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Lambeth Group #7
Die Every Day
DIE EVERY DAY For the rest of your life …
A woman is murdered in a Glasgow city hotel room. Police have everything they need to charge a suspect. Caught at the scene, he confessed, and he's filled with guilt and remorse. With undeniable evidence; the police expect him to plead guilty.
Rumours suggest the man will plead not guilty and tell his story. If he faces trial, the truth will cause international outrage and the government will fall.
Faceless mandarins in corridors of power are determined he will remain silent.
Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, is ordered to make him plead guilty. What she discovers will crush her soul and place her next in line to be murdered.
Who is pulling the strings? What secrets are they hiding?
A woman is murdered in a Glasgow city hotel room. Police have everything they need to charge a suspect. Caught at the scene, he confessed, and he's filled with guilt and remorse. With undeniable evidence; the police expect him to plead guilty.
Rumours suggest the man will plead not guilty and tell his story. If he faces trial, the truth will cause international outrage and the government will fall.
Faceless mandarins in corridors of power are determined he will remain silent.
Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, is ordered to make him plead guilty. What she discovers will crush her soul and place her next in line to be murdered.
Who is pulling the strings? What secrets are they hiding?
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
4 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Bickerstaff
24 books105 followersI was born and raised in Glasgow but spent my student years in Edinburgh. I spent over 30 years as a university lecturer and 25 years as an Open University tutor before I retired to write fiction. I live with my wife in Scotland where corrupt academics, psychopaths, serial killers, mystery, murder, and intrigue exists mostly in my mind.
I write the Lambeth Group series of standalone crime/conspiracy/suspense thrillers. Inspired by the 1970s 'Doomwatch' TV series, they feature undercover investigators Zoe and Gavin who protect the country and the world from the worst nightmares that mankind can imagine.
I enjoy walking in the hills, 60s & 70s music, reading and travel.
https://gordonbickerstaff.blogspot.com/
I write the Lambeth Group series of standalone crime/conspiracy/suspense thrillers. Inspired by the 1970s 'Doomwatch' TV series, they feature undercover investigators Zoe and Gavin who protect the country and the world from the worst nightmares that mankind can imagine.
I enjoy walking in the hills, 60s & 70s music, reading and travel.
https://gordonbickerstaff.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 15, 2019
This latest addition to the Lambeth Group Thriller series is, as usual, chock full of twists and turns and so many layers that are gradually peeled back, right up to the very end. Just when you think you understand what’s going on and who’s who, you discover there’s more to the story than you think. I’ve admired the central character, Zoe Tampsin, from the beginning of the series as a kick-ass female agent with brains. In this episode, we get more of a peek into her personal life and the trials her own daughter is going through. We also get to see Tampsin make a couple of mistakes. No one is perfect. There are some truly scuzzy bad guys who think nothing of doing disgusting things to people without a second thought. Interesting how the British government and its spy agencies are depicted. This is one of those books that made me keep reading past my bedtime. Great for fans of fast-paced political thrillers.
December 2, 2020
Zoe is given a job of convincing her colleague to confess to a murder of his fiancee. Nothing is what meets the eye and soon Zoe begins to discover the reason why no one wants the facts of the case to come out.
Thoroughly enjoyable with plenty of action and an excellent plot. Liked it.
Thoroughly enjoyable with plenty of action and an excellent plot. Liked it.
February 1, 2020
It’s always a pleasure to read books written by Gordon Bickerstaff as he never lets his readers down. His books have a strong drive, unexpected twists to the plot, and masterfully developed characters. Here we once again set on a journey with the wonderful Zoe Tamsin. I liked this character since I read the author’s Tabula Rasa and now she grew on me even more. I recommend this novel to everyone who enjoys well-thought-out, smart thrillers.
December 1, 2019
This is my favourite of the series so far. It has a deep personal side that works will with the thriller/murder mystery/espionage plot. Zoe is much more vulnerable and understandably so. Her friend appears to have murdered his love and its her job to get a confession. From there, twists and turns keep the pages turning.
Another thrilling read from Bickerstaff!
Another thrilling read from Bickerstaff!
October 28, 2019
When Zoe Tampsin is told about a recent murder her heart borders on breaking. Conflicting emotions bubble within her. She has been given a duty, to ensure the killer pleads guilty. But it soon becomes apparent there is more to this case than meets the eye, and far more to her involvement than a simple act of ensuring the plea goes as required. As events unravel, and she hears the confession of the murder, it seems there is no doubt to be cast. Buried beneath the surface of this heart-breaking crime is a secret so destructive, so horrific, that it could destroy the government and the country. Should she happen across it, should she unearth the truth, then Zoe will put everyone she loves in harm's way. The problem is, this is Zoe Tampsin, and when she demands answers no stone is left unturned until she gets them.
Die Every Day is the latest espionage Thriller in Gordon Bickerstaff's Lambeth Group Thrillers. Having read the other six books in this series I have already developed a connection to the characters, and it is a bond that increases throughout the books. I love watching how fate and events twist the lives, personalities, and relationships of these vivid and realistic characters, but perhaps one of my most favourite things, are the character's are consistently flawed, consistently human, making them real and believable. Gordon Bickerstaff's third-person narrative draws the readers in with vivid descriptions, beautifully choregraphed action, and a plot that leaves you hungry for the truth. As a reader I revelled in watching events unravel in ways I had not expected. I've said it before, but Gordon Bickerstaff is a true master of this genre. Action, secrets, loyalty, desperation, and betrayal will keep you on the edge of your seat as things go from bad to worse with seemingly no reprieve. I honestly can't wait to get my hands on the next book when it comes out.
Die Every Day is the latest espionage Thriller in Gordon Bickerstaff's Lambeth Group Thrillers. Having read the other six books in this series I have already developed a connection to the characters, and it is a bond that increases throughout the books. I love watching how fate and events twist the lives, personalities, and relationships of these vivid and realistic characters, but perhaps one of my most favourite things, are the character's are consistently flawed, consistently human, making them real and believable. Gordon Bickerstaff's third-person narrative draws the readers in with vivid descriptions, beautifully choregraphed action, and a plot that leaves you hungry for the truth. As a reader I revelled in watching events unravel in ways I had not expected. I've said it before, but Gordon Bickerstaff is a true master of this genre. Action, secrets, loyalty, desperation, and betrayal will keep you on the edge of your seat as things go from bad to worse with seemingly no reprieve. I honestly can't wait to get my hands on the next book when it comes out.
October 14, 2019
If you love fast-paced, tension-charged thrillers, Gordon Bickerstaff should be your go-to author. “Die Every Day” is his newest creation which I read in two days saying, “just one more chapter,” to myself because I just had to get to the bottom of the conspiracy. Gavin Shawlens, an unassuming scientist who had the fortune (or misfortune?) to land himself a government-associated job, just can’t catch a break. Found in a hotel room with the body of his fiancée, Hazel Manners, he is now accused of murder even though he doesn’t remember a thing of what exactly had happened. To Zoe, it all seems too uncharacteristic and suspicious and she sets on a mission to find out the truth. Soon, she realizes that that mission may just turn out to be a death sentence when an old enemy resurfaces seeking revenge. From that point on, I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. Conspiracies, old scores, new unexpected allies (I thought Zoe’s and Princess’s relationship was a really nice touch to an already great story), and sworn enemies - trust me, you will find yourself on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended to all fans of the genre!
October 21, 2019
I love this series and this book is probably my favourite! I only started reading when I knew I had plenty of time to finish the book because once started these books are impossible to put down. As usual, the pages are packed with tense action but there are even more twists than usual. Zoe Tamsin is a great heroine and it makes a change to read a book where there is a heroine able to kick ass as well as any of the many male heroes to be found in similar thrillers. There is a clever mix of politics and crime in this story, which provides Zoe with an abundance of very nasty types to combat. I highly recommend this series!
October 17, 2019
I was in the Three Chimneys pub when a fight broke out – I wasn’t, but it felt like it; Gordon Bickerstaff has a talent for vivid description in a few words, so the pace of the story never slows.
Secret Services serve themselves - politicians are corrupt and self-seeking and the groups are at odds. Stir in a family of UK crooks resembling the Mafia, and a scientist accused of the sadistic murder of his lover, and you have yet another Zoe Tampsin chiller-thriller.
Secret Services serve themselves - politicians are corrupt and self-seeking and the groups are at odds. Stir in a family of UK crooks resembling the Mafia, and a scientist accused of the sadistic murder of his lover, and you have yet another Zoe Tampsin chiller-thriller.
November 26, 2019
Another great outing with Zoe Tampsin as the spook who has to tidy up the mess when her unlikely friend has confessed to murder. She has to negotiate a two-pronged plan aimed at killing her while another party also has it in for her. If you like high-stakes political thrillers you will enjoy this series. The fast pace keeps going to the end. Great book.
February 19, 2020
If you follow my reviews, you know I reviewed a couple of Gordon Bickerstaff’s Lambeth Group Thrillers. When Gordon Bickerstaff released Die Every Day: For the Rest of Your Life, I added it to my TBR list. Read on for my review.
Synopsis (from the author):
A woman is murdered in a Glasgow city hotel room. Police have everything they need to charge a suspect. Caught at the scene, he confessed, and he's filled with guilt and remorse. With undeniable evidence; the police expect him to plead guilty.
Rumours suggest the man will plead not guilty and tell his story. If he faces trial, the truth will cause international outrage and the government will fall.
Faceless mandarins in corridors of power are determined he will remain silent.
Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, is ordered to make him plead guilty. What she discovers will crush her soul and place her next in line to be murdered.
Who is pulling the strings? What secrets are they hiding?
What I liked:
Just like the other Lambeth Group Thrillers, Die Every Day starts with a bang and keeps going. Zoe is back as the heroine, but she’s trying to juggle her own issues as well as Gavin Shawlin’s latest predicament. Despite the mission to make an alleged killer confess, she finds much more to the story. She faces personal demons and yet, in true Zoe fashion, comes out ahead! How? No spoilers from me, so read this one to find out!
What I didn’t like:
In spite of all the good things in the book, Gavin’s circumstances were a bit hard to believe. In addition, some of the background machinations were a stretch.
Overall impression:
Die Every Day by Gordon Bickerstaff is an excellent addition to the Lambeth Group thrillers. With good characters, nice plot, and tons of action, the book doesn’t disappoint. If you like thrillers, read this one!
My rating:
4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
Synopsis (from the author):
A woman is murdered in a Glasgow city hotel room. Police have everything they need to charge a suspect. Caught at the scene, he confessed, and he's filled with guilt and remorse. With undeniable evidence; the police expect him to plead guilty.
Rumours suggest the man will plead not guilty and tell his story. If he faces trial, the truth will cause international outrage and the government will fall.
Faceless mandarins in corridors of power are determined he will remain silent.
Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, is ordered to make him plead guilty. What she discovers will crush her soul and place her next in line to be murdered.
Who is pulling the strings? What secrets are they hiding?
What I liked:
Just like the other Lambeth Group Thrillers, Die Every Day starts with a bang and keeps going. Zoe is back as the heroine, but she’s trying to juggle her own issues as well as Gavin Shawlin’s latest predicament. Despite the mission to make an alleged killer confess, she finds much more to the story. She faces personal demons and yet, in true Zoe fashion, comes out ahead! How? No spoilers from me, so read this one to find out!
What I didn’t like:
In spite of all the good things in the book, Gavin’s circumstances were a bit hard to believe. In addition, some of the background machinations were a stretch.
Overall impression:
Die Every Day by Gordon Bickerstaff is an excellent addition to the Lambeth Group thrillers. With good characters, nice plot, and tons of action, the book doesn’t disappoint. If you like thrillers, read this one!
My rating:
4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
January 22, 2020
I was really excited to read this book as I have enjoyed other books by the author Tears of Fire and Deadly Secrets.
As I have said in previous reviews, the authors writes a really good action packed thriller. The book reads like a Bond film.
There is a lot of violence and suggested violence throughout the book but in this story we are dealing with organised crime gangs, government spies and military groups.
Gavin (who we have met in previous books) finds himself in hell, as his world comes crashing down when he kills his soon to be fiancee. He is being held on suicide watch as he comes to terms with what he has done.
Zoe is back from a holiday with her daughter, trying to repair their strained relationship. She is shocked to return to hear of Gavin’s predicament, and is unsure on whether to believe him capable of such acts. She is called in to persuade him to plead guilty, so the whole thing can be swept under the carpet and the Government can avoid exposure.
Unknown to Zoe there are other forces at play, there is not just one person who wants revenge on her there are many. In her attempt to save Gavin, will she putting her life and her families’ lives in danger?
My first read of the year and it was everything I hoped it would be. Excellent read.
As I have said in previous reviews, the authors writes a really good action packed thriller. The book reads like a Bond film.
There is a lot of violence and suggested violence throughout the book but in this story we are dealing with organised crime gangs, government spies and military groups.
Gavin (who we have met in previous books) finds himself in hell, as his world comes crashing down when he kills his soon to be fiancee. He is being held on suicide watch as he comes to terms with what he has done.
Zoe is back from a holiday with her daughter, trying to repair their strained relationship. She is shocked to return to hear of Gavin’s predicament, and is unsure on whether to believe him capable of such acts. She is called in to persuade him to plead guilty, so the whole thing can be swept under the carpet and the Government can avoid exposure.
Unknown to Zoe there are other forces at play, there is not just one person who wants revenge on her there are many. In her attempt to save Gavin, will she putting her life and her families’ lives in danger?
My first read of the year and it was everything I hoped it would be. Excellent read.
March 23, 2020
Zoe Tampsin, an ex-Army officer and a section leader for the British Security Service (MI5,) is tasked with making scientist Gavin Shawlens plead guilty for killing his fiancé. The British Security Service wants to avoid a public trial at all costs because of Gavin’s relationship with the intelligence community. Or so they say….
There’s much more to the story and Zoe sets off on a quest to uncover the truth. But the mission to truth could be deadly. Another group who is attempting to take over the country wants Gavin dead but only after they acquire a possession of Gavin’s fiancé, Hazel. There’s a wonderful connected side story between Zoe and street teenager, Princess. I loved how Zoe helped Princess and the unexpected twist at the end when Princess helps save the day.
Die Every Day is a fast-paced spy-thriller sure to delight readers with its twists and turns, loyalty and betrayal, revenge and conspiracies, murder and mayhem. A highly recommended read!
There’s much more to the story and Zoe sets off on a quest to uncover the truth. But the mission to truth could be deadly. Another group who is attempting to take over the country wants Gavin dead but only after they acquire a possession of Gavin’s fiancé, Hazel. There’s a wonderful connected side story between Zoe and street teenager, Princess. I loved how Zoe helped Princess and the unexpected twist at the end when Princess helps save the day.
Die Every Day is a fast-paced spy-thriller sure to delight readers with its twists and turns, loyalty and betrayal, revenge and conspiracies, murder and mayhem. A highly recommended read!
February 15, 2020
Recommend to readers who enjoy spy thrillers.
Zoe's initial assignment, while personally complicated is fairly straightforward. Ensure Gavin Shawlens pleads guilty to murder to avoid government secrets being dragged through the courts. She soon discovers the situation is far more complicated with interested parties pulling the strings and happy to resort to murder to ensure success.
What I like about this author's books is the uneasy realisation that the scenarios he imagines could very well be really happening.
Zoe's initial assignment, while personally complicated is fairly straightforward. Ensure Gavin Shawlens pleads guilty to murder to avoid government secrets being dragged through the courts. She soon discovers the situation is far more complicated with interested parties pulling the strings and happy to resort to murder to ensure success.
What I like about this author's books is the uneasy realisation that the scenarios he imagines could very well be really happening.
May 15, 2020
The story gets right to the heart of the matter in the opening pages: something fishy's going on and people are being killed. Zoe's colleague Gavin has murdered his fiancee, but has no memory of doing it. Zoe is bound to find out what happened and gets tangled up in conspiracy and so much more. Plenty of action and twists in this detailed plot. I found the characters engaging and intriguing. There's backstory to the character that affects the outcome of events. Hatred is deep-seated and could lead to Zoe's demise. Quite an enjoyable story and one I'd recommend to thriller fans.
October 17, 2020
Although this is not the first book in the series, it did not matter. As a standalone novel, it worked well. The book is action-packed with plenty of surprises with a satisfyingly complex plot without being too confusing. I loved the way the final pages were brought to a close - no abrupt ending; the plot was rounded off nicely. This very talented author has got the genre to a point of perfection. I heartily recommend it!
November 15, 2020
Great premise set up, with Gavin admitting murder, and agent Zoe assigned to make sure he maintains a guilty plea. If he changes his mind, the government could fall… Who’s telling the truth? Who are the good guys? The more Zoe discovers, the more the facts get challenged and distorted. Snappily and sharply written, the story buzzes along with plenty of raw action, savage, violent thrills and twists and turns. Well worth it.
March 23, 2020
Exciting Puzzle
Zoe is back and she's as energetic as ever. In this mission, she is required to babysit Gavin, a scientist who killed his girlfriend. But did he? As in all the Lambeth action-packed stories, there is more, much more, to puzzle out and discover. With her survival skills and in fight mode, Zoe and the team stay to the end, despite a whole bunch of bad guys. Recommended for readers who love crime and spy stories.
Zoe is back and she's as energetic as ever. In this mission, she is required to babysit Gavin, a scientist who killed his girlfriend. But did he? As in all the Lambeth action-packed stories, there is more, much more, to puzzle out and discover. With her survival skills and in fight mode, Zoe and the team stay to the end, despite a whole bunch of bad guys. Recommended for readers who love crime and spy stories.
June 17, 2020
Die Every Day for the Rest of Your Life by Gordon Bickerstaff was a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, an excellent suspense thriller with great characters. Main character Zoe is all you could want and more. The bad guys are... extremely bad. This is the first I’ve read in this series and by this author, but it won’t be the last. Bickerstaff plunks you right in the middle of the action: a barroom fight, the betrayals, and the Secret Service coverups. Tight plot, well written. Needs to be a movie.
December 13, 2019
Oh my what a read! I didn't realise this was part of a series, but that didn't impact reading this instalment in the Lambeth Group Series. From the start this was a gritty fast paced read, I loved the characters, I loved the setting and I absolutely loved this story! I really need to go back and read the previous books in this series if they are as good this one!
When a woman is murdered in a hotel room and apparent suspect charged, Zoe Tampsin is brought in to shut the case down as quick as possible and has been ordered to make the suspect plead guilty, but she knows something isn't quite right. As the story unfolds the truth will out and filled with many twists and turn you will not know what to believe yourself.
If you are a fan of espionage, crime thrillers then I definitely recommend checking out this book, you will not be disappointed!
When a woman is murdered in a hotel room and apparent suspect charged, Zoe Tampsin is brought in to shut the case down as quick as possible and has been ordered to make the suspect plead guilty, but she knows something isn't quite right. As the story unfolds the truth will out and filled with many twists and turn you will not know what to believe yourself.
If you are a fan of espionage, crime thrillers then I definitely recommend checking out this book, you will not be disappointed!
April 1, 2020
The third of the series, this one is a real wild ride. Putting it down to get some sleep proved very hard to do. Twists and turns really kept me guessing. There isn't a slow spot in this page turner. Grab this one, a long weekend might be best.
December 4, 2019
This is the first book I've read in the Lambeth Group Thriller series, so I was introduced for the first time to the main character, Zoe Tampsin.
She's a capable, stubborn, kick-ass detective that will stop at nothing to get to the truth.
But the truth in this case could potentially ruin the corrupted system and bring down the whole country.
Higher powers want the case of a woman murdered in Glasgow to be closed as soon as possible, with the apparent killer already caught by the police. But something isn't quite right and Zoe will have to battle against her sense of duty and personal ethics to unveil the real reasons behind the mysterious homicide.
Crime, politics and actions mix nicely in this fast-paced, addictive thriller, full of twists an turns where nothing is what it seems.
Highly recommended to the fans of the genre and anyone seeking for a compelling read .
Great engaging read, a real page-turner.
She's a capable, stubborn, kick-ass detective that will stop at nothing to get to the truth.
But the truth in this case could potentially ruin the corrupted system and bring down the whole country.
Higher powers want the case of a woman murdered in Glasgow to be closed as soon as possible, with the apparent killer already caught by the police. But something isn't quite right and Zoe will have to battle against her sense of duty and personal ethics to unveil the real reasons behind the mysterious homicide.
Crime, politics and actions mix nicely in this fast-paced, addictive thriller, full of twists an turns where nothing is what it seems.
Highly recommended to the fans of the genre and anyone seeking for a compelling read .
Great engaging read, a real page-turner.
November 17, 2019
Totally gripping.
When a smart heroine meets a well thought out plot the pages will turn mighty fast!
Beautifully edited, smooth, clean easy to read descriptions and dialogues.
This is a fast-paced, great political thriller you don't want to miss!
When a smart heroine meets a well thought out plot the pages will turn mighty fast!
Beautifully edited, smooth, clean easy to read descriptions and dialogues.
This is a fast-paced, great political thriller you don't want to miss!
May 31, 2020
An action-packed, conspiracy thriller in Glasgow
In this action-packed thriller, Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, was assigned the difficult task of making a friend, Gavin Shawlens, plead guilty for a crime she knew he couldn’t have committed.
Zoe believed that Shawlens’ credibility as a scientist provided access to people and places in the pursuit of the Group’s goals. But she knew that he was not a trained operative, he could be careless and thoughtless, and he made mistakes. And unfortunately, in this business, mistakes cost lives. But when Shawlens was accused of murdering his fiancée—security service employee, Hazel Manners—, Zoe suspected that something wasn’t right. She had serious doubts that Shawlens was a murderer and a drug user.
Zoe was briefed that Shawlens didn’t remember a thing about what happened in the hotel room the night of the murder, and he was broken with guilt and remorse. And the evidence was overwhelming—Shawlen’s prints were found on the knife that killed Hazel, he’d nicked his finger on the blade, and he’d used the same knife to uncork the wine bottle before the crime.
But if the evidence was irrefutable and uncontested, then why did the agency order Zoe—one of their best undercover investigators—to convince him to plead guilty to manslaughter while refusing her access to the evidence file? And by the way, why her? Why not the legal team?
Zoe Tampsin was smart and had been at this job long enough to realize that the agency wanted Shawlens to plead guilty to avoid a trial. Revealing in court the real work of Shawlens and his fiancée for the Lambeth Group would jeopardize the Security Service as a whole, cause ructions in the Parliament, and intolerable strain on the Home Office.
Was Zoe’s intuition right? Was Shawlens framed for a crime he hadn’t committed to save the agency from political attention? And if she revealed what she had discovered, would she be next in line to be murdered?
In this action-packed thriller, Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, was assigned the difficult task of making a friend, Gavin Shawlens, plead guilty for a crime she knew he couldn’t have committed.
Zoe believed that Shawlens’ credibility as a scientist provided access to people and places in the pursuit of the Group’s goals. But she knew that he was not a trained operative, he could be careless and thoughtless, and he made mistakes. And unfortunately, in this business, mistakes cost lives. But when Shawlens was accused of murdering his fiancée—security service employee, Hazel Manners—, Zoe suspected that something wasn’t right. She had serious doubts that Shawlens was a murderer and a drug user.
Zoe was briefed that Shawlens didn’t remember a thing about what happened in the hotel room the night of the murder, and he was broken with guilt and remorse. And the evidence was overwhelming—Shawlen’s prints were found on the knife that killed Hazel, he’d nicked his finger on the blade, and he’d used the same knife to uncork the wine bottle before the crime.
But if the evidence was irrefutable and uncontested, then why did the agency order Zoe—one of their best undercover investigators—to convince him to plead guilty to manslaughter while refusing her access to the evidence file? And by the way, why her? Why not the legal team?
Zoe Tampsin was smart and had been at this job long enough to realize that the agency wanted Shawlens to plead guilty to avoid a trial. Revealing in court the real work of Shawlens and his fiancée for the Lambeth Group would jeopardize the Security Service as a whole, cause ructions in the Parliament, and intolerable strain on the Home Office.
Was Zoe’s intuition right? Was Shawlens framed for a crime he hadn’t committed to save the agency from political attention? And if she revealed what she had discovered, would she be next in line to be murdered?
October 10, 2019
There is no lack of action when this fast paced thriller begins in a barroom and a man sitting at a table with friends is accosted by other men entering. The man, Hamilton, gets away and rushes up 9 flights of stairs to his flat, spooked and worried he quickly packs a bag to escape but not before two men are in his place and attack him. They want a sim card and no amount of torturing to get it from him is off the table. When they finally get it, it’s attached to the inside of his wristwatch and blank. The original was sent to a mysterious woman, her number on his phone. Nothing good comes to Hamilton as they men leave and report to their boss who wants the sim card. When told it’s with a woman he wonders who she is with, assuming she’s not with their agency. A woman is murdered and the suspect is caught at the scene. But things are not as they appear when the story unravels when Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, is ordered to make him plead guilty. He happens to be a friend and person she has worked with and from the beginning knew he couldn’t commit a crimes. I love the superimposition of Tampsin, whose brains and brawn outdo the best of the testosterone laden characters. It is the elements of her character that bring tension and believability as the story continues to build through this well-crafted work. I’ve read the earlier in the series, all of them and I am not understated when I say the author gets better and better. I loved the last one, my favorite, but this one has matched it. It did not disappoint.
May 30, 2020
Verified Purchase Format: Kindle Version
Packed with tense action
This the second book I’ve read in the Lambeth Group Thriller series, and it won’t be the last, unless Zoe decides to return to her regiment, an unlikely event. I find that directly you’ve started one of this author’s stories it’s almost impossible to put down. Once Zoe is called in to investigate a case you can be sure that it will be packed with tense action with plenty of twists and turns and bodies piling up all over the place, and this one is no exception. Perhaps it should be re-titled ‘Die every five minutes or so’.
Given the task of persuading a colleague to plead guilty to killing his fiancée to avoid top level government secrets being exposed, Zoe discovers the situation is far more complicated than meets the eye. As a consequence, she finds herself battling between her sense of duty and her personal convictions to get at the truth.
This a roller coaster thriller with plenty of unexpected actions spilling out along the way, especially involving a young tearaway called Princess who she helps to rescue and who returns the favour when Zoe is facing her enemy in her darkest hour.
Packed with tense action
This the second book I’ve read in the Lambeth Group Thriller series, and it won’t be the last, unless Zoe decides to return to her regiment, an unlikely event. I find that directly you’ve started one of this author’s stories it’s almost impossible to put down. Once Zoe is called in to investigate a case you can be sure that it will be packed with tense action with plenty of twists and turns and bodies piling up all over the place, and this one is no exception. Perhaps it should be re-titled ‘Die every five minutes or so’.
Given the task of persuading a colleague to plead guilty to killing his fiancée to avoid top level government secrets being exposed, Zoe discovers the situation is far more complicated than meets the eye. As a consequence, she finds herself battling between her sense of duty and her personal convictions to get at the truth.
This a roller coaster thriller with plenty of unexpected actions spilling out along the way, especially involving a young tearaway called Princess who she helps to rescue and who returns the favour when Zoe is facing her enemy in her darkest hour.
November 3, 2019
This is the second of Gordon Bickerstaff’s ‘Lambeth Group’ novels that I have had the pleasure to read and enjoy. Another highly entertaining crime thriller with strong female leads unleashing violent retribution on delightfully wicked criminals. The author has an uncanny ability to write outlandish villains and complex outrageous plots whilst allowing the reader to suspend disbelief and make the most extreme characters and situations plausible. Serious themes and hints of political satire combine with adrenaline-fuelled hedonistic action to provide escapism of the highest quality. I can heartily recommend.
November 28, 2019
This is the first Lambeth Group book I’ve read, so it took me a bit to get into it since I wasn’t familiar with the characters or the Lambeth Group. Like many spy thrillers, it’s an intricate book with lots of characters and nefarious plots running beneath the surface. For me, it was a slow-starter, but once I got into it, it moved quickly with lots of action. I particularly liked the several twists and surprises near and at the end. As for the characters, the villains were especially well drawn—really bad people but with some human qualities showing in some of them (like one group of villains loyalty to family—although that was about the only thing that was a positive quality, and considering the family, maybe loyalty to them really wasn’t a good thing).
I had to lower my rating, though, because it needs a copyedit. I’m not talking about the differences between UK English and American English but missing words and things like “you’re” when it should be “your.” It’s a good and exciting spy thriller that could be better if those things were fixed.
I had to lower my rating, though, because it needs a copyedit. I’m not talking about the differences between UK English and American English but missing words and things like “you’re” when it should be “your.” It’s a good and exciting spy thriller that could be better if those things were fixed.
October 26, 2019
Die Every day by Gordan Bickerstaff.
DIE EVERY DAY For the rest of your life …
A woman is murdered in a Glasgow city hotel room. Police have everything they need to charge a suspect. Caught at the scene, he confessed, and he's filled with guilt and remorse. With undeniable evidence; the police expect him to plead guilty.
Rumours suggest the man will plead not guilty and tell his story. If he faces trial, the truth will cause international outrage and the government will fall.
Faceless mandarins in corridors of power are determined he will remain silent.
Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, is ordered to make him plead guilty. What she discovers will crush her soul and place her next in line to be murdered.
Who is pulling the strings? What secrets are they hiding?
A very enjoyable read with some good characters. Zoe was my favourite character. 4*.
DIE EVERY DAY For the rest of your life …
A woman is murdered in a Glasgow city hotel room. Police have everything they need to charge a suspect. Caught at the scene, he confessed, and he's filled with guilt and remorse. With undeniable evidence; the police expect him to plead guilty.
Rumours suggest the man will plead not guilty and tell his story. If he faces trial, the truth will cause international outrage and the government will fall.
Faceless mandarins in corridors of power are determined he will remain silent.
Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, is ordered to make him plead guilty. What she discovers will crush her soul and place her next in line to be murdered.
Who is pulling the strings? What secrets are they hiding?
A very enjoyable read with some good characters. Zoe was my favourite character. 4*.
October 18, 2019
Like all the Lambeth Group thrillers by Gordon Bickerstaff--this one is non stop and will curl your toes with some of what goes on! Of course there are twists and turns galore. You will want to keep reading until you finish it all! Now I can't wait until the next in this series.
Zoe will have to figure out if her friend and sometimes colleague murdered the one he loved--He has been convinced that he did and only wants to die. There are several groups involved in this--some good--some not so good and some absolutely horrendous. Who can Zoe trust?
Near the end a family member is abducted--------can Zoe save her?
Read this book for the thrills and chills-you will not be disappointed!
Zoe will have to figure out if her friend and sometimes colleague murdered the one he loved--He has been convinced that he did and only wants to die. There are several groups involved in this--some good--some not so good and some absolutely horrendous. Who can Zoe trust?
Near the end a family member is abducted--------can Zoe save her?
Read this book for the thrills and chills-you will not be disappointed!
October 30, 2019
Zoe and her team fight crime with astounding physical strength and mental smartness. The author writes the fight scenes as if he were witnessing them which adds to the storyline. I gave this one four stars because the author adds another story at the end about her daughter being kidnapped by a child porn group. It just did not seem to fit and broke up the flow of the ending.
I always enjoy reading Mr. Bickerstaff's books and am looking forward to reading more of his books.
I always enjoy reading Mr. Bickerstaff's books and am looking forward to reading more of his books.
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