The Failsafe Query (Sean Richardson 1) by Michael Jenkins – Review

• Title: The Failsafe Query
• Author: Michael Jenkins
• Publisher: Failsafe Thrillers on May 20, 2020
• Genre: Political Thriller
• Pages: 332
• Format: Paperback & Kindle edition
• Rating: 4/5

Many thanks to Emma at Damppebbles blog Tours, Michael Jenkins, and Failsafe Thrillers for providing me with an ARC copy of The Failsafe Query in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger Warnings: Graphic Violence, Murder

Order Now: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Blackwells

The Failsafe Query Blurb

‘Some secrets were meant to be buried forever. Until now.’

Sean Richardson, a disgraced former intelligence agent, is tasked to lead a team to search for a British intelligence officer on the cusp of exposing thousands of secrets to the media. It includes a long lost list of Russian moles embedded since the Cold War, one of whom remains a public favourite in the British parliamentary system.

The action moves with absorbing pace and intrigue across Central Asia and Europe as the puzzle begins to unfold through a deep hidden legacy. As Sean gets closer to the truth, senior figures are left to nurse their anxiety knowing that if the secret is revealed, it will destroy their lives.

On the verge of success, his eye is taken off the ball, and the Russians step forward ready to
pounce. 

Tense, fast paced, and insightful, The Failsafe Query twists and turns to a satisfyingly dramatic finale.

The first in a set of spy thrillers that have been expertly crafted with stunning plot lines,
magnificent locations, and twists that leave you gasping for air. Perfect for fans of Frederick
Forsyth, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, and Scott Mariani.

Failsafe Thrillers

My Review

Michael Jenkin’s novel, The Failsafe Query, is everything you expect a political thriller to be. There are plenty of bombs and a lot of action. I knew I would like this one when I read the blurb, and I was right. I enjoyed this novel and am anxious to read the rest of the series.

The Prologue starts the reader with an intriguing incident that leads right into a first chapter full of bangs and explosions. The novel hooked me right from the start. Sean Richardson is the ultimate badass!

However, after Part 1, the novel shifts into a completely different story. And I couldn’t figure out how Part 1 and Part 2 would culminate into one fluid tale at the end. And for me, they didn’t. Part 1 is all about Sean’s backstory that now seems like a bunch of filler. I assume it will come into play during the next part of the series, but for me, I felt like I wasted my time reading.

But once I got to the actual story in Part 2, the novel hooked me again. Meeting Sean’s mates and getting to know them all was as fun as it was intriguing. I want to meet Swartz in real life. He seems like an outstanding guy. But the other guys are just as great, and it was a pleasure to read.

I enjoyed this novel as much as I knew I would, except for that hiccup that is Part 1. So, in all fairness, I must mark off a star and award The Failsafe Query 4 out of 5 stars. If you love political thrillers, you will love this book. I couldn’t put it down!

About the Author – Michael Jenkins

I started climbing at 13, survived being lost in Snowdonia at 14, nearly drowned at 15, and then joined the Army at 16. Risk and adventure was built into my DNA and I feel very fortunate to have served the majority of my working career as an intelligence officer within Defence Intelligence, and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer and military surveyor within the Corps of Royal Engineers. 

I was privileged to serve for twenty-eight years in the British Army as a soldier and officer, rising through the ranks to complete my service as a major. I served across the globe on numerous military operations as well as extensive travel and adventure on many major mountaineering and exploration expeditions that I led or was involved in.

I was awarded the Geographic Medal by the Royal Geographical Society for mountain exploration in 2003 and served on the screening committee of the Mount Everest Foundation charity for many years. It was humbling after so many years of service when I was awarded the MBE for services to counter-terrorism in 2007.

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