‘Killer Intent’ by Tony Kent

Published by Elliott & Thompson,
25 January 2018.
ISBN: 978-1-78396-326-3 (HB)

12 July 2018.
ISBN:978-1-78396-382-9 (PB)

During a ceremony in Trafalgar Square honouring the British heroes of the recent Middle East wars, ex United States President Thompson, and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mattewson are shot at close range by McGale, in spite of secret service agent Sam Regis trying to stop him. She is shot and killed by a sharpshooter from a distance as she tries to do so. Her boss, agent Joe Dempsey knocks McGale to the ground.

It is obvious Sam's killer is stationed high up on one of the surrounding buildings. Dempsey is at a loss to understand who it could be as all the sharpshooters place up there to guard the proceedings have been handpicked.

A solicitor, Daniel Lawrence, is appointed McGale's lawyer and on being interviewed, he tells Daniel he blames Mattewson for the loss of his family in Northern Ireland. Mysteriously on the way home, Daniel is forced off the road by another car and has a serious crash.

Dempsey is now given the task of not only finding the killer of Sam Regis, but who is behind Daniel's accident. There also seems to be more than a personal reason why McGale shot the two men, is there someone else behind the shootings?

Together with C.N.N reporter Sarah Truman and a close friend of Daniel's, barrister Michael Devlin, Dempsey is determined to find the truth.  Enquiries reveal facts that lead them to Northern Ireland where they enlist the reluctant help of Michael's brother Liam, a well-known gangster. They uncover corruption that extends to members high up in the British government but how do they prove it? Who is the mysterious “Stanton” giving instructions to someone called Joshua to get rid of anyone making enquiries about the shootings.

Dempsey, Sarah and Michael have many narrow escapes until an exciting conclusion reveals the truth, but not without more casualties.

Whew, what an exciting book full of intrigue and corruption in high places. Written with great verve and insight as to what extreme lengths people with ambition will go to reach their goal.

I see Tony Kent is a barrister, no wonder he writes with such conviction about the criminal mind and how devious people can be.

Highly recommended, nonstop, fast moving action with plenty of shocks and surprises at every turn of the page.

------

Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

Tony Kent grew up in a close-knit Irish family in London and studied law in Scotland. He is a top-ranking barrister and former champion boxer who brings a wealth of detail and personal insight to this unputdownable thriller. A regular at London's Old Bailey, Tony's case history includes prosecuting and defending many high-profile, nationally reported trials. Before his legal career, Tony boxed internationally as a heavyweight and won a host of national amateur titles. He is based in London.

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.