The Devil's Assassin

Jack Lark, Book 3

By: Paul Fraser Collard

Narrated by: Dudley Hinton

Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

The bold hero of The Scarlet Thief and The Maharajah's General in an exhilarating and dangerous new adventure.

Bombay, 1857. Jack Lark is living precariously as an officer when his heroic but fraudulent past is discovered by the devil - Major Ballard, the army's intelligence officer. Ballard is gathering a web of information to defend the British Empire, and he needs a man like Jack on his side. Not far away, in Persia, the Shah is moving against British territory and, with the Russians whispering in his ear, seeks to conquer the crucial city of Herat.

The empire's strength is under threat, and the army must fight back. As the British march to war, Jack learns that secrets crucial to the campaign's success are leaking into their enemies' hands. Ballard has brought him to the battlefield to end a spy's deceit. But who is the traitor?

The Devil's Assassin sweeps Jack Lark through a thrilling tale of explosive action as the British face the Persian army in the inky darkness of the desert night.

©2015 Paul Fraser Collard (P)2016 Headline Digital

Riveting

This is book three in the Jack Lark series. I did not read the first two books in the series. I just plunged into book three. Paul Fraser Collard is a new author to me.

The story takes place in the year 1857 in Bombay, India. The story begins with Lark masquerading as a British Officer. He is discovered by Major Ballard, who is the Intelligence Officer. Lark is coerced into becoming an undercover spy. They are looking for a traitor who is selling military secrets to the Persian Army. The Persian Shah is moving against the British held territory and is attempting to capture the City of Herat. As the British Army prepare for War, Lark is attempting to find the spy. The battle scenes are good with lots of descriptions and action. Collard builds the suspense throughout the battle.

The book is well written and researched. The descriptions of the Indian countryside bring the area to life. The battle scenes are realistic. Collard’s writing style brings to life the story for the reader. I felt I was plunged down in the middle of the action. Collard sort of reminds me of Bernard Cornwell, but then again it might be just the British Army in India type of story. I am looking forward to reading more of Collard’s books.

The book is twelve hours long. Dudley Hinton does a good job narratoring the book. This is the first time I have listened to Hinton read a book.

More adventure for Jack!

good character development in Jack third installment. at times it's harder to like him! the story zips along with a few twists here and there. I am still not convinced by the narration however still an enjoyable audiobook.

Pretty Good

Undemanding fun listen. Well narrated. Interesting if somewhat predictable plot. Worth a credit. Have a go.

Fast moving intriguing tale

Where does The Devil's Assassin rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This amongst the best Audio historical fiction books I have listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

The pace and the continuous action

Which character – as performed by Dudley Hinton – was your favourite?

Jack Lark

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed it so much I downloaded more from the series.

Masterful

The third instalment of the adventures of Jack Lark. Brilliantly written and immerses the reader in a world of battles and strong characters.
I have downloaded the next instalment and can't wait for some more historical fiction.