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John Milton #14
Twelve Days
John Milton hasn't seen Elijah Warriner for three years. The last time they met, Milton's efforts to keep the boy safe didn't go exactly to plan. Now Elijah is a promising boxer, preparing for the bout that will take him to the big time. Milton decides that he will spend the week before Christmas in London so that he can watch the fight.
But Elijah's burgeoning fame has brought him to the attention of old acquaintances with long memories and grudges to bear. They have noticed Elijah, too, and decide that now is the time to settle old scores.
Can Milton keep the young man and his mother safe, or will Elijah's old running mates get to him first?
But Elijah's burgeoning fame has brought him to the attention of old acquaintances with long memories and grudges to bear. They have noticed Elijah, too, and decide that now is the time to settle old scores.
Can Milton keep the young man and his mother safe, or will Elijah's old running mates get to him first?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2018
2866 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Mark Dawson
114 books1,856 followersFor news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
December 21, 2018
It's so very good to have John Milton with us for the Holidays!! Another outstanding adventure..
'The Cleaner' introduced us to the wonderful operative John Milton, a man who does what he believes is right, no matter the circumstance. Today brings a new journey, 'Twelve Days', which goes back to see what happened with many of the characters we meet in the beginning. He looks to London to visit Elijah and his Mom,Sharon, as it's been several years and Milton hoped that Elijah remained on a good track in life.
From the start this story reels you in, with action and emotions flaring every which way! There is violence, gangs,and immoral people but also real feelings of friendship and love..With Milton, the old ex-black-op assassin who even when doing a job has always tried to take care that the good folks are helped not hurt!
A thrilling, amazing story that closes the door on what happened back then..I received an ARC from author Mark Dawson, who I thank for another intriguing story with my favorite operative, and I put my thoughts in this review so others may finally get behind the wonderful adventures with Milton!!
A Big 5 STAR story that is SO much More than an 'action'book....
'The Cleaner' introduced us to the wonderful operative John Milton, a man who does what he believes is right, no matter the circumstance. Today brings a new journey, 'Twelve Days', which goes back to see what happened with many of the characters we meet in the beginning. He looks to London to visit Elijah and his Mom,Sharon, as it's been several years and Milton hoped that Elijah remained on a good track in life.
From the start this story reels you in, with action and emotions flaring every which way! There is violence, gangs,and immoral people but also real feelings of friendship and love..With Milton, the old ex-black-op assassin who even when doing a job has always tried to take care that the good folks are helped not hurt!
A thrilling, amazing story that closes the door on what happened back then..I received an ARC from author Mark Dawson, who I thank for another intriguing story with my favorite operative, and I put my thoughts in this review so others may finally get behind the wonderful adventures with Milton!!
A Big 5 STAR story that is SO much More than an 'action'book....
May 11, 2023
*Tense*
*4.5 Stars*
The icy blue cold dead eyes that belong Milton is back, when he is on a mission you do not underestimate him. I give him kudos as this time he is revisiting a character from his past, Elijah Warrenir, he featured in book 1 of the series called ‘Cleaner’
This visit is 3 years on and a lot has changed. Elijah and his mother Sharon were living on a rough Council estate where the prospects are joining gangs and not just any gang, back then John was on the run from the Elite government agency ‘Group Fifteen’ where he was their number one assassin, who has the ability to blend in which makes him dangerous and deadly. No one leaves the group unless in a box.
He was trying to save Elijah from committing the unthinkable and wasting his life. John ended up wreaking riot and innocents got caught up in the crossfire as Control sent more than one agent to kill him. He left under a cloud and now he is back to make amends.
How will it go this time now Elijah has left the area, changed his name and is making a success of Boxing that Milton got him into. Now with a name change Elijah Aka Mohammed takes the fight to London not a million miles from his old stomping ground. Milton knows that he will be in imminent danger so he makes a move…….
*4.5 Stars*
The icy blue cold dead eyes that belong Milton is back, when he is on a mission you do not underestimate him. I give him kudos as this time he is revisiting a character from his past, Elijah Warrenir, he featured in book 1 of the series called ‘Cleaner’
This visit is 3 years on and a lot has changed. Elijah and his mother Sharon were living on a rough Council estate where the prospects are joining gangs and not just any gang, back then John was on the run from the Elite government agency ‘Group Fifteen’ where he was their number one assassin, who has the ability to blend in which makes him dangerous and deadly. No one leaves the group unless in a box.
He was trying to save Elijah from committing the unthinkable and wasting his life. John ended up wreaking riot and innocents got caught up in the crossfire as Control sent more than one agent to kill him. He left under a cloud and now he is back to make amends.
How will it go this time now Elijah has left the area, changed his name and is making a success of Boxing that Milton got him into. Now with a name change Elijah Aka Mohammed takes the fight to London not a million miles from his old stomping ground. Milton knows that he will be in imminent danger so he makes a move…….
December 8, 2022
This is a pretty typical John Milton book although it is briefer than others that I have read and I have read most of them. It is well-plotted and nicely written, making it engaging and fun to read.
I am going to keep this very brief. If you have enjoyed other John Milton books, by Mark Dawson, you will almost certainly enjoy this one. If you haven't read one, you really should start with the first book in the series.
Fini
I am going to keep this very brief. If you have enjoyed other John Milton books, by Mark Dawson, you will almost certainly enjoy this one. If you haven't read one, you really should start with the first book in the series.
Fini
December 15, 2018
Fantastic!
I don't know how much planning was involved but it is well worth it! What am I talking about? Well, a few months ago the 13th John Milton book (Sleepers) came out and was a look at events leading up to the very first Milton book (The Cleaner). 'Twelve Days' revisits the characters introduced in 'The Cleaner' and sees what life has done for and to them over the last three or four years.
If you've read any of the Milton/Group 15 books then you know that things are not going to be straightforward! From page one the tension starts to build and it keeps going up and up. This a real, honest to goodness page turner; if my wife hadn't made us go out for dinner I would have read it in one sitting!
I don't know how much planning was involved but it is well worth it! What am I talking about? Well, a few months ago the 13th John Milton book (Sleepers) came out and was a look at events leading up to the very first Milton book (The Cleaner). 'Twelve Days' revisits the characters introduced in 'The Cleaner' and sees what life has done for and to them over the last three or four years.
If you've read any of the Milton/Group 15 books then you know that things are not going to be straightforward! From page one the tension starts to build and it keeps going up and up. This a real, honest to goodness page turner; if my wife hadn't made us go out for dinner I would have read it in one sitting!
December 22, 2018
I was fortunate to be able to read an ARC of this.
While Milton certainly plays a part in this, it's just as much about characters created by Dawson in The Cleaners, the first Milton novel. Dawson also brings back some of the players from previous Milton books, Ziggy and Hicks.
Not a book for someone jumping into the series. Reading of Cleaners is pretty much a must to appreciate the characters involved and the relationships.
And, thank you Mark Dawson for once again making me head to Google to look something up. Never heard of Duchess Potatoes. Going to have to give that a try.
While Milton certainly plays a part in this, it's just as much about characters created by Dawson in The Cleaners, the first Milton novel. Dawson also brings back some of the players from previous Milton books, Ziggy and Hicks.
Not a book for someone jumping into the series. Reading of Cleaners is pretty much a must to appreciate the characters involved and the relationships.
And, thank you Mark Dawson for once again making me head to Google to look something up. Never heard of Duchess Potatoes. Going to have to give that a try.
December 15, 2018
I was lucky enough to get my mits on an advance copy of this book.
3 years after the events in The Cleaner John Milton gets to revisit Sharon and Elijah. What happened with them has always sat badly with Milton so when he sees Elijah on TV before a career making boxing match he grabs the chance to look him up.
I loved this book. It was a fantastic continuation/closure of the Elijah story and a ghost that needed to be laid to rest. If you loved The Cleaner you need to read this book. 4.5 stars
3 years after the events in The Cleaner John Milton gets to revisit Sharon and Elijah. What happened with them has always sat badly with Milton so when he sees Elijah on TV before a career making boxing match he grabs the chance to look him up.
I loved this book. It was a fantastic continuation/closure of the Elijah story and a ghost that needed to be laid to rest. If you loved The Cleaner you need to read this book. 4.5 stars
January 8, 2020
I'm so looking forward to the end of the John Milton series...not because I want them to end, but because I so want Milton to find some peace.
This wasn't my favorite of the series but it did answer the questions I had at the end of The Cleaner. I wanted to know more about what happened to Elijah, and well, I guess the author knew more than I did. Well played, Mr Dawson.
You know the author has done his job when you root for a cold-blooded killer. As Stephen King says, "even serial killers help old ladies across the street."
This wasn't my favorite of the series but it did answer the questions I had at the end of The Cleaner. I wanted to know more about what happened to Elijah, and well, I guess the author knew more than I did. Well played, Mr Dawson.
You know the author has done his job when you root for a cold-blooded killer. As Stephen King says, "even serial killers help old ladies across the street."
December 10, 2019
Not the best book in the series but still a good read. I liked that Smith went back to visit with charaters from an earlier book and updated us. I have almost got up to date with these books I only have one more in my Tbr pile but there is more to come. Maybe I can start on the other series that are related to this. Ihope so...
December 21, 2018
'The Cleaner' was the book which introduced the John Milton series, and this book is interesting for existing fans of Mark Dawson as it revisits the characters from The Cleaner, several years later, but it also makes a great stand-alone read for new Dawson/Milton fans.
This book does have a nod towards Christmas,when it is published, but it certainly isn't all about Santa and elves, it is about violence, gangs, drugs and so on and portrays a disturbingly realistic picture of the issues facing the inner cities of the UK and the dehumanising effects of the gang, gun and knife crime culture some of the young generation find themselves being drawn in to. To balance this however, it is also about loyalty, friendship and paying dues.
Milton himself is an excellent character, who has developed throughout the series, a rather tarnished hero who tries to do the right thing, but doesn't always get it right. However his 'black ops' background does make him a lot more resourceful than most and he is at his best when he's in a tight corner, which he definitely is at the climax of this story.
So, a fairly short, explosive read, with an original plot, brilliant characters, great action and superb pacing, Mark
Dawson has done it again and produced one of the best action/thriller reads this year.
This is an honest review based on a complimentary copy of the book I received from the author.
This book does have a nod towards Christmas,when it is published, but it certainly isn't all about Santa and elves, it is about violence, gangs, drugs and so on and portrays a disturbingly realistic picture of the issues facing the inner cities of the UK and the dehumanising effects of the gang, gun and knife crime culture some of the young generation find themselves being drawn in to. To balance this however, it is also about loyalty, friendship and paying dues.
Milton himself is an excellent character, who has developed throughout the series, a rather tarnished hero who tries to do the right thing, but doesn't always get it right. However his 'black ops' background does make him a lot more resourceful than most and he is at his best when he's in a tight corner, which he definitely is at the climax of this story.
So, a fairly short, explosive read, with an original plot, brilliant characters, great action and superb pacing, Mark
Dawson has done it again and produced one of the best action/thriller reads this year.
This is an honest review based on a complimentary copy of the book I received from the author.
December 21, 2018
All Tied Up With A Bow
Everyone gets a shock seeing Elijah on screen as a converted Muslim named Mustafa, as an up and coming boxing star.
One of those people is John Milton.
He decides to come back to London from his tropical hideaway to see Elijah.
He thought this may open some old wounds for Elijah, but little did he know that Elijah was opening old wounds himself with his old acquaintances.
Jealousy and greed drive his old gang to plot against him, and Milton feels compelled to protect Elijah once again.
Elijah has issues with Milton. And Milton tries to win back his trust after having left without a trace three years prior.
This is a feel good Christmas story, with a good dose of John Milton's antics thrown in for good measure. Not a big dose, mind you, but this is a Christmas story, after all. And, he does have some old friends join him. Which make for quite the reunion.
The readers finally get some closure. What happened to Elijah? What became of Pinky and the rest of the gang? Well, now we know.
It's a good, quick, feel good, holiday read, that of course could be read at anytime. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has already started the series and has read The Cleaner, as this is a prequel and references that book.
I am honored to be a part of Mr Dawson's Advanced Readers Group. This, however, in no way, effects my opinions in this review.
Everyone gets a shock seeing Elijah on screen as a converted Muslim named Mustafa, as an up and coming boxing star.
One of those people is John Milton.
He decides to come back to London from his tropical hideaway to see Elijah.
He thought this may open some old wounds for Elijah, but little did he know that Elijah was opening old wounds himself with his old acquaintances.
Jealousy and greed drive his old gang to plot against him, and Milton feels compelled to protect Elijah once again.
Elijah has issues with Milton. And Milton tries to win back his trust after having left without a trace three years prior.
This is a feel good Christmas story, with a good dose of John Milton's antics thrown in for good measure. Not a big dose, mind you, but this is a Christmas story, after all. And, he does have some old friends join him. Which make for quite the reunion.
The readers finally get some closure. What happened to Elijah? What became of Pinky and the rest of the gang? Well, now we know.
It's a good, quick, feel good, holiday read, that of course could be read at anytime. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has already started the series and has read The Cleaner, as this is a prequel and references that book.
I am honored to be a part of Mr Dawson's Advanced Readers Group. This, however, in no way, effects my opinions in this review.
December 21, 2018
The latest John Milton thriller brings events from 3 years ago into the present. If you remember the Cleaner (I didn’t), some names will be familiar. Elijah was a street kid who Milton met after he saved his mums from committing suicide by stepping in front of a train. Elijah seems to have a natural talent for boxing, so John uses that to get him away from the gangs. Now, 3 years later, he is on the verge of the big time. His bros that he left behind figure they deserve some pay back for how everything went down back then. John had had to leave abruptly 3 years ago and hadn’t seen them since. He was having himself a nice vacation when he saw Elijah on TV. Reconnecting is easier said than done and protecting Elijah from the thugs is no cakewalk. 12 Days refers to the number of days before the big event on Christmas Eve, when Elijah is to fight for some serious fame and fortune. Little did he know that the fight would be rigged. Each day is counted down toward the fight, so there is 12 days of action! Yet another great John Milton adventure!
December 28, 2018
Mark Dawson is one of the best authors of our time and its shown in every novel and novelette that he publishes. Unlike some well known authors Mark's writing standards have never faulted which is a breath of fresh air.
This story sees the lead character John Milton returning to the area where 3 years previously, he had saved a mother from committing suicide and her son from a world of drugs and gangland killings (see Mark Dawson's 'The Cleaner').
12 Days sees John reconnecting with two people that mean the world to him, which in turn sets off a chain of events that brings many well known characters from the first book of the series, going head to head.
The build up of this story is brilliant and I really enjoyed seeing what had happened to the original cast after the explosive ending in The Cleaner.
This story sees the lead character John Milton returning to the area where 3 years previously, he had saved a mother from committing suicide and her son from a world of drugs and gangland killings (see Mark Dawson's 'The Cleaner').
12 Days sees John reconnecting with two people that mean the world to him, which in turn sets off a chain of events that brings many well known characters from the first book of the series, going head to head.
The build up of this story is brilliant and I really enjoyed seeing what had happened to the original cast after the explosive ending in The Cleaner.
July 14, 2019
Mark Dawson has been a favorite since he first published. I would characterize his output as one of my guilty reading pleasures. His primary protagonist is John Milton, an ex-SAS and ex-black ops employee of the British Government. He retired under the vehement protest of his government employers who tried to exercise options that he either return to the fold - or else. He spends much of his time running from and evading efforts to neutralize him.
Twelve Days is the latest of John Milton's adventures - and a return to one of his earliest confrontations - events that were left unresolved. Three years later, John discovers that he must return to London to settle the unresolved scores.
Twelve Days is the latest of John Milton's adventures - and a return to one of his earliest confrontations - events that were left unresolved. Three years later, John discovers that he must return to London to settle the unresolved scores.
December 22, 2018
While on vacation, John recognizes a boxer on TV as a young man he tried to help in the past and decides to head to London to see him. With this book, characters from the original Milton book are revisited which is great. The characters from THE CLEANER always intrigued me and it was nice to see the story continued. As always, there is lots of action, suspense and death as Milton's seeks to correct his errors from their past meeting. It is a great Christmas present from Mr. Dawson, looking forward to the next book from my favourite series.
December 28, 2018
A Story to Add Continuity and Leave Room for More
More?. What's to become of the after aftermath? Will there by vengeance, anonymous tips to the authorities? This is take of loose ends, a deadly confrontation and even more loose ends. Will there be a career after the blood bath? Will there be consequences? Anyone not intrigued should join Mark Dawson's email list, start with the Cleaners and hang on for ride of many more stories along this line of making up for the past and payback.
More?. What's to become of the after aftermath? Will there by vengeance, anonymous tips to the authorities? This is take of loose ends, a deadly confrontation and even more loose ends. Will there be a career after the blood bath? Will there be consequences? Anyone not intrigued should join Mark Dawson's email list, start with the Cleaners and hang on for ride of many more stories along this line of making up for the past and payback.
December 27, 2018
Adventure Rekindled
Milton returns to face old enemies and old friends.
He gets like Rodney Dangerfield, no respect from either side. The story moves along smartly and takes shape rapidly. I enjoyed seeing the old characters again and was comfortable with them. Milton doesn't let us down, a nice adventure, violent, exciting and an ending that leaves you wanting another chapter or two. Nice job.
Milton returns to face old enemies and old friends.
He gets like Rodney Dangerfield, no respect from either side. The story moves along smartly and takes shape rapidly. I enjoyed seeing the old characters again and was comfortable with them. Milton doesn't let us down, a nice adventure, violent, exciting and an ending that leaves you wanting another chapter or two. Nice job.
December 23, 2018
Milton solving problems again.
It is always good to read Milton books, and thanks to Mark Dawson for writing them. This one was good to catch up on the new lives of characters and leaves open a potential follow up. The plot was a bit reminiscent of old mob boxing movies with the appropriate intrigues.
It is always good to read Milton books, and thanks to Mark Dawson for writing them. This one was good to catch up on the new lives of characters and leaves open a potential follow up. The plot was a bit reminiscent of old mob boxing movies with the appropriate intrigues.
January 9, 2019
Can’t I read more....
I am sure I am not the only one that skipped ahead and read this book before the others. I couldn’t help but read what happens to Elijah, his mum and the others.
I was not disappointed, full of twists and turns and I was disappointed when it ended.
Great work again Mark!
I am sure I am not the only one that skipped ahead and read this book before the others. I couldn’t help but read what happens to Elijah, his mum and the others.
I was not disappointed, full of twists and turns and I was disappointed when it ended.
Great work again Mark!
May 9, 2019
The 14th John Milton book sees our reformed alcoholic back in East London seeking to meet friends he helped but then had to desert in The Cleaner, the first in the series. He finds them at risk as their enemies want revenge.
August 10, 2019
3.5... not the best Milton but good to revisit previous characters. As usual a great palate cleanser between heavier reads
June 3, 2020
Another excellent story well written I enjoyed it very much
January 5, 2024
Good old John Milton. Sorting out druggie scrum in London.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2022
It wasn’t his best….
December 12, 2018
John Milton, my broken angel, returns for Christmas
John Milton in a story set at Christmas, released on December 21st - what could be a better Christmas present?
Milton is back in the mean streets of London, surrounded by the run-down estates ruled by the street gangs, violence and drugs the way of life that affects everyone directly or indirectly. Milton has returned to England feeling as though he has unfinished business with Elijah Warriner and his mother, Sharon, both of whom we first met in The Cleaner. Can Milton keep Elijah safe? Will Elijah even let him try?
Even though this can be read alone, I suggest you read The Cleaner first if you haven't already. In fact, treat yourself to all Mark Dawson's books.
The story is gritty, thrilling, violent, emotional, classic Milton and classic Dawson. Call me biased but being English, I love Milton in England, in his natural habitat. I smiled all the way through. regardless of what was happening, because my broken angel is my favourite ex-assassin and every Milton story makes me happy, so sue me. Thanks, Mark, for the early present and for more of Elijah's story.
John Milton in a story set at Christmas, released on December 21st - what could be a better Christmas present?
Milton is back in the mean streets of London, surrounded by the run-down estates ruled by the street gangs, violence and drugs the way of life that affects everyone directly or indirectly. Milton has returned to England feeling as though he has unfinished business with Elijah Warriner and his mother, Sharon, both of whom we first met in The Cleaner. Can Milton keep Elijah safe? Will Elijah even let him try?
Even though this can be read alone, I suggest you read The Cleaner first if you haven't already. In fact, treat yourself to all Mark Dawson's books.
The story is gritty, thrilling, violent, emotional, classic Milton and classic Dawson. Call me biased but being English, I love Milton in England, in his natural habitat. I smiled all the way through. regardless of what was happening, because my broken angel is my favourite ex-assassin and every Milton story makes me happy, so sue me. Thanks, Mark, for the early present and for more of Elijah's story.
March 25, 2019
Every time I read one of Mark Dawson's novels, I always think to myself "God, I wish I could write like him". His stories are so well done, the characters filled out enough to move the story along, be they main characters or secondary characters. I rank his writing up there with Robert Ludlum, Len Deighton, and Fredrick Forsyth.
This book is a sequel to his first book in this series, picking up with characters several years later after he had tried to help a family. His attention to detail was well done, and even though I had not read that novel in well over a year, he was able to bring in enough of the previous story line that the reader knew what was going on even if they had not read the first book. It was an interesting story that reads quickly because you can not set it down.
*** May be spoilers ahead ***
I did have a couple of issues with how the story was written, but these were minor. The ending was a little too cleanly wrapped up so that everyone walked away without any consequences to their actions. I also felt that the woman who lured Elijah was obviously bait and not what she seemed to be, but that may just be because I am more paranoid than most and being the omnipotent reader could see the femme fatal construct pretty easily. Minor nit picks that would have reduced the stars by only a half, but since I am only allowed to give whole stars will drop it to 4 stars. I recommend the book. Even though it is not the best of the series, that is because most of the other books are that good.
This book is a sequel to his first book in this series, picking up with characters several years later after he had tried to help a family. His attention to detail was well done, and even though I had not read that novel in well over a year, he was able to bring in enough of the previous story line that the reader knew what was going on even if they had not read the first book. It was an interesting story that reads quickly because you can not set it down.
*** May be spoilers ahead ***
I did have a couple of issues with how the story was written, but these were minor. The ending was a little too cleanly wrapped up so that everyone walked away without any consequences to their actions. I also felt that the woman who lured Elijah was obviously bait and not what she seemed to be, but that may just be because I am more paranoid than most and being the omnipotent reader could see the femme fatal construct pretty easily. Minor nit picks that would have reduced the stars by only a half, but since I am only allowed to give whole stars will drop it to 4 stars. I recommend the book. Even though it is not the best of the series, that is because most of the other books are that good.
October 30, 2020
I wanted to love this book as for a long time I’ve wanted this series to become less procedural in nature and go back and visit old characters. However, we have finally got that and while it wasn’t bad by by means, it was not the best of the John Milton novels.
I think the problem for me was that the story didn’t quite know what it wanted to be. Part of it was about John returning to the scene of one of his biggest failures and the emotional baggage that could have come from that. Part of it was about Elijah and how far he had come from his ‘younger’ days and his struggles to escape his past. And part of it was a typical John Milton story where there are people in trouble and John has to be a badass and save the day.
The trouble was that unlike in the other books by this author, the three weren’t balanced. None of the stories really shone through as the main story line, and that lack of commitment to any of them meant they all felt underdeveloped and rushed.
However, truth be told I am nitpicking here because this was still a really good read. It is the curse of excellent authors who have proved themselves time and again that I start judging them by higher standards. Any other series and this would probably have been a 4.5 rounded up to 5, where as here it is 4.5 rounded down to 4. Still a damn good read, but not quite up to par.
I think the problem for me was that the story didn’t quite know what it wanted to be. Part of it was about John returning to the scene of one of his biggest failures and the emotional baggage that could have come from that. Part of it was about Elijah and how far he had come from his ‘younger’ days and his struggles to escape his past. And part of it was a typical John Milton story where there are people in trouble and John has to be a badass and save the day.
The trouble was that unlike in the other books by this author, the three weren’t balanced. None of the stories really shone through as the main story line, and that lack of commitment to any of them meant they all felt underdeveloped and rushed.
However, truth be told I am nitpicking here because this was still a really good read. It is the curse of excellent authors who have proved themselves time and again that I start judging them by higher standards. Any other series and this would probably have been a 4.5 rounded up to 5, where as here it is 4.5 rounded down to 4. Still a damn good read, but not quite up to par.
January 12, 2023
This really was a quickie, 6 hours or so but really packed a punch (pun intended). Seems John is revisiting past haunts in recent books in lieu of new adventures, tying loose ends so to speak and fixing what he can (New Orleans, London etc). His first trip to help Elijah seemed forever ago, 3 years in book world, and seems things had changed a lot for him in that time as he took the advice to pursue boxing. Our pals Ziggy and Hicks apparently weren't busy so took time to lend a hand. I knew that woman reporter was bad news from the get go, not aware her brother was king poobah, but did not figure Pinky to be such a psycho as to off the boss and his own companions. Just hope this doesn't blow back on Ja Ja Mustafa as he seems to have a bright future after punching Milton then getting rescued by him....we shall see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
Following on from Sleepers, which is a prequel to the first in the series, this takes us back in a way as well. Milton returns to London after seeing the young man he tried to save in The Cleaner, Elijah Warriner, on television. Warriner is now a ‘prospect’ in the pro boxing ranks, about to have his biggest fight. Milton returns to London to watch, hoping to meet Warriner and explain what happened last time. Warriner’s newfound fame though has attracted the attention of the former gang members he left behind. Still bitter, they want to settle the score.
Another outing for Milton, but not particularly satisfying. Not much seems to happen until the end of the book – maybe the last fifty pages. One of the twists is obvious, and Mr. Dawson seems to have got a bit confused with the boxing weights. Probably my last in the series.
Another outing for Milton, but not particularly satisfying. Not much seems to happen until the end of the book – maybe the last fifty pages. One of the twists is obvious, and Mr. Dawson seems to have got a bit confused with the boxing weights. Probably my last in the series.
January 4, 2019
Milton returns to settle the score.
John Milton returns to the scene of the events he encountered in The Cleaner. Eijah Warriner was involved with a series of gangland killings as a young boy. Having moved away, changed his name, he is now a promising boxer. Recognized on T.V. by the gang he becomes a target for the vicious thugs who have an old score to settle. Can Milton protect him a second time? This suspenseful thriller moves at the explosive pace we have come to expect from Mark Dawson.
John Milton returns to the scene of the events he encountered in The Cleaner. Eijah Warriner was involved with a series of gangland killings as a young boy. Having moved away, changed his name, he is now a promising boxer. Recognized on T.V. by the gang he becomes a target for the vicious thugs who have an old score to settle. Can Milton protect him a second time? This suspenseful thriller moves at the explosive pace we have come to expect from Mark Dawson.
January 24, 2019
Milton os back!
Another great Milton book. John sees an old acquiantance on TV and heads back to his old stomping grounds to reconnect. He stumbles onto a threat to his old friend almost immediately. Elijah, the kid he introduced to boxing several years prior, had hit the big time. But his old enemy found him as a result of gos success. John is there to pull him out of the situation. Fast paced, it sucked me in from start to finish. Dawson jas done an amazing job with this series and character! A must read.
Another great Milton book. John sees an old acquiantance on TV and heads back to his old stomping grounds to reconnect. He stumbles onto a threat to his old friend almost immediately. Elijah, the kid he introduced to boxing several years prior, had hit the big time. But his old enemy found him as a result of gos success. John is there to pull him out of the situation. Fast paced, it sucked me in from start to finish. Dawson jas done an amazing job with this series and character! A must read.
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