Tom Novak is back.

When a spate of deadly terrorist attacks hit the streets of London, Tom finds himself thrust into the middle of a fight for the survival of all he holds dear.

When the attackers hit closer to home than he could ever imagine, Tom is forced to make a choice between his duty or his conscience. In doing so, he enters a series of increasingly dangerous worlds, in the darkest corners of humanity.

Can Tom and his colleagues get to the bottom of a plot which threatens the very fabric of society?

Will they stop the terrorists before it’s too late?

When faced with the ultimate choice, which way will Tom go?

After all, as Cameron always says: “Always do right, boy…”

My thanks to Emma at Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to join the blog tour and for ensuring I received a review copy of the book.

Over the last few weeks I have been mainly reading police procedurals or books which tell “life stories” pulling plot threads together into a surprise reveal rewarding the reader for engaging with the lead character and their predicament. This is not a complaint as these are very much the type of stories I enjoy.  However, I also like a tale which gives a bit of high tempo/adrenaline filled action – one that keeps the pages turning themselves as the chapter flies by…one like Going Rogue!

The book opens with readers watching an act of domestic terrorism unfolding. We are with the instigator and we see him placing and priming the explosives which will target his victims.  A direct attack on Muslims as they went to prayer, targeted only because their religion was not that of their murderer.

The aftermath of the tragedy sees Tom Novak called into action, he is a member of the Covert Policing Advice Unit and a highly effective member of the team. Novak is skilled in armed and unarmed combat, has tactical knowledge, is fluent in several languages and is prepared to work undercover to bring down the bad guys.  In this case the bad guys he needs to speak with is in prison so Novak needs an alter-ego, a convincing back story and he also needs to get himself arrested.

I am reluctant to give too much detail about what happens in Gone Rogue as this is a brilliant action adventure which I’d strongly recommend you read. Novak manages to infiltrate the group which planned the bombing but he discovers this was just the first in a series of planned events.  Now the challenge is not just to bring down the perpetrators but ensure no further bombings can be allowed to take place – in this he will have mixed success and the increased pressure on all those involved becomes increasingly clear. There comes a tipping point in the investigation when Novak’s inclusion in the team becomes an issue – he hasn’t shared one vital piece of information which he should have disclosed (but in doing so he may have missed the chance to be involved in any form).  As a consequence of his failure to reveal key information Novak is removed from the investigation.

Novak will not accept being benched – particularly as he knows where to go to get to the head of the organization which planned the bombing.  Left with only one option Novak and his colleague, Buster, are Going Rogue and heading to Eastern Europe to take down the culprits themselves.  A move full of danger and one which will not go smoothly.

As I indicated at the start of my review, this is a full on action adventure and a terrific read.  If you have enjoyed the Scott Mariani (Ben Hope) thrillers or Matthew Reilly’s Scarecrow books then I know you would enjoy Neil Lancaster’s Tom Novak books.  Novak is more human and less bullet-proof than Reilly or Mariani’s heroes but his adventures are just as compelling.

Going Rogue is published in Digital and paperback format and you can order a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07YVLMKR2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1