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Special Agent Tom Dupree #1
State of Honour
One man, one mission; prevent the outbreak of the next world war�
Live reports of an explosive attack in Pakistan are flooding the world’s newsrooms. The US Secretary of State is missing - and with tensions on the international diplomatic scene at boiling point Special Agent Tom Dupree has only three days to track down her abductors.
Linda Carlyle will be beheaded in three days if her abductor’s demands are not met. Except everyone knows that the US never negotiates with terrorists...
Saving Linda’s life = save the world from a brutal and bloody war: The stakes have never been higher…and a web of conspiracy, deception and betrayal leave Tom with no-one to trust, but himself.
Political thrillers don’t come more turbo-charged than this! Prepare for twist after twist right up to the electrifying climax in this high-octane political thriller.
Live reports of an explosive attack in Pakistan are flooding the world’s newsrooms. The US Secretary of State is missing - and with tensions on the international diplomatic scene at boiling point Special Agent Tom Dupree has only three days to track down her abductors.
Linda Carlyle will be beheaded in three days if her abductor’s demands are not met. Except everyone knows that the US never negotiates with terrorists...
Saving Linda’s life = save the world from a brutal and bloody war: The stakes have never been higher…and a web of conspiracy, deception and betrayal leave Tom with no-one to trust, but himself.
Political thrillers don’t come more turbo-charged than this! Prepare for twist after twist right up to the electrifying climax in this high-octane political thriller.
- GenresFiction
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2013
55 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Gary Haynes
3Ìýbooks322ÌýfollowersBestselling thriller novelist. Member of the International Thriller Writers Organization, the Crime Writers Association and the Society of Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 2, 2015
Reading this book was like watching an episode of the hit TV series (at least here in America), 24. Only better. The story is every bit as gritty, uncompromising, fast-paced, thrilling, and suspenseful. And it brought to light for me events going on in Afghanistan and environs (the Mideast in general) in ways no amount of headline news could (by penetrating the surface and exposing what goes on behind the scenes that much better.) The author did his homework, what’s more, as noticeable in the many flourishes and highlights, down to the gear the special ops teams are using, described in wicked detail, and always just enough to point up the realism of what was going on, never so much as to slow the pacing with boggy descriptive detail.
If you’re a big Tom Clancy fan, you’ll love this book, which is written in entirely the same tradition. If you like Jack Reacher style heroes like you get with Lee Child or those Die Hard movies, once again, you’ll feel right at home with this writer. There were times when I wished Tom Dupree would take the bit out of his mouth and give us the unbridled version of himself in the same manner as the TV heroes. But the author is just too in touch with the real world for that. When Tom does kick in to high gear it’s calculated, smart, and of necessity, not out of grandstanding. By the time you get to the end of this novel you’ll be crying foul on all the films that do stretch the truth. Considering the author did take all the comic book extremes out of the equation, I was surprised how much sharper the tension was, and potent the adrenaline fix. Maybe I shouldn’t have been, but I’ve been conditioned as most of us have by Hollywood’s cinematic excesses.
As realistic, special agent thrillers go, this one is highly recommended.
If you’re a big Tom Clancy fan, you’ll love this book, which is written in entirely the same tradition. If you like Jack Reacher style heroes like you get with Lee Child or those Die Hard movies, once again, you’ll feel right at home with this writer. There were times when I wished Tom Dupree would take the bit out of his mouth and give us the unbridled version of himself in the same manner as the TV heroes. But the author is just too in touch with the real world for that. When Tom does kick in to high gear it’s calculated, smart, and of necessity, not out of grandstanding. By the time you get to the end of this novel you’ll be crying foul on all the films that do stretch the truth. Considering the author did take all the comic book extremes out of the equation, I was surprised how much sharper the tension was, and potent the adrenaline fix. Maybe I shouldn’t have been, but I’ve been conditioned as most of us have by Hollywood’s cinematic excesses.
As realistic, special agent thrillers go, this one is highly recommended.
March 8, 2014
I can almost see the white Fiat screeching around the corner - State of Honor is action packed. I really liked the hero in this novel. Tom Dupree is an agent who is in charge of protecting a high-ranking person. Dupree is the kind of protector anyone would want watching out for them, and especially if you were abducted. The stakes are high in this game... It is definitely a scary, galvanizing and exhilarating ride from start to finish. Readers will be taken into the explosive Middle East. Where do you run when there is nowhere to run?
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
August 15, 2014
`Thriller writers write about the world as it is.' Gary Haynes
British author Gary Haynes digs into mystery thriller writing with STATE OF HONOUR with excellent credentials. He studied law at University of Warwick in Coventry, England and completed his postgraduate training at the College of Law. His emphasis as a lawyer is on commercial dispute resolution, but even more pertinent to his input for the novel is his commentary on Middle East politics. He has created a new action hero in Tom Dupree who he has shaped so well that he may become another Jack Ryan, James Bond, Indiana Jones trope. As Haynes describes his new action hero, ` He is a man who lives by a code of honour. His calling is to save human life by putting his own life in jeopardy. Join him as he battles to save the day. 6'2", 182 lbs., dark brown eyes, dark hair, Favourite handgun: SIG Sauer P229, Martial Art: Muay Thai (Thai boxing), Marital status: Single. He wears his Bureau of Diplomatic Security badge with pride.'
Haynes opens his book with a telling Prologue in Hindu Kush, Northwest Pakistan and with a deep inhale se states his story with realistic military jargon and a sharp attention to detail about the Pakistani countryside and atmosphere. Jump to Islamabad and the ingredients for the plot that will let our new hero soar takes flight. Events such as the attacks on Pakistan, the fact that The US Secretary of State (Linda Carlyle) is missing, abducted and is to be beheaded if her abductors are not found and eliminated and the work for Special Agent Tom Dupree is online. Should Tom Dupree not rescue Secretary Carlyle from the terrorists then the threat of the beginning of WW III is in the realm of possibility.
Haynes revs up the energy level form the first page and involves the reader in a manner like the best of Tom Clancy's novels. But Hayes has his own style and the success of this book lies primarily in the manner he has constructed his Special Agent Tom Dupree - a man who is fearless yet has a vulnerable side few see, a hero that takes all aspects of a situation into his head before simply making muscle noise. With Dupree author Hayes has sculpted a fine hero and it is doubtless he will continue with more adventures for him. Welcome to a new action writer!
British author Gary Haynes digs into mystery thriller writing with STATE OF HONOUR with excellent credentials. He studied law at University of Warwick in Coventry, England and completed his postgraduate training at the College of Law. His emphasis as a lawyer is on commercial dispute resolution, but even more pertinent to his input for the novel is his commentary on Middle East politics. He has created a new action hero in Tom Dupree who he has shaped so well that he may become another Jack Ryan, James Bond, Indiana Jones trope. As Haynes describes his new action hero, ` He is a man who lives by a code of honour. His calling is to save human life by putting his own life in jeopardy. Join him as he battles to save the day. 6'2", 182 lbs., dark brown eyes, dark hair, Favourite handgun: SIG Sauer P229, Martial Art: Muay Thai (Thai boxing), Marital status: Single. He wears his Bureau of Diplomatic Security badge with pride.'
Haynes opens his book with a telling Prologue in Hindu Kush, Northwest Pakistan and with a deep inhale se states his story with realistic military jargon and a sharp attention to detail about the Pakistani countryside and atmosphere. Jump to Islamabad and the ingredients for the plot that will let our new hero soar takes flight. Events such as the attacks on Pakistan, the fact that The US Secretary of State (Linda Carlyle) is missing, abducted and is to be beheaded if her abductors are not found and eliminated and the work for Special Agent Tom Dupree is online. Should Tom Dupree not rescue Secretary Carlyle from the terrorists then the threat of the beginning of WW III is in the realm of possibility.
Haynes revs up the energy level form the first page and involves the reader in a manner like the best of Tom Clancy's novels. But Hayes has his own style and the success of this book lies primarily in the manner he has constructed his Special Agent Tom Dupree - a man who is fearless yet has a vulnerable side few see, a hero that takes all aspects of a situation into his head before simply making muscle noise. With Dupree author Hayes has sculpted a fine hero and it is doubtless he will continue with more adventures for him. Welcome to a new action writer!
November 16, 2014
A complex, action-adventure packed with authentic detail and enough twists to keep thriller fans happy.
This is the first in a new series from the lawyer come novelist Gary Haynes. This debut features Tom Dupree, a special agent in the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Dupree is a man of honour, a loyal, likeable character but he also has his demons and is partly driven by a need for atonement. Like the Jack’s (Ryan and Bauer) Tom Dupree has the dogged determination to succeed amid the complexity and dangers of a volatile political world.
The US Secretary of State is missing. She, Linda Carlyle, was abducted. Dupree is determined to protect her but he’s soon racing against the clock as he’s only three days to find and save her before she’s killed. The group that abducted her are threatening to behead her unless their demands are met. The implications for Dupree’s mission, should he fail, would be catastrophic as there’s more than just one life at stake. The prevention of another world war could be on the line in this action-led thriller.
The book concerns terrorist threats but this is not your standard terrorism thriller. The usual ingredients are replaced by more contemporary themes and a focus on Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia in a globe-trotting ride that also takes in Europe and has Dupree following a lead back to the States.
The lines between good and bad are blurred with scheming and betrayal on all sides. For Dupree it’s hard to fight an enemy you can’t even identify but there are plenty of evil adversaries, including the tortuous Hasni.
The writing reeks of authenticity. It’s clear that the author has a deep understanding of Pakistan and the Middle East (especially the complex political situation) and the military details ring true, as well as the fight scenes and weaponry.
Mixing politics and espionage with a race against time plot Haynes has produced a novel that fans of the TV shows �24� and Homeland will enjoy.
This is the first in a new series from the lawyer come novelist Gary Haynes. This debut features Tom Dupree, a special agent in the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Dupree is a man of honour, a loyal, likeable character but he also has his demons and is partly driven by a need for atonement. Like the Jack’s (Ryan and Bauer) Tom Dupree has the dogged determination to succeed amid the complexity and dangers of a volatile political world.
The US Secretary of State is missing. She, Linda Carlyle, was abducted. Dupree is determined to protect her but he’s soon racing against the clock as he’s only three days to find and save her before she’s killed. The group that abducted her are threatening to behead her unless their demands are met. The implications for Dupree’s mission, should he fail, would be catastrophic as there’s more than just one life at stake. The prevention of another world war could be on the line in this action-led thriller.
The book concerns terrorist threats but this is not your standard terrorism thriller. The usual ingredients are replaced by more contemporary themes and a focus on Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia in a globe-trotting ride that also takes in Europe and has Dupree following a lead back to the States.
The lines between good and bad are blurred with scheming and betrayal on all sides. For Dupree it’s hard to fight an enemy you can’t even identify but there are plenty of evil adversaries, including the tortuous Hasni.
The writing reeks of authenticity. It’s clear that the author has a deep understanding of Pakistan and the Middle East (especially the complex political situation) and the military details ring true, as well as the fight scenes and weaponry.
Mixing politics and espionage with a race against time plot Haynes has produced a novel that fans of the TV shows �24� and Homeland will enjoy.
December 14, 2013
This is an action-adventure novel for those who like Bob Mayer style tough-guy action stories. In this case, Tom, the head of the Secretary of State's diplomatic security detail, strikes out on his own in Pakistan to discover who has kidnapped the Secretary, code named Lyric, while she was visiting Islamabad. State Department security types aren't the usual action heroes, so this is a nice twist and the author does a good job in keeping his main character authentic. Other notable characters include a scheming CIA officer and a British soldier of fortune. There are wheels-within-wheels as the action takes us inside Pakistan's corrupt intelligence agency as well as to a power-hungry regional radical group which may or not be calling the shots.
While the writing style suited the action, with alot of weaponry details and close-in fighting descriptions, a few descriptions were awkward, such as when something was described as the color of "hacked strawberries." There was a bit of lapses into British-isms that didn't belong, for example, when the American hero reflects on his weight in stones--an American would have given it in pounds. But these were relatively minor and didn't retract from the action or the nicely complex plot.
Recommended for those who like contemporary action thrillers with military overtones.
While the writing style suited the action, with alot of weaponry details and close-in fighting descriptions, a few descriptions were awkward, such as when something was described as the color of "hacked strawberries." There was a bit of lapses into British-isms that didn't belong, for example, when the American hero reflects on his weight in stones--an American would have given it in pounds. But these were relatively minor and didn't retract from the action or the nicely complex plot.
Recommended for those who like contemporary action thrillers with military overtones.
September 5, 2014
This book was interesting enough to keep me reading it, although there were a few times when I had considered stopping. I feel for authors who are published with big-name publishers (Carina is a Harlequin imprint) and they rightfully expect their publisher to put out a polished product - but they don't. Carina's editors and/or proofers need to be flogged for all of the mistakes that were left in this book.
On the plus side, the author definitely knows his way around the very complicated middle-east with the convoluted politics and warring religious factions. If you like a story with unexpected twists, this one will knock you on your ass with its surprise change-ups. One of them was so dramatic, I thought for a minute that I misread something, or that there was a serious error in the plot. But it was the character's deception that shocked the other characters, and will definitely shock the reader as well.
Overall, a decent story with a great lead character who takes his honor and commitment like a dog who would rather die than give up a cherished bone. It will be interesting to see Tom Dupree and the series mature, and most likely, improve over time. Maybe Carina Press will even invest some time in prepping the next one before publication.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys military action, international intrigue, black ops, foreign affairs, etc.
On the plus side, the author definitely knows his way around the very complicated middle-east with the convoluted politics and warring religious factions. If you like a story with unexpected twists, this one will knock you on your ass with its surprise change-ups. One of them was so dramatic, I thought for a minute that I misread something, or that there was a serious error in the plot. But it was the character's deception that shocked the other characters, and will definitely shock the reader as well.
Overall, a decent story with a great lead character who takes his honor and commitment like a dog who would rather die than give up a cherished bone. It will be interesting to see Tom Dupree and the series mature, and most likely, improve over time. Maybe Carina Press will even invest some time in prepping the next one before publication.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys military action, international intrigue, black ops, foreign affairs, etc.
August 4, 2014
I can't "State" my enjoyment of this book enough! @badwordplay
This is an exciting political thriller, set around the kidnapping of the US Secretary of State in Pakistan. Special Agent Tom Dupree is tasked with finding her, and bringing her home safe. He only has 3 days to do this, however, because her captors have given an ultimatum: Adhere to their demands, or in 3 days, she will be beheaded.
I picked a very pertinent time to check this book out, because it has to deal a lot with “negotiating with terrorists�, something that has been very prevalent in the news over the last couple of weeks. It deals with the political quagmire surrounding hostage negotiations, or hostage rescues, whichever the case may be. The negotiators have to walk this tightrope, in order to keep the Secretary of State alive, and keep this country out of war.
This was a very well paced political thriller, that kept me reading for much longer than I intended to each night. When I read a book like this, I try to guess what the ending is, or the twist is, but about halfway through this I gave up. There is just so much stuff going on, I couldn’t keep thinking about the “What If’s� and possibilities the entire time. It was very entertaining, and I thought the entire experience was very satisfying through the end.
This is an exciting political thriller, set around the kidnapping of the US Secretary of State in Pakistan. Special Agent Tom Dupree is tasked with finding her, and bringing her home safe. He only has 3 days to do this, however, because her captors have given an ultimatum: Adhere to their demands, or in 3 days, she will be beheaded.
I picked a very pertinent time to check this book out, because it has to deal a lot with “negotiating with terrorists�, something that has been very prevalent in the news over the last couple of weeks. It deals with the political quagmire surrounding hostage negotiations, or hostage rescues, whichever the case may be. The negotiators have to walk this tightrope, in order to keep the Secretary of State alive, and keep this country out of war.
This was a very well paced political thriller, that kept me reading for much longer than I intended to each night. When I read a book like this, I try to guess what the ending is, or the twist is, but about halfway through this I gave up. There is just so much stuff going on, I couldn’t keep thinking about the “What If’s� and possibilities the entire time. It was very entertaining, and I thought the entire experience was very satisfying through the end.
November 12, 2014
“A promising series opener’��
Tough-guy Tom Dupree, secret service agent, is charged with the protection of a woman when she gets abducted in Pakistan. His sole mission is to recover her as the clock ticks towards a potential outright war. Hayes manages a complex and little understood topic with realism and dynamism. This is a political thriller from a military outlook and the action scenes are described beautifully:
“He began to crush the windpipe. Proctor gasped for air like a beached fish. Bending sideways, Tom saw panic flicking across his pale-blue eyes. He knew he couldn’t find an angle of attack, and that the Englishman’s strength was ebbing fast.�
I found this book to be imaginative and well thought out, and Haynes has built in a number of twists and sub plots to keep the reader interested throughout the book; a promising series opener which poses a number of ‘what if� scenarios.
Tough-guy Tom Dupree, secret service agent, is charged with the protection of a woman when she gets abducted in Pakistan. His sole mission is to recover her as the clock ticks towards a potential outright war. Hayes manages a complex and little understood topic with realism and dynamism. This is a political thriller from a military outlook and the action scenes are described beautifully:
“He began to crush the windpipe. Proctor gasped for air like a beached fish. Bending sideways, Tom saw panic flicking across his pale-blue eyes. He knew he couldn’t find an angle of attack, and that the Englishman’s strength was ebbing fast.�
I found this book to be imaginative and well thought out, and Haynes has built in a number of twists and sub plots to keep the reader interested throughout the book; a promising series opener which poses a number of ‘what if� scenarios.
February 4, 2014
I loved this book which mixed political, spy and military genres in a fast-paced, action-packed adrenalin ride. All the characters have depth and complexity, but the hero, Tom Dupree, a special agent in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, stands out on the page. The story is told in a short three-day time span across four continents. The detail both in terms of contemporary Middle East politics and high-tech weapons and tactics is extraordinary given the speed with which it zips along. I can't wait for the sequel. I read the excellent reviews on both amazon.co.uk and amazon.com before reading the book and agree that it should be awarded 5 well-deserved stars. Brilliant stuff!
August 2, 2014
Set in the war torn Middle East, State of Honour is a political thriller focusing on the kidnapping and possible beheading of the US Secretary of State. Follow Secret Service agent Tom Dupree as he races the clock to save the diplomat from the hands of terrorists in Northern Pakistan. The book is packed with all the critical elements of a thriller: danger, deceit and conspiracy.
State of Honour is a pure adrenaline rush. Many twists and turns along the way are sure to keep your mind engaged. Complex well-developed characters and a strong storyline make for a great story. Kudos, Gary Haynes. 5 stars!
State of Honour is a pure adrenaline rush. Many twists and turns along the way are sure to keep your mind engaged. Complex well-developed characters and a strong storyline make for a great story. Kudos, Gary Haynes. 5 stars!
August 4, 2014
The United State Secretary of State, Linda Carlyle, is missing in Hindu Kush, Pakistan. An international incident is quickly unfolding after an explosive attack in the Middle East. With the US continuing its long running policy of not negotiating with terrorists, Secret Service agent Tom Dupree is tasked with rescuing Secretary Carlyle before her scheduled beheading 3 days from now. Facing extreme danger for both her life and his, Dupree is up to the challenge.
Heart pounding and brimming with suspense, State of Honour is a must read for any political thriller junkie. A gritty plot and the reality of atrocities of the war on terror make for a winning story. I highly recommend!
Heart pounding and brimming with suspense, State of Honour is a must read for any political thriller junkie. A gritty plot and the reality of atrocities of the war on terror make for a winning story. I highly recommend!
July 17, 2014
Tremendous book. The US Secretary of State is kidnapped while in Pakistan. The head of protection is Tom Dupree. He is bound and determined that he is going to find her and find her alive to return her to her family.
The problem... who actually kidnapped the Secretary of State.... who is really behind the kidnappers...
Most importantly.... who can Tom Dupree trust? That answer is very few.
The problem... who actually kidnapped the Secretary of State.... who is really behind the kidnappers...
Most importantly.... who can Tom Dupree trust? That answer is very few.
December 2, 2014
A fantastic thriller!
State of Honour is a fast-paced action thriller. This novel is very well written, the characters are well defined (especially Tom Dupree, a Special Agent protagonist of the story) and the pace of the book is fast and loaded with twist and turns. A well researched book that will hook you from the beginning and will keep you on the edge of your reading chair till the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes an exciting thriller.
State of Honour is a fast-paced action thriller. This novel is very well written, the characters are well defined (especially Tom Dupree, a Special Agent protagonist of the story) and the pace of the book is fast and loaded with twist and turns. A well researched book that will hook you from the beginning and will keep you on the edge of your reading chair till the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes an exciting thriller.
January 5, 2014
A non-stop thriller, full of authentic action scenes bound up in a plot that twists and turns through both political landscapes of both the middle East and the West. Tom DuPree is one to watch for the future, the man has a lot more tales to tell.
March 2, 2014
This is a fast-paced action novel, which hits the ground running and just doesn't stop. I liked the way the author wove paranoia into the story and some of the twists and turns came right out of the blue. I also learned alot about the situation in the Middle East.
November 24, 2019
State of Honour by Gary Hayes
When the story begins there are men who are longtime friends (ex-military) hunkered down a few miles from the Af-Pak border waiting to attack while dressed in ghillie suits to appear as from that area. They have a target, who is a “phlegmatic Muslim cleric “grenades, assault rifles and lots of equipment to prove his identity once they have killed him. With this opening the story advances to the point where the protagonist, Tom Dupree, who has now reached the point of being a special agent in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and head of the Secretary of State’s protective detail. She disregards blatant warnings and goes to a hospital where she is kidnapped and taken away.
There’s action, kidnapping, graft, torture and an abundance of travel trying to track where the kidnappers have taken the secretary. There is a glimpse of the state-of-the-art equipment used by military operatives and the agreements between nations for support. On the other hand, at times it just comes down to locating a vulnerable son of an oligarch for leverage to try to aid negotiations. This novel moves rapidly---at times too fast.
I was left wondering why Tom hired an additional person named Karen, to his small contingent when he did not know her and only took the words of a friend to vouch for her. This sounded hokey to me, as if a writing mentor told the author he needed help with the story. It later proves to be an important point in the saga. Yes, saga, because at times, they travel between countries and place the secretary in disguises. It also goes on and on with lots of typos and incorrect verb tenses. What is occurring ? Did they have to hurry to get this to print? I would imagine there was a proofreader at some point and they obviously didn’t do a professional job.
**Post script My Ahh moment is seeing that the author is British and the publisher is HQDigitalUK which means that is why honor is spelled the British way and so many of the terms and tenses seemed "out of sync" with me, as an American reader.
Nevertheless, it is an action filled story that easily filled my evenings and travel. Thank you, Mr. Hayes! I will purchase book two soon because the content overshadows any discrepancies in the publishing.
When the story begins there are men who are longtime friends (ex-military) hunkered down a few miles from the Af-Pak border waiting to attack while dressed in ghillie suits to appear as from that area. They have a target, who is a “phlegmatic Muslim cleric “grenades, assault rifles and lots of equipment to prove his identity once they have killed him. With this opening the story advances to the point where the protagonist, Tom Dupree, who has now reached the point of being a special agent in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and head of the Secretary of State’s protective detail. She disregards blatant warnings and goes to a hospital where she is kidnapped and taken away.
There’s action, kidnapping, graft, torture and an abundance of travel trying to track where the kidnappers have taken the secretary. There is a glimpse of the state-of-the-art equipment used by military operatives and the agreements between nations for support. On the other hand, at times it just comes down to locating a vulnerable son of an oligarch for leverage to try to aid negotiations. This novel moves rapidly---at times too fast.
I was left wondering why Tom hired an additional person named Karen, to his small contingent when he did not know her and only took the words of a friend to vouch for her. This sounded hokey to me, as if a writing mentor told the author he needed help with the story. It later proves to be an important point in the saga. Yes, saga, because at times, they travel between countries and place the secretary in disguises. It also goes on and on with lots of typos and incorrect verb tenses. What is occurring ? Did they have to hurry to get this to print? I would imagine there was a proofreader at some point and they obviously didn’t do a professional job.
**Post script My Ahh moment is seeing that the author is British and the publisher is HQDigitalUK which means that is why honor is spelled the British way and so many of the terms and tenses seemed "out of sync" with me, as an American reader.
Nevertheless, it is an action filled story that easily filled my evenings and travel. Thank you, Mr. Hayes! I will purchase book two soon because the content overshadows any discrepancies in the publishing.
May 18, 2019
Unless you understand the geography and politics of the Middle East, the plot is hard to follow.
Special Agent Tom Dupree will stop at nothing to save the life of the Secretary of State. She was kidnapped on a trip to Pakistan. Who is behind it? Where was she taken?
Special Agent Tom Dupree will stop at nothing to save the life of the Secretary of State. She was kidnapped on a trip to Pakistan. Who is behind it? Where was she taken?
September 27, 2019
This is certainly written by a Brit. Thriller.
Interesting read.
The take on the foreign policy of the Sauds was most interesting to me.
Too violent for my reading preference .. and lots of treachery.
Interesting read.
The take on the foreign policy of the Sauds was most interesting to me.
Too violent for my reading preference .. and lots of treachery.
November 3, 2019
Action Packed
There is so much in this story line that it sometimes gets confusing. The teams change often to get the rescue successfully completed! There is movement from one continent to another to save the Secretary!
There is so much in this story line that it sometimes gets confusing. The teams change often to get the rescue successfully completed! There is movement from one continent to another to save the Secretary!
January 30, 2022
Fast paced and exciting
This book keeps you on your toes! Tom Dupree tries to figure out who has kidnapped his boss, the Secretary of Defense. Every time you think you know who is playing for what team, they all change jerseys! Enjoy!
This book keeps you on your toes! Tom Dupree tries to figure out who has kidnapped his boss, the Secretary of Defense. Every time you think you know who is playing for what team, they all change jerseys! Enjoy!
November 22, 2019
Intense and detailed
Enjoyed this action packed story. Will read the next one. Hope it will be another winner. Keep up the good work.
Enjoyed this action packed story. Will read the next one. Hope it will be another winner. Keep up the good work.
August 27, 2015
Gary Hayne’s first installment of the Tom Dupree series takes the reader on a high-paced journey through Middle Eastern politics, as Special Agent Tom Dupree tries to rescue a kidnapped Secretary of State from terrorists. Thoroughly researched and meticulously written, the novel mixes adrenaline with information, giving context to current affairs.
Our bookshelves have been saturated lately with Middle Eastern Terrorist plots, such as the best-selling I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. When swamped with such a deluge of this specific topic, it is hard to find what sets the books apart from each other. In this case, the globalized nature of the conspiracy works in State of Honour’s favor. However, in this genre, with the exception of fantastic characterization or vivid settings, in the end, it boils down to a couple of guys in army boots leopard-crawling over sand dunes with machine guns. Having so much competition means that in order to succeed, the writing should be at an incredible standard. In a literary battle-to-the-death between I am Pilgrim and State of Honour, I’m afraid that Terry Hayes would win.
The novel opens powerfully with an incredibly vivid chapter that introduces the main villain of the story. However, the motivation for his actions is never thoroughly explained. In its favour, however, the novel does give a balanced view of the Middle East, portraying the politics behind the turmoil, rather than merely lumping all the countries together as Big Bad Muslim Warlords (as we might see in books such as American Sniper). It gave a great global context for each of the ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, and how international powers as well as historical rivalries play into them. It also had some rather powerful moments of introspection, and glanced over some religious aspects as well. However, I felt that those good parts were too briefly dealt with, and drowned in the padded, minuscule and irrelevant details that brought this novel down.
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Our bookshelves have been saturated lately with Middle Eastern Terrorist plots, such as the best-selling I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. When swamped with such a deluge of this specific topic, it is hard to find what sets the books apart from each other. In this case, the globalized nature of the conspiracy works in State of Honour’s favor. However, in this genre, with the exception of fantastic characterization or vivid settings, in the end, it boils down to a couple of guys in army boots leopard-crawling over sand dunes with machine guns. Having so much competition means that in order to succeed, the writing should be at an incredible standard. In a literary battle-to-the-death between I am Pilgrim and State of Honour, I’m afraid that Terry Hayes would win.
The novel opens powerfully with an incredibly vivid chapter that introduces the main villain of the story. However, the motivation for his actions is never thoroughly explained. In its favour, however, the novel does give a balanced view of the Middle East, portraying the politics behind the turmoil, rather than merely lumping all the countries together as Big Bad Muslim Warlords (as we might see in books such as American Sniper). It gave a great global context for each of the ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, and how international powers as well as historical rivalries play into them. It also had some rather powerful moments of introspection, and glanced over some religious aspects as well. However, I felt that those good parts were too briefly dealt with, and drowned in the padded, minuscule and irrelevant details that brought this novel down.
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July 31, 2014
The head of dolomitic security detail protecting the Secretary of State on a visit to Pakistan has misgivings about her visit children's hospital after receiving a warning of a possible attack. The visit goes ahead and there is an attack that is well planned and which successfully results in the kidnapping of the Secretary. The head has promised to recover her and begins an investigation on his own that is hampered by politics and the fact that the kidnapping is was not carried out by a Islamic terrorist group as claimed but by a cabal intent on starting another mid eastern war for economical and political reasons. The search involves Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the US and is full of commando raids and betrayals. Considering the current world political climate, not all that far fetched a story.
August 5, 2014
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I began reading ‘State of Honour�, but I must say it was fun reading with plenty of mystery.
If you enjoy fun and action-packed stories with twists and turns throughout, then you will likely enjoy reading this book from beginning to end. This book was suggested to me and I enjoyed reading it. My plan was to take my time reading it, but it was difficult to do so because it was exciting. The author did a great job of describing the characters just enough for the readers to identity with them, which makes the story much easier to enjoy.
The way the book is written makes it very easy to imagine the events that take place throughout the entire story. The excitement never ends and the suspense is intriguing. It was easy to follow and enjoyable to read.
Hopefully, there will be a sequel, or better yet a continuing series.
If you enjoy fun and action-packed stories with twists and turns throughout, then you will likely enjoy reading this book from beginning to end. This book was suggested to me and I enjoyed reading it. My plan was to take my time reading it, but it was difficult to do so because it was exciting. The author did a great job of describing the characters just enough for the readers to identity with them, which makes the story much easier to enjoy.
The way the book is written makes it very easy to imagine the events that take place throughout the entire story. The excitement never ends and the suspense is intriguing. It was easy to follow and enjoyable to read.
Hopefully, there will be a sequel, or better yet a continuing series.
August 2, 2014
A well written fast paced novel that gives you detailed insights into high level security operations and the mind-set of the men who give their lives in this type of service. In some parts the action scenes are so vividly written you could imagine watching them as a movie.
The basis of State of Honour is about the terrorist acts that are directed towards the US and starts with an epilogue that is edgy, unexpected and does a good job of a page-turner. The story expands to show the patriotism, bravery and self-sacrifice of a tight team of men while showing their emotional sides.
This was a very good read for me.
The basis of State of Honour is about the terrorist acts that are directed towards the US and starts with an epilogue that is edgy, unexpected and does a good job of a page-turner. The story expands to show the patriotism, bravery and self-sacrifice of a tight team of men while showing their emotional sides.
This was a very good read for me.
March 23, 2016
This is my favoured kind of book and it is quite a good one. A good plot that is set within a tight deadline so it moves on quickly. There is a lot of technical detail which points to thorough research and is written so that you really get to know the main characters. I enjoyed the read and it kept me entertained.
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September 3, 2015What a ride!- thrilling, tense and fast-paced with plenty of action. Gary Haynes paints a vivid picture of special agent Tom Dupree's world in this political thriller which sees him work against the clock to rescue the kidnapped Secretary of State.
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