but the non stop action and intrigue in this book made me forget the use of a lot of terms we Yanks are not used to. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Thomas Marlowe and his band of misfits and recommend this to all who enjoy a good thrill ride.
May 11, 2023
Great read
I liked Marlowe in the DI Walsh books, but this is so much more exciting. Tom certainly knows how to do his job, but now he's on his own. What will he do with time he has on his hands and a bundle of cash. It's fast paced and you really want Tom to succeed. I really enjoyed this book.This is the first in this series and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
I liked Marlowe in the DI Walsh books, but this is so much more exciting. Tom certainly knows how to do his job, but now he's on his own. What will he do with time he has on his hands and a bundle of cash. It's fast paced and you really want Tom to succeed. I really enjoyed this book.This is the first in this series and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
August 15, 2023
Good Thriller.
A good fast moving thriller that has Marlowe while recovering from a previous undercover operation and attending what he would call a shrink to determine if he is fit to return to work realises that something is not right and that persons unknown what him dead. During his search for the truth Marlowe has to apart from staying alive decide who his friends are in a world of lies and deceit. Twists and turns test Marlowe to the extreme.
A good fast moving thriller that has Marlowe while recovering from a previous undercover operation and attending what he would call a shrink to determine if he is fit to return to work realises that something is not right and that persons unknown what him dead. During his search for the truth Marlowe has to apart from staying alive decide who his friends are in a world of lies and deceit. Twists and turns test Marlowe to the extreme.
December 14, 2025
I bought and read this novel because it kept showing up as a suggested read based upon what I have read previously. I am glad I finally did.
Jack Gatland, the pen name of Tony Lee, has done a fairly good job of creating a protagonist who has a dash of James Bond, a pinch of Ethan Hunt, a smattering of Napoleon Solo, a dab of James Reece among others. As with 007, Mission Impossible, and The Man From UNCLE get ready to suspend disbelief to a certain extent. To do so will mean that you will enjoy this debut novel in the Tom Marlowe series - about an MI5 agent working within a "black ops" section of the service - all the more.
After reading this novel, you may want to be like me and either start reading the 2nd in the series... or read the DI Declan Walsh series which this is a nominal spin off. (BTW, I did not read the Walsh series and really enjoyed this, so it isn't necessary, but may give you even more enjoyment!)
Jack Gatland, the pen name of Tony Lee, has done a fairly good job of creating a protagonist who has a dash of James Bond, a pinch of Ethan Hunt, a smattering of Napoleon Solo, a dab of James Reece among others. As with 007, Mission Impossible, and The Man From UNCLE get ready to suspend disbelief to a certain extent. To do so will mean that you will enjoy this debut novel in the Tom Marlowe series - about an MI5 agent working within a "black ops" section of the service - all the more.
After reading this novel, you may want to be like me and either start reading the 2nd in the series... or read the DI Declan Walsh series which this is a nominal spin off. (BTW, I did not read the Walsh series and really enjoyed this, so it isn't necessary, but may give you even more enjoyment!)
June 11, 2024
I've kept up with the Last Chance Saloon series featuring DI Declan Walsh for several years now. Tom Marlowe is a secondary character who has occasionally made an appearance in that series, so I thought I'd give this one a try.
Sleeping Soldiers has Tom Marlow, a Section D agent of MI5, currently on medical leave after mission that went wrong. (One connected to the Declan Walsh series).
From blurb: "Someone is killing old spies. Retired and forgotten, these relics from the Cold War are being removed—quietly and brutally."
Tom gets drawn in to the situation, when an old mentor dies, and from then on it is full of action.
Fast-paced, as Tom survives one deadly incident after another. I liked it fine, but not nearly as much as the Last Chance Saloon books with Declan Walsh and all the other characters wh
Sleeping Soldiers has Tom Marlow, a Section D agent of MI5, currently on medical leave after mission that went wrong. (One connected to the Declan Walsh series).
From blurb: "Someone is killing old spies. Retired and forgotten, these relics from the Cold War are being removed—quietly and brutally."
Tom gets drawn in to the situation, when an old mentor dies, and from then on it is full of action.
Fast-paced, as Tom survives one deadly incident after another. I liked it fine, but not nearly as much as the Last Chance Saloon books with Declan Walsh and all the other characters wh
March 13, 2024
Sleeping Soldiers -
I think this was one of my Amazon first read books and I’ve had it sitting in my library for a while. Tom is an all action spy, discredited and trying to stop WW3 starting. The book is cram packed full of action and you’ll be trying to work out who is on the good side and bad. You will have a few surprises along the way, although you always know Tom will save the day. There was a slight twist right at the end of the book though. I enjoyed the book and will probably now read book 2. 4.75 out of 5 from me.
I think this was one of my Amazon first read books and I’ve had it sitting in my library for a while. Tom is an all action spy, discredited and trying to stop WW3 starting. The book is cram packed full of action and you’ll be trying to work out who is on the good side and bad. You will have a few surprises along the way, although you always know Tom will save the day. There was a slight twist right at the end of the book though. I enjoyed the book and will probably now read book 2. 4.75 out of 5 from me.
November 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this story - it was intense, not predictable, fast paced and, in some parts funny. Tom is a very rounded character who I really sympathised with from the beginning - also hated the end but I can understand that spy life is never really ending with the hero getting a medal or glory. Did not really appreciate Tessa and her character in this book but it is minor impact on the story so it has not affected the enjoyment for me.
I am not going to say anything else as would spoil any reading.
I am not going to say anything else as would spoil any reading.
December 28, 2024
Dreadful
Poorly written, very confusing and ultimately unbelievable. The protagonist seems to be able get himself out of perilous situations quicker than Superman. He can unpick a lock faster than using a key.
An example of poor writing, ‘they parked in a parking spot next to a wall.’
Too many characters. The book needed a glossary to help the poor reader.
I was determined to finish this book even though I thought it was awful. Never again. Thank heavens I didn’t pay for it.
No more by this author for me.
Poorly written, very confusing and ultimately unbelievable. The protagonist seems to be able get himself out of perilous situations quicker than Superman. He can unpick a lock faster than using a key.
An example of poor writing, ‘they parked in a parking spot next to a wall.’
Too many characters. The book needed a glossary to help the poor reader.
I was determined to finish this book even though I thought it was awful. Never again. Thank heavens I didn’t pay for it.
No more by this author for me.
January 20, 2024
Deviously exhilarating
A thoroughly exciting and deviously exhilarating novel. Tom Marlowe, an on the outer agent, associated with a department of government security, is heavily involved in a secret relating to undercover and sleeping agents has the impossible job of discovering just who and who is not involved with the cover up of espionage and who is working to hide the list of spies who have been hidden for decades just waiting to be recalled into action once more.
A thoroughly exciting and deviously exhilarating novel. Tom Marlowe, an on the outer agent, associated with a department of government security, is heavily involved in a secret relating to undercover and sleeping agents has the impossible job of discovering just who and who is not involved with the cover up of espionage and who is working to hide the list of spies who have been hidden for decades just waiting to be recalled into action once more.
February 13, 2024
“Sleeping Soldiers” by Jack Gatland presents readers with a gripping narrative featuring a remarkable protagonist, Tom Marlowe MI5 Agent. At its core, “Sleeping Soldiers” boasts an interesting storyline that delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. Gatland weaves together multiple plotlines seamlessly, keeping readers guessing.
It is a must-read for fans of thrilling fiction, offering a compelling protagonist, slapping language, a fast-paced narrative, and an intriguing storyline that will leave readers wanting more.
It is a must-read for fans of thrilling fiction, offering a compelling protagonist, slapping language, a fast-paced narrative, and an intriguing storyline that will leave readers wanting more.
September 20, 2025
Strange novel for me. I quite enjoyed reading it and would not want to put anyone off it but: there were so many twists and turns and betrayals that I found it very hard to keep up. Now I didn’t read the book in huge chunks which would have probably solved this issue but returning to it for an hour a gay was not a good idea.
I liked some of the characters and might have a go at book two, if I do it will be by a pool where I can finish it in a couple of days.
I liked some of the characters and might have a go at book two, if I do it will be by a pool where I can finish it in a couple of days.
March 31, 2024
Cold War continues
This is a story that carries on the lines of authors Like John Le Carre and Ian Flemming when good and evil depended on where you lived and what you believed in. Our modern society hasn’t changed that much but the people’s names and Geography are in the same flux as they always were.
This is a story that carries on the lines of authors Like John Le Carre and Ian Flemming when good and evil depended on where you lived and what you believed in. Our modern society hasn’t changed that much but the people’s names and Geography are in the same flux as they always were.
July 21, 2024
Interesting storyline, definitely a few twists. I thought it dragged out some sections that could've been shorter and some shorter sections could've been expanded.
Was sometimes difficult to keep up with which characters were which but that could just be my reading style.
Overall, a fair read, quite entertaining and easy to unwind to.
Was sometimes difficult to keep up with which characters were which but that could just be my reading style.
Overall, a fair read, quite entertaining and easy to unwind to.
November 25, 2024
TOM MARLOWE IN SLEEPING SOLDIERS
This is the first book in a series about an MI5 agent who goes rogue. It is fast paced with a lot of action. It takes place in England and Marlowe has an American sidekick. It is a good book and certainly worth reading. I'm headed off to book two of the series. Enjoy!
This is the first book in a series about an MI5 agent who goes rogue. It is fast paced with a lot of action. It takes place in England and Marlowe has an American sidekick. It is a good book and certainly worth reading. I'm headed off to book two of the series. Enjoy!
January 3, 2025
Lots of back and forth
At times needed a score sheet as to who were the real traitors. Interesting how real places including the secret room were included. Tom Marlowe provides an interesting and great protagonist. The end leaves a lot of options. Definitely worth reading another book.
At times needed a score sheet as to who were the real traitors. Interesting how real places including the secret room were included. Tom Marlowe provides an interesting and great protagonist. The end leaves a lot of options. Definitely worth reading another book.
May 22, 2025
Spying for Evil
A well thought out and well written spy story with so many twists and turns, I sometimes had to reread a couple of chapters just to clarify certain points.
Interesting and well developed characters kept the storyline flowing but always with a twist or unexpected turn in the story.
A riveting read and I'd warmly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
A well thought out and well written spy story with so many twists and turns, I sometimes had to reread a couple of chapters just to clarify certain points.
Interesting and well developed characters kept the storyline flowing but always with a twist or unexpected turn in the story.
A riveting read and I'd warmly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
July 4, 2025
Tom Marlowe sounds like a name for an ordinary guy. But Tom is anything but normal. Af former elite soldier and now an agent for MI5, he’s trying to get released from his psyche evaluation to return to duty. Not gonna happen. Next thing you know, he’s in the middle of a “situation” and headed down a dangerous path. Good book.
September 15, 2025
Enjoyable read.
The story line was interesting and the culmination was intense. The buld up took a bit to follow given some of the words used but it worked out. There were a ton of characters and at times it was difficult to follow eachs motives, but it fid work itself out. Worth a read.
The story line was interesting and the culmination was intense. The buld up took a bit to follow given some of the words used but it worked out. There were a ton of characters and at times it was difficult to follow eachs motives, but it fid work itself out. Worth a read.
March 25, 2023
Intrigue like no other
Wow, with each Jack Gatland book I read, I am blown away by the story. The characters, the twists and turns, the excellent dialogue and imagery keep me reading into the night.
Wow, with each Jack Gatland book I read, I am blown away by the story. The characters, the twists and turns, the excellent dialogue and imagery keep me reading into the night.
June 5, 2023
Confusing
But I suppose the mix of MI5 and foreign secret service agents are? Quite a fast paced story but a little bit unbelievable. Marlowe is out in the cold but still able to track down the protagonists in just the Nick of time.
But I suppose the mix of MI5 and foreign secret service agents are? Quite a fast paced story but a little bit unbelievable. Marlowe is out in the cold but still able to track down the protagonists in just the Nick of time.
June 6, 2023
Shades of Ludlum
Having read almost every Robert Ludlum book over thirty years ago it’s wonderful to read a book as fast paced and well written as his were…. Jason Bourne move over Tom Marlowe is taking your place!
Having read almost every Robert Ludlum book over thirty years ago it’s wonderful to read a book as fast paced and well written as his were…. Jason Bourne move over Tom Marlowe is taking your place!
July 16, 2023
scintillating
Another thriller,page turner
Wonderful,fascinating stuff.
Can’t wait for Tom Marlowes next escapade.Bring it on for another great adventurous journey and let’s hope a.s.a.p
Another thriller,page turner
Wonderful,fascinating stuff.
Can’t wait for Tom Marlowes next escapade.Bring it on for another great adventurous journey and let’s hope a.s.a.p
January 21, 2024
Definitely not a Thor or a Flynn
When you write a book you should remember what you write or keep proper notes. Author couldn’t decide between a Sig 226 or a 266. Maybe need a new proof reader. Too many mistakes.
When you write a book you should remember what you write or keep proper notes. Author couldn’t decide between a Sig 226 or a 266. Maybe need a new proof reader. Too many mistakes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews