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The Last Line
A totally gripping WW2 historical fiction thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat
Series: John Cook
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 918 ratings, 135 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The Last Line
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This novel is ideal for fans of historical fiction, wartime thrillers, and noir mysteries, especially readers who appreciate gripping, character-driven stories set against authentic backdrops of the Second World War. Those who enjoy authors like Lee Child or Alastair MacLean will find much to appeal to here.
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See moreIn Britain's darkest hour of the war a veteran left behind from the fighting discovers evacuee children haven't been arriving at their destinations.
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Description
'John Cook is the Jack Reacher of 1940's Britain' - Damien Lewis
*
May 1940.
With Nazi forces sweeping across France, invasion seems imminent. The English Channel has never felt so narrow.
In rural Sussex, war veteran John Cook has been tasked with preparing the resistance effort, should the worst happen.
But even as the foreign threat looms, it's rumours of a missing child that are troubling Cook. A twelve-year-old girl was evacuated from London and never seen again, and she's just the tip of the iceberg - countless evacuees haven't made it to their host families.
As Cook investigates, he uncovers a dark conspiracy that reaches to the highest ranks of society. He will do whatever it takes to make the culprits pay. There are some lines you just don't cross.
The Last Line is a blistering action thriller combined with a smart noir mystery, played out expertly against the taut backdrop of the British home front. *'A brilliant noir thriller set in the darkest days of the Second World War' - Stephen Leather
'A vivid sense of place with tension on every level, The Last Line dripped with historical detail and authenticity. I absolutely loved it!' - Marion Todd
READERS LOVE THE LAST LINE:'This is an excellent debut novel with a gripping storyline' - 5* NetGalley Review
'This is a first class 5 star read that is a cleverly written compelling, captivating historical crime thriller that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an unputdownable thrilling read' - 5* NetGalley Review
'Stephen has a way of describing his characters so tremendously that you really fall in love with them. John, Margaret and Doc for me are just the most incredible characters' - 5* NetGalley Review
'A superb novel which I thoroughly enjoyed' - 5* NetGalley Review
'If you like Lee Child then you will like this book. It has all the familiar hallmarks... vivid writing, well crafted characters, excellent plot and a crusading Superman with definite ideas about right and wrong and meting out his version of justice' - 5* NetGalley Review
Series: John Cook
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The Last Line
'John Cook is the Jack Reacher of 1940's Britain' - Damien Lewis * May 1940. With Nazi forces sweeping across France, invasion seems imminent. The English Channel has never felt so narrow. In rural Sussex, war veteran John Cook has been tasked with preparing the resistance effort, should the worst happen. But even as the foreign threat looms, it's rumours...Paperback$3999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Berlin Agent
A country at war. Bombers fill the skies. A parachute drops in the dead of night... England 1940: Paris has fallen to the Third Reich. Farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret are waiting for the day when German tanks roll across the green fields of their homes. Both are ready for the moment they will disappear into the...Hardback$6500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Blitz Secret
London is under attack. Secrets and spies hide in the shadows. Who can you trust when every night could be your last? London, 1940: Farmer John Cook would rather avoid the city at the best of times. But as he watches Nazi bombers passing overhead in the moonlight, he knows he is exactly where he needs to be. A young...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Stephen Leather describes it as "a brilliant noir thriller set in the darkest days of the Second World War" while Damien Lewis calls John Cook "the Jack Reacher of 1940s Britain." Readers praise the vivid historical detail, gripping storyline, and well-crafted characters. It is celebrated as a fast-paced, taut wartime thriller likened to Alastair MacLean and Lee Child with a compelling and authentic sense of place. A page-turner that skilfully blends thrilling action with mystery, The Last Line has been highly recommended by multiple reviewers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781399721240
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 16 November 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Hodder & Stoughton
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 30.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 232.0mm
Weight: 400g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Stephen Ronson grew up in Sussex, and spent a large part of his childhood exploring the woods and fields around Uckfield, many of which were still dotted with reminders of WW2 - pill boxes, tank traps, nissen huts, and graffiti left by soldiers awaiting D-Day. He is a passionate student of local history, and when he learnt about Auxiliary Units - groups of men who were instructed to lay low during the predicted nazi invasion and lead the fight back, he knew he had to write about a Sussex farmer, one with a love of the land, and a natural desire and ability to get the job done. Many of the locations and characters in the John Cook series are inspired by real places and real people. In particular, Stephen was inspired by his grandparents, Eric, Bessie, Peter and Vera, each of whom did their bit on the home front.
Nowadays, Stephen divides his time between Vermont, USA, and Uckfield, East Sussex. When he's not writing, he can be found renovating his house, or walking the woods and the fields.Also by Stephen Ronson
View all-
The Berlin Agent
A country at war. Bombers fill the skies. A parachute drops in the dead of night... England 1940: Paris has fallen to the Third Reich. Farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret are waiting for the day when German tanks roll across the green fields of their homes. Both are ready for the moment they will disappear into the...Hardback$6500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Blitz Secret
London is under attack. Secrets and spies hide in the shadows. Who can you trust when every night could be your last? London, 1940: Farmer John Cook would rather avoid the city at the best of times. But as he watches Nazi bombers passing overhead in the moonlight, he knows he is exactly where he needs to be. A young...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
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