Book Review: The Kompromat Kill @FailsafeQuery @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours

The Kompromat Kill

When a British Diplomat is kidnapped in the heart of London, followed by a brutal double-assassination in Chelsea, MI5 braces for the threat of deep sleeper cells coming alive.

Hiding overseas with a price on his head, Sean Richardson is tasked to lead a deniable operation to hunt down and recruit an international model and spy. Moving across Asia Minor and Europe, Sean embarks on a dangerous journey tracking an Iranian spy ring who hold the keys to a set of consequences the British Intelligence Services would rather not entertain.

As Sean investigates deeper, he uncovers dark secrets from his past and a complex web of espionage spun from the hand of a global master spy. As he inches closer to the truth, the rules of the game change – and the nerve-wracking fate of many lives sits in his hands…

Tense, absorbing, and insightful, The Kompromat Kill is a gripping thriller leaving you breathless at the pace of intrigue, cleverly unravelled in a dramatic finale.

Grab your copy from

UK            USA

 

 

My Thoughts

I think I have found myself a new hero! While Jake Flannigan ( David videcette’s series) seems to be taking a well earned rest Sean Richardson is barging him out of them way.

Another fantastic read from Michael Jenkins as Sean battles to save the day, but this time it isn’t all as straight forward as it may seem. We may think we know Sean’s checkered past but Michael is here to fill in the details and it’s not all roses and sparkles.

I did wonder during reading this book what his relationship was with Melissa, though she is named checked several times in this book, it left me wondering if she was just an after thought?

One thing Sean and Jake do have in common is the need for sex, drugs and rock and roll to get away from what is going on in front of them!

This book has some amusing moments my favourite is between Sean and Swartz when Sean asks who is it and he replies “there is only one bloke who ever breaks you out of jail”

As I was coming to the end of this book I started to wonder where the author is going next with this. Sean has a son now which will no doubt confuse things but are we about to learn more about Jack’s other operatives.

My review of The Fail Safe can be found HERE

Michael tells us more about himself below:

 

I started climbing at 13, survived being lost in Snowdonia at 14, nearly drowned at 15, and then joined the Army at 16. Risk and adventure was built into my DNA and I feel very fortunate to have served the majority of my working career as an intelligence officer within Defence Intelligence, and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer and military surveyor within the Corps of Royal Engineers.

I was privileged to serve for twenty-eight years in the British Army as a soldier and officer, rising through the ranks to complete my service as a major. I served across the globe on numerous military operations as well as extensive travel and adventure on many major mountaineering and exploration expeditions that I led or was involved in.

I was awarded the Geographic Medal by the Royal Geographical Society for mountain exploration in 2003 and served on the screening committee of the Mount Everest Foundation charity for many years. It was humbling after so many years of service when I was awarded the MBE for services to counter-terrorism in 2007.

The Failsafe Query is my debut novel, with The Kompromat Kill, my second.

 The Failsafe Query  Failsafe Query

 

https://www.michaeljenkins.org/

 

Previously I interviewed Michael for my blog, the post can be found HERE

 

 

 

Book Review: The Kompromat Kill @FailsafeQuery @rararesources

The Kompromat Kill

When a British Diplomat is kidnapped in the heart of London, followed by a brutal double-assassination in Chelsea, MI5 braces for the threat of deep sleeper cells coming alive.

Hiding overseas with a price on his head, Sean Richardson is tasked to lead a deniable operation to hunt down and recruit an international model and spy. Moving across Asia Minor and Europe, Sean embarks on a dangerous journey tracking an Iranian spy ring who hold the keys to a set of consequences the British Intelligence Services would rather not entertain.

As Sean investigates deeper, he uncovers dark secrets from his past and a complex web of espionage spun from the hand of a global master spy. As he inches closer to the truth, the rules of the game change – and the nerve-wracking fate of many lives sits in his hands…

Tense, absorbing, and insightful, The Kompromat Kill is a gripping thriller leaving you breathless at the pace of intrigue, cleverly unravelled in a dramatic finale.

Grab your copy from

UK            USA

 

 

My Thoughts

I think I have found myself a new hero! While Jake Flannigan ( David videcette’s series) seems to be taking a well earned rest Sean Richardson is barging him out of them way.

Another fantastic read from Michael Jenkins as Sean battles to save the day, but this time it isn’t all as straight forward as it may seem. We may think we know Sean’s checkered past but Michael is here to fill in the details and it’s not all roses and sparkles.

I did wonder during reading this book what his relationship was with Melissa, though she is named checked several times in this book, it left me wondering if she was just an after thought?

One thing Sean and Jake do have in common is the need for sex, drugs and rock and roll to get away from what is going on in front of them!

This book has some amusing moments my favourite is between Sean and Swartz when Sean asks who is it and he replies “there is only one bloke who ever breaks you out of jail”

As I was coming to the end of this book I started to wonder where the author is going next with this. Sean has a son now which will no doubt confuse things but are we about to learn more about Jack’s other operatives.

My review of The Fail Safe can be found HERE

Michael tells us more about himself below:

 

I started climbing at 13, survived being lost in Snowdonia at 14, nearly drowned at 15, and then joined the Army at 16. Risk and adventure was built into my DNA and I feel very fortunate to have served the majority of my working career as an intelligence officer within Defence Intelligence, and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer and military surveyor within the Corps of Royal Engineers.

I was privileged to serve for twenty-eight years in the British Army as a soldier and officer, rising through the ranks to complete my service as a major. I served across the globe on numerous military operations as well as extensive travel and adventure on many major mountaineering and exploration expeditions that I led or was involved in.

I was awarded the Geographic Medal by the Royal Geographical Society for mountain exploration in 2003 and served on the screening committee of the Mount Everest Foundation charity for many years. It was humbling after so many years of service when I was awarded the MBE for services to counter-terrorism in 2007.

The Failsafe Query is my debut novel, with The Kompromat Kill, my second.

 The Failsafe Query  Failsafe Query

 

https://www.michaeljenkins.org/

 

Last month I interviewed Michael for my blog, the post can be found HERE

 

 

Giveaway to Win 5 copies of The Kompromat Kill (Open INT)

Enter Here

 

Ts&Cs Worldwide entries welcome.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

The Kompromat Kill @FailsafeQuery #SpyThriller #Q&A

The Kompromat Kill

When a British Diplomat is kidnapped in the heart of London, followed by a brutal double-assassination in Chelsea, MI5 braces for the threat of deep sleeper cells coming alive.

Hiding overseas with a price on his head, Sean Richardson is tasked to lead a deniable operation to hunt down and recruit an international model and spy. Moving across Asia Minor and Europe, Sean embarks on a dangerous journey tracking an Iranian spy ring who hold the keys to a set of consequences the British Intelligence Services would rather not entertain.

As Sean investigates deeper, he uncovers dark secrets from his past and a complex web of espionage spun from the hand of a global master spy. As he inches closer to the truth, the rules of the game change – and the nerve-wracking fate of many lives sits in his hands…

Tense, absorbing, and insightful, The Kompromat Kill is a gripping thriller leaving you breathless at the pace of intrigue, cleverly unravelled in a dramatic finale.

Order your copy

I Read The Fail Safe last year and became a MASSIVE fan of Michael’s writing! So when the chance came up for some Q&A to help promote the publication of The Kompromat Kill I was first in the queue.

My review of The Fail Safe can be found HERE

Q1: What inspired you to write the book?

I was keen to follow up from my first novel, and provide a high octane novel incorporating some of the same the same characters, but taking the storyline from the failsafe query, on a new journey but keeping the golden threads of the agencies, politics, and ground operators. Hopefully, it will be seen as an insightful step forward. The novel can be read as a stand-alone, or as a follow on from the failsafe Query.

Q2: If you could go back to when you first started writing what one piece advice would you give yourself?

Learn from, and listen to other authors, and read lots to learn the tips and genius ideas that many authors have. Then create your own voice and style which I hope I have. The keep learning through reading, doing online research or attending courses

Q3: What would you say to someone who wants to write?

Play about with it – learn online and from courses about creative writing and all the tips that readers love to see in a novel. Write as if you are a reader wanted to be entertained, and wanting to turn the page at every chapter end – leave them if you can on a cliff-hanger. But have your own natural style.

Q4: If you weren’t writhing what would you be doing?

Climbing mountains and planning scientific exploration ventures across the world – age has suggested to me that writing is now a better career for me !

Q5: What are your writing routines?

Absolutely zero routine! I have a full time day job, a family with children, and a hectic life with social and sports that stops routine – I spend the first 3 months thinking and plotting a spy novel, creating linkage maps of characters and plots, then I create an outline plot with sub plot – plus more research and thinking. I like to intertwine topical political events, with current geo-political threats, and then build a story line and a character arc that merges the strategic politics with the frustrations and conflict of the ground operators. Then I’ll write for 5 or 6 months grabbing time at home wherever I can. The final 3 months is editing and preparing for publication.

Q6: Why did you decide to self-publish?

I spoke to a few authors who suggested it was great fun and gave better control. So I decided to dabble, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I enjoy creating my own marketing images and campaigns, formatting for kindle and paperback, typesetting for print, and planning marketing ventures. It really is a great journey to take the novel through from plotting to writing, then publishing with all the frustrations and drama it entails.

Q7: What writing tools do use, and which one could you not live without?

Very simple really – a laptop with office 365, a desk, a plotting book, and some great marketing software. I really need the software – else it’s back to the written word!

Q8: Which authors inspired you to write?

Tom Clancy, Wilbur Smith, Len Deighton, John Le Carre, Graham Greene.

Q9: Who would you want to play the main characters in your book if your novel was optioned for tv / film?

For Sean, I think Tom Hiddleston or Luke Evans, and for Jack, probably someone like Michael Kitchen

Q10: Tell me something about yourself your readers might not know.

I work in cyber security and am a passionate rugby union fan and former coach of youth and children – I love all sports and represented Wales at Athletics and cross country in my youth.

Thank you Michael X

Michael Jenkins served for twenty-eight years in the British
Army, rising through the ranks to complete his service as a major. He served across the globe on numerous military operations as an intelligence officer within Defence Intelligence, and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer and military surveyor within the Corps of Royal Engineers.

His experiences within the services involved extensive travel and
adventure whilst on operations, and also on many major mountaineering
and exploration expeditions that he led or was involved in.
He was awarded the Geographic Medal by the Royal Geographical
Society for mountain exploration and served on the screening committee
of the Mount Everest Foundation charity.

He was awarded the MBE on leaving the armed forces in 2007 for his services to counterterrorism.

 The Failsafe Query  Failsafe Query

 

https://www.michaeljenkins.org/

 

I will be back next month with a review of The Kompromat Kill and I can’t wait!

Book Review: Failsafe Query @FailsafeQuery @rararesource #Giveaway #spythriller

Fail Safe Query

The Failsafe Query is a gripping thriller set in the contemporary world of modern British espionage.

Sean Richardson, a disgraced former intelligence agent, is tasked to lead a team to search for Alfie Chapman, an Intelligence officer on the cusp of exposing thousands of secrets to the media. This includes a long lost list of Russian moles embedded since the Cold War, one of whom remains a public favourite in the British parliamentary system.

The action moves with absorbing pace and intrigue across Central Asia and Europe as the puzzle begins to unfold through a deep hidden legacy.

Tense, fast paced, and insightful, The Failsafe Query twists and turns to a satisfyingly dramatic finale.

My Thoughts

There is no way this book was written from beginning to end, more like the other way around! The amount of planning that has gone into this book and how everything is connected is INTENSE! When you are like me and have elements of the MI5 in your WIP, reading this book has made me come home and write, and I mean seriously write so my novel can be as half as good as this! This book reminded me a lot of my other favourite MI5 thriller author David Videcette and our other unsung hero Jake Flannagan.

At the beginning of the book, we are transferred between different places and dates as we get to know our main character Sean Richardson and his life as a top intelligence agent until his wife dies and it his life starts to spiral out of control. One bit of advice I would give anyone reading this is to pay attention because events that happen at the beginning of this book directly affect the ending. See why I don’t think this was written in order?

Sean is tasked to find Alfie Chapman who is threating to reveal government secrets while trying to protect Melissa a newspaper journalist who is a key witness. She doesn’t realise she could be key to where Alfie is and what it is exactly he knows.

This is a VERY fast pace book and really hard to put down and remember to get off the bus in time, as I read it, I kept wondering how much that is in this book is how things really go down on these spy missions.

I loved everything about this book, I hope some of Sean’s team return in future novels, and that hopefully Sean has learnt not to put the job before his family and doesn’t lose someone else he loves again.

Go read this book!

Michael Jenkins served for twenty-eight years in the British
Army, rising through the ranks to complete his service as a major. He served across the globe on numerous military operations as an intelligence officer within Defence Intelligence, and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer and military surveyor within the Corps of Royal Engineers.
His experiences within the services involved extensive travel and
adventure whilst on operations, and also on many major mountaineering
and exploration expeditions that he led or was involved in.
He was awarded the Geographic Medal by the Royal Geographical
Society for mountain exploration and served on the screening committee
of the Mount Everest Foundation charity.

He was awarded the MBE on leaving the armed forces in 2007 for his services to counterterrorism.

The Failsafe Query is Michael’s first novel. He has started work on
his second spy thriller, The Kompromat Kill, and hopes to publish it
the spring of 2019.

UK                    USA

 

 The Failsafe Query  Failsafe Query

 

https://www.michaeljenkins.org/

 

Giveaway

 

Win 5 x PB copies of The Failsafe Query & a spy linkage map (unframed) (Open Internationally)

 

I want one of these framed picture’s so I can work it all out!

Enter Here

 

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.