What do you think?
Rate this book
Misdirection
Misdirection is the first novel in a series of international crime thrillers. High-tech and action packed, this may seem like the stuff of science fiction; however, the series features amazing new technology that actually exist in the world today.
When we first encounter the series’ narrator, Lucas Norton, he’s riding his bicycle through a sleeting rain, heading to his office in the British Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) complex in Cheltenham, England.
Meet the new James Bond. He has all the high-tech toys Britain’s MI5 security service has developed at his disposal, but he’s just a regular guy dealing with a promotion and marital problems, in addition to one hell of a caper.
Lucas’s first assignment at MI5 is to chase down a lead that consists of an e-mail containing four high-level keywords, a barely-intelligible phone call made from the same smartphone from which the e-mail was sent, and a cryptic numerical text.
From this limited amount of information, the team quickly surmises that, rather than an act of terror, as was first feared, this is a high-target heist, organized by a very sophisticated operation, and it is already in motion. The question is, where?
With each clever twist and turn of the story line, you will be trying to solve the case before Lucas and some of the world’s best security experts do, as they chase down a daring plot to make off with $48 million—right under their noses. Despite all their technology and brainpower, MI5 is one step behind the perpetrators.
When we first encounter the series’ narrator, Lucas Norton, he’s riding his bicycle through a sleeting rain, heading to his office in the British Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) complex in Cheltenham, England.
Meet the new James Bond. He has all the high-tech toys Britain’s MI5 security service has developed at his disposal, but he’s just a regular guy dealing with a promotion and marital problems, in addition to one hell of a caper.
Lucas’s first assignment at MI5 is to chase down a lead that consists of an e-mail containing four high-level keywords, a barely-intelligible phone call made from the same smartphone from which the e-mail was sent, and a cryptic numerical text.
From this limited amount of information, the team quickly surmises that, rather than an act of terror, as was first feared, this is a high-target heist, organized by a very sophisticated operation, and it is already in motion. The question is, where?
With each clever twist and turn of the story line, you will be trying to solve the case before Lucas and some of the world’s best security experts do, as they chase down a daring plot to make off with $48 million—right under their noses. Despite all their technology and brainpower, MI5 is one step behind the perpetrators.
163 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
About the author
Martin Link
3 books54 followersI have been involved in security at very high levels, including security for buildings, cash centres, and huge blue-chip companies. During my nineteen-year career with the post office, I earned a BA in technology from the Open University, where I studied analogue and digital electronics as well as materials science. The premise of something being "unstealable" is perplexing to me.
Misdirection is my first book in a series of international crime novels. It follows MI5 agent Lucas Norton as he chases down high-tech criminals while dealing with life's everyday problems at home. I see my protagonist as a modern-day Bond, except that he is someone with whom the reader can identify as a regular person.
I love crime thrillers and stories with a heist, and similar plots have always held a particular fascination for me. So when I finally pursued my lifelong interest in writing, this was a natural fit for me.
Misdirection is my first book in a series of international crime novels. It follows MI5 agent Lucas Norton as he chases down high-tech criminals while dealing with life's everyday problems at home. I see my protagonist as a modern-day Bond, except that he is someone with whom the reader can identify as a regular person.
I love crime thrillers and stories with a heist, and similar plots have always held a particular fascination for me. So when I finally pursued my lifelong interest in writing, this was a natural fit for me.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 11, 2022
This high tech thriller has a very clever plot that twists and turns its way right through to the end, and I do mean RIGHT to the end.
The main protagonist is likeable and easy to relate to, there's a heist of massive proportions, the pace never let's up, and just when you think it's case solved, off it goes again on another trail. If this debut novel of Martin Link's is anything to go by,then we're in for a treat in the future.
The main protagonist is likeable and easy to relate to, there's a heist of massive proportions, the pace never let's up, and just when you think it's case solved, off it goes again on another trail. If this debut novel of Martin Link's is anything to go by,then we're in for a treat in the future.
February 26, 2016
What a fun crime heist story. The villains in this story were very creative and ingenious. I usually don't get too much out of computer crime stories but this had enough action and dissembling to satisfy me. Can't wait to see more of Lucas and the gang!
February 15, 2016
Thank You Martin Link for the Q&A for February 2016 BOTM.
Martin Link has put together a really strong story. It has a good pace to it with interesting plot turns and fascinating insight to intelligence operations and technology, and I am sure will get stronger with each instalment.
A quick read, only a short book at 164 pages, keeps at a nice pace throughout, how realistic I am not too sure.
But interesting lead characters that I am sure will grow as we get to know them better.
One question, was it me only? or was coffee mentioned a lot, and meals mentioned a lot !
But really a 3.5 read for me
Martin Link has put together a really strong story. It has a good pace to it with interesting plot turns and fascinating insight to intelligence operations and technology, and I am sure will get stronger with each instalment.
A quick read, only a short book at 164 pages, keeps at a nice pace throughout, how realistic I am not too sure.
But interesting lead characters that I am sure will grow as we get to know them better.
One question, was it me only? or was coffee mentioned a lot, and meals mentioned a lot !
But really a 3.5 read for me
January 3, 2015
Disclosure: I received this audio book for free from the author in exchange for a review.
This is the debut novel by this author and I really enjoyed it. I like a good logic puzzle, and this had twists and turns galore! The plot had intricate details that kept you guessing, and I learned interesting stuff about security techniques. It is obvious that the author knows his stuff when it comes to the technical details. I also like that the main character was made more realistic with his marital struggles.
The narrator did a nice job bringing the character of Lucas to life. There were humorous parts in the story too, such as when the Americans couldn't understand Lucas' British English when he was talking about food.
Very good book and I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
This is the debut novel by this author and I really enjoyed it. I like a good logic puzzle, and this had twists and turns galore! The plot had intricate details that kept you guessing, and I learned interesting stuff about security techniques. It is obvious that the author knows his stuff when it comes to the technical details. I also like that the main character was made more realistic with his marital struggles.
The narrator did a nice job bringing the character of Lucas to life. There were humorous parts in the story too, such as when the Americans couldn't understand Lucas' British English when he was talking about food.
Very good book and I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
January 22, 2016
MI5 agent Lucas Norton is alerted to a text message which includes four key words suggesting terrorist communication. Together with colleagues in GCHQ and, eventually, the FBI, Lucas is involved in tracking 48 million dollars of stolen money, obtained from a new, state of the art and allegedly impenetrable van. The team keep a close track on the gang, whoever they are, but at every turn they seem to be sent off on a wild goose chase. I really enjoyed the way the team and the reader were misdirected.
This is an excellent debut novel and it looks as though there’ll be more from this character, Lucas Norton. I, for one, greatly look forward to it. The story sets off at a spanking pace, is exciting and full of unexpected twists. I had a few misgivings about the cover but inside, it’s top notch.
This is an excellent debut novel and it looks as though there’ll be more from this character, Lucas Norton. I, for one, greatly look forward to it. The story sets off at a spanking pace, is exciting and full of unexpected twists. I had a few misgivings about the cover but inside, it’s top notch.
December 24, 2016
I'm trying not to give any spoilers. A well written book which, after you gave yourself some time, the technology definitely intertwines with what science; to an extent is more than likely already capable of doing or is experimenting to do. The ending was exciting as there were no real giveaways, although from doing a lot of mystery solving I did ultimately guess the last part of the book correctly except for the very last pages. Keep writing!
April 17, 2015
This thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Stayed up late last night finishing it. I loved that the author is from the UK. I enjoyed the different names they have for things like a lift for an elevator and mobile for cell phone. But the best part of this book is the nonstop action and trying to figure who and how the whole time!
May 13, 2018
Fast-paced, well-written, clever thriller. Full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. I look forward to reading the next book, Credence, ahead of the release of the third book which is due shortly.
September 21, 2018
Quite enjoyable, i read it in a single sitting.
January 7, 2015
ABR's full Misdirection audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
I would never have chosen this audiobook myself. Why? Because there are so many title in my to be listened to pile already, where I think I know they will be good. Not saying there is anything wrong with Misdirection before I even start, just saying what I said. And this is why I love what I do. I get to be exposed to hundreds of audiobooks, some I have been eying for a while, some that are new to me. I keeps everything so fresh for me.
All that being said, I really enjoyed Misdirection. While there was nothing that really jumped out at me as completely original or breathtaking. This was a story that was full of twists and turns and just when you think you figured out who done it, the plot thickens.
Modern detective from the point of view of the "secret service" of the United Kingdom, aka MI5. In a competition with the FBI to solve this case. As the culprits span the ocean. Everything that is told, even though it may seem insignificant, plays a role later on. I love it when an author makes me think a bit, especially when I find myself saying "Oh yea" when I remember.
Decent characters that were interesting enough to keep me engaged. Most of the international spy thrillers that I have listened to rely upon super specialized gadgets, like James Bond would use. However the Martin Link manages to keep all the techno-babble to smart phones and iPads. Which keeps the investigation accessible and/or realistic.
If you enjoy good old fashioned international spy thrillers, you will enjoy Misdirection. I have a feeling that the author has a lot in store for our investigators.
Many times I have listened to a narration in the English accent, where I could barely understand what was being said. Not the case here at all. While it did take me longer than most to catch on to the different terms it was all clear and concise. Chris MacDonnell was even successful at creating the different voices that the various characters demanded.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
I would never have chosen this audiobook myself. Why? Because there are so many title in my to be listened to pile already, where I think I know they will be good. Not saying there is anything wrong with Misdirection before I even start, just saying what I said. And this is why I love what I do. I get to be exposed to hundreds of audiobooks, some I have been eying for a while, some that are new to me. I keeps everything so fresh for me.
All that being said, I really enjoyed Misdirection. While there was nothing that really jumped out at me as completely original or breathtaking. This was a story that was full of twists and turns and just when you think you figured out who done it, the plot thickens.
Modern detective from the point of view of the "secret service" of the United Kingdom, aka MI5. In a competition with the FBI to solve this case. As the culprits span the ocean. Everything that is told, even though it may seem insignificant, plays a role later on. I love it when an author makes me think a bit, especially when I find myself saying "Oh yea" when I remember.
Decent characters that were interesting enough to keep me engaged. Most of the international spy thrillers that I have listened to rely upon super specialized gadgets, like James Bond would use. However the Martin Link manages to keep all the techno-babble to smart phones and iPads. Which keeps the investigation accessible and/or realistic.
If you enjoy good old fashioned international spy thrillers, you will enjoy Misdirection. I have a feeling that the author has a lot in store for our investigators.
Many times I have listened to a narration in the English accent, where I could barely understand what was being said. Not the case here at all. While it did take me longer than most to catch on to the different terms it was all clear and concise. Chris MacDonnell was even successful at creating the different voices that the various characters demanded.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
Read
September 7, 2018Since I only lasted through 13% of this book, I won't rate it, but...I had no desire to read further. Some of the favorable reviews say "It keeps the reader guessing", and that's the problem. For example, Lucas Norton shows up for a meeting at GCHQ (the british equivalent of NSA), and before they start anything another employees comes running in because a message has been intercepted with the words "bomb", "security", "terror", and "cash". In a few minutes, another message is found related to the first with the names of some English towns. 1.Why was Norton at GCHQ? Who did he work for? 2. What was the text of those messages? If they had the keywords, they had the messages. Lucas leaves and apparently almost immediately goes to a job interview with MI5, where he starts work the next day and is assigned to work the issue of those messages.Unrealistic, but the author warns he is duplicating James Bond, so one COULD excuse that.It is one thing to build suspense but another just to be annoyingly cryptic, which I equate to bad writing. After I got to 13% and still had not seen the messages I moved on.
This was a debut novel, but I can't excuse some of the flaws.
This was a debut novel, but I can't excuse some of the flaws.
April 28, 2016
Misdirection by Martin Link is an international crime thriller. The story focuses on Lucas Norton, a British security agent, who is trying to prevent an international heist from occurring. There are a lot of misleading trails, and twists and turns throughout the story. The story captures your interest throughout, as you are trying to figure out how the heist is happening and by whom. Although the story was done with good detail, I did find the story to be a bit choppy throughout. I felt that there were some incomplete portions that could have been developed further, and other areas which weren't quite necessary. That being said, overall this is a great debut novel by Martin Link. I would recommend the book! I look forward to future books by this author. I would give it a 3.5.
Note: I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway. This is my true and honest opinion of the book.
Note: I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway. This is my true and honest opinion of the book.
March 9, 2015
This is Martin links's debut novel, well it's a really promising start to what I undestand is going to be a series.
I have seen this likend to James Bond , allthough the excitment and plot is there there, the main character does not have the same savy as JB. (which is not necessarily a bad thing)
I did however really enjoy this audiobook.the story has a good pace and kept you intriged throughout.
The narrator ,Chris MacDonnell , he did a relly good job with all the voices and tones,his voice suits the character of the book.
I have seen this likend to James Bond , allthough the excitment and plot is there there, the main character does not have the same savy as JB. (which is not necessarily a bad thing)
I did however really enjoy this audiobook.the story has a good pace and kept you intriged throughout.
The narrator ,Chris MacDonnell , he did a relly good job with all the voices and tones,his voice suits the character of the book.
September 1, 2018
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
In the description of the book, it states, "Meet the new James Bond." James Bond, the extremely suave, debonaire ladies man who never melts under pressure, drinks his martinis shaken and not stirred, has an abundance of gadgets at his disposal, meets and beds women with sexually provacative names and saves the world without blinking an eye? This is definitely not our lead character Lucas Norton. Nor is Lucas a man in the mold of an action hero like Jack Reacher [who has superhuman strength, kills people without giving it a second thought, has a firm right/wrong policy with no real gray area, is the only one who can solve the problem at hand and is a coffee lover.]
Like Jack Reacher, Lucas drinks too much coffee and like Bond, he is English but that is where all similarities end. Lucas is a man, who rides a bicycle for transport, who worries about his work/personal life balance, who has problems in his marriage, who procrastinates on getting his "honey do" list done, and who on cold days when walking his dogs calls the dogs' poop bags handwarmers. All of this makes this character endearing, likeable and completely relatable.
The mystery or adventure in this book is more cerebral than action orientated but was still very enjoyable. While it seemed some of the answers came a little too easily to Lucas and his team, there were several good twists and it was certainly interesting to learn about some of the high tech tools available to the government.
Overall, this was a well paced and interesting debut. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
In the description of the book, it states, "Meet the new James Bond." James Bond, the extremely suave, debonaire ladies man who never melts under pressure, drinks his martinis shaken and not stirred, has an abundance of gadgets at his disposal, meets and beds women with sexually provacative names and saves the world without blinking an eye? This is definitely not our lead character Lucas Norton. Nor is Lucas a man in the mold of an action hero like Jack Reacher [who has superhuman strength, kills people without giving it a second thought, has a firm right/wrong policy with no real gray area, is the only one who can solve the problem at hand and is a coffee lover.]
Like Jack Reacher, Lucas drinks too much coffee and like Bond, he is English but that is where all similarities end. Lucas is a man, who rides a bicycle for transport, who worries about his work/personal life balance, who has problems in his marriage, who procrastinates on getting his "honey do" list done, and who on cold days when walking his dogs calls the dogs' poop bags handwarmers. All of this makes this character endearing, likeable and completely relatable.
The mystery or adventure in this book is more cerebral than action orientated but was still very enjoyable. While it seemed some of the answers came a little too easily to Lucas and his team, there were several good twists and it was certainly interesting to learn about some of the high tech tools available to the government.
Overall, this was a well paced and interesting debut. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 13, 2019
Nerd does thriller. A tech fest certanly, but... The dialogue is wooden, the main character is no where between action shoot-erm-up hero, and hen-pecked book-worm. I think this pushes probability a little too far.
August 30, 2018
This was a fast paced crime mystery that did not disappoint. I loved the story and couldn’t wait to see how it all worked out in the end
February 12, 2015
Misdirection: Lucas Norton
Written by: Martin Link
Narrated by: Chris MacDonnell
Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-15-14
Publisher: Martin Link
Audible.com
Publisher's Summary
Misdirection is the first novel in a series of international crime thrillers by Martin Link. High-tech and action packed, this may seem like the stuff of science fiction; however, the series features amazing new technology that actually exist in the world today.
When we first encounter the series' narrator, Lucas Norton, he's riding his bicycle through a sleeting rain, heading to his office in the British Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) complex in Cheltenham, England.
Meet the new James Bond. He has all the high-tech toys Britain's MI5 security service has developed at his disposal, but he's just a regular guy dealing with a promotion and marital problems, in addition to one hell of a caper.
Lucas's first assignment at MI5 is to chase down a lead that consists of an e-mail containing four high-level keywords, a barely-intelligible phone call made from the same smartphone from which the e-mail was sent, and a cryptic numerical text.
©2011 to 2014 Martin Link (P)2014 Martin Link
My Review
I loved the very Britishness of this book, the world could be falling down around our ears, yet the Spooks are as cool as cucumbers, keeping us safe from all manner of things and people!
I'm an expat., so I really appreciated the wonderful written descriptions of the weather, of buildings, people, smells and feelings. Then there's Lucas, riding his bicycle to work through the nasty cold sleet, this, along with excellent narration, combine to ensure the listener experiences it all.
I thought Lucas, in his Marks & Spencer suit, quite likeable, and I really wanted him to do well. (I loved Marks and Spencer, and I miss it).
This story has some interesting twists and turns, one of which, quite surprised me. It is a "spy" story, not the genre I usually go for, but I found it a bit different, clever, with interesting people, and as a bonus, I feel I learned a bit too, I know it's fiction, but it has to make one think a bit about all those people who look out for Joe Public. It's not all about the military and fighting battles, there is so much behind the scenes action that we know nothing about. Like a ghostly war fought by spooks.
I understand that there are more books in the pipeline, I hope there are, as put quite simply, I found it to be a darned good read.
Narrator
I enjoyed Chris MacDonnells' narration, he has a pleasant voice, easy to listen to, good characterisation with good pace and pitch. He didn't overdo anything, which I appreciated, as overacting can be distracting to the listener. Sound quality and production were both excellent.
A good narrator is so important to the listeners enjoyment, so I shall look out for Chris in the future. We audiobook listeners are quite fussy, so I hope that Martin Link, the author, ensures all future "Lucas Norton" audiobooks are narrated by Chris MacDonnell.
This audiobook was gifted to me, and in return, this review is my honest opinion.
October 11, 2018
Misdirection is an intriguing international crime thriller that has lots of twists and turns. Our main character, Lucas, has joined (rejoined?) MI5, and is immediately assigned a case involving a series of mysterious text messages and cell phone communications. Initially, terrorism is suspected, but ultimately, it's a very clever theft of 48 million dollars, right from under the noses of the media, the FBI, MI5, and a host of other crime fighting agencies. At the center of the theft is Brinks' newest high tech truck. The thieves are very clever, and the title of the book-misdirection--is definitely the theme throughout the investigation. Our hero travels to New York, back to the UK and then into France, Switzerland and Italy during the course of the book. I'm not an expert on international crime-fighting agencies or technologies, but the book felt extremely well researched and credible. The technology that is discussed is not crazy out-of-world fantastical stuff--it's reality based; concrete technology that we either use or have heard about today---this stuff was fascinating but very believable. There are a TON of characters introduced in this book, and it seems clear that the author intends to build a series around the core characters. You get to know the main character, Lucas fairly well--many of the other characters less so; however, I felt all the characters, especially the British characters, were well drawn and had some depth. I suspect they will be fleshed out further in future books in the series. We meet Lucas's wife Helen, and his daughters, and we learn a bit about his home life, and the strain that his career choices has put on his marriage. Perhaps it's because we spend most of our time with Lucas, but I did not care much for his wife--I found these moments sad. I don't know what the author has planned for this couple, but I suspect Lucas may end up on a different path when all is said and done. The only characters that didn't ring completely true for me were the Americans--maybe because I'm American, but they felt a little one-dimensional, for the most part; however, that worked for the purposes of the story so it didn't really bother me. I enjoyed the twisty-turny-ness of the mystery--however, at some point, the misdirections started to get frustrating--which I guess was the point. You really emphasize with Lucas and his colleagues. I listened to the audiobook version, and found the narration very well done. The narrator was clear, and each character was very distinct. His British accent and "british-isms" were good, and he never got carried away with the various accents so that you couldn't understand him. I thought he had the perfect voice and style for this particular story. Overall, I think this is a good starter for a new series, and I look forward to reading more about Lucas. Hopefully the next mystery will be just as intriguing and a little less frustrating. I would recommend this, if you like international intrigue grounded (mostly) in reality.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
February 17, 2016
Misdirection - A classic sleight of hand or rope a dope. A trick pulled by master magicians to make us believe that magic is real or con men to pull of grandiose heists. In Martin Link's book it is the latter. A scheme, a conniving plot to steal $48 million from a newly launched, highly touted security truck under the noses of the most sophisticated intelligence agencies in the whole world: MI 5 & FBI.
Talking too much about the plot will give it away and I would like the reader of this review to enjoy the experience of reading the book for no plot outlines. For a debut novel it is reflective of the research done by author that it does not seem outlandish. The technology is sophisticated but certainly not out of the realm of today's modern world.
Some of the jarring things that I noticed was that the book tends to jump around a bit with the characters. The lead character is introduced and immediately all his colleagues as well, the readers are just expected to know them all which is a bit of high expectation as the lead character has not been established himself. The background for the characters, the wheres, the whos and the hows are missing in the character definition, but this could be because the author maybe planning to reveal more about the characters in the later novels.
The interaction and the camaraderie between the characters is natural, but again I came off with the feeling that everybody knows everybody here, right from the start. Well there is certainly too much of coffee and food involved in every meeting. The lead character is certainly addicted to them to be sipping it all the time.
The plot is impeccable, none of the shenanigans pulled by the con men seems over the top. The situations flows one after the other and the cat and mouse game between the cops and robbers is titillating.
I would definitely read the next book in the series involving Lucas Norton. My only feedback to the author would be to spend some more time in character buildup. At 165 pages it is almost a novella, a few more pages with the backstory for some of the important characters including the robbers would have definitely helped.
I breezed through the book but due to the lack of backstory could not really connect with either the cops or the robbers and that IMO is a shame because it would lifted this into a straight 5 star story.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book courtesy of Martin Link in exchange for discussing it freely and fairly for the Book Of The Month (BOTM) challenge on the GoodReads group A Good Thriller.
Talking too much about the plot will give it away and I would like the reader of this review to enjoy the experience of reading the book for no plot outlines. For a debut novel it is reflective of the research done by author that it does not seem outlandish. The technology is sophisticated but certainly not out of the realm of today's modern world.
Some of the jarring things that I noticed was that the book tends to jump around a bit with the characters. The lead character is introduced and immediately all his colleagues as well, the readers are just expected to know them all which is a bit of high expectation as the lead character has not been established himself. The background for the characters, the wheres, the whos and the hows are missing in the character definition, but this could be because the author maybe planning to reveal more about the characters in the later novels.
The interaction and the camaraderie between the characters is natural, but again I came off with the feeling that everybody knows everybody here, right from the start. Well there is certainly too much of coffee and food involved in every meeting. The lead character is certainly addicted to them to be sipping it all the time.
The plot is impeccable, none of the shenanigans pulled by the con men seems over the top. The situations flows one after the other and the cat and mouse game between the cops and robbers is titillating.
I would definitely read the next book in the series involving Lucas Norton. My only feedback to the author would be to spend some more time in character buildup. At 165 pages it is almost a novella, a few more pages with the backstory for some of the important characters including the robbers would have definitely helped.
I breezed through the book but due to the lack of backstory could not really connect with either the cops or the robbers and that IMO is a shame because it would lifted this into a straight 5 star story.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book courtesy of Martin Link in exchange for discussing it freely and fairly for the Book Of The Month (BOTM) challenge on the GoodReads group A Good Thriller.
May 16, 2016
"Misdirection" is a caper novel with a difference. The plot involves super-secret cyber snooping into, well,everything and everybody.
Lucas Norton works for GCHQ, (Government CommunicationHQ)the British equivalent of the US NSA.
One day an assistant brings him an intercepted communication that seems to indicate a possible terrorist plot somewhere in Britain. In the transcript the towns of Dover, Lewes and Newcastle are mentioned, followed by a string of numbers. Using their sniper- super computers, the wizards at the facility, with the help of an American FBI agent seconded to GCHQ realizes that there are also three towns with the same names in Delaware, USA. Why would these towns be the focus of terrorists? One, there is an USAF base nearby; two, a very significant shipment of money will be sent there in a few days from the Federal Reserve Bank in NYC. So, it is not a terror plot, but a heist on a grand scale!
Lucas Norton, working in co: ordination with the FBI and NSA in the States, isdetermined to foil the plot, but finds the thieves are always steps ahead. The book is a wild ride of detection and evasion, leaps to conclusion and slides into frustration.
"Misdirection" grabbed this reviewer with its quick start, exciting pace and headlong run to the finish.. All the way to the finish....where it goes pfftttt. The book simply ends with a quick resolution of the " how'd they did it" without much attention to "whodunnit". I thought, " That's it?" Yep..
The book was a solid three, maybe a four star up to then, it slid down to a two. It coulda been a winner.
Lucas Norton works for GCHQ, (Government CommunicationHQ)the British equivalent of the US NSA.
One day an assistant brings him an intercepted communication that seems to indicate a possible terrorist plot somewhere in Britain. In the transcript the towns of Dover, Lewes and Newcastle are mentioned, followed by a string of numbers. Using their sniper- super computers, the wizards at the facility, with the help of an American FBI agent seconded to GCHQ realizes that there are also three towns with the same names in Delaware, USA. Why would these towns be the focus of terrorists? One, there is an USAF base nearby; two, a very significant shipment of money will be sent there in a few days from the Federal Reserve Bank in NYC. So, it is not a terror plot, but a heist on a grand scale!
Lucas Norton, working in co: ordination with the FBI and NSA in the States, isdetermined to foil the plot, but finds the thieves are always steps ahead. The book is a wild ride of detection and evasion, leaps to conclusion and slides into frustration.
"Misdirection" grabbed this reviewer with its quick start, exciting pace and headlong run to the finish.. All the way to the finish....where it goes pfftttt. The book simply ends with a quick resolution of the " how'd they did it" without much attention to "whodunnit". I thought, " That's it?" Yep..
The book was a solid three, maybe a four star up to then, it slid down to a two. It coulda been a winner.
April 17, 2015
This was a one-day listen and a very interesting one, at that. I volunteered to listen to this audiobook through a Goodreads offer by the author. While I am not particularly drawn to mysteries or international crime stories, I am interested in trying out authors new to me and stepping out of my usual genre box. This worked quite nicely. (Thank you, Mr. Link, for this opportunity.)
This is not only the first of a series, but also the author's debut novel. In this book, we meet MI5 Agent Lucas Norton on his first assignment. He and his team must follow up on an email that has caught the attention of both British and American Intelligence. From one clue leading to another question to another clue leading to more questions, the British team, lead by Norton, and an American team seem to be "misdirected" time and again from catching the high-tech bank robbers close to getting away with their theft of $48M from a US bank.
There is interesting technology used in the story which is apparently not stuff of science fiction, and some good old fashioned detecting, too.
This crime story could possibly be too low-tech for true techies, but to the average reader, this might just fit the bill.
This less than 200 page story was narrated by Chris MacDonnell and runs just under 6 hours. Mr. MacDonnell does a fine job with all the voices, male and female, and does a fine job with pacing, emotion and suspense in action.
This is not only the first of a series, but also the author's debut novel. In this book, we meet MI5 Agent Lucas Norton on his first assignment. He and his team must follow up on an email that has caught the attention of both British and American Intelligence. From one clue leading to another question to another clue leading to more questions, the British team, lead by Norton, and an American team seem to be "misdirected" time and again from catching the high-tech bank robbers close to getting away with their theft of $48M from a US bank.
There is interesting technology used in the story which is apparently not stuff of science fiction, and some good old fashioned detecting, too.
This crime story could possibly be too low-tech for true techies, but to the average reader, this might just fit the bill.
This less than 200 page story was narrated by Chris MacDonnell and runs just under 6 hours. Mr. MacDonnell does a fine job with all the voices, male and female, and does a fine job with pacing, emotion and suspense in action.
September 17, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from through Goodreads.
The book was confusing to me at first as Lucas hears about an intercepted email and then goes on to a job interview and then works on the same case with the same email. I must have gotten lost in all the acronyms he works with.
I liked the gadgets and high tech stuff they use, it was interesting. I also like Lucas, although his obsession with coffee started to distract me and I was wondering how many coffees he had in the book and wishing I had counted them, so I had to force myself to concentrate on the story.
The criminals were pretty ingenious with the heist and keeping one step ahead of Lucas and his group. I felt like I was outside looking in, instead of experiencing the action. Lucas was kind of a narrator “telling us the story”. And I prefer a story where the action is happening. I wanted to know more about Susie, she seemed one dimensional, although brilliant.
Good first book, flesh out more of the characters and keep writing!
The book was confusing to me at first as Lucas hears about an intercepted email and then goes on to a job interview and then works on the same case with the same email. I must have gotten lost in all the acronyms he works with.
I liked the gadgets and high tech stuff they use, it was interesting. I also like Lucas, although his obsession with coffee started to distract me and I was wondering how many coffees he had in the book and wishing I had counted them, so I had to force myself to concentrate on the story.
The criminals were pretty ingenious with the heist and keeping one step ahead of Lucas and his group. I felt like I was outside looking in, instead of experiencing the action. Lucas was kind of a narrator “telling us the story”. And I prefer a story where the action is happening. I wanted to know more about Susie, she seemed one dimensional, although brilliant.
Good first book, flesh out more of the characters and keep writing!
April 25, 2015
What I liked most about this story was the narration. Chris MacDonnell delivers a flawless performance voicing this audiobook. He has great tone and maintains a steady flow throughout the entire book. I really enjoyed the quality of his narrating skills while noting that he himself could quite possibly be the next James Bond.
I'm not quite sure how I feel about the story itself. I think it had some great moments but nothing that really stood out to me in originality. I didn't take away much from it but was left feeling that there should have been more. The heist could have been any heist. I just felt lost during parts of the story when it seemed to make little sense at times. It was good and had a decent dialogue and did a fine job in showing off Chris MacDonald's capabilities.
Overall I feel that this was a story that was saved by a good voice actor. Chris MacDonnell was exceptional.
Audiobook provided foc in exchange for an unbiased review.
I'm not quite sure how I feel about the story itself. I think it had some great moments but nothing that really stood out to me in originality. I didn't take away much from it but was left feeling that there should have been more. The heist could have been any heist. I just felt lost during parts of the story when it seemed to make little sense at times. It was good and had a decent dialogue and did a fine job in showing off Chris MacDonald's capabilities.
Overall I feel that this was a story that was saved by a good voice actor. Chris MacDonnell was exceptional.
Audiobook provided foc in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 21, 2018
This was an interesting audiobook to listen to. Written in the style almost like a person dictating a report, rather than a live action account, we are treated to a glimpse of the inner workings of a case by M15, jointly working with the FBI. The Intelligence Service becomes aware of some chatter that catches their attention and has to figure out what is going on, where it's taking place, who is involved and how to stop them. This investigation leads Lucas Norton, a member of M15 to New York to meet up with his counterpart with the FBI.
As the title of the book suggests, the investigation twists and turns with a series of misdirections that the agents have to unravel. It's an interesting look at how agents think and the team that works behind the scenes to help them figure things out.
Chris MacDonnell does a fine job of narrating the book. Very easy to listen too.
As the title of the book suggests, the investigation twists and turns with a series of misdirections that the agents have to unravel. It's an interesting look at how agents think and the team that works behind the scenes to help them figure things out.
Chris MacDonnell does a fine job of narrating the book. Very easy to listen too.
April 12, 2018
This book is a quality read with some little gems. I love the bit about the golden retrievers "providing fillings for small black plastic bags, which in winter I call 'handwarmers.'" The forays into family mode provide some relief from the 'serious' business of sophisticated espionage. Then the business becomes a growing collection of misdirections. And the problems at home turn serious. But Lucas Norton is preoccupied on a wild goose chase in America - or is it a wild goose chase?
As the story progresses, the intricacies increase, and I have no idea how much of the antics effected through information technology are plausible.
But it's a rattling good yarn, and I am hooked to the end.
As the story progresses, the intricacies increase, and I have no idea how much of the antics effected through information technology are plausible.
But it's a rattling good yarn, and I am hooked to the end.
August 25, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway last year!
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this book.
The writing style is fluent and easy to read, which is something that always makes me happy.
I loved the main character! He was very charismatic, and even though he has an important job, he's still down to earth and not full of himself (something that seems to become a rarity in the crime novels I read).
The technical side of the story is futuristic, but not too over the top.
Major plus points for that!
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this book.
The writing style is fluent and easy to read, which is something that always makes me happy.
I loved the main character! He was very charismatic, and even though he has an important job, he's still down to earth and not full of himself (something that seems to become a rarity in the crime novels I read).
The technical side of the story is futuristic, but not too over the top.
Major plus points for that!
February 5, 2019
Link has written an outstanding novel here. It is probably the first I've read from our cousins across the Atlantic. I enjoyed that it was the MI5 group that was at the top of the game with solving the mysteries. It did make the US agencies look like they struggled, but it was appropriate since it's written with the target audience in Britain. It was cool to see the tie in to the names that the two countries shared that makes this game of cat and mouse more exciting.
I would read more from this author. I enjoyed it as much as any of the big selling author's books.
I would read more from this author. I enjoyed it as much as any of the big selling author's books.
March 8, 2016
Very much enjoyed reading this, the first novel from Martin. The pace throughout was good and never seemed labored. I loved the unexpected twists and turns in the plot something that shows the writer is an expert in this sort of field, and I definitely found it a bit of an eye opener as to what goes on in the Intelligence Community. Overall an excellent debut novel, just waiting for the sequel now!
June 3, 2015
I received this book through a first reads giveaway. I love books where an author is extremely knowledgable on the subject they are writing about. Martin Link's knowledge of security systems makes this book more believable and thrilling. The book has so many twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. It may be short, but it packs in the action!
February 16, 2016
The story involves intelligence agents from the UK, so the British dialog is certainly interesting--especially as it mixes with American English. An impossible robbery takes place--reminds me of Oceans Eleven or perhaps the Italian Job--and a battle of intellect follows. Sort of James Bondish, but lacks the action and cliff hangers of a 007 thriller. Well written, a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews