I really rather enjoyed this book. Combining mystery, tension and an all action hero in Mallory, it's the kind of story that is right up my street. I read through it in a couple of evenings and from start to finish it kept me thoroughly entertained. If you like action thrillers, then this is definitely one you should be adding to your reading list. Ant Middleton is an interesting person; he was the frontman for Channel 4’s hit show: ‘SAS: Who dares wins’ and is the author of several bestselling nonfiction books based on his own experiences during his career in the armed forces where he achieved what is known as the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the UK’s Elite Forces, having served in the Special Boat Service, the Royal Marines and 9 Parachute Squadron Royal. This novel caught my eye for two reasons; it is his first attempt at fiction and part of the novel is set in South Africa. As Mallory heads to South Africa, I got an blow by blow insight into his past traumas as the story jumped between timelines all held together by one man in a coma. Mallory’s loyalty to this man knows no bounds, putting his life on the line to find Donno’s brother up against some seriously dangerous people with unlimited reach and resources. Will Mallory find Scott? Will Donno wake up? I needed answers to both questions !!!

It is a game of cat and mouse, a chase to make the links between a code Donno and Scott's sadly now dead father hid and the unscrupulous people who want to use that code for their own gain. Who can Mallory trust? Will he find Scott? What will happen to Donno? And was their father's climbing accident really an accident? Mallory is a typical superhero in physical terms and the novel is, as expected, a fast-paced read with several twists and turns, gunfights, fistfights, explosions, secret organizations, counterintelligence, subterfuge, and car chases. There is very little, if any character development; the focus is on action. The chapters are short; no time is wasted on long explanations and dialogue is relevant and to the point. The unravelling of the mystery was quite interesting, and a few hits came straight from left field. The last chapter, especially, caught me unaware; lovely twist, setting the table for a sequel. (And it is indeed on the way; titled ‘Red mist’.) It’s here: the landmark debut thriller from superstar Ant Middleton, million-selling, number one Sunday Times author of First Man In and Mental Fitness and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Mallory is an ex-veteran who has moved to the south of France for a quieter life, but he is a vigilante, and he is trying to stay out of trouble, but he is a vigilante. You get the rub. If you want to stay out of trouble open a flower shop!!! I’d rather read something new than the retired crime fighter who can't resist getting involved in the very thing he has tried to move away from - crime. Was also pleased to see that Ant did not fall into the male author trap of over-sexualising the female characters (e.g. Graves, Ivy). Once Mallory has found Océan, he keeps her safe by keeping her near him. She is not unhappy with this arrangement. Soon they find themselves in the middle of a turf war and things get personal and dangerous. However, Mallory works out that there is someone else involved, someone who is keeping out of things but pulling everyone’s strings. He is indeed a ruthless killer who is based in Geneva.

The other characters featured are also cleverly drawn and you can tell that Middleton has enjoyed the writing of this book. After a short confrontation with some local crooks, Mallory is asked to trace a woman by the name of Océane, the granddaughter of an ex Foreign Legionnaire. Mallory enjoys such a task and it’s not long before the bodies start mounting up along the way from Paris to Marseille and on to Geneva. The descriptions of the fights seem to be to be done incredibly well. Perhaps this is because Ant Middleton is describing things from his own perspective. I really enjoyed Océane as a character too. There is a real feistiness to her, a fighting spirit that doesn't seem to be crushed no matter how much danger she is in. The author gets the balance just right, allowing Mallory to take the lead where is it clear his skills are required, but not allowing Océane to simply become window dressing. She may not have the might or the skills of Mallory, but she is his match intellectually and attitudinally, and she was a fun character to get to know. As her story is very heavily tied to Mallory's quest, this is a key factor, and as a reader, it was as important that I was invested in her fate every bit as much as it was that of Mallory. Ant continues to hit the Australian screens with a new series of SAS: Australia which will air once again in 2024, along with exciting new projects on screen… watch this space. I really liked Mallory. He’s a reluctant investigator but he’s a damn good investigator. He doesnt like giving up, his tenacity is a credit to him. He gets the right balance of when to use his fists and when not to. And when he does, he’s someone you want on your side rather than your opponent.This series redefines the point of reference for action fiction, Ant Middleton is simply phenomenal. Mallory himself is portrayed as a complex character so the reader is not alienated from his violent actions. He is flawed, probably suffering ptsd, as well as feeling responsibility for his friend Donno's continuing condition. This guilt serves as the impetus for accepting Susan, Donno's mother pleas to find her wayward other son. This was a good, fast paced action thriller with well written, rounded characters and a good smattering of humour.

It's here: the landmark debut thriller from superstar Ant Middleton, million-selling, number one Sunday Times author of First Man In and The Fear Bubble and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins. It's here: the massive debut thriller from superstar Ant Middleton, million-selling, number one Sunday Times author of First Man In and The Fear Bubble and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins. A THRILLER SO REAL IT HURTS.It’s here: the landmark debut thriller from superstar Ant Middleton, million-selling, number one Sunday Times author of First Man In and The Fear Bubble and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins. As he navigates his way through the tough streets of Joborg, the slippery swaps of Louisiana and home, he uncovers something that could change the future. Chris Ryan, Andy McNab, Bear Grylls, are the most recognisable former SAS who've turned fiction writers. Joining them is Ant Middleton best known for channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins. This was a brilliant read. It wasn't exactly what I expected. As I thought, Ant would be more of a high action guns shouting type of writer. This was my first time reading one of his fiction stories. I still really enjoyed reading this book. It was definitely difficult to put down. I had to finish reading it in one day. Although this is the second book in the series, and I haven't read the first book. It worked well as a standalone. I really connected with the storyline. It was certainly exciting and thrilling with some great edge of your seat action moments. The characters were brilliant, well developed, realistic, and very easy to connect with. Having read most of Ant's non-fiction books, I could see the essence of his life creeping into this story. Especially the title. I definitely recommend reading this book if you love reading thrillers surrounding illegal activity and gang warfare.

It's here: the landmark debut thriller from superstar Ant Middleton, million-selling, number one Sunday Times author of First Man In and The Fear Bubble and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins .Book two in the series featuring ex Special Forces veteran Mallory. This time he finds himself in Normandy when after, a short confrontation with some local thugs, he is asked to trace Océane, the granddaughter of a former Foreign Legionnaire. This takes him from Paris to Marseille and then on to Geneva. Not unexpectedly this is full of action and more than a smattering of dead bodies but no gratuitously graphic violence. Well written and it’s quite clear the author is writing from personal knowledge which makes the events that much more realistic. Meet Mallory, ex Special Forces soldier, a man with baggage and a temper. He’s seen a lot in his time in the forces and believe you me, it’s traumatic. But now he’s looking for a missing man and the local police aren’t the most helpful… missing adult men don’t seem to be treated as a concern. His Head Game Podcast regularly reaches number 1 in the Australian podcast charts, and features incredible guests with stories of human resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity and challenges.