Covert Action

Tom Marlowe #3

by Jack Gatland

They thought he was finished - they were wrong.

British MI5 “Section D” agent Tom Marlowe has been burnt, his Security Services clearance deleted, and his protection from foreign agencies removed.

Travelling America following the events of Target Locked, Tom takes a covert job from a US senator he has connections with - to attend a West Coast event she's speaking at as a ghost, to watch from the shadows, and inform her of any threats he finds.

However, when he finds that her biggest threats are his own country's agents - rogue MI5 officers with a kill-order for her, he's given a choice; do nothing and be welcomed back into the British Security Services - or attempt to stop it before it occurs, and be damned with her.

Now opposing his own country while exposing a long-believed-dead Government cabal, and facing agents he once trained and fought with, Marlowe must get to the very centre of this conspiracy - in a journey that takes him across Europe and back to London, ending with an explosive reunion with the very men who trained him...

Genres: Fiction

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2023

About the author

Jack 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.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really tired and sluggish as I write this review this morning. I was awake into the wee small hours of the morning, finishing reading "Covert Action." This third Tom Marlowe book keeps the reader pushing toward the climax and resolution. I couldn't stop myself, and there is no way that I could have gone to sleep without the conclusion.

Our protagonist, Tom Marlowe, was introduced in the "Last Chance Saloon" book series by Jack Galand. In that series, Marlowe is a relatively minor character operating on the fringes of the story. He was an agent of the United Kingdom's MI5, the British Security Service focused on domestic intelligence and threats. MI5 operates alongside MI6 (think James Bond), the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), which is focused on foreign threats. The two intelligence agencies sometimes compete against one another for authority and dominance.

Remember that I wrote "was" in my introduction to Tom Marlowe, as he's been discredited and fired--burnt--and is on the outside looking for odd jobs from countries or companies that need a spy for hire. That's what Marlowe is: a spy, a spook. He does all of that spook stuff exceedingly well, as we observe in the Marlowe series of stories.

The action in "Covert Action" starts in the US, where Marlowe is hired as covert security by a US Senator whom he had previously helped. As it happens, that extra security was necessary, as one of her personal security agents shot and tried to kill her. What Marlowe uncovers is an international criminal plot for profit, rather than foreign intrigue or espionage. Before too long, the plot takes Marlowe to Paris and then London, sometimes as the hunter, and sometimes as the prey. Through all of the action, Marlowe has doubts about who is a friend and who is a foe.

Gatland writes intelligently and crafts tight, fast-moving stories that hold the reader's attention, hence my bleary eyes this morning. His stories are excellent mixes of action, dialogue, and background without any one of those elements taking over the plot. As with all good spy stories, Gatland keeps us guessing about who the good guys and bad guys are. His Marlowe novels always provide an excellent denouement, as well as the set-up for the next novel in the series. I've already obtained the next Tom Marlowe story, and plan to start as soon as I wake from my nap.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covert Action by Jack Gatland is book 3 in the Tom Marlowe series. It is a great adventure spy thriller with action throughout. Tom is still on the outside of MI5 and is trying to get back on to the team. In the meantime, he is doing jobs for people in the US who can possibly help him to achieve this and finds himself in LA and then San Francisco. He is there for a Veteran’s Summit but the more Tom learns about the players, the more concerned he becomes. Then Trix Preston turns up. There is a credible threat to the Home Secretary and the action heats up. There is subterfuge aplenty and a few dead bodies, but Tom is ever resourceful. It was a really good yarn.

[Anne Petter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book.

I'm really loving Tom Marlowe. He's been thrown out on his own from the secret service but still willing to fight anyone to save certain people and keep his country safe. He has Trix by his side, who's on suspension but still helps as well. If you love all the spook stuff these books are ideal. They have it all and Tom doesn't get five minutes before someone else is trying to kill him. However, he always knows how to get out of most situations and it's usually very exciting. Well worth reading g.

[Mr Mark Hawksford · Rating 5 out of 5]

covert Action -

This is the third book in the series and in my opinion the best. This will grab you from the start and keep you turning the page and reading quicker to find what will happen next. It is full of action and has a few plot twists throughout the book. Unlike some books, it has a proper conclusion and the epilogue sets up book 4. This series is really enjoyable and with each book release you start to build a stronger bond with the regular characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and rate it with an easy 5 out of 5.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlowe gives his all.

Marlowe is like a one man army, never gives up, seems to go from one disaster to another but manages to stay alive. People continue to target him as he is such a white knight, he eventually works things out and with the help of friends he manages to survive and fight for another day. Great book.

[Nancy M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER GREAT TOM MARLOWE THRILLER

I've read all of the Tom Marlowe novels and this is my favorite. It is story telling at its best. This is a plot to sabotage the country and reveal government secrets. All of the favorite characters are in this book and it is a fast-paced, can't put down read. Highly recomnend.

[Bettye Clement · Rating 2 out of 5]

too convolutedt

All the detail and excessively complicated connections, it became more boring than interesting. I almost gave it up is it reached the point I was no longer interested in what was going to happen next

[Don Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiffingly brilliant!

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode of the "burnt agent" Marlowe. A tad tedious near the middle and about two thirds through the book, but I persevered and thoroughly enjoyed the ending and epilogue.

Off to find book 4

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I am a Thomas Marlow fan :) Lots of action, lots of treachery, and one righteous agent. What’s not to love?!

[Susan Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant

Clever writing. Awesome author. Loved every minute, and now I have to get the next one !!! Lucky me. So glad I found this author

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

On the edge of seat action. Couldn’t put this down. Looking forward to the next book.definite read for spying fans.

[Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

#3 KINDLE

[ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More James Bond

More James Bond than James Bond. A few things let it down, but I still love the plots. Keep it up

[Christopher James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book, I couldn't put it down.

[Marcie Sherback · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed book but it wasn’t realistic. For me a good book needs to connect the dots and the reader needs to believes in the entire story.

[Neely Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In America doing a freelance job for a senator, Marlow is inexplicably drawn into another very British problem. The action is nonstop and intrigue is utterly believable. Good book.

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit hard going this one, i'm on edge about reading the next one, not that it was bad just seemed off the pace TBH!