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DCI Jack Mason #4
Chameleon
He followed his dreams…into someone else’s nightmare When a body is found in a wood, DCI Jack Mason believes it was suicide. He is wrong! There is always a reason for murder. But when a ten-year-old boy turns out to be an assassin’s number one target, that reason is hard to fathom. Now, Jack must hunt down an enemy of the state. It won’t be easy, as the inner workings of this ruthless killer will be difficult to figure out. You will be hooked from the start by this gripping crime thriller. There’s tension, suspense, and a plot full of unexpected twists and turns. Order your copy today. Don’t miss out on the rest of the The Wharf Butcher (Book 1) Satan’s Beckoning (Book 2) The Suitcase Man (Book 3) Chameleon (Book 4) Hackney Central (Book 5)
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2019
19 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Michael K. Foster
8 books61 followersMichael has been writing bestseller crime thrillers since 2006, all of them based in and around the North East of England. His bestselling debut novel, ‘The Wharf Butcher,’ was released in 2015 and offers a unique insight into this rugged landscape. Since then, he has written seven more full-length novels featuring the hard-hitting DCI Jack Mason and has garnished an army of loyal readers.
Michael grew up in Leeds, and after ten years’ service in the British Army he moved to Newcastle where he gained his master’s degree. A former Magistrate and lifelong fan of the mystery and crime thriller genres, he now lives in County Durham where enjoys travelling, walking, and two Siamese cats.
You can find out more about Michael by visiting his website: https://www.michaelkfoster.com
Michael grew up in Leeds, and after ten years’ service in the British Army he moved to Newcastle where he gained his master’s degree. A former Magistrate and lifelong fan of the mystery and crime thriller genres, he now lives in County Durham where enjoys travelling, walking, and two Siamese cats.
You can find out more about Michael by visiting his website: https://www.michaelkfoster.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 3, 2019
I've been really enjoying the DCI Jack Mason series, set in my native North East, so I was very excited when I heard that a new instalment was coming out. I think this is Jack's toughest case yet as he's on the tail of a cunning Russian assassin who will stop at nothing to complete his assignment.
Recovering from his run in with The Suitcase Man, Jack has been assigned light duties until he is passed fit. As if that isn't bad enough, ambitious DI Gamble has been called in from Middlesbrough to take over Jack's role. Keen to make her mark, DI Gamble and Jack lock horns a few times and I admired his ability to keep his cool, although Gamble plays a little dirtier and remembers the incident slightly different to me. I really liked this aspect of the story where drive and ambition can cause people to lose sight of the big picture. It's always better to work together but some people will do anything to further their career.
10 year old Martin Kennedy is the target of Russian hit-man, Chameleon. Martin accidentally stumbled upon Chameleon neutralising his real target, a local barrister investigating a money laundering scheme. Unable to complete his assignment until all loose ends are tied up, Martin is taken into police protection while the police hunt for Chameleon. Chameleon is no amateur though, so he always seems to be one step ahead and it was quite scary how he managed to obtain information so easily. It just shows that there is always someone willing to gossip and inflate their own importance.
Michael K Foster has taken his crime thrillers up a notch with the Russian spy aspect. I find the DCI Jack Mason books fast paced already but Chameleon left me breathless. Set in the North East of England, it got closer to home than ever before with a car chase through my neighbouring housing estate. It never gets old reading about places you know in books and the description of the scene in Marsden was fantastic; I know the geography of the area so it's easy for me to visualise it but the picture was painted so vividly that I really felt as if I was standing on Marsden beach myself.
This fast-paced, edge of your seat international crime thriller set on Tyneside is my favourite DCI Jack Mason book so far; I would have read it in one sitting if I hadn't had to sleep. Don't worry if you haven't read any of the series yet, you can definitely read this as a standalone but I guarantee that it will make you want to read more DCI Jack Mason, especially with the little teaser at the end. I can't wait for Mason and Carlisle's next adventure.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Recovering from his run in with The Suitcase Man, Jack has been assigned light duties until he is passed fit. As if that isn't bad enough, ambitious DI Gamble has been called in from Middlesbrough to take over Jack's role. Keen to make her mark, DI Gamble and Jack lock horns a few times and I admired his ability to keep his cool, although Gamble plays a little dirtier and remembers the incident slightly different to me. I really liked this aspect of the story where drive and ambition can cause people to lose sight of the big picture. It's always better to work together but some people will do anything to further their career.
10 year old Martin Kennedy is the target of Russian hit-man, Chameleon. Martin accidentally stumbled upon Chameleon neutralising his real target, a local barrister investigating a money laundering scheme. Unable to complete his assignment until all loose ends are tied up, Martin is taken into police protection while the police hunt for Chameleon. Chameleon is no amateur though, so he always seems to be one step ahead and it was quite scary how he managed to obtain information so easily. It just shows that there is always someone willing to gossip and inflate their own importance.
Michael K Foster has taken his crime thrillers up a notch with the Russian spy aspect. I find the DCI Jack Mason books fast paced already but Chameleon left me breathless. Set in the North East of England, it got closer to home than ever before with a car chase through my neighbouring housing estate. It never gets old reading about places you know in books and the description of the scene in Marsden was fantastic; I know the geography of the area so it's easy for me to visualise it but the picture was painted so vividly that I really felt as if I was standing on Marsden beach myself.
This fast-paced, edge of your seat international crime thriller set on Tyneside is my favourite DCI Jack Mason book so far; I would have read it in one sitting if I hadn't had to sleep. Don't worry if you haven't read any of the series yet, you can definitely read this as a standalone but I guarantee that it will make you want to read more DCI Jack Mason, especially with the little teaser at the end. I can't wait for Mason and Carlisle's next adventure.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 12, 2019
When a 10 year old boy witnesses a woman hanging and is then chased from the scene, it’s pretty obvious it wasn’t suicide. It is not long before Jack Mason is involved and has the unenviable task of trying to keep a 10 year old boy safe and preferably in one place! We are drawn into a tale of Russians being involved in money laundering and also a Russian hitman in the North East.
I could not put Chameleon down, the story had plenty of twists and I was on the edge of my seat. This is a tense and gripping thriller - perfect.
I could not put Chameleon down, the story had plenty of twists and I was on the edge of my seat. This is a tense and gripping thriller - perfect.
August 6, 2019
I have been a fan of Michael’s work since I had the good fortune to pick up a copy of his first book, which is called ‘The Wharf Butcher’. Since then there have been three further books in the series. The most recent book is called ‘Chameleon’ and it was released on 7th June 2019. Oh my word, ‘Chameleon’ is one hell of a read and I totally loved it but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Chief Inspector Jack Mason? Well apart from the fact that he is my hero. I have developed something of a fan girl crush on him. I imagine that he is tall, dark and very handsome. I know that’s a whole load of clichés. Mason is one of those police officers that most people look up to. He leads from the front, he takes on more than his fair share of the workload and he is certainly dedicated to his job. He takes his duties very seriously and when he is given a specific role, you can guarantee that he gives 110% in effort. We learn a bit more about Mason’s personal life, which was very interesting. The case as featured in this book challenges Mason like he has never been challenged before. He seems to go all James Bond like at one point. Like I said, he’s a hero!!!
Oh my blooming, goodness gracious me, Mike Foster has done it again and written one hell of a book. With each book that he releases, he raises the bar that little bit higher. For me, ‘Chameleon’ is easiest the best book of the series so far. ‘Chameleon’ is brilliantly written but then I wouldn’t expect anything else from Mike. He has a writing style that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. He draws you into the story from the first word and he compels you (in the nicest possible way) to keep reading by keeping the story fresh and the characters interesting. Mike writes so realistically and he uses such powerful descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. In fact I became hooked on this book from the synopsis alone, never mind from when I began to read. As soon as I started to read, I felt as though I had been reunited with an old friend in Jack Mason. I soon became totally wrapped up in the story and I just couldn’t put the book down. It wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because I couldn’t bear to be parted from it. I felt as though I would miss something if I put the book to one side or I would miss a vital clue. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story ended grew. I soon got to the end of the book, which I was so disappointed about. I don’t mean that in a negative sense but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the characters and the action packed storylines that I just wanted the book to continue on and on.
I especially loved the fact that the story takes place in the North East of England, which is where I live. It’s lovely to read stories that mention places with which I am familiar. I kept thinking ‘eeh I have been there’ or ‘I know where that is’.
Reading ‘Chameleon’ was very much like being on one hell of a extremely scary and very unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I did guess some of the twists but other twists crept up behind me, touched my shoulder, made me jump out of my skin and left me breathless. If you like to read books that will make your blood pressure go through the roof, your heart rate soar, leave you wanting more and which will mess with your head a bit, then ‘Chameleon’ is the book for you.
In short, ‘Chameleon’ is one hell of a fantastically action packed, well written and totally absorbing read. I would definitely recommend Mike and his books to other readers. For me, ‘Chameleon’ is the best book of the series so far. I can’t wait to read the next book in the DCI Jack Mason series. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
What can I say about Detective Chief Inspector Jack Mason? Well apart from the fact that he is my hero. I have developed something of a fan girl crush on him. I imagine that he is tall, dark and very handsome. I know that’s a whole load of clichés. Mason is one of those police officers that most people look up to. He leads from the front, he takes on more than his fair share of the workload and he is certainly dedicated to his job. He takes his duties very seriously and when he is given a specific role, you can guarantee that he gives 110% in effort. We learn a bit more about Mason’s personal life, which was very interesting. The case as featured in this book challenges Mason like he has never been challenged before. He seems to go all James Bond like at one point. Like I said, he’s a hero!!!
Oh my blooming, goodness gracious me, Mike Foster has done it again and written one hell of a book. With each book that he releases, he raises the bar that little bit higher. For me, ‘Chameleon’ is easiest the best book of the series so far. ‘Chameleon’ is brilliantly written but then I wouldn’t expect anything else from Mike. He has a writing style that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. He draws you into the story from the first word and he compels you (in the nicest possible way) to keep reading by keeping the story fresh and the characters interesting. Mike writes so realistically and he uses such powerful descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. In fact I became hooked on this book from the synopsis alone, never mind from when I began to read. As soon as I started to read, I felt as though I had been reunited with an old friend in Jack Mason. I soon became totally wrapped up in the story and I just couldn’t put the book down. It wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because I couldn’t bear to be parted from it. I felt as though I would miss something if I put the book to one side or I would miss a vital clue. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story ended grew. I soon got to the end of the book, which I was so disappointed about. I don’t mean that in a negative sense but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the characters and the action packed storylines that I just wanted the book to continue on and on.
I especially loved the fact that the story takes place in the North East of England, which is where I live. It’s lovely to read stories that mention places with which I am familiar. I kept thinking ‘eeh I have been there’ or ‘I know where that is’.
Reading ‘Chameleon’ was very much like being on one hell of a extremely scary and very unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I did guess some of the twists but other twists crept up behind me, touched my shoulder, made me jump out of my skin and left me breathless. If you like to read books that will make your blood pressure go through the roof, your heart rate soar, leave you wanting more and which will mess with your head a bit, then ‘Chameleon’ is the book for you.
In short, ‘Chameleon’ is one hell of a fantastically action packed, well written and totally absorbing read. I would definitely recommend Mike and his books to other readers. For me, ‘Chameleon’ is the best book of the series so far. I can’t wait to read the next book in the DCI Jack Mason series. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 9, 2019
This is the first novel by Michael K Foster which I've read; but I can guarantee it won't be the last. I have added the first three in the series to my list of books to be fitted in when I possibly can.
Martin is a young lad who skips school to spend the days nature watching in nearby woods; moving stealthily in the undergrowth, he gets more than he's bargained for when he sees a woman on the verge of death. But she's not alone and a man gives chase - it's a very near thing but Martin finally manages to escape his pursuer.
DCI Jack Mason is recovering from injuries obviously received in an earlier case (I loved how this was referred to without all the details being revealed, meaning I can go back and read that book). Whilst he hasn't been cleared for full active duty yet, he is the first senior officer on the scene when the lad's claims come to light and a body is indeed where he said it was. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg with this investigation; there's a long, dark, twisted road to be travelled before all becomes clear about what's going on and despite the best efforts of others, Jack is determined to see this case through to the bitter end. With Martin in severe danger, can Jack and his team protect the boy while fighting against the unknown?
What a book! This one has lots of different areas of criminology combining to create a gripping and fascinating read. This is a fast moving novel; there is always something happening and I had no problems at all keeping 100% attention on the story. I couldn't wait to find out where it was all heading and was more riveted with each chapter as I worked my way through to the thrilling conclusion! The little extra at the end just finished it off cleanly and left all my questions completely answered. You can be sure that I'll be reading and reviewing the next in series - a superb read. Although not set in my area, I have friends who stay in Low Fell, Gateshead and was rather excited when it got a mention! Oh, it's the little things! Definitely a five star read, nothing else would do for this engaging and memorable crime thriller.
Martin is a young lad who skips school to spend the days nature watching in nearby woods; moving stealthily in the undergrowth, he gets more than he's bargained for when he sees a woman on the verge of death. But she's not alone and a man gives chase - it's a very near thing but Martin finally manages to escape his pursuer.
DCI Jack Mason is recovering from injuries obviously received in an earlier case (I loved how this was referred to without all the details being revealed, meaning I can go back and read that book). Whilst he hasn't been cleared for full active duty yet, he is the first senior officer on the scene when the lad's claims come to light and a body is indeed where he said it was. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg with this investigation; there's a long, dark, twisted road to be travelled before all becomes clear about what's going on and despite the best efforts of others, Jack is determined to see this case through to the bitter end. With Martin in severe danger, can Jack and his team protect the boy while fighting against the unknown?
What a book! This one has lots of different areas of criminology combining to create a gripping and fascinating read. This is a fast moving novel; there is always something happening and I had no problems at all keeping 100% attention on the story. I couldn't wait to find out where it was all heading and was more riveted with each chapter as I worked my way through to the thrilling conclusion! The little extra at the end just finished it off cleanly and left all my questions completely answered. You can be sure that I'll be reading and reviewing the next in series - a superb read. Although not set in my area, I have friends who stay in Low Fell, Gateshead and was rather excited when it got a mention! Oh, it's the little things! Definitely a five star read, nothing else would do for this engaging and memorable crime thriller.
August 13, 2019
"Motionless, the man shot him another sideways glance. There was evil in his eyes, the likes of which he’d never seen before. After a few deep breaths, the boy pulled back into the thick undergrowth and hid behind a tree. He was desperate to get away from him, but nowhere felt safe anymore"
In Book 4 of the DCI Jack Mason series, Mason is given the task of protecting a young witness to a grisly murder by a Russian assassin called the Chameleon. The task is a difficult and dangerous one and he hopes he is up to it what with recovering from a near-fatal attempt on his life.
This is my first introduction to the DCI Jack Mason series and it is a fast-paced manhunt that can be read as a standalone.
The character development is well-done. I got a good sense that Jack Mason is a thorough and well-respected investigator. In addition, the Chameleon is portrayed as meticulous and without remorse and conscience. In other words, he has no problem killing a young boy who witnessed a murder gone wrong.
I enjoyed my first impression of DCI Jack Mason so much I plan to pick up Book 1 and get to know him better. It is a nail-biting crime thriller that will keep you rooting for Mason and his team to catch the killer before he strikes again. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Mr. Foster for giving me the opportunity to read this book without expectation of a positive review.
In Book 4 of the DCI Jack Mason series, Mason is given the task of protecting a young witness to a grisly murder by a Russian assassin called the Chameleon. The task is a difficult and dangerous one and he hopes he is up to it what with recovering from a near-fatal attempt on his life.
This is my first introduction to the DCI Jack Mason series and it is a fast-paced manhunt that can be read as a standalone.
The character development is well-done. I got a good sense that Jack Mason is a thorough and well-respected investigator. In addition, the Chameleon is portrayed as meticulous and without remorse and conscience. In other words, he has no problem killing a young boy who witnessed a murder gone wrong.
I enjoyed my first impression of DCI Jack Mason so much I plan to pick up Book 1 and get to know him better. It is a nail-biting crime thriller that will keep you rooting for Mason and his team to catch the killer before he strikes again. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Mr. Foster for giving me the opportunity to read this book without expectation of a positive review.
August 12, 2019
Ten year old Martin skips school to explore the woods but what he finds is going to put him in the cross hairs of some seriously bad people. DCI Jack Mason has not officially been released to come back to work but is called in to a woman hanging in the forest. This is just the first step for Mason and Martin when it comes to the Russian Mafia and everything they are involved in.
This book is an edge of your seat, nail biting ride. Jack Mason is one tough character that is determined to both keep Martin safe and to stop the killer. He has his hands full with money laundering and a hitman. The more he discovers the more trouble he finds.
This is the first book that I have read from Michael Foster but it won’t be my last. I was instantly sucked into the story and couldn’t put the book down. Although this is the fourth book in the series I had no problem figuring out what was going on but also didn’t know what really happened in the previous book for his injury. I feel confident that I can read that book without any spoilers.
This is a amazing read and one that I recommend for anyone that enjoys a fast paced and engrossing thriller. You will be sure to add this one to your library.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
This book is an edge of your seat, nail biting ride. Jack Mason is one tough character that is determined to both keep Martin safe and to stop the killer. He has his hands full with money laundering and a hitman. The more he discovers the more trouble he finds.
This is the first book that I have read from Michael Foster but it won’t be my last. I was instantly sucked into the story and couldn’t put the book down. Although this is the fourth book in the series I had no problem figuring out what was going on but also didn’t know what really happened in the previous book for his injury. I feel confident that I can read that book without any spoilers.
This is a amazing read and one that I recommend for anyone that enjoys a fast paced and engrossing thriller. You will be sure to add this one to your library.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
August 8, 2019
This is #4 in the DCI Jack Mason series by Michael K Foster, but I found it easy to read as a stand-alone.
Jack is committed to his job, he doesn’t shirk the tough parts and gets his hands dirty along with the rest of his team and so is well respected.
In this tale. A young boy of 10, sees a woman hanging and it’s not a suicide…he was seen and he is now in danger… so Jack Mason and his team are to protect the witness.
This is one of the Chameleon’s murders….can they keep their witness safe?
This has everything, the Russian Mafia, a hitman, poisons, murder and even money laundering. It really is non stop action with some great characters in a gripping, nail biting thriller.
Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side 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.
Jack is committed to his job, he doesn’t shirk the tough parts and gets his hands dirty along with the rest of his team and so is well respected.
In this tale. A young boy of 10, sees a woman hanging and it’s not a suicide…he was seen and he is now in danger… so Jack Mason and his team are to protect the witness.
This is one of the Chameleon’s murders….can they keep their witness safe?
This has everything, the Russian Mafia, a hitman, poisons, murder and even money laundering. It really is non stop action with some great characters in a gripping, nail biting thriller.
Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side 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.
July 8, 2019
Another cracker!! Michael just gets better and better. Love this series
June 27, 2019
From Russia without love
Jack Mason is back in his most baffling case to date. This is the author's most exciting tale to date, when a Russian former KGB operative, now working for the Russian mafia, is on the loose in the North East. Mason and his team find themselves acting as a close protection team when a young witness to one of The Chameleon's murders, finds himself at the top of the killer's hit list. I can't say too much without giving the story away but I will say that author Michael Foster's books are like fine wines, they improve with age. The characters are realistic and easy to identify with and the villains are very easy to dislike. With radiation poisoning and death by snake venom, this is a real edge of the seat thriller
Jack Mason is back in his most baffling case to date. This is the author's most exciting tale to date, when a Russian former KGB operative, now working for the Russian mafia, is on the loose in the North East. Mason and his team find themselves acting as a close protection team when a young witness to one of The Chameleon's murders, finds himself at the top of the killer's hit list. I can't say too much without giving the story away but I will say that author Michael Foster's books are like fine wines, they improve with age. The characters are realistic and easy to identify with and the villains are very easy to dislike. With radiation poisoning and death by snake venom, this is a real edge of the seat thriller
June 27, 2019
Brilliant, I couldn't put it down, a totally different story line from Mike, this kept me spellbound throughout. I have read all of his books and I think this is the best yet.
October 22, 2019
What a great read. I haven’t read the other books in the series but this does not pose any problems to getting fully immersed in this story. The main characters gel well together and their back stories are hinted at, through this book so I didn’t feel as there were any gaps.
This book follows a young boy who witnesses a harrowing event, and fails to realise what danger he is in, until he is seen. Now someone knows there is a loose end and they must silence the boy.
Jack Mason wants the case, he is still recovering from his last one, but needs to be back on the job. As the story gets darker, the boy will need more protection than ever.
This book follows a young boy who witnesses a harrowing event, and fails to realise what danger he is in, until he is seen. Now someone knows there is a loose end and they must silence the boy.
Jack Mason wants the case, he is still recovering from his last one, but needs to be back on the job. As the story gets darker, the boy will need more protection than ever.
April 19, 2020
Jack mason.
Brilliant.being from the area myself I know all of the locations Michael mentions in his books. Chameleon was even better than the other jack mason books .I think the character. Is going from strength to strength.I had the pleasure of fixing the authors broadband a while ago I just wish I'd payed more attention to his story board I may of had an insight to the next book. Speaking of which I can't wait for it to come out and I've got it preoderded. Good luck Michael and keep writing.
Brilliant.being from the area myself I know all of the locations Michael mentions in his books. Chameleon was even better than the other jack mason books .I think the character. Is going from strength to strength.I had the pleasure of fixing the authors broadband a while ago I just wish I'd payed more attention to his story board I may of had an insight to the next book. Speaking of which I can't wait for it to come out and I've got it preoderded. Good luck Michael and keep writing.
October 15, 2019
Gripping read, plenty twists and turns.
October 21, 2019
Great British novel
This was a great crime thriller. Who is this assassin named Chameleon? How can the young lad be protected from this monster?
This was a great crime thriller. Who is this assassin named Chameleon? How can the young lad be protected from this monster?
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews