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Drug Gang #3
Drug Gang Takedown
“I definitely want to continue reading this series because it’s so different.” Briar’s Reviews
“This author is amazing at capturing the essence of big time gang life.” Goodreads
Drug Gang Takedown is the utterly heart-stopping & unputdownable crime thriller.
ALL BAD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END…
THIS TIME IT’S WAR!
John Kennedy, the former drug dealer turned gangland vigilante from Belfast - Northern Ireland, returns to Sydney to collect the money he is owed, to start a new life. Despite his best efforts to leave the drug world in the past, he quickly finds himself caught in the middle of the biggest drug war in Australian history…
The highly anticipated conclusion to the bestselling Drug Gang series sweeps us along at breakneck speed on a rollercoaster ride through the organized crime underworld of Sydney - Australia in the early 2000s and contains vengeful murder, vigilante justice and killer twists. This is an absolute must-read for crime fiction enthusiasts.
LOVE JOHN WICK? MEET JOHN KENNEDY!
“The Drug Gang series is clearly habit-forming for crime readers with strong stomachs and an appetite for hard-boiled, fast-paced violent fantasy.” The Irish News
An extraordinary thriller that fans of JAMES PATTERSON, LEE CHILD or MARTINA COLE won’t be able to put down.
“This author is amazing at capturing the essence of big time gang life.” Goodreads
Drug Gang Takedown is the utterly heart-stopping & unputdownable crime thriller.
ALL BAD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END…
THIS TIME IT’S WAR!
John Kennedy, the former drug dealer turned gangland vigilante from Belfast - Northern Ireland, returns to Sydney to collect the money he is owed, to start a new life. Despite his best efforts to leave the drug world in the past, he quickly finds himself caught in the middle of the biggest drug war in Australian history…
The highly anticipated conclusion to the bestselling Drug Gang series sweeps us along at breakneck speed on a rollercoaster ride through the organized crime underworld of Sydney - Australia in the early 2000s and contains vengeful murder, vigilante justice and killer twists. This is an absolute must-read for crime fiction enthusiasts.
LOVE JOHN WICK? MEET JOHN KENNEDY!
“The Drug Gang series is clearly habit-forming for crime readers with strong stomachs and an appetite for hard-boiled, fast-paced violent fantasy.” The Irish News
An extraordinary thriller that fans of JAMES PATTERSON, LEE CHILD or MARTINA COLE won’t be able to put down.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2019
80 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Neil Walker
33 books220 followersMurder, mayhem and a few drugs…
MAL ROGERS speaks to Neil Walker whose controversial bestsellers are set in the drug-dealing underworld of Manchester, Sydney and Belfast in the early 2000s.
NEIL WALKER’S third novel, part three of the series, Drug Gang Takedown: Drug Gang Part III, was published at the end of January, and is already in the bestsellers’ list. The story of the trilogy, firmly in the hard crime fiction genre, is set in Manchester, Belfast and Sydney. The chief protagonist in the series is Belfast-born, morally malleable anti-hero John Kennedy who gets sucked into the murky underworld of the English city’s lucrative drug scene. From there it’s an edge-of-seat roller coaster ride through the dark domain of organised crime in three countries, played out over three novels.
Belfast-born Neil Walker is aware that the books are probably not to everyone’s taste, in that they deal with drugs and violence. It would also be fair to say with as high a body count as an average Game of Thrones wedding.
“I like to think of the books, the characters and the setting as Breaking Bad meets John Wick,” says Neil.
In case you’re unaware of the plot of these two thrillers: Breaking Bad focuses on a chemistry teacher who puts his science knowledge to a nefarious purpose with less than hilarious results; John Wick is a neo-noir action film. But productions contain many scenes of ultra-violence.
“So yeah, my books are a wee bit violent - and probably not for the faint-hearted. The books are set in Manchester, Belfast and Sydney - places where I’ve spent a lot of time, and spent a lot of time in the club scene. So I felt I could write with some realism. Going back to those days, back around the year 2000, it was easy to see criminality going on because drug use was rampant. So I felt I could write realistically about the whole thing.
The club scene in Belfast was a second home to me for a number of years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I also got to be part of the club scene in Manchester at that time, as I had a number of friends living in the city in areas such as Rusholme and Moss Side and would go over and stay with them for long periods of time and do a lot of clubbing. They very much knew the ropes of that scene in Manchester and those experiences were useful in writing the novels. Even just living in the areas where my mates lived fed into the knowledge pool for the books, as some of the Manchester action takes place in and around houses in the likes of Moss Side and Rusholme, as well as nightclubs, avenues and alleyways.
In the middle of that time, I travelled around the world and lived in Australia for a year. While Down Under, I made a point of experiencing and understanding the club scene there and ended up being friends with a number of locals who certainly knew the score. One of them was actually involved with the biggest motorcycle gang in Australia, so there were absolutely no flies on him and he was happy to bring me up to speed. No doubt he is living that Sons of Anarchy life now…if he is still alive.”
Neil’s writing heroes include Don Winslow, Martina Cole and Stieg Larsson. He reckons he also enjoys some more formulaic novelists (although doesn’t name names). But his style is different from these fellow masters of the genre, fashioned out of a set of unique circumstances.
In all, it makes Neil Walker’s books vivid and highly readable. With a background in Belfast, a life that has seen club life in England and Australia at close quarters, and a spot of work-discipline courtesy of the Department of Benefits and Pensions, Neil seems well-placed to continue his success in the crime thriller field.
From The Irish Post.
MAL ROGERS speaks to Neil Walker whose controversial bestsellers are set in the drug-dealing underworld of Manchester, Sydney and Belfast in the early 2000s.
NEIL WALKER’S third novel, part three of the series, Drug Gang Takedown: Drug Gang Part III, was published at the end of January, and is already in the bestsellers’ list. The story of the trilogy, firmly in the hard crime fiction genre, is set in Manchester, Belfast and Sydney. The chief protagonist in the series is Belfast-born, morally malleable anti-hero John Kennedy who gets sucked into the murky underworld of the English city’s lucrative drug scene. From there it’s an edge-of-seat roller coaster ride through the dark domain of organised crime in three countries, played out over three novels.
Belfast-born Neil Walker is aware that the books are probably not to everyone’s taste, in that they deal with drugs and violence. It would also be fair to say with as high a body count as an average Game of Thrones wedding.
“I like to think of the books, the characters and the setting as Breaking Bad meets John Wick,” says Neil.
In case you’re unaware of the plot of these two thrillers: Breaking Bad focuses on a chemistry teacher who puts his science knowledge to a nefarious purpose with less than hilarious results; John Wick is a neo-noir action film. But productions contain many scenes of ultra-violence.
“So yeah, my books are a wee bit violent - and probably not for the faint-hearted. The books are set in Manchester, Belfast and Sydney - places where I’ve spent a lot of time, and spent a lot of time in the club scene. So I felt I could write with some realism. Going back to those days, back around the year 2000, it was easy to see criminality going on because drug use was rampant. So I felt I could write realistically about the whole thing.
The club scene in Belfast was a second home to me for a number of years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I also got to be part of the club scene in Manchester at that time, as I had a number of friends living in the city in areas such as Rusholme and Moss Side and would go over and stay with them for long periods of time and do a lot of clubbing. They very much knew the ropes of that scene in Manchester and those experiences were useful in writing the novels. Even just living in the areas where my mates lived fed into the knowledge pool for the books, as some of the Manchester action takes place in and around houses in the likes of Moss Side and Rusholme, as well as nightclubs, avenues and alleyways.
In the middle of that time, I travelled around the world and lived in Australia for a year. While Down Under, I made a point of experiencing and understanding the club scene there and ended up being friends with a number of locals who certainly knew the score. One of them was actually involved with the biggest motorcycle gang in Australia, so there were absolutely no flies on him and he was happy to bring me up to speed. No doubt he is living that Sons of Anarchy life now…if he is still alive.”
Neil’s writing heroes include Don Winslow, Martina Cole and Stieg Larsson. He reckons he also enjoys some more formulaic novelists (although doesn’t name names). But his style is different from these fellow masters of the genre, fashioned out of a set of unique circumstances.
In all, it makes Neil Walker’s books vivid and highly readable. With a background in Belfast, a life that has seen club life in England and Australia at close quarters, and a spot of work-discipline courtesy of the Department of Benefits and Pensions, Neil seems well-placed to continue his success in the crime thriller field.
From The Irish Post.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 14, 2019
As I am the author of Drug Gang Takedown, this review will be made up of snippets from some of my favourite 5 star reviews the book has received on Amazon. I really appreciate it when readers take the time to review my work and I hope you will enjoy reading these excerpts from their reviews as much as I have.
“Australian ‘no rules’ action!!!
If you liked the first two novels then you will love this, the series finale. This third book sees more twists and turns and trademark explosive action, telling the story of John Kennedy trying to escape gang culture for good but finding himself dragged back in for a final showdown.”
“Another great read.
After reading the first two books I just HAD to get the final book to see how it all ended. And it didn’t disappoint. We follow John as he is dragged back into the dangerous and violent world of the drug gangs in a final bid to escape that world for good. A few surprise twists and turns keep you hooked.”
“Rollercoaster ride of twists and mayhem.
Loved the hard-hitting, sometimes gruesome, details of the book, the imagery and phrasing brings it to life in your mind and the tie ins to particular music and film genres and styles gives it a personal feel that binds you closer to the protagonists, making you feel their pains and struggles even more. An exciting thrilling read that keeps you guessing till the end.”
“Yet again Neil Walker has upped the ante and given us another cracking thriller.
This is another rollicking read that delves into the psyche and life of a drug gang. Neil Walker has taken us on a fascinating and violent journey across the world in a trilogy that demands to be read of a life that is best viewed from the outside. I for one cannot wait for Neil Walker’s next book as he just gets better and better.”
“Page-Turner!
Fantastic third book from the very talented Mr. Walker. It's more tight spots for John! This book, like the previous two, is a real page-turner. I couldn't put the book down, anxious to see how he handles himself this time!! Highly recommend this book - it's a right good read...can't wait for more titles...brilliant.”
“Fantastic Finale.
It took me a while to find the time to read this book, as I suspected like the other 2 books in this trilogy that I would find it hard to put down & I wasn't disappointed.
A gritty, actioned-packed page-turner from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing what Neil does next.”
“Favourite author.
Usually 'series' books start to lose their grip & intensity but if I had to choose a favourite from all of Mr. Walker's books it's this one. What a gripping read. He just gets better and better and is on my watch list for his next thriller.
Please folks if you haven't read any of Mr Walker's books do so now! Without a doubt Neil Walker is my number one author. You will NOT REGRET buying these!”
“Legend Status.
Loved the final instalment of this trilogy. It’s gripping from start to finish and not one for the fainthearted. Can’t wait to see what the writer publishes next!”
“Australian ‘no rules’ action!!!
If you liked the first two novels then you will love this, the series finale. This third book sees more twists and turns and trademark explosive action, telling the story of John Kennedy trying to escape gang culture for good but finding himself dragged back in for a final showdown.”
“Another great read.
After reading the first two books I just HAD to get the final book to see how it all ended. And it didn’t disappoint. We follow John as he is dragged back into the dangerous and violent world of the drug gangs in a final bid to escape that world for good. A few surprise twists and turns keep you hooked.”
“Rollercoaster ride of twists and mayhem.
Loved the hard-hitting, sometimes gruesome, details of the book, the imagery and phrasing brings it to life in your mind and the tie ins to particular music and film genres and styles gives it a personal feel that binds you closer to the protagonists, making you feel their pains and struggles even more. An exciting thrilling read that keeps you guessing till the end.”
“Yet again Neil Walker has upped the ante and given us another cracking thriller.
This is another rollicking read that delves into the psyche and life of a drug gang. Neil Walker has taken us on a fascinating and violent journey across the world in a trilogy that demands to be read of a life that is best viewed from the outside. I for one cannot wait for Neil Walker’s next book as he just gets better and better.”
“Page-Turner!
Fantastic third book from the very talented Mr. Walker. It's more tight spots for John! This book, like the previous two, is a real page-turner. I couldn't put the book down, anxious to see how he handles himself this time!! Highly recommend this book - it's a right good read...can't wait for more titles...brilliant.”
“Fantastic Finale.
It took me a while to find the time to read this book, as I suspected like the other 2 books in this trilogy that I would find it hard to put down & I wasn't disappointed.
A gritty, actioned-packed page-turner from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing what Neil does next.”
“Favourite author.
Usually 'series' books start to lose their grip & intensity but if I had to choose a favourite from all of Mr. Walker's books it's this one. What a gripping read. He just gets better and better and is on my watch list for his next thriller.
Please folks if you haven't read any of Mr Walker's books do so now! Without a doubt Neil Walker is my number one author. You will NOT REGRET buying these!”
“Legend Status.
Loved the final instalment of this trilogy. It’s gripping from start to finish and not one for the fainthearted. Can’t wait to see what the writer publishes next!”
July 26, 2019
"Let's finish this series with a bang" - Something I imagine Neil Walker said during his writing process.
Drug Gang Takedown is an epic finale to the Drug Gang series, and boy does it not disappoint! We jump right in after the sequel and go on one wild ride! This time, we're in Sydney, Australia and things are NOT going well. Lisa is in trouble, John is screwed and there's more violence than ever! Don't forget some legendary criminals to make everyone's day worse!
The sequel novel had you thinking John was out for good, but this book takes it to a whole new level. I feel like Neil couldn't just leave it at the sequel, he had to go for bigger and better (which, of course, he did). The book moves quickly, is full of blood and gore and really leaves a mark on the reader. It's an R rated hit with lots of punch, and you better be ready to binge it! It's one crazy ride, you'll never want to put it down. There's lots of swears, hatchets and knives a-flying! It's an absolutely bonkers ride! The plot twist, the ending... it was well worth the wait, that's for sure! Neil Walker has crafted one excellent trilogy!
It did take me a while to work through it, but only because life got in the way. If I had it my way, this book would have been binged in a couple of days.
I loved all the song references in this book - I had to add them to my catalogue to listen to later. I love some good, old fashioned rock and roll! It was something little, but it did add a little grin to my face when I knew what songs the characters were referencing.
I would recommend reading the full series to get the full impact of this book. I think it could standalone, but I wouldn't want any readers to lose out on the ever expanding universe Neil has created. It just feels better knowing what happened in the first two novels.
I'd give this book four out of five stars. I'm not crazy into blood, gore and violence but it was a really good read! I'd highly recommend it if you're wanting to pick up some R rated reads in your future!
I received this book for free from the author, Neil Walker, in exchange for an honest review.
Drug Gang Takedown is an epic finale to the Drug Gang series, and boy does it not disappoint! We jump right in after the sequel and go on one wild ride! This time, we're in Sydney, Australia and things are NOT going well. Lisa is in trouble, John is screwed and there's more violence than ever! Don't forget some legendary criminals to make everyone's day worse!
The sequel novel had you thinking John was out for good, but this book takes it to a whole new level. I feel like Neil couldn't just leave it at the sequel, he had to go for bigger and better (which, of course, he did). The book moves quickly, is full of blood and gore and really leaves a mark on the reader. It's an R rated hit with lots of punch, and you better be ready to binge it! It's one crazy ride, you'll never want to put it down. There's lots of swears, hatchets and knives a-flying! It's an absolutely bonkers ride! The plot twist, the ending... it was well worth the wait, that's for sure! Neil Walker has crafted one excellent trilogy!
It did take me a while to work through it, but only because life got in the way. If I had it my way, this book would have been binged in a couple of days.
I loved all the song references in this book - I had to add them to my catalogue to listen to later. I love some good, old fashioned rock and roll! It was something little, but it did add a little grin to my face when I knew what songs the characters were referencing.
I would recommend reading the full series to get the full impact of this book. I think it could standalone, but I wouldn't want any readers to lose out on the ever expanding universe Neil has created. It just feels better knowing what happened in the first two novels.
I'd give this book four out of five stars. I'm not crazy into blood, gore and violence but it was a really good read! I'd highly recommend it if you're wanting to pick up some R rated reads in your future!
I received this book for free from the author, Neil Walker, in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2019
What a finale. I started this yesterday and read until 11pm to get it finished because I couldn’t put it down. That sure says something about the suspense, and while it might not have killed me, some of the characters were not as lucky (haha). The first chapters described John and Lisa’s time in Hong Kong and it was so peaceful that I really thought John had finally done it and got out of the scene. Of course, that hope did not last long, when his friend and gang leader Blair came to seek his support in the ongoing war in Sydney’s drug scene. And with the people involved, you know it’s going to get bloody. John knows too, and tries everything to stay out as much as he can for his sake and for Lisa’s, and for their shared future. But it would be too easy if everything turned out the way they planned, no, wouldn’t it be more fun if everything, absolutely everything went wrong? I really hoped nothing would go wrong this one time, just once, but that would be too easy. Especially when John and Blair had accomplished their part of the deal but there was still so much of the story left, it left me anxious and with an ungood feeling. And my feeling turned out to be right, the plot twist hit me right in the guts.
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Read more here: https://iridescentbooksblog.wordpress...
March 11, 2019
I loved this conclusion to the Drug Gang trilogy, I read this last instalment in paperback and could not put it down (there’s just something about a proper book that devices can’t capture!). As with the previous two books this kept me enthralled from start to finish with the winch inducing moments that we’ve come to expect from this story to the twist that made my heart stop. It was hard at times to catch your breath with parts hurtling along at break neck speed with all the close to the knuckle situations as before, and then some… I couldn’t help but really route for John and the rest of his gang up against some truly impossible circumstances but found it a fitting end for both friend & foe! I really look forward to see what Mr Walker has for us next!
December 31, 2021
Gripping violent story. CW: gruesome violence, rape, drug use
May 19, 2019
3 days and 3 books read
Fast auctioned paced reads. Unable to put them down. Very brutal and gruesome but addictive and enjoyable. Will be keeping my eyes out on books from this author and waiting to see if this series gets picked up for tv or a movie
Fast auctioned paced reads. Unable to put them down. Very brutal and gruesome but addictive and enjoyable. Will be keeping my eyes out on books from this author and waiting to see if this series gets picked up for tv or a movie
March 18, 2020
Really good series,I started book 1 and had to read all three brilliant.
Great yarn for anyone who likes a little violence in a story good ending with no loose ends,well worth reading
Great yarn for anyone who likes a little violence in a story good ending with no loose ends,well worth reading
April 13, 2020
AWESOME
I have read all 3 of the books in this series in 3 days as I couldn't put them down believable characters and also in this day and age believable scenarios but I definitely know that I want workmanlike John on my side I can't recommend these books highly enough and look forward to reading more from this author
I have read all 3 of the books in this series in 3 days as I couldn't put them down believable characters and also in this day and age believable scenarios but I definitely know that I want workmanlike John on my side I can't recommend these books highly enough and look forward to reading more from this author
May 9, 2021
Drug Gang Take Down⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The third & final book & it was brutal with bells on ,plenty of action fighting & murders.if you want a book with lots of fighting ,crime etc this trilogy will certainly give you that.I really enjoyed it & it was so well written⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The third & final book & it was brutal with bells on ,plenty of action fighting & murders.if you want a book with lots of fighting ,crime etc this trilogy will certainly give you that.I really enjoyed it & it was so well written⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 7, 2019
Firstly, Thanks again to Neil Walker for providing me with a copy of the 3rd and final piece of his blistering Drug Gang Trilogy.
This final part, Takedown, picks up at the end of Vengeance, where protagonist John Kennedy and girlfriend Lucy are now ready to finally step away from the game. If only it was that simple...
Back in Australia, and drawn back in by friend Blair, John is left with no choice but to help his friend battle the crazed hatchet gang.
This book is an absolute Powder Keg, as John metes out the shocking brutality the only way he knows how.
Neil Walker writes violence with such a savagery and verve, he really knows how to get under your skin, it's sickening at times but YOU have to read on, and it fits into his explosive, energetic stories flawlessly.
This trilogy is not just a tale of gratuitous violence, they are cracking stories also. Neil Walker comes up with his nastiest , most vicious enemy yet, and that takes some doing!
There is a monster twist in this one which dropped my jaw!
This final part is another, full on punch straight in the throat. its loud, its brutal, its brash, its chaos, it's absolutely marvellous!
The pacing is lightning quick, the story never lets up as Neil Walker ratchets up the tension to John’s last shootout at the O.K Corral.
Powerful, Shocking, Frantic, I have massively enjoyed reading this combustible Gang land trilogy, the drugs, the violence, it’s been pure rock and roll, and im glad Neil Walker brought it to such a great end.
In earlier reviews you may not have read, I’ve stated these book have a Quentin Tarantino vibe, I would so love to see these books on the silver screen and watch a British actor ripping it up John Kennedy style.
If you're a fan of British gangster classics, John Wick, Bryan Mills, Tarantino, John Woo, Jean-Claude Van Damme, then read these books, sit back, strap in, and be entertained.
5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This final part, Takedown, picks up at the end of Vengeance, where protagonist John Kennedy and girlfriend Lucy are now ready to finally step away from the game. If only it was that simple...
Back in Australia, and drawn back in by friend Blair, John is left with no choice but to help his friend battle the crazed hatchet gang.
This book is an absolute Powder Keg, as John metes out the shocking brutality the only way he knows how.
Neil Walker writes violence with such a savagery and verve, he really knows how to get under your skin, it's sickening at times but YOU have to read on, and it fits into his explosive, energetic stories flawlessly.
This trilogy is not just a tale of gratuitous violence, they are cracking stories also. Neil Walker comes up with his nastiest , most vicious enemy yet, and that takes some doing!
There is a monster twist in this one which dropped my jaw!
This final part is another, full on punch straight in the throat. its loud, its brutal, its brash, its chaos, it's absolutely marvellous!
The pacing is lightning quick, the story never lets up as Neil Walker ratchets up the tension to John’s last shootout at the O.K Corral.
Powerful, Shocking, Frantic, I have massively enjoyed reading this combustible Gang land trilogy, the drugs, the violence, it’s been pure rock and roll, and im glad Neil Walker brought it to such a great end.
In earlier reviews you may not have read, I’ve stated these book have a Quentin Tarantino vibe, I would so love to see these books on the silver screen and watch a British actor ripping it up John Kennedy style.
If you're a fan of British gangster classics, John Wick, Bryan Mills, Tarantino, John Woo, Jean-Claude Van Damme, then read these books, sit back, strap in, and be entertained.
5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
July 28, 2023
I happened upon this 3 book arc by accident and I’m so glad I did. These books tell the story of John Kennedy and his involvement in the drug world from Belfast to Australia and it is so worth reading. Lots of action wherever he goes, I highly recommend these 3 books. I wish Mr Walker would write more of this character.
March 9, 2025
fantastic !
Well what a trilogy i literally didn’t want it to end but i did because i had to know they all made it ! Loved all 3 books . some books after 1 and 2 you get a bit bored by 3 !! but these ones absolutely not , just got better and better …
What to read now ? Hmmm nothing will compare for a while that’s for sure.
Well what a trilogy i literally didn’t want it to end but i did because i had to know they all made it ! Loved all 3 books . some books after 1 and 2 you get a bit bored by 3 !! but these ones absolutely not , just got better and better …
What to read now ? Hmmm nothing will compare for a while that’s for sure.
October 8, 2019
Really not comfortable reading
November 20, 2025
Drug gang
This was a very good series of 3 books. Very violent and gory . But a good story. No for sqeamish people.
This was a very good series of 3 books. Very violent and gory . But a good story. No for sqeamish people.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews