Ben Bracken is a man with a past and a price on his head.
He has been branded a traitor and is on the run from the Ministry of Defence, the National Crime Agency, and even the shadowy elements of the British Government itself. He is not a friend to the criminal underworld either! Yes, this is certainly a man with a past!
Bracken is now trying to keep a low profile in the quiet Norfolk Broads village of Horning, until he can get the where-with-all to leave the country for good. The villagers have been welcoming, especially the kindly elderly couple who have treated him almost as their own son. Bracken is overwhelmed with gratitude at the kindness they have shown him. There are still good people in this world, after all.
However, it isn't long before Bracken realises that there is something afoot in Horning, that threatens to destroy the peace of the village and harm the villagers that have been so good to him. His sense of duty will not allow him to ignore what is happening here, and he soon finds himself uncomfortably in the spotlight, as some sort of local hero.
But good deeds never go unpunished, and Bracken's involvement is about to ruffle the feathers of not only the local criminal element, but some dangerous characters from his past too. The village is about to become a war zone, and the time is drawing near for some old scores to be settled.
*********************************************************************************
Buckle up people and get ready for a ride! I can honestly say that this was a book I could not put down, until I had reached the hugely exciting climax and I guarantee you will be doing the same.
This is my first of Rob Parker's Ben Bracken series, although it is book three, but had no problem reading this as a stand-alone thriller. Having said that, the tantalising details about Bracken's previous adventures, which crop up throughout the story, have persuaded me that books one and two - A Wanted Man and Morte Point - will be at the top of my reading pile soon. The back-story awaits!I can't remember the last time I read a thriller with an ex-military, ex-government fixer, on his downers, type character that I enjoyed as much as The Penny Black. I really liked that this book entwines a gangland criminal/National Crime Agency theme with police corruption, and the shadowy world of secret government agencies - this makes for a heady mix of violence and intrigue that keeps you racing through the pages. Most of the chapters are short, sharp and punchy too, which build the tension nicely, and keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rob Parker also cleverly manages to bring the criminal underbelly of the grimy city to an idyllic Norfolk Broads village, while making it completely believable. It highlights the insidious problem of inner-city crime spilling out into the countryside, where it takes advantage of the unsuspecting population - though I would hope not usually to the extent of that in this instance!
Bracken himself is an interesting mix of skilled, hardened operative, with a strong sense of what is right, that makes him a hugely engaging protagonist - a soft inner core does still exist, and Bracken cannot stand by and see innocent people be preyed upon by the bad guys, even if it makes his own position very tricky. He has travelled to bottom of the pit of despair, and has now discovered that there are things still worth living for. He can almost see the chance of a safe and happy future within his grasp. He has found hope, and we are right there beside him, egging him on.
A thrilling story and a fine protagonist. What more do you need?
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading The Penny Black. If you are looking for a fast-paced, gripping crime read, with a hint of the Spooks about it, and a leading man you can get behind, then The Penny Black will see you right - and it is very handy should you ever require the services of a Millwall Brick!
Available now from your favourite book retailer!
Thank you to Rob Parker and Endeavour Media for kindly providing me with a copy of The Penny Black, in return for an honest review.
Goodreads link here: The Penny Black by Rob Parker
From the cover of the book:
I’m dead, for all intents and purposes. Nobody knows I’m alive…
Ben Bracken is on the run for his life. Keeping a low profile from the agencies seeking to silence him, he finds refuge in the quiet town of Horning. Working in a boat yard and lodging with an older couple, Eric and Dot, Ben uses this time to plan. He needs to escape, and realising his only chance will reveal his whereabouts to some unsavoury characters, he plans every detail. Little does he know, even that won’t be enough…
Just before he walks away, murder strikes the quiet town. Ben cannot leave until he is sure that he has not brought any further trouble to the townsfolk. Will he be able to exact revenge? One thing is certain, there is a lot more going on in the town of Horning than meets the eye…
The Penny Black is action packed from beginning to end, keeping you guessing right the way through.
About the author:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robparkerauthor
Website: https://robparkerauthor.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment