The Names of the Dead

While the plot of the story is very good, where this book excels is in the the research done to create an amazing worldwide setting and a protagonist who feels real with hurts, successes, doubts, joys, and growth. If you’re looking for an action thriller with a strong storyline and believable characters, look no farther.

A bomb goes off in a small courtyard in Granada killing several people, including Rachel Richards. James Wesley - Wes, ex-CIA is in prison in France for shooting down ‘the wrong helicopter’ but he’s been set up by fellow CIA agent and former friend Sam Garvey. Rachel is Wes’s ex wife. Their son Ethan, whose existence Wes was unaware of until the bomb, is missing. Where is he? Why is Rachel dead? What corruption lies at the heart of CIA operations in the Middle East that led to Wes’s incarceration? Wes is released from prison early to search for his son. This is the premise of this fast paced and easy to read conspiracy/espionage thriller which I really enjoyed. 

I like the characters in this book and you feel invested in Wes being successful. Although he is dispassionate about what he has to do to get to the truth and he has gained a reputation for being a determined officer, he has a kind of honour to him too. He is dogged in his pursuit of his son and to get to those who set him up and try to kill him. He meets Croatian Mia Pavic who I think is a fantastic character. She is undoubtedly autistic but I love her way of looking at situations and her straight forward approach to life. She is very religious and likes to visit cathedrals and churches during the search and I love the way she uses biblical quotes to convey messages to Wes. The setting is good too - they travel across France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and to Croatia where there is a dramatic conclusion and Wes gets what he hopes for. 

Overall, a good thriller which kept my attention and interest throughout. 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC 
Expected publication in the UK 1/2/20.

I've read numerous spy novels, and this ranks right up there.  I was engrossed from the start, and all.the way through.   I'm really hoping there is a sequel with these characters.   I would buy that book in an instant.   

One thing that was different about this spy was that he actually showed a little personal growth.   And he was flawed, not a one dimensional perfect person.  

I want to.thank the publisher and net galley for my ARC, which did not impact my review.   This book was a really good read.

The Names of the Dead is a thrilling espionage story set in Europe though the backstory to it is set in the Turkish border areas to Syria and Iraq.  It is the story of an agent betrayed by his team, abandoned by them, set up, sent to prison for three years and left to wonder what happened.  Upon his early release for his ex wife’s death in a terror bombing, his worst fears are realized when the agency has turned against him.  And he has to make his way to Spain to unravel the mystery and pick up the pieces of his former live.  As a now rogue agent with only one ally in the world, Mia, an unusual woman who came upon Wes by happenstance and stuck with him, perhaps recognizing in him a warrior such as her late father, a beloved figure in Croatia.

The Names of the Dead stands out from the usual espionage fare because of how quickly and personally the reader is drawn to Wes’ story.  You can immediately feel how alive he is and how determined to find the truth.  The pacing of the story works perfectly and it is believable.  This could really work well as a movie with the right cast.

Here is an author everyone should read if they like the modern spy genre.
I was therefore delighted when I got the chance to read this Advanced Reader’s Copy, ARC and of course, naturally pumped, to share my review.
I never start a book assuming it will be a page turner; a can’t put down enchanting escape or a must read, based purely on the writer.
However, with authors you have previously enjoyed, you pick up the book with anticipation and a knowing sense of reader’s joy. That is, the sense that the book is going to be a treat and a pleasure to read.
I was not disappointed. I never got lost along the way and with each passing page it was like spending time with a special friend.
Wignall applies great insight into the grey areas of agents, spies we used to call them, but those operatives that carry out dark policies in foreign lands which a state can distance themselves from and deny involvement in.
Wes is languishing in prison as a result of a friendly fire incident, consequently he has been disavowed by his government and deemed a rogue operative who exceeded his mandate and deserves his punishment.
Meanwhile in Spain a terrorist attack has left a number of tourists and local people dead. 
Wes has no idea that this event, seemingly unconnected to him will change his life and offer a chance to redeem himself, even clear his name.
The author layers his novels so well; little is wasted in the telling of the story, all actions and motives are usually clear and understandable. 
I like this trust in his readers and it makes a more simple but richer story. It is a novel about finding yourself; listening and accepting what others think about you.
A clear action thriller that takes Wes across Europe in his search for the truth and justice. 
The idiosyncrasies of one of the characters is so wonderfully written, the book is worth reading for all of their interactions alone. 

However, it is a must read simply because is is that good. 

Buyer beware for new readers to this author you have just discovered a gem there are so many other stories in print to source and purchase. All of which  I equally recommend. I almost envy the journey of discovery that awaits you.

The Names of the Dead was really enjoyable for me. I very much liked the main character, Wes. The author plots the novel well, keeping some surprises for the reader. I thought the characters were well-drawn too. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I am perhaps a bit biased when reading this authors books because before I start any of them I just know they are going to be excellent, and i have never been disappointed. From the Childrens books to the action packed thrillers, this author, for me, always delivers.
Wes is a former CIA agent, serving time in jail for an operation that went wrong, an operation that in his eyes was intended to fail so he would end up where he is now.
Wes learns that his ex wife has been killed in a terrorist bombing in Spain and a son he never knew about is missing. Granted an early release from prison, Wes sets out to find those responsible and to look for his son. Set across Europe this is a fantastic read, with great characters and settings.
#netgalley #thenamesofthedead