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John Carr #1
Once A Pilgrim
John Carr has recently left the SAS, after a long and distinguished career, and is now working for a Russian oligarch in the murky world of private security.
But an incident from his past – in which three terrorists were brutally killed – suddenly comes back to haunt him.
Tracked by a hitman out for revenge, John Carr is forced to step over the line to defend himself and his family. It’s a cruel and violent world – and one he thought he’d left behind.
But some wars never end.
Patriot Games meets Taken: In Once A Pilgrim, John Carr shows all the Reacher-esque hallmarks of a cold-blooded antihero doing what needs to be done, whatever the consequences.
JAMES DEEGAN MC is a fantastic new voice in the thriller genre, writing with unprecedented authority and authenticity.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2018
768 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
About the author
James Deegan
2 books108 followersJames Deegan, who is writing under a pseudonym, was one of the most operationally experienced members of Britain’s elite force, the Special Air Service . He saw almost continuous service on operations in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan and fought in both Gulf Wars. Deegan was twice decorated for gallantry while in the SAS. He grew up in Niddrie, Edinburgh, Scotland and is the father of four.
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October 27, 2025
5.0-Stars for "Once A Pilgrim" - I Really Liked It!
24 October, 2019
I really enjoyed this audiobook! I have rated it @ 5-Stars and will write a proper review on the weekend.
Edit: 27 October 2025
Six years after listening to this book, I regret that I was unable to write a review at the time. However, rating this as 5.0 Stars out of 5.0, is a fair indication that I loved this book!
24 October, 2019
I really enjoyed this audiobook! I have rated it @ 5-Stars and will write a proper review on the weekend.
Edit: 27 October 2025
Six years after listening to this book, I regret that I was unable to write a review at the time. However, rating this as 5.0 Stars out of 5.0, is a fair indication that I loved this book!
April 4, 2019
My first novel by this author, also the first in the series with a great character John Carr.
You couldn’t make it up. Brilliant.’ Jeffrey Archer
‘Decades of war has given James Deegan a natural ability to create a world that is incredibly realistic and exciting. This takes military fiction to a whole new level entirely. Deegan is a master’
Tom Marcus Mi5 Survellance officer, Author of Capture or Kill(another book to read shortly)
‘Move over Andy McNab and Chris Ryan, there’s a new SAS veteran writing thrillers and he’s good. Very good.’ Stephen Leather
John Carr has recently left the SAS, after a long and distinguished career, and is now working for a Russian oligarch in the murky world of private security.
But an incident from his past – in which three terrorists were brutally killed – suddenly comes back to haunt him.
Tracked by a hitman out for revenge, John Carr is forced to step over the line to defend himself and his family. It’s a cruel and violent world – and one he thought he’d left behind.
But some wars never end!
Patriot Games meets Taken: In Once A Pilgrim, John Carr shows all the Reacher-esque hallmarks of a cold-blooded antihero doing what needs to be done, whatever the consequences, a down to earth James Bond.
JAMES DEEGAN MC is a fantastic new voice in the thriller genre, writing with unprecedented authority and authenticity with a tense, gripping action packed thriller.
If I tell you that the author James Deegan spent 17 years in the SAS and was described by his commanding officer as one of the most operationally experienced SAS men of his era, it should tell you all you need to know about the validity of his voice.
James Deegan write with masterful authority and unsurpassed experience as he transports the reader deep into the murky troubles of Northern Ireland – and then brings them back up to date with a dramatic bang.
If you love Jack Reacher, you will love John Carr. Waiting with bated breath for the next "Carr" novel, which is on my kindle ready !!
Five stars as an gritty , brutal, fast paced, realistic thriller.
You couldn’t make it up. Brilliant.’ Jeffrey Archer
‘Decades of war has given James Deegan a natural ability to create a world that is incredibly realistic and exciting. This takes military fiction to a whole new level entirely. Deegan is a master’
Tom Marcus Mi5 Survellance officer, Author of Capture or Kill(another book to read shortly)
‘Move over Andy McNab and Chris Ryan, there’s a new SAS veteran writing thrillers and he’s good. Very good.’ Stephen Leather
John Carr has recently left the SAS, after a long and distinguished career, and is now working for a Russian oligarch in the murky world of private security.
But an incident from his past – in which three terrorists were brutally killed – suddenly comes back to haunt him.
Tracked by a hitman out for revenge, John Carr is forced to step over the line to defend himself and his family. It’s a cruel and violent world – and one he thought he’d left behind.
But some wars never end!
Patriot Games meets Taken: In Once A Pilgrim, John Carr shows all the Reacher-esque hallmarks of a cold-blooded antihero doing what needs to be done, whatever the consequences, a down to earth James Bond.
JAMES DEEGAN MC is a fantastic new voice in the thriller genre, writing with unprecedented authority and authenticity with a tense, gripping action packed thriller.
If I tell you that the author James Deegan spent 17 years in the SAS and was described by his commanding officer as one of the most operationally experienced SAS men of his era, it should tell you all you need to know about the validity of his voice.
James Deegan write with masterful authority and unsurpassed experience as he transports the reader deep into the murky troubles of Northern Ireland – and then brings them back up to date with a dramatic bang.
If you love Jack Reacher, you will love John Carr. Waiting with bated breath for the next "Carr" novel, which is on my kindle ready !!
Five stars as an gritty , brutal, fast paced, realistic thriller.
October 22, 2022
If you know you’re under threat, you don’t set patterns. You keep knowledge of your movements to a minimum, you buy your coffee at a different place every morning, and you don’t schedule appointments a week ahead.
Once A Pilgrim opens in Baghdad where a SAS unit homes in on a known Sunni jihadist to prevent an attack on civilians in the Shia district. For 3 of the team it will be their last deployment: a young soldier killed, “Geordie” Skelton wounded in the leg, and for John Carr, with an ex-wife and his younger child a teenager, time to call it quits.
For a while the story switches between the present day - John Carr now a security advisor to Russian oligarch, Konstantin Avilov, on his routine trips to London - and back to Northern Ireland, December 1989, when a young John Carr and Mick Parry of 3 Para, working with the (then) Royal Ulster Constabulary, are manning a VCP (vehicle check point) in the Falls Road area of Belfast. A sectarian killing of the son of a prominent UDF (Ulster Defence Force) figure, by Gerard, youngest son in the staunch PIRA Casey family, ends with him and brother Sean and wheelman Ciaran O’Brien killed by the Paras, leaving eldest son Patrick Casey seeking names and answers.
Moving forward to the present day, Det Superintendent Kevin Murphy of the (now) PSNI – Police Service Northern Ireland, is approaching retirement and working on cold cases from the “Troubles” when a witness comes forward to the death of Gerard Casey. Carr and Parry are identified to a select group of senior men, with the DD of Public Prosecution determining that the deaths were justified in the circumstances. But in a land where feuds still simmer beneath the surface, their names are supplied to Patrick Casey, now a Member of the Legislative Assembly, who wants those responsible tracked down and eliminated, along with any witness to the original event.
Though fictional, this fast-paced action thriller sets Carr against the men sworn to kill him and his family, his own body count swiftly outstripping his opponents, with unexpected help from Avilov’s right-hand man, Oleg Kovalev, former KGB/FIS.
For a debut novel, this one is well-written and introduces characters in the sequel (The Angry Sea) which I read earlier this year, and liked better. With Carr cautioning about not setting patterns, it was interesting to note the die-hard habits of the characters, in particular the volumes of alcohol regularly consumed – the most since I read “Last Drinks” by Australian author, Andrew McGahan – with Carr no stranger to a bender, nor attractive young women.
Author James Deegan (not his real name), served with the SAS for many years, and the titles of both books are taken from the inscription on the clock tower at Sterling Lines, Hereford, along with the names of the fallen. Well recommended.
Once A Pilgrim opens in Baghdad where a SAS unit homes in on a known Sunni jihadist to prevent an attack on civilians in the Shia district. For 3 of the team it will be their last deployment: a young soldier killed, “Geordie” Skelton wounded in the leg, and for John Carr, with an ex-wife and his younger child a teenager, time to call it quits.
For a while the story switches between the present day - John Carr now a security advisor to Russian oligarch, Konstantin Avilov, on his routine trips to London - and back to Northern Ireland, December 1989, when a young John Carr and Mick Parry of 3 Para, working with the (then) Royal Ulster Constabulary, are manning a VCP (vehicle check point) in the Falls Road area of Belfast. A sectarian killing of the son of a prominent UDF (Ulster Defence Force) figure, by Gerard, youngest son in the staunch PIRA Casey family, ends with him and brother Sean and wheelman Ciaran O’Brien killed by the Paras, leaving eldest son Patrick Casey seeking names and answers.
Moving forward to the present day, Det Superintendent Kevin Murphy of the (now) PSNI – Police Service Northern Ireland, is approaching retirement and working on cold cases from the “Troubles” when a witness comes forward to the death of Gerard Casey. Carr and Parry are identified to a select group of senior men, with the DD of Public Prosecution determining that the deaths were justified in the circumstances. But in a land where feuds still simmer beneath the surface, their names are supplied to Patrick Casey, now a Member of the Legislative Assembly, who wants those responsible tracked down and eliminated, along with any witness to the original event.
Though fictional, this fast-paced action thriller sets Carr against the men sworn to kill him and his family, his own body count swiftly outstripping his opponents, with unexpected help from Avilov’s right-hand man, Oleg Kovalev, former KGB/FIS.
For a debut novel, this one is well-written and introduces characters in the sequel (The Angry Sea) which I read earlier this year, and liked better. With Carr cautioning about not setting patterns, it was interesting to note the die-hard habits of the characters, in particular the volumes of alcohol regularly consumed – the most since I read “Last Drinks” by Australian author, Andrew McGahan – with Carr no stranger to a bender, nor attractive young women.
Author James Deegan (not his real name), served with the SAS for many years, and the titles of both books are taken from the inscription on the clock tower at Sterling Lines, Hereford, along with the names of the fallen. Well recommended.
February 21, 2019
Given the current shitshow of Tory Brexit, and the possibility of a hard border with Northern Ireland again, this book cuts just too close to the bone for me right now.
The prose is very gung-ho and over-macho. Perhaps there's promise here, but not for me at this time.
The prose is very gung-ho and over-macho. Perhaps there's promise here, but not for me at this time.
November 26, 2017
Absolutely LOVED this book, if you love Jack Reacher, you will love John Carr, once my Lovereading review is live, I will add it. January 2018
November 20, 2017
James Deegan MC writes with masterful authority and unsurpassed experience.
Uncertain times require certain people, and ex-SAS operator John Carr fits that bill. A tough, enigmatic, man from the shadows, he is brought to life in this fast-paced, easy reading thriller, and is bound to end up on screen.
The character detail is credible but not clinical, and ONCE A PILGRIM will undoubtedly introduce James Deegan and John Carr as forces to be reckoned with.
Uncertain times require certain people, and ex-SAS operator John Carr fits that bill. A tough, enigmatic, man from the shadows, he is brought to life in this fast-paced, easy reading thriller, and is bound to end up on screen.
The character detail is credible but not clinical, and ONCE A PILGRIM will undoubtedly introduce James Deegan and John Carr as forces to be reckoned with.
Read
November 30, 2017‘Once a Pilgrim’ is simply the greatest book to emerge about post conflict Northern Ireland and arguably the finest piece of military/crime fiction - full stop.
Whilst many talk the talk you are left in no doubt that Deegan has walked the walk, for such is the quality of writing you almost will John Carr - the main character - to catch his breath so that you can rest with him. The book is all immersing to the extent that it really is un-put-a-downable and whilst you long for the end in order to see what happens you fear what will fill the void when it does.
This book like no other, lays bare the murky world of post ceasefire Northern Ireland and given that the author served there extensively, it leaves you questioning where the truth ends and fiction begins. That blurred boundary strays into the tactics and capabilities of both the police, military and enemy alike.
The book like the author, pulls no punches and whilst its pace is frenetic, it is not to the detriment of the story, detail nor emotion as so often is the case; indeed it is perhaps its greatest quality. For, it drags you along and gives us, the outsider, a glimpse into what it is really like to be at the tip of the spear as it hurtles towards its target.
Put simply, miss this book at your peril, for it undoubtably raises and indeed sets the bar for books within the military / crime genre and leaves you craving more. 'Once a Pilgrim' is the real deal and a five star read.
Whilst many talk the talk you are left in no doubt that Deegan has walked the walk, for such is the quality of writing you almost will John Carr - the main character - to catch his breath so that you can rest with him. The book is all immersing to the extent that it really is un-put-a-downable and whilst you long for the end in order to see what happens you fear what will fill the void when it does.
This book like no other, lays bare the murky world of post ceasefire Northern Ireland and given that the author served there extensively, it leaves you questioning where the truth ends and fiction begins. That blurred boundary strays into the tactics and capabilities of both the police, military and enemy alike.
The book like the author, pulls no punches and whilst its pace is frenetic, it is not to the detriment of the story, detail nor emotion as so often is the case; indeed it is perhaps its greatest quality. For, it drags you along and gives us, the outsider, a glimpse into what it is really like to be at the tip of the spear as it hurtles towards its target.
Put simply, miss this book at your peril, for it undoubtably raises and indeed sets the bar for books within the military / crime genre and leaves you craving more. 'Once a Pilgrim' is the real deal and a five star read.
January 31, 2018
A gripping read from start to finish - so much so that I ended up missing my carefully-timed train to Heathrow. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author's own experience shows clearly and the book is all the more convincing for that. So often there are little irritants in books of this genre. Not here.
I am hoping that 'Once a Pilgrim' is just the first of several books. Very impressive writing, especially when one understands that it is his debut novel.
I am hoping that 'Once a Pilgrim' is just the first of several books. Very impressive writing, especially when one understands that it is his debut novel.
July 15, 2018
A new writer on the block, with the same credentials as McNab and Ryan but so much better than their recent attempts.
John Carr is ex-SAS and one of their best, his enjoyment of the private sector comes to a halt when the past catches up with him. The IRA discover 20 year old information and decide to settle an old debt, not realising how dangerous the man they are after still is. And Carr decides to take the fight to his old battlefield of Belfast. It’s violent, pulls no punches and has an authentic feel given by the experiences of the author. And nice to have some Russians playing an interesting role too!
Could do without every female wanting to have sex with Carr and I hope this is toned down in the next one. But I am very looking forward to that next one.
John Carr is ex-SAS and one of their best, his enjoyment of the private sector comes to a halt when the past catches up with him. The IRA discover 20 year old information and decide to settle an old debt, not realising how dangerous the man they are after still is. And Carr decides to take the fight to his old battlefield of Belfast. It’s violent, pulls no punches and has an authentic feel given by the experiences of the author. And nice to have some Russians playing an interesting role too!
Could do without every female wanting to have sex with Carr and I hope this is toned down in the next one. But I am very looking forward to that next one.
April 9, 2018
The only thing that bothered me about this book was that Carr wasn't strong enough to stand up for what he believed in near the beginning of the book and I could never quite shake that cowardice for such a "hard" man. But other than that part the rest of the book was exactly as I'd have expected it to go.
Pretty sure i remember this book from McNab but with different characters.
Not a book you'll be throwing quotes from to try and top your mate that likes to quote Shakespeare but definitely something you'll want for a flight or whatever.
Pretty sure i remember this book from McNab but with different characters.
Not a book you'll be throwing quotes from to try and top your mate that likes to quote Shakespeare but definitely something you'll want for a flight or whatever.
April 21, 2020
The title nearly put me off this excellent book but the gritty and very detailed narrative of the punishment killings and torture of the troubles kept me hooked; but not in macarbre way, rather in utter disbelief that this actually went on so recently in our history. In fact, that this went on at all. The brutality and violence is conveyed so well and the question raised in my mind, that these troubles are far from over as even now, vengeance is still being sought and will be for generations to come. A really well written book.
September 3, 2024
Excellent fast-paced modern thriller, choc full of action and tension. We are in a certain Mr Reacher territory here, as odious and violent villains get their comeuppance and are dispatched, to darken the streets and bother the innocent no more. With a likeable hero, believable plot and characters, and brisk pacing, I was hoping that there would be another story to follow this one, and was most pleased to find that there is. I shall be reading it.
September 17, 2020
What a find this was. An engaging fast paced thriller much akin to the best Jack Reacher books I've listened to.
Set in the fascinating and quite scary backdrop of the Ireland troubles it really makes you think about what it must of have been like living through that period.
I'll definitely be returning to the series.
Set in the fascinating and quite scary backdrop of the Ireland troubles it really makes you think about what it must of have been like living through that period.
I'll definitely be returning to the series.
July 4, 2023
The fact that James Deegan is the real thing when it comes to the SAS greatly helps this military thriller about an ex-SAS man being hunted by PIRA members who still hold a grudge for his actions back when they were all young. His descriptions of tactics, combat, weapons, firefights, strategy, and close fighting have a realism born of familiarity. There's not much depth in character development but it's not that kind of novel. In the action and thrills it definitely delivers. - BH.
June 19, 2018
5 big stars! Brutal and full of grit, Man on Fire meets Skyfall.
Gripping throughout, with a great lead character!
Gripping throughout, with a great lead character!
August 10, 2018
Gripping
An excellent read, well written. Storyline was there from the start and I found it flowed well. Looking forward to the next one.
An excellent read, well written. Storyline was there from the start and I found it flowed well. Looking forward to the next one.
November 30, 2017
‘Once a Pilgrim’ is simply the greatest book to emerge about post conflict Northern Ireland and arguably the finest piece of military/crime fiction - full stop.
Whilst many talk the talk you are left in no doubt that Deegan has walked the walk, for such is the quality of writing you almost will John Carr - the main character - to catch his breath so that you can rest with him. The book is all immersing to the extent that it really is un-put-a-downable and whilst you long for the end in order to see what happens you fear what will fill the void when it does.
This book like no other, lays bare the murky world of post ceasefire Northern Ireland and given that the author served there extensively, it leaves you questioning where the truth ends and fiction begins. That blurred boundary strays into the tactics and capabilities of both the police, military and enemy alike.
The book like the author, pulls no punches and whilst its pace is frenetic, it is not to the detriment of the story, detail nor emotion as so often is the case; indeed it is perhaps its greatest quality. For, it drags you along and gives us, the outsider, a glimpse into what it is really like to be at the tip of the spear as it hurtles towards its target.
Put simply, miss this book at your peril, for it undoubtably raises and indeed sets the bar for books within the military / crime genre and leaves you craving more. 'Once a Pilgrim' is the real deal and a five star read.
Whilst many talk the talk you are left in no doubt that Deegan has walked the walk, for such is the quality of writing you almost will John Carr - the main character - to catch his breath so that you can rest with him. The book is all immersing to the extent that it really is un-put-a-downable and whilst you long for the end in order to see what happens you fear what will fill the void when it does.
This book like no other, lays bare the murky world of post ceasefire Northern Ireland and given that the author served there extensively, it leaves you questioning where the truth ends and fiction begins. That blurred boundary strays into the tactics and capabilities of both the police, military and enemy alike.
The book like the author, pulls no punches and whilst its pace is frenetic, it is not to the detriment of the story, detail nor emotion as so often is the case; indeed it is perhaps its greatest quality. For, it drags you along and gives us, the outsider, a glimpse into what it is really like to be at the tip of the spear as it hurtles towards its target.
Put simply, miss this book at your peril, for it undoubtably raises and indeed sets the bar for books within the military / crime genre and leaves you craving more. 'Once a Pilgrim' is the real deal and a five star read.
July 1, 2019
Foul language on every page
I was recommended this book based on having read all of the David Baldacci books, according to Goodreads. Where Baldacci grips you and pulls you into the story without resorting to bad language, James Deegan seems to take the opposite approach, preferring a plethora of foul language, sprinkled with one too many acronyms that weren’t explained. I managed 4 chapters (out of more than 100) before being unable to read further.
I was recommended this book based on having read all of the David Baldacci books, according to Goodreads. Where Baldacci grips you and pulls you into the story without resorting to bad language, James Deegan seems to take the opposite approach, preferring a plethora of foul language, sprinkled with one too many acronyms that weren’t explained. I managed 4 chapters (out of more than 100) before being unable to read further.
December 11, 2019
This book when from a high fast pace to medium to fast. Once you got the hang of the language used and the slang...well, it took a while but it all worked out in due course. Lots of foul language used All in all, I would have liked to give it a four star but it took me so long to understand different slang..but I ended up enjoying it (less all the excess profanity)
July 26, 2019
Mince. Propaganda for simpletons.
Black and white childish tosh, playing to lazy stereotypes. If you enjoy this stuff, don’t forget to order crayons too so you can keep up with your colouring-in.
Black and white childish tosh, playing to lazy stereotypes. If you enjoy this stuff, don’t forget to order crayons too so you can keep up with your colouring-in.
November 22, 2019
Sorry not for me
Part one ok but part two put me off by all the bad language which whilst realistic did not move the plot forward.
Spoilt what could have been a good read.
Did not read more than a few pages in part two and gave up.
Part one ok but part two put me off by all the bad language which whilst realistic did not move the plot forward.
Spoilt what could have been a good read.
Did not read more than a few pages in part two and gave up.
June 4, 2020
As an avid reader of military-related books, both fact and fiction, and having read the initial and very positive book reviews on social media, I decided to jump in and buy my own hard copy version of the book.
The book’s author James Deegan spent five years in the Parachute Regiment and seventeen years in the SAS. He completed multiple tours of duty during his service and was twice decorated for gallantry.
John Carr, the main character in Once a Pilgrim, is credible, human, authentic and I get a strong sense that he is somewhat of a composite of characters that the author will have undoubtedly encountered in his lengthy military career. With no James Bond-esque gadgets to save the day, John Carr relies on his highly tuned instincts, his high-level of skills and years of previous combat experience to stay alive and complete his mission.
The plot very effectively connects the reader from the present day, to an incident that happened a few decades earlier during the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland. Without giving away any ‘spoilers’, anyone who lived through those times, or is knowledgeable about them, will readily identify with life in the UK as it was back then.
Overall, the storyline has been extremely well thought through and researched - it’s almost like the author lived through part of it! It's hard to believe that this book is James Deegan's first novel. He writes with an easy authority and style that is typically attributed to the more experienced author.
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. Short powerful sentences. Terrific descriptors with a minimum of military jargon. A mix of short and longer chapters. All of which kept the story moving at a very fast pace, making it a genuine 'page turner'. Each time I picked up the book to read it, I found myself reading more than I originally intended, just because I wanted to know what happened next.
Finally, I've read over fifty books by authors in this genre such as, Lee Child, Chris Ryan, Andy McNab and several others. In my opinion, Once A Pilgrim deserves equal shelf space on the bookcase alongside these fine and established writers.
The book’s author James Deegan spent five years in the Parachute Regiment and seventeen years in the SAS. He completed multiple tours of duty during his service and was twice decorated for gallantry.
John Carr, the main character in Once a Pilgrim, is credible, human, authentic and I get a strong sense that he is somewhat of a composite of characters that the author will have undoubtedly encountered in his lengthy military career. With no James Bond-esque gadgets to save the day, John Carr relies on his highly tuned instincts, his high-level of skills and years of previous combat experience to stay alive and complete his mission.
The plot very effectively connects the reader from the present day, to an incident that happened a few decades earlier during the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland. Without giving away any ‘spoilers’, anyone who lived through those times, or is knowledgeable about them, will readily identify with life in the UK as it was back then.
Overall, the storyline has been extremely well thought through and researched - it’s almost like the author lived through part of it! It's hard to believe that this book is James Deegan's first novel. He writes with an easy authority and style that is typically attributed to the more experienced author.
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. Short powerful sentences. Terrific descriptors with a minimum of military jargon. A mix of short and longer chapters. All of which kept the story moving at a very fast pace, making it a genuine 'page turner'. Each time I picked up the book to read it, I found myself reading more than I originally intended, just because I wanted to know what happened next.
Finally, I've read over fifty books by authors in this genre such as, Lee Child, Chris Ryan, Andy McNab and several others. In my opinion, Once A Pilgrim deserves equal shelf space on the bookcase alongside these fine and established writers.
September 19, 2018
Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts
From the excellent opening scenes in the Middle East and Northern Island this story and its hero John Carr take a hold of you. Deegan of course has the weight of experience on his side as one of our most experienced special forces operatives. This doesn't always translate perfectly into the ability to write about it in an engaging manner but right from the off he nails it. The representation of Belfast and its denizens has a brilliant swirl of atmosphere about it that i have rarely seen done so well. Deegan's writinng made me feel like it was me and not John Carr walking down the Falls Road alone late at night!
Carr himself is a great lead and I will definitely be following this series for a long time if this is going to be the standard. Now Scotland gets its very own Jack Reacher antihero though there is definitely a touch more grit and realism to this one. If I was to be picky I would say that while his lead is great Deegan isn't shy of using a cliche character or two , Russians and women on the periphery of the story seemed to suffer the most in this one not least from Carr himself. Carr is a soldier who has been through the worst of experiences and his attitudes do reflect that in some ways though he also shows some good old-fashioned antihero nobility at times. It's that mix that makes us love these characters so much.
The narration is extremely well suited to John Carr himself and there is a good range of voices and accents even if one or two of the Irish women do sound more butch than Carr himself! That's a very minor quibble though as Joshua Manning does a fine job behind the microphone particularly with Carr and some of the IRA nasties.
In all this one of those prize audiobooks where author, narrator and of course the lead man all come together to create something that's definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
From the excellent opening scenes in the Middle East and Northern Island this story and its hero John Carr take a hold of you. Deegan of course has the weight of experience on his side as one of our most experienced special forces operatives. This doesn't always translate perfectly into the ability to write about it in an engaging manner but right from the off he nails it. The representation of Belfast and its denizens has a brilliant swirl of atmosphere about it that i have rarely seen done so well. Deegan's writinng made me feel like it was me and not John Carr walking down the Falls Road alone late at night!
Carr himself is a great lead and I will definitely be following this series for a long time if this is going to be the standard. Now Scotland gets its very own Jack Reacher antihero though there is definitely a touch more grit and realism to this one. If I was to be picky I would say that while his lead is great Deegan isn't shy of using a cliche character or two , Russians and women on the periphery of the story seemed to suffer the most in this one not least from Carr himself. Carr is a soldier who has been through the worst of experiences and his attitudes do reflect that in some ways though he also shows some good old-fashioned antihero nobility at times. It's that mix that makes us love these characters so much.
The narration is extremely well suited to John Carr himself and there is a good range of voices and accents even if one or two of the Irish women do sound more butch than Carr himself! That's a very minor quibble though as Joshua Manning does a fine job behind the microphone particularly with Carr and some of the IRA nasties.
In all this one of those prize audiobooks where author, narrator and of course the lead man all come together to create something that's definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
April 11, 2020
Attention 10 STAR POSITIVE Review, Don’t Pass on this Book.
Reason giving why seems a negative review is that, for those with Amazon Prime, this book is currently readable for nothing...
The issue is, the first chapter, genre usual fodder, Including lots of strong tea and a few thrown in “Fair one” expressions.
So with so much choice, would be very very easy to think “Mmmm, maybe all these great review are wrong” and move on quickly having just given it quick chapter read though.
I’m sure this is familiar to many avid reader whom are spoilt for choice.
HOWEVER, moving on would be a mistake and miss out on a brilliant book.
The plotting, is clever and intelligent. The pacing is just right.
The morality, is thought provoking enough, to cause arguments which ever way you look at it.
The main character is someone set out as intelligent, thoughtful and incredibly able.
In places it’s utterly shocking.
It, like all great books doesn’t let it’s self down with a poor ending.
And lays the ground work for what I’m sure will be an excellent series.
So TEN Star Positive
Hope the author is getting something for me reading it.
I feel bad I didn’t pay, it’s that good.
Absolute must read if you like this kind of book.
Reason giving why seems a negative review is that, for those with Amazon Prime, this book is currently readable for nothing...
The issue is, the first chapter, genre usual fodder, Including lots of strong tea and a few thrown in “Fair one” expressions.
So with so much choice, would be very very easy to think “Mmmm, maybe all these great review are wrong” and move on quickly having just given it quick chapter read though.
I’m sure this is familiar to many avid reader whom are spoilt for choice.
HOWEVER, moving on would be a mistake and miss out on a brilliant book.
The plotting, is clever and intelligent. The pacing is just right.
The morality, is thought provoking enough, to cause arguments which ever way you look at it.
The main character is someone set out as intelligent, thoughtful and incredibly able.
In places it’s utterly shocking.
It, like all great books doesn’t let it’s self down with a poor ending.
And lays the ground work for what I’m sure will be an excellent series.
So TEN Star Positive
Hope the author is getting something for me reading it.
I feel bad I didn’t pay, it’s that good.
Absolute must read if you like this kind of book.
April 17, 2018
I bought this novel for some light holiday reading and that's exactly what I got. Set in the modern day it stars John Carr as an ex SAS soldier who's family becomes endangered because of actions he took 20 years ago in Northern Ireland. The author himself is an ex SAS soldier and brings an interesting insight to the mindset of these exceptional soldiers and the work they did in Northern Ireland during ' the troubles'. Deegan writes with authority about the place and the mood and mindset of the time and I enjoyed this. Having said that much of the characterisation is very cliched. The protagonist is a little thinly drawn at times and literally every interaction he has with a female involved her sleeping with him or wanting to sleep with him (yawn). The bad guys are exactly that, bad guys and I would have appreciated more nuance and balance in the characterisation. The story pokes along reasonably well although the sub plot with the Russians seems a little forced and I'm sure those charters will be more prominent in future books. overall I enjoyed it but I'd like to see John's character fleshed out a little more if it is to hold my attention for multiple books.
July 15, 2020
I think 3 stars can sometimes be a bit of a sit-on-the-wall/wishy-washy rating to give but here are the reasons why:-
1) Sorry to be absolutely sexist but, for me, it feels like a bloke's read. Now I know for the purposes of political correctness this is an absolute no-no but it was just so 'blokey'! Ex-SAS bloke (all male colleagues I believe) having served most recently in Iraq but in Northern Ireland years before... Now working security for a Russian millionaire (who likes to come to England for business and to meet up with expensive call-girls, etc).
2) The acronyms and initialisms were many and frequent (mainly around the IRA - Irish Republican Army - and all that went on in Northern Ireland so many years ago). I didn't understand many of these and although it didn't spoilt the read, it would have been very handy to have had a glossary.
3) Knowing there is a second book in the series, slightly detracted from what might have been a more edge-of-your-seat read!
That said, it was a decent enough, hence 3 stars.
1) Sorry to be absolutely sexist but, for me, it feels like a bloke's read. Now I know for the purposes of political correctness this is an absolute no-no but it was just so 'blokey'! Ex-SAS bloke (all male colleagues I believe) having served most recently in Iraq but in Northern Ireland years before... Now working security for a Russian millionaire (who likes to come to England for business and to meet up with expensive call-girls, etc).
2) The acronyms and initialisms were many and frequent (mainly around the IRA - Irish Republican Army - and all that went on in Northern Ireland so many years ago). I didn't understand many of these and although it didn't spoilt the read, it would have been very handy to have had a glossary.
3) Knowing there is a second book in the series, slightly detracted from what might have been a more edge-of-your-seat read!
That said, it was a decent enough, hence 3 stars.
January 19, 2018
Wow! What a clever, intriguing and gripping thriller.
Once A Pilgrim will probably sit on the shelves next to the Jack Reacher novels, but this is so much better; more intelligent, grittier and more three dimensional.
You can tell that the author is a former SAS man as the military details seem so authentic. James Deegan's biog states that he started out in the Paras and then spent 17 years in the special forces, rising to the rank of regimental sergeant major. Now he can add accomplished author to his list of achievements.
Once A Pilgrim took me on a journey at break neck speed, raised a wry smile here and there and even pulled on my heart strings as ex-SAS soldier John Carr hunted down some very nasty baddies intent on killing him. Unlike many modern thrillers, I did not guess how the book would end.
John Carr is a great new character and I look forward to reading his next adventure.
Once A Pilgrim will probably sit on the shelves next to the Jack Reacher novels, but this is so much better; more intelligent, grittier and more three dimensional.
You can tell that the author is a former SAS man as the military details seem so authentic. James Deegan's biog states that he started out in the Paras and then spent 17 years in the special forces, rising to the rank of regimental sergeant major. Now he can add accomplished author to his list of achievements.
Once A Pilgrim took me on a journey at break neck speed, raised a wry smile here and there and even pulled on my heart strings as ex-SAS soldier John Carr hunted down some very nasty baddies intent on killing him. Unlike many modern thrillers, I did not guess how the book would end.
John Carr is a great new character and I look forward to reading his next adventure.
August 23, 2018
Not a bad book - ex tough soldier is drawn away from his Oligarch body guarding world and drawn back into the Belfast of his early service years as old ghosts rise.
It is decently written, the research and depth of what living as a soldier or paramilitary in Northern Ireland seems very realistic and in depth and the people are in the main not nice in any way and feel dangerous - even as they age. Their motivations are often just petty enough to be believable and the action is well done.
It is not up there in the Stephen Leather or Lee Childs class of similar books, primarily for me as the lead man is a bit of a dick - he is a bit misogynistic and difficult - which may well be realistic but sometimes doesn't work for me.
It is decently written, the research and depth of what living as a soldier or paramilitary in Northern Ireland seems very realistic and in depth and the people are in the main not nice in any way and feel dangerous - even as they age. Their motivations are often just petty enough to be believable and the action is well done.
It is not up there in the Stephen Leather or Lee Childs class of similar books, primarily for me as the lead man is a bit of a dick - he is a bit misogynistic and difficult - which may well be realistic but sometimes doesn't work for me.
January 14, 2019
SAS man, John Carr, is on duty in Belfast during the Troubles. He and a comrade shoot dead three PIRA terrorists. Two decades or so later, Carr is working in private security for a Russian oligarch when his name is leaked to the brother of one of the men he killed, a man who is now a respectable politician but who still has very strong Republican links. The brother orders two hits, one on Carr and the other on the colleague who was with him that night in Belfast. To cut a long and thoroughly gripping story short, Carr takes the fight to Northern Ireland and takes on a number of senior PIRA players.
Exciting, violent, and compelling - this was a great read, and John Carr might shape up to be our (the UK's) own Jack Reacher.
Exciting, violent, and compelling - this was a great read, and John Carr might shape up to be our (the UK's) own Jack Reacher.
July 9, 2022
Once a Pilgrim.
Now that was one hell of a story, riveting in fact from page one until the end. I want to congratulate the writer on this his first book. Excellent writing and superb story line. It won’t appeal to the Woke generation of today who will be appalled at his descriptions of what went on back in the day of the “Troubles” and what continues to go on in what on the surface is a peace but men of my age cannot forget those terrible days. Todays generation have no idea what went on. All that aside I was totally absorbed by this book, quite one of the best I have read this year and I have read a lot. Loved it. Can’t wait to read the next of James Deegan’s hero John Carr. (By the way, this book would make a fantastic film, but “they” wouldn’t allow that would they!
Now that was one hell of a story, riveting in fact from page one until the end. I want to congratulate the writer on this his first book. Excellent writing and superb story line. It won’t appeal to the Woke generation of today who will be appalled at his descriptions of what went on back in the day of the “Troubles” and what continues to go on in what on the surface is a peace but men of my age cannot forget those terrible days. Todays generation have no idea what went on. All that aside I was totally absorbed by this book, quite one of the best I have read this year and I have read a lot. Loved it. Can’t wait to read the next of James Deegan’s hero John Carr. (By the way, this book would make a fantastic film, but “they” wouldn’t allow that would they!
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