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Johnny Silver #1
Mercenary
MEET JOHNNY SILVER IN THIS PULSATING THRILLER. HE’S AN EX-MERCENARY WHO WANTS TO SEE JUSTICE DONE. WHATEVER IT TAKES . . . AND THAT USUALLY INVOLVES BREAKING A FEW THINGS.
Johnny Silver's brother, Carlo, the head of an investment bank, disappears along with ten million euros.
DON’T MESS WITH HIS FAMILY.
Johnny, an ex-mercenary on the run, is persuaded to come out of hiding to track him down. The trail leads Johnny into the world of gambling, prostitution, drugs, and human-trafficking to a crime that shocks the core of a man who thought he’d seen everything.
Sometimes even the most cynical man discovers something that shakes him.
Perfect for fans of Mark Dawson, Frederick Forsyth, David Baldacci, J.B. Turner, and Rob Sinclair.
WITH A PLOT THAT TWISTS AND TURNS AS IT MOVES AT A DAZZLING PACE, MERCENARY IS A STORY NOT TO BE MISSED.
Johnny Silver's brother, Carlo, the head of an investment bank, disappears along with ten million euros.
DON’T MESS WITH HIS FAMILY.
Johnny, an ex-mercenary on the run, is persuaded to come out of hiding to track him down. The trail leads Johnny into the world of gambling, prostitution, drugs, and human-trafficking to a crime that shocks the core of a man who thought he’d seen everything.
Sometimes even the most cynical man discovers something that shakes him.
Perfect for fans of Mark Dawson, Frederick Forsyth, David Baldacci, J.B. Turner, and Rob Sinclair.
WITH A PLOT THAT TWISTS AND TURNS AS IT MOVES AT A DAZZLING PACE, MERCENARY IS A STORY NOT TO BE MISSED.
- GenresThriller
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
398 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Paul Bennett
21 books14 followersPaul Bennett was born in London and educated at Alleyn's school in Dulwark. He studied Economics at Exeter University and spent seven years in advertising. When he left advertising, he set up a market research agency whuch he sold in 1986. He has now semi-retired in order to pursue writing. Bennett lives in a converted barn in Essex with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 10, 2021
MEET JOHNNY SILVER IN THIS PULSATING THRILLER. HE’S AN EX-MERCENARY WHO WANTS TO SEE JUSTICE DONE. WHATEVER IT TAKES . . . AND THAT USUALLY INVOLVES BREAKING A FEW THINGS.
Johnny Silver's brother, Carlo, the head of an investment bank, disappears along with ten million euros.
DON’T MESS WITH HIS FAMILY.
Johnny, an ex-mercenary on the run, is persuaded to come out of hiding to track him down. The trail leads Johnny into the world of gambling, prostitution, drugs, and human-trafficking to a crime that shocks the core of a man who thought he’d seen everything.
Sometimes even the most cynical man discovers something that shakes him.
A first read from this author for me, and number one in a series, four stars as some good characters, good story, but do not like too many flashbacks in books, but as it is the first in the series I understand the importance of explaining the story, the characters, their history, which is explained well.
When the story settles, the pace is better, with a collection of personalities from Jamaican, pole, red, South African, reading the book will explain more.
Great finish to the book, but the finish really meant I had to get book two, which I have so overall a well paced thriller, with a story that is a little different.
Johnny Silver's brother, Carlo, the head of an investment bank, disappears along with ten million euros.
DON’T MESS WITH HIS FAMILY.
Johnny, an ex-mercenary on the run, is persuaded to come out of hiding to track him down. The trail leads Johnny into the world of gambling, prostitution, drugs, and human-trafficking to a crime that shocks the core of a man who thought he’d seen everything.
Sometimes even the most cynical man discovers something that shakes him.
A first read from this author for me, and number one in a series, four stars as some good characters, good story, but do not like too many flashbacks in books, but as it is the first in the series I understand the importance of explaining the story, the characters, their history, which is explained well.
When the story settles, the pace is better, with a collection of personalities from Jamaican, pole, red, South African, reading the book will explain more.
Great finish to the book, but the finish really meant I had to get book two, which I have so overall a well paced thriller, with a story that is a little different.
February 7, 2021
A good story marred by one glaring error.
While I enjoyed the story and the characters, one thing became a distraction. You don't need a passport to travel round the European Union, it's in the Shengen zone. You need a passport to enter the zone, and one to leave, but you can travel freely between the member countries. Perhaps a bit more research is required in future.
While I enjoyed the story and the characters, one thing became a distraction. You don't need a passport to travel round the European Union, it's in the Shengen zone. You need a passport to enter the zone, and one to leave, but you can travel freely between the member countries. Perhaps a bit more research is required in future.
September 17, 2017
Pluses for this book are its pace and its easy narrative. Thats all. There are too many minuses such as:-
1. The protagonist has it too easy all the way. No hiccups, no conflicts. The story was so obviously heading for a 'happily ever after'. How I wish we all had the same luck as Gianni... and ironically, he never gambles! He should.
2. The ladies here are cliched caricatures. All are dumb and purely ornamental. Guess Mr Bennett catered to only the male readers.
3. Cliched story. Seriously, no surprises here. Not even 'The Big Reveal' was a surprise.
4. Unidimensional. Its like, a puppeteer making everyone move as per his will. Ummm... unrealistic?
Lets say, its okay as a leisure read, a no brainer, not much of a thriller. Read it and leave it where you happen to be situated. No Collector's Item this.
1. The protagonist has it too easy all the way. No hiccups, no conflicts. The story was so obviously heading for a 'happily ever after'. How I wish we all had the same luck as Gianni... and ironically, he never gambles! He should.
2. The ladies here are cliched caricatures. All are dumb and purely ornamental. Guess Mr Bennett catered to only the male readers.
3. Cliched story. Seriously, no surprises here. Not even 'The Big Reveal' was a surprise.
4. Unidimensional. Its like, a puppeteer making everyone move as per his will. Ummm... unrealistic?
Lets say, its okay as a leisure read, a no brainer, not much of a thriller. Read it and leave it where you happen to be situated. No Collector's Item this.
June 4, 2021
A very good story with a great team of men helping each other out and enjoying being out of retirement and doing what they do best. As Mercenaries they had been well trained but had retired from active service. They were called up to look for someone and so the story goes from there, I will let you enjoy reading the book, it was well written and thoroughly enjoyable, no swearing or sexual scenes which makes a change and the story ran well, it was entertaining and an easy to read story. Would recommend it to anyone who wants a relaxing read
September 19, 2023
Started well but fizzled out.
I really enjoyed the beginning but as read on the style and plot became more and more amateurish. Halfway through and it was too much of a drag. I don't feel able to recommend Mr Bennett's work based on this first sample.
I really enjoyed the beginning but as read on the style and plot became more and more amateurish. Halfway through and it was too much of a drag. I don't feel able to recommend Mr Bennett's work based on this first sample.
April 10, 2024
2.5 rounded up. Looks like I'm in the minority of GR reviewers. Let's look at the positives: it is pretty fast paced and a good story. A few interesting characters. The writing is good even if the dialogue is occasionally trite. (OK, well I've now segued into the negatives.) After the initial intro which takes place in a diamond mine in Africa with a very stereotypical Russian baddie, we switch to an imaginary Caribbean island where our hero (a former Mercenary) has set up a beach bar with one of his buddy mercenaries operating a charter fishing boat. I thought, great, this is going to be a Travis McGee type story. Sadly it wasn't. Our opening scene has our hero, Gianni/Johnny, in a fistfight with a bunch of inebriated partygoers with the only purpose being that we learn our hero is no slouch in the macho 1 guy vs 6 bros department. (This isn't a spoiler since it has no bearing on the rest of the story whatsoever.) Well, Johnny is hired by his estranged family to look for his missing brother and he gets the old gang together (all mercenaries) to assist. Although I finished the book just a day or so ago, I couldn't tell you much about the gang other than two of them. I was particularly put off by one whose name is "Red" and he is a Native American. (Get it, "Red" wow, that's original.) Well, it gets worse. Red likes to speak in old Tonto/Lone Ranger style dialogue using "Me" instead of "I" and referring to his "Wigwam" - you get the picture. I guess this is meant to be funny or self deprecating. I found it offensive (and I'm not a native American) and distracting. The major revelation at the end is no surprise at all. There is one semi twist I didn't see coming, that was which of the female characters Johnny ends up with. I suspected a different character. Was it entertaining? Yes. But it fell short for me so I won't be looking for Johnny Silver #2.
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March 17, 2021This whole book is built around a premise that doesn’t exist . The main character is searching for his brother who is trying to get his girlfriend across the border from Holland into Germany but can’t because she doesn’t have a passport in her possession.
There is a need for a passport between any Country within the European Union due to the Schengen Agreement. So the whole premise of the book is redundant , secondly they being the main group of protagonists is travelling to the vicinity of Freiberg in southern Germany , wrong . The town , city what ever you like is named Freiburg , to be exact Freiburg im Breisgau . By the time I’d reached page 128 I gave up , how many more mistakes or just bad research could be crammed in before the end of the book I just decided not to continue reading .
There is a need for a passport between any Country within the European Union due to the Schengen Agreement. So the whole premise of the book is redundant , secondly they being the main group of protagonists is travelling to the vicinity of Freiberg in southern Germany , wrong . The town , city what ever you like is named Freiburg , to be exact Freiburg im Breisgau . By the time I’d reached page 128 I gave up , how many more mistakes or just bad research could be crammed in before the end of the book I just decided not to continue reading .
July 5, 2024
ANY GOOD? "RECKON SO"
What an interesting start to this new series and the first book I've read by this very talented author.
An exciting opener where previously a group of mercenaries had been captured and tortured by Russian gangsters for millions of pounds of missing diamonds.
Present day the leader of this group Johnnie has taken on a dangerous mission to track down his younger brother who has gone missing with millions worth of bonds from the bank were he's in charge. Johnnie enrols his old buddies to help. Great story, lots of tension and very likeable characters. Well deserving 5 stars, thank you, now for book 2. BP Sheffield.
What an interesting start to this new series and the first book I've read by this very talented author.
An exciting opener where previously a group of mercenaries had been captured and tortured by Russian gangsters for millions of pounds of missing diamonds.
Present day the leader of this group Johnnie has taken on a dangerous mission to track down his younger brother who has gone missing with millions worth of bonds from the bank were he's in charge. Johnnie enrols his old buddies to help. Great story, lots of tension and very likeable characters. Well deserving 5 stars, thank you, now for book 2. BP Sheffield.
September 5, 2021
It took a while to get into this & just when I did some misogynistic asked scout her name & chose to call her by a physical characteristic instead, like that's acceptable! When he was called out on it he made some glib remark further angering scout.
As a guy I see this behaviour in others & I'm dismayed by it. I hate seeing it in print when it's just used as if it's ok & acceptable to all but the subject.
Also passport to get into Germany from the low countries!
Prime reading free book! I'm glad I didn't pay
As a guy I see this behaviour in others & I'm dismayed by it. I hate seeing it in print when it's just used as if it's ok & acceptable to all but the subject.
Also passport to get into Germany from the low countries!
Prime reading free book! I'm glad I didn't pay
April 3, 2024
Dynamic thriller
The story starts with a glimpse of who Johnny Silver is, then years later we get to meet the man and his friends. Available for hire, Johnny is pulled from his tropical paradise for a contract that’s too close to home. With his brothers in arms, they have to tackle old and new enemies as Johnny seeks to get the answer to one burning question.
Fast-paced and skilful putting make it a compelling read. As the tension builds you’ve got to keep turning the page.
The story starts with a glimpse of who Johnny Silver is, then years later we get to meet the man and his friends. Available for hire, Johnny is pulled from his tropical paradise for a contract that’s too close to home. With his brothers in arms, they have to tackle old and new enemies as Johnny seeks to get the answer to one burning question.
Fast-paced and skilful putting make it a compelling read. As the tension builds you’ve got to keep turning the page.
December 1, 2024
I don't often read action thrillers, but this one came my way via a Bookbub offer.
The introduction almost put me off, far too violent and pointless for my taste.
But the opening chapter rather made amends, and after a few more chapters I started to like the story. Overall a well-written, well constructed book with lots of interest.
But there is a lot of violence, and I don't think I'll want to read any more of this series.
The introduction almost put me off, far too violent and pointless for my taste.
But the opening chapter rather made amends, and after a few more chapters I started to like the story. Overall a well-written, well constructed book with lots of interest.
But there is a lot of violence, and I don't think I'll want to read any more of this series.
April 19, 2024
Good for what it was
It was either free or heavily discounted, so can’t grumble. There were some interesting moments, but no real gripping times where you felt they were going to be challenged. Shame that the author chose a great city to set this in, but not use it as a story aid.
Probably won’t bother with the series.
It was either free or heavily discounted, so can’t grumble. There were some interesting moments, but no real gripping times where you felt they were going to be challenged. Shame that the author chose a great city to set this in, but not use it as a story aid.
Probably won’t bother with the series.
May 13, 2021
Euro passport rules
Good story slightly spoilt by ignorance of EU passport rule I am assuming the author is American and doesn't understand that you can travel across borders with no problem
Good story slightly spoilt by ignorance of EU passport rule I am assuming the author is American and doesn't understand that you can travel across borders with no problem
July 24, 2021
Enjoyed this book. First time I had read this author.
Not a fan of time jumping in stories. Like 6 months earlier, present day etc.
However this worked to some extent in this story. Would have preferred a straight timeline.
Next stop Killer in Black.
Not a fan of time jumping in stories. Like 6 months earlier, present day etc.
However this worked to some extent in this story. Would have preferred a straight timeline.
Next stop Killer in Black.
September 10, 2021
Great book, if you like Jack reacher, you'll love Johnny Silver, and his pals
Fast paced addictive thriller, great characters and story, so pleased I've got books 2, 3 and 4 next. Totally recommend this author
Fast paced addictive thriller, great characters and story, so pleased I've got books 2, 3 and 4 next. Totally recommend this author
March 31, 2024
intriguing
Intriguing and well written. Couldn’t put it down. Started to read and ended up reading it in one sitting. Events were well thought out and had great continuity. Love the ending!
Intriguing and well written. Couldn’t put it down. Started to read and ended up reading it in one sitting. Events were well thought out and had great continuity. Love the ending!
July 7, 2024
Action packed adventure
Meet the family combined with Rambo. The Team gets together on a mission to save illegal imigrants trafficked to Amsterdam whilst also rescuing the family banking business.
Meet the family combined with Rambo. The Team gets together on a mission to save illegal imigrants trafficked to Amsterdam whilst also rescuing the family banking business.
July 9, 2024
I just can't put my finger on the reasons that I was disappointed with this book, it just wasn't a page turner and I couldn't wait to finish it. Maybe it was too simplistic, maybe a little over the top, maybe because there is no swearing, (come on. five tough breed mercenaries without a bad word to say!). Sorry Mr Bennett but that is my first and last read of your tomes.
September 1, 2025
A good lively introduction to Johnny Silver and his team. We get some of the backstories of each member who are brought back together after a few years of doing their own thing.
I do not do spoilers so, if you want a good read to wile away an hour or so, then this could be for you.
I do not do spoilers so, if you want a good read to wile away an hour or so, then this could be for you.
November 19, 2020
Superb
Another superb read from Bennett, action packed thriller that keeps you reading from first to last page.
Look forward to more
Another superb read from Bennett, action packed thriller that keeps you reading from first to last page.
Look forward to more
May 19, 2021
Really ?
Fell off its perch.grammar very good but poor book generally.won't bother to tread any more of his books.no good rally
Fell off its perch.grammar very good but poor book generally.won't bother to tread any more of his books.no good rally
July 3, 2021
Great Read
Relaxed and humorous writing of a fast moving, exciting story.
I'm looking forward to book two in the series.
Thank you!
Relaxed and humorous writing of a fast moving, exciting story.
I'm looking forward to book two in the series.
Thank you!
July 28, 2021
Enjoyable yarn.
Enjoyable enough to pass the time though the plot is a little predictable, as is the identity of the mysterious father figure.
Enjoyable enough to pass the time though the plot is a little predictable, as is the identity of the mysterious father figure.
August 3, 2021
Really good read
An excellent book which covers a wide range of crimes by criminal elements that needs sorted out. Gripped me from the start!!
An excellent book which covers a wide range of crimes by criminal elements that needs sorted out. Gripped me from the start!!
December 7, 2022
Action packed thriller
Action packed from start to finish. Twist and turns all the way. Mixed but related stories. Easy to read follow
Action packed from start to finish. Twist and turns all the way. Mixed but related stories. Easy to read follow
November 13, 2023
All action
Great read if you like bullets and good versus evil. All ends rather good till the next time.......can not wait
Great read if you like bullets and good versus evil. All ends rather good till the next time.......can not wait
April 1, 2024
Well worth reading
April 1, 2024
Deadly game
Really good action in this story, keeps you on your toes to try and make sense of it all as it happens.
Really good action in this story, keeps you on your toes to try and make sense of it all as it happens.
April 6, 2024
Start of a l pretty good series.
Enjoyed it. Different type of story line. Good characters, and pretty good writing. Yeah, I recommend, going to get the next one.
Enjoyed it. Different type of story line. Good characters, and pretty good writing. Yeah, I recommend, going to get the next one.
April 13, 2024
good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews