Author Paul Whiteman published the novel “Bikini State Red” in 2019. This looks to be his first publication.

I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains a little Violence. The story is set in the 1990 era UK. There are several characters that are important in the novel. Commander Tom Falconer is the most prominent character.

The gist of the story is that the Royal Navy has been conducting tests of a secret missile system in the North Sea. While the test vessel is on the return trip to the UK things disappear. Missing is the principal scientist, a sample missile, and secret documents. Falconer has retired but becomes involved in the investigation. He is looking for a former crew member who disappeared after the ship had arrived back in the UK.

The Russians are behind the left of the secret information. The story becomes a mystery/thriller as the identities of the Russian agents are pursued. There is also the matter of the men who have disappeared.

I enjoyed the 5.5 hours I spent reading this 202-page mystery/thriller. Even though the plot was simple, I liked it. It was a 'lightweight' thriller and was a little slow. The cover art is very plain, but it is OK. I give this novel a 3.7 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.

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Bikini State Red
By Paul Whiteman

2 stars

A slow read that does little to build tension.

So slow I couldn't finish it.

This title has been reviewed by www.books-reviewed.weebly.com

This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.

#BikiniStateRed #NetGalley

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. It read very well and was full of suspense. Set in the 1990s it started off with the disappearance of a Navy Officer and his friends and the Police trying to find out what happened to him. The book flowed well and had many a twist and turn in the storyline which included sleeper agents, top secret navy trials, the Russians and espionage. Very likeable strong characters in the plot. Would recommend this if you like thrillers.

After a Royal Navy Lieutenant and a new guided weapons system go missing, recently retired Commander Falconer starts investigating by himself alongside his partner Alice Silk.

This mystery novel is slow paced but really interesting, there are some characters that I feel might have been more developed or not mentioned at all. I felt that with Lt. John McAdam lack of character development were more felt than any other. Even though, I thought ‘Tremain’ needed some too. Jane Morris felt too a little bit unnecessary. As for the rest of them with little flaws they were okay, I liked the feeling Alice Silk gave me, she used to joke of being a spy but weren’t she one at all? We’ll never know.

You will crave for information though it will come slowly as Tom starts unveiling the whole web of treason. This is really an unputdownable book. I was left with an aftertaste at the end, there are some things I really wanted to know but were not revealed. I felt really comfortable with how the author has written the book, it was easy to read and easy to get hooked to.

All in all, it is a really good book. One of my favourites of this year, I might say.