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Number Ten
Explosive new post-Brexit thriller now attracting spectacular reviews:-
NUMBER TEN – review by top reviewer Linda Hill on https://lindasbookbag.com/?s=number+ten
Wow! Number Ten begins in explosive fashion and maintains a high-octane, fast pace until the very last word. Reading Number Ten felt akin to riding a rather breathtaking fairground ride and I hardly had time to catch my breath. Although this is fiction, so many similar events to those in the plot have happened recently here in the UK and abroad in countries like Sri Lanka, after Number Ten‘s publication, that any suspension of disbelief that might have been needed simply evaporated. The action in Number Ten felt real, vivid and only too scarily possible.
It is obvious that Robin Hawdon writes with a director’s eye. He understands exactly what information is needed to hook the reader, to create setting and to drive the action, making reading the book an almost cinematic experience. Number Ten would translate into the most fabulous television series because the pace is perfect and there are surprises that shock in a scenario that is utterly believable. On occasion, the reader only receives information at the same time as the characters so that it feels as if you’re part of the action too. Indeed, I found the quality of the writing completely engaging. The present tense used for Rafik creates an immediacy and ongoing threat and those passages involving Paul are slick, sophisticated and superbly crafted. I think the natural quality of the direct speech adds to the sensation that Number Ten is something special.
Themes of corruption, love, loyalty, betrayal, threat, politics in many forms, idealism, policing – I could go on – weave their way through this exciting story so naturally, making Number Ten all the more captivating.
I so enjoyed Number Ten. If I say that I had to give up trying to sleep at three in the morning because I only had 40 pages or so left to read and I kept wondering what was happening in my absence, you’ll know how powerful a hold the narrative had on me. Number Ten is a glorious thriller that kept me enthralled throughout. I really recommend it.
NUMBER TEN – review by top reviewer Linda Hill on https://lindasbookbag.com/?s=number+ten
Wow! Number Ten begins in explosive fashion and maintains a high-octane, fast pace until the very last word. Reading Number Ten felt akin to riding a rather breathtaking fairground ride and I hardly had time to catch my breath. Although this is fiction, so many similar events to those in the plot have happened recently here in the UK and abroad in countries like Sri Lanka, after Number Ten‘s publication, that any suspension of disbelief that might have been needed simply evaporated. The action in Number Ten felt real, vivid and only too scarily possible.
It is obvious that Robin Hawdon writes with a director’s eye. He understands exactly what information is needed to hook the reader, to create setting and to drive the action, making reading the book an almost cinematic experience. Number Ten would translate into the most fabulous television series because the pace is perfect and there are surprises that shock in a scenario that is utterly believable. On occasion, the reader only receives information at the same time as the characters so that it feels as if you’re part of the action too. Indeed, I found the quality of the writing completely engaging. The present tense used for Rafik creates an immediacy and ongoing threat and those passages involving Paul are slick, sophisticated and superbly crafted. I think the natural quality of the direct speech adds to the sensation that Number Ten is something special.
Themes of corruption, love, loyalty, betrayal, threat, politics in many forms, idealism, policing – I could go on – weave their way through this exciting story so naturally, making Number Ten all the more captivating.
I so enjoyed Number Ten. If I say that I had to give up trying to sleep at three in the morning because I only had 40 pages or so left to read and I kept wondering what was happening in my absence, you’ll know how powerful a hold the narrative had on me. Number Ten is a glorious thriller that kept me enthralled throughout. I really recommend it.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2019
6 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Robin Hawdon
28 books23 followersRobin Hawdon’s varied career has spanned numerous aspects of the arts. Actor, playwright, novelist and theatre director. Now one of Britain’s most prolific novelists and playwrights, with productions in at least forty countries and twenty languages. (see www.robinhawdon.com).
THE LAND, THE LAND, is his newest and perhaps most topical book - a psychological thriller involving a family's battle to preserve one of Britain's most beautiful landscapes.
NUMBER TEN is quite different. A fast action political thriller in the Lee Child genre, soon hopefully to be seen on Netflix.
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST is Robin’s third novel and encompasses three of his deepest concerns – the extraordinary impact of science on mankind’s progress, the distorting effect of so much religious and superstitious prejudice on that progress, and the telling of real human stories (in this case three stories, all fundamentally inter-connected).
A RUSTLE IN THE GRASS, his first novel, has now been republished after it was discovered that, with the advent of the digital age, it has attracted an extraordinary list of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Robin has been married for over forty years, has two daughters and four grand children, and lives between Bath, the South of France and Australia.
THE LAND, THE LAND, is his newest and perhaps most topical book - a psychological thriller involving a family's battle to preserve one of Britain's most beautiful landscapes.
NUMBER TEN is quite different. A fast action political thriller in the Lee Child genre, soon hopefully to be seen on Netflix.
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST is Robin’s third novel and encompasses three of his deepest concerns – the extraordinary impact of science on mankind’s progress, the distorting effect of so much religious and superstitious prejudice on that progress, and the telling of real human stories (in this case three stories, all fundamentally inter-connected).
A RUSTLE IN THE GRASS, his first novel, has now been republished after it was discovered that, with the advent of the digital age, it has attracted an extraordinary list of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Robin has been married for over forty years, has two daughters and four grand children, and lives between Bath, the South of France and Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 15, 2019
I never can resist a book that involves my ex work, some are good, this was outstanding, the author has obviously done much research into the working of Number Ten, Parliament and all things associated with it, delivered in an interesting and very ‘readable’ way
I loved it
Paul works at Number Ten and is drawn ( through no fault of his own ) into a world of assassins, terrorists, safe houses, treachery and spies....he does however rise to the challenge and takes it all on along with his colleague Andrea, from 2 ‘normal’ civil servants they are now in a book episode of ‘24’ and its full of action, in fact once the action starts it never stops...who can they trust, where can they hide and who is chasing them?
I found the whole story absorbing and very up to date ( re the current political climate ) and was willing them to ‘conquer all’......I will let you find out if they did but there was a fabulous twist at the end that was a good added bonus to the story
A really good tight thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend even if this is not your normal genre
10/10 5 Stars
May 6, 2019
A series of bomb attacks leads to a tangled web of action.
Wow. Number Ten begins in explosive fashion and maintains a high-octane, fast pace until the very last word. Reading Number Ten felt akin to riding a rather breathtaking fairground ride and I hardly had time to catch my breath. Although this is fiction, so many similar events to those in the plot have happened recently here in the UK and abroad in countries like Sri Lanka, after Number Ten‘s publication, that any suspension of disbelief that might have been needed simply evaporated. The action in Number Ten felt real, vivid and only too scarily possible.
It is obvious that Robin Hawdon writes with a director’s eye. He understands exactly what information is needed to hook the reader, to create setting and to drive the action, making reading the book an almost cinematic experience. Number Ten would translate into the most fabulous television series because the pace is perfect and there are surprises that shock in a scenario that is utterly believable. On occasion, the reader only receives information at the same time as the characters so that it feels as if you’re part of the action too. Indeed, I found the quality of the writing completely engaging. The present tense used for Rafik creates an immediacy and ongoing threat and those passages involving Paul are slick, sophisticated and superbly crafted. I think the natural quality of the direct speech adds to the sensation that Number Ten is something special.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characterisation and as I abhor injustice I was immediately on Paul’s side even before I’d been given all the information about him. It came as no surprise to me that there is corruption in the heart of power and that a minion like Paul can be used and abused by both that power and external forces. I thoroughly enjoyed the manner in which the mundane elements of his life prove essential in what is happening to him, although I can’t say too much for fear of spoiling the plot for others. Themes of corruption, love, loyalty, betrayal, threat, politics in many forms, idealism, policing – I could go on – weave their way through this exciting story so naturally, making Number Ten all the more captivating.
I so enjoyed Number Ten. If I say that I had to give up trying to sleep at three in the morning because I only had 40 pages or so left to read and I kept wondering what was happening in my absence, you’ll know how powerful a hold the narrative had on me. Number Ten is a glorious thriller that kept me enthralled throughout. I really recommend it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2019/05/06/...
Wow. Number Ten begins in explosive fashion and maintains a high-octane, fast pace until the very last word. Reading Number Ten felt akin to riding a rather breathtaking fairground ride and I hardly had time to catch my breath. Although this is fiction, so many similar events to those in the plot have happened recently here in the UK and abroad in countries like Sri Lanka, after Number Ten‘s publication, that any suspension of disbelief that might have been needed simply evaporated. The action in Number Ten felt real, vivid and only too scarily possible.
It is obvious that Robin Hawdon writes with a director’s eye. He understands exactly what information is needed to hook the reader, to create setting and to drive the action, making reading the book an almost cinematic experience. Number Ten would translate into the most fabulous television series because the pace is perfect and there are surprises that shock in a scenario that is utterly believable. On occasion, the reader only receives information at the same time as the characters so that it feels as if you’re part of the action too. Indeed, I found the quality of the writing completely engaging. The present tense used for Rafik creates an immediacy and ongoing threat and those passages involving Paul are slick, sophisticated and superbly crafted. I think the natural quality of the direct speech adds to the sensation that Number Ten is something special.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characterisation and as I abhor injustice I was immediately on Paul’s side even before I’d been given all the information about him. It came as no surprise to me that there is corruption in the heart of power and that a minion like Paul can be used and abused by both that power and external forces. I thoroughly enjoyed the manner in which the mundane elements of his life prove essential in what is happening to him, although I can’t say too much for fear of spoiling the plot for others. Themes of corruption, love, loyalty, betrayal, threat, politics in many forms, idealism, policing – I could go on – weave their way through this exciting story so naturally, making Number Ten all the more captivating.
I so enjoyed Number Ten. If I say that I had to give up trying to sleep at three in the morning because I only had 40 pages or so left to read and I kept wondering what was happening in my absence, you’ll know how powerful a hold the narrative had on me. Number Ten is a glorious thriller that kept me enthralled throughout. I really recommend it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2019/05/06/...
February 16, 2020
aul Gunter works at Number Ten as a Junior Aide and Research Assistant to the Prime Minister…..a PM who is trying to make some radical changes that are upsetting A LOT of people. Following a failed assassination attempt on the PM where Paul is present, and after MI5 realising that information is being leaked from within Number Ten Paul finds himself arrested in the middle of the night and what follows is EXPLOSIVE!
Paul has to fight his way out in more ways than one! But will he make it out alive? Who is the leak? And will MI5 be able to stop the plans that are unveiling?…….you will have to read to find out!
I absolutely loved this! I was sucked in from the beginning and as I read more and more, I genuinely couldn’t put this down. It’s fast paced, action packed and you just want to KNOW what is going to happen next!
Paul is a fantastic character – I wasn’t sure about him in the beginning but grew to love how brilliant and resilient he is! Andrea also brings a bit of female power to this but in a more understated way. The ‘baddies’ in this are believable, especially in this day and age too, and it does make you wonder about what goes on that we don’t know about…..
The writing style is brilliant. You can literally see this playing out on TV or a stage and it’s bought to life in your mind. You can even easily follow the geography of this all so it really does bring it to life. I loved getting an insight into Number Ten and wonder if this is really what it’s like inside, and for the first time I wondered about all the staff that work there and what they do!
An absolutely brilliant novel that will leave you wanting more! I was surprised at the ending and sad/happy at the same time – it wasn’t what I was expecting at all but was a brilliant way to end. This comes 100% recommended by me. If you love a bit (a lot!) of action and a good thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat…..then this is most definitely for you my friends!
Paul has to fight his way out in more ways than one! But will he make it out alive? Who is the leak? And will MI5 be able to stop the plans that are unveiling?…….you will have to read to find out!
I absolutely loved this! I was sucked in from the beginning and as I read more and more, I genuinely couldn’t put this down. It’s fast paced, action packed and you just want to KNOW what is going to happen next!
Paul is a fantastic character – I wasn’t sure about him in the beginning but grew to love how brilliant and resilient he is! Andrea also brings a bit of female power to this but in a more understated way. The ‘baddies’ in this are believable, especially in this day and age too, and it does make you wonder about what goes on that we don’t know about…..
The writing style is brilliant. You can literally see this playing out on TV or a stage and it’s bought to life in your mind. You can even easily follow the geography of this all so it really does bring it to life. I loved getting an insight into Number Ten and wonder if this is really what it’s like inside, and for the first time I wondered about all the staff that work there and what they do!
An absolutely brilliant novel that will leave you wanting more! I was surprised at the ending and sad/happy at the same time – it wasn’t what I was expecting at all but was a brilliant way to end. This comes 100% recommended by me. If you love a bit (a lot!) of action and a good thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat…..then this is most definitely for you my friends!
August 3, 2019
Number Ten is an action driven read and is reminiscent of the Bourne novels with its political intrigue and the lone hero trying to stay alive long enough to figure it all out. The book does have a fair number of characters to keep up with, and its hard to know good guys from bad guys a lot of the time. The story does have some romance, but it felt a little forced to me. Of course, that's not usually the reason for reading this type of book anyway, so the lack of chemistry between love interests was really just a minor irritation. As far as heroes go, Paul Gunter certainly makes a good one. He's a likable guy just trying to do his job when he's hit with the kind of allegations most people couldn't even imagine. It doesn't take long to start rooting for Paul and to be on the edge of your seat, waiting for the outcome of each new development. The story is well-written and keeps the blood pumping with hair-raising action, intrigue, and some spectacular twists. I will caution that this isn't one of those lazy day reads. Nope, this one makes you work for it, it makes you think. So pay attention because even seemingly mundane conversations and actions can be important, and not everyone is trustworthy. All in all, an exciting read from Robin Hawdon.
August 23, 2020
Number 10 provides a look at 10 Downing Street, the offices of the British Prime Minister through the eyes of junior staffers there. Paul Gunter is a young intelligence officer who finds himself framed for the treasonous crimes.
The story pulls together proposed British laws that will restrict the capability of such entities as Russian organized crime to use their ill-gotten gains and middle eastern terrorists who recruit young men in London to become terrorists.
The novel is action-packed, and it’s nice to see this David versus Goliath story in which two young people fight against Russian mafia and win.
That said, the book had a lot of problems and really needed a good edit to correct minor problems like missing comma, subject/verb tense agreement, misplaced modifiers, etc.
The story pulls together proposed British laws that will restrict the capability of such entities as Russian organized crime to use their ill-gotten gains and middle eastern terrorists who recruit young men in London to become terrorists.
The novel is action-packed, and it’s nice to see this David versus Goliath story in which two young people fight against Russian mafia and win.
That said, the book had a lot of problems and really needed a good edit to correct minor problems like missing comma, subject/verb tense agreement, misplaced modifiers, etc.
July 19, 2019
It appears as if Paul Gunter works in a really interesting place, and has access to places other people don't. I most certainly would have liked to know a little bit more about the offices of Number Ten, since it seemed to be quite an intricate and unique place. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2021
I enjoyed the roller coaster ride. Paul Gunter turns out to be a very resilient guy against all odds. However I found a certain part of the plot very weak and unlikely and this also had an important part to play in the outcome.
So yes I enjoyed the ride but .....
So yes I enjoyed the ride but .....
June 11, 2019
Playwrights book for telly
Says it all really. It’s a light read but good enough. Spoiled because you know what the author is angling for.
Says it all really. It’s a light read but good enough. Spoiled because you know what the author is angling for.
October 22, 2019
A political thriller without the politics. Fast paced and a page turner.
January 24, 2021
Solid thriller
Good writing , fun story, some strange politics, and a bit of romance. I would have appreciated a bit better description of number ten but that’s my only complaint.
Good writing , fun story, some strange politics, and a bit of romance. I would have appreciated a bit better description of number ten but that’s my only complaint.
January 10, 2020
I'll preface my comments on the book by saying that political intrigue is not necessarily my genre. The action was nonstop. If I'm up to date on current events some of the content mirrored a few world events. This is what made this story so relatable. This could actually happen. When fiction is based in a bit of reality, it makes for a much more appealing read.
I liked that Hawdon setup this fast-paced drama without taking it slow. Hawdon trusted that the reader would be able to keep up. I think the plot was well executed, which meant the story flowed well and the characters were developed. I would recommend this book to lovers of political intrigue.
I liked that Hawdon setup this fast-paced drama without taking it slow. Hawdon trusted that the reader would be able to keep up. I think the plot was well executed, which meant the story flowed well and the characters were developed. I would recommend this book to lovers of political intrigue.
April 17, 2020
The marketing firm, Publishing Push, provided me a free digital copy of Number Ten, by actor and playwright, Robin Hawdon, in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this political drama/thriller set in London, England. The story was fascinating. The writing, however, needs work.
Paul Gunter is an intelligence officer in the offices of the British Prime Minister, whose offices, as most people know, are at #10 Downing Street. Someone is trying to take out the prime minister, and Paul finds himself being framed for the crimes.
The story delves into the connection between Russian organized crime and middle eastern terrorists. It also explores the problems with young boys in London being recruited to become terrorists – young boys whose parents moved there to escape those very dangers.
The reader is taken on a wild ride to escape imprisonment while trying to produce evidence of innocence. This is one story that will keep you turning pages to the very end with its suspense, adventure, and just a little romance.
What made The Grumpy Book Reviewer grumpy?
First and foremost, the incorrect use of a commonly misused phrase, “begs the question”. It does not mean the same as “raises the question”. It means to advance or offer a premise in an argument while assuming the conclusion is true.
Aside from that, mostly the usual things:
• verb tense disagreement;
• mixing singular and plural;
• many missing commas;
• incorrect verb usage: was vs. were;
• not italicizing foreign language words or phrases.
Paul Gunter is an intelligence officer in the offices of the British Prime Minister, whose offices, as most people know, are at #10 Downing Street. Someone is trying to take out the prime minister, and Paul finds himself being framed for the crimes.
The story delves into the connection between Russian organized crime and middle eastern terrorists. It also explores the problems with young boys in London being recruited to become terrorists – young boys whose parents moved there to escape those very dangers.
The reader is taken on a wild ride to escape imprisonment while trying to produce evidence of innocence. This is one story that will keep you turning pages to the very end with its suspense, adventure, and just a little romance.
What made The Grumpy Book Reviewer grumpy?
First and foremost, the incorrect use of a commonly misused phrase, “begs the question”. It does not mean the same as “raises the question”. It means to advance or offer a premise in an argument while assuming the conclusion is true.
Aside from that, mostly the usual things:
• verb tense disagreement;
• mixing singular and plural;
• many missing commas;
• incorrect verb usage: was vs. were;
• not italicizing foreign language words or phrases.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews