Cold Justice: The Sunday Times bestselling thriller (Mallory)

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I also appreciate that the violence wasn't too graphic which in some books of this genre it can be. It's probably unfair to compare Lee Child, he's had years and many books to get Reacher that way. I truly hope Middleton can discover that element for his character. It's about time that we have a UK version of Reacher, Mallory can be, I want him to be, hopefully we get that as the character grows in the next book. I truly wish Middleton all the good fortune he deserves, to make it happen. Ant Middleton makes his fictional debut with a scintillating adventure, introducing the newest action figure on the scene, Mallory.

I couldn’t put this novel down and finished it in a day, the main character Mallory is brilliant, the action spellbinding, and the bad guys as good as any I’ve experienced in a Fictional novel of this type. Chris Ryan, Andy McNab, Bear Grylls, are the most recognisable former SAS who've turned fiction writers. Joining them is Ant Middleton best known for channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.

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Mallory is a typical superhero in physical terms and the novel is, as expected, a fast-paced read with several twists and turns, gunfights, fistfights, explosions, secret organizations, counterintelligence, subterfuge, and car chases. There is very little, if any character development; the focus is on action. The chapters are short; no time is wasted on long explanations and dialogue is relevant and to the point. The unravelling of the mystery was quite interesting, and a few hits came straight from left field. The last chapter, especially, caught me unaware; lovely twist, setting the table for a sequel. (And it is indeed on the way; titled ‘Red mist’.) Ant Middleton is an interesting person; he was the frontman for Channel 4’s hit show: ‘SAS: Who dares wins’ and is the author of several bestselling nonfiction books based on his own experiences during his career in the armed forces where he achieved what is known as the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the UK’s Elite Forces, having served in the Special Boat Service, the Royal Marines and 9 Parachute Squadron Royal. This novel caught my eye for two reasons; it is his first attempt at fiction and part of the novel is set in South Africa. I didn't have a clue who Ant Middleton was, sorry, so I read this purely because I like to challenge myself to different types of reads.

This was a good, fast paced action thriller with well written, rounded characters and a good smattering of humour. Mallory himself is portrayed as a complex character so the reader is not alienated from his violent actions. He is flawed, probably suffering ptsd, as well as feeling responsibility for his friend Donno's continuing condition. This guilt serves as the impetus for accepting Susan, Donno's mother pleas to find her wayward other son.As Mallory heads to South Africa, I got an blow by blow insight into his past traumas as the story jumped between timelines all held together by one man in a coma. Mallory’s loyalty to this man knows no bounds, putting his life on the line to find Donno’s brother up against some seriously dangerous people with unlimited reach and resources. Will Mallory find Scott? Will Donno wake up? I needed answers to both questions !!!

I really rather enjoyed this book. Combining mystery, tension and an all action hero in Mallory, it's the kind of story that is right up my street. I read through it in a couple of evenings and from start to finish it kept me thoroughly entertained. If you like action thrillers, then this is definitely one you should be adding to your reading list. Cold Justice is Ant Middleton’s debut fiction novel which features a former special forces operator by the name of Mallory who is flooded by his own self guilt. He has anger issues and isn’t a guy to mess with. Perhaps it’s redemption, perhaps he’s looking for revenge on the world, but suddenly Mallory has a purpose, and nothing and no one is going to stand in his way.

In his wildly popular Sky One series, 'Straight Talking,' Ant embarks on thrilling road trips with renowned personalities such as Liam Payne and Rebel Wilson, delving beneath the surface to connect with his guests like never before, creating unforgettable and intimate journeys. As someone who used to work on the trains in Brum I got excited reading about Snow Hill station and then changing at Moor Street then arriving at New Street. Even the 23:10 to London Euston off platform two at New Street was factually correct! Beyond the screen, Ant mesmerises audiences across the UK and Australia with his electrifying live show, 'Mind Over Muscle.' This captivating performance delves into Ant's remarkable life in the military, his unique training techniques, and the invaluable experiences that have equipped him to conquer any obstacle life throws his way. It’s here: the landmark debut thriller from superstar Ant Middleton, million-selling, number one Sunday Times author of First Man In and Mental Fitness and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins. Whilst visiting Donno in hospital Mallory meets his mother Susan Nel. Who tells Mallory that her other son Scott who lives in SA is missing. She asks Mallory to find him for her.

I wasn't disappointed. The hero of the story, Mallory, ex special forces, is employed to travel to South Africa, to discover the whereabouts of the brother of his comatose army friend who has disappeared. His army training comes in very useful when he gets embroiled in the murky underworld of some wealthy and very dangerous criminals. What I liked the most about this book was that this was not the typical thriller where some tragedy the hero could do nothing to avoid happened and that is used as a reason for him be some masculine fantasy of what a "real man" is supposed to be. Mallory found himself in a position where he had to do an impossibly difficult decision and has to live with the consequences. I really liked Mallory. He’s a reluctant investigator but he’s a damn good investigator. He doesnt like giving up, his tenacity is a credit to him. He gets the right balance of when to use his fists and when not to. And when he does, he’s someone you want on your side rather than your opponent. What follows is sequence of exciting twists and turns with Mallory travelling to SA to look for Scott and ending up being chased by a group of ex military men on a mission. Love, love, loved this book! Well done Ant Middleton! And thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy.

Ant Middleton's debut novel was entertaining and a highly enjoyable book. I loved the characters, storyline, and fast-paced action scenes. Undeterred by the trials he faced, Ant continued his relentless pursuit of conquering the world's toughest and most dangerous mountains. In 2022, he triumphantly summited the formidable K2, solidifying his reputation as a fearless explorer. Just like Mount Everest, the climb presented formidable challenges that pushed Ant's limits.