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John Milton #21

The Sandman

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Two men out for revenge. But only one can win.

When an inmate is found unresponsive in his high security cell at Belmarsh prison, he’s rushed to hospital for treatment. The prisoner is human trafficker and international fixer Tristan Huxley, a man a lot of people have good reason to want dead. But Huxley mysteriously never makes it to the hospital. He may have plenty of enemies but it seems he has some very powerful friends too.

Huxley’s disappearance is bad news for anyone who betrayed him. One of those people is John Milton. Originally assigned to protect Huxley, things turned sour when he discovered the disturbing truth about his old friend's activities. Huxley isn’t someone who forgives and forgets. But neither is Milton - when someone deserves punishment, he’s compelled to deliver it, no matter where in the world that journey takes him.

A dangerous man is on the loose and Milton isn’t the only one on his hit list. But could he be the only one capable of taking him out for good?

476 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2022

945 people are currently reading
304 people want to read

About the author

Mark Dawson

114 books1,866 followers
For news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:

http://eepurl.com/Cai5X

Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.

He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).

The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.

Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.

You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.

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5 stars
2,691 (64%)
4 stars
1,164 (27%)
3 stars
269 (6%)
2 stars
51 (1%)
1 star
25 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer (Jaye).
1,124 reviews67 followers
June 19, 2023
*Rollercoaster Ride*

After the fallout that Milton created from the previous book, there is no way I could not have read this one straight away. This series has been gripping but this is book 21 yes I said book 21 has left me in a state. Book 22 is not available yet and I cannot wait.

All I can say is it features so much that I do not know where to start.

A man who is behind bars is awaiting trial and Milton was involved in his downfall. This man Tristan Huxley is a despicable human being, has so many connections and most of them are unpleasant.

When Huxley is found unresponsive in his cell, he never makes it to a hospital. It’s a ruse and now it creates a big problem because Huxley holds secrets on so many high profile people that the government turn a blind eye on his activities. Now that Huxley in the charge of some of the world’s most dangerous people who owe him, the balance of power shifts.

Huxley wants blood and at the very top of the list is Milton.

We then see Milton’s reaction when he hears that Huxley has escaped and soon Milton is helping ‘Group Fifteen’ the very agency that he ran from but there are many twists, betrayals and kidnappings that kept my head spinning as my jar dropped time after time. How will it ever end? As the heat ramps up, although I always feel a certain amount of trepidation when it comes to Milton this is the first time I fear for him….. Roll on book 22
Profile Image for Abibliofob.
1,604 reviews103 followers
March 7, 2023
A man escapes from prison and at the same time Johm Milton is on the road to right some wrongs. The Sandman by Mark Dawson is another wild ride in the Group 15 universe. In this book we get it all and then some. I have enjoyed every single one and now I wait for book 22. I think that Dawson has got some new ideas with his new writing office and the view is stunning and yet he manage to up the pace in which he is writing.
Profile Image for Rohit Kumar.
145 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2023
When I started reading this genre, I had started just for entertainment. Then I discovered they also have a side that I didn't know before. How they paint a country. The good guys and bad guys especially how they portray India. This one is a seriously bizarre one.

1. The bad guy is based on Epstein. With Epstein island and everything. And his Island is somewhere in Sri lanka. Can't help but think it implies Indians protected and facilitated it, after you see the story unfold. But in the story he has nothing to do with America or the west. He is an arms dealer basically a Russian arms dealer. Living in UK. Eventually UK grows a conscience, and puts him in jail.
2. Russia and India tries to save him. Like India is the Robin with Russia the Batman. Just one difference, they are the bad guys.
3. Pakistan! Obviously is a good guy, since they want to kill this Epstein in the story. Not for moral reasons but because of their interest, nonetheless they are after the bad guys.
4. When Indian roads are described, cow is mentioned more times than vehicles.

It's very interesting the zeal white people have to portray India in a certain way
Profile Image for Greg Strom.
407 reviews
November 11, 2025
One of the lower scores I have given John Smith Milton and it really isn't his fault. I will place blame squarely on Lillys miserable shoulders, and throw her simpering daughter Lola in there for good measure. What a preposterous, ridiculous premise to set up this loser as a tragic figure being railroaded by rich soon to be former husband, going on ops, for the group, having some loser harass her during a critical assignment to rescue the director (control, who is also an incredibly weak act) then deciding to just blow the whole thing up, get her fellow operators killed including Torgeson , a total and completely USELESS loss, then giddily doing the math to see that from 12 she now drops down to 7 and is somehow more valuable. Rubbish, the whole op was stupid to begin with, and Milton, when did you become so stupidly homocidle over one person, albeit a bad one? Yeah, he was a bastard and needed to be stopped, but his protector himself said this lying ass et 12 was somehow more valuable, of course provided Control doesn't live to tell the story of her deceit. All just left a bad taste in my mouth, like breathing the humid stinking air in New Delhi, and of course it is to be continued while Milton goes back into hiding for something he hasn't done. Yeah Control, go ahead and taunt the Russian special ops leader, seems real smart to me... she is stupid, weak and a poor judge of character to have chosen 12 for any work outside a computer cubical. Ok, rant over, smarten up Milton or get Michael Pope, Ziggy, or Isabella Rose to finish things up while you recuperate !


and ps , why didn't he make his damned bed? He always makes his bed....have you forgotten?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,469 reviews52 followers
December 5, 2023
4.25 Stars 🌟

I'm always surprised when I get back to this series by how much I enjoy it. I shouldn't be surprised because we are 21 books into the series, but I think it has to do with the fact that I read so many books and there are always many, many books (and months) in between book reads of the series. Regardless, Mr. Dawson has not disappointed me yet.

In fact....this book held my interest so much and I was so captivated by the story (and frustrated by the cliffhanger at the end) that I immediately went looking to see if there was an ARC available for the next book in the series - Uppercut (unfortunately, I could not find one yet). Mr. Dawson has left the reader -and by reader, I mean me....in a really bad spot and I am very worried with the situation that John Milton has found himself in (again!). But, because I am a faithful reader, I know that this is nothing new for our John and I have confidence that he will be able to find a way out. Or- at least I'm hopeful....

I listened to most of this on audio and really enjoyed the narration by David Thorpe. If I remember correctly, he has been the narrator for most of the series.

Anyway, this is another winner and I will be not very patiently waiting for book 22 :)
Profile Image for Susan Haught.
Author 12 books200 followers
March 28, 2023
Wait.....what?

I've enjoyed all of Mark Dawson's John Milton series, and can't wait to read the next. This one, however, left me asking...Wait...what?

Two loose ends made the ending seem abrupt and totally out of character for Dawson's previous thrillers. The story ended and there were two major pieces of the story that had no closure!

I certainly hope Mr. Dawson isn't following in the footsteps of those authors who leave you dangling in hopes you'll purchase the next book. I don't need a cliffhanger to do that. I like John Milton and I'd follow him anywhere to find out what he's up to this time. But this ending left me shaking my head.

Though I was disappointed I'll continue to read Milton's story until he ends up on a private beach somewhere to live out his days or six feet under. I don't care for cliffhanger endings, or endings that leave me wondering WHAT THE HECK????

I listen to the audio version of Dawson's stories, and as always David Thorpe does an excellent job of bringing Milton to life.

Though I didn't care for the way the book ended, I enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Mick Grimble.
108 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2024
Another great book must read nice to see Milton from a different perspective the ending with a bit of a cliff hanger making you want to read the next book
18 reviews
October 1, 2022
Very disappointing. i think the worst one hes written thus far.
Profile Image for John T.
123 reviews
September 16, 2022
Absolutely loved the first 19 books in the series.

20th was good.

This one, not so much.

I think the stories work better when John is protecting the bullied “little guys“ of the world, not just when he’s going up against soldiers/mercenaries/badgers (OK, there aren’t any badgers).

Didn’t finish it, so it may get better;
going back to my Viking books now.

So there.
15 reviews
October 12, 2022
Have to say I only picked up the John Milton series after finishing the Reacher series and have to say I am glad I did.

Like all of the Milton books in the series, The Sandman was easy to read and had the 'just one more chapter' hook. Even though, like all of the Milton series, you knew Milton would come.out the other side with scrapes, you know he would win in some way shape or form.

This doesn't distract one bit from the book and I think this one had a bit more to it compared to a couple of the older ones.

The only downside I see is the wait until book 22 comes out! Now I need to find something else to read for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christopher Hunt.
183 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2023
This was a good read with some interesting twists and turns. As always the story was well written with the right balance between character development and action. It was a well developed plot with lots going on and some great characters.

However, two things bugged me.
1. Recently, Dawson has started to write the books in pairs which I wasn't a massive fan. This is the middle book in what I suspect is going to be set of three. Whilst each story does stand on it's own, in my opinion they're not as good as the stand alone books (and I need to wait for installment number because I've finally caught up!). It feels like a series within a series, and I'm not a huge fan.
2. The detail around John's battle with alcohol and how helpful the meetings is also missing here. I know there is a balance to be drawn but I loked that detail - it somehow made him seem a bit more human, afterall we all have our demons. But it gets a passing mention at best in this book. This has been a bit of a trend in the recent books. This means that John is starting to morph into one of the many ex-special forces heros that line people's bookshelves.

All in all, a good read but perhaps not quite as good as some of the books a little earlier in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dave.
638 reviews9 followers
October 3, 2022
Normally I have awarded five stars to nearly all of Dawson's previous books. This one was just as action-filled and compelling, but I have one little quibble: SPOILER ALERT: The actions of #12 in killing one of her peers and turning traitor seemed to be irrational and unjustified based on the evidence presented to us. I'm also not happy with the cliff-hanger aspect of finishing the book with Milton on the run. Don't get me wrong - this is a GREAT series! I just didn't think the villain's motivations justified her actions.
171 reviews10 followers
October 1, 2022
A BRILLIANT READ

Mark Dawson is a wonderful author. You get pulled into The Sandman. The storyline is brilliant and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are neatly put into place, and when sent on a deadly mission there is definitely plenty of action to keep you turning the pages, till the very end. I'm sure there is a follow-up, I'll be more than happy to read it.
A Highly recommend read.
1 review
November 29, 2022
Disappointing. Have throughly enjoyed all of the previous books but not this one. Not a fan of cliff hangers that require you to buy next book to hopefully resolve. Plus, bad guys win all here and John even fails in his mission to kill antagonist. At end, he is left on the run and not even aware of what is going on.
Profile Image for Dries.
38 reviews
July 29, 2023
Exciting; but the british intelligence apparatus must be manned by zombies. They have a decade worth of intelligence on our hero but the shiny new agent tells them he's the traitor while being the only one returning from the mission. It stretches credibility past breaking point. And then the cliffhanger to sell the next installment... yawn .But i'm sold anyway awaiting the usual retribution....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Max.
8 reviews
March 16, 2025
2 stars due to the gaping plot hole you can drive a semi truck through.

Why would agent 12 Lilly betray everything she stands for to switch sides? She shot the jerk sexual harasser and solved her problem - continue mission. There was absolutely ZERO reason for her to defect. She could have said the Russians shot him and simply finished the mission and extracted with everyone intact.
1 review
October 12, 2022
Sad

Really, a female agent gets sexual harassment from coworker on assignment, kills him and just goes rogue cause cause she doesn't want her ex to have her?







7 reviews
December 13, 2022
Nearly gave up on it

I have read all of the Milton books, I have though had a bit of a gap between reading 19 and then 20 and 21. Both this and Bulletproof seemed so formulaic with tenuous at best plot lines. I am not sure if Mark a Dawson has just had a blip or is running out of road but this was a struggle to read.

As ever it was Milton looking to atone for his past evils but this was really quite poor. Not to give too much away but the whole thing with Twelve was frankly preposterous. The acceptance of the betrayal being down to Milton, who surely would have been retired rather than then pursuing Huxley, who was being protected by the same Russians he had supposedly betrayed them all too (!) was equally ludicrous.

It may be that as I had just finished reading all the Barry Eisler books, having also read all of Robert Craig’s and John Sandford’s works and they are all an entirely different level to this, I have been a bit spoilt. Felt like I was experiencing Division 1 or maybe even 2, having just been in the Premier League.
187 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2024
Exciting and relevant

This book continues the story from the last, continuing to provide what-ifs version of the headlines and making us question what's fake news and what's real as it moves from Finland and Estonia to other parts of the former Soviet Union to India. How many players and partners? Who's lying? Who's betrayed? How will they get out of this situation? How did they get into it? I love to use the kindle on my phone to read because I can easily Google details about the geographical places, the history, and even see pics on Google maps that help remind me of things I learned long ago and to bring the march of history alive for places that maybe haven't been on my radar lately, or maybe never were. If you're interested in the political environment of today s informed by the past and by the future plans of today's political leaders, this book will raise a lot of questions in your mind, even while telling you a fantastical hypothetical not- getting- in- the- paper (at least not correctly or with details) story.
Profile Image for Michael .
11 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2022
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves" - Confucius.

This amazing novel continues the story surrounding the aftermath of Mark Dawson's previous John Milton novel, Bulletproof.
Tristan Huxley the now publicly disgraced international fixer and human trafficker has been sent to Belmarsh high security prison for his crimes, but the story doesn't end there.
Huxley has made a lot of powerful enemies and friends a long the way; and one of them orchestrates a daring prison break.
And it's after this that Huxley sets in motion a series of vengeful attacks against those that have crossed him, including one John Milton.
It was fateful that we would finally see these two characters have a battle royale fueled by vengeance, and readers will be surprised just who dies because of it. Just brilliant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sam.
259 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2022
Mark Dawson continues to write exceptional novels about John Milton. This novel, “The Sandman”, is a continuation of the last John Milton novel where Control gets John Milton and the current number One to protect an unscrupulous arms dealer and fixer who is broken an arms deal between Russia and India. However the Tristian Huxley is also a very terrible man that John Milton turns over to the courts. In this novel, Huxley is broken out of prison and taken to Russia to continue his arms deal for Russia with India. Throughout the storyline, Milton is trying to set things right and yet ends up as the number one target of the British government and the Russian mob. Can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.
2 reviews
February 16, 2023
This is the final published Milton story as of this review and I can't believe I have to say this. I hated it. Milton is actually BORING in this book. His little moments of comedy are missing. The only entertaining moments Milton has in this book are his interactions with No. 1.

There are 3 too many antagonists and the main antagonist's reasoning for their actions couldn't be any thinner, and their character any more wooden. Huxley is back, and the pay off for his story is about as exciting as a wet fart.

I'll give 1.5 stars because I did enjoy the ex-Stassi unit commander and one particular setting with Milton and Number 1. I hope Dawson gets back on track with the next entry because I LOVE John Milton.
Profile Image for Sheila Walker.
464 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2023
it’s hard to know who’s on your side

There’s no time to read at leisure this story is fast dangerous, and you can’t be sure who’s on your side. There are agents who work more undercover and groups that have the governments bidding Lily is in one of those groups she needs time and plenty of money. She is now fighting for her daughter and it seems she will do anything she has to do to win. Sent on a mission to retrieve Control when things don’t all go to plan. Terrifying non-stop a mission that takes you to many countries fearing for your life continuously. A fantastic book, and I’m looking forward to the next one in the series because I need to know I recommend this book to thriller readers.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,733 reviews12 followers
September 13, 2022
The world is finally safe from Huxley and Milton has been given his freedom. Maybe in a parallel universe. Huxley has places to go and deals to broker. Who would dare break into the secure London prison to get him? That would soon be Control’s problem. The GRU? A failed attempt to assassinate #1 (Thorsson) saw to that. Can Milton work with the Group has imprisoned him and chased him all over the world? He and Thorsson are targets so he doesn’t have much choice. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing in this one. There is always going to be unlimited action with John Milton, but I didn’t factor the newest Group agent into the mix. Absolute page turner!
Profile Image for Dale Robertson.
Author 6 books35 followers
September 25, 2022
Huxley has escaped but isn't aware of who has helped, or why. Milton hears and is back on his trail.

I always love a John Milton book, but this one felt more like a Group Fifteen book due some other characters playing a role, including one major development that is seriously bad news for Milton. It wasnt a bad thing, i just prefer him when he's in nomad mode and getting into bother in random towns.

My only disappointment in this book is that the overall story isn't finished, and continues on in the next book (due spring next year). Means a 6 months wait to see if Milton gets out of this pickle.
61 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2022
Classic Mark Dawson - quality!

I must admit to having a bit of a thing for John Milton, quiet yet strong, focussed though damaged, clear thinking and never mean,he's a hero but also a gentleman,locked into an institution that doesn't want him but won't let him go.
You just know when he enters the story that all will start to be well, dealing with the thugs and & dregs he will just get the job done and suffer no fools from the men in grey suits.
Another great story that suddenly ends and guess what the other half is in the writing, I will look forward to the next one with patience and control - just like John.
Profile Image for John A. Sillasen.
360 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2022
Milton is Doing Work with not for Control and #1 Thorsson when the Guy they put in Prison Escapes

More likely Huxley is broken out of prison by parties Unknown. Unknown but what's known is Huxley will pay for vengeance. Vengeance against Milton and Thorsson. Especially after Milton has just eliminated Huxley's #1 guy who watches over his shoulder for him. Milton needs to warn Thorsson before Huxley can get to either one. Will he be too late? Will Control who he has finally established a working understanding with be supportive or a hindrance and where is Huxley and who is backing him and why? They need to find him before he finds and eliminates them!
Profile Image for Paul McDonald.
Author 4 books116 followers
January 6, 2023
Another great action packed John Milton story with an ending that wants me to start reading the next book as soon as its available. Mark Dawson is one of my favourite authors and I enjoy his style of writing, never a dull moment, no fillers. His characters are lifelike and the stories intriguing.

I enjoyed his Beatrix Rose character so much it inspired me to write my own book;“Innocent Assassin” Its a story of Sakura Bianchi, a bad ass girl intent on revenging the death of her mother. If you like suspense and action you can find in on Amazon available for Kindle or in paperback. Would love to hear your feedback Paul McDonald
Profile Image for Gail.
564 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2022
Action-packed, fast-paced, exciting thriller!

John Milton is working with Group 15 after Huxley's escape from prison and Control's kidnapping? John's main concern is Huxley, and Number One is in charge of releasing Control. Death, betrayal and defection follow. Mark Dawson an awesome author, weaves this story with intrigue and suspense to keep your attention to see what will happen next. John Milton is back on the run. Read this intriguing book to find out why! You will not be disappointed. Happy reading! 😊
41 reviews
September 22, 2022
I would have given it 5 stars for I enjoy the John Milton series immensely but, I found the fact that no 12 Lillee killed no 2 in the Group because he was making advances to her rather unbelievable in view of her/ family background and there was no risk to her daughter at that stage. She then turned rogue and became a traitor causing the death of 5 of her colleagues including no. 1 and the capture of Control - subsequently blamed John Milton for everything . Epilogue didn't complete the story and I now have to wait until sometime next year for the sequel. At 92 years of age I may not be around !!!
I am addicted to the John Milton series.
Jim Thomas - north Turramurra, NSW. Aust.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews

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