Going Dark

By: Neil Lancaster

Narrated by: Guy Mott

Going Dark is the debut crime thriller from former covert specialist Detective Sergeant Neil Lancaster.

Tom Novak is a troubled soul with a dark and bloody past. A former refugee, Royal Marine and member of the elite Special Reconnaissance Regiment, he now finds himself struggling with the deadening routine of day-to-day policing. When he is deployed undercover to infiltrate a gang of people traffickers, things go badly wrong. Faced with an impossible choice, his cover is blown, and he finds himself on the run from the Serbian mafia and even his fellow police colleagues. With no-one to trust, and his enemies using all the resources of the state against him, Tom has only one option: to Go Dark.

©2017 Neil Lancaster (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"If you like your thrills fast, gritty and authentic as all hell, then Going Dark should be top of your reading list." (Tony Parsons)

character development

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Since this was my first read of this author and series, I carefully read and commented. The emojies show the slow but delibarate character development for me. It was a slow and fun process.

Slow burn to a satisfying conclusion

Starting to listen to this book I found that the first few chapters were not all that appealing. I kept going because I've read other books written by this author for a different series and I absolutely loved them. I can honestly say that the more of this book that I listen to the more I was getting enthralled, drawn in and I couldn't put it down. I finished this book in less than a day and am waiting expectantly to start the next one tomorrow. I can only hope that the author continues both series. This book has a great storyline, and a main character, that like an onion, the author peels apart chapter by chapter. Give this book a chance, it will not disappoint.

Great fast paced thriller to listen by the pool this summer

“Going Dark” by Neil Lancaster is a gripping thriller that captivates the reader from the outset. This debut novel introduces Tom Novak, a former Royal Marine and covert operative who has settled into a routine police career. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he embarks on an undercover mission to dismantle a human trafficking ring. Upon revealing his true identity, Novak finds himself on the run from Serbian gangsters and corrupt police officers, with no one to rely on. The relentless pace and intense stakes keep the reader on the edge of their seat, unable to put the book down. Lancaster’s former detective background provides insightful details on surveillance and crime, making every chase and confrontation feel tangible. Novak’s struggle to clear his name while evading betrayal resonates with themes of faith and family, captivating the reader’s emotions. The narrative delves into the world of real life covert operations, offering a fascinating exploration of loyalty and sacrifice. The conclusion of “Going Dark” is a powerful and satisfying ending that leaves the reader yearning for more. It is a thrilling story that embodies the essence of grit and soul, celebrating the fight for justice and righteousness. If you are seeking a fast paced and emotionally resonant read that honors courage and trust, “Going Dark” is an indispensable choice.

Better than I expected

This was good. I was surprised by what I thought was going to be more of a police procedural. Instead, it was a former Royal Marine special forces police detective who gets caught up with some bad people during an undercover assignment. Tom is very resourceful and has some even more resourceful friends. It was refreshing that the most helpful, a computer expert named Pet, was a smart young woman and there was no romantic entanglement. But what will happen in subsequent books?

I was a bit put off by the audiobook. I’m not sure if it was the narrator or the dialogue that sounded very staccato and artificial. It wasn’t bad enough to stop listening but it was a tad annoying. Otherwise the narrator did a great job with various accents.

A book you can’t put down.

Great characters, great plot and great detail. Read very well considering all the different accents.