February 2018 Debut of the Month.
Simply superb, this is a dark, gritty and stormingly fast read with real attitude. Formerly of the SAS, John Carr is now working in private security for a Russian, however the past is stalking him, ready to take his legs, and his life. If I tell you that the author James Deegan spent 17 years in the SAS and was described by his commanding officer as one of the most operationally experienced SAS men of his era, it should tell you all you need to know about the validity of his voice. The book begins with the CV of John Carr, it really sets the tone, gives you an understanding of his background, allowing the story to explode from the get-go. James Deegan delivers short punchy sentences, simply told, yet the words took hold of me, dumped me in the middle of the action, made my breath stop and my heart race. Once A Pilgrim bristles with energy and authenticity, it is an addictive, absolute whammy of read and I loved it - highly recommended.
| Primary Genre | Espionage and spy thriller |
| Recommendations: |
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A story that will keep you gripped to the end.
Meet John Carr, ex SAS man who has found another life since recently leaving. But his past is about to catch up with him and it’s time to return to the old ways.
John Carr has recently left the SAS but the book takes time to share his great achievements and why he was respected in his role. He has forged a new & well paid life for himself where is happy in what he does. But his time in Ireland is about to catch up with him. The police are looking into past cases but not everyone can be trusted and the news of John Carr’s exploits are discovered and revenge is attempted.... Read Full Review
A book I didn't want to put down. Many more to come I hope.
John Carr ex SAS had been deployed to many hot spots while serving. Now Head of UK security for a Russian business man. Always aware of danger, he has a second sense of anything out of the ordinary. This has come in useful when the past comes back to haunt him.... Read Full Review
A gripping and enthralling page turner. You must read this book!
James Deegan has produced a cracking story, fast moving and enthralling. An ex-member of the SAS, he clearly knows his stuff, but also has the ability to write in a way which makes a believable, gripping story, which I stayed up far too late to finish, as I couldn't put it down! The story delves into the history of the troubles in Northern Ireland and shows how our actions in the past can come back to haunt us. The hero, John Carr, is a proper action man, who shows that he can look after himself and those he cares about in a very emphatic way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a very good read.
'You couldn't make it up. Brilliant.'
Jeffrey Archer
'Decades of war has given James Deegan a natural ability to create a world that is incredibly realistic and exciting. This takes military fiction to a whole new level entirely. Deegan is a master'
Tom Marcus Mi5 Survellance officer, Author of Capture or Kill
'Move over Andy McNab and Chris Ryan, there's a new SAS veteran writing thrillers and he's good. Very good.'
Stephen Leather
John Carr has recently left the SAS, after a long and distinguished career, and is now working for a Russian oligarch in the murky world of private security.
But an incident from his past - in which three terrorists were brutally killed - suddenly comes back to haunt him.
Tracked by a hitman out for revenge, John Carr is forced to step over the line to defend himself and his family. It's a cruel and violent world - and one he thought he'd left behind.
But some wars never end.
Patriot Games meets Taken: In Once A Pilgrim, John Carr shows all the Reacher-esque hallmarks of a cold-blooded antihero doing what needs to be done, whatever the consequences.
JAMES DEEGAN MC is a fantastic new voice in the thriller genre, writing with unprecedented authority and authenticity.
'Carr is a hero for our times'
Daily Mail
Once a Pilgrim features in the following genres: Espionage and spy thriller, Books with reviews by our Reader Review Panel, Debut Books of the Month, Debuts, eBooks of the Month, Star Books, Thriller and Suspense, Fiction, Recommendations
Once a Pilgrim is available in Paperback, Hardback
Once a Pilgrim was written by James Deegan and published by HQ an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Once a Pilgrim has 487 pages
Yes it is part of John Carr series
£9.89