Codename: Ashton

by James Claythorne

ASHTON by James Claythorne

"In the shadows of society, love can be the deadliest weapon. Trust no one, especially the ghosts of your past."

Lucy and Neil Ashton's lives were idyllic - until one was found dead under their own roof... and the other was to blame.

From the corridors of power in Westminster, to the London Criminal Networks, Neil Ashton's life begins to unravel as he is forced to confront the ghosts of his past within one of Russia's criminal The Portland Circle - and in Neil's world, love, loss, and deception collide in the most unexpected ways in a gripping final showdown.

Be sure that whatever was done in the dark will come to the light - even if it costs Neil what he holds most dear.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2025

About the author

James Claythorne is a rising British author known for his gripping crime thriller Codename: Ashton. Born in Hillingdon, Middlesex, and now residing in Gloucestershire, Claythorne has quickly made a name for himself with his debut novel, which blends espionage, emotional depth, and psychological intrigue.

Writing Style & Themes
- His work is praised for intricate plotting, multi-layered characters, and a strong sense of place.
- Codename: Ashton explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, set against the backdrop of Westminster politics and Russian criminal networks

Reviews

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and thrilling! This sums up Codename: Ashton. The author displayed a real talent in describing each character and scenes/events and thus creating a rich and believable atmosphere. James Claythorne has an obvious skill for great storytelling. The narrative was very palpable that I felt completely immersed in the story. The powerful plot itself provided some real twists which were not expected and the made the whole read very exciting. The pace of the story gradually builds and culminates into a real page turner with an edge of the seat and nail-biting urgency about it. A wonderful crime thriller and a thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to this author’s next publication!

[Lesley Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous debut novel from James Claythorne. I struggled to put it down. Interesting characters, intriguing plot twists and full of surprises. Really looking forward to the next book!

[Sophie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claythorne’s writing is sharp and cinematic, with just enough emotional depth to make you care about the fallout. The pacing builds like a fuse burning toward a final, explosive reckoning. If you like your thrillers with a touch of espionage and a lot of heart, this one delivers.

It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately wonder: when’s the sequel?

[Bethany Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gripping book! I struggled to put it down, and how the tension built throughout was very cleverly done. The descriptive language really painted a picture and the plot was very intriguing yet not too complex. A great plot, very well executed. Loved it!

[Chloe Daily]

Codename Ashton is a wonderfully descriptive world, brought to life through the characters inquisitive dialogue. The author purposefully builds an elaborate story involving a multitude of characters, and a multitude of intertwining pasts, which result in genuine surprise once it is all tied together.

The book follows a multilayered non-linear structure where the reader switches between the characters past and present lives. By doing so, the author cleverly encourages you to survive amongst the chaos unfolding between them all, and you’re left questioning your favourites morales.

The dialogue is quick paced and extremely easy to follow, so should you need help getting out of a reading slump, Codename:Ashton is definitely for you.

[Joanne gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book so well written that you get involved with the characters from the start
Great plot twist to keep you guessing
Looking forward to reading the sequel

[Karen Gordge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me hooked from cover to cover. It had everything from humour to suspense and a twist to knock you sideways.

I’m hoping there is a sequel as it’ll be top of my list of books to buy.

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

CODENAME: ASHTON - An interesting but wordy read. The good characters and interesting story lines but the story could use a Reader's Digest overhaul, which would remove the boring bits. Most of the story was predictable but there was a surprise about Emily. Still worth reading. Source: LibraryThing. 3*