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Sean Richardson #1
The Failsafe Query: A Tense Spy & Forensic thriller
The search is on.....
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.
Praise for the Failsafe Query
'Oh my goodness, what a really excellent book. Absolutely gripping , tense and thrilling. Such intrigue.' – Pigeonhole reviewer.
'A 'best of British' espionage thriller Set amid a modern day spy-world. This riveting book will have you on the edge of your seat taking you on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. ' – Goodreads reviewer.
'A thoroughly captivating book. Action packed with a very clever plot. I was hooked in the blink of an eye. Quite unputdownable! ' – Pigeonhole reviewer.
' This is must read. A modern day thriller that I did not want to put down. The plot is fast and well thought through - completely gripping.' – Goodreads reviewer.
'Gathers momentum, and builds towards a terrific climax. Brilliant! ' - Goodreads reviewer
Also available in the Failsafe Thriller
The Kompromat Kill - The deadly hunt for a Nizari spy ring
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.
Praise for the Failsafe Query
'Oh my goodness, what a really excellent book. Absolutely gripping , tense and thrilling. Such intrigue.' – Pigeonhole reviewer.
'A 'best of British' espionage thriller Set amid a modern day spy-world. This riveting book will have you on the edge of your seat taking you on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. ' – Goodreads reviewer.
'A thoroughly captivating book. Action packed with a very clever plot. I was hooked in the blink of an eye. Quite unputdownable! ' – Pigeonhole reviewer.
' This is must read. A modern day thriller that I did not want to put down. The plot is fast and well thought through - completely gripping.' – Goodreads reviewer.
'Gathers momentum, and builds towards a terrific climax. Brilliant! ' - Goodreads reviewer
Also available in the Failsafe Thriller
The Kompromat Kill - The deadly hunt for a Nizari spy ring
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2018
122 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jenkins
4 books25 followersI 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 second being The Kompromat Kill. My third is called The Moscow Whisper which will be published in the early summer of 2020.
Show Less
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 second being The Kompromat Kill. My third is called The Moscow Whisper which will be published in the early summer of 2020.
Show Less
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 25, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE FAILSAFE QUERY (A Sean Richardson Thriller Book #1) by Michael Jenkins is the first book in a trilogy of contemporary British spy thrillers.
Post 9/11, the British government wants proof of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Sean is an agent in Central Asia and everything his informants show him points to the Iranians buying black market radioactive materials, not the Iraqis. Sean’s informant is killed and his mission compromised so he is recalled to Britain.
Eleven years later, Sean is rescued from an Afghanistan prison after months of incarceration. He was on a civilian contract job after leaving the service and was turned on when they found out he was digging into their real business, heroin. He is rescued for a reason. With his extensive knowledge of the Middle East and the mountains of Central Asia, he is tasked with finding an intelligence officer that has gone rogue. The rogue has secret information that could make him Britain’s biggest whistle-blower.
The story takes off from this point and Sean and his team travel around Europe and Central Asia in a fast-paced action spy thriller full of plot twists, modern day espionage and military precision. Sean is a complex protagonist. He is realistically flawed, believable and a professional. All the secondary characters are fully fleshed and believable, also. Since this is the first book in the trilogy, the first few chapters are more backstory and explanatory, but once Sean is on the job, the pace increases exponentially to the climax.
I recommend this exciting spy thriller and am looking forward to reading the other two in the trilogy!
THE FAILSAFE QUERY (A Sean Richardson Thriller Book #1) by Michael Jenkins is the first book in a trilogy of contemporary British spy thrillers.
Post 9/11, the British government wants proof of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Sean is an agent in Central Asia and everything his informants show him points to the Iranians buying black market radioactive materials, not the Iraqis. Sean’s informant is killed and his mission compromised so he is recalled to Britain.
Eleven years later, Sean is rescued from an Afghanistan prison after months of incarceration. He was on a civilian contract job after leaving the service and was turned on when they found out he was digging into their real business, heroin. He is rescued for a reason. With his extensive knowledge of the Middle East and the mountains of Central Asia, he is tasked with finding an intelligence officer that has gone rogue. The rogue has secret information that could make him Britain’s biggest whistle-blower.
The story takes off from this point and Sean and his team travel around Europe and Central Asia in a fast-paced action spy thriller full of plot twists, modern day espionage and military precision. Sean is a complex protagonist. He is realistically flawed, believable and a professional. All the secondary characters are fully fleshed and believable, also. Since this is the first book in the trilogy, the first few chapters are more backstory and explanatory, but once Sean is on the job, the pace increases exponentially to the climax.
I recommend this exciting spy thriller and am looking forward to reading the other two in the trilogy!
November 10, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Sean Richardson is an Ex British Intelligence Officer who is tasked with finding out if Iraq has weapons of mass destruction in the days after the terrible events that will forever be known as 9/11.
The book opens in Moscow 2005 with a well orchestrated ‘drop off’, then jumps back in time to Central Asia 2001 where Richardson is protecting his informant General Yuri Yakubova of the Uzbekistan Army and gaining his trust by thwarting the first attempt on his life.
The story is fast-paced in parts and unfortunately dragged a little in others due to the amount of detail explained and what sometimes felt like unnecessary filling. That being said, to those that love spy thrillers and read a lot of them this may be just what authenticity they require.
This is a modern-day spy thriller and those that are old enough to remember the events it covers will be sucked in immediately.
The plot takes us to multiple countries which we are informed of where and when at the beginning of each chapter, so thankfully I always knew where Richardson was and what time period.
You can certainly tell from the writing that the author has first-hand knowledge of certain situations and the British government, as well as various countries and counter-terrorism.
Overall I did enjoy it. It was eye-opening and certainly took me on an exciting ride and out of my comfort zone.
Sean Richardson is an Ex British Intelligence Officer who is tasked with finding out if Iraq has weapons of mass destruction in the days after the terrible events that will forever be known as 9/11.
The book opens in Moscow 2005 with a well orchestrated ‘drop off’, then jumps back in time to Central Asia 2001 where Richardson is protecting his informant General Yuri Yakubova of the Uzbekistan Army and gaining his trust by thwarting the first attempt on his life.
The story is fast-paced in parts and unfortunately dragged a little in others due to the amount of detail explained and what sometimes felt like unnecessary filling. That being said, to those that love spy thrillers and read a lot of them this may be just what authenticity they require.
This is a modern-day spy thriller and those that are old enough to remember the events it covers will be sucked in immediately.
The plot takes us to multiple countries which we are informed of where and when at the beginning of each chapter, so thankfully I always knew where Richardson was and what time period.
You can certainly tell from the writing that the author has first-hand knowledge of certain situations and the British government, as well as various countries and counter-terrorism.
Overall I did enjoy it. It was eye-opening and certainly took me on an exciting ride and out of my comfort zone.
August 14, 2020
Sean Richardson is an Ex British Intelligence Officer who is tasked with finding out if Iraq has weapons of mass destruction in the days after the terrible events that will forever be known as 9/11.
The characters were very well developed and I loved the plot the main character is a genuine down to earth tough honest personality,
The story is fast-paced in parts and unfortunately dragged a little in others due to the amount of detail explained and what sometimes felt like unnecessary filling, but understand the genuine facts are very close to the truth, and this author knows the details and likes the details, that being said, to those that love spy/crime thrillers and read a lot of them this may be just what authenticity they require.
As a reader we travel around the world at a fast pace in the nasty world of espionage and suspense in this superb modern spy intrigue
As always a fan of action thrillers who has dipped his toes in spy thrillers, this has gone way to enhance my interest in an old fashioned spy thriller, with the famous crime authors of the 60's and 70's.
The ending was brilliant and it is definitely four stars from me for this one – it is a well written thriller!!
My first book by this author, now straight on to book 2 ......
The characters were very well developed and I loved the plot the main character is a genuine down to earth tough honest personality,
The story is fast-paced in parts and unfortunately dragged a little in others due to the amount of detail explained and what sometimes felt like unnecessary filling, but understand the genuine facts are very close to the truth, and this author knows the details and likes the details, that being said, to those that love spy/crime thrillers and read a lot of them this may be just what authenticity they require.
As a reader we travel around the world at a fast pace in the nasty world of espionage and suspense in this superb modern spy intrigue
As always a fan of action thrillers who has dipped his toes in spy thrillers, this has gone way to enhance my interest in an old fashioned spy thriller, with the famous crime authors of the 60's and 70's.
The ending was brilliant and it is definitely four stars from me for this one – it is a well written thriller!!
My first book by this author, now straight on to book 2 ......
May 19, 2018
I was captured by the crisp, punchy language in the first paragraph. A Cold War spy and forensic storyline, specific in detail, not sugar-coated, it’s gutsy and real. I read how characters compile, assess and analyse information in the 21st century of cyber technology and intelligence gathering. As such this is a superb modern spy intrigue. I would place Michael Jenkins alongside, John Le Carre and Frederick Forsyth and I look forward to reading more of his books. I was lucky to read this marvellously gripping book on the Pigeonhole along with the author, Michael Jenkins and other readers. To read “Failsafe Query” is a must, it’s intense, intelligent, with believable characters in what seems a real life ‘tale.’
May 19, 2018
Oh my goodness, what a really excellent book. Absolutely gripping, tense and thrilling. Such intrigue. I was lucky enough to be able to read this via the Pidgeonhole App in ten daily staves. I immediately became addicted and could not wait for each stave to arrive. It is extremely well written with very in depth and interesting characters. It touches on real life scandalous events that make it even more believable and exciting. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and can't wait to read some more by books from Michael.
May 20, 2018
The Failsafe Query is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller, well written and entirely plausible. You have to remind yourself to breathe, because the fast-paced action will leave you breathless, but there is enough humour to release the tension. The characters are well-developed, and I'm happy to know that we will be meeting some of them again.
This book was brought to me by The Pigeonhole, who I have to thank for introducing me to another wonderful new author.
This book was brought to me by The Pigeonhole, who I have to thank for introducing me to another wonderful new author.
May 22, 2018
This was a very enjoyable and convincing modern day spy novel with nods to Cold War Russian spy novels, but with a fresh take, connecting to modern day issues, like election meddling and Snowden. It’s been years since I last read a spy novel, so I started reading this on social reading platform The Pigeonhole with some trepidation. But I was immediately drawn in to the story and stayed that way until the end.
The main character, Sean Richardson, is not the tired lone wolf superspy that you usually find in books like this. He is a highly skilled professional, who pulls off his missions by selecting and leading the right team of people for the job. He is flawed, he makes mistakes, pays his dues, and has to find ways to live with the trauma his profession has caused him.
Sean’s flawed, complex and sometimes painfully human personality helps make this story feel very realistic. This is further helped by the calm, factual prose that the author uses and the way current affairs are cleverly interwoven with the story.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an interesting and entertaining summer read.
The main character, Sean Richardson, is not the tired lone wolf superspy that you usually find in books like this. He is a highly skilled professional, who pulls off his missions by selecting and leading the right team of people for the job. He is flawed, he makes mistakes, pays his dues, and has to find ways to live with the trauma his profession has caused him.
Sean’s flawed, complex and sometimes painfully human personality helps make this story feel very realistic. This is further helped by the calm, factual prose that the author uses and the way current affairs are cleverly interwoven with the story.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an interesting and entertaining summer read.
May 22, 2018
The Failsafe Query was a complete departure from my usual reading. I was lucky enough to read this book before its publication in ten daily staves and read along with other readers making comments. From the first paragraph I was hooked. We follow Sean, a former intelligence officer, the main character on a mission to find Alfie who had disappeared just before he was going to expose top security information including a list of Russian moles. Which, if exposed, would shake the government to its core. Sean and his team use the most up to date spyware to find Alfie leaving the reader breathless at the pace and military precision of the mission, I really enjoyed this rollercoaster of a book and will definitely read it again to make sure I didn’t miss anything!!!!
November 25, 2020
This is an intriguing story involving espionage, intelligence, secrets, friends, enemies and lies. Sean Richardson was a successful intelligence agent until tragedy derailed him. After being rescued, he is tasked with using his skills and his old team to help find a potential whistleblower revealing secrets which would destroy many senior figures in the British government and in positions of power. The whistleblower has disappeared, can Sean and his team prevent those secrets being revealed and still keep themselves safe?
This is the first book in this series featuring Sean Richardson and the first section of chapters is, in effect, the background which takes place more than a decade earlier than the rest of the story. Filled with action packed adventures, skilled teamwork (including both dogs) and mystery, this is a fascinating spy thriller, a page turner that takes you around Europe and Asia.
Thank you to the author and Damppebbles for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
This is the first book in this series featuring Sean Richardson and the first section of chapters is, in effect, the background which takes place more than a decade earlier than the rest of the story. Filled with action packed adventures, skilled teamwork (including both dogs) and mystery, this is a fascinating spy thriller, a page turner that takes you around Europe and Asia.
Thank you to the author and Damppebbles for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
May 23, 2018
The Failsafe Query was a great read. The thing I look for in spy novels, especially set in modern times, is a very plausible set up. And this was something the book had in spades. Retelling some of the events of the past decade and a half it successfully weaves in the background of the Iraq war through to the Russian influence on politics and voting in the US and the UK. It was a real highlight for me on how plausible it all sounded, though of course with fictional characters.
The main character Sean has his demons, and was a very believable character with well thought out motivations. Sean was not superhuman, and none of what he did after his introduction was done on his own, but with a team of well fleshed out professionals. It was a great touch to see the camaraderie between the characters working together to foil the plot. Also between man and dog.
I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a great spy story/ thriller. There really is a lot to enjoy here.
This was a Pigeonhole read, and the author interacted with the group regularly. He let us know another book is coming, and I can't wait.
The main character Sean has his demons, and was a very believable character with well thought out motivations. Sean was not superhuman, and none of what he did after his introduction was done on his own, but with a team of well fleshed out professionals. It was a great touch to see the camaraderie between the characters working together to foil the plot. Also between man and dog.
I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a great spy story/ thriller. There really is a lot to enjoy here.
This was a Pigeonhole read, and the author interacted with the group regularly. He let us know another book is coming, and I can't wait.
September 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. The political and international background is authentic. The characters are interesting and I particularly liked Natasha. The book could have done with a heavier dose of her and her sadistic ruthlessness. She is certainly not somebody who you would want to cross, even if you were battling for the same side.
For the most part, the pace is good, although it stumbles in places and I found some of the dialogue a bit forced and stilted. There were a few irritating little flaws in the narrative that acted like itching powder on me. Perhaps, since reading On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, I have become over-sensitive to adverbs and whether they add to or subtract from the meaning. I’ll admit that I have also been guilty of the same crime.
However, having said all of this, the underlying story is great and is well worth reading.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
For the most part, the pace is good, although it stumbles in places and I found some of the dialogue a bit forced and stilted. There were a few irritating little flaws in the narrative that acted like itching powder on me. Perhaps, since reading On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, I have become over-sensitive to adverbs and whether they add to or subtract from the meaning. I’ll admit that I have also been guilty of the same crime.
However, having said all of this, the underlying story is great and is well worth reading.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
May 19, 2018
This is a fast-paced book which (for me) only flagged a bit just before the epilogue. It's certainly topical in terms of recent political events, especially those in the UK. I did, however, find it difficult to judge whether or not there is an intended political bias. The plot also harks back to the old Cold War era, reminding us that we are now experiencing the new one, and is set in a variety of interesting locations. I have a few minor quibbles (the old UK & NI embassy in Moscow was always roasty-toasty in the two winters I visited it as far as I recall!) but that didn't spoil a good read which could make a fine film, given the plot and a multitude of magnificent settings. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Pigeonhole for giving me a free copy to read in instalments in exchange for this honest review.
November 10, 2018
At first I had a bit of trouble getting into the story. There was so much thrown at me that it made my head spin, but I was intrigued as well and that was what made me going on.
I am a Russia and espionage loving person. Give me James Bond any day of the week. That why I wanted to read this book.
The author has a way of taking you on a road full of twists and turns and makes you really believe what he is talking about, but somehow I was not really into it. There were parts I liked and others I did not seem to grasp. I did not seem to be my cup of tea.
I am not going to give away too much. I suggest you try it out and I am curious to know how you will experience it. 3 stars.
Thank you, Michael Jenkins and RachelsRandomResources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I am a Russia and espionage loving person. Give me James Bond any day of the week. That why I wanted to read this book.
The author has a way of taking you on a road full of twists and turns and makes you really believe what he is talking about, but somehow I was not really into it. There were parts I liked and others I did not seem to grasp. I did not seem to be my cup of tea.
I am not going to give away too much. I suggest you try it out and I am curious to know how you will experience it. 3 stars.
Thank you, Michael Jenkins and RachelsRandomResources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
July 20, 2018
What an excellent read. A new approach to the spy novel. Totally original thinking and approach. Well constructed with a variety of fascinating characters that will no doubt appear in any sequels. He has made use of a great many of the techniques available to the modern day spy, investigator, hero. A serious contender for the likes of Ian Flemming, Frederick Forsythe, Lee Child, Diane Capri, just to mention a few. I really hope he has a few more stories up his sleeve and we can see the character of Sean getting into (and out of) many more scrapes, government backed or otherwise.
May 19, 2018
I was gripped by this book from start to finish. Loved all the characters especially Sean. The theme was very topical and had lots of twists and turns along the way. This will make an excellent movie and can't wait to watch it.
Thank you to Michael Jenkins and Pigeonhole for allowing me to be among the first to read it.
Thank you to Michael Jenkins and Pigeonhole for allowing me to be among the first to read it.
August 6, 2018
I love espionage novels. As an independent analyst in counter-terrorism who worked with intelligence people in the distant past I love the intrigues, the deceptions and the secrecy. I also hate espionage novels. I haven’t a clue what’s going on: I need one of those police wall charts to plot all the characters, the tangled networks, who knows what, when and who, and so on.
But in Michael Jenkins’s towering first novel The Failsafe Query this wasn’t needed. There’s plenty of intrigue and deception, but it’s all clearly told in a polished, sophisticated style that made me think this was the author’s tenth, not first, novel. This is a spy story with real style: it’s also ideal for TV or film adaptation.
Of great value is that it’s based on real political events and scandals in high places; the hunt for the hugely incriminating secrets keeps you on the edge of your seat because of the devastating implications they carry. Misplaced intelligence about Iraq’s WMD is just the start: there’s a whole lot more to come, told in a beautifully crafted plot that intersperses just enough gripping action with intense account and enough depth in the characters to make it all very believable, beyond the usual ‘bad-guy-good-guy’ romp that these stories tend to be. The ‘bad guy’ here is a woman, and a ruthless, sexy one at that - the psychopathic spy is arguably more frightening than all the big butch blokes in the story put together. There’s just enough technical detail to satisfy military afficionadas and counter-IED specialists - and anyone else will also learn a lot from how the action actually works. There are plenty of surprises here. Don’t put this book down until you’ve finished, or it may explode.
But in Michael Jenkins’s towering first novel The Failsafe Query this wasn’t needed. There’s plenty of intrigue and deception, but it’s all clearly told in a polished, sophisticated style that made me think this was the author’s tenth, not first, novel. This is a spy story with real style: it’s also ideal for TV or film adaptation.
Of great value is that it’s based on real political events and scandals in high places; the hunt for the hugely incriminating secrets keeps you on the edge of your seat because of the devastating implications they carry. Misplaced intelligence about Iraq’s WMD is just the start: there’s a whole lot more to come, told in a beautifully crafted plot that intersperses just enough gripping action with intense account and enough depth in the characters to make it all very believable, beyond the usual ‘bad-guy-good-guy’ romp that these stories tend to be. The ‘bad guy’ here is a woman, and a ruthless, sexy one at that - the psychopathic spy is arguably more frightening than all the big butch blokes in the story put together. There’s just enough technical detail to satisfy military afficionadas and counter-IED specialists - and anyone else will also learn a lot from how the action actually works. There are plenty of surprises here. Don’t put this book down until you’ve finished, or it may explode.
October 18, 2018
An explosive and totally believable plot
Throughout this book I was completely drawn in to the authenticity of the plot – you can just picture this all being true (or not very far from the truth).
From the outset, the characters are drawn and the seeds are sown for a very intricate storyline, from whence the various plot line threads are drawn tighter together in the middle section of the book. There is a forensic level of detail at times that leaves you in no doubt as to the author’s credibility and experience in this field.
The end of the book builds to a breathless climax before the final acts are played out, and any loose ends tied up and revealed to the reader. I couldn’t put this book down.
Finally, the closing chapters indicate a sequel in the making, and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Throughout this book I was completely drawn in to the authenticity of the plot – you can just picture this all being true (or not very far from the truth).
From the outset, the characters are drawn and the seeds are sown for a very intricate storyline, from whence the various plot line threads are drawn tighter together in the middle section of the book. There is a forensic level of detail at times that leaves you in no doubt as to the author’s credibility and experience in this field.
The end of the book builds to a breathless climax before the final acts are played out, and any loose ends tied up and revealed to the reader. I couldn’t put this book down.
Finally, the closing chapters indicate a sequel in the making, and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
September 21, 2018
A totally absorbing cold-war thriller. Written in such a way to grab attention and leave you turning each page to find out what happens next. Full of interesting and complex characters that leave you yearning to know more.
Using contemporary events like Brexit with political intrigue in the recent past such as the Iraq war, this is a fantastic update to the espionage genre.
The author writes with an obvious in depth knowledge of the subject matter and of each of the locations visited in a way that embraces the reader and drags you deep in to the story.
Highly recommended and I cannot wait for the next book.
Using contemporary events like Brexit with political intrigue in the recent past such as the Iraq war, this is a fantastic update to the espionage genre.
The author writes with an obvious in depth knowledge of the subject matter and of each of the locations visited in a way that embraces the reader and drags you deep in to the story.
Highly recommended and I cannot wait for the next book.
August 28, 2018
Right then,
This is a cracking read! plausible structure, edge of the seat stuff, with differing country involvement (All the main suspects here), tense and intriguing. There is an undercurrent of realism regarding search process, techniques and expertise available. There is a story-line running in tandem with the main event which also has you hoping the end result is achieved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I became immersed in the details and couldn't put it down. Well done Michael Jenkins, let hope this isn't the last Sean Richardson adventure.
This is a cracking read! plausible structure, edge of the seat stuff, with differing country involvement (All the main suspects here), tense and intriguing. There is an undercurrent of realism regarding search process, techniques and expertise available. There is a story-line running in tandem with the main event which also has you hoping the end result is achieved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I became immersed in the details and couldn't put it down. Well done Michael Jenkins, let hope this isn't the last Sean Richardson adventure.
July 30, 2018
A 'best of British' espionage thriller
Set amid a modern day spyworld.
This riveting book will have you on the edge of your seat .
Taking you on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns .
I am well informed , that 'the Failsafe Query' is , pretty close to the truth ,of today's work amongst the field of british intelligence.
This book was extremely well written by new author Michael Jenkins and I wait with anticipation for his next.
Set amid a modern day spyworld.
This riveting book will have you on the edge of your seat .
Taking you on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns .
I am well informed , that 'the Failsafe Query' is , pretty close to the truth ,of today's work amongst the field of british intelligence.
This book was extremely well written by new author Michael Jenkins and I wait with anticipation for his next.
October 19, 2018
Fast paced, plausible, cracking characters, intrigue, political shenanigans, espionage - this has the lot in spades. The author's experiences shine through with dialogue and action that you can easily envisage without being overly technical or complicated - you don't have to be an expert to fully understand what is going on.
If you want a book you can dip in and out of, then this isn't for you - once you've started, you'll be hooked until the end.
Eagerly anticipating the next book now!
If you want a book you can dip in and out of, then this isn't for you - once you've started, you'll be hooked until the end.
Eagerly anticipating the next book now!
May 19, 2018
This isn’t my usual type of book at all, but I’m glad I read it - very entertaining and fast paced. It did require a bit of concentration with all of the intrigue, back story, twists and turns, but I think I ‘got it’ in the end! I can’t say as I’ve ever really read a book based on espionage before, but thanks to The Pigeonhole (again!) I tried it and I liked it.
May 11, 2019
Wow! What a fantastic read this was! A real edge-of-seat read with twists and turns a plenty!
I was enthralled at being able to peer into the secret world of spies, espionage, military expertise and secret operations.
A real page turner from start to finish - you won’t want to put it down!
As a film, this would be an absolute cracker!
I was enthralled at being able to peer into the secret world of spies, espionage, military expertise and secret operations.
A real page turner from start to finish - you won’t want to put it down!
As a film, this would be an absolute cracker!
January 16, 2019
Very realistic intelligence and military detail
I really enjoyed this book, intertwined with very realistic intelligence and military detail, that gave the edge of realism to a great plot that John LeCarre, would be proud of. The only reason for 4 rather than 5 stars is the author should avoid romantic fiction.
I really enjoyed this book, intertwined with very realistic intelligence and military detail, that gave the edge of realism to a great plot that John LeCarre, would be proud of. The only reason for 4 rather than 5 stars is the author should avoid romantic fiction.
July 8, 2018
Really excellent espionage story / mixed nicely with a brilliant set of characters. Very plausible and dramatic, so much so that each chapter ended on a cliffhanger making me want more and more. Not many good spy stories like this one.
July 26, 2018
Really interesting premise and a good story line and plot. However some of the dialogue between characters felt a little bit stilted. Overall thoroughly enjoyed the book and looking forward to the sequel
March 22, 2019
Excellent
Gripped me from the start and found it very hard to put down. Loved the plot and the characters. Cracking read Michael and look forward to your second book. You’ve set the bar high👍
Gripped me from the start and found it very hard to put down. Loved the plot and the characters. Cracking read Michael and look forward to your second book. You’ve set the bar high👍
May 19, 2018
Great fast-paced spy thriller I was able to read on The Pigeonhole. Well developed characters that left me wanting to read more about them. I can’t wait to read the sequel in 2019!
May 20, 2018
Excellent spy story. keeps you at the edge all the time
March 1, 2019
A thoroughly captivating book. Acion packed with a very clever plot. I was hooked in the blink of an eye. Quite unputdownable!
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