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Ultimatum

The explosive thriller from the No. 1 bestseller
Series: Luke Carlton
4.15 goodreads logo

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( 2,309 ratings, 102 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Ultimatum by Frank Gardner is a gripping crime and thriller novel that delves deep into a tense geopolitical landscape. A British intelligence officer faces a race against time to thwart a deadly plan involving high-stakes intrigue and international threats. As the plot unfolds, secrets unravel, leading to a thrilling climax full of suspense and unexpected twists.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to intense thrillers that weave intricate plots with high-stakes espionage. It may appeal to you if you appreciate gripping narratives featuring compelling characters and enjoy stories set within the world of international crime and intrigue.

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‘It grips like a python from the first page, squeezing the breath out of the reader’ DAILY MAIL

‘Outstanding’ SUNDAY TIMES

‘Breathless action’ THE TIMES

Hidden from prying Western satellites, Iranian scientists are at work on a banned device .

SIS officer Luke Carlton returns in the explosive, action-packed and bestselling new thriller from BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, author of the No.1 bestseller Crisis.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

SIS officer Luke Carlton returns in the explosive, action-packed and bestselling new thriller from BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, author of the No.1 bestseller Crisis.

'It grips like a python from the first page, squeezing the breath out of the reader' - DAILY MAIL

'Outstanding' - SUNDAY TIMES

'Breathless action' - THE TIMES

Hidden from prying Western satellites, Iranian scientists are at work on a banned device. They are acting on the orders of a renegade cell within Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, whose objective is to transform their country into a nuclear-armed nation, and so seal its domination of the Middle East.

Britain's intelligence agencies know something is up. Someone on the inside is ready to hand over information—but the rendezvous with SIS officer Luke Carlton goes bloodily wrong.

Then MI6 sees an opportunity to recruit an individual with unique access to the IRGC hardliners. Luke is chosen to reel them in. Going into Iran undercover is dangerous enough, but then there's a killing and a kidnapping and the British government is presented with a shocking ultimatum.

With time running out, it seems only Luke can stop a cataclysmic new war in the Gulf.


Readers love Ultimatum:

* 'An action-packed thriller . . . very authentic'

* 'A real page turner . . . thrilling adventure'

* 'Gripping page turner that keeps you glued to the story'

Series: Luke Carlton

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  • Ultimatum
    SIS officer Luke Carlton returns in the explosive, action-packed and bestselling new thriller from BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, author of the No.1 bestseller Crisis. 'It grips like a python from the first page, squeezing the breath out of the reader' - DAILY MAIL 'Outstanding' - SUNDAY TIMES 'Breathless action' - THE TIMES Hidden from prying Western satellites, Iranian scientists...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Invasion
    One of the bestselling names in British spy thrillers, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner's new novel sees MI6 operative Luke Carlton racing against time to prevent the next geo-political cataclysm - China's threatened invasion of Taiwan. Discover the explosive new Luke Carlton spy thriller from the Sunday Times bestseller and BBC security correspondent. 'Everything is impressive in this masterly account...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Invasion
    One of the bestselling names in the British spy thriller firmament, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner's new novel sees MI6 operative Luke Carlton racing against time and the odds to prevent the next geo-political cataclysm—China's invasion of Taiwan. The pulse-pounding new Luke Carlton thriller... Across the Strait from Taiwan, China's armed forces appear to be readying for war. Could the...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

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?

Ultimatum by Frank Gardner has been praised for its gripping, authentic narrative style, placing Gardner alongside distinguished thriller writers like Gerald Seymour and Frederick Forsyth. This second thriller skilfully combines Gardner's security expertise with fast-paced action, earning acclaim for its contemporary themes linked to international concerns. The book is noted for its surprising twists and strong storytelling, improving upon his debut in the Luke Carlton series.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780552176309

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 May 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Corgi Books

Illustration: B & W map

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 319g

Pages: 464

About the Author

Born in 1961, Frank Gardner has been the BBC's Security Correspondent since 2002. He holds a degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies. In 2004, while filming in Saudi Arabia, he was ambushed by terrorists, shot multiple times and left for dead. He survived and returned to active news reporting within a year. He still travels extensively. Awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to journalism, Frank published his bestselling memoir, Blood and Sand, in 2006. His first novel, the thriller Crisis, which introduced readers to SIS operative Luke Carlton, was a No.1 bestseller. The second Luke Carlton thriller, Ultimatum, was also a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller, as was the third, Outbreak. Frank Gardner lives in London.

Also by Frank Gardner

View all
  • Invasion
    One of the bestselling names in British spy thrillers, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner's new novel sees MI6 operative Luke Carlton racing against time to prevent the next geo-political cataclysm - China's threatened invasion of Taiwan. Discover the explosive new Luke Carlton spy thriller from the Sunday Times bestseller and BBC security correspondent. 'Everything is impressive in this masterly account...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Ballistic
    Pre-order
    Ballistic
    With the action powering its way from the frozen wastes of the Russian Arctic to the warm azure sea of the Caribbean, Ballistic is the explosive, frighteningly relevant and alarmingly prescient new international thriller from BBC security correspondent and Sunday Times bestseller Frank Gardner. The new Luke Carlton thriller. MI6 operative Luke Carlton returns in his most exciting and unnervingly...
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    Pre-order
    Out 24 Nov 2026
  • Invasion
    One of the bestselling names in the British spy thriller firmament, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner's new novel sees MI6 operative Luke Carlton racing against time and the odds to prevent the next geo-political cataclysm—China's invasion of Taiwan. The pulse-pounding new Luke Carlton thriller... Across the Strait from Taiwan, China's armed forces appear to be readying for war. Could the...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

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