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The Eyewitness
Jack Solomon is a messenger of death. Working in the fractured remains of Yugoslavia, his task is to identify the victims of ethnic cleansing and to tell families that their loved ones are never coming home.Years of working in the killing fields have desensitised the former London policeman to the horrors of war, but when a truck containing twenty-six bodies is pulled from a lake, Solomon is unable to walk away from the case.He sets out to track down the only survivor of the massacre, a young girl on the run from the killers. Solomon's hunt for the last witness leads from the brothels of Sarajevo to the high-stakes world of London's internet prostitution - where he will discover that the killers are closer to home than he thinks . . .
Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,528 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 8, 2017
A stand-alone novel by the under-rated author Stephen Leather. I have read over 20 of his book and this is a decent read but falls short of the standard of many others. But I suppose they can't all be top drawer. I found the first third of the book very good and difficult to put down but unfortunately it failed to hold me throughout.
For me the book dragged a little and maybe the plot became a little far fetched to believe. But if you have never read any Stephen Leather novels don't be put off, there a plenty of diamonds in his collection that are well worth a look.
For me the book dragged a little and maybe the plot became a little far fetched to believe. But if you have never read any Stephen Leather novels don't be put off, there a plenty of diamonds in his collection that are well worth a look.
August 13, 2013
If only I could give this no stars! Where do I start?
Firstly, there is a character that the main character, Jack, calls his "friend". This friend, Sasha, is a violent pimp who sells women into prostitution and slavery, then rapes and beats them. He does that to Jack's love interest, Inga.
How does she become his love interest? Well, Sasha forces her to go and seduce Jack. Jack knows this. And he still has sex with her anyway.
The "happy ending" has Inga telling Jack she simply must work off her contract to Sasha (a contract she had no choice in!) and Jack solemnly understanding and respecting the decision. It turns out that Sasha, in his mighty god-like generosity, will "let" Inga see Jack once a week if she wants to and that's good enough for Jack. No problems. His mate is going to continue to own this woman, Jack's girlfriend, continue sell her to men for sex without her having any choice in the matter (and take all the money she charges), but that's fine by Jack if he gets to see her once a week.
WHAT THE FUCK.
Firstly, there is a character that the main character, Jack, calls his "friend". This friend, Sasha, is a violent pimp who sells women into prostitution and slavery, then rapes and beats them. He does that to Jack's love interest, Inga.
How does she become his love interest? Well, Sasha forces her to go and seduce Jack. Jack knows this. And he still has sex with her anyway.
The "happy ending" has Inga telling Jack she simply must work off her contract to Sasha (a contract she had no choice in!) and Jack solemnly understanding and respecting the decision. It turns out that Sasha, in his mighty god-like generosity, will "let" Inga see Jack once a week if she wants to and that's good enough for Jack. No problems. His mate is going to continue to own this woman, Jack's girlfriend, continue sell her to men for sex without her having any choice in the matter (and take all the money she charges), but that's fine by Jack if he gets to see her once a week.
WHAT THE FUCK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2015
I loved the background of the story which is during the collapse of Yugoslavia. Did not realise a lot of things about human trafficking and the whole extent and consequences of it and how it affect so many young girls
Guess lack of resources, depth of understanding or long term thinking seems to plague all professions, in this case the commission, tribunal.
had no idea of this happening and immediately got in touch with with a Croatian ex-colleague. They seem to have gone through so much, directly or indirectly.
The story was a bit weak as pointed out by other reviewers; him following this case did not make sense after he reached London. Maybe he should have taken that beach holiday, developed the story more on what he saw and why it touched him so much. I guess this part isn't developed. It was only during his chat with Inga that we realise that his daughter had a teddy that she kept with her all the time too but that was super briefly mentioned.
Maybe he had deadlines to meet, who knows.. Thanks for writing the book!
Guess lack of resources, depth of understanding or long term thinking seems to plague all professions, in this case the commission, tribunal.
had no idea of this happening and immediately got in touch with with a Croatian ex-colleague. They seem to have gone through so much, directly or indirectly.
The story was a bit weak as pointed out by other reviewers; him following this case did not make sense after he reached London. Maybe he should have taken that beach holiday, developed the story more on what he saw and why it touched him so much. I guess this part isn't developed. It was only during his chat with Inga that we realise that his daughter had a teddy that she kept with her all the time too but that was super briefly mentioned.
Maybe he had deadlines to meet, who knows.. Thanks for writing the book!
January 2, 2012
This was a re-read.
I read The Eyewitness the first time in 03, and although I enjoyed the action and the plot somewhat, most of the backstory and history went right over my head.
Approaching this novel as an adult with an interest in history has given me a whole different spin on things. It enriched the storyline further, creating extra dimensions for many of the characters.
It did make some of the events in the novel seem more outrageous, however.
It was well worth giving it this second read, and I was thrilled that it was as good as I remembered.
I read The Eyewitness the first time in 03, and although I enjoyed the action and the plot somewhat, most of the backstory and history went right over my head.
Approaching this novel as an adult with an interest in history has given me a whole different spin on things. It enriched the storyline further, creating extra dimensions for many of the characters.
It did make some of the events in the novel seem more outrageous, however.
It was well worth giving it this second read, and I was thrilled that it was as good as I remembered.
June 3, 2008
An excellent book....
When you have read it... you will know.
Set in the Balkans following the war... the "eyewitness" of the book is the only survivor of a truly-dreadful incident.
The crime is solved... but can justice ever be done?
When you have read it... you will know.
Set in the Balkans following the war... the "eyewitness" of the book is the only survivor of a truly-dreadful incident.
The crime is solved... but can justice ever be done?
August 27, 2020
Sometimes, you're just in the mood for an action/thriller and this ticked all the boxes. It's a very violent story and there are a few scenes that make uncomfortable reading - but a book about ethnic cleansing, drugs, human trafficking and crime bosses isn't going to be 'nice' - you have been warned!
When you start reading the book, the scenes in the truck and the lake seem to set the tone for the book (they are heartbreaking!) - I genuinely thought this would be a more righteous, hero out to right a wrong kind of storyline. But it quickly moves off in a slightly different direction as Jack finds out about Nicole.
I thought there would be a nasty twist at the end - but thought it would go a completely different way than it actually did. You can't even say it has a happy ending - or even a satisfactory conclusion - after all, we don't find out if the Tribunal gets involved or if anyone is bought to justice in the courts. Although you could say the perpetrator gets his just desserts.
A good, entertaining, page-turning read - will keep my eye out for other thrillers by this author.
When you start reading the book, the scenes in the truck and the lake seem to set the tone for the book (they are heartbreaking!) - I genuinely thought this would be a more righteous, hero out to right a wrong kind of storyline. But it quickly moves off in a slightly different direction as Jack finds out about Nicole.
I thought there would be a nasty twist at the end - but thought it would go a completely different way than it actually did. You can't even say it has a happy ending - or even a satisfactory conclusion - after all, we don't find out if the Tribunal gets involved or if anyone is bought to justice in the courts. Although you could say the perpetrator gets his just desserts.
A good, entertaining, page-turning read - will keep my eye out for other thrillers by this author.
May 10, 2014
I've only recently started reading this authors books and this must be the 15th one I've read. I've loved all of them and even though I still enjoyed this book I don't think it's as good as the others I've read. This is mainly to do with finding some of the storyline hard to ever seeing happen. I don't want to spoil it for people who haven't read it but I just found it hard to believe that the main character would throw away his career and risk his life over finding out the truth over a tragedy which in his job he saw many times. Early on I realised who was behind it all which spoilt it a bit as then I pretty much knew how it would turn out. Overall it's still a good read.
July 4, 2010
Thoroughly enjoyable, back to his old self.
August 16, 2020
Macabri resti di Stephen Leather (2003) è un romanzo thriller ambientato nella ex Iugoslavia dilaniata dalla guerra. Jack Salomon, il protagonista, ha il compito di identificare le persone massacrate e di informare i familiari delle vittime. In poche parole fa il messaggero di morte. Lavora per un’agenzia governativa che tratta i crimini di guerra, consegnando alla giustizia i responsabili delle uccisioni di massa.
Con gli anni Jack si è assuefatto a quell’orrore.; fino a quando, un giorno, dalle acque di un lago, riemerge un furgone. 26 persone morte asfissiate dentro la cella a tenuta stagna. Una sola superstite, Nicole, che fugge a Londra dove la comprano e la rivendono al mercato del sesso. L’immagine di una bambina di 3 anni che aspetta la morte abbracciata al suo orsacchiotto è la molla che spinge Jack ad indagare.
Mafia, commercio di ragazze e il loro sfruttamento sono i temi centrali del libro.
Tutto sommato libro notevole, soprattutto per i temi trattati. C’è da ammettere che il titolo è un po' fuorviante; quando l’ho acquistato ho pensato subito ad un giallo horror, in realtà è un semplice thriller. Riflettendoci meglio post lettura si può presumere che il titolo si riferisca, probabilmente, al lavoro svolto dal protagonista del libro.
Racconto d’azione e libro di denuncia Macabri resti merita un voto complessivo di 3.5 stelle.
-Judy
Con gli anni Jack si è assuefatto a quell’orrore.; fino a quando, un giorno, dalle acque di un lago, riemerge un furgone. 26 persone morte asfissiate dentro la cella a tenuta stagna. Una sola superstite, Nicole, che fugge a Londra dove la comprano e la rivendono al mercato del sesso. L’immagine di una bambina di 3 anni che aspetta la morte abbracciata al suo orsacchiotto è la molla che spinge Jack ad indagare.
Mafia, commercio di ragazze e il loro sfruttamento sono i temi centrali del libro.
Tutto sommato libro notevole, soprattutto per i temi trattati. C’è da ammettere che il titolo è un po' fuorviante; quando l’ho acquistato ho pensato subito ad un giallo horror, in realtà è un semplice thriller. Riflettendoci meglio post lettura si può presumere che il titolo si riferisca, probabilmente, al lavoro svolto dal protagonista del libro.
Racconto d’azione e libro di denuncia Macabri resti merita un voto complessivo di 3.5 stelle.
-Judy
June 15, 2021
The Eyewitness By Stephen Leather.
A stand alone book by Mr. Leather and My first as I have only read his Spider shepherd and Jack Nightingale series of books and a good time was had as we delve into the remains of Yugoslavia and the Ethnic cleansing that took place.
Jack his task is to identify the victims of ethnic cleansing and to tell families that their loved ones are never coming home and here starts our story which is very dark from the out set and continues this theme through the book as we get in to Human Trafficking and prostitution.
The book is well writing given the subject matter and Jack is a good character to spend time with who through no fault of his own gets completely in over his head in a world he knows nothing about, as with any Stephen Leather book we are going to have some action set pieces and they are all very well choregraphed and exciting to read.
This is a good book that deals with very disturbing subject matter but one I did enjoy.
I feel that Mr. Leather gets a bad rap as I have read 12 of his books now all of them have been good but he just doesn't seem to get the credit he should unlike some other authors his Spider series is right up there with Mr. Reacher.
Well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
A stand alone book by Mr. Leather and My first as I have only read his Spider shepherd and Jack Nightingale series of books and a good time was had as we delve into the remains of Yugoslavia and the Ethnic cleansing that took place.
Jack his task is to identify the victims of ethnic cleansing and to tell families that their loved ones are never coming home and here starts our story which is very dark from the out set and continues this theme through the book as we get in to Human Trafficking and prostitution.
The book is well writing given the subject matter and Jack is a good character to spend time with who through no fault of his own gets completely in over his head in a world he knows nothing about, as with any Stephen Leather book we are going to have some action set pieces and they are all very well choregraphed and exciting to read.
This is a good book that deals with very disturbing subject matter but one I did enjoy.
I feel that Mr. Leather gets a bad rap as I have read 12 of his books now all of them have been good but he just doesn't seem to get the credit he should unlike some other authors his Spider series is right up there with Mr. Reacher.
Well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
February 11, 2021
A taut, gripping thriller, moving from the killing fields of the former Yugoslavia to London and back, running the gamut of ethnic cleansing, organised crime, white slavery, forced prostitution, mafia gangs and drugs, culminating in a surprising and punchy finale. One of the best of Stephen Leather's novels I have read.
September 4, 2023
mi è piaciuto davvero molto questo libro anche se solo alla fine ci sono colpi di scena. Ho trovato interessante il fatto che descrivesse il mondo della prostituzione, un qualcosa che non viene mai approfondito. L'unica pecca è che questo libro non è scritto in capitoli, e quindi mi è sembrato come se stessi leggendo un libro senza virgole.
August 25, 2018
Not as enjoyable as other stories, but pleasant all the same. Well written and action packed
Felt a bit lost at times as characters blurred a bit. Found the not so happy
Ending a bit confusing and pointless.
Felt a bit lost at times as characters blurred a bit. Found the not so happy
Ending a bit confusing and pointless.
August 28, 2022
HOW DOES HE DO IT?
I’m never disappointed when I read a Stephen Leather book. The stories are gripping, the research immaculate and I can never turn the pages fast enough. They are all ‘leave the dishes in the sink’ books when everyday life gets left behind.
I’m never disappointed when I read a Stephen Leather book. The stories are gripping, the research immaculate and I can never turn the pages fast enough. They are all ‘leave the dishes in the sink’ books when everyday life gets left behind.
February 23, 2018
A murder mystery set in post-war Yugoslavia with the murderer an unexpected person.
August 12, 2019
Beginners thriller
January 26, 2020
A pretty brutal book about ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and east European criminal gangs and prostitution there and in London
July 5, 2020
Difficult subject matter, humans are capable of terrible things.
Read
January 11, 2021Weird no chapters
March 2, 2021
Easy read. Harrowing in places.
September 19, 2021
A good read!
January 31, 2022
Eyewitness
This book is so different from what I usually read from Mr Leather. Good pace nice twist in the story looking to read some more of Stephen Leather quiky side
This book is so different from what I usually read from Mr Leather. Good pace nice twist in the story looking to read some more of Stephen Leather quiky side
September 28, 2022
I love the ending and how passionate jack solomon is.
January 3, 2024
Not a bad read and very underrated imo
April 19, 2024
Decent story moving along at a rapid clip. Enjoyable
June 24, 2025
Great book, but the subject matter is unrelentingly grim.
December 12, 2025
Прекалено пропагандно звучи на места :(
February 8, 2016
The Eyewitness is the second Stephen Leather book I have read. Totally different from the first book, The Bombmaker. The early part of the novel makes the reader think the story is about a war crime when it's really about prostitution & human trafficking. The police pretend there is nothing they can do about the prostitution when the real crime of women being auctioned off is not considered. The novel illustrates how London is controlled by foreign thugs rather than its police & government.
It was a bit difficult to believe how a former city Vice cop could be so naive and an international pimp with a soft spot, but other than that it was a entertaining enough story.
3 and a half stars.
It was a bit difficult to believe how a former city Vice cop could be so naive and an international pimp with a soft spot, but other than that it was a entertaining enough story.
3 and a half stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews