By Any Name

by Katherine John

A bloodstained man runs half naked down a motorway at night dodging high-speed traffic. Admitted to a psychiatric ward suffering from amnesia, he has a detailed knowledge of sophisticated weaponry and military techniques, all evidence of terrorism. When his armed guards are murdered and his psychiatrist, Dr Elizabeth Santer, is abducted, a desperate hunt begins for a dangerous killer. He drags Elizabeth to Wales where a violent and bloody confrontation exposes treachery and political cover-up. Is he a terrorist, kidnapper or murderer? Elizabeth's life depends on the answer.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

371 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Katherine John is a pen name of the author Catrin Collier. She was born and brought up in Pontypridd and worked for a while in Europe and America before returning to her native Wales. She now lives on the Gower Peninsula near Swansea, with her family.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really thought the writing in this novel was well thought out and so descriptive and entertaining. It kept me reading. I did not like the few F words. ( Why, oh why, must I always have to endure those in an otherwise good read?) There was also a one page sex scene that I also do not like in a mystery) If I want that I will read a romance novel. I can't explain much about the story because there would be too many spoilers but if you want an exciting, fast paced thriller, this might be one you should check out.

[Lisbeth Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good thriller with likeable characters, a believable-ish plot and a very surprising ending.

Extra half point for setting it in the Brecon Beacons - having grown up there, I loved that the action took place in the villages and mountains in and around Brecon and the Storey Arms - Pen-y-Fan, Corn Du & Cribyn all get a mention, as do Libanus, Talybont, Llanfrynach, Merthyr Tydfil, etc.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars, rounded up

⭐️ - awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story

A suspenseful story that kept me guessing as to the final reveal. And of course the ending was a surprise also. Three-stars plus, for the writing, four stars for the story. Might try another book by this author. She has promise.

[Little Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not like most books I choose to read but I was delighted with this fast-paced thriller. The characters were well developed and certainly came to life as the plot twisted. You weren't quite sure who to trust and not until the final 5% of the book did everything pull together. Great novel and highly recommended.

[Lisa Wosik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book but some of the plot was a bit far fetched and I suspect there were some plot holes because sometimes a turn of events wouldn’t make sense- as if I was missing something. However it was a real thriller and I loved the ending.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psychiatrist Elizabeth Santer is called to review a patient admitted from A&E after the police found him running down the central reservation of the motorway, half clothed. But who is he? Satisfying mystery thriller.

[AGilden · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie suggested to me by Goodreads recommendations, and I found it pretty enjoyable. NO major surprises or plot ttwists, but a good old thriller with lots of running and hiding. It even includes an emotionally satisfying ending with a little love story thrown in. 3.5 stars.

[Doreen Dalesandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: thriller
Rating: 3.75
I listened to this book.

Good story. Kept my interest.

Wayne Forester does a great job narrating!

[Gloria Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw the movie on Amazon Prime and I just had to read the book. I read it in WhisperSync and it did not disappoint.

[Christine Hayen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Took me a clue chapters to get hooked, but once I did I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading more o f her books.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5*

[Harry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hideous. Not even beach-read stuff; more like what the CIA commissions to low-key torture the unsuspecting.

[susan abson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvellous!

This book had me gripped from the beginning wondering who john west really was. So much so that I read the whole book in a day. Katherine John is my favourite author at the moment. Her books will appeal to everyone!

[Ann Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best description for this book is breathtaking. The initial premise is similar to the Jason Bourne books: a highly trained man with amnesia tries to find out who he is, while being hunted by the authorities and an unknown opponent who wants him dead. But instead of the CIA and exotic locations around the world, the action starts on the M4 motorway in Britain and ends up in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. The places are described so well that I felt as if I could use the book as a map. The action is fast and tense and takes some unexpected turns. This book is currently being filmed as a movie, and I really look forward to its release. See the press release http://www.cengizdervis.com/announcem....

[Maureen Vincent-Northam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unknown man, almost naked and covered in blood, is captured by police and taken to hospital. He has no idea who he is but appears to have knowledge of specialist weaponry. When the guards outside his room are murdered, and he’s suspected of killing them, he takes flight, kidnapping his psychiatric doctor.

We’re left wondering whether the man is innocent or guilty of a number of murders while police and the SAS are hunting him and his captive down. A very good suspenseful drama, tightly written, with a clever ending.

[David Vercoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great thriller

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish. The sense off a rollercoaster ride exploded from page to page until the very end. Best thriller I've read for some time.

[brenda evans-morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name that don't matter

The finest story and exciting one I think I have ever read couldn't wait to get to continue where I left off kept me engrossed right to the end well done Katherine so proud you was born in Pontypridd where I live

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read would read more if they came my way.

[Kimberlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

a murder, mysterious government treachery and travel through Wales. A man with amnesia is thought to be an assassin and runs with a psychiatrist. good

[Sophy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, was a good keep you guessing kind of book with an ending that was a little cherry on top but made you smile. I would definitely recommend it

[C.S. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read, I burned through it in about a day. Reminded me of the Bourne movies (I haven't read any of the Bourne books).

[Darla Sayre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, really kept my attention. The only drawback is that the ending was a bit too tidy for me.

[Jennifer M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an interesting plot that kept me guessing from the beginning. It does have a lot of military terms which went over my head. Nice ending!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like books by the Author Katherine John, they twist and turn and hold you tight right up to the last page.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, great storyline. Loved it couldn't put it down.

[Betty L. Amick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Read

Held my interest and was right to the point in each chapter. I don't care for books that constantly backtrack and there was very little of that in this book.

[B. Shaun Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes a hold of you. Twists and turns till the very end. Enjoyed it greatly.

[Leila I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It had everything I like in a book. Mystery, suspense and a touch of romance.
I have read books by her before,but this one is very memorable.