ARMISTICE DAY REVIEWS:

'A fast convincing read'

- Paul Burke, CrimeTime.FM

'Armistice Day is a bang up to date, thought provoking espionage thriller that oozes authenticity.'

- Peter Fleming, peterturnsthepage.wordpress. com

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'John Fullerton masterfully weaves a gripping tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and revenge against the backdrop of contemporary Britain.       'The stakes are high, the tension palpable, and the clock ticks relentlessly as Bridie Connor, head of counter-intelligence, and Septimus Brass, a seasoned investigator, race to unravel the mystery.

   'Fullerton’s prose is sharp, evocative, and unflinching. He delves into the dark corners of power, exposing corruption, greed, and fractured loyalties. The characters—flawed, haunted, and driven—are the beating heart of this novel.

   'The ex-special forces soldier turned assassin is a formidable adversary, and Fullerton peels back layers of his past, revealing a vendetta that transcends borders. The moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists resonate long after the final page.

   'Armistice Day is a reflection on the cost of war, the fragility of trust, and the lengths to which individuals will go for justice. Fullerton’s meticulous research and attention to detail ground the story in reality, making it all the more chilling.

   'If you’re seeking a thought-provoking, pulse-pounding read, look no further. Armistice Day leaves you questioning allegiances and the true meaning of victory.'

- Sallie, 5* review Amazon/Goodreads

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'Another winner from one of the best informed and most incisive of thriller writers, a man who has been on the inside and kept his honour. It is also a forensic examination of what went wrong with modern Britain, the phoney toffs who are wheeled in and out of Downing St, the casino capitalism they embrace,and the creeping betrayal of everything they are supposed to uphold in exchange for oligarchs' tainted favours.'

- Martin Walker, bestselling author of the Bruno detective series

'This was an outstanding read and had everything from one of my fav genres that I love, Spies, Intrigue, fast moving plot, Government scandal, real descriptive writing that can only be given by an author who has experienced what they are writing about coupled together with a thrillingly realistic storyline.'

- Mark Fearn, 5* Goodreads review

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'I love John Fullerton’s books, the Spy series is superb, so when this thriller arrived (all shiny & with new characters) I couldn’t wait to start reading. I wasn’t disappointed, it had me gripped from the outset.

During the two minute silence at the Cenotaph, the Prime Minister & other leading politicians are gunned down. We know from the very beginning who the sniper is but this in no way detracts from the unfolding search; the authorities must establish his identity & detain him before he can kill again.

The plot moves chronologically, but through alternating timelines we discover why the sniper has been driven to act as he has. This device is also used for Bridget Connor & Septimus Brass, who have been appointed to lead the search & apprehension of the killer. As the book progressed, I became increasingly sympathetic , even supportive of the sniper’s actions.

Well paced, with some believable characters (some seem quite familiar), I cannot wait to meet Septimus again. A fantastic read & roll on book two.'

- Deb Day, 5* Deb's Book Reviews

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John Fullerton's "Armistice Day," the first novel in the Septimus Brass series, is a triumph of modern espionage thriller writing. He has once again proven why he is a master of his craft. From the moment the senior politicians are gunned down at the Cenotaph in London, Fullerton grips you with his narrative and never lets go.

As a long-time fan of Fullerton's work, starting from his 1996 crime novel "Monkey House," I had high expectations, and "Armistice Day" did not disappoint. Fullerton’s experience as a journalist and news agency correspondent, covering wars in Beirut, Kandahar, and Sarajevo, and briefly as an MI6 field agent in Afghanistan, brings an unparalleled authenticity to his storytelling. His attention to detail and deep understanding of geopolitical tensions shine through on every page.

The plot is both intense and intricately woven. The shocking terrorist attack that kills three senior politicians and leaves another mortally wounded sets the stage for a high-stakes investigation led by Bridie Connor, the head of counter-intelligence, and Septimus Brass, a senior National Crime Agency investigator. The narrative choice to reveal the sniper's identity from the outset shifts the reader's focus to the "why" and "how" rather than the "who."

Fullerton's character creation is engaging. The sniper, though a cold-blooded assassin, is portrayed with such depth that his motivations become understandable, even sympathetic. The flashbacks to his past, leading to a poignant reveal, are seamlessly interwoven with the present-day action. Septimus Brass, with his quiet, introspective nature and solitary existence, is a compelling protagonist whose layers promise to be peeled back in future installments. Bridie Connor, with her career-driven determination and the fascinating backstory of her rise through the intelligence ranks, provides a perfect foil to Brass.

The detailed descriptions of weapons and procedures and use of acronyms lend the novel a ring of authenticity without bogging down the pace. The dynamic between Bridie and Septimus and their evolving partnership adds an interesting dimension to the thriller.

"Armistice Day" is not just about action; it is a thought-provoking exploration of motivations and moral ambiguities in the world of espionage. Fullerton’s writing is crisp, his pacing flawless, and his characters deeply human. This novel is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a gripping, intelligent thriller.

- Jeremy Clift, author, publisher and journalist, Amazon 5* review

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'Septimus Brass is a new character introduced by this writer whose work just gets better & better. A thoroughly enjoyable, attention holding & authentic read. I look forward to more of Septimus Brass & wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who might enjoy a bang up to date novel involving the UK intelligence services.'

- Sinclair Molloy, Amazon& Goodreads 5* review

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'An excellent tale of corruption, inertia and deliberate racism which chills the blood as the results of these actions/inactions are revealed in all their hideousness. This is not one for the squeamish but it’s a great thriller and a very good read.'

- @lyndas_bookreviews

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