North Korea Deception

by Richard Lyntton

When ambitious British journalist Jack Steele travels to the Russian Far East to investigate the mysterious disappearance of two UN officials, he becomes embroiled in a secret, international military and political conspiracy to destroy a North Korean nuclear reactor along with several thousand innocent North Korean religious prisoners. In this espionage action thriller, Steele's encounters with blackmail, suicide bombers, double agents, unwelcome romance, rogue military forces, and a full-on tank assault will excite fans of British and American spy thrillers as he incurs the wrath of British, US, and North Korean authorities and a Russian organized-crime boss, all of whom want him dead.

As if that wasn't enough, Steele alone holds the key to defeating the twisted and ruthless external reality of international politics, diplomacy, and unexpected evil in the Tumen triangle of Russia, North Korea, and China.

From London to Moscow to Vladivostok and into the secret world of Pyong Yang, Steele must continually choose: fight, flight, report … or die?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2021

About the author

Richard Lyntton was born Richard Bramford in Highgate,
London. He attended William Ellis School, Exeter University,
Moscow State Linguistic University (formerly Maurice Thorez
Moscow State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages),
and Sandhurst. Richard served as a captain and tank commander
in the British Army in the first Gulf War; European
Community Task Force Humanitarian Liaison in Russia;
UNHCR Liaison Officer, and United Nations Military Observer (during heavy
shelling and NATO airstrikes) in Sarajevo, Bosnia; and was a
United Nations Television producer in former Yugoslavia. He
was called to testify at the International War Crimes Tribunal
in the Hague after witnessing and filming human rights
atrocities and abuses in Bosnia. His films are archived at the
Imperial War Museum, London.
When he’s not writing, Richard is a professional actor and
QVC USA on-air guest host. He lives in Philadelphia with his
wife, interior designer Michelle Wenitsky, and their two sons.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

After stumbling upon the series debut by Richard Lyntton, I found myself captivated by the story and presentation of this thriller. Lyntton balances political angles with an espionage flavouring well off the beaten path. Jack Steele's ambition as a journalist reaches its limits when he travels to the edges of Russia. Two UN officials have gone missing and this is something he feels is best revealed for the world to see. However, nothing is quite as it seems, when Steele trips upon a plan to destroy something within North Korea and kill many prisoners. His determination might be the key to his extermination warrant, as no one wants the truth to come out. As Steele rushes to get his story out, he will have to battle many of those with power who have the means to make him disappear. It is a race that could end in disaster for all involved. Richard Lyntton delivers a gripping series debut that has me eager to read more soon.

Jack Steele has the needed ambition to make a difference in journalism. Working for a British publication, Steele travels to Russia’s Far East, where he hopes to locate two UN officials who went missing just over the border in North Korea. While it is risky, every worthwhile story has its level of uncertainty. Jack Steele needs this story to put him back on the map and there’s nothing stopping him.

Steele learns that North Korea holds more than UN officials. There’s a secret to destroy a North Korean nuclear reactor and develop weapons that are sure to rock the international world. Steele cannot believe what he’s seeing, but the ramifications could have international implications and send the West into a spiral. Not only does he need the proof, he must get out of this nowhere to send the story to his editors.

With this secret, Steele finds many who want him silenced, from Russian mob bosses to various intelligence agencies who do not take well to being one-upped. As Steele pushes through the backwaters of North Korea, he seeks not only to reveal a story, but to keep his head out of a noose. The world teeters on the edge and Steele might be the one things that pushes it over. Richard Lyntton offers up a tense series debut with this piece and keeps the reader on edge.

I enjoy discovering new authors whose ideas keep me curious. Richard Lyntton has the ingredients for a strong political thriller with a dash of espionage, pulling the reader into the middle of a strong novel. Lyntton crafts a narrative that uses action to fuel this piece, while offering up some political intrigue to keep the reader hooked. Characters help provide something worthwhile for the reader, adding something to the story. The international perspectives keep the reader guessing as the story finds layers of tension. Plot points are well placed, providing strong espionage and ensuring the reader will not be satisfied until they discover everything. Lyntton keeps the reader guessing as he connects political dots with ease. While there were moments that needed some added pep, Lyntton has me eager to keep reading to see if the second novel has the same level of political suspense.

Kudos, Mr. Lyntton, for a strong debut that leaves many questions unanswered.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Cigdem Knebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend it to all that like a breathtaking mystery and thriller novel.

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

North Korea Deception by Richard Lyntton is book 1 in the Jack Steele series and barring any difficulties book 2 is due out in February (?).
NKD absolutely hooked me from the start and is a fast paced thrilling read right to the last page. The author does a great job of building suspense and maintaining it throughout the story.
I found myself moving rather quickly through the chapters,must faster than I realized. The skill with which Mr Lyntton weaves together political intrigue, mystery, espionage, adventure into a heart-pounding race to find out how the story turns out is excellently executed. With plenty of twist and turns this one is hard to put down, keeping the reader turning pages.
There is much about the story line I liked, Richard's talent at taking moments at the start that seem to have no importance and then later weaving them into the story to create those "OH WOW" moments. His use of the Russian language (translations included) to give the story a realism and adds to the worldly feel of the book.
The characters are well rounded, layered and filled with depth, especially Jack Steele whom being far from perfect has the qualities of a true hero and the skills to get the job done. I would be remiss to not add that the author does a fascinating job of developing his characters in such a way as to keep the reader guessing as to who really is the good/bad guys. Add to this the fantastic dialog and we find a book that hits all the right points regarding a successful read.
The vivid detail in the world building, in the geography, the traveling and My Lyntton has created a story that reads like a movie with all the real world problems we currently face, making for a familiarity that in the end will have you standing outside your local bookstore waiting for your next dose of Jack Steele.
A great addition to the shelf of readers in a variety of genres, North Korea Deception is a book you an easily come back to re-read.

[Jim Rickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I started read this book because I liked thed title. I almost gave up on it but then kept going and I was glad I did..

[Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get going with this story.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, I think I'm going to take a break from Fiction novels for a while.
I picked this one up because I am super interested in North Korea and many of the non fiction books kind of mulch over the same info:
- Concentration camps
- Evil Leader
- The History of
- The South
- The way forward etc etc

This started off strong, like really strong! I was enjoying it very much but it suddenly lost its legs. I am throwing in the towel at the end of Chapter 13.
13 Chapters in and it has hardly much of anything to do with North Korea. I'm sure anyone who has read it all the way through might say: NO, THIS IS EXACTLY WHEN IT GETS GOING IN NORTH KOREA. Oh well, by this point I have enough of the authors style to know that it probably will not be what I was originally anticipating.

Final critique: I don't know for the life of me why the author chase to change Kim Jong Un's name to something else (Kim Chong Gum or something). Yes, they are nuts, but I don't think they would decide to NOT come after you for just changing the name around. It's clearly KJU in the book.
And you said he has organized orgies with women dressed as animals. How does that make it through but his name is changed?

I might pick this one up again in the future and keep going but I wouldn't count on it.
Would of made a good movie.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book takes you on a suspenseful journey through several countries with many key people. I felt it started off a little slow with alot of details but keep going because the suspense keeps building and everything become very clear and useful to the reader. I learned alot about how politicians work to get what they want, and alot about geography in the Russia, North Korea area. Enjoyed Jack the main character very much and you never know from one moment to the next what kind of twists and turns his life will take or who he is going to encounter next. And what an ending, did not see it coming. Definitely recommend and I am looking forward to reading Richard's next book.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an AR for an honest review. I enjoyed this book very much, could not put it down. A definite page turner. The author keeps you guessing whether the characters are really good or evil. Can't wait for the next book by this author.

[Emily Hunsicker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, a fun thriller!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling story—-once started, I read it to the end (4:30AM)!
What an opening scene! Anyone who reads through it will be “hooked” into the book, and Mr. Lyntton successfully reels us into the rest of the book!
I happened to have read the 2nd book in the series (“Hyde Park Deception”) in KU before this book, and was glad I did, as this book refers to a few incidents in “Hyde Park”, which gives perspective into the timeline of Jack Steel’s life. As in “Hyde Park”, I found the characters and ploy to be well-developed, and seemingly perfect for easy translation into movie/TV series. Events move along as expected, until suddenly they don’t!
The descriptions of locations are realistic, reflecting, I suspect, the author’s actual experiencing of them. The importance of international cooperation in maintaining peace is again depicted. What is particularly disturbing is the sense that the actions of the men in key positions in governments is not only possible, but in fact have/are happening—if not in these specific areas of international concern, in others that are just as significant. How easy it is to hoodwink the populace into believing whatever the powers-that-be want them to believe is clearly seen in the events of the last few years, whether in the US or in overtly fascist states.
A geopolitical thriller—yes, the book is that. An action-packed, adrenaline rush—ABSOLUTLEY! But, on a more thoughtful level, a warning to be willing to look more deeply at events than what the state wants it’s people to see. To be willing to listen to and read what naysayers, deep thinkers, scientists and objective scholars are saying about significant points in our history.

[Trinity Waddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

High action thriller which travelled from the UK to Russia to North Korea. There were a lot of characters which had me a bit bamboozled from the start but as the book and characters developed, it got easier to follow. Centered around journalist Jack Steele, this turns into one crazy journey to save a POW camp in North Korea. A lot happens along the way but with a mix of politics and a whole lot of bad guys - this was an exciting read

[Craig Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t remember the last time a thriller made me feel this much. The world Richard Lyntton builds is so real, you can almost taste the frost and hear the danger breathing down your neck. Jack Steele is more than a character, he’s a man caught between love, duty, and the truth.

My book club devoured this in two nights flat. We argued over who we trusted, who we loved, and who we feared most. A perfect blend of action and emotion, this one hits deep.

[Anitra Aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the frozen rivers of Russia to the whispers of betrayal, every scene feels alive. I love how the tension builds like a ticking bomb, yet the emotions cut even deeper. Lyntton’s prose is masterful and haunting.

This is the kind of book that stays with you long after the last page. It’s smart, powerful, and beautifully written, a gem for readers who crave both action and depth.

[Helen Bogar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel everything fear, love, confusion, hope.
It’s not your typical spy thriller; it’s art wrapped in danger.
The pacing never lets up, but the emotional weight keeps you grounded.
I could picture every moment like a film.
Highly recommended to any book lover who craves a story that lingers.

[Manuel Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me absolutely hooked from page one. Every twist feels earned, every silence heavy with meaning. Lyntton knows how to make a reader ache for answers while savoring the suspense.

I stayed up past midnight more than once. The emotional weight behind the espionage made this so much more than just a spy novel. It’s about humanity in impossible circumstances.

[Andrea Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t prepared for how real this book felt.
Every emotion, every betrayal, every icy scene hit me in the gut.
Jack Steele is flawed but magnetic, you root for him even when it hurts.
The writing is clean, cinematic, and beautifully layered.
My book club called it “a cold-blooded masterpiece with a burning heart.

[Henry Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just a thriller, it’s a story about people trying to survive the impossible. The action is intense, but the emotional truth hits hardest. Lyntton nails the balance between chaos and compassion.

It’s the kind of book that makes you want to recommend it to everyone you know. I finished it and immediately wanted more.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing beginning to a new series. British journalist Jack goes to Russia to find out the truth. There’s danger, intrigue and more to have you gripped until the very end. You keep wondering how will it all end. Ready for the next book.

[teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing

I think this book was meant to be confusing and it was. I was at the last 20% before I would say I actually relaxed and could follow the storyline . I stopped reading this book several times. But I did persevere and I am glad I did.

[Sheri Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like a cinematic thriller with the soul of a love story.
Jack’s journey from chaos to clarity is rough, raw, and real.
I felt every bruise, every lie, every bitter kiss.
It’s more than deception, it’s emotional resurrection.

[John Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked my nerves in the best way. Every chapter felt like a heartbeat racing faster. Jack Steele’s courage and heartbreak felt raw and real. Lyntton writes with fire and precision, unforgettable.

[Richard Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely cinematic. Every chapter feels like a pulse-pounding scene in a movie. The blend of love, loss, and danger kept me hooked all night. A spicy must-read for thriller lovers, this book doesn’t just entertain, it haunts you.

[John Murph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Lyntton writes with precision and passion. I could feel the cold Russian wind and hear the echo of every decision Steele made. It’s bold, smart, and breathtaking. Highly recommend it to serious readers.

[Teresa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Lyntton pulls you right into the icy chaos of espionage and emotion. I could feel the cold, the fear, the tension, everything. Jack Steele is a character who grips you and never lets go. I got this from a book club, and we couldn’t stop talking about it for hours!

[Diane Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love thrillers, but this one has soul. North Korea Deception is more than spy games—it’s heartbreak, courage, and survival. Jack Steele isn’t just a hero; he’s human. Highly recommend this for anyone craving depth with their adrenaline rush.

[Karen Blank · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pace, the danger, the emotions, this is storytelling that bites. I kept whispering “just one more chapter” until 3 a.m. It’s got grit and heart, a rare combo. For book lovers who love tension with tears, this is your next obsession.

[Jeremy Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, I was inside this world.
The ice, the politics, the heartbreak, it’s all so visceral.
Lyntton’s storytelling isn’t just thrilling; it’s soulful.
I found myself highlighting lines just for their beauty.
If you want a smart, emotional thriller, this one’s a knockout.

[John Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My book club called this “a movie we read instead of watched.” The pacing is relentless, and the characters breathe authenticity. I couldn’t stop imagining every scene. This is storytelling at full throttle.

[Guillermo Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read countless spy thrillers, but none with this much emotion. North Korea Deception balances action and humanity perfectly. I found myself tearing up between explosions. It’s simply brilliant.

[Ryan Feeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear I could smell the snow and vodka in every page. The author writes with such intensity that I felt like I was right there. My book club devoured it in one weekend. Cold, dangerous, and utterly addictive.