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Paul Richter #5
Payback
Hauled back early from an exercise with the SAS, Paul Richter is tasked with a short-notice extraction job. It goes unexpectedly well, and as a kind of reward he’s given an easy he’s to investigate the case of James Holden, a middle-aged Englishman living in Dubai, who appears able to predict terrorist attacks. It should be simple – a break in the sun and a couple of days’ work at most – but, almost as soon as he arrives in Dubai, he is diverted to Bahrain. Then it all starts getting complicated. Who is the secretive patient in the Manama hospital? Who has slaughtered a dozen people at a remote stable in Saudi Arabia just to steal one horse? And why has a US State Department jet carrying a specialist CIA team been diverted to Cairo? Nothing seems to make sense until Richter finally uncovers the outlines of a plot that will come to fruition during the world’s richest horse-race. But, behind the scenes, an even more complex scheme is being executed and Richter is in a race against time to prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack on the city of Dubai itself.
325 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2010
117 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
James Barrington
45 books76 followersI also write as Max Adams, James Becker, Tom Kasey, Thomas Payne and Jack Steel.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 22, 2019
WELCOME TO DUBAI
"Ten years have passed since a perfect blue sky morning turned into the blackest of nights. Since then, we've lived in sunshine and in shadow, and although we can never unsee what happened here, we can also see that children who lost their parents have grown into young adults, grandchildren have been born and good works and public service have taken root to honor those we loved and lost." - Michael Bloomberg.
While the Middle East has been better known for anarchy, strife and general humanitarian misery, parts of the region have become modern, developed and civilized. One major example is the United Arab Emirates and its crown jewel, Dubai. Dubai with its vice, sin and gleaming glass pleasure palaces is an anomaly in the Middle East. But it's a brittle anomaly as well. Built on shady financial arrangements and human rights abuses in the form of the army of workers from South and South East Asia who keep the place running, there's also the matter of the alleged gentleman's agreement the UAE hashed out with Saudi Arabia and Iran, the two biggest sponsors of international terrorism in the world. This agreement is said to have ensured Iran and Saudi Arabia not launching terrorist attacks within Dubai and make the city rare neutral ground in a war wracked region. But what if someone decided to break that agreement or didn't even have a stake in maintaining that agreement? It's the shattering of this truce that is the center of PAYBACK, the sixth book in James Barrington's Paul Richter series. Set in 2011 on the eve of the Arab Spring insurrection the novel concerns two conspiracies to throw the Middle East into a final apocalyptic chaos. Standing in the way of success is a British Government Agent who is far more dangerous and capable than anyone expected him of being. Now to the review. What happens when payback is a long time coming?
The novel begins in Syria. A Islamic terrorist is sitting in a Toyota Land Cruiser in the middle of Damascus. He is given his marching orders and heads into the Damascus Bazaar to die from the suicide vest he is wearing. Completing his task with aplomb, the white, American men who were sitting around him congratulate themselves and drive off. Somewhere in the British countryside, Paul Richter is conducting an evasion exercise with a large team of SAS troopers who are hunting him down, when he receives a phone call that takes him back to London and his masters at the Foreign Operations Executive, the true black ops arm of British Intelligence. There, he's asked to participate on a raid against an Al Qaeda cell in the middle of London and given strict instructions to shoot a particular terrorist. Richter does so much to the shock of the London Metropolitan Policemen. It's soon revealed that Richter was sent to fake the death of a deep cover informant and our hero is soon given a more pressing assignment. A mysterious English Expat in Dubai claims to have predicted the Syrian bombing and is asking for money. In Russia, the most secret WMDs are stolen with the collaboration of some bribed officials to the horror of the GRU. In Egypt and Portugal a shell game involving private jets and CIA officers ends in a multiple homicide. And in Arabia, two homicidal Saudi Extremists commit a shocking massacre at one of the most renowned Horse Ranches on the peninsula. It's these events which Richter finds himself trying to connect over a hectic few days in the run up to one of the most hotly anticipated social events in the Middle East where the fate of Dubai is up for grabs. And only one question will remain as Richter races to stop a cataclysm. Is payback really worth it even when time doesn't heal all wounds?
In terms of plot, Payback is a good, straightforward techno thriller novel. It consists of two conspiracies that are independent of each other and only linked geographically. It's the methodical nature of how these conspiracies come about and the efforts of Richter to try stop one after the other before it's too late is the highlight of the story. We take a journey around the contemporary Arabian Peninsula which in the 2010s has been transformed beyond recognition due to the riches that have been lavished on it. But it's these riches which have put a bulls eye on its back and in this story, someone with a dead eye, steady hand and smooth trigger has the most decadent, magnificent city in the Arab World in its sights.
Action and setting? Not too shabby. We get a decent amount of action in this novel. From high stakes interdictions with Kamarov Attack helicopters in Southern Russia, to a brutal raid on one of the finest Horse Stud farms on earth, to a terrorist attack on the Dubai Cup and a final climactic helicopter chase along the length of Dubai's airport as an experimental Gulfstream Jet flees the city, PAYBACK is a slow burn but once it nears the ends of its fuse, it begins to speed up rapidly to a satisfying conclusion. The setting of Payback also isn't too shabby at all. Dubai is a fascinating place and we get to see everything from the luxury hotels, to the desert countryside outside and even have some detours to part of the Arabian Peninsula that few non Muslims have ever been to.
Research? Excellent. James Barrington is of the old school tradition of British thriller novels. He is meticulous with the real world detail he gathers to at times overwhelming but always compelling degree. From a crash course on how exactly nuclear bombs work to the feasibility of suitcase nukes, we even get some interesting tibilits about Dubai politics like why a certain Horse Racing Meet is one of the most important social events in the entire Arab world and one of the most tempting untapped terrorist targets in existence. We also get some other smaller details like the ins and outs of fast rope rappelling, the limitations of helicopter capabilities and even a dirty little secret about one of the most awe inspiring hotels which the managers would not want people finding out.
Characters? Well, I'll focus on one standout, Richter. Paul Richter is one of the great contemporary 21st century British thriller fiction characters. A Royal Navy Aviator veteran, he was a jobless nobody on civvy street when a mysterious Whitehall Bureaucrat gave him a job offer to be an SIS asset. Several violent, nasty adventures across France and Italy later and Richter finds himself the first agent in a new Paramilitary organization called the Foreign Operations Executive. Given carte blanche to do whatever is required to defend Britain and further the interests of the UK, Richter has found himself at war with Islamic Terrorists, Russian spies, and even the CIA itself over the past decade. In this story, he's dealing with a mysterious non - state actor that doesn't play by the rules and has a more blunt objective than murder for a political purpose. A very sardonic, snarky fellow who proudly wears his contempt for unworthy authority on his sleeve, Richter is also very competent at his job in destroying whoever tries to get in his way or stop him as seen in the very satisfying climactic scenes where the smug antagonists to their horror find themselves in Paul's gunsights.
Constructive criticism? Well there wasn't quite enough action in the middle of the story, a noticeable slump. in the pacing.
Overall, PAYBACK is a easy read, but one which isn't lazy slop dolled out for the masses. While the plot is straightforward and stock, the points in between are a fascinating blend of real world detail, some very fast paced bursts of action and a cast of cool, competent professional covert operatives going about their dangerous work with consummate skill.
Recommended
"Ten years have passed since a perfect blue sky morning turned into the blackest of nights. Since then, we've lived in sunshine and in shadow, and although we can never unsee what happened here, we can also see that children who lost their parents have grown into young adults, grandchildren have been born and good works and public service have taken root to honor those we loved and lost." - Michael Bloomberg.
While the Middle East has been better known for anarchy, strife and general humanitarian misery, parts of the region have become modern, developed and civilized. One major example is the United Arab Emirates and its crown jewel, Dubai. Dubai with its vice, sin and gleaming glass pleasure palaces is an anomaly in the Middle East. But it's a brittle anomaly as well. Built on shady financial arrangements and human rights abuses in the form of the army of workers from South and South East Asia who keep the place running, there's also the matter of the alleged gentleman's agreement the UAE hashed out with Saudi Arabia and Iran, the two biggest sponsors of international terrorism in the world. This agreement is said to have ensured Iran and Saudi Arabia not launching terrorist attacks within Dubai and make the city rare neutral ground in a war wracked region. But what if someone decided to break that agreement or didn't even have a stake in maintaining that agreement? It's the shattering of this truce that is the center of PAYBACK, the sixth book in James Barrington's Paul Richter series. Set in 2011 on the eve of the Arab Spring insurrection the novel concerns two conspiracies to throw the Middle East into a final apocalyptic chaos. Standing in the way of success is a British Government Agent who is far more dangerous and capable than anyone expected him of being. Now to the review. What happens when payback is a long time coming?
The novel begins in Syria. A Islamic terrorist is sitting in a Toyota Land Cruiser in the middle of Damascus. He is given his marching orders and heads into the Damascus Bazaar to die from the suicide vest he is wearing. Completing his task with aplomb, the white, American men who were sitting around him congratulate themselves and drive off. Somewhere in the British countryside, Paul Richter is conducting an evasion exercise with a large team of SAS troopers who are hunting him down, when he receives a phone call that takes him back to London and his masters at the Foreign Operations Executive, the true black ops arm of British Intelligence. There, he's asked to participate on a raid against an Al Qaeda cell in the middle of London and given strict instructions to shoot a particular terrorist. Richter does so much to the shock of the London Metropolitan Policemen. It's soon revealed that Richter was sent to fake the death of a deep cover informant and our hero is soon given a more pressing assignment. A mysterious English Expat in Dubai claims to have predicted the Syrian bombing and is asking for money. In Russia, the most secret WMDs are stolen with the collaboration of some bribed officials to the horror of the GRU. In Egypt and Portugal a shell game involving private jets and CIA officers ends in a multiple homicide. And in Arabia, two homicidal Saudi Extremists commit a shocking massacre at one of the most renowned Horse Ranches on the peninsula. It's these events which Richter finds himself trying to connect over a hectic few days in the run up to one of the most hotly anticipated social events in the Middle East where the fate of Dubai is up for grabs. And only one question will remain as Richter races to stop a cataclysm. Is payback really worth it even when time doesn't heal all wounds?
In terms of plot, Payback is a good, straightforward techno thriller novel. It consists of two conspiracies that are independent of each other and only linked geographically. It's the methodical nature of how these conspiracies come about and the efforts of Richter to try stop one after the other before it's too late is the highlight of the story. We take a journey around the contemporary Arabian Peninsula which in the 2010s has been transformed beyond recognition due to the riches that have been lavished on it. But it's these riches which have put a bulls eye on its back and in this story, someone with a dead eye, steady hand and smooth trigger has the most decadent, magnificent city in the Arab World in its sights.
Action and setting? Not too shabby. We get a decent amount of action in this novel. From high stakes interdictions with Kamarov Attack helicopters in Southern Russia, to a brutal raid on one of the finest Horse Stud farms on earth, to a terrorist attack on the Dubai Cup and a final climactic helicopter chase along the length of Dubai's airport as an experimental Gulfstream Jet flees the city, PAYBACK is a slow burn but once it nears the ends of its fuse, it begins to speed up rapidly to a satisfying conclusion. The setting of Payback also isn't too shabby at all. Dubai is a fascinating place and we get to see everything from the luxury hotels, to the desert countryside outside and even have some detours to part of the Arabian Peninsula that few non Muslims have ever been to.
Research? Excellent. James Barrington is of the old school tradition of British thriller novels. He is meticulous with the real world detail he gathers to at times overwhelming but always compelling degree. From a crash course on how exactly nuclear bombs work to the feasibility of suitcase nukes, we even get some interesting tibilits about Dubai politics like why a certain Horse Racing Meet is one of the most important social events in the entire Arab world and one of the most tempting untapped terrorist targets in existence. We also get some other smaller details like the ins and outs of fast rope rappelling, the limitations of helicopter capabilities and even a dirty little secret about one of the most awe inspiring hotels which the managers would not want people finding out.
Characters? Well, I'll focus on one standout, Richter. Paul Richter is one of the great contemporary 21st century British thriller fiction characters. A Royal Navy Aviator veteran, he was a jobless nobody on civvy street when a mysterious Whitehall Bureaucrat gave him a job offer to be an SIS asset. Several violent, nasty adventures across France and Italy later and Richter finds himself the first agent in a new Paramilitary organization called the Foreign Operations Executive. Given carte blanche to do whatever is required to defend Britain and further the interests of the UK, Richter has found himself at war with Islamic Terrorists, Russian spies, and even the CIA itself over the past decade. In this story, he's dealing with a mysterious non - state actor that doesn't play by the rules and has a more blunt objective than murder for a political purpose. A very sardonic, snarky fellow who proudly wears his contempt for unworthy authority on his sleeve, Richter is also very competent at his job in destroying whoever tries to get in his way or stop him as seen in the very satisfying climactic scenes where the smug antagonists to their horror find themselves in Paul's gunsights.
Constructive criticism? Well there wasn't quite enough action in the middle of the story, a noticeable slump. in the pacing.
Overall, PAYBACK is a easy read, but one which isn't lazy slop dolled out for the masses. While the plot is straightforward and stock, the points in between are a fascinating blend of real world detail, some very fast paced bursts of action and a cast of cool, competent professional covert operatives going about their dangerous work with consummate skill.
Recommended
February 11, 2020
I really enjoy James Barrington’s Paul Richter series. Action packed, spy stuff in the vein of an explosive James Bond film, like Goldeneye (Paul Richter is even ex-Royal Navy like Bond). Usually they are exciting; a slightly bonkers terrorist/conspiracy plot and some kick ass action with Richter's dry tone. Not mind blowing original, but with enough of it’s own twists and action they’ve always stood out to other authors books in this genre.
However, while not bad, I’d say this is the weakest of the series I’ve read so far.
After a suicide bomb goes off in a Syrian market place, Richter is ordered to go to Dubai, as a British citizen apparently had a premonition of the bombing and predicts more. Heading out to prove if this is case of psychic premonition has any validity, Richter gets caught between a swirl of events; a spate of bombings with no clear link, the theft of a racehorse and missing stable staff, a CIA team on route and the theft of a secret weapon in Russia. Richter working with the embassy and local police has try to fit all these together before it reaches its conclusion.
For what the plot ends up being there seems to be a lot of build-up that seems pointless. The book took a long time to get going; I got halfway and you still have no clue what really is the bigger plot. The mix of villains, most of them in different locations, is a bit jarring, I seemed to get confused in who was who and where. The main plot when it’s revealed , while an ok plot, all the other stuff they help plan seemed unneeded. Stealing a nuke to hold a country hostage ok, but helping Al-Qaida set off bombs and the whole 'psychic' thing just didn't seem to be needed. I get the author wants to leave clues and likes doing the whole ‘plots within plots' thing, which I like, but when you get to the final part of the book and everything falls into place, I just had feeling that all that work was done wasn’t required. Just steal a bomb sneak it into Dubai. I felt so much time was wasted in these other story threads, that you never got to actually know the main architects of the plot. The fact they all lost loved ones, wives and brothers in 9/11 is just mentioned then gone. No grief or anger really is shown.
Richter is pretty much the same; tough, sarcastic super-agent. There are few other characters thrown in like Hussein, the Dubai policeman attached to Richter, Watkinson the embassy intelligence boss and the ‘wouldn’t say love interest but’ Carole-Ann Jackson CIA agent on loan to MI6. These are decent characters but Richter as always is the main character and most of the attention is on him. The action as always is decent but feel there could have been a little more.
While not bad, I would say it’s the weakest of the five I’ve read. With too much build-up especially in the first half which by the end seemed pointless and an ending that looked a bit rushed in comparison.
This won’t stop me reading more of this series as it wasn’t bad enough to turn me off them completely, but I wouldn’t suggest someone start reading the series from here.
However, while not bad, I’d say this is the weakest of the series I’ve read so far.
After a suicide bomb goes off in a Syrian market place, Richter is ordered to go to Dubai, as a British citizen apparently had a premonition of the bombing and predicts more. Heading out to prove if this is case of psychic premonition has any validity, Richter gets caught between a swirl of events; a spate of bombings with no clear link, the theft of a racehorse and missing stable staff, a CIA team on route and the theft of a secret weapon in Russia. Richter working with the embassy and local police has try to fit all these together before it reaches its conclusion.
For what the plot ends up being there seems to be a lot of build-up that seems pointless. The book took a long time to get going; I got halfway and you still have no clue what really is the bigger plot. The mix of villains, most of them in different locations, is a bit jarring, I seemed to get confused in who was who and where. The main plot when it’s revealed , while an ok plot, all the other stuff they help plan seemed unneeded. Stealing a nuke to hold a country hostage ok, but helping Al-Qaida set off bombs and the whole 'psychic' thing just didn't seem to be needed. I get the author wants to leave clues and likes doing the whole ‘plots within plots' thing, which I like, but when you get to the final part of the book and everything falls into place, I just had feeling that all that work was done wasn’t required. Just steal a bomb sneak it into Dubai. I felt so much time was wasted in these other story threads, that you never got to actually know the main architects of the plot. The fact they all lost loved ones, wives and brothers in 9/11 is just mentioned then gone. No grief or anger really is shown.
Richter is pretty much the same; tough, sarcastic super-agent. There are few other characters thrown in like Hussein, the Dubai policeman attached to Richter, Watkinson the embassy intelligence boss and the ‘wouldn’t say love interest but’ Carole-Ann Jackson CIA agent on loan to MI6. These are decent characters but Richter as always is the main character and most of the attention is on him. The action as always is decent but feel there could have been a little more.
While not bad, I would say it’s the weakest of the five I’ve read. With too much build-up especially in the first half which by the end seemed pointless and an ending that looked a bit rushed in comparison.
This won’t stop me reading more of this series as it wasn’t bad enough to turn me off them completely, but I wouldn’t suggest someone start reading the series from here.
April 16, 2018
I have read the first six books in James Barrington”s series featuring Paul Richter. Barrington seems to be developing 3-dimensional character who is eccentric but multi-talented. In the first book of the series, the protagonist has no profession after leaving the British military. In each succeeding book, Paul Richter displays more of his talents, e.g., he flies helicopters and airplanes. In Payback, Richter is able to shoot a military gun at an escaping plane while in a helicopter. Throughout the first books, Richter seems to be a man of principle in his new career as a British Intelligence agent and acts always to help his country. Payback, like the rest of the series, has much researched information and myriad plot turns as well as a surprise ending.
May 24, 2020
Faster paced than previous in the series
Much faster paced this time around, a number of different stories that the author jumps between, that as the book progresses merge with each other and form the finale
Unusually for the baddies, their characters are well thought out and by the end of the book as well rounded as some of the good guys
Much faster paced this time around, a number of different stories that the author jumps between, that as the book progresses merge with each other and form the finale
Unusually for the baddies, their characters are well thought out and by the end of the book as well rounded as some of the good guys
January 26, 2018
Great thriller!
A lot of moving parts in this book that come together in the end. A minimal amount of romance that did not detract from the story. Liked the addition of a kick butt female agent.
A lot of moving parts in this book that come together in the end. A minimal amount of romance that did not detract from the story. Liked the addition of a kick butt female agent.
February 11, 2018
Edge of Seat Readjng
Once again Paul Richter solves the unsolvable. The author keeps you reading even late into the night, or early morning. Numerous twists, almost too many to keep track of. Looking forward to the next episode.
Once again Paul Richter solves the unsolvable. The author keeps you reading even late into the night, or early morning. Numerous twists, almost too many to keep track of. Looking forward to the next episode.
April 13, 2018
Exciting all the way. Richter was great.
Plenty of travel. Good explanations except for Arabic clothing. Photos or drawings of the clothing would have been helpful since neither dictionary nor Wikipedia helped.
Plenty of travel. Good explanations except for Arabic clothing. Photos or drawings of the clothing would have been helpful since neither dictionary nor Wikipedia helped.
January 27, 2018
Payback
Worth reading , full of suspense in each chapter. You know who is going to prevail but you keep reading.
Worth reading , full of suspense in each chapter. You know who is going to prevail but you keep reading.
February 23, 2018
Payback
One of the most convoluted and twisted tales in quite some but in the end it all flowed beautifully to a logical and reasonable conclusion.
One of the most convoluted and twisted tales in quite some but in the end it all flowed beautifully to a logical and reasonable conclusion.
March 4, 2018
not enough Richter
March 2, 2019
Good Read
Overall a good book. It read quickly. Some of the situations were definitely entertaining. Will definitely be getting the next one.
Overall a good book. It read quickly. Some of the situations were definitely entertaining. Will definitely be getting the next one.
May 1, 2020
A rip-roaring thriller. A superb read.
September 7, 2012
A fast paced thriller, a bit confusing at the beginning but all becomes clear at the end
January 17, 2015
Slow paced and confusing... Gave up mid way
April 24, 2013
Although James Barrington is one of my favourite authors, I struggled to get into this book. Having persevered, it was a good read. Not his best book - in my opinion.
June 10, 2016
Nicely written and depicted. Keeps you engrossed and enthralled till the end.
June 6, 2016
I struggled too much while trying to get into this book. I gave up about a third of the way through.
September 27, 2016
Payback book 6
A good r
A good r
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews