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Sean Richardson #2
The Kompromat Kill
'They were preparing for decades – now it’s time to take them down.'
When a British Diplomat is kidnapped in the heart of London, followed by a brutal double-assassination in Chelsea, MI5 braces for the threat of deep sleeper cells coming alive.
Hiding overseas with a price on his head, Sean Richardson is tasked to lead a deniable operation to hunt down and recruit an international model and spy. Moving across Asia Minor and Europe, Sean embarks on a dangerous journey tracking an Iranian spy ring who hold the keys to a set of consequences the British Intelligence Services would rather not entertain.
As Sean investigates deeper, he uncovers dark secrets from his past and a complex web of espionage spun from the hand of a global master spy. As he inches closer to the truth, the rules of the game change – and the nerve-wracking fate of many lives sits in his hands…
Tense, absorbing, and insightful, The Kompromat Kill is a gripping thriller leaving
you breathless at the pace of intrigue, cleverly unravelled in a dramatic finale.
When a British Diplomat is kidnapped in the heart of London, followed by a brutal double-assassination in Chelsea, MI5 braces for the threat of deep sleeper cells coming alive.
Hiding overseas with a price on his head, Sean Richardson is tasked to lead a deniable operation to hunt down and recruit an international model and spy. Moving across Asia Minor and Europe, Sean embarks on a dangerous journey tracking an Iranian spy ring who hold the keys to a set of consequences the British Intelligence Services would rather not entertain.
As Sean investigates deeper, he uncovers dark secrets from his past and a complex web of espionage spun from the hand of a global master spy. As he inches closer to the truth, the rules of the game change – and the nerve-wracking fate of many lives sits in his hands…
Tense, absorbing, and insightful, The Kompromat Kill is a gripping thriller leaving
you breathless at the pace of intrigue, cleverly unravelled in a dramatic finale.
- GenresThriller
405 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2019
26 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jenkins
4 books25 followersI started climbing at 13, survived being lost in Snowdonia at 14, nearly drowned at 15, and then joined the Army at 16. Risk and adventure was built into my DNA and I feel very fortunate to have served the majority of my working career as an intelligence officer within Defence Intelligence, and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer and military surveyor within the Corps of Royal Engineers.
I was privileged to serve for twenty-eight years in the British Army as a soldier and officer, rising through the ranks to complete my service as a major. I served across the globe on numerous military operations as well as extensive travel and adventure on many major mountaineering and exploration expeditions that I led or was involved in.
I was awarded the Geographic Medal by the Royal Geographical Society for mountain exploration in 2003 and served on the screening committee of the Mount Everest Foundation charity for many years. It was humbling after so many years of service when I was awarded the MBE for services to counter-terrorism in 2007.
The Failsafe Query is my debut novel, with the second being The Kompromat Kill. My third is called The Moscow Whisper which will be published in the early summer of 2020.
Show Less
I was privileged to serve for twenty-eight years in the British Army as a soldier and officer, rising through the ranks to complete my service as a major. I served across the globe on numerous military operations as well as extensive travel and adventure on many major mountaineering and exploration expeditions that I led or was involved in.
I was awarded the Geographic Medal by the Royal Geographical Society for mountain exploration in 2003 and served on the screening committee of the Mount Everest Foundation charity for many years. It was humbling after so many years of service when I was awarded the MBE for services to counter-terrorism in 2007.
The Failsafe Query is my debut novel, with the second being The Kompromat Kill. My third is called The Moscow Whisper which will be published in the early summer of 2020.
Show Less
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 19, 2020
Wow... Two In a row....
Read The Failsafe Query as quick as I could knowing I had number two ready to read...
The Kompromat Kill, unusual title, The story is a complex spy-thriller, that is clearly written. What I enjoy most about this story is that it is very realistic, well seems it as far as I know, it is a quite frightening concept that could very well happen and it shows just how much knowledge Michael Jenkins has on this subject with his own past. The twists and turns are around every corner, and for the most part, there are more questions than answers, especially for the last third of the book where the pace charges into overdrive.
Sean Richardson is a realistic, no perfect James Bond like spy more a well-rounded character with flaws and a sense of humanity. I think this really helped make this story so immersive, plus his team, the characters, the villains... A lot of story
I absolutely loved the climax as well, made so much better as we have more twists, turns, shocks and surprises on the way.
Some great strong characters, that I am sure you will love...
So four stars on both the first two books, including this one, mainly due to being a spy thriller, very complex read, a book you have to give your full attention, but a little heavy for the first part of the book.
Read The Failsafe Query as quick as I could knowing I had number two ready to read...
The Kompromat Kill, unusual title, The story is a complex spy-thriller, that is clearly written. What I enjoy most about this story is that it is very realistic, well seems it as far as I know, it is a quite frightening concept that could very well happen and it shows just how much knowledge Michael Jenkins has on this subject with his own past. The twists and turns are around every corner, and for the most part, there are more questions than answers, especially for the last third of the book where the pace charges into overdrive.
Sean Richardson is a realistic, no perfect James Bond like spy more a well-rounded character with flaws and a sense of humanity. I think this really helped make this story so immersive, plus his team, the characters, the villains... A lot of story
I absolutely loved the climax as well, made so much better as we have more twists, turns, shocks and surprises on the way.
Some great strong characters, that I am sure you will love...
So four stars on both the first two books, including this one, mainly due to being a spy thriller, very complex read, a book you have to give your full attention, but a little heavy for the first part of the book.
May 17, 2019
Sean Richardson returns in this second book my Michael Jenkins, following a highly acclaimed first outing in The Failsafe Query.
This story is a thrilling follow-up that explores the startlingly timely and topical escalation in hostilities between Iran (as Russia's proxy) and America and its western allies following the revocation of the Iran nuclear deal. It's almost as if the US and Iranian administrations had already read The Kompromat Kill and decided to act out the plot for real - frightening!
The storyline is tightly woven and skips along at pace. I was literally grabbing every bit of spare time while visiting family in the UK to catch up on the next thrilling chapters - in fact, I woke the last three mornings with my kindle on top of the bed covers!
The whole plot is entirely plausible, and all the more troubling for it. If indeed the respective administrations are acting out any of this in full or in part, then I sincerely hope there are lots of Sean Richardsons running around trying to put a stop to it.
Sleep soundly everyone!
If you haven't read The Failsafe Query yet, then do, although you can read these two books in any order. If you have read The Failsafe Query, then you will recognise quite a few of the characters as they make a welcome return to assist Sean Richardson and the British authorities once again.
This story is a thrilling follow-up that explores the startlingly timely and topical escalation in hostilities between Iran (as Russia's proxy) and America and its western allies following the revocation of the Iran nuclear deal. It's almost as if the US and Iranian administrations had already read The Kompromat Kill and decided to act out the plot for real - frightening!
The storyline is tightly woven and skips along at pace. I was literally grabbing every bit of spare time while visiting family in the UK to catch up on the next thrilling chapters - in fact, I woke the last three mornings with my kindle on top of the bed covers!
The whole plot is entirely plausible, and all the more troubling for it. If indeed the respective administrations are acting out any of this in full or in part, then I sincerely hope there are lots of Sean Richardsons running around trying to put a stop to it.
Sleep soundly everyone!
If you haven't read The Failsafe Query yet, then do, although you can read these two books in any order. If you have read The Failsafe Query, then you will recognise quite a few of the characters as they make a welcome return to assist Sean Richardson and the British authorities once again.
July 22, 2019
Having read The Failsafe Query, the book that introduced the world to Sean Richardson, there was no way I was going to miss out on this second book. As expected, The Kompromat Kill was another thrilling adventure, filled with spies, drama and danger at every turn.
I must admit to finding the story heavy on the technical detail in parts, much of which went over my head, and long episodes of backstory slowed the pace at times. However, that said, it soon became obvious that everything was there for a reason. I loved the link back to the 80s and Sean's mother; that proved to be very clever plotting. In fact, despite so many twists and turns, the many subplots all came together really well.
Once I found myself in the thick of the story, it was fast-paced and tense, with unexpected twists and turns coming like rapid fire. The author's own experience in this world, combined with the many timely modern-day references, made this all the more believable, all the more intriguing, and all the more scary.
As for the characters, well, that Jack fella had a finger in every pie going. I didn't quite follow his tie-straightening obsession, but loved how he seemed to have an answer for everything - even when it didn't seem possible. The relationship between Sean and Nadège was intense; two wounded souls looking for some justification to explain how they became the people they did. The team surrounding Sean made me think of The A Team, each was an expert in their field, and each had the others' back.
As a spy / political thriller, this was suspenseful and detailed, relevant and uncompromising. If you enjoy a nail-biting thrill ride with a cast of believable, clever, flawed and focused characters, then I'd recommend this in an instant.
A thrilling read where you can really hear the clock ticking.
I must admit to finding the story heavy on the technical detail in parts, much of which went over my head, and long episodes of backstory slowed the pace at times. However, that said, it soon became obvious that everything was there for a reason. I loved the link back to the 80s and Sean's mother; that proved to be very clever plotting. In fact, despite so many twists and turns, the many subplots all came together really well.
Once I found myself in the thick of the story, it was fast-paced and tense, with unexpected twists and turns coming like rapid fire. The author's own experience in this world, combined with the many timely modern-day references, made this all the more believable, all the more intriguing, and all the more scary.
As for the characters, well, that Jack fella had a finger in every pie going. I didn't quite follow his tie-straightening obsession, but loved how he seemed to have an answer for everything - even when it didn't seem possible. The relationship between Sean and Nadège was intense; two wounded souls looking for some justification to explain how they became the people they did. The team surrounding Sean made me think of The A Team, each was an expert in their field, and each had the others' back.
As a spy / political thriller, this was suspenseful and detailed, relevant and uncompromising. If you enjoy a nail-biting thrill ride with a cast of believable, clever, flawed and focused characters, then I'd recommend this in an instant.
A thrilling read where you can really hear the clock ticking.
July 17, 2019
Spy thrillers are always intriguing, and especially ones written with insider insight and contemporary relevance. ‘The Kompromat Kill’, the second in the Sean Richardson series is a good example of everything that draws me to this genre.
The story is complex, but clearly written and has many twists, throwing up more questions than answers as it progresses, until the adrenaline-fuelled climax which ties up all the loose ends, and reveals all.
All the characters are believable, even if you have never encountered similar individuals, and Sean is a valid hero, because of his flaws and humanity. The author’s knowledge of the organisations and hierarchy means that this story avoids being cliched and remains relevant and realistic.
Even though this is part of a series, it reads well as a standalone, with the necessary backstory available for the new reader. This is my first Michael Jenkins novel but I eagerly look forward to number 3.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The story is complex, but clearly written and has many twists, throwing up more questions than answers as it progresses, until the adrenaline-fuelled climax which ties up all the loose ends, and reveals all.
All the characters are believable, even if you have never encountered similar individuals, and Sean is a valid hero, because of his flaws and humanity. The author’s knowledge of the organisations and hierarchy means that this story avoids being cliched and remains relevant and realistic.
Even though this is part of a series, it reads well as a standalone, with the necessary backstory available for the new reader. This is my first Michael Jenkins novel but I eagerly look forward to number 3.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
May 14, 2020
This is the second in the Sean Richardson series but it can be read as a standalone, something I can attest to having not read the first myself.
Spy thrillers are not something I read very often but I was intrigued by the blurb for The Kompromat Kill so I thought I’d take a chance on it.
The Kompromat Kill is an intriguing spy novel that is so realistic at times it’s a little scary.
The writing was wonderfully descriptive and at times intense with so much packed into the story. There’s assassins, kidnapping, murder, international terror plots and even mentions of the Cold War.
Sean is how I’d imagine a real spy. He can blend in yet be charming and charismatic and of course be a ruthless killer when he needs to be.
As the story is so realistic, there is a fair bit of technical jargon throughout the story which the author does try to explain but a lot of it went over my head. Also there’s a fair amount of politics which I found a little distracting, I just wanted to get back to the action.
The Kompromat Kill is a believable and intricately plotted novel and a must if you enjoy a spy thriller.
Spy thrillers are not something I read very often but I was intrigued by the blurb for The Kompromat Kill so I thought I’d take a chance on it.
The Kompromat Kill is an intriguing spy novel that is so realistic at times it’s a little scary.
The writing was wonderfully descriptive and at times intense with so much packed into the story. There’s assassins, kidnapping, murder, international terror plots and even mentions of the Cold War.
Sean is how I’d imagine a real spy. He can blend in yet be charming and charismatic and of course be a ruthless killer when he needs to be.
As the story is so realistic, there is a fair bit of technical jargon throughout the story which the author does try to explain but a lot of it went over my head. Also there’s a fair amount of politics which I found a little distracting, I just wanted to get back to the action.
The Kompromat Kill is a believable and intricately plotted novel and a must if you enjoy a spy thriller.
December 31, 2019
I think I have found myself a new hero! While Jake Flannigan ( David videcette’s series) seems to be taking a well earned rest Sean Richardson is barging him out of them way.
Another fantastic read from Michael Jenkins as Sean battles to save the day, but this time it isn’t all as straight forward as it may seem. We may think we know Sean’s checkered past but Michael is here to fill in the details and it’s not all roses and sparkles.
I did wonder during reading this book what his relationship was with Melissa, though she is named checked several times in this book, it left me wondering if she was just an after thought?
One thing Sean and Jake do have in common is the need for sex, drugs and rock and roll to get away from what is going on in front of them!
This book has some amusing moments my favourite is between Sean and Swartz when Sean asks who is it and he replies “there is only one bloke who ever breaks you out of jail”
As I was coming to the end of this book I started to wonder where the author is going next with this. Sean has a son now which will no doubt confuse things but are we about to learn more about Jack’s other operatives.
Another fantastic read from Michael Jenkins as Sean battles to save the day, but this time it isn’t all as straight forward as it may seem. We may think we know Sean’s checkered past but Michael is here to fill in the details and it’s not all roses and sparkles.
I did wonder during reading this book what his relationship was with Melissa, though she is named checked several times in this book, it left me wondering if she was just an after thought?
One thing Sean and Jake do have in common is the need for sex, drugs and rock and roll to get away from what is going on in front of them!
This book has some amusing moments my favourite is between Sean and Swartz when Sean asks who is it and he replies “there is only one bloke who ever breaks you out of jail”
As I was coming to the end of this book I started to wonder where the author is going next with this. Sean has a son now which will no doubt confuse things but are we about to learn more about Jack’s other operatives.
February 19, 2021
Another intelligently plotted and well written modern espionage novel from Michael Jenkins. This one will have you on the edge of your seat as Sean Richardson goes maverick. On to the next in the series then...
May 30, 2019
Sometimes in our lives we are lucky to meet amazing, interesting and exciting individuals. Some of these become our friends and Michael Jenkins is for me one of those individuals. In this his second novel, he has invested himself in the pages of the book, and for those who know him, it is fairly obvious which of his own traits closely resemble those of the hero of the hour.
The second book continues the story of our reluctant hero Sean Richardson as he delves once again into the world of highly contemporary espionage and political double dealing. Michael has obviously learnt a lot from writing his first book as this one jumps straight in to the action and maintains its fast racy pace throughout.
If you enjoy books that have you rushing to turn the page and leave you breathless at the end, then Mr Jenkins' books are certainly for you.
I was privileged and lucky enough to be asked to read the Beta version and to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC), and chose to leave a review.
I am already looking forward to his next book and will not be at all surprised if we see Sean Richardson on the silver screen in the not too distant future.
The second book continues the story of our reluctant hero Sean Richardson as he delves once again into the world of highly contemporary espionage and political double dealing. Michael has obviously learnt a lot from writing his first book as this one jumps straight in to the action and maintains its fast racy pace throughout.
If you enjoy books that have you rushing to turn the page and leave you breathless at the end, then Mr Jenkins' books are certainly for you.
I was privileged and lucky enough to be asked to read the Beta version and to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC), and chose to leave a review.
I am already looking forward to his next book and will not be at all surprised if we see Sean Richardson on the silver screen in the not too distant future.
May 25, 2019
In this return to the world of Sean Richardson, we follow him as he tries to turn an Iranian Spy. He gets caught up in a nuclear bomb plot, and learns more about his mother who was also a spy, in the process.
This is all ‘seat of your pants’ stuff - non-stop action from start to finish. I’ve never really been an espionage novel fan, but the first book in this series hanged my mind. This book does nothing to dissuade me from my new-found appreciation of the spy novel. The detail is very interesting, the excitement and danger are tangible, and Sean’s moral compass is reassuring. This is quite an emotional novel in places, as he finds out more information about two very important people.
Well worth a read if you like espionage novels, and also worth a read if like me, you’ve never read them and you’re feeling a bit adventurous!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Michael Jenkins for reading along with us!
This is all ‘seat of your pants’ stuff - non-stop action from start to finish. I’ve never really been an espionage novel fan, but the first book in this series hanged my mind. This book does nothing to dissuade me from my new-found appreciation of the spy novel. The detail is very interesting, the excitement and danger are tangible, and Sean’s moral compass is reassuring. This is quite an emotional novel in places, as he finds out more information about two very important people.
Well worth a read if you like espionage novels, and also worth a read if like me, you’ve never read them and you’re feeling a bit adventurous!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Michael Jenkins for reading along with us!
June 7, 2020
For those who don’t know (me), Michael Jenkins defines kompromat:
"Compromising information collected for use in blackmailing, discrediting or manipulating someone, typically for political purposes.
The novel opens in 1986, as Marcella, a British spy, plans an escape route to help defectors cross the Iron Curtain border. Then we jump forward to the present day, as Jack, MI5’s Director of G Branch, deals with the aftermath of the gruesome torture/murder of a well-known Jewish couple in London. Thanks to a symbol written in blood in the bathtub, Jack knows it’s the work of a Nizari assassin. And the assassin isn’t finished yet . . .
That’s only the beginning of this complicated story.
While this is book two of the Sean Richardson series, the book can easily be read as a standalone. Jenkins introduces a lot of each character’s backstory when we first meet them. But given that this seems to be a trait of many spy novels I’ve read, I didn’t think anything of it. I didn’t know book one existed until I read the acknowledgments section!
Characters
Sean Richardson is an ex-spy hiding out in France with his journalist girlfriend, painting canvas after canvas of beautiful scenery to keep traumatic memories from escaping the “drawers in his mind.” There’s trauma a-plenty, too: a stint in an Afghan prison, the death of his wife, the unceremonious boot from the intelligence force after a fling with an enemy model/spy. He has a girlfriend, but apparently thinks little of cheating on her. Either that, or she’s accepted that sex might be part of his job and doesn’t consider it “cheating.” Either way, it puzzled me a bit because he’s an otherwise sympathetic guy.
The Nizari assassin, Nadege, is also a troubled, mentally unstable woman. It’s a bit of a cliche that Nadege is a femme fatale: a beautiful seductress who kills without remorse. Even so, Jenkins gives her some different aspects, too. The love of her life is Petra, another woman. Early on, it becomes clear that Nadege not only kills at the request of her government, but also to avenge a wrongdoing against Petra as a young girl. She’s also conflicted about Sean’s reappearance in her life. And as Jack observes to Sean, she’s begun making mistakes in her work.
The rest of the characters aren’t as well-developed as Sean. I did enjoy his military buddies (Jugsy, Swartz, and Phil Calhoun), and their interactions with each other were some of the most natural in the book. They really felt like people who’d worked together in stressful, life-or-death situations. Though I rarely care about the details of any military operation, these guys kept my attention because of their brotherly camaraderie.
One very minor character caught my attention. Pearly is rarely on the page and then only in a flashback. But she’s a master of disguises who can transform any person’s appearance. I would’ve loved to have met this elderly woman. (Hint, hint, Mr. Jenkins: I want Pearly in book 3!)
Plot
As enemies, Sean and Nadege are evenly matched. Neither is afraid to use whatever is at their disposal: lies, sex, anything.
The stakes are high: many lives depend on the success of Sean’s operation. Yet Sean isn’t even given the official backing of the MI5. He’s working in a “deniable operation” outside the legality of traditional operations: if things go belly up (or as the novel’s Brits phrase it, “pear shaped”), then the MI5 can deny they ever told him to do anything. He’s as disposable as a bomb, and considering his mental health, he’s about as volatile as a bomb, too.
It’s a complicated plot and I don’t want to include spoilers! But the story is enough to make my head spin. Then again, intelligence work (the fictional version, at least) does spin heads quite well: all the lies and counter lies designed to find something akin to the truth. Somewhere, somehow. But even when the truth becomes clearer, it’s never truly transparent, no matter how much whistleblowers want them to be.
Authenticity
The political maneuverings and spy operations in the book feel authentic. The balance between transparency/accountability and national security isn’t easy to maintain. Once lawyers and political committees become involved, information is almost impossible to secure. There’s also the ever-present threat (as Jack sees it) of internal whistle-blowers. Hence the need for deniable operations and the use of proxies for the dirtiest of the dirty work of national security.
I particularly enjoyed the blending of fact and fiction. Here, we have references to various current events: the US President’s killing of the Iran nuclear deal, the EU nations refusing to side with the US over the matter, and the POTUS’s economic sanctions against Iran. There are also references to the Snowden leaks. There’s lots of “insider” type knowledge.
Michael Jenkins clearly knows his subject matter well enough to make the internal workings of the intelligence community feel authentic to outsiders. (Who knows how true insiders feel? It’s all classified: they can’t complain if it’s inaccurate!)
All of this makes the plot feel as though it not only could happen but it might actually be happening, outside the awareness of the average citizen.
Narration
Certain writing quirks did irritate me. The constant repetition of a person’s name in dialogue made the dialogue feel a bit stiff. We get a lot of backstory for each new character; the backstory may be necessary but they do briefly take us out of the story. And as I mentioned earlier, Nadege feels a bit cliched. Though Jenkins does try to develop her character, certain elements feel rather forced, with more telling than showing. I also got a bit tired of how gorgeous all the women are. (C’mon, are all female spies beautiful?!)
Honestly, though, I was okay with most of the relatively trivial writing issues. There is enough excitement in the plot to help me overlook them.
Recommended. 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4
I recommend this book to fans of spy novels or action thrillers. If you like military or political thrillers, this might pique your interest, too.
Note: I received a review copy, thanks to Emma Welton of damppebbles book tours, in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review.
"Compromising information collected for use in blackmailing, discrediting or manipulating someone, typically for political purposes.
The novel opens in 1986, as Marcella, a British spy, plans an escape route to help defectors cross the Iron Curtain border. Then we jump forward to the present day, as Jack, MI5’s Director of G Branch, deals with the aftermath of the gruesome torture/murder of a well-known Jewish couple in London. Thanks to a symbol written in blood in the bathtub, Jack knows it’s the work of a Nizari assassin. And the assassin isn’t finished yet . . .
That’s only the beginning of this complicated story.
While this is book two of the Sean Richardson series, the book can easily be read as a standalone. Jenkins introduces a lot of each character’s backstory when we first meet them. But given that this seems to be a trait of many spy novels I’ve read, I didn’t think anything of it. I didn’t know book one existed until I read the acknowledgments section!
Characters
Sean Richardson is an ex-spy hiding out in France with his journalist girlfriend, painting canvas after canvas of beautiful scenery to keep traumatic memories from escaping the “drawers in his mind.” There’s trauma a-plenty, too: a stint in an Afghan prison, the death of his wife, the unceremonious boot from the intelligence force after a fling with an enemy model/spy. He has a girlfriend, but apparently thinks little of cheating on her. Either that, or she’s accepted that sex might be part of his job and doesn’t consider it “cheating.” Either way, it puzzled me a bit because he’s an otherwise sympathetic guy.
The Nizari assassin, Nadege, is also a troubled, mentally unstable woman. It’s a bit of a cliche that Nadege is a femme fatale: a beautiful seductress who kills without remorse. Even so, Jenkins gives her some different aspects, too. The love of her life is Petra, another woman. Early on, it becomes clear that Nadege not only kills at the request of her government, but also to avenge a wrongdoing against Petra as a young girl. She’s also conflicted about Sean’s reappearance in her life. And as Jack observes to Sean, she’s begun making mistakes in her work.
The rest of the characters aren’t as well-developed as Sean. I did enjoy his military buddies (Jugsy, Swartz, and Phil Calhoun), and their interactions with each other were some of the most natural in the book. They really felt like people who’d worked together in stressful, life-or-death situations. Though I rarely care about the details of any military operation, these guys kept my attention because of their brotherly camaraderie.
One very minor character caught my attention. Pearly is rarely on the page and then only in a flashback. But she’s a master of disguises who can transform any person’s appearance. I would’ve loved to have met this elderly woman. (Hint, hint, Mr. Jenkins: I want Pearly in book 3!)
Plot
As enemies, Sean and Nadege are evenly matched. Neither is afraid to use whatever is at their disposal: lies, sex, anything.
The stakes are high: many lives depend on the success of Sean’s operation. Yet Sean isn’t even given the official backing of the MI5. He’s working in a “deniable operation” outside the legality of traditional operations: if things go belly up (or as the novel’s Brits phrase it, “pear shaped”), then the MI5 can deny they ever told him to do anything. He’s as disposable as a bomb, and considering his mental health, he’s about as volatile as a bomb, too.
It’s a complicated plot and I don’t want to include spoilers! But the story is enough to make my head spin. Then again, intelligence work (the fictional version, at least) does spin heads quite well: all the lies and counter lies designed to find something akin to the truth. Somewhere, somehow. But even when the truth becomes clearer, it’s never truly transparent, no matter how much whistleblowers want them to be.
Authenticity
The political maneuverings and spy operations in the book feel authentic. The balance between transparency/accountability and national security isn’t easy to maintain. Once lawyers and political committees become involved, information is almost impossible to secure. There’s also the ever-present threat (as Jack sees it) of internal whistle-blowers. Hence the need for deniable operations and the use of proxies for the dirtiest of the dirty work of national security.
I particularly enjoyed the blending of fact and fiction. Here, we have references to various current events: the US President’s killing of the Iran nuclear deal, the EU nations refusing to side with the US over the matter, and the POTUS’s economic sanctions against Iran. There are also references to the Snowden leaks. There’s lots of “insider” type knowledge.
Michael Jenkins clearly knows his subject matter well enough to make the internal workings of the intelligence community feel authentic to outsiders. (Who knows how true insiders feel? It’s all classified: they can’t complain if it’s inaccurate!)
All of this makes the plot feel as though it not only could happen but it might actually be happening, outside the awareness of the average citizen.
Narration
Certain writing quirks did irritate me. The constant repetition of a person’s name in dialogue made the dialogue feel a bit stiff. We get a lot of backstory for each new character; the backstory may be necessary but they do briefly take us out of the story. And as I mentioned earlier, Nadege feels a bit cliched. Though Jenkins does try to develop her character, certain elements feel rather forced, with more telling than showing. I also got a bit tired of how gorgeous all the women are. (C’mon, are all female spies beautiful?!)
Honestly, though, I was okay with most of the relatively trivial writing issues. There is enough excitement in the plot to help me overlook them.
Recommended. 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4
I recommend this book to fans of spy novels or action thrillers. If you like military or political thrillers, this might pique your interest, too.
Note: I received a review copy, thanks to Emma Welton of damppebbles book tours, in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review.
May 18, 2020
This is the second book in the Sean Richardson series, and it works well as a stand-alone because I have not read the first. There is enough detail given for me to get to know the character and start to understand what makes him tick. There are also references to what I am assuming is mentioned in the previous book.
So what is The Kompromat Kill? Well, it is a spy thriller that I found very enjoyable to read. Now this book is quite heavy on the detail and I will say that at times I did find it a bit too detailed, but to be fair that was the only niggle I did have. As for the story, well if you are into secret agents, double agents, secret departments of governments, rogue agents, and also corruption, power, secrets, espionage and deception then this will be right up your street.
Sean is brought into the fold to follow the trail of a possible terrorist attack. His target is an old acquaintance who screwed with his head in a big way when he was vulnerable. He is tasked with discov3ering what he can so that the Uk and US can counter whatever is planned.
While he is in the midst of his mission he is delivered a bombshell and could compromise his end objective. As he gradually deals with that yet another shock is delivered. Now, Sean is reeling and trying to keep his head in the game and not be swayed. Luckily he has those around him who can offer the support he needs without asking too many questions. With very few people who can be trusted, he needs this support.
I like Sean as a character, he is tough as nails but there is also a vulnerability to him that is alluded to, and this is where I think having the read the first book would have been good. It may have possibly given me more details on his mates and those who he could trust.
Now I did mention this book having a lot of detail, at times it was really helpful and it helped to explain past events, but there were also times when I was just too impatient and wanted to get on with the story, basically I wanted to know what happened next.
I did enjoy this story a lot, it had an old school espionage thriller feel to it with a modern setting, up to date cyber and tech stuff was mentioned and as you probably gather from this sentence, some of it went over my head! But as a reader I found that worked well in the context of the story.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series and to discover what predicaments Sean is placed in again. The Kompromat Kill is ideal for readers who like espionage and spy thriller and it is one I would recommend.
So what is The Kompromat Kill? Well, it is a spy thriller that I found very enjoyable to read. Now this book is quite heavy on the detail and I will say that at times I did find it a bit too detailed, but to be fair that was the only niggle I did have. As for the story, well if you are into secret agents, double agents, secret departments of governments, rogue agents, and also corruption, power, secrets, espionage and deception then this will be right up your street.
Sean is brought into the fold to follow the trail of a possible terrorist attack. His target is an old acquaintance who screwed with his head in a big way when he was vulnerable. He is tasked with discov3ering what he can so that the Uk and US can counter whatever is planned.
While he is in the midst of his mission he is delivered a bombshell and could compromise his end objective. As he gradually deals with that yet another shock is delivered. Now, Sean is reeling and trying to keep his head in the game and not be swayed. Luckily he has those around him who can offer the support he needs without asking too many questions. With very few people who can be trusted, he needs this support.
I like Sean as a character, he is tough as nails but there is also a vulnerability to him that is alluded to, and this is where I think having the read the first book would have been good. It may have possibly given me more details on his mates and those who he could trust.
Now I did mention this book having a lot of detail, at times it was really helpful and it helped to explain past events, but there were also times when I was just too impatient and wanted to get on with the story, basically I wanted to know what happened next.
I did enjoy this story a lot, it had an old school espionage thriller feel to it with a modern setting, up to date cyber and tech stuff was mentioned and as you probably gather from this sentence, some of it went over my head! But as a reader I found that worked well in the context of the story.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series and to discover what predicaments Sean is placed in again. The Kompromat Kill is ideal for readers who like espionage and spy thriller and it is one I would recommend.
August 11, 2019
In Michael Jenkins’ towering second spy thriller The Kompromat Kill, the evolving international crisis is an enormously timely backdrop and as topical as it gets. His first brilliant novel, The Failsafe Query, delved into the Iraq WMD debacle. This time it’s Iran - crippled by sanctions and planning devastating attacks, but as Russia’s proxy. This is a brave work, not only because it delves headlong into the possible implications of a burgeoning threat - Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism and the extent of nuclear smuggling - but also because it exposes deceit, deception, villainy and treachery on all sides, government incompetence, and the ‘deniable’ aspects of espionage and special force actions.
Multi-layered conspiracies are told with terrific insight and the grimy underworld of spies and handlers is described not just with thriller pace, but with the level of detail that brings totally believable realism to a genre often populated by unrealistic scenarios. This puts Jenkins’ style in a supreme league of its own - as the technical operations, exotic locations, and the pace of spellbinding action are enriched by the intense emotions and flaws of his characters.
Jenkins provides great depth and often quite shocking aspects to the machinations of all involved. Nothing is as it seems. Troubled hero Sean finds out devastating events in his past which have scarred his life; the supremely psychopathic agent and assassin, Nadège, is actually a broken soul whose urge to kill is enhanced by her present and past agonies and abuse. But the more broken she is, the more dangerous. Their drama is skilfully interwoven with the gathering storm of the crisis and a desperate race to shut down the sleeper cells and stop an unprecedented attack in Europe - “a monster riding through a blue moon on Halley’s Comet.” When this monster of a book crashes into your orbit, you won’t be able to let it go!
Multi-layered conspiracies are told with terrific insight and the grimy underworld of spies and handlers is described not just with thriller pace, but with the level of detail that brings totally believable realism to a genre often populated by unrealistic scenarios. This puts Jenkins’ style in a supreme league of its own - as the technical operations, exotic locations, and the pace of spellbinding action are enriched by the intense emotions and flaws of his characters.
Jenkins provides great depth and often quite shocking aspects to the machinations of all involved. Nothing is as it seems. Troubled hero Sean finds out devastating events in his past which have scarred his life; the supremely psychopathic agent and assassin, Nadège, is actually a broken soul whose urge to kill is enhanced by her present and past agonies and abuse. But the more broken she is, the more dangerous. Their drama is skilfully interwoven with the gathering storm of the crisis and a desperate race to shut down the sleeper cells and stop an unprecedented attack in Europe - “a monster riding through a blue moon on Halley’s Comet.” When this monster of a book crashes into your orbit, you won’t be able to let it go!
August 6, 2019
WOW…. Just WOW…. Every time I pen a review it never seems to do it justice. The Kompromat Kill is the second novel in the Failsafe series by Michael Jenkins, and what a novel. New authors generally take time to gain a following and recognition for their work, but those who have not yet read The Failsafe Query or The Kompromat Kill are missing what I can only describe as the best books I have ever read.
You completely disappear into the mists of emotions and intrigue in the lives of Sean and Jack in the deadly hunt for the Nizari spy ring. Sean having been laid out to pasture from the Security Services previously and now enjoying the relaxed life deep in the South of France, however with an ongoing communications link it was only a matter of time before MI5 and the dark secrets of his past and complex web of espionage came rushing back to him.
The Kompromat Kill, although some may find the authors style confusing jumping from one moment in time to another is what is so brilliant. Each Chapter flows seamlessly into the other and is written in a way that you get a sense of travelling around the World, involved in each aspect of the mission and lives of the characters. The storyline is so modern that you get a sense of Déjà vu as feel you heard it in yesterday’s news. With the security services linking a kidnapping and double assassination in the heart of London it seems so real in today’s society.
The Kompromat Kill is a pure, addictive read and once you start you will be gripped and not want to stop reading. If you have never read any of the Failsafe series then now is the perfect time, as it links the past, the now and the future of the inner workings of the security services with maybe just a little insight.
You completely disappear into the mists of emotions and intrigue in the lives of Sean and Jack in the deadly hunt for the Nizari spy ring. Sean having been laid out to pasture from the Security Services previously and now enjoying the relaxed life deep in the South of France, however with an ongoing communications link it was only a matter of time before MI5 and the dark secrets of his past and complex web of espionage came rushing back to him.
The Kompromat Kill, although some may find the authors style confusing jumping from one moment in time to another is what is so brilliant. Each Chapter flows seamlessly into the other and is written in a way that you get a sense of travelling around the World, involved in each aspect of the mission and lives of the characters. The storyline is so modern that you get a sense of Déjà vu as feel you heard it in yesterday’s news. With the security services linking a kidnapping and double assassination in the heart of London it seems so real in today’s society.
The Kompromat Kill is a pure, addictive read and once you start you will be gripped and not want to stop reading. If you have never read any of the Failsafe series then now is the perfect time, as it links the past, the now and the future of the inner workings of the security services with maybe just a little insight.
May 4, 2020
'They were preparing for decades - now it's time to take them down......'
A DIPLOMAT VANISHES
A BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERT GOES ROGUE
Hiding overseas with a price on his head, Sean Richardson is tasked to lead a deniable operation to hunt down and recruit an international model and spy. Moving across Asia Minor and Europe, Sean embarks on a dangerous journey tracking an Iranian spy ring who hold the keys to a set of consequences the British Intelligence Services would rather not entertain.
As Sean investigates deeper, he uncovers dark secrets from his past and a complex web of espionage spun from the hand of a global master spy. As he inches closer to the truth, the rules of the game change – and the nerve-wracking fate of many lives sits in his hands…….……..
My thoughts about this brilliant explosive edge of your seat spy thriller The Kompromat Kill was brilliant it had a lot of suspense and action that takes you on a journey to find about truth who the evil villains are the brilliant character Sean Richardson gets hired by MI5 to track down a model spy to find out which group of terrorists she works for and to stop a deadly terrorist attacks that will take place is fast moving loved it brilliant locations hardhiting story that grips you from the start I did not know this was the second part in the series will definitely read the first book I would like to say thank you to Emma Welton for an early review copy of this brilliant explosive spy thriller author Michael Jenkins is another author I'll be reading he is definitely in the league of author such as Khurrum Rahman,Tony Kent,Rob Sinclair,many more fast moving spy thriller authors all an all a blockbuster ride ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
A DIPLOMAT VANISHES
A BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERT GOES ROGUE
Hiding overseas with a price on his head, Sean Richardson is tasked to lead a deniable operation to hunt down and recruit an international model and spy. Moving across Asia Minor and Europe, Sean embarks on a dangerous journey tracking an Iranian spy ring who hold the keys to a set of consequences the British Intelligence Services would rather not entertain.
As Sean investigates deeper, he uncovers dark secrets from his past and a complex web of espionage spun from the hand of a global master spy. As he inches closer to the truth, the rules of the game change – and the nerve-wracking fate of many lives sits in his hands…….……..
My thoughts about this brilliant explosive edge of your seat spy thriller The Kompromat Kill was brilliant it had a lot of suspense and action that takes you on a journey to find about truth who the evil villains are the brilliant character Sean Richardson gets hired by MI5 to track down a model spy to find out which group of terrorists she works for and to stop a deadly terrorist attacks that will take place is fast moving loved it brilliant locations hardhiting story that grips you from the start I did not know this was the second part in the series will definitely read the first book I would like to say thank you to Emma Welton for an early review copy of this brilliant explosive spy thriller author Michael Jenkins is another author I'll be reading he is definitely in the league of author such as Khurrum Rahman,Tony Kent,Rob Sinclair,many more fast moving spy thriller authors all an all a blockbuster ride ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
May 13, 2020
The story is very good: believable premise, intricate and detailed plot, engaging characters, (seemingly) honest descriptions of government functionaries, detail on ‘secret’ intelligence departments and operational divisions (assumed accurate given the author’s history).
Everything is there to make this a killer tale: figuratively and literally!
I enjoyed the story. I was engaged with the characters, wanted to find out what happened, wanted to see the bad guys get justice and the white hats triumph.
But, like the world of espionage, it isn’t always that clear cut.
Being an editor probably made this more apparent to me than most readers, but I had major issues with the writing style and language. Long sentences, becoming clunkier the longer they were. Questionable word choices. (One sentence used the word ‘deniable’ twice in one phrase.) Stilted and formal dialogue. A distinct lack of punctuation, making the sentences stutter, and the flow hard to grasp. There was backstory when there should have been forward movement. When the setup was made, a following sentence gave it away.
I have to admit, it was a difficult read for me, and took me far longer than normal to finish. I simply couldn’t find the flow.
But, finish it, I did.
And I was intrigued by the story. I was engaged with the characters. I just didn’t like how it came onto the page.
All in all, The Kompromat Kill is an engaging glimpse into the blurred world of MI5 and intelligence services; that murky world where wrong can be done in pursuit of right, where the ends more than justify the means. Where everyone wears many faces, politicians are only out for themselves, and the bad guys may be justified.
If you like a good espionage thriller, you’ll enjoy this.
Everything is there to make this a killer tale: figuratively and literally!
I enjoyed the story. I was engaged with the characters, wanted to find out what happened, wanted to see the bad guys get justice and the white hats triumph.
But, like the world of espionage, it isn’t always that clear cut.
Being an editor probably made this more apparent to me than most readers, but I had major issues with the writing style and language. Long sentences, becoming clunkier the longer they were. Questionable word choices. (One sentence used the word ‘deniable’ twice in one phrase.) Stilted and formal dialogue. A distinct lack of punctuation, making the sentences stutter, and the flow hard to grasp. There was backstory when there should have been forward movement. When the setup was made, a following sentence gave it away.
I have to admit, it was a difficult read for me, and took me far longer than normal to finish. I simply couldn’t find the flow.
But, finish it, I did.
And I was intrigued by the story. I was engaged with the characters. I just didn’t like how it came onto the page.
All in all, The Kompromat Kill is an engaging glimpse into the blurred world of MI5 and intelligence services; that murky world where wrong can be done in pursuit of right, where the ends more than justify the means. Where everyone wears many faces, politicians are only out for themselves, and the bad guys may be justified.
If you like a good espionage thriller, you’ll enjoy this.
May 11, 2020
This is the second book in the Sean Richardson series, but not having read the first book I found that it worked very well as a standalone novel, with enough backstory elements to ground you in what had already happened without losing the flow of this story.
The Kompromat Kill’s greatest strength is its sheer plausibility. Not only stemming from the fact that it is almost worryingly on point with what we see in the world today but because of the author’s own experience. There is a knowledge that shines through on every page in the level of detail, modern references and sheer realism, without being overwhelming. The technical details expertly balanced with action, characters and the twists and turns of a spy thriller that is uncompromising on all levels.
It took me a little while to get into the narrative and connect with the characters, but that might have been because I hadn’t read the first book. However, once the book gripped me it didn’t let go, and I found myself unable to pull away as events developed fast-paced, with question upon question rising as twists and turns came at you rapidly, but it was never too fast, and I felt that all the threads of the stories were brought together brilliantly at the end.
Sean is an interesting and believable main character, who doesn’t fall into the ‘James Bond’ stereotype. He’s flawed and complicated, and very human. The team around him, are well-developed and individual, and each brings something different to the narrative.
An excellent read, and one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys spy thrillers and is looking for that detail, and realism that made this book stand out.
July 18, 2019
Wow! Talk about suspense, spies and politics! This book is full of all of this and more.
Sean is a man with a price on his head, a career that was taken from him, and his own way of doing things. He is tasked with helping his former agency with finding a woman who he once had an affair with and sousing out who she’s working for. His path will lead him to a few secrets that he knew nothing about and will also put him in danger more than once.
Jack is a man who works with a group of spies that are used when MI5 doesn’t want to accept responsibility of an op. They are the black ops of the British Secret
Service. He will call on Sean to assemble his team and do recon on a few different cases that have come up recently, only to find out that they are actually all related.
In order to control the politicians surrounding this plot and the reason for plan in the first place, Jack will have to resort to a little tactic from Russia and invoke the Kompromat for their plan of derailing the terrorists.
I really enjoyed the suspense and the espionage in this book. The story was packed with information, suspense and characters that pulled me in and kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next, and if anyone was going to blow the op or be compromised as they were working to find the leader of the terrorist plot that they’re working to break up.
I give this story a 4.5-star review and highly recommend it to readers who like spy thrillers, political thrillers, suspense, and a team of spies who work very well together.
Sean is a man with a price on his head, a career that was taken from him, and his own way of doing things. He is tasked with helping his former agency with finding a woman who he once had an affair with and sousing out who she’s working for. His path will lead him to a few secrets that he knew nothing about and will also put him in danger more than once.
Jack is a man who works with a group of spies that are used when MI5 doesn’t want to accept responsibility of an op. They are the black ops of the British Secret
Service. He will call on Sean to assemble his team and do recon on a few different cases that have come up recently, only to find out that they are actually all related.
In order to control the politicians surrounding this plot and the reason for plan in the first place, Jack will have to resort to a little tactic from Russia and invoke the Kompromat for their plan of derailing the terrorists.
I really enjoyed the suspense and the espionage in this book. The story was packed with information, suspense and characters that pulled me in and kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next, and if anyone was going to blow the op or be compromised as they were working to find the leader of the terrorist plot that they’re working to break up.
I give this story a 4.5-star review and highly recommend it to readers who like spy thrillers, political thrillers, suspense, and a team of spies who work very well together.
June 4, 2020
The Kompromat Kill is the second in the series featuring the main character Sean Richardson, and is a genuine page-turner. An over-used phrase but not in this case. I genuinely wanted to read a little further each evening, wanting to find out what happened next.
I won't spoil the plotline by revealing any of the story, but suffice to say it's clear that the author Michael Jenkins has significant first-hand experience in the world of military intelligence and counter-terrorism.
You do not need to have read the first book The Failsafe Query, to appreciate this one, the plots are not connected. However, if you want to familiarise yourself with the main characters then reading book one will help.
Highly recommended by me. I read it cover to cover in 4-days, it really is that good. Five stars from me!
Also good news, there is a sequel due to be released in June 2020 called The Moscow Whisper
I won't spoil the plotline by revealing any of the story, but suffice to say it's clear that the author Michael Jenkins has significant first-hand experience in the world of military intelligence and counter-terrorism.
You do not need to have read the first book The Failsafe Query, to appreciate this one, the plots are not connected. However, if you want to familiarise yourself with the main characters then reading book one will help.
Highly recommended by me. I read it cover to cover in 4-days, it really is that good. Five stars from me!
Also good news, there is a sequel due to be released in June 2020 called The Moscow Whisper
July 19, 2019
I read The Failsafe Query by Michael Jenkins last year, and I was SO excited when I found out Sean Richardson was returning in a second book. Michael Jenkins’ writing is absolutely captivating. There wasn’t a chance I was putting this one down. I stayed up quite late to finish it.
The story is a complex spy-thriller, that is clearly written. What I enjoy most about this story is that it is realistic. It is a scary concept that could very well happen and it shows just how much knowledge Michael Jenkins has on this subject. The twists and turns are around every corner, and for the most part, there are more questions than answers. I absolutely loved the climax as well.
Sean Richardson is a realistic, well-rounded character with flaws and a sense of humanity. I think this really helped make this story so immersive. Between the fast-paced plot and the believable characters, I really can’t say anything negative about this one!
This reads fine as a standalone, but The Failsafe Query is also fantastic, and I highly suggest reading them both.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
The story is a complex spy-thriller, that is clearly written. What I enjoy most about this story is that it is realistic. It is a scary concept that could very well happen and it shows just how much knowledge Michael Jenkins has on this subject. The twists and turns are around every corner, and for the most part, there are more questions than answers. I absolutely loved the climax as well.
Sean Richardson is a realistic, well-rounded character with flaws and a sense of humanity. I think this really helped make this story so immersive. Between the fast-paced plot and the believable characters, I really can’t say anything negative about this one!
This reads fine as a standalone, but The Failsafe Query is also fantastic, and I highly suggest reading them both.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
April 22, 2021
Intriguing spy story but...
Kompromat Kill is my second Jenkins book. The storyline of this book was all that kept me reading. Maybe a lack of editing is common with the Kindle Unlimiteds but this story is a gem covered with dross.
Sean and Jack and D and Jugsy and Melissa and the ever-ready Samantha return in this multi-layered tale twisted through intelligence services in Great Britain, Iran, Russia, the US in the mad search for a nuclear device designed to disrupt the world.
Jenkins burdens his characters with neuroses, psychoses, unmanageable guilt and zero impulse control. Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the minds of Sean, a maverick spy, and a former lover, Nadege, who is herself a double agent.
Jenkins manages a handful of threads that become so snarled he repeats himself at times and he overloads the reader with toxic anxiety and depression. Amazingly, his characters, Sean in particular, seem to heal in time to save the day.
In the hands of a sure editor, I think, this story could be read nonstop. But as someone who used to write for a living, I had to put it down and ponder, Should I continue? The writing is that arduous at times. Yet I finished and overall recommend the book, with the caveat that it can be slog in slurry.
Kompromat Kill is my second Jenkins book. The storyline of this book was all that kept me reading. Maybe a lack of editing is common with the Kindle Unlimiteds but this story is a gem covered with dross.
Sean and Jack and D and Jugsy and Melissa and the ever-ready Samantha return in this multi-layered tale twisted through intelligence services in Great Britain, Iran, Russia, the US in the mad search for a nuclear device designed to disrupt the world.
Jenkins burdens his characters with neuroses, psychoses, unmanageable guilt and zero impulse control. Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the minds of Sean, a maverick spy, and a former lover, Nadege, who is herself a double agent.
Jenkins manages a handful of threads that become so snarled he repeats himself at times and he overloads the reader with toxic anxiety and depression. Amazingly, his characters, Sean in particular, seem to heal in time to save the day.
In the hands of a sure editor, I think, this story could be read nonstop. But as someone who used to write for a living, I had to put it down and ponder, Should I continue? The writing is that arduous at times. Yet I finished and overall recommend the book, with the caveat that it can be slog in slurry.
July 22, 2019
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I thought that this book was excellent!!
The plot is so well developed and current to what is happening today, I liked that it linked back to events that have happened recently in the UK too and it made the story very believable - and a bit scary too if I am honest regarding what could happen if tensions in Iran continue to escalate.
I thought that the characters were great, very well developed and they work brilliantly with the plot. This is the second book in the Sean Richardson so series but I thought that this one read fine as a stand-alone. I have read the previous book, The Failsafe Query and if you do get an opportunity to read that one, I would definitely recommend it!!
It is 5 stars from me for this one, the author has written a brilliant story that I was gripped by - very highly recommended!!
I thought that this book was excellent!!
The plot is so well developed and current to what is happening today, I liked that it linked back to events that have happened recently in the UK too and it made the story very believable - and a bit scary too if I am honest regarding what could happen if tensions in Iran continue to escalate.
I thought that the characters were great, very well developed and they work brilliantly with the plot. This is the second book in the Sean Richardson so series but I thought that this one read fine as a stand-alone. I have read the previous book, The Failsafe Query and if you do get an opportunity to read that one, I would definitely recommend it!!
It is 5 stars from me for this one, the author has written a brilliant story that I was gripped by - very highly recommended!!
May 23, 2019
An incredibly exciting and riveting read.
The Kompromat Kill by Michael Jenkins is truly an amazing story that becomes a part of you as the reader. With incredible imagery, sensitive and unnerving scenes of desolation, bravery and the trust and the love of one’s military companions that is only known in such situations, seep into the skin. The emphasis on morality as well as freedom and love is memorable. I loved the book more knowing that, perhaps, I was travelling with a hero, with the intrinsic morality of realism, integral to the relations of soldier and the society in which they work. An exciting read, a page turner, living the highs and lows of the protagonist Sean, such a rounded character, almost real. Thank you to the author Michael and Pigeonhole for letting me to read this book before publication.
The Kompromat Kill by Michael Jenkins is truly an amazing story that becomes a part of you as the reader. With incredible imagery, sensitive and unnerving scenes of desolation, bravery and the trust and the love of one’s military companions that is only known in such situations, seep into the skin. The emphasis on morality as well as freedom and love is memorable. I loved the book more knowing that, perhaps, I was travelling with a hero, with the intrinsic morality of realism, integral to the relations of soldier and the society in which they work. An exciting read, a page turner, living the highs and lows of the protagonist Sean, such a rounded character, almost real. Thank you to the author Michael and Pigeonhole for letting me to read this book before publication.
May 26, 2019
This exciting book gives the reader greater insight into Sean Richardson, the spy we were introduced to in 'The Failsafe Query'. The story is great and the insight into the characters is as good as the previous book. However, I felt that the writing was less fluid than the first book, with a level of repetition I found somewhat irritating (hence the lack of the final star). It was not extremely fast-paced but was no less gripping for that. Thanks to Michael Jenkins for the advance copy, and to The Pigeonhole who also had it on offer - I read between both offerings. It's well worth a read, and is a really good example of the genre. I'm already looking forward to the next offering in the series.
June 18, 2019
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and chose to leave a review. This book shows that Michael Jenkins didn’t exhaust his ideas on his first novel – another cracking read. His ability to explain detailed technical and administrative details about all aspects of the intelligence and security worlds puts one in mind of Tom Clancy or Frederick Forsyth. The book is also good on atmosphere: you could almost smell the brown coal smoke of East Berlin when reading the first few pages and later feel the baking heat of Kuwait. The background to the plot is as topical as today’s news headlines and frighteningly plausible. Sean is still the best binge drinking watercolour artist spy there is and Nadège is a worthy rival to TV’s Villanelle. I look forward to next book Michael.
July 23, 2019
Sean is in trouble , he has a price on his head, a ruined career and a certain way of doing things…..his way!
His latest exploit is helping his former employer locate someone and find out just who they are working for…..
He finds out more secrets than expected and his safety is in danger again and again.
The British Secret Service call on Sean for help on other cases….but are these linked?
Lots of action, espionage, Russians and danger. This is edge of your seat excitement from start to finish….if you like an action packed spy thriller, you’ll love this.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
His latest exploit is helping his former employer locate someone and find out just who they are working for…..
He finds out more secrets than expected and his safety is in danger again and again.
The British Secret Service call on Sean for help on other cases….but are these linked?
Lots of action, espionage, Russians and danger. This is edge of your seat excitement from start to finish….if you like an action packed spy thriller, you’ll love this.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
June 4, 2020
Wow!! I’ve not read a spy thriller in a long time and they were always a bit of a guilty pleasure.
Many were a tad corny, and only Sean Richardson has chinked my almost anti spy reading habits since the Sean Dillon days of Jack Higgins.
I love that Sean Richardson is a man with his own moral code, and to hell with what anyone else says or does. He’s a flawed human and so damaged, but he always does the right thing. He’s not the maverick he’d like to be but he follows his beliefs. He’s a wonderful character.
All the characters are so believable and you can’t help but care and invest time in them and their world, problems and lives. Absolutely love this. Thanks for a new, not so guilty pleasure Michael Jenkins. I can’t wait to read the next book!
May 23, 2019
Wow that was a real breathless ride. This is the second book by Michael Jenkins and it was just as exciting as the first. Sean Richardson is back together with his team, once again battling terrorism at every turn. We learn more about Sean and I will admit to a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I am hoping that we will be reading more about Sean et al in the future. I highly recommend this book (but read The Failsafe Query first!), you will not be disappointed.
A big thank you to Michael Jenkins and Pigeonhole for the chance to read this.
A big thank you to Michael Jenkins and Pigeonhole for the chance to read this.
June 23, 2019
If Carlsberg wrote Spy Thrillers. Imaginative, detailed, captivating and unpredictable Jenkins has followed up where he left off with his first novel The Failsafe Query. Sean and his gang are back to pit their wits against some ruthless, calculating and evil villains. Each and every paragraph is well thought out and crafted with precision offering a level of detail that immerses the reader fully into the plot as it travels through time and space. Not sure how the author will top this but am chomping at the bit to find ouT.
May 23, 2019
Another brilliant edge of your seat Sean Richardson Adventure by Michael Jenkins. Political intrigue, gruesome assassinations, terrorist plots and sub plots, great characters and excellent writing. I was lucky enough to read this through the Pigeonhole App, one Stave a day over ten days. I was immediately gripped and couldn’t wait for each one to arrive so that I could devour it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, would highly recommend it and hope there is another in the series soon.
August 31, 2019
A thoroughly exciting and faced paced follow up to Michael Jenkins first outing for Sean Richardson.
This 2nd outgoing has twists and turns in the plot that ironically falls into place with the current activities of certain nations around the globe.
I completed this book in a couple of days and found that when I put it down I could not wait for the opportunity to get started again. As gripping as it is exciting and I am looking forward to the third book from Michael.
This 2nd outgoing has twists and turns in the plot that ironically falls into place with the current activities of certain nations around the globe.
I completed this book in a couple of days and found that when I put it down I could not wait for the opportunity to get started again. As gripping as it is exciting and I am looking forward to the third book from Michael.
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