This week, Michael Popple recommends exciting thrillers from three unique authors. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog, unseenlibrary.comÂ
Dark Arena by Jack Beaumont
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
A cache of classified Russian material has been sent to Europe’s intelligence agencies, implicating them in damaging espionage efforts. Sent to verify the reports, Alec de Paynes, operative for France’s international intelligence service, discovers an elaborate conspiracy that threatens the stability of the continent and Europe’s energy supply. However, someone is pulling the strings from the shadows, and de Paynes must find out why.
French spy turned author Jack Beaumont provides a gripping sequel to his debut, The Frenchman. Containing amazing authenticity and an elaborate plot, Dark Arena is an exceptional and highly addictive piece of spy fiction.
Argylle by Elly Conway
Bantam, $34.99
A Russian magnate with desires for greatness promises to restore a national treasure to secure his nation’s presidency. However, his actions set off a chain of events that threaten to slide the world into chaos. To stop him, the CIA need a unique agent, and new troubled recruit Argylle might be just the person they need, if he can survive.
A fun, distinctive and fast-paced thriller, Argylle is an excellent read, which becomes even more interesting thanks to its connection to an upcoming film and its pseudonym-hidden author. A cool and entertaining novel from a potentially memorable source.
Deadly Game by Michael Caine
Hodder & Stoughton, $32.99
DCI Harry Taylor is a hardened cop assigned to a dangerous investigation when a box of radioactive material is stolen in London. With several deadly criminal organisations fighting to recover the material for their own nefarious purposes, Taylor will need to use his unconventional methods to find it first. But a manipulative player is one step ahead of him with a dire plan years in the making.
Legendary actor Michael Caine provides a fantastic debut novel with Deadly Game. Action-packed, unashamedly over-the-top and featuring some great twists, Deadly Game is an awesome read with a vibe very characteristic of its famous author.
