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What Happened in Vienna, Jack?
A robbery in London's Charing Cross Road. The murder of a catholic priest at the end of World War Two. A genocide in Namibia. The discovery of the remains of Hitler's personal secretary.
Something connects all these things, and former British spy Jack Price knows the answer. He's willing to die to keep the secret, but the problem is... he's not the only one who knows.
It
Something connects all these things, and former British spy Jack Price knows the answer. He's willing to die to keep the secret, but the problem is... he's not the only one who knows.
It
363 pages, Paperback
Published October 30, 2017
541 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kemp
10 books122 followersDaniel Kemp is now a member of The Society of Authors. His introduction to the world of espionage and mystery happened at an early age when his father was employed by the War Office in Whitehall, London, at the end of WWII. However, it wasn’t until after his father died that he showed any interest in anything other than himself!
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic accident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden. Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for five years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter with the tenth novel being a two-part ending to the Heirs and Descendants Series. A Covenant of Spies completed the four-book series alongside What Happened In Vienna, Jack? Once I Was A Soldier and A Widow's Son.
The Desolate Garden went on to become a bestselling novel in World and Russian Literature in 2017. The following year, in May 2018, his book What Happened In Vienna, Jack? was a number-one bestseller on four separate Amazon sites: America, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Although he primarily focuses on mystery murders involving spies, his varied life experiences showcase his depth of knowledge. He has written two novellas, "Why? A Complicated Love" and the intriguing "The Story That Had No Beginning."
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed employee of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
Amazon Author Page
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic accident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden. Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for five years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter with the tenth novel being a two-part ending to the Heirs and Descendants Series. A Covenant of Spies completed the four-book series alongside What Happened In Vienna, Jack? Once I Was A Soldier and A Widow's Son.
The Desolate Garden went on to become a bestselling novel in World and Russian Literature in 2017. The following year, in May 2018, his book What Happened In Vienna, Jack? was a number-one bestseller on four separate Amazon sites: America, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Although he primarily focuses on mystery murders involving spies, his varied life experiences showcase his depth of knowledge. He has written two novellas, "Why? A Complicated Love" and the intriguing "The Story That Had No Beginning."
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed employee of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
Amazon Author Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 22, 2020
Why This Book
I'm beginning to read more from a few publishers that publish other books I've enjoyed, and this author is under contract with one of those companies, Creativia. What Happened in Vienna, Jack by Daniel Kemp fell into my lap while it was on sale via Amazon last month, so I allotted it to February and made it a current read this week. I always look forward to clever and complex thriller and suspense fiction, and this one hit the spot. Kudos to the author!
Approach & Style
I read this ~350 page book via Kindle Reader on my iPad over four days and six hours. It is a British period piece focusing on a few decades in the mid-twentieth century involving a spy, military, police, murder, intrigue and war. And that's just the beginning! The language is very intricate and detailed. The story hops through the past and the present. It focuses on a few different critical characters you get to know little by little -- or all at once! But my favorite part is how it offers up a true British nostalgia and ambiance.
Key Thoughts
Espionage and murder... could it get any better when it comes to solving a mystery? Author Kemp provides all the suspense and thrills in this very descriptive story. Main detective Patrick is very charismatic in an offbeat way, but he will also stand out as a highly intelligent and trustworthy confidante you enjoy sharing the read with. He's not quite the narrator, but you get that feel from how the book is written.
I appreciate the skills necessary to weave together this type of tale. When you have multiple decades and secrets to track, it could be easily confusing. But it's not. There are many twists and turns, surprising reveals, and eye-squinting characters who make you wonder... 'what's going on here?' -- but soon enough you start pulling the past together. Then the ending portion kicks in... and you're back to guessing all over again!
I enjoyed this read. It's partially in my typical reading choices, but it's more of a spy novel that I'm used to... think a bit James Bond like. I am more a horror thrillers chasing serial killers or historical fiction type of reader. But this bring some elements from both and offers a good tale with a what feels like a realistic setting. I'm sure the author's career helped played a big role in developing this story. Add in the various facts / stories we all know about World War II and how the 'underground network' works, then you've got a strong read.
Summary
I'm impressed with the author's ability to weave a highly complex plot over multiple time periods and characters, in particular how well written the language in the story is. I recently learned it's part of a book series, where two are already written and a third is on the way in the future. Very exciting for any true British crime fan!
I'm beginning to read more from a few publishers that publish other books I've enjoyed, and this author is under contract with one of those companies, Creativia. What Happened in Vienna, Jack by Daniel Kemp fell into my lap while it was on sale via Amazon last month, so I allotted it to February and made it a current read this week. I always look forward to clever and complex thriller and suspense fiction, and this one hit the spot. Kudos to the author!
Approach & Style
I read this ~350 page book via Kindle Reader on my iPad over four days and six hours. It is a British period piece focusing on a few decades in the mid-twentieth century involving a spy, military, police, murder, intrigue and war. And that's just the beginning! The language is very intricate and detailed. The story hops through the past and the present. It focuses on a few different critical characters you get to know little by little -- or all at once! But my favorite part is how it offers up a true British nostalgia and ambiance.
Key Thoughts
Espionage and murder... could it get any better when it comes to solving a mystery? Author Kemp provides all the suspense and thrills in this very descriptive story. Main detective Patrick is very charismatic in an offbeat way, but he will also stand out as a highly intelligent and trustworthy confidante you enjoy sharing the read with. He's not quite the narrator, but you get that feel from how the book is written.
I appreciate the skills necessary to weave together this type of tale. When you have multiple decades and secrets to track, it could be easily confusing. But it's not. There are many twists and turns, surprising reveals, and eye-squinting characters who make you wonder... 'what's going on here?' -- but soon enough you start pulling the past together. Then the ending portion kicks in... and you're back to guessing all over again!
I enjoyed this read. It's partially in my typical reading choices, but it's more of a spy novel that I'm used to... think a bit James Bond like. I am more a horror thrillers chasing serial killers or historical fiction type of reader. But this bring some elements from both and offers a good tale with a what feels like a realistic setting. I'm sure the author's career helped played a big role in developing this story. Add in the various facts / stories we all know about World War II and how the 'underground network' works, then you've got a strong read.
Summary
I'm impressed with the author's ability to weave a highly complex plot over multiple time periods and characters, in particular how well written the language in the story is. I recently learned it's part of a book series, where two are already written and a third is on the way in the future. Very exciting for any true British crime fan!
July 26, 2018
Jack Price, former British spy knows why events that happened decades before are linked to current events that appear completely separate and he would die before divulging what he knows. But is he perpetuating more secrets or even more lies that were never exposed? How far does loyalty go when lives could be saved and justice better served?
WHAT HAPPENED IN VIENNA, JACK by Danny Kemp has all the grit and dry detail of a brilliant British spy novel. There is a complexity that heaps layer upon layer of intrigue and suspense into this dark tale that bounces from past to present and back again as each layer is revealed and every festering scar is exposed.
Spycraft comes alive, as each character is met and they play out their assigned role in history. Follow the twisted coils that span time and be amazed at the details Danny Kemp provides with that signature British flair.
Gritty, dark, and yet charmingly magnetic, the guessing game to reach the end is superbly mapped out, just don't expect to breeze through this tale, you won't want to miss a thing.
This tale has atmosphere in spades and Mr. Kemp is a master storyteller of suspense!
Publisher: Creativia; 2 edition (October 21, 2017)
Publication Date: October 21, 2017
Genre: British Mystery/Thriller
Print Length: 365 pages
Available from:
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow:
WHAT HAPPENED IN VIENNA, JACK by Danny Kemp has all the grit and dry detail of a brilliant British spy novel. There is a complexity that heaps layer upon layer of intrigue and suspense into this dark tale that bounces from past to present and back again as each layer is revealed and every festering scar is exposed.
Spycraft comes alive, as each character is met and they play out their assigned role in history. Follow the twisted coils that span time and be amazed at the details Danny Kemp provides with that signature British flair.
Gritty, dark, and yet charmingly magnetic, the guessing game to reach the end is superbly mapped out, just don't expect to breeze through this tale, you won't want to miss a thing.
This tale has atmosphere in spades and Mr. Kemp is a master storyteller of suspense!
Publisher: Creativia; 2 edition (October 21, 2017)
Publication Date: October 21, 2017
Genre: British Mystery/Thriller
Print Length: 365 pages
Available from:
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow:
November 20, 2018
A robbery in London's Charing Cross Road. The murder of a catholic priest at the end of World War Two. A genocide in Namibia. The discovery of the remains of Hitler's personal secretary.
Something connects all these things, and former British spy Jack Price knows the answer. He's willing to die to keep the secret, but the problem is... he's not the only one who knows.
It’s the lies that are not heard, but kept as secrets, that own us all. Deep in the world of espionage, lies and deception, how far is Jack willing to go to fulfill his mission?
**
### Review
In May 2018 this book became a #1 bestselling novel on four separate Amazon sites: Amazon.co, Amazon.com, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
This book marks the introduction of Patrick West, a twenty-three-year-old university educated London detective who wants all the adventure Jack Price, a thirty-year older ex-MI6 operative is willing to offer. Within days of the two meeting, Patrick has another identity in New York tracing the relatives of a 1937 secret discovered by Jack from a Jewish man who survived the Second World War by hiding in the churches and sewers of Vienna.
After a short but dramatic period of time, Patrick's personality has changed forever prohibiting his return to his once relatively stable life and confining him to the nefarious world of the intelligence community.
This is not a Jack And Jill novel. It is an intelligent well-researched book, that will throw the reader from one place to another in just the same manner as Patrick was thrown into his relationship with the secrets and lies contained in this story.
Once I Was A Soldier is the sequel to this book with a third novel featuring Patrick West due in late 2018.
From 카지노싸이트 27, July 2018:
really liked it
Jack Price, former British spy knows why events that happened decades before are linked to current events that appear completely separate and he would die before divulging what he knows. But is he perpetuating more secrets or even more lies that were never exposed? How far does loyalty go when lives could be saved and justice better served?
**WHAT HAPPENED IN VIENNA, JACK** by Danny Kemp has all the grit and dry detail of a brilliant British spy novel. There is a complexity that heaps layer upon layer of intrigue and suspense into this dark tale that bounces from past to present and back again as each layer is revealed and every festering scar is exposed.
Spycraft comes alive, as each character is met and they play out their assigned role in history. Follow the twisted coils that span time and be amazed at the details Danny Kemp provides with that signature British flair.
Gritty, dark, and yet charmingly magnetic, the guessing game to reach the end is superbly mapped out, just don't expect to breeze through this tale, you won't want to miss a thing.
This tale has atmosphere in spades and Mr. Kemp is a master storyteller of suspense!
July 7, 2018
To be honest, I am not sure whether I loved this book or not, hence the rating of a four — halfway between okay and great. I do know that there was so much I did not understand. It is my belief that the author relied on the reader having some knowledge of the rumours around particular events, but not knowing full stories. There were several unreliable narrators in the story who wove stories that could have been true, only to change them up again. Like the young recruit, Pat West, we are brought under the spell of Jack Price, become embroiled in his espionage schemes, but then start questioning them. As a reader, I found this difficult — I like to know what is happening, or to be able to work it out. Here, I did not know until the very end, and even then I am not sure that I have it right. I suspect that I have done Daniel Kemp an injustice in not rating him higher as I suspect that this story will stay with me for some time.
May 26, 2018
This book marks the introduction of Patrick West, a twenty-three-year-old university educated London detective who wants all the adventure Jack Price, a thirty-year older ex-MI6 operative is willing to offer. Within days of the two meeting, Patrick has another identity in New York tracing the relatives of a 1937 secret discovered by Jack from a Jewish man who survived the Second World War by hiding in the churches and sewers of Vienna.
After a short but dramatic period of time, Patrick's personality has changed forever prohibiting his return to his once relatively stable life and confining him to the nefarious world of the intelligence community.
In May 2018 What Happened In Vienna, Jack? became a No 1 BESTSELLING novel on 4 separate Amazon sites:
AMERICA, UK, CANADA and AUSTRALIA. Thanks to your generosity, coupled with other readers worldwide.
Once I Was A Soldier is the sequel to this book with a third novel featuring Patrick West due in 2018
After a short but dramatic period of time, Patrick's personality has changed forever prohibiting his return to his once relatively stable life and confining him to the nefarious world of the intelligence community.
In May 2018 What Happened In Vienna, Jack? became a No 1 BESTSELLING novel on 4 separate Amazon sites:
AMERICA, UK, CANADA and AUSTRALIA. Thanks to your generosity, coupled with other readers worldwide.
Once I Was A Soldier is the sequel to this book with a third novel featuring Patrick West due in 2018
May 30, 2018
WHAT HAPPENED IN VIENNA, JACK
DANIEL KEMP
Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author
There are strange bedfellows in war and clandestine work. In “What Happen in Vienna, Jack?” it's a prince and the ruler of Germany meeting before World War II. The results of their encounter start a private Royal event kept out of the public eye.
Only a hand full of people knows the truth, which leads to criminal actions that fester. Influential people in the United Kingdom want the result of the seed to go away into perpetuity. And this quest is put into the hands of a few led by Jack Price and his recruit Patrick West.
This adventure, Mr. Kemp interwove a thrilling intergovernmental plot that leads to disaster for a few high-level intelligence agencies and wealthy people. His prose keeps you on your toes to the end following a spy expert and a newbie muddle through events at hand.
All-in-all, the novel kept me involved and gave me a vital view of understanding how the British 'Get about.' It may be the making of another James Bond movie, using the formable newbie.
DANIEL KEMP
Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author
There are strange bedfellows in war and clandestine work. In “What Happen in Vienna, Jack?” it's a prince and the ruler of Germany meeting before World War II. The results of their encounter start a private Royal event kept out of the public eye.
Only a hand full of people knows the truth, which leads to criminal actions that fester. Influential people in the United Kingdom want the result of the seed to go away into perpetuity. And this quest is put into the hands of a few led by Jack Price and his recruit Patrick West.
This adventure, Mr. Kemp interwove a thrilling intergovernmental plot that leads to disaster for a few high-level intelligence agencies and wealthy people. His prose keeps you on your toes to the end following a spy expert and a newbie muddle through events at hand.
All-in-all, the novel kept me involved and gave me a vital view of understanding how the British 'Get about.' It may be the making of another James Bond movie, using the formable newbie.
September 26, 2016
Review of THE SECRET
by Danny Kemp
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
There are strange bedfellows in war. In The Secret's case, it's a prince and the ruler of Germany meeting before World War II. The results of their encounter start a private Royal event kept out of the public eye.
Only a hand full of people knows the truth, which leads to criminal actions that fester. Influential people in the United Kingdom want the result of the seed to go away into perpetuity. And this quest is put into the hands of a few.
This adventure, Mr. Kemp interwove a thrilling intergovernmental plot that leads to disaster for a few high-level intelligence and wealthy personal. His prose keeps you on your toes to the end following a spy expert and a newbie muddle through events at hand.
All-in-all, the novel kept me involved and gave me an impressive view understanding how the British 'Get about.' It may be the making of another James Bond, using the formable newbie.
by Danny Kemp
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
There are strange bedfellows in war. In The Secret's case, it's a prince and the ruler of Germany meeting before World War II. The results of their encounter start a private Royal event kept out of the public eye.
Only a hand full of people knows the truth, which leads to criminal actions that fester. Influential people in the United Kingdom want the result of the seed to go away into perpetuity. And this quest is put into the hands of a few.
This adventure, Mr. Kemp interwove a thrilling intergovernmental plot that leads to disaster for a few high-level intelligence and wealthy personal. His prose keeps you on your toes to the end following a spy expert and a newbie muddle through events at hand.
All-in-all, the novel kept me involved and gave me an impressive view understanding how the British 'Get about.' It may be the making of another James Bond, using the formable newbie.
December 19, 2017
Gripping spy novel
This is a keep you guessing to the last page novel set in the 1970's. While the novel is set in the 70s all the everything reaches back to WWII. There are a ton of players in this novel, some with a fleeting role to play but the ending puts a bow on it nicely. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is I found the language to be a little clunky or unnatural feeling in some places. This is definitely worth the read!
I received this as an ARC and volunteered to review.
This is a keep you guessing to the last page novel set in the 1970's. While the novel is set in the 70s all the everything reaches back to WWII. There are a ton of players in this novel, some with a fleeting role to play but the ending puts a bow on it nicely. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is I found the language to be a little clunky or unnatural feeling in some places. This is definitely worth the read!
I received this as an ARC and volunteered to review.
November 30, 2017
British thriller! Welcome to the world of secrets, lies and espionage. Jack Price is a former British spy who knows perhaps too many secrets of past conspiracies and cover-ups. Patrick West is a man who has a sordid past himself, but it is going to be up to him to see if he can find a way to delve into the past and find out what secrets jack Price may know. This is a well written novel that I would classify as something close to a James Bond thriller. Daniel Kemp seems to be quite knowledgeable about not only spying but historic secrets and how to bring them together in an intriguing novel.
June 23, 2018
Truth and lies, lies and truth and which is which? Can the truth be hidden in a lie and a lie be veiled in the truth?Suppose there are secrets too? Just the knowledge that something is hidden, well, reality can become a little blurred and obscure. When Patrick West meets Jack Prior in Daniel Kemp’s “What happened in Vienna Jack?” an investigation into police corruption in Soho leads, indirectly, to what could become a world ending catastrophe.
“What Happened in Vienna Jack?” Is a thriller, a tale of espionage and deceit, a story where a turn of reality can change with the turn of a page. I am constantly amazed by Daniel Kemp’s ability to not only keep control over a vast array of characters but, simultaneously, weave an erudite absorbing narrative that leaves me confounded. It was difficult to harness what I was reading. Daniel Kemp is meticulous in his research and extremely knowledgeable about Europe’s political landscape of 1933-1970.
In November of 1937 a violation, somewhere in Europe and prior to WW2, precipitates the unfolding narrative. Like any violation it is cruel, humiliating...just by reading about it, I felt dirty. The violation involves a prominent Nazi and a member of the British monarchy...see what I mean about secrets? This secret is so controversial (and “controversial” here is a massive understatement) that it is hidden, even to the point of murder, for fear of the secret being divulged. It’s an adroit piece of writing.
When I’ve posted this review I shall be reading “What Happened in Vienna Jack?” again. I think that most lovers of the thriller genre will feel the same. I’m not ready to leave either the characters, or this compulsive, gripping narrative...I’ll linger over every paragraph. And I’m pleased to learn that this book is just part one of a book series. If I haven’t made it clear enough, this book is highly recommended.
May 30, 2018
had to put it down after a couple chapters. horrible editing. the way conversation is written is very hard to follow. too jumpy and lack of character development to follow. maybe it gets better, but it felt like i was missing alot. too many other good books out there to waste time on.
June 9, 2018
An intricately plotted spy thriller.
June 2, 2018
Twists & turns. Read it a second time to get all the details.
Roller laster of twists & turns. Espionage deluxe. Spies & spies & spies. Who are the good ones? Very worthwhile read.
Roller laster of twists & turns. Espionage deluxe. Spies & spies & spies. Who are the good ones? Very worthwhile read.
January 23, 2018
This is an engaging and interesting novel. The characters are well developed and the twists in plot don't feel contrived. The premise is unusual, and I appreciate the intricacies involved. However, I found the editing incredibly lacking - the narrative flow was interrupted by poor use of punctuation, awkward phrasing, and the abusive overuse of the exclamation point (or what I like to refer to as Matthew Reilly Syndrome). For this reason, a book I would have given 4 stars to gets 3 stars, as I found it tedious to get through.
January 30, 2018
An obviously well-researched story, this is an action-packed, well-written novel that will keep you on the edge of your chair until the very end.
Not for those looking for an easy read, this book is filled with a tangled web of interesting, complex characters, with intricate relationships and motivations. You'll find yourself walking along Detective Patrick West trying to understand what's really going on, and truly enjoying the process.
WHy, then, only 4 stars? Because there were points in which the language doesn't flow naturally, leaving me with an awkward feeling. But, that aside, this is a superb reading, and a truly recommended for those who enjoy intrigue and complex plots.
I received this as an ARC and volunteered to review.
Not for those looking for an easy read, this book is filled with a tangled web of interesting, complex characters, with intricate relationships and motivations. You'll find yourself walking along Detective Patrick West trying to understand what's really going on, and truly enjoying the process.
WHy, then, only 4 stars? Because there were points in which the language doesn't flow naturally, leaving me with an awkward feeling. But, that aside, this is a superb reading, and a truly recommended for those who enjoy intrigue and complex plots.
I received this as an ARC and volunteered to review.
July 30, 2018
If you are an avid fan of fiction, you are going to love this book. Although the story becomes confusing at times owing to numerous different characters mentioned in the book, it is a well-researched one. I wonder if the author could have skipped naming a few lesser-important characters in order to make it an easy read?!
Also, I would have named the book "No One Is More Important Than Each (NOIMITE)." You'll have to read the book to truly understand the reason behind this since I am not in the habit of giving away spoilers.
Verdict: Recommended if you love well-researched fiction.
Also, I would have named the book "No One Is More Important Than Each (NOIMITE)." You'll have to read the book to truly understand the reason behind this since I am not in the habit of giving away spoilers.
Verdict: Recommended if you love well-researched fiction.
March 7, 2018
This is not a book you can finish in one afternoon; no, it is so convoluted that you think about what you've read and compare that to what you read earlier. Lots of names to remember. Many lies, so you wonder what was really the truth, but then you're in too deep because the author has hooked you. The story, the truth, was fascinating, the characters, those that survive are ones I hope to encounter in other Daniel Kemp books.
This was my first book by Daniel Kemp, but it won't be my last.
This was my first book by Daniel Kemp, but it won't be my last.
April 27, 2020
What Happened in Vienna, Jack? is a magnificent story of espionage set in Britain and true to that country, its people and reputation down to the very last detail. Daniel Kemp has certainly rivaled Ian Fleming with his brilliant portrayal of the British government's secret service and his version of James Bond, in the split form of the older veteran, Jack Price, and the younger and debonair Irishman, Patrick West, who together must solve some deeply hidden mysteries of the past that have never been satisfactorily resolved.
Patrick is the innocent who is identified by his superiors for a specific job and is unwittingly drawn into their spiderweb of lies, confusion and cover-ups. He is an idealistic young man who is keen to stretch his wings and take on the burden of unwinding the muddled threads of the past in an effort to achieve his understanding of justice. His character is complex and interesting as the reader follows his journey from youthful naivety to a gradual realisation that their is no perfect justice or resolution in this world. Men are not perfect and their actions are never performed with any pure intent of either good or evil, but are always a mixture, in varying degrees of both purposes.
Jack Price is highly intelligent and has pulled himself up by his proverbial bootstraps, escaping a hand-to-mouth existence to becoming a leading, albeit controversial, figure in Britain's intelligence forces. The career limitations imposed on him as a result of his background rankle and influence some of his later decisions resulting in his being manipulated, unknowingly, by others in high places. Jack is determined and dedicated to his cause and has identified Patrick as being a man with the right looks and characteristics to eventually take over from him. Before he makes his exit from his career and life, Jack is intent on solving an old crime from the beginning of world war II. It is unfortunate that some of the information he has is flawed.
The author's command of English and clever descriptions and depictions make this book a fascinating read although it is not a book you can read without a good measure of concentration. There is a large caste of characters, all of whom add insight into the story and its eventual outcome, so you need to keep your reading wits about you to fully appreciate the intricacies of this complex story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more books by this author.
Patrick is the innocent who is identified by his superiors for a specific job and is unwittingly drawn into their spiderweb of lies, confusion and cover-ups. He is an idealistic young man who is keen to stretch his wings and take on the burden of unwinding the muddled threads of the past in an effort to achieve his understanding of justice. His character is complex and interesting as the reader follows his journey from youthful naivety to a gradual realisation that their is no perfect justice or resolution in this world. Men are not perfect and their actions are never performed with any pure intent of either good or evil, but are always a mixture, in varying degrees of both purposes.
Jack Price is highly intelligent and has pulled himself up by his proverbial bootstraps, escaping a hand-to-mouth existence to becoming a leading, albeit controversial, figure in Britain's intelligence forces. The career limitations imposed on him as a result of his background rankle and influence some of his later decisions resulting in his being manipulated, unknowingly, by others in high places. Jack is determined and dedicated to his cause and has identified Patrick as being a man with the right looks and characteristics to eventually take over from him. Before he makes his exit from his career and life, Jack is intent on solving an old crime from the beginning of world war II. It is unfortunate that some of the information he has is flawed.
The author's command of English and clever descriptions and depictions make this book a fascinating read although it is not a book you can read without a good measure of concentration. There is a large caste of characters, all of whom add insight into the story and its eventual outcome, so you need to keep your reading wits about you to fully appreciate the intricacies of this complex story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more books by this author.
April 16, 2019
Nag's Head pub (Cricklewood Lane). DC Patrick West went to ask Edward “Teddy” Greenlee (Kilburn 6 gang) a few questions.
1972, Commander Barrington Trenchard sent DC West (23, narrator, Scotland Yard C11) to find out about Jack Price (31, widower, British spy) past life.
Sir Horace Butler (Perkins) sent Shaun Redden (enforcer), & Fianna Redden (spy, Shaun’s sister) to see Mr. Richard Stockford (Stockford Pharmaceutical Co.).
What was Sir Richard (Jewish) bothering the Duke of Windsor about?
Commander Trenchard has gone missing.
St Regis Hotel. Who was David “Dicky” Lewis (WWII naval attaché), & Jack Price (British spy) staking out?
NSA HQ (MD). Henry Cavendish was showing the Admiral Frank Meade the Echelon project research.
What was Alain Aberman (aka Adam Berman, aka lan Balearman, Eva code name, Kurt Schuschnigg's secretary) confronting Gregory Stiles (gay, Mrs. Simpson's confidant, aka Alhambra Barrington) about?
What was Sir Richard Blythe-Smith (M16 head), & Fraser Ughert (M16 colleague) mission?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great spy vs spy thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Kind of hard to follow at times but I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Creativia; 2 edition; EBookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
1972, Commander Barrington Trenchard sent DC West (23, narrator, Scotland Yard C11) to find out about Jack Price (31, widower, British spy) past life.
Sir Horace Butler (Perkins) sent Shaun Redden (enforcer), & Fianna Redden (spy, Shaun’s sister) to see Mr. Richard Stockford (Stockford Pharmaceutical Co.).
What was Sir Richard (Jewish) bothering the Duke of Windsor about?
Commander Trenchard has gone missing.
St Regis Hotel. Who was David “Dicky” Lewis (WWII naval attaché), & Jack Price (British spy) staking out?
NSA HQ (MD). Henry Cavendish was showing the Admiral Frank Meade the Echelon project research.
What was Alain Aberman (aka Adam Berman, aka lan Balearman, Eva code name, Kurt Schuschnigg's secretary) confronting Gregory Stiles (gay, Mrs. Simpson's confidant, aka Alhambra Barrington) about?
What was Sir Richard Blythe-Smith (M16 head), & Fraser Ughert (M16 colleague) mission?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great spy vs spy thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Kind of hard to follow at times but I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Creativia; 2 edition; EBookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 22, 2018
Very hard to read unfortunately...
I rarely give up on books, in fact I might have given up on only two or three books out of the hundreds I've read so far. Unfortunately, this one is a novel I won't be finishing. Twenty-three percent in, and I just can't get passed the writing style. I find it super choppy, and the dialogs are very hard to follow. Some sentences are so long that it takes two or three reads to figure out where the gist of it is. And there's a point, there's so much "unknown" one can handle in a plot. The style of this novel went way overboard with the intention for mystery, and leaves the reader wondering why none of the questions in the first quarter of the book are addressed. In fact, the author seems content with dropping the main character's questions without feeling like following up later on... Bleh! Might work for some reader's, just not my style.
I rarely give up on books, in fact I might have given up on only two or three books out of the hundreds I've read so far. Unfortunately, this one is a novel I won't be finishing. Twenty-three percent in, and I just can't get passed the writing style. I find it super choppy, and the dialogs are very hard to follow. Some sentences are so long that it takes two or three reads to figure out where the gist of it is. And there's a point, there's so much "unknown" one can handle in a plot. The style of this novel went way overboard with the intention for mystery, and leaves the reader wondering why none of the questions in the first quarter of the book are addressed. In fact, the author seems content with dropping the main character's questions without feeling like following up later on... Bleh! Might work for some reader's, just not my style.
January 15, 2018
This was an intriguing book but sometimes hard to follow. Lots of players and individuals been addressed with different names doesn't make it any easier. Advise the reader to keep some notes handy.
If you are looking for an easy read then this is not the book for you. If you like espionage stories you will enjoy the puzzle.
The end of the book can leave you a bit unsettled. Difficult to determine if the good guys or the bad guys survived the fight. It depends how you look at it. Consider the actions taken for various reasons (Country, Queen, political ideology or humanitarian) maybe necessary but that doesn't make them right.
At the end Patrick is convinced that the assumptions on his thesis was correct "There is no Right, There is only Wrong"
If you are looking for an easy read then this is not the book for you. If you like espionage stories you will enjoy the puzzle.
The end of the book can leave you a bit unsettled. Difficult to determine if the good guys or the bad guys survived the fight. It depends how you look at it. Consider the actions taken for various reasons (Country, Queen, political ideology or humanitarian) maybe necessary but that doesn't make them right.
At the end Patrick is convinced that the assumptions on his thesis was correct "There is no Right, There is only Wrong"
December 10, 2018
How it used to be
A story that came with substance in an era that was written of after not during the turmoil and human problems created by the same individual race a second time.Nations and their people were forced to accept a civilization that was crude and cruel and with many mysteries that remained unexplained This author captured the intrigue and mystery while exploring the cruel vindictive natures of survival and cruelty in a yet to be fully civilised utopia Some parts I would replace as they were not required to maintain a readers interest and that would be my only comment in what is a story with substance
A story that came with substance in an era that was written of after not during the turmoil and human problems created by the same individual race a second time.Nations and their people were forced to accept a civilization that was crude and cruel and with many mysteries that remained unexplained This author captured the intrigue and mystery while exploring the cruel vindictive natures of survival and cruelty in a yet to be fully civilised utopia Some parts I would replace as they were not required to maintain a readers interest and that would be my only comment in what is a story with substance
November 30, 2017
Welcome to the world of secrets, lies and espionage. Jack Price is a former British spy who knows perhaps too many secrets of past conspiracies and cover-ups. Patrick West is a man who has a sordid past himself, but it is going to be up to him to see if he can find a way to delve into the past and find out what secrets jack Price may know. This is a well written novel that I would classify as something close to a James Bond thriller. Daniel Kemp seems to be quite knowledgeable about not only spying but historic secrets and how to bring them together in an intriguing novel.
March 5, 2020
😊
There is a very fine line between lies and truth. The people who would die to keep secrets and the people trying to find them out.
International spy thriller that grabs you and won't let you go. Action packed pages that keep you guessing. Will Jack finally reveal what went down in Vienna or will he take it to his grave? Patrick is determined to find all the answer but at what cost?
There is a very fine line between lies and truth. The people who would die to keep secrets and the people trying to find them out.
International spy thriller that grabs you and won't let you go. Action packed pages that keep you guessing. Will Jack finally reveal what went down in Vienna or will he take it to his grave? Patrick is determined to find all the answer but at what cost?
July 4, 2018
Complex and Confusing Tale of Unpleasant Deeds and International Intrigue
First, the writing is distinctively British. Second, the story deals with historical events surrounding the Second World War with forays into the Royal Family, collaboration with the Nazi regime and moral bankruptcy.
Not a pleasant read, but well put together.
First, the writing is distinctively British. Second, the story deals with historical events surrounding the Second World War with forays into the Royal Family, collaboration with the Nazi regime and moral bankruptcy.
Not a pleasant read, but well put together.
February 14, 2019
No Graham Greene is He
Pedantic, cumbersome and boring. The second star is for syntax which is witty and amusing. The first star is for stamina.
A long meandering and often confusing narrative.
Pedantic, cumbersome and boring. The second star is for syntax which is witty and amusing. The first star is for stamina.
A long meandering and often confusing narrative.
February 19, 2019
Espionage and murder and the story is a perfect blend of both as it connects two time lines and seemingly unrelated events.
Patrick West and Price are back and Patrick is completely enjoyable in this story.
Thrilling read!
Patrick West and Price are back and Patrick is completely enjoyable in this story.
Thrilling read!
March 14, 2018
This was a good book however I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
May 22, 2018
Story was disjointed & I couldn’t get into the flow of the story
July 16, 2018
HO hum
As convoluted as a snail shell with the naming confusion of the great russians. I read it with a great thirst for the end.
As convoluted as a snail shell with the naming confusion of the great russians. I read it with a great thirst for the end.
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