The Unwanted by Brett Battles

Jonathan Quinn is 'The Cleaner' – not someone you employ at minimum wage and hope they'll turn up again next week, but a man who takes charge of the problems which other people leave behind. This usually means bodies. In this third book in The Cleaner series Quinn is on a mission to Ireland – and he never should have believed that he was going there purely as an observer, because we have four bodies before we're many pages into the book. Before long he's on his way to Africa in search of a UN aide worker who has disappeared, along with the child she's protecting.

This is, naturally the edge of a terror plot which could change the world and if that sort of thing appeals to you then you're going to love this book. It's chock full of shadowy organisations with vague government connections, car chases, gun fights and all the boys' toys which you could wish for. There's barely a page which isn't full of action and it's all too easy to read just a little bit more. It would make a great holiday read, but – be warned – it won't last very long!

The characters are more appealing than I initially suspected and with a lot more depth than is often found in this type of book. They've certainly evolved over the three books in the series. You'll probably get most out of this novel if you've read the two earlier books in the series, as there's a story running in the background, but it can be read as a stand alone with no problems.

If there's a down-side to the book it's that I found the plot a little convoluted and I'm still not entirely certain that I fully understood the nature of the threat. That is me being rather pedantic and wanting all the ends neatly tied up, though. If you're happy to go with the flow then you'll find this book great fun.

I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.

If this type of book appeals to you then forget about the usual suggestions of Robert Ludlum and Lee Child and have a look at Even by Andrew Grant, and yes – we do know that he's Lee Child's brother. You might also enjoy Death Force by Matt Lynn.

The Unwanted is published in the USA as Shadow of Betrayal.

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