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Underdogs
Once a fearless SAS hero, Andy 'Deadman' Bird now battles the harsh streets of London after a catastrophic mission stripped him of his hearing, career, home and marriage. His only solace is Tyson, his fiercely loyal and battle-tested dog.
When fate thrusts them into the path of a chilling alleyway murder, Andy and Tyson become the next targets. Who are these relentless hunters, and what dangerous secrets are they willing to kill for?
Desperate and cornered, Andy reaches out to his former brothers–in–arms – a team who owe him their very lives. But as they unravel a sinister web of organised crime and deadly political plots, who will be saving who this time?
When fate thrusts them into the path of a chilling alleyway murder, Andy and Tyson become the next targets. Who are these relentless hunters, and what dangerous secrets are they willing to kill for?
Desperate and cornered, Andy reaches out to his former brothers–in–arms – a team who owe him their very lives. But as they unravel a sinister web of organised crime and deadly political plots, who will be saving who this time?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
155 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
255 books1,543 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 12, 2026
This book has it all. Action packed right from the start. I felt like I was reading a movie script. I fell in love with Andy and Tyson's relationship throughout this book, what a clever dog!
The tension in this book was just perfect for a thriller that had secret service, armed service and wannabe gangsters! This did not feel like a fiction book and the plot made you feel like you were watching this in real time.
I had not heard of this author before but I will definitely be adding more of his work to my shelves.
If you love action packed, nail biting thrillers then I 100% recommend this for you.
The tension in this book was just perfect for a thriller that had secret service, armed service and wannabe gangsters! This did not feel like a fiction book and the plot made you feel like you were watching this in real time.
I had not heard of this author before but I will definitely be adding more of his work to my shelves.
If you love action packed, nail biting thrillers then I 100% recommend this for you.
February 18, 2026
Not a patch on previous Stephen Leather books. Very disappointing. Just all a bit corny and predictable.
February 26, 2026
Underdog is a fast-paced crime thriller that follows a man who is pushed into a dangerous situation and must fight to survive. The story centres on an ordinary individual who finds himself caught in a web of crime, power, and betrayal. He is not a traditional hero. He makes mistakes, struggles with fear, and often acts on instinct. That makes him feel real.
The novel moves quickly. The tension builds steadily as the stakes rise. Some twists keep the reader guessing. The action scenes are sharp and vivid. The writing is direct and easy to follow.
The book explores themes of loyalty, survival, and moral compromise. The main character must decide how far he is willing to go to protect himself and those around him. Some moments feel gritty and raw, which adds to the realism. At times, the pace leaves little room for deeper emotional reflection.
The main character feels real because he is flawed and vulnerable. He is not perfect, and that makes his struggle more powerful.
The pace is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Events unfold quickly, and there is little wasted space. Each chapter adds tension and pushes the story forward. The action scenes are clear and intense without being confusing.
The novel also explores moral choices. The protagonist must make difficult decisions to survive. These choices add depth to the story and keep readers thinking.
Overall, Underdog is a strong crime thriller. It balances action with emotional weight. It is an entertaining and satisfying read for anyone who enjoys suspense and realistic characters. It is an engaging read for those who enjoy crime fiction with action and moral tension.
Thank you, NetGalley, for sharing an advanced reader copy of the book for review.
The novel moves quickly. The tension builds steadily as the stakes rise. Some twists keep the reader guessing. The action scenes are sharp and vivid. The writing is direct and easy to follow.
The book explores themes of loyalty, survival, and moral compromise. The main character must decide how far he is willing to go to protect himself and those around him. Some moments feel gritty and raw, which adds to the realism. At times, the pace leaves little room for deeper emotional reflection.
The main character feels real because he is flawed and vulnerable. He is not perfect, and that makes his struggle more powerful.
The pace is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Events unfold quickly, and there is little wasted space. Each chapter adds tension and pushes the story forward. The action scenes are clear and intense without being confusing.
The novel also explores moral choices. The protagonist must make difficult decisions to survive. These choices add depth to the story and keep readers thinking.
Overall, Underdog is a strong crime thriller. It balances action with emotional weight. It is an entertaining and satisfying read for anyone who enjoys suspense and realistic characters. It is an engaging read for those who enjoy crime fiction with action and moral tension.
Thank you, NetGalley, for sharing an advanced reader copy of the book for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Underdogs by Stephen Leather is an extremely enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat thriller and a rattling good read from start to finish.
At around 300 pages, this is an easy book to sink into, but it is also very cleverly plotted and packed with tension. Once I started reading, I was completely gripped and found it very difficult to put down. The suspense builds steadily and relentlessly, carrying right through to a final paragraph that delivers a genuinely exciting and satisfying conclusion.
The story follows Andy “Deadman” Bird, a former SAS soldier whose life has fallen apart after a heroic act left him deaf, discharged, divorced, and living on the streets with his loyal dog, Tyson. When Andy witnesses a brutal murder, he is suddenly hunted by both the police and ruthless killers who believe he has something they need. What follows is a fast paced, high stakes race for survival that pulls in Andy’s old comrades, shadowy intelligence agencies, and a dangerous web of political intrigue and organised crime.
Stephen Leather’s writing style is smooth and engaging, with excellent scene setting that makes it easy to visualise the action unfolding chapter by chapter. The plot is well constructed, the pacing is spot on, and the sense of camaraderie between Andy and his former team adds real emotional weight to the story. Tyson is also a standout presence, adding heart and intensity to an already gripping narrative.
Frighteningly suspenseful, action packed, and expertly told, Underdogs is another strong entry from Stephen Leather and a book that thriller fans will absolutely devour. Strongly recommended.
At around 300 pages, this is an easy book to sink into, but it is also very cleverly plotted and packed with tension. Once I started reading, I was completely gripped and found it very difficult to put down. The suspense builds steadily and relentlessly, carrying right through to a final paragraph that delivers a genuinely exciting and satisfying conclusion.
The story follows Andy “Deadman” Bird, a former SAS soldier whose life has fallen apart after a heroic act left him deaf, discharged, divorced, and living on the streets with his loyal dog, Tyson. When Andy witnesses a brutal murder, he is suddenly hunted by both the police and ruthless killers who believe he has something they need. What follows is a fast paced, high stakes race for survival that pulls in Andy’s old comrades, shadowy intelligence agencies, and a dangerous web of political intrigue and organised crime.
Stephen Leather’s writing style is smooth and engaging, with excellent scene setting that makes it easy to visualise the action unfolding chapter by chapter. The plot is well constructed, the pacing is spot on, and the sense of camaraderie between Andy and his former team adds real emotional weight to the story. Tyson is also a standout presence, adding heart and intensity to an already gripping narrative.
Frighteningly suspenseful, action packed, and expertly told, Underdogs is another strong entry from Stephen Leather and a book that thriller fans will absolutely devour. Strongly recommended.
January 11, 2026
Underdogs
Discharged from the army Andy ‘deadman’ Bird an ex SAS soldier is homeless and living on the streets of London with his service dog Tyson, both suffering from PTSD after an overseas operation went wrong also leaving Andy completely deaf.
Andy witnesses a shooting, tries to help but the victim dies and Andy suddenly finds himself pursued by the assailants. He and Tyson run, Andy is sure he’ll evade these criminals easily with his previous military training but seems foiled at every turn as they continue their relentless pursuit.
Realising he needs professional help he contacts his serving army friend who is only too willing to become involved.
This leads to the involvement of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ spies somehow his chasers think Andy has information they don’t want revealing. As the body count mounts there are many twists and turns as this thriller takes you on a breathtaking ride. Full of action which is descriptive and exciting, great army banter and total comradeship in full force from Andy’s old team this is an absolute page turner.
Having served in the armed forces I am still shocked at how ex service personnel can be treated and feel this author perfectly described it.
I’m hoping Andy and his ‘team’ will work together again in the future, one that is brighter for our hero.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Discharged from the army Andy ‘deadman’ Bird an ex SAS soldier is homeless and living on the streets of London with his service dog Tyson, both suffering from PTSD after an overseas operation went wrong also leaving Andy completely deaf.
Andy witnesses a shooting, tries to help but the victim dies and Andy suddenly finds himself pursued by the assailants. He and Tyson run, Andy is sure he’ll evade these criminals easily with his previous military training but seems foiled at every turn as they continue their relentless pursuit.
Realising he needs professional help he contacts his serving army friend who is only too willing to become involved.
This leads to the involvement of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ spies somehow his chasers think Andy has information they don’t want revealing. As the body count mounts there are many twists and turns as this thriller takes you on a breathtaking ride. Full of action which is descriptive and exciting, great army banter and total comradeship in full force from Andy’s old team this is an absolute page turner.
Having served in the armed forces I am still shocked at how ex service personnel can be treated and feel this author perfectly described it.
I’m hoping Andy and his ‘team’ will work together again in the future, one that is brighter for our hero.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The action explodes from the page in this fast paced novel “Underdogs” about Andy “Deadman” Bird and his trusty canine sidekick Tyson. Called “Deadman”, after saving the lives of his SAS team by jumping on top of a grenade on an op in Syria, Andy now lives on the street, deaf from the grenade, having lost his job, wife and home. His only companion is his trained dog but, after stumbling into an attempted assassination on a London street, then being suspected and chased by police and the killers, Andy must call on his SAS mates for assistance. What follows is a breakneck race for the truth…. who was the victim, why was he killed and why are they now after Andy? Throw in MI5, MI6, and some bad guys working for a very shady outfit willing to stop at nothing to get what they want and you have a ripper of a tale. Not my usual genre and I’ve never learnt so much about weaponry and tactics on a page rather than a screen, but very visual….would make a blockbuster movie! Once I settled in for the ride, Steven Leather had me hooked and I would definitely lock in for a sequel.
January 18, 2026
Stephen Leather introduces a gripping new protagonist in The Underdogs: Andy Bird, a homeless ex–Special Forces soldier whose only constant companion is his loyal service dog, Tyson. Deafened by an act of extraordinary bravery on his final deployment, Andy carries both the scars and the deep respect of the regiment he once served with distinction.
When a violent encounter turns him into a fugitive—hunted by the police and a ruthless group of foreign criminals—his old comrades rally to his side. What follows is a high‑octane chase packed with covert operators, shadowy agendas, and layers of deception that unravel at breakneck speed.
It’s a taut, propulsive thriller that shows Leather at his best, delivering a story that easily stands shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the strongest titles in the genre.
When a violent encounter turns him into a fugitive—hunted by the police and a ruthless group of foreign criminals—his old comrades rally to his side. What follows is a high‑octane chase packed with covert operators, shadowy agendas, and layers of deception that unravel at breakneck speed.
It’s a taut, propulsive thriller that shows Leather at his best, delivering a story that easily stands shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the strongest titles in the genre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Andy 'Deadman' Bird is ex SAS. He had to quit following an heroic event in the Middle East when he saved his squad but was rendered deaf by doing so. Divorced and living on the streets, with his dog Tyson, he witnesses a brutal murder. Unable to save the man he finds himself hunted by the police as their main suspect and by the killers who believe he has something they want.
Briefly, when Andy’s ex wife Is kidnapped he has no choice but to enlist the help of his old team. Also drawn in is the enigmatic Emma from MI6 and an official from GCHQ in Cheltenham.
A brutal and murderous jet fuelled read and for fans of this genre an absolute belter. Terrible that a former SAS soldier was reduced to living on the streets and loved how quickly his old comrades came to help him. A dark story of political intrigue and international organised crime and very entertaining. 4.5⭐️
Briefly, when Andy’s ex wife Is kidnapped he has no choice but to enlist the help of his old team. Also drawn in is the enigmatic Emma from MI6 and an official from GCHQ in Cheltenham.
A brutal and murderous jet fuelled read and for fans of this genre an absolute belter. Terrible that a former SAS soldier was reduced to living on the streets and loved how quickly his old comrades came to help him. A dark story of political intrigue and international organised crime and very entertaining. 4.5⭐️
March 16, 2026
Firstly Ive listen and enjoyed all of the Spider Shepard books and as a result am very familiar with Stephen Leather's style. I could not believe how poor and amateurish this book was nor could I believe some of the glowing reviews. It was like Leather had pulled this one out from under the bed long forgotten and rejected for good reason, dusted it down and sent it off to the publisher. There were so many glaring errors, wooden characterisation and cliches plus the story was as dull as something very dull indeed! Very disappointed. To call this lame duck 'pulse pounding' is stretching it somewhat.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Not my normal read but I devoured this one in one sitting. We meet a man and his dog sleeping rough on the streets after an ambush in a missing he not only lost his hearing but also his loved job in the SAS. When he accidentally stumbles on an assassination his whole life is turned upside down when he is being hunted and everyone close to him is in danger and only his old colleagues can help him. Will he get to the bottom of it all before it’s too late. A great thriller and would make a great film.
February 21, 2026
SECRET SQUIRRELS
What a wonderful storyteller this author is, right from the start you can tell that you are in for a treat. His writing keeps you engaged as the story progresses. Andy and his dog Tyson literally steal the show. This book is very reminiscent of his early books which should be read?
Recommended the without a doubt.
Hopefully another book will continue the story because Andy and Tyson should have more to give!!
What a wonderful storyteller this author is, right from the start you can tell that you are in for a treat. His writing keeps you engaged as the story progresses. Andy and his dog Tyson literally steal the show. This book is very reminiscent of his early books which should be read?
Recommended the without a doubt.
Hopefully another book will continue the story because Andy and Tyson should have more to give!!
March 8, 2026
This is a classic Stephen Leather SAS thriller - good guy going rogue to fight not only bad guys, but also the bureaucratic machinations of UK government institutions. As always, lots of artistic licence and pretty implausible at times but a very energetic read. It became pretty obvious who the baddie was pretty soon after they were introduced, but I'm not reading Stephen Leather for his nuanced plots.
December 12, 2025
Wow! what an absolute blast of a read this is. It’s SO good. I never thought anyone could equal Spider Shepherd but I was wrong. Stephen knocks it out of the park again!
Andy & Tyson are the dream team and I really hope we see more of them and this is the first of a new series.
Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride, SAS, MI5, MI6 GCHQ, but who can you trust?
Andy & Tyson are the dream team and I really hope we see more of them and this is the first of a new series.
Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride, SAS, MI5, MI6 GCHQ, but who can you trust?
February 18, 2026
Extremely good. Couldn't put it down.
As usual another brilliant book from Mr Stephen Leather. Andy Bird and Tyson. It would be great if there w,ere more novels with these characters and there S.A.S. buddies in the future. I would look forward to reading them. They could always appear in a Spider Shepherd story. I have already pre-existing the next book in that series.
As usual another brilliant book from Mr Stephen Leather. Andy Bird and Tyson. It would be great if there w,ere more novels with these characters and there S.A.S. buddies in the future. I would look forward to reading them. They could always appear in a Spider Shepherd story. I have already pre-existing the next book in that series.
February 22, 2026
I needed dogged determination
I think the title says it all. For me, it started off very slow and at one point I was going to stop reading. However with a little perseverance it soon got going. Turned out to be a great read, as you would expect from Stephen Leather. I hope there are more to come with Bird and Tyson
I think the title says it all. For me, it started off very slow and at one point I was going to stop reading. However with a little perseverance it soon got going. Turned out to be a great read, as you would expect from Stephen Leather. I hope there are more to come with Bird and Tyson
February 25, 2026
A first class and believable read. Birdman is ably assisted by Tyson. Clips along at a great pace. I hope this is the first of a series. Move over Spider - you a real competitor in Andy.
February 25, 2026
A Cracker
Stephen this was a Cracker,will we have some more of your man and his great dog in the future,if so can't wait,great read
Stephen this was a Cracker,will we have some more of your man and his great dog in the future,if so can't wait,great read
March 4, 2026
Excellent
Another winner by Mr Leather
Another winner by Mr Leather
March 22, 2026
Brilliant!
Fast paced. Excellent story. Unputdownable. One of the few books I was sad to finish. Mr Leather you are the Business.
Fast paced. Excellent story. Unputdownable. One of the few books I was sad to finish. Mr Leather you are the Business.
March 22, 2026
Ok but nothing special. Very simplistic story and language, but still a good read.
March 25, 2026
Gripping thriller, really enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews