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John Tyler #1
Anthrax Island
In 1942, in growing desperation at the progress of the war and fearing invasion by the Nazis, the UK government approved biological weapons tests on British soil. Their to perfect an anthrax weapon destined for Germany. They succeeded.
Though the attack was never launched, the testing ground, Gruinard Island, was left lethally contaminated. It became known as Anthrax Island.
Now government scientists have returned to the island. They become stranded by an equipment failure and so John Tyler is flown in to fix the problem. He quickly discovers there’s more than research going on. When one of the scientists is found impossibly murdered inside a sealed room, Tyler realises he’s trapped with a killer...
Though the attack was never launched, the testing ground, Gruinard Island, was left lethally contaminated. It became known as Anthrax Island.
Now government scientists have returned to the island. They become stranded by an equipment failure and so John Tyler is flown in to fix the problem. He quickly discovers there’s more than research going on. When one of the scientists is found impossibly murdered inside a sealed room, Tyler realises he’s trapped with a killer...
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
56 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 11, 2021
A whodunnit on an island where covid i mean anthrax is tested
Two people are having a conversation then the author finishes the conversation in the first person. I find that awkward and annoying.
This was a sub par spy thriller. Dry, dull, and at times confusing storytelling.
John Tyler is no James Bond.
99 cents for a book that was just released is a big warning sign. Toxic do not inhale. Oh! Thanks for the tip.
Two people are having a conversation then the author finishes the conversation in the first person. I find that awkward and annoying.
This was a sub par spy thriller. Dry, dull, and at times confusing storytelling.
John Tyler is no James Bond.
99 cents for a book that was just released is a big warning sign. Toxic do not inhale. Oh! Thanks for the tip.
March 15, 2021
Intense claustrophobic locked-room style tension, in as harsh and hazardous a setting as you’ll find, makes for a stunning entrance for the John Tyler series into the ranks of must-read action thrillers. If I didn’t know it was a debut, I’d have pegged this as one from a seasoned writer with a long backlist. Up there with the best of the year for me.
March 18, 2021
This book is exactly why I love barely reading the synopsis and then forgetting them. I basically went into this book blind and it made the experience so intense. I was just expecting a spy thriller (as this was pitched for fans of Terry Hayes and James Swallow) what the author delivered was a spy thriller with a high stakes isolated murder mystery and I loved it! The constant threat of Anthrax mixed with a killer on the loose made for a very atmospheric read.
You can find my full review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/20...
You can find my full review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/20...
April 12, 2022
A clever and well-researched spy novel with a uniquely interesting setting, D.L. Marshall's debut kept me turning the pages until the end. I can imagine John Tyler having many more adventures!
June 19, 2021
This reminded me of the old Alasdair McLean novels, and I consider that to be a good thing. A Scottish Island covered in lethal anthrax spores and something weird is going on amongst a small team I’d scientists. John Tyler is sent in as a Government contractor and fixer. But as the bodies mount up, Tyler may have bitten off more than he can chew….
It’s atmospheric and claustrophobic within a very scary environment. Tyler is a good character, very good at what he does but with a dark and mercenary edge to him.
Enjoyed this, different and well written.
It’s atmospheric and claustrophobic within a very scary environment. Tyler is a good character, very good at what he does but with a dark and mercenary edge to him.
Enjoyed this, different and well written.
March 15, 2021
Thanks to the team at Canelo for my ARC of ‘Anthrax Island‘. It’s available as an e-book now and will be released in paperback on 6th May. To get a signed copy, order through my lovely local independent bookshop Forum Books.
This, the debut novel from D.L. Marshall, is a tense, taut, pacy thriller which weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly.
I absolutely cannot rate ‘Anthrax Island‘ highly enough. D.L. Marshall has created a whip smart character in the form of John Tyler. I love the fact that Marshall trusts his readers to understand the subtext in the novel without always having to spell out what he’s insinuating. I really enjoyed the political barbs as well as Tyler’s one-liners.
It’s clear from the first chapter that Marshall has done a large amount of research into Gruinard Island and the testing that was carried out there. Marshall uses his knowledge to add extra tension to the fact that there’s a killer prowling the place: if the murderer doesn’t catch you, the anthrax might.
Given the fact that any time one of the small – but suspicious – cast of characters ventures outdoors, they must wear protective suits, Marshall uses this to create a cloying atmosphere in his prose. The way he describes being in the suit was so deftly done that I felt I was in the suit with Tyler. I could feel the claustrophobia the characters were experiencing.
The desolate setting is evoked perfectly through detailed descriptions that really bring the place to life. But don’t think that because he’s so good at setting that this is a gentle story – ‘Anthrax Island‘ is a high velocity read that will leave you breathless. The way in which each chapter ends on a cliffhanger means that it’s almost impossible not to read on.
With cinematic action sequences and adept plotting, ‘Anthrax Island‘ is a classic locked-room mystery crossed with the greatest of action thrillers. If Lee Child and Agatha Christie co-wrote a book, ‘Anthrax Island’ would be that novel.
This, the debut novel from D.L. Marshall, is a tense, taut, pacy thriller which weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly.
I absolutely cannot rate ‘Anthrax Island‘ highly enough. D.L. Marshall has created a whip smart character in the form of John Tyler. I love the fact that Marshall trusts his readers to understand the subtext in the novel without always having to spell out what he’s insinuating. I really enjoyed the political barbs as well as Tyler’s one-liners.
It’s clear from the first chapter that Marshall has done a large amount of research into Gruinard Island and the testing that was carried out there. Marshall uses his knowledge to add extra tension to the fact that there’s a killer prowling the place: if the murderer doesn’t catch you, the anthrax might.
Given the fact that any time one of the small – but suspicious – cast of characters ventures outdoors, they must wear protective suits, Marshall uses this to create a cloying atmosphere in his prose. The way he describes being in the suit was so deftly done that I felt I was in the suit with Tyler. I could feel the claustrophobia the characters were experiencing.
The desolate setting is evoked perfectly through detailed descriptions that really bring the place to life. But don’t think that because he’s so good at setting that this is a gentle story – ‘Anthrax Island‘ is a high velocity read that will leave you breathless. The way in which each chapter ends on a cliffhanger means that it’s almost impossible not to read on.
With cinematic action sequences and adept plotting, ‘Anthrax Island‘ is a classic locked-room mystery crossed with the greatest of action thrillers. If Lee Child and Agatha Christie co-wrote a book, ‘Anthrax Island’ would be that novel.
March 31, 2021
When an equipment failure leaves a research crew trapped inside a decontamination chamber, technician John Tyler is flown in to fix it – at least that’s what he wants them to believe. Knowing one of the team is already dead, Tyler must find out what’s going on before things really get out of hand. But with the toxic Anthrax spores a constant threat, he’ll have to keep his wits about him.
Anthrax Island reminded me a lot of Desmond Bagley’s books, with plenty of action, non-stop twists and turns and enough suspects to shake anyone’s faith in ever learning the truth. Set on a remote Scottish island where at least one person has already committed murder, as thrillers go, this is about as good as it gets. Throwing our hero from one deadly situation into another, there’s little time to stop and take stock. Not knowing who to trust, Tyler finds himself in a race against time to uncover the mystery and catch whoever is responsible.
DL Marshall’s writing is tight and fast-paced, and the well-researched background only adds to the authenticity. The whole thing rattles along like an out-of-control steam engine, constantly moving the plot in new directions. If I’d had time to read this at one sitting, I would have – it’s almost impossible to put down. My only criticism, and it’s a small one, is that the denouement felt like it took too long to tie up the loose ends.
A superbly clever and thoroughly gripping book that had me gasping for more at the end of each chapter.
Anthrax Island reminded me a lot of Desmond Bagley’s books, with plenty of action, non-stop twists and turns and enough suspects to shake anyone’s faith in ever learning the truth. Set on a remote Scottish island where at least one person has already committed murder, as thrillers go, this is about as good as it gets. Throwing our hero from one deadly situation into another, there’s little time to stop and take stock. Not knowing who to trust, Tyler finds himself in a race against time to uncover the mystery and catch whoever is responsible.
DL Marshall’s writing is tight and fast-paced, and the well-researched background only adds to the authenticity. The whole thing rattles along like an out-of-control steam engine, constantly moving the plot in new directions. If I’d had time to read this at one sitting, I would have – it’s almost impossible to put down. My only criticism, and it’s a small one, is that the denouement felt like it took too long to tie up the loose ends.
A superbly clever and thoroughly gripping book that had me gasping for more at the end of each chapter.
January 21, 2022
This is an action thriller set in Gruinard, with a locked room mystery. A real life island just of the coast of Scotland where anthrax testing took place.
"Independent contractor" John Tyler is flown in to fix the faulty doors on one of the decommissioning units, after his predecessor in the job was found dead. Conditions on the island are tough. Gas masks and disposable suits are required to step outside, the living pods are claustrophobic, storms rage in, and then more people start dying.
D L Marshall has done a great amount of research for this book. Not only in the history of anthrax testing on the island, but also the local area. I've been camping near by and recognise the twists and turns of the road. One scene takes places in the impressive Corrieshalloch gorge (or at least I assume this is it from the text). Plenty of times I had to stop reading to google if something was fact or fiction. Operation vegetarian was news to me!
The book has short chapters for a fast paced read. I'm completely the target audience. My interests of locked room mysteries, Scottish Islands, and even a mention of 90's rockers Terrorvision. What more could I possibly want from a book?
"Independent contractor" John Tyler is flown in to fix the faulty doors on one of the decommissioning units, after his predecessor in the job was found dead. Conditions on the island are tough. Gas masks and disposable suits are required to step outside, the living pods are claustrophobic, storms rage in, and then more people start dying.
D L Marshall has done a great amount of research for this book. Not only in the history of anthrax testing on the island, but also the local area. I've been camping near by and recognise the twists and turns of the road. One scene takes places in the impressive Corrieshalloch gorge (or at least I assume this is it from the text). Plenty of times I had to stop reading to google if something was fact or fiction. Operation vegetarian was news to me!
The book has short chapters for a fast paced read. I'm completely the target audience. My interests of locked room mysteries, Scottish Islands, and even a mention of 90's rockers Terrorvision. What more could I possibly want from a book?
April 14, 2022
Exhilarating and action-packed, this is a book that will have you reading well into the night. Utterly compelling!
August 2, 2023
Great action, good plot with several good unexpected twists. Nothing crazy new or anything ground breaking. Would rather 3.5 stars if I could but 3 stars will do
July 7, 2024
Fun story but the author fully doesn't know how punctuation works
January 2, 2022
This is a brilliantly clever book. Totally addictive and full of action from start to finish. I felt almost breathless reading it and keeping up with this book. I love John Tyler who is the hero that nobody inside it’s pages, expects much of. Having some of his background we know different. I also loved the kick ass female characters who were tough and clever.
Marshall takes the original concept of a locked room mystery to new and dizzying heights as the story unfolds. His technique of mixing a reality, a possibility and the facets of horror that are distinctly possible are extremely reminiscent of the horror writers such as James Herbert, of whom I’m a huge fan (I don’t use that comparison lightly.!) A fantastic debut from DL Marshall.
I won this novel in a competition run by the author and I’m kicking myself for not getting to reading and reviewing this before December. An absolute treat of a book.
Marshall takes the original concept of a locked room mystery to new and dizzying heights as the story unfolds. His technique of mixing a reality, a possibility and the facets of horror that are distinctly possible are extremely reminiscent of the horror writers such as James Herbert, of whom I’m a huge fan (I don’t use that comparison lightly.!) A fantastic debut from DL Marshall.
I won this novel in a competition run by the author and I’m kicking myself for not getting to reading and reviewing this before December. An absolute treat of a book.
May 23, 2021
I bought this book because for some reason it was listed as a horror novel.
Its not. Its a “super-spy” novel.
I am not a fan of spy novels. They get stabbed, shot burned, drowned, kicked in the face, have car collisions at high speeds and then, chase bad guys through the woods, leaping over boulders and craters...
In horror, and “monster” books its easy to suspend belief. There are no monsters except the human kind.
In spy novels, i lose interest completely as the hero turns into a mix of batman, aqua-man, superman, and James Bond, wrapped up in a superhuman ability to have their own blood pool around them a dozen times and can still leap tall buildings in a single bound.
A decent story, with good characters and dialogue, lots of twists and turns you don’t expect, but the superman thing sort of wrecked it for me. In my opinion 2 stars but for fans of the genre a firm four. So I rated it between the two.
Its not. Its a “super-spy” novel.
I am not a fan of spy novels. They get stabbed, shot burned, drowned, kicked in the face, have car collisions at high speeds and then, chase bad guys through the woods, leaping over boulders and craters...
In horror, and “monster” books its easy to suspend belief. There are no monsters except the human kind.
In spy novels, i lose interest completely as the hero turns into a mix of batman, aqua-man, superman, and James Bond, wrapped up in a superhuman ability to have their own blood pool around them a dozen times and can still leap tall buildings in a single bound.
A decent story, with good characters and dialogue, lots of twists and turns you don’t expect, but the superman thing sort of wrecked it for me. In my opinion 2 stars but for fans of the genre a firm four. So I rated it between the two.
September 6, 2022
The history of this island and events leading to its use for biological research? was good, however the storyline and the way of delivery was like reading a 'Boys Own' adventure from the 1960's.
There was no break in the narrative which did not take place wearing a gas mask which involved blurred vision because if rain and fog. The whole book was samey and repetitive and consequently I forced myself to finish the book - I really shouldn't have bothered.
There was no break in the narrative which did not take place wearing a gas mask which involved blurred vision because if rain and fog. The whole book was samey and repetitive and consequently I forced myself to finish the book - I really shouldn't have bothered.
July 2, 2021
The first line is perfect, normality swiftly undercut with horror, as a helicopter approaches the island. These first few pages give us both a little of the setting and hints of what is to come, plus how seriously the island's dangers are taken as John Tyler makes his journey.
He is being sent out to Anthrax Island as a replacement technician because a decontamination chamber door has failed, trapping some of the team stationed there inside their base. There's also the matter of the previous technician, Andy Kyle, having died...
Tyler is an outsider - he's not Army, like those in charge, nor a scientist. He's a civilian, though he's much more than a technician. This isn't the first job for danger money he has taken on, so it's not unreasonable to assume he'll be a match for whatever the island throws at him.
A little over half-way through and the slow burn bursts into flames. We had from the start the metaphorical locked room mystery of Kyle's death on an isolated island. Now we also have a literal locked room mystery of who shot a member of the team, and how did they escape? From here on, things escalate, to put it mildly, though the pace and tension are carefully controlled.
As things unfold, we get little glimpses into Tyler's life and personality, while descriptions of the finest Scottish weather - horizontal rain and squalling storms - plus the physicality of the island, ground the story. There's also the fact that Anthrax Island really exists, in the shape of Gruinard Island (do read the note at the end of the book), giving sobering reality in among the adventure thrills.
We know Tyler must succeed, that's the nature of this type of novel. But the tension of the how he will succeed is wound up steadily as we turn the pages. Some final twisty reveals bring us down from the adrenaline heights of the denouement nicely, and then there's an ending that exhausts the already the dog-tired Tyler, lining up a sequel nicely.
Marshall is a fan of Alistair MacLean, and if you are too, there are some nice references to spot. Also in the mix in this thriller-cum-locked room mystery are Agatha Christie, Jason Bourne and Sherlock Holmes. But this is no pastiche; along with Marshall's love of the genre comes an acute understanding of how it works and why, making the beautifully crafted Anthrax Island a hugely enjoyable read.
He is being sent out to Anthrax Island as a replacement technician because a decontamination chamber door has failed, trapping some of the team stationed there inside their base. There's also the matter of the previous technician, Andy Kyle, having died...
Tyler is an outsider - he's not Army, like those in charge, nor a scientist. He's a civilian, though he's much more than a technician. This isn't the first job for danger money he has taken on, so it's not unreasonable to assume he'll be a match for whatever the island throws at him.
A little over half-way through and the slow burn bursts into flames. We had from the start the metaphorical locked room mystery of Kyle's death on an isolated island. Now we also have a literal locked room mystery of who shot a member of the team, and how did they escape? From here on, things escalate, to put it mildly, though the pace and tension are carefully controlled.
As things unfold, we get little glimpses into Tyler's life and personality, while descriptions of the finest Scottish weather - horizontal rain and squalling storms - plus the physicality of the island, ground the story. There's also the fact that Anthrax Island really exists, in the shape of Gruinard Island (do read the note at the end of the book), giving sobering reality in among the adventure thrills.
We know Tyler must succeed, that's the nature of this type of novel. But the tension of the how he will succeed is wound up steadily as we turn the pages. Some final twisty reveals bring us down from the adrenaline heights of the denouement nicely, and then there's an ending that exhausts the already the dog-tired Tyler, lining up a sequel nicely.
Marshall is a fan of Alistair MacLean, and if you are too, there are some nice references to spot. Also in the mix in this thriller-cum-locked room mystery are Agatha Christie, Jason Bourne and Sherlock Holmes. But this is no pastiche; along with Marshall's love of the genre comes an acute understanding of how it works and why, making the beautifully crafted Anthrax Island a hugely enjoyable read.
March 22, 2021
Anthrax Island by D.L Marshall is the start of a new, fresh thriller series. I have not previously read anything from this author so with the blurb tempting me in I embarked on a trip to Anthrax Island with the main character John Tyler.
FACT: In 1942, in growing desperation at the progress of the war and fearing invasion by the Nazis, the UK government approved biological weapons tests on British soil. Their aim: to perfect an anthrax weapon destined for Germany. They succeeded.
FACT: Though the attack was never launched, the testing ground, Gruinard Island, was left lethally contaminated. It became known as Anthrax Island.
Now there are government scientists back working on the Island and stranded due to equipment failure.John Tyler is given the task of fixing their problem and is flown onto Anthrax Island. When he arrives he realises there is much more than research happening. When a scientist is discovered impossibly murdered inside a sealed room, John knows he is trapped on this Island with a murderer.
The author has managed to weave fact and fiction together perfectly to create a percectly taut thriller. I found it gave me the vibe of a locked room mystery. Being trapped on the island with nowhere to go made this a very atmospheric read. I was transported straight away to Anthrax Island with not just a murderer around but the actual threat of Anthrax too! I was very jumpy reading this.
A very intelligent story that has been researched meticulously and you can tell. The thought of Gruinard Island being real and its usage gave me goosebumps. For me a very realistic read with a very clever main character in John, I loved his sarcasm which actually I feel makes him a rather funny (at times) person. He is definitely someone you need when in trouble. The other characters are all as good as I was suspicious of every single one at a different time, but as always I was wrong!
A brilliant start with the series. An exhilerating ride of a story that had me immerses from beginning to end!
Thanks to Emma at Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and to Canelo Action for my copy of the book.
FACT: In 1942, in growing desperation at the progress of the war and fearing invasion by the Nazis, the UK government approved biological weapons tests on British soil. Their aim: to perfect an anthrax weapon destined for Germany. They succeeded.
FACT: Though the attack was never launched, the testing ground, Gruinard Island, was left lethally contaminated. It became known as Anthrax Island.
Now there are government scientists back working on the Island and stranded due to equipment failure.John Tyler is given the task of fixing their problem and is flown onto Anthrax Island. When he arrives he realises there is much more than research happening. When a scientist is discovered impossibly murdered inside a sealed room, John knows he is trapped on this Island with a murderer.
The author has managed to weave fact and fiction together perfectly to create a percectly taut thriller. I found it gave me the vibe of a locked room mystery. Being trapped on the island with nowhere to go made this a very atmospheric read. I was transported straight away to Anthrax Island with not just a murderer around but the actual threat of Anthrax too! I was very jumpy reading this.
A very intelligent story that has been researched meticulously and you can tell. The thought of Gruinard Island being real and its usage gave me goosebumps. For me a very realistic read with a very clever main character in John, I loved his sarcasm which actually I feel makes him a rather funny (at times) person. He is definitely someone you need when in trouble. The other characters are all as good as I was suspicious of every single one at a different time, but as always I was wrong!
A brilliant start with the series. An exhilerating ride of a story that had me immerses from beginning to end!
Thanks to Emma at Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and to Canelo Action for my copy of the book.
May 19, 2021
Picks up where Alistair MacLean left off. Gripping stuff!
I’m a keen fan of thrillers, from the works of Alastair MacLean and Ken Follett to Steve Berry, Chris Kusneski, and David Gibbins, and I’m hard to please at times. So I was interested to see what Danny Marshall brought to the table.
I wasn’t disappointed. From spot-on and detailed research to sharp and gritty dialogue, to gallows humour and even some social commentary, “Anthrax Island” has it all. It really is that good.
This is book one in the John Tyler Series, and is based on the real-life island off the Scottish coast where, during WW2, the government carried out biological warfare testing, and as usual, didn’t clean up after themselves. We’re literally dropped right into the action, as Tyler is helicoptered to the island to make repairs to the decontamination unit of the current research station. He’s the replacement for his recently deceased predecessor, and clearly not there just to fix the doors.
What follows is a tight and fast-moving story of deceit, subterfuge and intrigue. We’ve got the full mix of characters, from the stuffed-shirt CO, to the sexy French scientist, to the burly Americans, and the gruff Russian chemist. What a mix of suspects! The book has the essential claustrophobic feel you need for a thriller set on a small, Anthrax-infested island, and also the key locations such as the research station, the secluded cottage and the wild and windy bogs. Tyler is an archetypal hero – murky and troubled past, hidden skills and motives, and surrounded by people, none of whom are what they say they are, himself included.
The book is littered with nods to other stories and writers, from Lovecraft’s Cthulhu and beyond. It’s great fun identifying them all.
I’m really hoping we get to see more of Tyler soon, and learn more about his past. This book will appeal to long-time fans of Alastair MacLean, Desmond Bagley and Jack Higgins, as well as Lee Child and James Patterson. Definitely recommended!
I’m a keen fan of thrillers, from the works of Alastair MacLean and Ken Follett to Steve Berry, Chris Kusneski, and David Gibbins, and I’m hard to please at times. So I was interested to see what Danny Marshall brought to the table.
I wasn’t disappointed. From spot-on and detailed research to sharp and gritty dialogue, to gallows humour and even some social commentary, “Anthrax Island” has it all. It really is that good.
This is book one in the John Tyler Series, and is based on the real-life island off the Scottish coast where, during WW2, the government carried out biological warfare testing, and as usual, didn’t clean up after themselves. We’re literally dropped right into the action, as Tyler is helicoptered to the island to make repairs to the decontamination unit of the current research station. He’s the replacement for his recently deceased predecessor, and clearly not there just to fix the doors.
What follows is a tight and fast-moving story of deceit, subterfuge and intrigue. We’ve got the full mix of characters, from the stuffed-shirt CO, to the sexy French scientist, to the burly Americans, and the gruff Russian chemist. What a mix of suspects! The book has the essential claustrophobic feel you need for a thriller set on a small, Anthrax-infested island, and also the key locations such as the research station, the secluded cottage and the wild and windy bogs. Tyler is an archetypal hero – murky and troubled past, hidden skills and motives, and surrounded by people, none of whom are what they say they are, himself included.
The book is littered with nods to other stories and writers, from Lovecraft’s Cthulhu and beyond. It’s great fun identifying them all.
I’m really hoping we get to see more of Tyler soon, and learn more about his past. This book will appeal to long-time fans of Alastair MacLean, Desmond Bagley and Jack Higgins, as well as Lee Child and James Patterson. Definitely recommended!
May 30, 2021
The debut novel of D.L. Marshall mixes the ingredients of an Alistair MacLean adventure with a locked-room mystery, a James Bond spy caper and the group paranoia of John Carpenter's The Thing (to which the author adds an overt nod on page 83 ). All great influences and all blend together to create a highly enjoyable page-turning thriller. Marshall's story is told from a first-person perspective by the hero, mercenary spy John Tyler, who is transported onto the titular island under the guise of a technician to repair a faulty protective door unit. The group of scientists working on the island are testing for remnant samples of experiments undertaken secretly during WWII. The death of Tyler's supposed predecessor is followed by others and the group quickly become distrustful of Tyler and each other, whilst the discovery of a new strain of the deadly anthrax attracts international interest. Marshall takes us through many twists and turns in his mazy plot and the tension builds as the paranoia amongst the group increases. Marshall's prose style is fluid and engaging. Tyler as a character feels real and human and has depth along with a personal motivation which unfolds throughout the story. Writing the novel in the first-person Marshall succeeds in elevating the "whodunnit" elements of the plot allowing the reader to unravel the mystery along with the protagonist. Marshall keeps a trick or two up his sleeve right up to the story's protracted denouement, which veers off into more traditional action movie tropes in the final chapters. That said, this remains a hugely impressive and thoroughly enjoyable read that promises great things for the intended series.
January 4, 2022
Agatha Christie meets Robert Ludlum in this stunning debut
On a contaminated island near the British coast people related to a top secret research project start dying and a mysterious government operative finds himself right in the middle of a deadly cat and mouse game…
D. L Marshall’s debut is a rare gem which not only serves the ingredients readers of the action thriller genre have come to love and expect but also offers a fresh take and unique feel to make it memorable.
There are two standout which elevate this genre mix between murder mystery and military/spy thriller above its competition: the protagonist and the setting:
John Tyler is an unusual lead who is both more capable than most of his peers (remarkably without bragging about it) and more honest too himself regarding the nature of his work. Marshall also avoids the mistake of revealing too much about Tyler’s past which keeps him mysterious and makes his journey even more compelling.
The claustrophobic research facility combined with the potential lethality of the island itself then make for a suitably creepy setting to the twisted, action packed hunt for the killer. The fact that Gruinard Island and its weapons test program aren’t mere fiction is the icing on the cake.
All in all an exhilarating start to an exciting new series!
On a contaminated island near the British coast people related to a top secret research project start dying and a mysterious government operative finds himself right in the middle of a deadly cat and mouse game…
D. L Marshall’s debut is a rare gem which not only serves the ingredients readers of the action thriller genre have come to love and expect but also offers a fresh take and unique feel to make it memorable.
There are two standout which elevate this genre mix between murder mystery and military/spy thriller above its competition: the protagonist and the setting:
John Tyler is an unusual lead who is both more capable than most of his peers (remarkably without bragging about it) and more honest too himself regarding the nature of his work. Marshall also avoids the mistake of revealing too much about Tyler’s past which keeps him mysterious and makes his journey even more compelling.
The claustrophobic research facility combined with the potential lethality of the island itself then make for a suitably creepy setting to the twisted, action packed hunt for the killer. The fact that Gruinard Island and its weapons test program aren’t mere fiction is the icing on the cake.
All in all an exhilarating start to an exciting new series!
March 6, 2022
A great debut novel by DL Marshall and, like many of the best dramas I’ve read, there’s a well researched element to a real live factual situation. In this case Gruinard Island, used for Anthrax testing during the second world war and since disinfected.
The story centres on a seemingly impossible murder and an independent contractor (aka a mercenary spy)l, John Tyler, who has much to figure out. Like the killer. Like preventing any Anthrax leaving the island. When he arrives in the guise of an engineer, there’s already one murder to sort out and other follow. Follow trails and the constant mud, weather and wearing / removing of safety masks.
The story is told in the first person and works better than one would expect. And for portions of the book where the story doesn’t move a great deal, the pace is kept high by conversations used to build tensions and suspicions (also used to good effect in Christopher Golden’s Ararat).
There are a couple of good twists, and when one suspect turns up dead there’s more twists and turns to follow.
At times it’s breath taking and unpredictable, this could work out to be the start of an excellent series.
The story centres on a seemingly impossible murder and an independent contractor (aka a mercenary spy)l, John Tyler, who has much to figure out. Like the killer. Like preventing any Anthrax leaving the island. When he arrives in the guise of an engineer, there’s already one murder to sort out and other follow. Follow trails and the constant mud, weather and wearing / removing of safety masks.
The story is told in the first person and works better than one would expect. And for portions of the book where the story doesn’t move a great deal, the pace is kept high by conversations used to build tensions and suspicions (also used to good effect in Christopher Golden’s Ararat).
There are a couple of good twists, and when one suspect turns up dead there’s more twists and turns to follow.
At times it’s breath taking and unpredictable, this could work out to be the start of an excellent series.
November 16, 2022
There is an island of the coast of Scotland where Anthrax was tested during WW2. Antrax does not just die so there is a group of international scientists who are now on the island in hazmat suits , testing the soil and trying to sterilize the soil from the anthrax spores. A technician in charge of the decontamination dies and then there is equipment failure so they send out John Tyler to fix the equipment... the scientists think that he is a technician but he is a " mercenary" hired by the government to see about the death of the first technician. John quickly realizes that there is a murderer on the island but he is on his own. The author writes like we the reader should be picking up clues on how the murders are taking place.. but I could not figure out the clues. I got bored with the ending when John became a super hero and no matter how many times he fell..... bonked on the head , into the cold ocean, shot at, car accident... he just kept going and the end did it for me.. when he is on crutches and has dozens of staples and we are not sure if he has anthrax poison and the operative says he has 10 minutes to catch the helicopter to his next assignment?????? Seriously
February 21, 2021
Contaminated after bio weapons testing in the 2nd world war, Gruinard Island AKA Anthrax Island is now desolate, only used by a small team of scientists working to decontaminate the island.
When the engineer who looks after the decontamination units is found dead, John Tyler is sent by the company who look after the upkeep of the units to take over his job and repair a broken down unit.
Soon Tyler discovers all is not well in the island, and there is also much more to Tyler than meets the eye.
Tyler is a cracking new protagonist, he’s cool and calm, but he’s got issues to deal with.
I love the setting on the island, and the whole time I was reading the book I was picturing it on the big screen. It’s got a Hollywood blockbuster feel.
A Claustrophobic, Atmospheric locked in Murder mystery, this cat and mouse thriller is written and paced with breakneck speed that ramps right up to an enthralling and adrenaline pumping finale.
I’ll be very much looking forward to more from D.L Marshall and John Tyler.
A Loud, blistering chaotic and Massively entertaining debut.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
May 23, 2021
It is slightly difficult to give my exact thoughts without giving any plot line or spoilers and I am not going to spoil the enjoyment of reading for others,
This is a book which just oozes tension and drama, the pacing is relentless, the anticipation heightened on every page.
Set on the remote Gruinard Island, desolate and barren and with Anthrax spores at every turn, thanks to the authors writing you can feel the desolation and isolation in which the scientists are working, wonderfully descriptive in its bleakness the authors portrays an Island as central to the plot as any of the characters. As for the characters themselves they come fully formed on the pages, each seemingly carrying secrets. John Tyler certainly has a few flaws and is character who you would like to know more about his past
You get a real sense of place such that you can almost feel yourself there as the action unfolds
The storyline moves along with plenty of twists and turns and constantly takes you off in different directions, there may not be many characters, but don’t bother trying to guess the killers identity, the author cleverly uses mis direction to keep you on your toes
One thing which is apparent as you read is the authors research, critical in making the plot believable
A classic locked room Murder mystery, the writing is taut and intense, story telling at its finest
It is a book which left me breathless as I finished reading,adrenaline fuelled from the opening pages until the dramatic finale
You can’t help but be drawn into the book, a story which has all the key elements into making one action filled adventure
An outstanding debut novel, it has been compared to the writings of Alistair Maclean and you can see why, it is that good. Definitely an author to watch out for.
This is a book which just oozes tension and drama, the pacing is relentless, the anticipation heightened on every page.
Set on the remote Gruinard Island, desolate and barren and with Anthrax spores at every turn, thanks to the authors writing you can feel the desolation and isolation in which the scientists are working, wonderfully descriptive in its bleakness the authors portrays an Island as central to the plot as any of the characters. As for the characters themselves they come fully formed on the pages, each seemingly carrying secrets. John Tyler certainly has a few flaws and is character who you would like to know more about his past
You get a real sense of place such that you can almost feel yourself there as the action unfolds
The storyline moves along with plenty of twists and turns and constantly takes you off in different directions, there may not be many characters, but don’t bother trying to guess the killers identity, the author cleverly uses mis direction to keep you on your toes
One thing which is apparent as you read is the authors research, critical in making the plot believable
A classic locked room Murder mystery, the writing is taut and intense, story telling at its finest
It is a book which left me breathless as I finished reading,adrenaline fuelled from the opening pages until the dramatic finale
You can’t help but be drawn into the book, a story which has all the key elements into making one action filled adventure
An outstanding debut novel, it has been compared to the writings of Alistair Maclean and you can see why, it is that good. Definitely an author to watch out for.
September 11, 2021
For some reason, I found the first two-thirds of this book a bit of a struggle, something akin to wading through treacle, but the last third was very exciting. Maybe the reason is this. The first two-thirds is quite claustrophobic - as many readers have said, it's like And Then There Were None meets John Carpenter's The Thing - and maybe I found that a bit awkward to read and take in, while the second half is a chase through the Highlands, and there's nothing claustrophobic about that.
I would normally give this 3½ stars but it gets 4 stars for one reason only - John Tyler. He's got all the makings of a very good action hero. He's the man who works as an independent contractor; he's called in to fix problems when the Government doesn't want to get its hands dirty. He's clearly got a military background - he knows his way around guns and how to improvise a small bomb/explosion! - but I couldn't work out if he's ex-SAS or ex-MI5. Maybe we'll find out.
I'll certainly give the second John Tyler book a read (it's due out later this year).
I would normally give this 3½ stars but it gets 4 stars for one reason only - John Tyler. He's got all the makings of a very good action hero. He's the man who works as an independent contractor; he's called in to fix problems when the Government doesn't want to get its hands dirty. He's clearly got a military background - he knows his way around guns and how to improvise a small bomb/explosion! - but I couldn't work out if he's ex-SAS or ex-MI5. Maybe we'll find out.
I'll certainly give the second John Tyler book a read (it's due out later this year).
September 29, 2024
This novel is well written and has some interesting ideas, but the characters are dull and not well drawn. I got to page 80 of 300. The pace is pretty slow. There's no central question driving the story. Each chapter ends with another question rather than developing the initial question. So there's interest, but you get tired of new questions, "who killed John Tyler's predecessor?" And "who's following John?" And "who took out the fuse that locked the door?" And "who attempted to kill John?" Okay, we can assume it's the same person, but we don't need all these questions. Just one central question, for example, "who murdered his predecessor?" Would be sufficient. One hook for the reader to follow. And let's build on that by eliminating suspects...that basic method has worked for a long time to build suspense.
I've just read a review that suggests I haven't made it to the main part of the story. A murder. If that's the case, this really is very slow paced for a thriller.
I've just read a review that suggests I haven't made it to the main part of the story. A murder. If that's the case, this really is very slow paced for a thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2021
Ok, so by ticking one of my 'big book boxes' and having a map at the front 😍 (others include witty chapter titles and recaps from previous books in a series when it's been a year and you've read a million books since the last one!), this got off to a great start!
With scientist back on the Island resarching the Anthrax spores, they call for assistance when a decontamination door has failed and the current technician is found dead. As soon as John Tyler sets foot on the Island he knows something is amiss and so begins the atmospheric, thrill-ride to work out whodunnit before there are more deaths.
This book felt a bit like a James Bond-style thriller set in a game of cluedo, except instead of being in a nice, fancy mansion, you are on an island covered in Anthrax, what's not to like!
Looking forward to seeing what Tyler gets up to next.
With scientist back on the Island resarching the Anthrax spores, they call for assistance when a decontamination door has failed and the current technician is found dead. As soon as John Tyler sets foot on the Island he knows something is amiss and so begins the atmospheric, thrill-ride to work out whodunnit before there are more deaths.
This book felt a bit like a James Bond-style thriller set in a game of cluedo, except instead of being in a nice, fancy mansion, you are on an island covered in Anthrax, what's not to like!
Looking forward to seeing what Tyler gets up to next.
March 21, 2021
Anthrax Island by D.L. Marshall is a fantastic novel. I picked it based on the cover and the title, and honestly, tried to go in blind. It was an experience to read this one. Intense, atmospheric, high stakes thriller and murder mystery.
I think this plot is so original. I couldn’t put it down. I made the mistake of starting before bed and finished it late into the night. The adjectives I want to use to describe this book just don’t feel good enough: gripping, compelling. So good.
Plot, characters, writing…Anthrax Island has it all. I don’t want to make this review roo long because you should go into this one without too many preconceived notions. Highly highly recommended! Give it a read!
*I received a free copy of this book from Damppebbles Blog Tours to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
I think this plot is so original. I couldn’t put it down. I made the mistake of starting before bed and finished it late into the night. The adjectives I want to use to describe this book just don’t feel good enough: gripping, compelling. So good.
Plot, characters, writing…Anthrax Island has it all. I don’t want to make this review roo long because you should go into this one without too many preconceived notions. Highly highly recommended! Give it a read!
*I received a free copy of this book from Damppebbles Blog Tours to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
March 21, 2021
A superbly plotted debut novel
Where to start? This book has a basis in real historic events that we'd like to think our government would never be involved in, but it goes to show that you never really know.
The work of fiction produced contains a wide variety of elements: suspense, action, a locked room mystery, anthrax (obviously) and a great cast of believable characters, including the flawed protagonist. Other components have been left out of my list to avoid spoilers.
As a Lancashire lad, I shouldn't like something with so many references to Yorkshire, but when it's this good, I needed no excuse to enjoy it.
Breathtaking action and a few heart in your mouth moments make this a true page turner. I can't wait for my paperback to arrive alongside this Kindle version.
Roll on book 2. Oh, and buy this one now!
Where to start? This book has a basis in real historic events that we'd like to think our government would never be involved in, but it goes to show that you never really know.
The work of fiction produced contains a wide variety of elements: suspense, action, a locked room mystery, anthrax (obviously) and a great cast of believable characters, including the flawed protagonist. Other components have been left out of my list to avoid spoilers.
As a Lancashire lad, I shouldn't like something with so many references to Yorkshire, but when it's this good, I needed no excuse to enjoy it.
Breathtaking action and a few heart in your mouth moments make this a true page turner. I can't wait for my paperback to arrive alongside this Kindle version.
Roll on book 2. Oh, and buy this one now!
May 6, 2021
D.L. Marshall won a Norther Writer’s Award in 2018 for his debut novel Anthrax Island which was picked up by Canelo and is published next week (lovely to see thanks in the acknowledgements for Will Mackie at New Writing North and Aki Schilz at The Literary Consultancy). It’s set on an island off the coast of Scotland where wartime chemical weapons experiments have left a lethal legacy and an undercover special-ops-for-hire expert is sent in to investigate a suspicious death. Several follow in quick succession with every one of the scientist team based there a suspect and no escape possible. It’s up to the flawed protagonist to discover who is the bad egg before he is taken down himself. Pacy, exhilarating, and gripping it’s a great thriller for the beach – or perhaps wrapped up warm in front of the fire.
May 6, 2021
D.L. Marshall won a Norther Writer’s Award in 2018 for his debut novel Anthrax Island which was picked up by Canelo and is published next week (lovely to see thanks in the acknowledgements for Will Mackie at New Writing North and Aki Schilz at The Literary Consultancy). It’s set on an island off the coast of Scotland where wartime chemical weapons experiments have left a lethal legacy and an undercover special-ops-for-hire expert is sent in to investigate a suspicious death. Several follow in quick succession with every one of the scientist team based there a suspect and no escape possible. It’s up to the flawed protagonist to discover who is the bad egg before he is taken down himself. Pacy, exhilarating, and gripping it’s a great thriller for the beach – or perhaps wrapped up warm in front of the fire.
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