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Ben Bracken #4
Till Morning is Nigh
Dragged half dead from a river, Ben Bracken, fugitive ex-soldier, is in a bad way.
But, too valuable to discard and too dangerous to set free, an old friend offers him a abandon his identity and become a desk-bound advisor to the National Crime Agency, or go back to the prison he broke out of – a place where he is extremely unpopular.
Bracken is forced to accept – and he’s becoming a different man.
But all this changes when, days before Christmas, an undercover narcotics officer is murdered in horrific circumstances, and only Bracken has the inside track on the key suspect. Throwing himself into the fray, Bracken finds himself in a very present-day ideological conflict, uncovering a plot which has huge implications for both Manchester’s political, socio-economic landscape, and the nation at large – coming to an explosive conclusion amidst the twinkling fairy lights and frost-tipped boughs of Christmas Eve...
‘Rob Parker has an astute and humorous turn of phrase that never fails to make me smile. A pacy, intriguing, topical plot showing us the softer side of our dutiful, perpetually conflicted ex-soldier Ben Bracken’ - Heleen Kist, Stay Mad, Sweetheart
‘A cracking, pacy blockbuster of a thriller and with its Christmas setting it’s the perfect gift for your crime-loving friends’ - Trevor Wood, The Man On The Street
‘ Till Morning Is Nigh , with themes of how populism is the red meat the far right feeds on, is Parker’s most thoughtful novel yet. Layered, well-researched and with a sparkling narrative, this is an author at the very top of his game. Thoroughly recommended’ - M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
‘Love Reacher? You’ll adore Bracken; Till Morning is Nigh is a gripper you won’t be able to put down.’ Roger A. Price, author of The Badge and the Pen series.
But, too valuable to discard and too dangerous to set free, an old friend offers him a abandon his identity and become a desk-bound advisor to the National Crime Agency, or go back to the prison he broke out of – a place where he is extremely unpopular.
Bracken is forced to accept – and he’s becoming a different man.
But all this changes when, days before Christmas, an undercover narcotics officer is murdered in horrific circumstances, and only Bracken has the inside track on the key suspect. Throwing himself into the fray, Bracken finds himself in a very present-day ideological conflict, uncovering a plot which has huge implications for both Manchester’s political, socio-economic landscape, and the nation at large – coming to an explosive conclusion amidst the twinkling fairy lights and frost-tipped boughs of Christmas Eve...
‘Rob Parker has an astute and humorous turn of phrase that never fails to make me smile. A pacy, intriguing, topical plot showing us the softer side of our dutiful, perpetually conflicted ex-soldier Ben Bracken’ - Heleen Kist, Stay Mad, Sweetheart
‘A cracking, pacy blockbuster of a thriller and with its Christmas setting it’s the perfect gift for your crime-loving friends’ - Trevor Wood, The Man On The Street
‘ Till Morning Is Nigh , with themes of how populism is the red meat the far right feeds on, is Parker’s most thoughtful novel yet. Layered, well-researched and with a sparkling narrative, this is an author at the very top of his game. Thoroughly recommended’ - M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
‘Love Reacher? You’ll adore Bracken; Till Morning is Nigh is a gripper you won’t be able to put down.’ Roger A. Price, author of The Badge and the Pen series.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2019
18 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Rob Parker
33 books74 followersRob Parker is a married father of three, who lives in Warrington, UK. The author of the Ben Bracken thrillers, Crook’s Hollow and the Audible bestseller Far From The Tree, he enjoys a rural life, writing horrible things between school runs. Rob writes full time, attends various author events across the UK, and boxes regularly for charity.
He spends a lot of time in schools across the North, encouraging literacy, story-telling and creative-writing, and somehow squeezes in time to co-host the For Your Reconsideration film podcast, appear regularly on The Blood Brothers Crime Podcast, and is a member of the Northern Crime Syndicate.
He spends a lot of time in schools across the North, encouraging literacy, story-telling and creative-writing, and somehow squeezes in time to co-host the For Your Reconsideration film podcast, appear regularly on The Blood Brothers Crime Podcast, and is a member of the Northern Crime Syndicate.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 29, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S TILL MORNING IS NIGH ABOUT?
So Ben's got a day job (under an assumed name) working with the National Crime Agency. He's doing some data entry work, some number crunching—and theoretically, he's around to impart some of his special knowledge when needed.
The NCA is focused on a sudden upsurge in the drug trade in Manchester (which had experienced a good drop in criminal activity after the last time Ben was in town). So they've sent in an Undercover Officer. When we start this novel, that officer is dead—in a particularly vicious killing, almost performative. Ben accompanies some of his colleagues to the Crime Scene (his first out-of-the-office work), which leads to some more time out of the office—and eventually, fieldwork.
If you've read any of the Ben Bracken works, you have a pretty good idea what follows his being given a Field Work assignment. If you haven't read any of these—let's just say there are many bullets, probably some explosions, some hand-to-hand combat, and a decent number of people who end up bloody and beaten (very possibly Ben).
DCI OKPARA, MAASAI WARRIOR
There are a lot of new characters introduced in this book—and I"m not just talking suspects/targets for Ben, but allies, colleagues, etc. But DCI Okpara stands out—I'm not going to describe him much, because that's the kind of thing that ruins the effect of meeting him in the novel. And really, who needs more than "DCI" and "Maasai Warrior" referring to the same character to not want to know more?
There's just something special about this guy—he's the second character this year that I'd love to see as the subject of a spin-off series. I know I'd buy at least the first three installments.
BACK TO HIS ROOTS
Circumstances have brought Ben back to Manchester where we first met him. I'm a little troubled about some of the details on that front, I realize as I write this, but that's neither here nor there.
He's back because he recognizes one of the main suspects for the killing--someone he met in A Wanted Man, other experiences he had in that novel pave the way for him to be a very effective presence for the NCA for the case. Bringing him back to the beginning at this point works well, both in terms of story and character.
I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING
Jack Reacher, Zeb Carter, Orphan X, Peter Ash--and all the other lone gunman/vigilante/hero types you can think of along these lines—have a few things in common beyond their uncanny fighting abilities and high body counts. One of those is lack of a day job—but Ben breaks the mold a little here. As I said, he has a job as a consultant for the National Crime Agency. No running around three steps ahead of the law for Ben, he is the law. Or at least consults for it.
The other relates to thing these characters have in common relates to a personal life—and wow, you're not going to believe what's going on for Ben there.
APPORACHING THE POLITICAL
Ben gets a little political in response to some of what he's forced to listen to over the course of this novel, but not much—and it's not that preachy. But Ben does end up spending time around a group dedicated to getting Britain "back" to a purer state (read: white), which was a little hard to read*. It frequently reminded me of a UK version of Ace Atkins' Tibbehah County.
* Just to be clear, it's ard to read because Parker does a good job portraying that kind of bigot, not that he or Ben are bigots.
Of course, this group had a plan to take over the UK government as a means to get that pure UK. Over the last 2 years, I've read more books where a militant and powerful group wants to take over the British government and clean up society. This is the first one that seemed plausible—the one that might actually work in the real world. And that's terrifying.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT TILL MORNING IS NIGH?
This. This novel right here is the payoff to the potential I saw in Ben Bracken back in A Wanted Man—I liked it, and the novels that followed, but I didn't think they were everything the character could be. This is exactly the kind of thing I thought Ben could be, and probably a little more. Sure, Parker's more than capable of writing a better thriller, and there's room for Ben to grown and/or develop—I'm not saying this is the definitive Rob Parker/Ben Bracken. I'm just saying that this surpasses everything that's come before.
I'm curious about what happens to those behind the death of the UC officer in general—but don't foresee Parker spending time on that in the future. I'm very curious about the fallout from this on Manchester and the NCA team Ben's associated with—assuming Parker decides to let us see that. But mostly, I can't wait to see what comes next for Ben, in terms of story and quality. Thankfully, the next book of the series is out and I can jump into that in a day or so.*
* Also, I have to—I have a Book Tour spot for the next book on July 1. But I probably would've jumped in this week anyway.
Can you jump on at this point? Yeah, you could. I do think it's worth it to get a running start with the earlier books in the series, but it's not a deal-breaker either way. The main takeaway from this post should be that if you want to see a Thriller writer doing just about everything right and seeming to have a lot of fun with it while he's at it—grab Till Morning is Nigh.
---
I’ve never been at a large crime scene before, moreover I’ve usually been part of their creation and have high- tailed it before the flashing lights showed up. Consequently, this is interesting. It’s a hub of activity, of urgency, of constant footsteps and the cold crackle of static.
I take a moment, and feel it.
WHAT'S TILL MORNING IS NIGH ABOUT?
So Ben's got a day job (under an assumed name) working with the National Crime Agency. He's doing some data entry work, some number crunching—and theoretically, he's around to impart some of his special knowledge when needed.
The NCA is focused on a sudden upsurge in the drug trade in Manchester (which had experienced a good drop in criminal activity after the last time Ben was in town). So they've sent in an Undercover Officer. When we start this novel, that officer is dead—in a particularly vicious killing, almost performative. Ben accompanies some of his colleagues to the Crime Scene (his first out-of-the-office work), which leads to some more time out of the office—and eventually, fieldwork.
If you've read any of the Ben Bracken works, you have a pretty good idea what follows his being given a Field Work assignment. If you haven't read any of these—let's just say there are many bullets, probably some explosions, some hand-to-hand combat, and a decent number of people who end up bloody and beaten (very possibly Ben).
DCI OKPARA, MAASAI WARRIOR
There are a lot of new characters introduced in this book—and I"m not just talking suspects/targets for Ben, but allies, colleagues, etc. But DCI Okpara stands out—I'm not going to describe him much, because that's the kind of thing that ruins the effect of meeting him in the novel. And really, who needs more than "DCI" and "Maasai Warrior" referring to the same character to not want to know more?
There's just something special about this guy—he's the second character this year that I'd love to see as the subject of a spin-off series. I know I'd buy at least the first three installments.
BACK TO HIS ROOTS
Circumstances have brought Ben back to Manchester where we first met him. I'm a little troubled about some of the details on that front, I realize as I write this, but that's neither here nor there.
He's back because he recognizes one of the main suspects for the killing--someone he met in A Wanted Man, other experiences he had in that novel pave the way for him to be a very effective presence for the NCA for the case. Bringing him back to the beginning at this point works well, both in terms of story and character.
I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING
Jack Reacher, Zeb Carter, Orphan X, Peter Ash--and all the other lone gunman/vigilante/hero types you can think of along these lines—have a few things in common beyond their uncanny fighting abilities and high body counts. One of those is lack of a day job—but Ben breaks the mold a little here. As I said, he has a job as a consultant for the National Crime Agency. No running around three steps ahead of the law for Ben, he is the law. Or at least consults for it.
The other relates to thing these characters have in common relates to a personal life—and wow, you're not going to believe what's going on for Ben there.
APPORACHING THE POLITICAL
Ben gets a little political in response to some of what he's forced to listen to over the course of this novel, but not much—and it's not that preachy. But Ben does end up spending time around a group dedicated to getting Britain "back" to a purer state (read: white), which was a little hard to read*. It frequently reminded me of a UK version of Ace Atkins' Tibbehah County.
* Just to be clear, it's ard to read because Parker does a good job portraying that kind of bigot, not that he or Ben are bigots.
Of course, this group had a plan to take over the UK government as a means to get that pure UK. Over the last 2 years, I've read more books where a militant and powerful group wants to take over the British government and clean up society. This is the first one that seemed plausible—the one that might actually work in the real world. And that's terrifying.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT TILL MORNING IS NIGH?
There is indeed more than a few things that are extremely horrible about the way that the man has been quite clearly executed, but too many times I have witnessed human life reduced to nothing but tissue and pulp, the romance of the miracle of life lain exposed for what it really is. Each time I have seen someone split asunder, their contents revealed, what comes out of the person is always the same as the last. Blood and organs arranged artfully on bone. No myth, no mysticism. We are made of soft material that splits and spills, nothing more.
This. This novel right here is the payoff to the potential I saw in Ben Bracken back in A Wanted Man—I liked it, and the novels that followed, but I didn't think they were everything the character could be. This is exactly the kind of thing I thought Ben could be, and probably a little more. Sure, Parker's more than capable of writing a better thriller, and there's room for Ben to grown and/or develop—I'm not saying this is the definitive Rob Parker/Ben Bracken. I'm just saying that this surpasses everything that's come before.
I'm curious about what happens to those behind the death of the UC officer in general—but don't foresee Parker spending time on that in the future. I'm very curious about the fallout from this on Manchester and the NCA team Ben's associated with—assuming Parker decides to let us see that. But mostly, I can't wait to see what comes next for Ben, in terms of story and quality. Thankfully, the next book of the series is out and I can jump into that in a day or so.*
* Also, I have to—I have a Book Tour spot for the next book on July 1. But I probably would've jumped in this week anyway.
Can you jump on at this point? Yeah, you could. I do think it's worth it to get a running start with the earlier books in the series, but it's not a deal-breaker either way. The main takeaway from this post should be that if you want to see a Thriller writer doing just about everything right and seeming to have a lot of fun with it while he's at it—grab Till Morning is Nigh.
August 16, 2020
A fabulous series with all the essential ingredients. Murder, politics, drugs, military and much much more. There's a fast pace throughout and there's a race to get to the end, which was brilliant. Can't wait for book 5️⃣ A highly recommended series. A 5 🌟 read. ❣👏
February 14, 2020
What a thriller! The best Bracken yet!!
I absolutely loved The Penny Black, but I have to agree with other readers that Till Morning is Nigh is EVEN BETTER! Parker draws you in from the get-go with his hero taking centre stage as always but also a highly intriguing, all too close to the bone storyline that explores the destructive world of drugs and more chilling rise of extreme politics. It’s clear Parker has done his research from the level of detail but that doesn’t detract from the action which is non-stop and leaves your heart racing every step of the way. I find Bracken that much more endearing in this instalment, probably because he’s now a family man and that only adds to the roundedness of his character. Parker’s writing is right up my street - short, smart, punchy description and dialogue contained in equally snappy chapters which makes his stories the page-turners they are. Definitely the best one yet. Wonder what Parker will come up with next?! Highly recommended!
I absolutely loved The Penny Black, but I have to agree with other readers that Till Morning is Nigh is EVEN BETTER! Parker draws you in from the get-go with his hero taking centre stage as always but also a highly intriguing, all too close to the bone storyline that explores the destructive world of drugs and more chilling rise of extreme politics. It’s clear Parker has done his research from the level of detail but that doesn’t detract from the action which is non-stop and leaves your heart racing every step of the way. I find Bracken that much more endearing in this instalment, probably because he’s now a family man and that only adds to the roundedness of his character. Parker’s writing is right up my street - short, smart, punchy description and dialogue contained in equally snappy chapters which makes his stories the page-turners they are. Definitely the best one yet. Wonder what Parker will come up with next?! Highly recommended!
December 17, 2019
‘Love Reacher? You’ll adore Bracken; Till Morning is Nigh is a gripper you won’t be able to put down.’
Rob Parker has done it again; another five-star read by a five-star author. ‘Till Morning is Nigh’ is an intriguing and well-researched glimpse into the Manchester drugs underworld, which hides an even more dangerous criminal underbelly. One that threatens our whole way of life. I’m only glad that Ben Bracken is on the side of the good guys.
Time is short and the specifics of a dreadful threat are unknown; even to Bracken, and he is the only one who can help.
This is an excellent race-against-time thriller and those who love pacy enthralling thrillers will love this. Rob Parker manages to infuse his narrative during the action scenes with the skill of Andy McNab and Chris Ryan, and creates a depth of character in Bracken that fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher will adore.
A guaranteed thumper of a thriller which is a must-read. Great job, Rob. Highly recommended.
Rob Parker has done it again; another five-star read by a five-star author. ‘Till Morning is Nigh’ is an intriguing and well-researched glimpse into the Manchester drugs underworld, which hides an even more dangerous criminal underbelly. One that threatens our whole way of life. I’m only glad that Ben Bracken is on the side of the good guys.
Time is short and the specifics of a dreadful threat are unknown; even to Bracken, and he is the only one who can help.
This is an excellent race-against-time thriller and those who love pacy enthralling thrillers will love this. Rob Parker manages to infuse his narrative during the action scenes with the skill of Andy McNab and Chris Ryan, and creates a depth of character in Bracken that fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher will adore.
A guaranteed thumper of a thriller which is a must-read. Great job, Rob. Highly recommended.
January 1, 2020
Another great Ben Bracken adventure. I was worried that it would be overshadowed by a political undertone, but it was perfectly written with a great balance between typical Ben Bracken and modern day issues! Can’t wait for the next one!
February 3, 2020
I’m the unlikeliest of readers for this series. All action military men are not my usual fare and yet, here I am on my 3rd Ben Bracken novel and the 4th in the series. There’s something about Bracken that is compelling; whether it’s his belief in his ideals, or his need to make connections with others I don’t know, but he is a fascinating character.
In Till Morning is Nigh, Parker has tapped directly into contemporary issues and that makes this book crackle with energy and a barely suppressed rage. Bracken is on the inside this time, working for a crack intelligence unit in Manchester and using a new identity. He and his girlfriend have a new baby to add to her own 2 children and Bracken is becoming domesticated.
The intention is that Bracken will lend his expertise to the Police force and the National Crime Agency, but that his job is strictly behind the scenes. But that’s not Bracken and when it emerges that there’s a brutal new organised crime team in town, it’s not long before he’s out there breaking a few heads and getting himself into the thick of things.
What Bracken has got himself into the middle of is an all too likely consequence of what’s going on in England right now. The emergence of the far right post Brexit is linked with the potential for marrying organised criminal activity with a political movement, and Parker shows us the horrifying consequences that could bring.
What starts with the brutal murder of an undercover police officer leads to a conspiracy that strikes at the heart of our democracy.
I found Parker’s storyline plotting plausible and therefore all the more worrying (though I could not help feeling that in writing this story he should have used England a lot more often than Britain – the gulf between our two countries has never been wider).
Parker’s writing style of short and snappy chapters works very well in this context. I really liked that this time Bracken has allies and isn’t quite so much of a rogue operator. Seeing him working with colleagues and becoming a real family man makes him a more rounded individual, though no less likely to take outrageous chances.
Verdict: This is the best Bracken book yet. Topical, and frightening, it crackles with a scary energy and shows us some of the consequences of allowing the rise of fascism again. The organised crime elements of the book are well done and a part of the premise – which relates to the decriminalisation of Class A drugs – feels authentic as it’s a debate we really need to have. This Bracken book is a cracker.
In Till Morning is Nigh, Parker has tapped directly into contemporary issues and that makes this book crackle with energy and a barely suppressed rage. Bracken is on the inside this time, working for a crack intelligence unit in Manchester and using a new identity. He and his girlfriend have a new baby to add to her own 2 children and Bracken is becoming domesticated.
The intention is that Bracken will lend his expertise to the Police force and the National Crime Agency, but that his job is strictly behind the scenes. But that’s not Bracken and when it emerges that there’s a brutal new organised crime team in town, it’s not long before he’s out there breaking a few heads and getting himself into the thick of things.
What Bracken has got himself into the middle of is an all too likely consequence of what’s going on in England right now. The emergence of the far right post Brexit is linked with the potential for marrying organised criminal activity with a political movement, and Parker shows us the horrifying consequences that could bring.
What starts with the brutal murder of an undercover police officer leads to a conspiracy that strikes at the heart of our democracy.
I found Parker’s storyline plotting plausible and therefore all the more worrying (though I could not help feeling that in writing this story he should have used England a lot more often than Britain – the gulf between our two countries has never been wider).
Parker’s writing style of short and snappy chapters works very well in this context. I really liked that this time Bracken has allies and isn’t quite so much of a rogue operator. Seeing him working with colleagues and becoming a real family man makes him a more rounded individual, though no less likely to take outrageous chances.
Verdict: This is the best Bracken book yet. Topical, and frightening, it crackles with a scary energy and shows us some of the consequences of allowing the rise of fascism again. The organised crime elements of the book are well done and a part of the premise – which relates to the decriminalisation of Class A drugs – feels authentic as it’s a debate we really need to have. This Bracken book is a cracker.
February 11, 2020
Once again, I've been totally blown away by this author's wonderful way with words; there's a brutal beauty in some of his descriptions of people, and place that add so much to the enjoyment of reading.
Ben Bracken has moved on, quite a long way to be honest. He's settled in Manchester and is now a father. He's also using an assumed name and has been contracted to advise the National Crime Agency. This is a different side to Bracken and it was interesting to get more of an insight into his character.
However, whilst Bracken may have changed his life; the world is still turning. Still crime, still hate and still people to put away.
I don't like to get all political, but I think it's ironic that I'm reviewing this one on 31 January 2020 - the day the UK leave the European Union. Things have changed since the results of referendum back in 2016, I've seen things and read things written by people that have totally opened my eyes. Maybe I was blind back then, but the level of hate within communities has certainly ratcheted up, in my view, and Rob Parker has captured these tensions and changes so very well within his story.
Back to the book .... and, the reason I mentioned Brexit. Bracken finds himself caught up in a grimy, murky underworld that revolves around hate. Ex military guys; extreme right wing and shocked that 'their country' has changed so much. They are hell bent on changing it back, and nothing will stand in their way.
Once again, this clever author has written a no-holds-barred, punchy, gritty crime novel. He's incorporated some really important messages here; especially about community, and how extreme beliefs can cause terror and mayhem.
Action-packed, wonderfully written with a lead character who gets under the skin!
Ben Bracken has moved on, quite a long way to be honest. He's settled in Manchester and is now a father. He's also using an assumed name and has been contracted to advise the National Crime Agency. This is a different side to Bracken and it was interesting to get more of an insight into his character.
However, whilst Bracken may have changed his life; the world is still turning. Still crime, still hate and still people to put away.
I don't like to get all political, but I think it's ironic that I'm reviewing this one on 31 January 2020 - the day the UK leave the European Union. Things have changed since the results of referendum back in 2016, I've seen things and read things written by people that have totally opened my eyes. Maybe I was blind back then, but the level of hate within communities has certainly ratcheted up, in my view, and Rob Parker has captured these tensions and changes so very well within his story.
Back to the book .... and, the reason I mentioned Brexit. Bracken finds himself caught up in a grimy, murky underworld that revolves around hate. Ex military guys; extreme right wing and shocked that 'their country' has changed so much. They are hell bent on changing it back, and nothing will stand in their way.
Once again, this clever author has written a no-holds-barred, punchy, gritty crime novel. He's incorporated some really important messages here; especially about community, and how extreme beliefs can cause terror and mayhem.
Action-packed, wonderfully written with a lead character who gets under the skin!
May 19, 2021
Ben finally has what he’s wanted .. a family, but when he is asked to leave his desk job a few days before Christmas, to go out into the field to help law enforcement track down a cop killer in his adoptive home city of Manchester, things begin to unwind quickly and it’s a race against time to uncover the plot of some twisted ideologists and try to prevent their plan coming to fruition...
Ben returns for his fourth outing and his moral compass is again driving him on against all odds, but this time it’s different, this time he has a family to protect and he’ll stop at nothing to keep the streets safe for their future..
It’s got it all, action, thrills, snow and Christmas, it’s basically Die Hard in Warrington, Bill Clay even gets a mention (correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t that the name Hans Gruber gives to John McClane when they meet for the first time on the roof of the Nakatomi building.. 👌)
Ben returns for his fourth outing and his moral compass is again driving him on against all odds, but this time it’s different, this time he has a family to protect and he’ll stop at nothing to keep the streets safe for their future..
It’s got it all, action, thrills, snow and Christmas, it’s basically Die Hard in Warrington, Bill Clay even gets a mention (correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t that the name Hans Gruber gives to John McClane when they meet for the first time on the roof of the Nakatomi building.. 👌)
March 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the latest of the Bracken books.
A gripping story with some great detail. It has the usual local references which makes the Ben Bracken series so appealing to northern readers like myself.
You also get to see a different side to the character. The plot was easy to follow and fairly topical in today's current political climate.
Would recommend this latest installerment to fans of the series and also as a single read without prior knowledge of the character.
A gripping story with some great detail. It has the usual local references which makes the Ben Bracken series so appealing to northern readers like myself.
You also get to see a different side to the character. The plot was easy to follow and fairly topical in today's current political climate.
Would recommend this latest installerment to fans of the series and also as a single read without prior knowledge of the character.
January 24, 2020
Gripping
While I enjoyed this book, I think the first three were much faster paced and gave me more of an adrenaline rush, just like James Bond, this wasn’t as thrilling in my opinion and quite an uneasy undercurrent running through it. I’m looking forward to the next one.
While I enjoyed this book, I think the first three were much faster paced and gave me more of an adrenaline rush, just like James Bond, this wasn’t as thrilling in my opinion and quite an uneasy undercurrent running through it. I’m looking forward to the next one.
January 16, 2021
Wow, wow and double wow
Book 4 and what a ride, if you like action and suspense then read this set of books. Character is believable as is the story in all 4 books . Can't wait for book 5 and Ben/Tom's next adventure, I wanna have a pint with him..lol
Book 4 and what a ride, if you like action and suspense then read this set of books. Character is believable as is the story in all 4 books . Can't wait for book 5 and Ben/Tom's next adventure, I wanna have a pint with him..lol
September 17, 2021
Brilliant series.
I have devoured all four Ben Bracken novels. Edge of the seat twisting and turning. Well written, great chracters; surely this series can continue? I can highly recommend Rob Parker and his tense exciting novels.
I have devoured all four Ben Bracken novels. Edge of the seat twisting and turning. Well written, great chracters; surely this series can continue? I can highly recommend Rob Parker and his tense exciting novels.
March 6, 2020
Full review to follow but each of my seat holding my breath until the very last page kind of read
January 28, 2020
Bracken, now recovered after the explosive settling of scores at The Penny Black, unexpectedly finds himself a family man with a new job.
Having been drafted in under duress by Jeremiah Salix, to be an advisor for the National Crime Agency, Bracken's new role casts him as ex-soldier Tom Watson and is intended to keep him out of trouble and quietly in the background.
However, it is not long before Bracken's skills have him involved in an investigation that takes him back into the heart of Manchester's criminal underworld - where a new presence is being felt after the loss of the berg. An undercover officer has been murdered in a most unusual and gruesome way and there are rumours of political links behind the new arrivals.
Something big is on the horizon, planned for Christmas Eve, and Bracken has to infiltrate an ultra-right wing group of ex-military thugs - one of whom may be a serial killer - to find out what it is, and who is behind it.
More than one family is in danger this time around, and one of them is Bracken's....
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If you have been following my blog reviews, you will know that I first met Ben Bracken earlier this year, when I had the privilege of reviewing Bracken's third adventure - The Penny Black. I loved this so much that I then went back to fill in Bracken's back-story with books One, A Wanted Man, and Two, Morte Point - and so started my love affair with Rob Parker's broken hero.
Having whetted my appetite for more Bracken, I was over the moon that Rob kindly sent me a copy of the brand spanking new fourth Bracken installment, Till Morning Is Nigh, before publication and I have to say that it is an absolute knockout - my favourite yet!
Each one of Rob Parker's Bracken books offer great, fast-paced, gritty and violent stories that drag you in and carry you recklessly towards an explosive and gratifying climax, but this time we see something more in our favourite good guy - and that is his reflective side. Bracken is now living the life of a family man, which while being something he has yearned for of late, is somewhat of a surprise for him. It is a bit of an emotional minefield, but he is learning to adapt, to become a different man, and will do almost anything to hold on to his new found happiness. Your softer side is showing Mr Bracken!
The stark and chilling story-line of Till Morning Is Nigh also allows us to learn more about Bracken's inner moral compass. This story is bang up to date for the political morass surrounding Brexit. The picture of a divided country, with the rise of political extremism on both sides of the spectrum that Rob Parker describes in these pages is so chillingly drawn from the times we find ourselves in that you can almost taste it - and it is not a world to be proud of.
We already know that Bracken has a strong sense of duty and cannot stand by while others are being taken advantage of, but we now get a more concrete glimpse of his deeply held beliefs about the kind of country he wants to live in - the kind of country he has always been willing to lay down his life to protect. We begin to understand more about what makes Bracken tick and how he feels about the things he finds it necessary to do.
I was really impressed by the way Rob Parker intertwines the Bracken we know and love with the man he wants to be, set against the backdrop of the criminal underworld and the complex political landscape we find ourselves in - all rolled up in a cracking story. This was so cleverly done and hints at a writer who is maturing and becoming confident with his protagonist. Well done Rob, this is skillful writing.
In addition, we are introduced to some new characters who I hope we will get to see again in the future. I would like to see much more of Okpara, Blake and Catterall please, as they made a formidable team with Bracken and Salix.
I have to say that this book also unashamedly gets you "right in the feels", which is fabulous in a genre which is primarily about big thrills and technicolour action scenes. I absolutely sobbed my way through the end of this book, while simultaneously teetering on the edge of my seat, and I needed a lie down in a darkened room when it was all over!
You should be in no doubt by now that I absolutely loved this book. I have no idea where Rob Parker is going to take Bracken next, but I will most certainly be along for the ride!
January 30, 2020
I'm grateful to the publisher for an advance copy of Till Morning is Nigh and for inviting me to take part in the book's blog tour.
I'm really enjoying Parker's series of short, pacy action adventures/ thriller featuring Ben Bracken. I particularly like the fact that while these are at times gritty and engage with current issues and problems - especially this latest instalment - Parker doesn't take things over seriously. His protagonist Bracken is essentially a man on the run, a disgraced ex-soldier who's served time in prison but escaped, irredeemably compromised in the eyes of the authorities and therefore apt to be used by them or back to Strangeways he goes.
Any kind of life he makes for himself therefore risks being blown apart and is an accommodation with powers and principalities which he detests. At times Bracken kicks over the traces and strikes out on his own (and mayhem ensures), at times he is more accepting of the realities. As a result, nothing lasts for long and in each book of the series Bracken is in a new setting, under a new cover, with different objectives and facing different dangers. Parker is happy to shake things up so these settings are very diverse - in the last book, The Penny Black, Bracken stumbled into trouble when hiding out on the Norfolk Broads, here, he is almost rehabilitated (enough time has passed that he and his girlfriend have a baby son) and working a desk job for a police agency based in Manchester.
Bracken is strictly forbidden to go into the field, but if you think that'll stick once the fan needs disinfecting then you don't know Ben Bracken. When an undercover police officer is tortured to death to send a message, and links emerge with ex-soldiers and the Far Right, would you expect him to stand by?
What follows develops - once some preliminaries are sorted in the the first part of the book - into a white knuckle ride of a thriller which benefits from the fact that Bracken is operating (albeit still under a false identity) more or less above the radar. He doesn't have to worry primarily about his own cover, but can work - as part of a team - to address an insidious threat. it's Christmas in Manchester, and after recent political events (but not the 2019 election - ironically given the publication of this book on 13th December!) fascist elements are on the rise. Parker carefully distances Bracken from any close interest in politics, but it's clear this faction is inimical to what he was fighting for in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nevertheless they're plausible, and Parker sketches a chillingly feasible strategy they're using to get close to power. More realistic and current than in previous Bracken thrillers, this second part of the book is topped off by an explosive conclusion where the stakes are very, very high indeed.
I don't think we've ever before seen Parker's hero as close to being broken as he is in Till Morning is Nigh. Not only are the issues more personal to him - he feels real comradeship with the ex-soldiers here - but he has more at stake, no longer being a fugitive (even if he does still have secrets to keep). The book had a thrilling end, and the series as whole seems to have changed up a gear.
I'm really enjoying Parker's series of short, pacy action adventures/ thriller featuring Ben Bracken. I particularly like the fact that while these are at times gritty and engage with current issues and problems - especially this latest instalment - Parker doesn't take things over seriously. His protagonist Bracken is essentially a man on the run, a disgraced ex-soldier who's served time in prison but escaped, irredeemably compromised in the eyes of the authorities and therefore apt to be used by them or back to Strangeways he goes.
Any kind of life he makes for himself therefore risks being blown apart and is an accommodation with powers and principalities which he detests. At times Bracken kicks over the traces and strikes out on his own (and mayhem ensures), at times he is more accepting of the realities. As a result, nothing lasts for long and in each book of the series Bracken is in a new setting, under a new cover, with different objectives and facing different dangers. Parker is happy to shake things up so these settings are very diverse - in the last book, The Penny Black, Bracken stumbled into trouble when hiding out on the Norfolk Broads, here, he is almost rehabilitated (enough time has passed that he and his girlfriend have a baby son) and working a desk job for a police agency based in Manchester.
Bracken is strictly forbidden to go into the field, but if you think that'll stick once the fan needs disinfecting then you don't know Ben Bracken. When an undercover police officer is tortured to death to send a message, and links emerge with ex-soldiers and the Far Right, would you expect him to stand by?
What follows develops - once some preliminaries are sorted in the the first part of the book - into a white knuckle ride of a thriller which benefits from the fact that Bracken is operating (albeit still under a false identity) more or less above the radar. He doesn't have to worry primarily about his own cover, but can work - as part of a team - to address an insidious threat. it's Christmas in Manchester, and after recent political events (but not the 2019 election - ironically given the publication of this book on 13th December!) fascist elements are on the rise. Parker carefully distances Bracken from any close interest in politics, but it's clear this faction is inimical to what he was fighting for in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nevertheless they're plausible, and Parker sketches a chillingly feasible strategy they're using to get close to power. More realistic and current than in previous Bracken thrillers, this second part of the book is topped off by an explosive conclusion where the stakes are very, very high indeed.
I don't think we've ever before seen Parker's hero as close to being broken as he is in Till Morning is Nigh. Not only are the issues more personal to him - he feels real comradeship with the ex-soldiers here - but he has more at stake, no longer being a fugitive (even if he does still have secrets to keep). The book had a thrilling end, and the series as whole seems to have changed up a gear.
January 20, 2020
Police are called to a horrific murder of an undercover policeman that was infiltrating a drug cartel. This leads to a
Far Right Wing returned ex army group totally disillusioned with the way society has degenerated and are to make a grand statement on a certain date. It's up to the security departments to find where and what has been planned.
Enter Mr. West also an ex return soldier with a shady past, several names, and recently been early released from prison now working in a desk job with a new wife and baby at security.
The story picks up pace as everyone is working towards the date making for a tense and thrilling well written plot having this reader not being able to put the book down until the finish.
This is not only a crime story there is an important message concerning soldiers that served their country only to find upon returning they do not recognise society as the one they expected and little or no help with mental and financial problems.
An independent review for NetGalley / Endeavour Media
Far Right Wing returned ex army group totally disillusioned with the way society has degenerated and are to make a grand statement on a certain date. It's up to the security departments to find where and what has been planned.
Enter Mr. West also an ex return soldier with a shady past, several names, and recently been early released from prison now working in a desk job with a new wife and baby at security.
The story picks up pace as everyone is working towards the date making for a tense and thrilling well written plot having this reader not being able to put the book down until the finish.
This is not only a crime story there is an important message concerning soldiers that served their country only to find upon returning they do not recognise society as the one they expected and little or no help with mental and financial problems.
An independent review for NetGalley / Endeavour Media
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