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Dan Shepherd #20
Clean Kill
Terrorists have shot down a British helicopter in West Africa and taken the crew hostage. Their lives are on the line and the British government is refusing to negotiate. The pilot is Liam Shepherd, and only his father - Dan 'Spider" Shepherd of MI5 - can help.
Shepherd and an SAS team fly out to the badlands of Mali to rescue the kidnapped Brits.
But the mission takes Shepherd away from an investigation in a high security prison that is about to explode into violence. Hundreds of lives are at risk, and Shepherd is running out of time...
Shepherd and an SAS team fly out to the badlands of Mali to rescue the kidnapped Brits.
But the mission takes Shepherd away from an investigation in a high security prison that is about to explode into violence. Hundreds of lives are at risk, and Shepherd is running out of time...
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2023
320 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,528 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 12, 2023
Wow. The 20th Spider Shepherd thriller. A series that remains fresh and actually evolves. No repeating the same old plot over and over again, Stephen Leather makes these books not only very topical, but the characters have constantly evolved throughout the series. Book 20 Spider is a very different character from book 1 Spider.
In this, Spider is deep into an undercover operation at a Prison when he hears his helicopter pilot son has been shot down and captured in West Africa. Spider makes the decision to abandon his operation and join up with some old friends to mount a rescue. In his absence dark forces have plans for the prison and Spider may be in the right place at the wrong time.
Of course it is good, of course it is topical and of course it is clever, we have come to expect it.
I was expecting the main story to be set in Africa, but it is an aside to the Prison story. As a reader you almost get two books in one but of course it all ties together brilliantly.
Top thriller writing from a top thriller author. Again.
In this, Spider is deep into an undercover operation at a Prison when he hears his helicopter pilot son has been shot down and captured in West Africa. Spider makes the decision to abandon his operation and join up with some old friends to mount a rescue. In his absence dark forces have plans for the prison and Spider may be in the right place at the wrong time.
Of course it is good, of course it is topical and of course it is clever, we have come to expect it.
I was expecting the main story to be set in Africa, but it is an aside to the Prison story. As a reader you almost get two books in one but of course it all ties together brilliantly.
Top thriller writing from a top thriller author. Again.
August 21, 2023
“Clean Kill” by Stephen Leather (2023)
Overall Rating 7/10 – The foot has come away from the accelerator
Plot
Dan “Spider” Sheperd is working undercover in HMP Bradford when his son (Liam) is kidnapped while on a rescue mission in Mali. There is a huge plot taking off in Bradford, what is our protagonist going to do?
Writing Style
As with all his earlier works in this series, Leather writes with short, punchy prose with “bang up to date” elegance. Easy to read, nothing extraneous – just relax and let the story unfold around you. So easy to feel you are actually there with the characters.
Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
This can be summed up in one word – “rushed”. There are two separate plots that do not entwine and this was disappointing. There is an awful lot of pre-amble. In fact. Most of the book is laying down the plot for the “event” that is happening in the UK while the “plot” in Mali seems to be nothing other than a distraction. When we do finally get to the point of the book, it seems to have been written even more “rushed” and without any finesse. Of course, you are quite believably in the world of Dan Sheperd (which is definitely a good thing). However, it just didn’t quite buzz like his last book.
Overall Rating 7/10 – The foot has come away from the accelerator
Plot
Dan “Spider” Sheperd is working undercover in HMP Bradford when his son (Liam) is kidnapped while on a rescue mission in Mali. There is a huge plot taking off in Bradford, what is our protagonist going to do?
Writing Style
As with all his earlier works in this series, Leather writes with short, punchy prose with “bang up to date” elegance. Easy to read, nothing extraneous – just relax and let the story unfold around you. So easy to feel you are actually there with the characters.
Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
This can be summed up in one word – “rushed”. There are two separate plots that do not entwine and this was disappointing. There is an awful lot of pre-amble. In fact. Most of the book is laying down the plot for the “event” that is happening in the UK while the “plot” in Mali seems to be nothing other than a distraction. When we do finally get to the point of the book, it seems to have been written even more “rushed” and without any finesse. Of course, you are quite believably in the world of Dan Sheperd (which is definitely a good thing). However, it just didn’t quite buzz like his last book.
January 24, 2025
I’m clearly just a thicko, as I have no real idea as to why the opening storyline has any bearing whatsoever on the main storyline. The need to narrate on Liam’s downed helicopter and the rescue mission is almost entirely irrelevant to Dan’s undercover prison story. Why not just focus on developing a better plot for the prison stuff? It was a pretty thin plot at that. No twists, no double twists. If it were bread, it would be plain white loaf, and not even sliced. Gimme some artisan sourdough, triple pleated to give me the twists I yearn. I’m gluten intolerant too.
December 26, 2023
This will be the third story in a row that has very little action. More story about prison shower procedure that any action. After 20 installments I think Spider is out of gas.
December 29, 2025
Dan receives a call that no parent would ever want to get, one to say that the helicopter his son was flying has gone down and he has been taken hostage along with the rest of the crew. Even though he is working under cover in a prison in Bradford, he drops everything. He is probably guilty of putting his work first in the past but one thing he has always been is a good parent, more so with being a single dad.
It is good to see Liam having grown up to be such a good lad and following in his father’s footsteps. What wasn’t nice was seeing what he was having to go through more so as the government don’t give in to demands so his only hope is that his dad will come to the rescue. The one good thing about Dan’s past is that he has made some firm friends who will go that extra mile when it comes to helping out.
Along with the rescue mission, we get to see what life is like in a prison and I have to say it was an eye opener! The threat to inmates as well as staff was scary to say the least. Not a job for the feint hearted that’s for sure. As with everywhere, understaffed, underpaid, there is no wonder that so much goes on in them with drugs and contraband. That isn’t all that Dan and the staff have to deal with though as there is a much larger threat that not only will be a major issue for the prison but the government also.
Clean Kill was another fast paced, action packed read that had me gripped to every page. Even though this is book twenty in the series, it’s a series that is still going strong. The two storylines blend in together well and both had me holding my breath as to what the outcome would be. The pacing and tension were spot on and it had me racing to the end which was every bit as explosive as I had hoped it would be. Another cracking story by the author!
It is good to see Liam having grown up to be such a good lad and following in his father’s footsteps. What wasn’t nice was seeing what he was having to go through more so as the government don’t give in to demands so his only hope is that his dad will come to the rescue. The one good thing about Dan’s past is that he has made some firm friends who will go that extra mile when it comes to helping out.
Along with the rescue mission, we get to see what life is like in a prison and I have to say it was an eye opener! The threat to inmates as well as staff was scary to say the least. Not a job for the feint hearted that’s for sure. As with everywhere, understaffed, underpaid, there is no wonder that so much goes on in them with drugs and contraband. That isn’t all that Dan and the staff have to deal with though as there is a much larger threat that not only will be a major issue for the prison but the government also.
Clean Kill was another fast paced, action packed read that had me gripped to every page. Even though this is book twenty in the series, it’s a series that is still going strong. The two storylines blend in together well and both had me holding my breath as to what the outcome would be. The pacing and tension were spot on and it had me racing to the end which was every bit as explosive as I had hoped it would be. Another cracking story by the author!
July 31, 2023
This latest in the long running Spider Shepherd series is one of the best if not the best in the series. Read cover to cover in under 24 hours its a compelling read with plenty of action, drama, and a great ending.
Spiders back undercover as financially stretched, bent prison officer Tony Swinburn, an interesting storyline (briefly interrupted by a quick trip to Mali, West Africa where his son Liam has got into a bit of bother) that gives a realistic portrayal of the inner workings of a modern day understaffed prison. The shortfalls, the dangers and the heirarchy among inmates on the wings.
An interesting ending that hints at a promising beginning.
My thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy. Spider Shepherd is almost like a guilty little pleasure and has been since I read the first book many years ago. My reading tastes have changed, I've discovered new authors and new genres - but with each release in this series there I am, ready to put my life on hold whilst I read his latest adventure. Long may it continue! See you next year Spider (blows kiss)
Spiders back undercover as financially stretched, bent prison officer Tony Swinburn, an interesting storyline (briefly interrupted by a quick trip to Mali, West Africa where his son Liam has got into a bit of bother) that gives a realistic portrayal of the inner workings of a modern day understaffed prison. The shortfalls, the dangers and the heirarchy among inmates on the wings.
An interesting ending that hints at a promising beginning.
My thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy. Spider Shepherd is almost like a guilty little pleasure and has been since I read the first book many years ago. My reading tastes have changed, I've discovered new authors and new genres - but with each release in this series there I am, ready to put my life on hold whilst I read his latest adventure. Long may it continue! See you next year Spider (blows kiss)
January 7, 2024
If you like high-octane thrillers you probably already know about Spider Shepherd, and this is the latest book in the series. The story opens with Shepherd working undercover for MI5 at Bradford’s high security prison, posing as a prison officer while investigating a terrorist plot. His son, Liam, is serving in the UN peacekeeping force in Mali when his helicopter is shot down and he’s taken hostage, so of course Shepherd takes off from work to join the SAS team that’s sent to rescue the helicopter crew. It’s touch and go whether Spider will get back to the UK in time to help resolve the problems brewing in the prison! These two intertwining stories are told at breakneck speed and are really exciting - just as you'd expect from Stephen Leather. I really love the Spider Shepherd series and this is equal to any of the novels.
Cornish Eskimo, Oundle Crime
Cornish Eskimo, Oundle Crime
February 28, 2025
Behind Bars
Another great Stephen Leather, Dan Shepherd adventure. Still working for MI5 Dan has gone undercover as a Prison Officer seeking intelligence on Terrorist activity in HMP Bradford. Whilst working that his "Prison"life is disturbed by news that his son, Liam, has been shot down and taken hostage on a UN Rescue flight in Mali. As ever with Spider his only thought is to rescue his son. So along with some SAS former colleagues off he goes to Mali. On his return to HMP Bradford he finds out that Terrorist activity has stepped up a notch. Great story writing. Very enjoyable read.
Another great Stephen Leather, Dan Shepherd adventure. Still working for MI5 Dan has gone undercover as a Prison Officer seeking intelligence on Terrorist activity in HMP Bradford. Whilst working that his "Prison"life is disturbed by news that his son, Liam, has been shot down and taken hostage on a UN Rescue flight in Mali. As ever with Spider his only thought is to rescue his son. So along with some SAS former colleagues off he goes to Mali. On his return to HMP Bradford he finds out that Terrorist activity has stepped up a notch. Great story writing. Very enjoyable read.
June 30, 2025
Apparently this is the 20th book in a series. It’s the first I’ve read, and the first from Stephen Leather….
It was all very entertaining, moved at pace, and had a lot of detail (in this case about UK prisons) and highlighting some significant research by the author.
We are repeatedly told that Spider Shepherd (the lead character) has a ‘trick memory’. I was getting ready to dump the book if it moved into super-hero territory, but fortunately it didn’t. And this trick memory doesn’t seem to be either a ‘trick’ (it’s just exceptionally good), or of much importance to the plot. So that irritation aside, this gets a solid thumbs up from me.
It was all very entertaining, moved at pace, and had a lot of detail (in this case about UK prisons) and highlighting some significant research by the author.
We are repeatedly told that Spider Shepherd (the lead character) has a ‘trick memory’. I was getting ready to dump the book if it moved into super-hero territory, but fortunately it didn’t. And this trick memory doesn’t seem to be either a ‘trick’ (it’s just exceptionally good), or of much importance to the plot. So that irritation aside, this gets a solid thumbs up from me.
July 30, 2023
3.5 stars
While this was more of the same from my favourite author, I did get a little bored mid-way through. There’s a good mix of SAS and Spider undercover action with two stories that ‘kind of’ get connected.
Well narrated by Paul Thornley as always, though I didn’t like the ‘posh’ voice he gave Matt Standing this time that was more reminiscent of Major Gannon compared to the Standing series of books; but probably due to the fact he uses the Spider voice tone in those.
Stephen is still pouring them out and it was a pleasant listen, just not one the best.
While this was more of the same from my favourite author, I did get a little bored mid-way through. There’s a good mix of SAS and Spider undercover action with two stories that ‘kind of’ get connected.
Well narrated by Paul Thornley as always, though I didn’t like the ‘posh’ voice he gave Matt Standing this time that was more reminiscent of Major Gannon compared to the Standing series of books; but probably due to the fact he uses the Spider voice tone in those.
Stephen is still pouring them out and it was a pleasant listen, just not one the best.
December 2, 2023
Brilliant. The 20th Spider Shepherd and as fresh as the first. In fact Spider is back in a prison setting which made me think of Hard Landing where it all began.
Having read all of these I can attest to the fact that this is as riveting and as well researched as always with references to many real events and I love both the crossover characters from the Matt Standing series and the role that Liam Shepherd plays in this one. It’s equally refreshing that Stephen Leather is ‘aging’ Spider faithfully. Another belter of a good read in this excellent series
Having read all of these I can attest to the fact that this is as riveting and as well researched as always with references to many real events and I love both the crossover characters from the Matt Standing series and the role that Liam Shepherd plays in this one. It’s equally refreshing that Stephen Leather is ‘aging’ Spider faithfully. Another belter of a good read in this excellent series
January 8, 2024
An excellent book in this series. I like the way the Author also updates the plots to give a sense that it is in the current present political etc climate, with varying references to present day situations and people. Yes, I know that a bit like James Bond, Spider Shepherd could be almost an unbelievable character but somehow it always works for me, the fast paced story lines and the action and effects.
April 28, 2024
Another exciting story featuring Spider Shepherd. This time he is undercover in a prison. The book actually has 2 stories the main one where Shepherd is trying to find a terrorise cell in the prison and a story within that one involving Shepherd’s son being held hostage in Mali.
The two stories don’t actually blend together all that well albeit that they are both action packed. That said the fact they don’t blend together doesn’t affect vegetables enjoyment of the book.
The two stories don’t actually blend together all that well albeit that they are both action packed. That said the fact they don’t blend together doesn’t affect vegetables enjoyment of the book.
August 2, 2024
dire. a macho man's wet dream. horrid pacing. the most pointless subplot with the stupid sas rescue in the middle which had no purpose or weighting on the actual plot. felt like someone reading me the wikipedia page for helicopters the army use. also, you're telling me mr eidetic memory shepherd can remember every nonsense he's been through but can't tell the difference between adele and taylor swift. get a grip.
August 5, 2023
I had read almost all of Stephen Leather's books. They are all really good, fast paced and well researched. I like the parallel stories as you kind of get two books in one. This is by far his best book yet. The descriptions of inside prisons made me feel like I was there. I have been in a few prisons for work and the smell is just like he describes.
May 11, 2024
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I spontaneously picked it up on holiday and couldn’t put it down! I love the mention of Wildcat helicopters as having built/worked on them myself it did make me smile to see them mentioned. It was written brilliantly and would make a great tv series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
Another triumph for Leather!
Next instalment in the Dan Shepherd books. A rescue mission involving Shepherd's son Liam, undercover shenigans and the culmination of a jihadist plot. Great stuff! Highly recommend this book.
Next instalment in the Dan Shepherd books. A rescue mission involving Shepherd's son Liam, undercover shenigans and the culmination of a jihadist plot. Great stuff! Highly recommend this book.
August 16, 2023
Another fun thriller in the Spider Shepherd series.
While often wildly improbable, this series is written in a believably realistic manner that keeps it from slipping into the stupidity of the Grey Man series, for example, or, even worse, The Extractor series.
While often wildly improbable, this series is written in a believably realistic manner that keeps it from slipping into the stupidity of the Grey Man series, for example, or, even worse, The Extractor series.
October 26, 2023
I was really looking forward to this latest instalment and it didn't fail to deliver. Spider Shepherd is a great character and it was good to see his son Liam involved too. Looking forward to the next one already.
June 9, 2024
Clean Kill: The Spider Shepherd Thrillers Book 20
This book deserves more than 5 stars one of the best series I have ever read and kept you on the wdge of your seat you don't want to put down, one he'll of a series...
This book deserves more than 5 stars one of the best series I have ever read and kept you on the wdge of your seat you don't want to put down, one he'll of a series...
September 9, 2025
An enjoyable quick read. Lots is predictable but I was kept hooked waiting to see how the main plot would unfold.
A pity the author thinks we can't remember details from two chapters before so he has to repeat them - grrrr!
A pity the author thinks we can't remember details from two chapters before so he has to repeat them - grrrr!
September 19, 2025
writing at its finest
Stephen Leather has a great habit of pulling you in to the story & keeping you there page after page.
This book reminded me of the first Spider Shephard book I read, Hard landing & I enjoyed this as much as I did that.
Stephen Leather has a great habit of pulling you in to the story & keeping you there page after page.
This book reminded me of the first Spider Shephard book I read, Hard landing & I enjoyed this as much as I did that.
September 28, 2025
I liked this one. Two kind of different stories. Spider has two different missions, his main mission with MI5 and a side mission with SAS team. I loved the ending, when Walker got a job for helping Spider out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
Clean Kill
What a story from start to finish. I liked the two part of the story, have it a good twist.
What a story from start to finish. I liked the two part of the story, have it a good twist.
August 8, 2023
Awesome ... couldn't put it down.
August 12, 2023
Another brilliant instalment in Spider Shepherd series 👍👍
August 18, 2023
Brilliant work
Spider Shepherd never fails to impress. Wonderful story & amazingly real life characters with real plots each time. Splendid work, Mr. Leather!
Spider Shepherd never fails to impress. Wonderful story & amazingly real life characters with real plots each time. Splendid work, Mr. Leather!
August 25, 2023
Classic Spider Shepherd. A scarcely credible plot but another engrossing read by Stephen Leather that, yet again, I couldn't put down.
August 27, 2023
solid as usual
A master of the genre
A master of the genre
September 6, 2023
Exceptional
Stephen Leather just keeps getting better
In my opinion the best Spider Shepherd
To date
Thanks Stephen
Stephen Leather just keeps getting better
In my opinion the best Spider Shepherd
To date
Thanks Stephen
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews