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Major Crimes Unit #1
Soft Target
An SG Thriller Release
From UK's Top Selling Horror & Thriller Author, Iain Rob Wright
NOWHERE IS SAFE...
When a quaint village in the United Kingdom is stuck by a suicide bomber, the once proud nation is brought to its knees with grief. Yet that first attack was just the beginning of something much greater and much worse. Something that nobody could ever have predicted.
The days that follow will determine if the UK even has a future left, or if it will be reduced to anarchy and ashes.
The only person that stands between the people of the UK and its complete destruction is an angry, damaged ex-solider named Sarah Stone. Sarah despises her own country and what it did to her, which is what makes it so hard when she is forced to save it.
SOFT TARGET is the first in a series of books featuring acerbic protagonist Sarah Stone. It is a non-stop action thriller in the same vein as 24.
From UK's Top Selling Horror & Thriller Author, Iain Rob Wright
NOWHERE IS SAFE...
When a quaint village in the United Kingdom is stuck by a suicide bomber, the once proud nation is brought to its knees with grief. Yet that first attack was just the beginning of something much greater and much worse. Something that nobody could ever have predicted.
The days that follow will determine if the UK even has a future left, or if it will be reduced to anarchy and ashes.
The only person that stands between the people of the UK and its complete destruction is an angry, damaged ex-solider named Sarah Stone. Sarah despises her own country and what it did to her, which is what makes it so hard when she is forced to save it.
SOFT TARGET is the first in a series of books featuring acerbic protagonist Sarah Stone. It is a non-stop action thriller in the same vein as 24.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2014
About the author
Iain Rob Wright
89 books1,560 followersOne of Horror's most respected authors, Iain Rob Wright is the writer of more than forty books, many of them bestsellers. A previous Kindle All-Star and a mainstay in the horror charts, he is a prolific producer of unique and original stories. From his apocalyptic saga The Gates to his claustrophobic revenge thriller ASBO, Iain writes across a broad spectrum of sub genres, creating both beloved series and standalone titles.
With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.
To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com
With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.
To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 12, 2018
This book caught my attention after I saw a blurb on Facebook. I was intrigued so I snatched it up and started reading. I loved this storyline. I was glued from start to finish. The book is fast paced and full of action.
It's not very often I come across a female soldier as the lead and Wright did a phenomenal job writing about Sarah. Her life is not easy and she is constantly battling her personal demons but she is definitely kick ass. I cannot wait to jump into the next book.
It's not very often I come across a female soldier as the lead and Wright did a phenomenal job writing about Sarah. Her life is not easy and she is constantly battling her personal demons but she is definitely kick ass. I cannot wait to jump into the next book.
July 20, 2019
Well written
This is a wellwritten book even though the contenr doesn’t really speak to me personally. It’s more of acrimestoty than anyhing I have read by this author befor!
This is a wellwritten book even though the contenr doesn’t really speak to me personally. It’s more of acrimestoty than anyhing I have read by this author befor!
September 10, 2021
I love Iain Rob Wright's horror novels and had been putting off reading this non-horror tale and really dhouldn't be surprised to find that I enjoyed it. Like his regular output there is rarely a lull in the action and the action hits hard in Soft Target. Was going to wait before reading book two but the ending means I want to know what happens next.
March 10, 2019
Boring, unbelievable and pointless
I kept trying to like the book and it kept finding ways to disappoint. The young teen girl can outshoot trained military folks. A women with numerous wounds and 1/3 of her blood gone seems always able to fight better than anyone else, except she sucks at shooting. No real plot. No character development. Just a bunch of words going no where.
I kept trying to like the book and it kept finding ways to disappoint. The young teen girl can outshoot trained military folks. A women with numerous wounds and 1/3 of her blood gone seems always able to fight better than anyone else, except she sucks at shooting. No real plot. No character development. Just a bunch of words going no where.
April 24, 2021
Iain Rob Wright is likely best known for his fantastic horror stories but I suspect he’d do a first class job writing in any genre. On the evidence of Soft Target it would seem I’m right. This book is a fast paced, high action thriller that’s a great read from start to finish. It’s brilliant fun with some totally over the top action scenes that would fit perfectly in the greatest of action movies. The story itself is very well thought through with a twist on the threat of suicide bombers. What if the attackers were the last person anyone would suspect? What if they were otherwise nice regular people? This is the part of the book that really hooked me, the imaginative story, and I guess that's what I like about all of this author's books. Give it a go and see a great writer trying something new and succeeding brilliantly.
August 3, 2021
A former captain with a disfigured face is having a hard time, when she is looked up by a special group in the UK to help understand a recent terrotist attack. The same thing happens three more times in one day. The odd thing is, the terrorists are regular citizens. This special group has been defunded, and now they have to figure things out quickly with their limited manpower.
I enjoyed the story, but some of the antics could have been written by Marvel comics. A little farfetched in my opinion. However, it still is an interestint story.
I forgot one thing.
SEQUEL ALERT. For those that love sequels, this is good news. I prefer the story ends on the last page. Oh well........
I enjoyed the story, but some of the antics could have been written by Marvel comics. A little farfetched in my opinion. However, it still is an interestint story.
I forgot one thing.
SEQUEL ALERT. For those that love sequels, this is good news. I prefer the story ends on the last page. Oh well........
April 13, 2022
There's this young ex-army woman with half a face running round shooting people, headbutting them, getting shot at and knifed several times all in a matter of a few days, finding herself working in an underground bunker for some security service department or other, losing copious amounts of blood, and is still standing?? I half expected to see her running around dressed as superwoman.
The story itself was sound, well apart from the towns being in the wrong counties, and I could easily see this being made into a film, a cross between James Bond and Superwoman. But what really did sink it for me was the ending, I just hate it when I have to buy the next book to see who kidnapped her.
The story itself was sound, well apart from the towns being in the wrong counties, and I could easily see this being made into a film, a cross between James Bond and Superwoman. But what really did sink it for me was the ending, I just hate it when I have to buy the next book to see who kidnapped her.
September 8, 2019
I thought this was a really fun read! Was like reading a Hollywood blockbuster movie! Lots of people saying the concept was unrealistic, but you’re reading a fiction book remember 😂 anything is possible in the authors head and yours if you just let it be! I enjoyed Sarah’s adventure the whole way through and am currently reading the second! The ending felt a little rushed, however the climax was great! (Also definitely had some really thought provoking moments about the world we love in today) I wouldn’t say it was a masterpiece of any sort, but it doesn’t try to be! A fun good short read! Lots of action and made me chuckle a few times too! I look forward to exploring more of Iain’s books! (I also liked it enough to purchase a physical copy)
December 6, 2017
Maybe it is the way of writing of this Author, maybe he just writes what get in his mind. I found it pretty ridicilous to call an Antiterror Unit “Major Crime” and a group of 5 poeple, not one really trained for the job, working out of an underground facility build for thousands .......
The stories about Afghanistan could be close to a kind of reality, but the behaviour of the main character is just ridicilous.
Doesn’t matter, for me a story full of violence and unorganized action ........
The stories about Afghanistan could be close to a kind of reality, but the behaviour of the main character is just ridicilous.
Doesn’t matter, for me a story full of violence and unorganized action ........
June 27, 2021
Could be happening right now. Captain Sarah Stone is a very bitter British veteran. She lost her husband, her child, and was scarred for life in the war against terrorism. She has no love for her country or for anyone at thos point in her life. She is just existing until she is approached by someone asking for her help from the Major Crimes Unit (MCU). Then the action begins. Looking forward to the next book.
January 22, 2022
A nice first book in the Major Crimes Unit series, this really lays the groundwork and then builds upon the premise in a most satisfying way. The way author shift the focus from the current day story to the backstory is well done. My only complaint is the lead character, everything she says is a sarcastic comment, it is like watching "Mom" or "Rosanne" in which every line is a funny and bitter little quip.
May 26, 2017
Terrifying but insightful
Terrifying not only because this can become reality but is reality and happing now. Insightful in how and what our countries are doing to combat the terrorists. This is one book that is going to stay with me for a long time! I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Terrifying not only because this can become reality but is reality and happing now. Insightful in how and what our countries are doing to combat the terrorists. This is one book that is going to stay with me for a long time! I can't wait to read the next in the series.
May 26, 2019
Well, this from a well known, well established horror writer and a rewrite to boot makes an all action crime thriller all the more incredible. But is it good? My god it’s better than good to me anyway, cos right up my street. With a feisty female lead and god is she feisty. This is a very good thriller action all the way. You just can’t put it down. Highly recommended.
March 18, 2017
What a ride!
Iain Rob Wright is a talent beyond compare. A fantastic range of characters in this thriller so brilliantly written in a story that just won't stop. Enough praise from me, I'm starting the sequel right away.
Iain Rob Wright is a talent beyond compare. A fantastic range of characters in this thriller so brilliantly written in a story that just won't stop. Enough praise from me, I'm starting the sequel right away.
May 21, 2018
Thriller
Kind of a political thriller and more. A well written story about a girl, actually a woman, who has lost everything in her past and gets the rare opportunity to fight back. Great characters with real world horrors.
Kind of a political thriller and more. A well written story about a girl, actually a woman, who has lost everything in her past and gets the rare opportunity to fight back. Great characters with real world horrors.
July 21, 2019
😊
I am used to Iain Rob Wright books of horror, terror and unimaginable disturbing scenes. This being a book on crime I expected something really different but all named beforehand still applies when it comes to war and terrorism. Brilliant book 🙌.
I am used to Iain Rob Wright books of horror, terror and unimaginable disturbing scenes. This being a book on crime I expected something really different but all named beforehand still applies when it comes to war and terrorism. Brilliant book 🙌.
March 29, 2021
This is an exciting adventure filled with danger and tense action. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 in this series. I highly recommend Soft Target, as well as, all of Iain Rob Wright’s greatly entertaining works.
February 16, 2024
Fifteen eye-rolls and a fair few misplaced apostrophes, but a solid story with memorable characters, and an interesting genre-switch from the author. I know I started out with nitpicking there, but I did enjoy the story.
February 12, 2017
Great book!
I am a big fan of Iain Rob Wright, and this book does not disappoint! I can't wait to read the next one!
I am a big fan of Iain Rob Wright, and this book does not disappoint! I can't wait to read the next one!
September 19, 2018
Book was a very good read,
March 17, 2021
A good story with an excellent sarcastic damaged and scarred lead character. Good premise, some of the dialogue seemed a little stilted but a good read
April 5, 2021
Not the normal horror fest I've come to know and love from this author but a great thriller book, Captain Sarah Stone is not a woman to be messed with!
May 1, 2021
Good start to the series
This was my first book by this author & I liked it. Not my normal genre but it was nice change & I enjoyed it.
This was my first book by this author & I liked it. Not my normal genre but it was nice change & I enjoyed it.
December 29, 2021
Not bad, a little far fetched with the helicopter scenes but ok. Also a cliffhanger, which I don’t really like but I have all four books to read.
February 20, 2022
from the prologue until the very last word this was hard to put down it had me hooked from the beginning.
August 8, 2023
Sarah is a bit of a shithouse in all honesty for an elite soldier. 🤣
January 3, 2024
Ridiculous book which has some entertainment value but is too absurd to ever think about again.
July 23, 2014
Wright attributes his inspiration for Soft Target to 24, and even goes so far as to quote Jack Bauer's infamous "Damn it!" prior to the book's opening. It's a decidedly fun nod and sets the mood, but let me get this particular bias out of the way right up front: I am an unabashed 24 fan. It's one of my all-time favorite action series, and I was ecstatic to see the Jack Bauer Power Hour make a return to the recently-concluded UK-based miniseries, 24: Live Another Day. As it just so happens, Wright's Soft Target is also set in the UK, his homeland, and, inadvertently or not, further reinforces that parallel to 24. To me, Live Another Day was a fine return to form and a bit like a collection of Greatest Hits spread over its half-season run. All of this is to say that when a thriller writer makes the bold claim that their work is in the vein of 24, it's a large promise to live up to.
Soft Target introduces us to Sarah Stone, a physically disfigured and emotionally scarred combat veteran who has lost everything. In 2008, she was abducted by Afghan terrorists, led by Al Al-Hariri, after an IED detonated and killed the soldiers under her command. After suicide bombers start detonating themselves across London, and evidence surfaces linking these terrorists to Al-Hariri's organization, the Major Crimes Unit (Wright's run-down, underfunded and understaffed equivalent to 24's CTU) calls on Stone for help.
While Soft Target draws on the rapid-fire pacing of its inspirational source, Wright, unfortunately, also brings in some of 24's more notable weaknesses, which is evident in the book's opening. As is typical in these types of thrillers, the narrative is based on the outsider who is called in to assist and who knows far more than the somewhat-bumbling superiors she is assigned to, but whom seem to hardly ever listen, in order to generate more conflict and ratchet up the tension. For instance, after receiving a video attributing the terror attacks to an Afghan terrorist, Sarah Stone instantly knows the video is fake and rifles off certain key aspects to support her theory, primarily the misplaced henna tattoo of the videoed spokesman. It takes some convincing, but eventually MCU is forced to acquiesce to Stone's knowledge and let her run the show. In between, there's snarky inter-personal conflicts galore, many of which are instigated by Stone, who is intent on maintaining her outsider lone-wolf status by making bad jokes and generally treating those around her with brusqueness and a cold shoulder attitude.
I was a bit put off by Stone's self-ascribed bitchiness initially, but Wright was able to layer her personality and unravel the past horrors of her capture in Afghanistan expertly, and, eventually, win me over to her side. There are several flashbacks to Stone's time in the military, which shed so much light on her current scarred psyche that by book's end it has actually become quite difficult to not sympathize with her, and she transforms into a figure to root for. The way Wright shades in her history is much appreciated, and those 2008 flashbacks were oftentimes the greatest strength of the book and carried the most emotional resonance.
The Afghanistan interstitials and the mad-bomber threat of the premise alone were enough to keep me turning pages, and by book's end I was fully invested and completely won over. The action is pretty solid, oftentimes exciting, and I was drawn in by the mystery of why seemingly normal UK citizens were suddenly turning into terrorists (although, this particular issue was not fully resolved with satisfaction or with enough clarity to approach closure, but that may be a subject for the next book). While I still have a bit of those initial misgivings, and there were several scenes that fell a bit flat for me, I can examine them with hindsight and see a tad more clearly what Wright was attempting and where both he and his characters were in terms of head-space.
Soft Target may not reach the glories of 24 in its heyday, but it's ultimately worth a read. It's a fun, fast-paced thriller, which is ultimately more important than how well it stacks up as a 24 clone. And while I was a bit put-off by Sarah Stone during the opening moments, her past was sufficiently detailed while her present-day experiences helped to shape and inform her, and help her grow to the point that I'll be looking forward to seeing where Wright takes her next. I think she could develop into an interesting, multi-layered heroine and the series as a whole has much potential. Soft Target is a good start to a new adventure series, and I'm hopeful it'll have an explosive future.
Soft Target introduces us to Sarah Stone, a physically disfigured and emotionally scarred combat veteran who has lost everything. In 2008, she was abducted by Afghan terrorists, led by Al Al-Hariri, after an IED detonated and killed the soldiers under her command. After suicide bombers start detonating themselves across London, and evidence surfaces linking these terrorists to Al-Hariri's organization, the Major Crimes Unit (Wright's run-down, underfunded and understaffed equivalent to 24's CTU) calls on Stone for help.
While Soft Target draws on the rapid-fire pacing of its inspirational source, Wright, unfortunately, also brings in some of 24's more notable weaknesses, which is evident in the book's opening. As is typical in these types of thrillers, the narrative is based on the outsider who is called in to assist and who knows far more than the somewhat-bumbling superiors she is assigned to, but whom seem to hardly ever listen, in order to generate more conflict and ratchet up the tension. For instance, after receiving a video attributing the terror attacks to an Afghan terrorist, Sarah Stone instantly knows the video is fake and rifles off certain key aspects to support her theory, primarily the misplaced henna tattoo of the videoed spokesman. It takes some convincing, but eventually MCU is forced to acquiesce to Stone's knowledge and let her run the show. In between, there's snarky inter-personal conflicts galore, many of which are instigated by Stone, who is intent on maintaining her outsider lone-wolf status by making bad jokes and generally treating those around her with brusqueness and a cold shoulder attitude.
I was a bit put off by Stone's self-ascribed bitchiness initially, but Wright was able to layer her personality and unravel the past horrors of her capture in Afghanistan expertly, and, eventually, win me over to her side. There are several flashbacks to Stone's time in the military, which shed so much light on her current scarred psyche that by book's end it has actually become quite difficult to not sympathize with her, and she transforms into a figure to root for. The way Wright shades in her history is much appreciated, and those 2008 flashbacks were oftentimes the greatest strength of the book and carried the most emotional resonance.
The Afghanistan interstitials and the mad-bomber threat of the premise alone were enough to keep me turning pages, and by book's end I was fully invested and completely won over. The action is pretty solid, oftentimes exciting, and I was drawn in by the mystery of why seemingly normal UK citizens were suddenly turning into terrorists (although, this particular issue was not fully resolved with satisfaction or with enough clarity to approach closure, but that may be a subject for the next book). While I still have a bit of those initial misgivings, and there were several scenes that fell a bit flat for me, I can examine them with hindsight and see a tad more clearly what Wright was attempting and where both he and his characters were in terms of head-space.
Soft Target may not reach the glories of 24 in its heyday, but it's ultimately worth a read. It's a fun, fast-paced thriller, which is ultimately more important than how well it stacks up as a 24 clone. And while I was a bit put-off by Sarah Stone during the opening moments, her past was sufficiently detailed while her present-day experiences helped to shape and inform her, and help her grow to the point that I'll be looking forward to seeing where Wright takes her next. I think she could develop into an interesting, multi-layered heroine and the series as a whole has much potential. Soft Target is a good start to a new adventure series, and I'm hopeful it'll have an explosive future.
May 15, 2018
Great book
Really keeps you attention, and makes you think. Very well written, and a good read. I think you'll enjoy it.
Really keeps you attention, and makes you think. Very well written, and a good read. I think you'll enjoy it.
May 1, 2021
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review.
Scars of the past, Demons of the present
Sarah Stone has an ax to grind with the United Kingdom. A once decorated Captain serving in the Middle East, Sarah was respected and devoted to fighting the “good fight” against terrorism. The daughter of a beloved Major and the only woman to pass the SAS entrance exam, Stone was a force to be reckoned with. But after an ambush takes out her entire team and leaves her at the mercy of the enemy, Sarah returns home an empty, broken shell of the woman she once was. When she gets an unexpected opportunity to join a secret government operation she initially refuses. Why would she want to continue to help a country that left her for dead? But as the terror comes to her home soil, perpetrated by the most unlikely of persons alongside whispers of a name she thought she left behind in the deserts of Afghanistan, Sarah finds herself once again drawn into the fray. For better or for worse and with vengeance on her mind, Sarah immerses herself back into the world she never wanted to see again to fight against a very real enemy and protect the country she calls home.
I first read Soft Target about 5 years ago; back when my only motivation was to read a good story and escape from the tedium of my office job. Rereading it again so many years later has really proven how great of a series this is. While the events of 911 are long over, the memory is still very raw for many people. Wright does an amazing job of harnessing the fear, uncertainty, and chaos of that time. Sarah is both a character that you love and hate. A product of her environment, Sarah has only known loss and pain. The daughter of a decorated SAS officer, Sarah is never good enough to live up to the expectations of Major Stone. The MCU is a brilliant imagining of a secret government facility known to some but hidden from all. Wright’s description of “The Earthworm” was so vivid, it was very easy to imagine myself walking along those secret corridors.
While not a new story or even a new concept, Soft Target is a story with staying power. What impresses me most about this series is that Iain Rob Wright is primarily known for his horror stories, but with Soft Target, he has proven just how diverse he is. If you are looking for a faced paced story with compelling characters and a familiar setting that will have you glued to the pages, I highly recommend Soft Target.
Scars of the past, Demons of the present
Sarah Stone has an ax to grind with the United Kingdom. A once decorated Captain serving in the Middle East, Sarah was respected and devoted to fighting the “good fight” against terrorism. The daughter of a beloved Major and the only woman to pass the SAS entrance exam, Stone was a force to be reckoned with. But after an ambush takes out her entire team and leaves her at the mercy of the enemy, Sarah returns home an empty, broken shell of the woman she once was. When she gets an unexpected opportunity to join a secret government operation she initially refuses. Why would she want to continue to help a country that left her for dead? But as the terror comes to her home soil, perpetrated by the most unlikely of persons alongside whispers of a name she thought she left behind in the deserts of Afghanistan, Sarah finds herself once again drawn into the fray. For better or for worse and with vengeance on her mind, Sarah immerses herself back into the world she never wanted to see again to fight against a very real enemy and protect the country she calls home.
I first read Soft Target about 5 years ago; back when my only motivation was to read a good story and escape from the tedium of my office job. Rereading it again so many years later has really proven how great of a series this is. While the events of 911 are long over, the memory is still very raw for many people. Wright does an amazing job of harnessing the fear, uncertainty, and chaos of that time. Sarah is both a character that you love and hate. A product of her environment, Sarah has only known loss and pain. The daughter of a decorated SAS officer, Sarah is never good enough to live up to the expectations of Major Stone. The MCU is a brilliant imagining of a secret government facility known to some but hidden from all. Wright’s description of “The Earthworm” was so vivid, it was very easy to imagine myself walking along those secret corridors.
While not a new story or even a new concept, Soft Target is a story with staying power. What impresses me most about this series is that Iain Rob Wright is primarily known for his horror stories, but with Soft Target, he has proven just how diverse he is. If you are looking for a faced paced story with compelling characters and a familiar setting that will have you glued to the pages, I highly recommend Soft Target.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews