I was introduced to the formidable Joe Dempsey and his friend, lawyer Michael Devlin, when I read the previous novel in the series, No Way to Die. Dempsey, the perpetual loner, had the key role in that book, alongside the most trusted member of his hand-picked team, Eden Grace. I was pleased to see Eden return in this book and she proves herself just as accomplished and fearless as before.

The Shadow Network is the epitome of a page-turner: the short chapters give it real pace and the frequent shifts between different points of view make you feel you’re witnessing events in real time. The author is adept at ending a chapter with a killer last line meaning you’ve simply got to read on, and there are plenty of developments that I certainly didn’t see coming.

The storyline is cleverly constructed to reflect contemporary events – although I hope not too closely – incorporating global conspiracies, political extremism and media manipulation. The idea of a cunning, ruthless mind pulling strings to influence world events is pretty scary.

If I had to sum up the storyline of The Shadow Network in a phrase, it would be ‘don’t trust anyone’ – except, of course, Dempsey or Devlin. Another might be ‘never turn your back on someone’.

Tony Kent’s bio claims his previous experience brings ‘a striking authenticity to his thrillers’ and there’s certainly plenty of ‘striking’ in this one, with fist fights galore which make you wonder just how much more a body can take. A lot more is the answer when it comes to Dempsey. And even Devlin has to call on the darker, more violent instincts he’s long fought to suppress. (The source of these will be apparent if you’ve read earlier books in the series.)

The Shadow Network is what I to call a ‘planes, trains and automobiles’ read. In other words, the ideal book to get you through a long journey. Actually, reading it on a train journey may not be a good idea as you might miss your stop. And thinking about it, listening to it while driving could be problematic since it will definitely make you want to steer clear of underground car parks. As a passenger, fine, although rather than ‘Are we there yet?’ you might find yourself asking ‘Are we there already?’. A beach read then? Definitely, although slap on the factor 50 in case you lose track of time.advance-review-copy publisher-review-copies thriller2 s Craig SistersonAuthor 3 books88

A public massacre masking a targeted hit, shadowy networks and conspiracies, a near-mythical foreign agent that’s been pulling global strings for decades; British barrister and former boxing champion Tony Kent’s latest thriller certainly packs a wallop.

The fifth instalment in his very good series starring Northern Irish-born lawyer Michael Devlin and deadly United Nations intelligence agent Joe Dempsey, The Shadow Network sees the pair called to action for personal reasons after a mass shooting at the Grote Markt in the heart of The Hague, where lawyers for an alleged war criminal are gunned down as part of a massacre. They become further entwined in conspiracy and international intrigue as they try to find the mystery man the lawyers were meeting and protect his stateside wife – Dempsey’s long-ago lover – from deadly assassins doing the bidding of ‘the Monk’, a foreign agent many believe is more rumour than reality. Things get complicated by the various agencies who get in on the action, including the CIA.

Kent maintains a high tempo while providing some fascinating characters and set-pieces; the pages whir by on a litany of secrets and lies, double-crosses and cover-ups, fight scenes and action. Readers who love action-packed crime ala Lee Child or the globe-trotting spy thrills of the s of Ludlum and Forsyth really should give Tony Kent’s books a whirl. There’s lots to savour; any great boxer, a blend of brawn and brains.

[This review was first written for Good Reading magazine] british thriller2 s Graham Sillars261 8

Firstly I would to thank the lovely folks at Elliot & Thompson for sending me a review copy of this book with a request for an open and honest review.

This book will have you on the edge of your seat. A blistering page turner of a novel. The chapters are quite short and snappy which adds to that feeling of being on a literary rollercoaster ride.

A political thriller to end all political thriller.

There has been a terror attack in a city square in The Hague. Many people lie dead and among them are two lawyers who believed they were on to something huge. We then follow Michael Devlin and Joe Dempsey as they delve into a world of lies, spies, double agents and death. Who can they trust, or indeed can they trust anyone?!

Tony Kent is easily one the best contemporary writers around today. His writing and fast paced plotting will quite literally take your breath away and have to wanting more immediately.

I’m not usually a fan of spy novels or political thrillers. This may just be the book that changes that outlook for me.1 Detlef212 2

Dies ist der neueste Thriller des britischen Autors Tony Kent. Erneut sind Michael Devlin und Joe Dempsey die Protagonisten, was eine spannende und actionreiche Geschichte erwarten lässt. „Dempsey and Devlin“ – immer für eine Überraschung gut!

Es beginnt mit einer Massenschießerei auf dem Grote Markt in Den Haag, dem Zentrum für Einkäufe und Feiern in dieser südniederländischen Stadt. Die Schießerei mutet an wie ein Attentat, ein Amoklauf oder auch ein Terroranschlag. Es kommen dabei 32 Menschen ums Leben und es werden 43 verletzt. Die ganze Welt ist geschockt.

Gleichzeitig findet in London ein Treffen von Freunden statt. Der Anwalt Michael Devlin hat Besuch. Selbst sein Freund Joe Dempsey von der Spezialeinheit der Vereinten Nationen ist aus New York eingeflogen, um mit seinen Freunden zu feiern. Über die Nachricht im Fernsehen erfahren Sie von der Massenschießerei in Den Haag. Auf den Bildern im Fernsehen entdecken sie den Freund eines Freundes von Michael Devlin. Alarmiert und mit der Frage konfrontiert ob Devlins Freund wohl auch dort in Den Haag dabei war, beschließen sie sofort, dies herauszufinden.

Schnell wird alles arrangiert, um von London nach Den Haag zu fliegen. Devlins Freund, für Dempsey ist klar, dass Michaels Freunde auch seine Freunde sind, ist Anwalt und hatte einen Prozess am internationalen Gerichtshof, weshalb er zusammen mit seinem Anwaltsteam dort zu tun hatte.

Parallel dazu erfährt der Leser, dass einer aus diesem Anwaltsteam aus der Schießerei heraus fliehen konnte und kein Opfer wurde. Die Kollegen und Freunde Prochnik und Duffy waren beide Opfer geworden. Ihn, Konrad Frankowski, hat es nicht erwischt. Aber er hat Angst. Er muss fliehen, da ihr Mandant an einem Deal gearbeitet hat, der einen russischen Verbrecher, den Mönch, zum Ziel hatte.

Tony Kent hat erneut einen höchst spannenden Thriller geschrieben, bei dem die Wendungen immer höher gedreht werden. Der Roman legt ein hohes Tempo vor, was seine Handlung angeht. Schließlich geschieht fast alles innerhalb von 24 bis maximal 48 Stunden. Abgesehen vom Prolog zwei Wochen später.

Gleichzeitig wird an dem einen Tag, an dem sich alles abspielt, an mehreren Orten auf zwei Kontinenten agiert. Dank des Teams vom International Security Bureau der Vereinten Nationen (ISB), welches von Joe Dempsey geführt wird, sind Leute in den USA am Brennpunkt wie auch in den Niederlanden.

Interessant ist der Hintergrund von »The Shadow Network«, auf dem Toni Kent seine Story aufbaut. Der Ukraine-Krieg ist auf vollen Touren, die russische Geheimdienstorganisation Mladorossi und der Mönch, ihr Gründer und Führer existiert schon seit über 100 Jahren und wird tatsächlich als real existierend für möglich gehalten. Toni Kent hat ihr handfeste Machenschaften und Handlungen aufs Auge gedrückt. Das ist echt interessant!

Ebenso interessant sind die Konflikte innerhalb der Sicherheitseinheiten. In seiner fiktiven Konstellation lässt Toni Kent die staatlichen und halbstaatlichen Institutionen FBI CIA MI6 neben dem ISB agieren. Sie sind misstrauisch gegeneinander und erwartungsgemäß wird erst am Ende aufgedeckt, wer zu den Guten und wer zu den Bösen zählt. Schließlich ist auch unter deren Mitarbeitern Korruption nicht ausgeschlossen.

Insgesamt ist »The Shadow Network« von Tony Kent ein absolut fesselnder Thriller, der die Leser von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite in Atem hält. Mit einer packenden Handlung, interessanten Charakteren und einer Prise geopolitischer Spannung ist dieses Buch ein Must-read für alle Thriller-Fans. Kent gelingt es, die Leser in eine Welt der Intrigen und Geheimnisse zu entführen und sie mit unvorhersehbaren Wendungen zu überraschen. Obwohl es sich um ein fiktives Werk handelt, fühlt es sich doch erschreckend realistisch an, was den Nervenkitzel noch verstärkt. Wer auf der Suche nach einem actiongeladenen, mitreißenden und packenden Lesevergnügen ist, sollte sich »The Shadow Network« nicht entgehen lassen. Tony Kent hat erneut bewiesen, dass er zu den Meistern seines Genres gehört. Lesen Sie diesen Thriller und lassen Sie sich in eine Welt voller Geheimnisse und Gefahren entführen!


© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2024 Jen1,427 62

After the events that took place in No Way To Die, it would be fair to say that Joe Dempsey has earned himself a bit of a break. A few days R&R, feet up, quiet life ... that kind of thing. And as he's visiting London to take his place as Godfather to the twin sons of his best friend, Barrister, Michael Devlin, and his partner, journalist Sarah Truman, that's exactly what he's going to get. How much trouble could he possibly get in just doing that? ... Well, based on the heart pounding opening to The Shadow Network, and the fact that Tony Kent doesn't allow his protagonists all that much by way of down time (luckily for us), the answer to that question was always going to be 'loads'.

To be fair to Dempsey and Devlin, it's not the christening that is going to put them in harms way, but as news arrives that one of Michael's friends is caught up in a suspected terrorist incident in The Hague, neither will rest until they have found him and brought him home, whatever his fate. it's a decision that is going to see both men face one of the biggest fights of their lives, against a foe with all the might, myth and mystery of Keyser Soze. Could Dempsey have finally met his match? How do you defeat a man of legend, someone that no-one knows truly exists?

Well - if you read, The Shadow Network, you will find out. Jam packed with tension and action from the off, this book had me in its thrall immediately and did not let me go until I read that very last page. A tale of corruption, conspiracy and bloody brilliant misdirection, this is a tale which will have Tony Kent fans chuckling with glee. Not for the fate of our favoured protagonists - if you think that Dempsey has been through the ringer before, you ain't seen nothing yet, trust me. This is a situation that is going to push him, And Michael, to their very limits, and with the very person they are up against being little more than a ghost, it's a battle that will be very hard to win. But it makes for one heck of a read and had me powering through the pages, long after I should have been heading to bed. Exactly what I want in a book. Great fight scenes, a lot of mystery and a whole host of suspicious characters and people of dubious intent that kept me completely on edge.

I do love the characters in this series. Tony Kent has created two very different people in Joe Dempsey and Michael Devlin, but they compliment each other perfectly. Whilst Michael may not be as skilled as his friend, he can hold his own in the battle stakes, and he has somewhat of a past of his own, which fans of the series will understand. We haven't seen him in a few stories now, so it was great to be back in his sphere, even if, to a degree, he still played a slightly lesser role than Dempsey. But then again, danger and action are Dempsey's life, so when it comes to taking down the bad guys, he was always going to play a significant role. And it was really good to see his team on the other side of the Atlantic playing a very key role in the action too. Led by Eden Grace, they are faced with protecting a key figure in the whole plot, without really knowing who it is they would be defending them against. I really Eden and seeing her in this situation, guided by Dempsey to a degree but ultimately having to use her own intuition and skills to defeat an unknown foe was great to see. As readers we know a trifle more about who we can, or cant ,trust, but not everything.

This book is packed with action, suspense and conspiracy. Drawing on some very recent current affairs and life events, this is one of those books which really does have a strange ring of truth about it. It's not beyond the realms of possibility, I guess. Would explain a lot as well. There were moments in the book that really made me smile, for reasons I can't state here, but it certainly resonated. But most of all, I just loved getting lost in the action, that kind of feeling where you find yourself slowly leaning forward in your chair as the action picks up and the tension starts to sky rocket. With this kind of tale, where the bad guy will literally use any means necessary to get what they want, and where weaknesses are expose and exploited, it was so hard to know who trust, and that makes for a really intense read. And I loved it. The ending - surprising, but not. The promise the author has left us with for what may be yet to come ... So absolutely perfect. Loaded with threat, leaving me apprehensive but also really excited. I cannot wait. But I will have to I guess. (Boooooo).

God I've missed these guys. Most definitely recommended.2023-challenge 2024-red-hot-reads 2024- ...more Mary Picken866 37

With the power and speed of an energiser bunny Tony Kent goes from a relaxing back yard post christening party into a massacre at The Hague in this pulse-pounding dramatic thriller that is both engaging and immersive.

What I love about this series is the strong bond of friendship between barrister Michael Devlin and Joe Dempsey of the UN’s International Security Bureau. When all the chips are down and you don’t know who to trust, these men will always have each other’s backs, no questions asked.

Dempsey is chilling at the home of Sarah and Michael just hours after taking on the responsibility of being godfather to Michael and his journalist wife Sarah’s twin boys. They learn of a supposed terrorist attack which one of Michael’s colleagues, Will Duffy, has been caught up in and badly injured.

Using Dempsey’s ISB resources the pair are soon on their way to Amsterdam to find Will and make sure he can return home safely. But this is a novel in which nothing is as it seems. Soon they find themselves caught up in a deadly conspiracy. At the heart of that conspiracy is a shadowy figure known as The Monk who runs an organisation of spies and infiltrators.

Kon Frankowski is a man Dempsey is all too aware of and suddenly this deadly conspiracy is both deeply personal and professional. Frankowski was with Will Duffy at the time of the attack and it quickly becomes clear that he was the real target of this assignation attempt. Now he’s in the wind, trying to keep a low profile and Dempsey and Devlin have to bring him in safely and recover the vital intelligence he has – intelligence that the Monk is willing to massacre as many people as it takes to get hold of.

Kent builds in some contemporary background to this shadow network which is beautifully judged and lends an air of authenticity to an organisation whose name reminds me of a tribe in Game of Thrones.

The CIA become involved too, but they don’t play nicely with others and Dempsey doesn’t know who he can trust so there are many twists and turns and action packed explosive moments on the way to getting to the truth.

Dempsey deploys Eden Grace to keep Frankowski’s family safe and it’s great to see her in full on action mode as this pacy, action packed, explosive thriller reaches its propulsive heights.

There are some genuinely surprising moments and some terrible misjudgements which all lead to a twisty, surprising read that leaves you breathless with the pace and dizzy with the possibilities for betrayal. When the chips are down, though, there are only a few people Dempsey can trust with his life.

Verdict: Short, sharp chapters combine with non-stop action and a deeply embedded subversive conspiracy network to produce an explosive action thriller packed with tension and with strong emotional undertones which beautifully offset the macho action. Explosive, adrenalin fuelled, surprising and immersive, The Shadow Network is a terrific read from a thriller writer who knows just how to keep his audience hooked. Paromjit2,945 25.4k

This is the latest in Tony Kent's explosive thriller series featuring Irish barrister Michael Devlin and Joe Dempsey of the UN's International Security Bureau. Devlin is married to journalist Sarah Truman, both now parents to baby twins, and have organised the christening of the boys. Joe has not seen his friends for some time, and zoom is hardly the same thing, he has flown in for the ceremony and to enjoy a break, having been chosen to be godfather to the boys. Whilst not certain of his suitability for the role, he falls in love with the babies on first sight, however celebrations are cut short when the wife of lawyer Will Duffy learns of a apparent horrifying 'terrorist' attack in Amsterdam, and it seems ly Duffy might have been injured or worse.

Joe rises to the situation and soon he and a deeply scared Devlin are on a flight to find out what happened to Will, who with a Hungarian lawyer, were part of a team defending notorious war criminal, Hannibal Strauss. As it happens it soon becomes clear that Joe's involvement as part of ISB is required, his presence not welcomed initially by a covert CIA team, who know Strauss's lawyers were the real targets of the deadly attack. So begins the start of non-stop breathless action scenes as Joe in particular is to be to be tested in his most challenging mission ever, along with Devlin who finds himself reclaiming the more violent side of his nature when required. Joe is shocked to find himself up against a mythological and long running legendary enemy, known as The Monk, and he may not live to tell the tale as he does his best to ensure a lover from his past is protected, the only woman he has ever lived.

There is much to admire in this global political conspiracy thriller, the complex storytelling, the short snappy chapters that ratchet the tension and suspense sky high, the never ending twists and turns, and an enemy the of which Joe has never come across. However, for me, this addition to the series does not flow as seamlessly as the previous books, and there was a little too much repetition when it comes to the action, and at the end, The Monk as a character comes across as similar to The Wizard of Oz when he is unveiled. Having said all that, I still found this a sufficiently engaging and entertaining thriller, and I have every intention of reading the next in the series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.mystery netgalley thriller31 s1 comment Elaine Tomasso3,199 62

I would to thank Netgalley and Elliott & Thompson for an advance copy of The Shadow Network, the fifth novel to feature ICB Agent Joe Dempsey and barrister Michael Devlin, set mostly in The Netherlands.

A mass shooting in The Hague brings Dempsey and Devlin to the scene, where they quickly realise that it was not a random event, but a disguised assassination orchestrated by a shadowy operative known as The Monk. With their only witness on the run and The Monk’s minions trying to kill them they can only rely on themselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Shadow Network, which is a high octane read with an above average level of both violence and mistrust. Still, at the end of the day it’s all good, clean fun in the sense of see baddy, shoot him (and they’re all men) and that the good guys (not all men) are simply smarter.

The action opens with the shooting, but told mostly from the witness, Kon Frankowski’s point of view. This ratchets up the tension as he’s a civilian and is scared witless. After that there is a gradual accumulation of knowledge until the endgame plays out. This accumulation of knowledge is punctuated by various attempts on their lives, betrayal, twists and lots of bullets.

I take the general mayhem and indestructability of Dempsey and Devlin as entertainment rather than realism, but the background of the Ukrainian invasion gives it a present day realism and is the idea of an old network with rogue agents embedded all over the world so fanciful when western countries have been doing it for years? The CIA and their secretive ways add a further dimension. It all creates an interesting stew, although I don’t think The Monk’s identity is as well hidden as it could be because I guessed a bit before the unmasking. On the other hand, some of the other twists caught me by surprise.

The novel is told from various points of view with Kon Frankowski on the run in The Netherlands and and Dempsey’s number two, Eden Grace, weathering the storm in the States adding a broader perspective to events, while The Monk’s interactions with his underlings give the reader a good idea of his stone cold personality. Unfortunately this constant changing of voice gives the novel a choppy feel.

The Shadow Network is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending. Andy Wormald331 13

Tony Kent is one of the best thriller writers writing today, known for pulsating action combined with plot that allow the story to flow.

The Shadow Network for me is Tony Kents best book to date, and that is saying something as the preceding four books are all standout reads in their own right

A pulsating page turner, that will leave you breathless, knowing you have read something that will stay with you

I deliberately took my time to read, so as not to miss anything out, this only heightened what was already a truly absorbing read

What follows will have nothing of the plot or storyline, you need to discover this for yourselves, it is purely my thoughts on the book.

As I started out to read I knew I was reading something a little different from the previous books. For me it doesn’t start out as an action thriller, it sets the scene and lays down markers, the opening pages perfectly set up what will follow, straight away I was drawn in left with the feeling of where is the story going to take me.

The quality of the writing with its descriptive narrative on the page had me transfixed, there is an assuredness to the way the story flows and whilst in essence the book is an action thriller it is so much more, the plot line and characters have the book at its heart. There is a richness and depth to the writing which allows the story to develop.

The writing draws the plot out in a slow reveal, the chapters setting the scene in detail which allowed me to draw everything in, the way the back story feeds into and drives the plot, and the way the characters draw the plot out, there is a quality here which is reminiscent of reading Le Carre

Tony Kent has constructed an intelligent plot, one which is full of intrigue, suspense, with a frightening premise that runs deep within the corridor’s of power.

Whilst there any many returning characters which have a familiar feel, Tony Kent is able to introduce new characters in a way that each carry that air of believeability that they are the role that they play within the book, and whilst this is a Devlin and Dempsey novel, Grace Eden has a role within the book which allows her the freedom to let her talents and leadership come to the fore, fearless in the face of danger, she has the ability to quickly assess a situation and formulate a strategy and plan to overcome the given situation which is in front of her, within the ISB there is no time for egos, leaders are defined and their actions followed without question, you can also see a mutual respect between Grace and Dempsey.

The book had a wonderful feel of being character driven, who move the plot seemlessly along

I loved the way that the plot is slowly revealed, in doing so heightening the suspense and tension, but then the writing builds to a crescendo and it races to the end, throughout the book has an overriding air of mystery which hangs over you as you read

It would be fair to say that the book has some surprising twists and moments which left me with a feeling of disbelief

Tony Kent takes the thriller, but then adds to this supreme storytelling which draws you in, making for a powerful read

This maybe a work of fiction, but it left me with a sense of total believe-ability in what I was reading. The fight scenes have a real impact you can see Tony’s experiences as a boxer come to the fore

Overall this is an outstanding read, a high octane thriller which combines all the right elements, plot, character, storytelling, pure action scenes

Tony Kent has taken the thriller to another level, cannot recommend The Shadow Network enough Annette682 36

No time to catch a breath in this one- the action just keeps on coming- this is edge of your seat action and I just couldn’t put the book down.
A continuation of the Joe Dempsey and Michael Devlin series, “The Shadow Network”starts innocuously enough at Devlin’s sons’ christening where Joe is to be a Godfather.
However there is a mass shooting in Holland where one of the guest’s lawyer husband is working and Michael and Joe rush over to locate Will, dead or alive and in doing so get caught up in a huge plot, run by a shadow man known as The Monk, a man who has agents everywhere and will stop at nothing to protect his network.
As those close to Joe get caught up in the danger he is forced to send his team in the US to find and protect people he cares for whilst he works out what the Monk is after.
This thriller contains almost more excitement than is good for me- I barely had time to collect my thoughts as I raced through the book.
Joe and Michael do not know who to trust as there are enemy agents everywhere and this builds the tension even more. It seems at one point that the only people they can have faith in are themselves.
This is a fast paced, cleverly plotted thriller which had me gripped from the very first page and I highly recommend it to all fans of action novels. It helps if you’ve read the previous books but it is not a prerequisite- if you haven’t you will definitely enjoy the earlier ones too.
I have no hesitation in giving “The Shadow Network” five stars and eagerly await the next one in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy. Lynda1,540 83

Book 5 of the series this time featuring solicitor Michael Devlin and Agent Joe Dempsey an investigator for the UN. There are a number of different protagonists in this series and they swap and change a bit, the team in America are involved this time, but from a distance. It would help to read the earlier books to understand the individuals but reads well as a stand alone book. This time one of Devlin closest friends is in The Hague when he is involved in a mass shooting, believed to be a terrorist incident. It soon becomes clear that it was a deliberate act of murder and both Devlin and Dempsey rush to Holland to find out what happened. Told from multiple POV’s this is a well written fast paced and exciting thriller.

Briefly, it appears Devlin’s friend was acting as a lawyer for an alleged war criminal Hannibal Strauss and he and another solicitor, along with some bystanders, were killed in a cafe shooting. But who are the people prepared to commit wholesale murder? Joe is surprised to find a previous adversary know as The Monk, a ghost figure, is involved.

Told from multiple POV’s this is a well written fast paced and exciting thriller. A great plot full of intrigue, secrets and lies, full of action and as always there are references to current affairs that help keep things real. Alongside the main event there are a number of other thread keeping the tension high. A very good conspiracy thriller with some good chapter end cliffhangers and great red herrings. Very entertaining read.netgalley1 Anne657

Wow, wow, wow. This is a very fast paced, thoroughly enjoyable read with a great multi layered plot line and is full of suspense, thrills and action. The Shadow Network really hit the mark with me and is one of my best reads this year. Dempsey and Devlin are in London when they hear of shootings in The Hague and that a friend is one of the victims. What follows is a roller coaster of a read that at times took my breath away. I loved being back in the world of Dempsey and Devlin and following them as they investigate the shootings. Who can they trust and is everyone as they appear to be? I d that the story is told through different characters and their perspectives and the move from character to character is seamless. I love the cliff hanger chapter endings that made me desperate to know more and what was coming next. Dempsey's team in USA play a part in the story, adding more suspense and action and having the story take place in two countries just added to my enjoyment when reading. Tony Kent builds up the tension, suspense, intrigue and mystery so well that I was hanging onto every word as the story unfolds. This is a very well written book that really hits the ground running and certainly grabbed my attention and interest and held it all the way through to the very last page. I think, for me, this is the best book so far in this series. If you thrillers, you'd this book and I'd recommend it.

4.5 stars Anne Jennet42

The Shadow Network… frighteningly plausible

Joe Dempsey and Michael Devlin’s latest adventure is gripping from start to finish as they uncover a vast criminal conspiracy while battling to keep themselves and their loved ones alive.

The plot revolves around a money-hungry computer nerd, Kon Frankowski, who launders money via the dark web for important clients. One such client, Hannibal Strauss, facing trial at The Hague on war crimes charges, and needing a ‘get out of jail card’, has entrusted Frankowski with information about his parent criminal organization (the Shadow Network of the title), headed by a mysterious figure known only as “The Monk”.

A meeting is set up in The Hague for Frankowski to hand the data over to Strauss’s lawyers in a public square “The Monk” cannot let that happen and organizes a false flag ‘terrorist attack’ in the square. One of the lawyers is Michael Devlin’s closest friend and news that he has been critically wounded draws Devlin and Dempsey into the investigation. Our two heroes end up fighting for their lives, and those of their loved ones, while beset by treachery. With unflagging pace, and an all-too-plausible scenario, the only implausible note is just how much physical punishment and injury the good guys can take and stay alive. Kelliann's ReviewPost64

Thank you Elliot and Thompson for sending me a review copy of this novel.

I have never read any novels by Tony Kent and definitely thoroughly enjoyed it. This novel kept me up late at night, telling myself to read onw more chapter after finishing each one. It seemed to be a series book, and having not read the ones before it, I did not feel lost or felt I needed to read the others to know exactly what was going on. I would recomend this book to thrill seakers and political thrill readers.
I enjoyed the back and forth of narrators throughout the book. I will be looking to read those prior to this book in this series. Martha BrindleyAuthor 1 book29

This is book 5 in the excellent, action filled, Dempsey and Devlin series from Tony Kent, an author at the top of his game!. It can easily be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend this thrilling series to lovers of the genre. It has a contemporary and believable plot, very relevant to world events today. The characterisation is very believable, with it's clever plotting and brilliant descriptive passages. I devoured this book from page 1 as I just could not put it down and I loved the ending. Looking forward to more in this series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC. Susanne857 15

Thank you to the author, Elliott & Thompson and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fifth book in a series, and the first book I've read by this author. The writing is atmospheric and the story is engrossing and a quick read, moving at breakneck speed - and there is no problem reading this as a stand-alone. However, I wish I had done a bit more research before requesting, as this is a book I would normally not read due to the extreme amount of gratuitous violence. Great f0r fans of the Jack Reacher series, but not my cup of tea.2024 netgalley Joo447

This is the 5th book in the Dempsey / Devlin series and I have read books 3, 4 + 5 in just a few weeks since I discovered them. They are a great action packed pair. I see some say this is the 'new Jack Reacher' and funnily enough I've been watching the first series of Reacher and that was who I was picturing whilst reading these books.
I look forward to the next outing of the pair and their team. Greville Waterman546 32

A good, exciting well written thriller with great characters and a plot that sizzles with action and excitement. What's more to ?

This is the fifth Devlin/Dempsey book and they are getting better with each addition to the series. It could be read as a standalone but why deny yourself the pleasure of reading the previous four?

Highly recommended.

Barbara Rohde378

This is an action-packed story that I could easily see adapted for television! The plot is intricate and keeps the reader on their toes as barrister Michael Devlin and Agent Joe Dempsey seek who’s behind the murder of innocent people at The Hague. Different to what I normally read but no less enjoyable for that. Liz Barnsley3,549 1,044

Another brilliant rollercoaster ride of a read from this author, lots of action, a return of favourite characters and an excellent plot that is hugely intriguing.

A book to be read as fast as its pace dictates. Really really good. Recommended. 2 s Iain Hamilton55

He's done it once again. I swear every time I finish a Tony Kent Novel I need to take a big breath. From start to finish you are drawn and so much of this relates to a lot of today in the big wider world. I could say more but I'd recommend the whole series if you love your thrillers. Matt Wallace18

A ripping yarn! My first experience of Tony Kent.
Superb plot, interesting characters and a couple of plot twists I didn’t see coming. Highly recommended.
I noted the comparison to Jack Reacher- I found the Dempsey/Devlin combo much more compelling Jacqueline sharp919 20

Full review to follow blog tour
This is the best book i have read so far this year. Such a fast paced read i literally could not put it down. If you only read one book this year and you a fast pace then grab this. It is book 5 in a series but can be read as a stand alone.

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