Frank Gardner's latest novel, Ballistic, has been hailed as a worthy successor to the late Frederick Forsyth, scoring a 9/10 in a recent review. The book marks the fifth outing for Gardner's protagonist, ex-SBS agent Luke Carlton, and delivers a topical, thought-provoking thriller that maintains tension and drama throughout.
Ballistic: Plot and Praise
In the frozen Arctic north, a Russian submarine launches a ballistic missile in an apparent training exercise. Shortly after, a senior Russian officer recruited by the British goes on the run, alerting the Secret Intelligence Service about a terrifying new weapons programme codenamed 'Holy Trinity'. Former Royal Marine and SBS operative turned intelligence officer Luke Carlton must extract the informant from the icy wastes of the Russian-Finnish border, dodging a drone attack that leaves the snow blood-soaked.
The review describes Carlton as a 'brilliant creation' and Ballistic as 'another corker of a thriller'. Gardner is praised for writing topical and prescient thrillers that engage the brain while never letting up on tension or drama.
A Killing in Lagos: A Thrilling Return
Amen Alonge's A Killing in Lagos (Hardback, £22) switches focus from London's gangland to Nigeria's capital, earning an 8/10 rating. The novel follows Remi Bankole, a London-based lawyer who returns to Lagos after his sister Kike, an investigative journalist, is found dead on a waste site. Remi must navigate a family in mourning and a city where his sister's murder benefits some of the most powerful people.
The review calls the book 'eye-opening, brilliant and hugely satisfying', marking a welcome return for Alonge.
The Aristocracy: A Cat-and-Mouse Chase
Patrick Worrall's The Aristocracy (Hardback, £16.99) is a standalone thriller set in the near present, scoring 8/10. The story involves Darren Sinfield, the most notorious inmate at max-security Lower Marston Prison, who escapes and shoots a cop. Intelligence officer Declan Rennard must track him down, returning reluctantly to his hometown Avonford to confront past demons.
The review describes it as a 'dramatic cat and mouse chase with far-reaching consequences and growing tension that never lets go', perfect summer getaway reading from a promising new writer.
Truly Gifted Kids: A Prefab Sprout Biography
Nige Tassell's Truly Gifted Kids: A Book About a Band Called Prefab Sprout (Hardback, £25) earns a 9/10 rating. The book delves into the idiosyncratic band, known for hits like 'The King of Rock 'N' Roll' and acclaimed albums such as Steve McQueen. Despite their talent, Prefab Sprout remained too clever for mainstream success, a debate explored by Tassell.
The review calls it 'charming, compassionate and utterly entertaining', inspiring readers to revisit the band's best work.
