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The Underhanded
Europe’s last line of defense against neofascism—a history professor?
Professor William Dresden has found solitude in the south of France to grapple with his troubled past—a neglected upbringing, failed romances, the recent demolition of his life’s work in academia, and even witnessing genocide, among other secrets. But he soon learns that he has much larger problems when an adrift MI6 officer, Adeline Parker, calls and insists on a meeting, revealing shocking information about his family. Then a bomb explodes.
William and Adeline narrowly escape the attempt on their lives and find themselves battling a group of neofascists and extreme nationalists who are inciting violent divisions across Europe. They are pulled into a shadowy war against a cabal called the Strasbourg Executive and pushed to the brink by family betrayals, corrupt institutions, and the Executive’s subversive plots against the fabric of Western society.
To survive, William must make tough decisions and act in ways he could’ve never previously imagined—but even that might not be enough.
Perfect for fans of Dan Brown and Jack Carr
Professor William Dresden has found solitude in the south of France to grapple with his troubled past—a neglected upbringing, failed romances, the recent demolition of his life’s work in academia, and even witnessing genocide, among other secrets. But he soon learns that he has much larger problems when an adrift MI6 officer, Adeline Parker, calls and insists on a meeting, revealing shocking information about his family. Then a bomb explodes.
William and Adeline narrowly escape the attempt on their lives and find themselves battling a group of neofascists and extreme nationalists who are inciting violent divisions across Europe. They are pulled into a shadowy war against a cabal called the Strasbourg Executive and pushed to the brink by family betrayals, corrupt institutions, and the Executive’s subversive plots against the fabric of Western society.
To survive, William must make tough decisions and act in ways he could’ve never previously imagined—but even that might not be enough.
Perfect for fans of Dan Brown and Jack Carr
- GenresThriller
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2024
About the author
Adam Sikes
3 books59 followersAdam Sikes is a novelist and non-fiction author, and his debut thriller, Landslide, was a finalist for the National Indi Excellence Awards. His forthcoming novel, The Underhanded, is set for release in April 2024. He also co-authored Open Skies: My Life as Afghanistan’s First Female Pilot. Prior to taking up the pen, Adam served for over twenty-five years in US national security and is a former paramilitary officer with the CIA and a US Marine Corps combat veteran. He has lived and operated in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, Europe, and Russia. Wherever he went, his books and notepads came with him, and his experiences now inform his writing. Adam holds an M.A. in History from Georgetown University and resides in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 30, 2024
The Underhanded is a story about a secret society in Europe that believes that Europe is being overrun by immigrants from other countries and diluting the importance and the role of the natives of the European continent. It is an interesting theory of a group of well-financed private societies that has been carrying out planned, staged killings of select immigrant communities to preserve white supremacy in Europe.
It is a fast-paced thriller that starts with an incident at Tempelhof Airport where a group of Syrian refugees accommodated temporarily at Berlin Airport are bombed out by a group of fanatics. The story is about the unravelling of the underlying secret sect that includes the father of the protagonist and how they stop and immobilise the sect, at least temporarily.
The story is quite riveting and we are fed with a mixture of fact and fiction to keep the reader engrossed. It is an exciting idea, that a group of rich individuals can assign themselves the role of the torchbearers for white supremacy in Europe and the extent to which they misuse the power and wealth in their midst to maintain the purity of their race—a fascinating and captivating book to read.
It is a fast-paced thriller that starts with an incident at Tempelhof Airport where a group of Syrian refugees accommodated temporarily at Berlin Airport are bombed out by a group of fanatics. The story is about the unravelling of the underlying secret sect that includes the father of the protagonist and how they stop and immobilise the sect, at least temporarily.
The story is quite riveting and we are fed with a mixture of fact and fiction to keep the reader engrossed. It is an exciting idea, that a group of rich individuals can assign themselves the role of the torchbearers for white supremacy in Europe and the extent to which they misuse the power and wealth in their midst to maintain the purity of their race—a fascinating and captivating book to read.
February 8, 2024
While I enjoyed this read overall, I can't help but think the pudding is over-egged. There are many layers to the grand conspiracy that forms the heart of this story, and many parts of that have an almost super villain feel, that make this seem a little cartoonish. I enjoyed the general premise, a scheme that is using technology, big data, and social media manipulation to drive an agenda and cause chaos. You can imagine that happening because we hear about it now.
But even though there are plenty of action scenes and the protagonist is engaging and thoroughly likeable, the book is often bogged down with slow dialogue and over explanation. Other books do this as well, the scenes where a character will explain their entire scheme in minute details, or scenes where characters plot out something in minute detail. Sometimes that is better handled in prose, not dialogue, and I wonder if I would have thought about this different if the book showed more balance in that respect.
I do like the scale of the book. I do like the fast-paced scenes, when they were there. I like the everyday protagonist, this time a professor of history, who is thrown into a world a danger and uncertainty. I thought his reactions to events weren't always consistent to his character, given such a sudden dive into the shady world of espionage and life-threatening danger is a sharp contrast to his academic life. I expected more shock, more fear. He felt very comfortable in certain scenes, too comfortable for who I thought the character to be.
In any case, I do think fans of conspiracy type books, or espionage books, may get a thrill out of this. It's a big plot and written with a lot of humanity. And I really liked the cover. That's what drew me to this in the first place.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy of the book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
But even though there are plenty of action scenes and the protagonist is engaging and thoroughly likeable, the book is often bogged down with slow dialogue and over explanation. Other books do this as well, the scenes where a character will explain their entire scheme in minute details, or scenes where characters plot out something in minute detail. Sometimes that is better handled in prose, not dialogue, and I wonder if I would have thought about this different if the book showed more balance in that respect.
I do like the scale of the book. I do like the fast-paced scenes, when they were there. I like the everyday protagonist, this time a professor of history, who is thrown into a world a danger and uncertainty. I thought his reactions to events weren't always consistent to his character, given such a sudden dive into the shady world of espionage and life-threatening danger is a sharp contrast to his academic life. I expected more shock, more fear. He felt very comfortable in certain scenes, too comfortable for who I thought the character to be.
In any case, I do think fans of conspiracy type books, or espionage books, may get a thrill out of this. It's a big plot and written with a lot of humanity. And I really liked the cover. That's what drew me to this in the first place.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy of the book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
April 3, 2024
William Dresden, a disgraced history professor, retreated to his villa in France. A phone call from MI6 agent Adeline Parker changed his life and everything he believed about his family. In an action packed thriller, Dresden and Parker race through Europe to stop a plot by the Strasbourg Executives, a group of extreme nationalists who use terror and manipulate social media to influence public opinion. Adeline reveals the involvement of the Decker family, going back several generations. His father’s own accidental death had been faked so that he could take a leadership position with the Executives. They have now been taken over by a leader who will use whatever violence is necessary to lay blame on the immigrant communities and return the European nations to the idea of racial purity. With the help of unexpected sources and someone working on the inside of the organization, Decker and Parker evade assassins and conceive a plan to expose them.
Adam Sikes’ The Underhanded is fast paced with enough near misses to keep you on the edge of your seat. He also provides historical background to set the scene for events in the present. Decker has witnessed genocide in the past and had settled into the life of an academic. When Parker contacts him there is little trust between the two but their survival depends on her skills and working together. They grow as a team as they struggle against the Executive. Even when the Executive’s board is defeated there are still elements of the organization in existence and Sikes’ ending leaves it open for a possible sequel, which I can not wait to see. This is a must read for fans of Steve Berry or Dan Brown, whose thrillers include elements o history. I would like to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for making this book available for my review.
Adam Sikes’ The Underhanded is fast paced with enough near misses to keep you on the edge of your seat. He also provides historical background to set the scene for events in the present. Decker has witnessed genocide in the past and had settled into the life of an academic. When Parker contacts him there is little trust between the two but their survival depends on her skills and working together. They grow as a team as they struggle against the Executive. Even when the Executive’s board is defeated there are still elements of the organization in existence and Sikes’ ending leaves it open for a possible sequel, which I can not wait to see. This is a must read for fans of Steve Berry or Dan Brown, whose thrillers include elements o history. I would like to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for making this book available for my review.
April 3, 2024
William Dresden, a disgraced history professor, retreated to his villa in France. A phone call from MI6 agent Adeline Parker changed his life and everything he believed about his family. In an action packed thriller, Dresden and Parker race through Europe to stop a plot by the Strasbourg Executives, a group of extreme nationalists who use terror and manipulate social media to influence public opinion. Adeline reveals the involvement of the Decker family, going back several generations. His father’s own accidental death had been faked so that he could take a leadership position with the Executives. They have now been taken over by a leader who will use whatever violence is necessary to lay blame on the immigrant communities and return the European nations to the idea of racial purity. With the help of unexpected sources and someone working on the inside of the organization, Decker and Parker evade assassins and conceive a plan to expose them.
Adam Sikes’ The Underhanded is fast paced with enough near misses to keep you on the edge of your seat. He also provides historical background to set the scene for events in the present. Decker has witnessed genocide in the past and had settled into the life of an academic. When Parker contacts him there is little trust between the two but their survival depends on her skills and working together. They grow as a team as they struggle against the Executive. Even when the Executive’s board is defeated there are still elements of the organization in existence and Sikes’ ending leaves it open for a possible sequel, which I can not wait to see. This is a must read for fans of Steve Berry or Dan Brown, whose thrillers include elements o history. I would like to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for making this book available for my review.
Adam Sikes’ The Underhanded is fast paced with enough near misses to keep you on the edge of your seat. He also provides historical background to set the scene for events in the present. Decker has witnessed genocide in the past and had settled into the life of an academic. When Parker contacts him there is little trust between the two but their survival depends on her skills and working together. They grow as a team as they struggle against the Executive. Even when the Executive’s board is defeated there are still elements of the organization in existence and Sikes’ ending leaves it open for a possible sequel, which I can not wait to see. This is a must read for fans of Steve Berry or Dan Brown, whose thrillers include elements o history. I would like to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for making this book available for my review.
April 10, 2024
First I have to talk about the cover. It’s what caught my attention on this book. When I saw it was available for tour I kept coming back to look at the cover. The blurb is intriguing but the cover is what sold the book for me. The blurb says this book is for fans of Dan Brown, which I am, and I couldn’t agree more. The book has a secret society called the Executive that works behind the scenes with very powerful people to accomplish their goals. The main character, William, is unwilling drawn in to a mission to protect Europe. I enjoyed the characters and the story itself. It is well written and full of action. This is not a lighthearted read but instead one that will keep you gripped as you try to untangle the mystery with William.
April 8, 2024
Just like his previous cliff-hanger Landslide, Adam Sikes crushes it again with The Underhanded! A hard charging thriller exposing the centuries-old Strasbourg Executive, a secretive cabal that hides in the weeds and instigates right-wing violence and xenophobia using Big Data and AI in hopes of exploding The European Union. Fast-paced and action packed, anyone who feels the uncertainty and anxiety prevalent in our world today will relate to Professor William Dresden, an idealist thrown into the center of this ever shifting race to bring the Executive down. The Underhanded is an awesome ride but hang on tight!
April 1, 2024
A History Professor gets disgraced because of a bombing where he was the victim and was posed as the perpetrator. His whole life turns upside down when he discovers about The Executive and his family's role in it. From teacher he becomes a spy and he runs for his life doing things that were unthinkable a few days before it all begin. The Underhanded is a fast-paced well documented story about how things might be handled in the espionage area, and how countries and political figures are involved in deciding people's future. Dense, well-written, and frightening to think this story could be partially true. Entertaining and recommended if you are into spy thrillers and political gambling.
I thank Mr. Sykes, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank Mr. Sykes, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
March 27, 2024
The Underhanded by Adam Sikes
This isn’t a spy thriller as much as it is an action-adventure. Professor William Dresden is a discredited historian. How a historian becomes discredited is part of the plot. The Professor discovers that his research has inadvertently cast light on the underpinnings of an international conspiracy. British Intelligence approaches him for help in discovering more about the international conspiracy. Said approach triggers major changes in the Professor’s life.
Sike builds his characters with depth. He uses intelligence briefings to give you the necessary background to understand their behavior. The utilization of current events surrounding the neo-fascist nationalistic and anti-immigration issues provides fuel for the international plot.
Occasionally the complexity of the plot becomes confusing but eventually, all is worked out. The sequel door is open. Interesting note, not once did anyone call Professor William Dresden, Bill.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
This isn’t a spy thriller as much as it is an action-adventure. Professor William Dresden is a discredited historian. How a historian becomes discredited is part of the plot. The Professor discovers that his research has inadvertently cast light on the underpinnings of an international conspiracy. British Intelligence approaches him for help in discovering more about the international conspiracy. Said approach triggers major changes in the Professor’s life.
Sike builds his characters with depth. He uses intelligence briefings to give you the necessary background to understand their behavior. The utilization of current events surrounding the neo-fascist nationalistic and anti-immigration issues provides fuel for the international plot.
Occasionally the complexity of the plot becomes confusing but eventually, all is worked out. The sequel door is open. Interesting note, not once did anyone call Professor William Dresden, Bill.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
April 1, 2024
Good book
March 4, 2024
The Underhanded by Adam Sikes. A History professor gets pulled into an espionage program seeking a cabal of behind the scenes influencers who wield immense power but do so anonymously. Tells a scary tale of the power these so-called influencers have and can wield - especially nowadays through social media. It is frightening to think that most people care so little about who is in power and how they got it.
March 22, 2024
Prepare to be swept away into a world of international intrigue and heart-pounding suspense with Adam Sikes' gripping novel, 'The Underhanded.' From the first page to the last, Sikes delivers a rollercoaster ride of thrills and twists that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
A college professor with a keen eye for history finds himself thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with MI6 and a clandestine society hell-bent on furthering their cause by sowing chaos and division.
Sikes effortlessly weaves together a complex tapestry of espionage, political intrigue, and historical insight, creating a narrative that is as riveting as it is thought-provoking. From the first page to the last, Sikes delivers thrills and twists that will leave you breathless and yearning for more—a true great in the espionage/action genre.
A college professor with a keen eye for history finds himself thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with MI6 and a clandestine society hell-bent on furthering their cause by sowing chaos and division.
Sikes effortlessly weaves together a complex tapestry of espionage, political intrigue, and historical insight, creating a narrative that is as riveting as it is thought-provoking. From the first page to the last, Sikes delivers thrills and twists that will leave you breathless and yearning for more—a true great in the espionage/action genre.
February 7, 2024
I just finished reading The Underhanded and boy was I not disappointed.
From the first chapters of the book you will be pulled into a fast paced thrill ride of twists and turns that will take you through quite an adventure. The author has a real knack for "setting the scene and the characters" while not getting bogged down in too much detail thus slowing the pace of the adventure.
I love his use of detail in many of the scenes like when he doesn't just have the protagonist pour himself some scotch but pours himself some Balvenie. He does this throughout the book whether it's accurately describing locals in cities or simply the entry way to an historical building in London. This really allows the reader to sink into the story and get a vivid picture of what's going on.
The authors characters are flawed thus believable. They don't drown in angst (something that many writers do). I don't want to read an action adventure where half the book is the healing process. Sikes gives you his characters warts and all but shows their strengths and thus makes them very likable while at the same time very real.
The pace of the book builds nicely and keeps it up right until the very end.
Don't want to spoil the ending for you so I'll just say that in The Underhanded the author has introduced a character, Professor Dresden,who I am glad to say we won't see the last of. He is the Indiana Jones of the 21st century.
From the first chapters of the book you will be pulled into a fast paced thrill ride of twists and turns that will take you through quite an adventure. The author has a real knack for "setting the scene and the characters" while not getting bogged down in too much detail thus slowing the pace of the adventure.
I love his use of detail in many of the scenes like when he doesn't just have the protagonist pour himself some scotch but pours himself some Balvenie. He does this throughout the book whether it's accurately describing locals in cities or simply the entry way to an historical building in London. This really allows the reader to sink into the story and get a vivid picture of what's going on.
The authors characters are flawed thus believable. They don't drown in angst (something that many writers do). I don't want to read an action adventure where half the book is the healing process. Sikes gives you his characters warts and all but shows their strengths and thus makes them very likable while at the same time very real.
The pace of the book builds nicely and keeps it up right until the very end.
Don't want to spoil the ending for you so I'll just say that in The Underhanded the author has introduced a character, Professor Dresden,who I am glad to say we won't see the last of. He is the Indiana Jones of the 21st century.
February 18, 2024
Now that's what I call conspiracy with plenty of action, twists, and turns. So similar to the current headlines. So it is easy to be pulled in. History teacher pulled into it seems far fetched until you get near the end. Never got what some of the smaller characters had to win. It is an interesting book for someone that likes action packed political stories.
February 20, 2024
The Underhanded is a fast paced espionage thriller! It is a hard book to put down, as you quickly get drawn in by the main characters. I recommend this book who enjoys reading smart espionage thrillers!!
February 6, 2024
The Underhanded tells a very well-written, fast-moving story that is grounded in an extremely prescient and thought-provoking premise. Adam Sikes, the author, makes the story accessible and understandable for his readership, weaving quite complicated geopolitical issues into an eerily plausible tale.
Amidst my busy days at work, I found myself eager to get back to the novel at the end of the day to continue on with the story, which travels so well across the pages, as well as the map. The pace and structure of the chapters allow for a very easy and engaging read.
I especially enjoyed learning about the application of spy-craft throughout the book, a topic that’s always interesting to those who love thrillers and stories of espionage. I think everyone who picks this novel up will enjoy it!
Amidst my busy days at work, I found myself eager to get back to the novel at the end of the day to continue on with the story, which travels so well across the pages, as well as the map. The pace and structure of the chapters allow for a very easy and engaging read.
I especially enjoyed learning about the application of spy-craft throughout the book, a topic that’s always interesting to those who love thrillers and stories of espionage. I think everyone who picks this novel up will enjoy it!
January 30, 2024
The Underhanded is a story about a secret European society that believes that Europe is being overrun by immigrants from other countries and diluting the importance and the role of the natives of the European continent. It is an interesting theory of a group of well-financed private societies that has been carrying out planned, staged killings of select immigrant communities to preserve white supremacy in Europe.
It is a fast-paced thriller that starts with an incident at Tempelhof Airport where a group of Syrian refugees accommodated temporarily at Berlin Airport are bombed out by a group of fanatics. The story is about the unravelling of the underlying secret sect that includes the father of the protagonist and how they stop and immobilise the sect, at least temporarily.
The story is quite riveting and we are fed with a mixture of fact and fiction to keep the reader engrossed. It is a very interesting idea, that a group of rich individuals can assign themselves the role of the torchbearers for white supremacy in Europe and the extent to which they misuse the power and wealth in their midst to maintain the purity of their race. A fascinating and captivating book to read
It is a fast-paced thriller that starts with an incident at Tempelhof Airport where a group of Syrian refugees accommodated temporarily at Berlin Airport are bombed out by a group of fanatics. The story is about the unravelling of the underlying secret sect that includes the father of the protagonist and how they stop and immobilise the sect, at least temporarily.
The story is quite riveting and we are fed with a mixture of fact and fiction to keep the reader engrossed. It is a very interesting idea, that a group of rich individuals can assign themselves the role of the torchbearers for white supremacy in Europe and the extent to which they misuse the power and wealth in their midst to maintain the purity of their race. A fascinating and captivating book to read
October 26, 2023
The premise of this thriller is a European conspiracy theory that drives most of the action. Since this is fiction, and the premise seems plausible for a thriller, I think a reader of this genre will enjoy this book. The lead character is both enjoyable, yet somewhat naive and vulnerable.....a nice combination. The author seems very comfortable writing in this format and it shows. Well-developed characters, believable action, and periodic thrill segments that flow well with the evolving story.
December 17, 2023
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
January 1, 2024
Underhanded by Adam Sikes takes the reader into today’s nightmare of unprovoked mass murders, untrustworthy fake news, breaking news media hype, and projects the menace of an evil controller. An intriguing read.
April 7, 2024
Following 2022’s LANDSLIDE, Adam Sikes creates a contemporary John le Carré-like espionage thriller featuring Professor William Dresden, whose academic life and knowledge of history emulate Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon.
As Dresden tussles with egregiously false academic dishonor and a failed romance in southern France, a persistent caller, Adeline Parker, insists on meeting at a sidewalk bistro. Before café au lait is served, Adeline spies a figure at the café doorway and forces Dresden behind a makeshift barricade. An explosive device does its thing, and they flee to the UK. Parker is “an intelligence officer with Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service…more popularly referred to as MI6. James Bloody Bond,” the U.S. equivalent of the CIA. Easily manipulated mainstream and social media finger Dresden and Parker as the masterminds behind the blast.
Parker has been investigating the Strasbourg Executive, a collective term for a neofascist cabal that wants to return each European country to its ethnic integrity, “the push for nationalism, anti-Muslim laws, violence against immigrants. Brexit was the first step.” The Executive confederacy is led by the Kanzler, or chancellor. Dresden’s historical research has identified dots not yet connected. The Executive assumes it’s only a matter of time until Dresden links a major dot: a reticent bank with no branches but with a hefty balance sheet.
Although in good health, the current Kanzler dies. A maniacal manipulator seizes control without the faction’s knowledge. The new Kanzler orders explosives deployed at indigenous European venues as a reverse psychology tactic and manipulates social media to blame extremist immigrant groups. “The Executive is an evil organization that has no room for anyone but itself.”
Which espionage thriller would be complete without torture to obtain necessary information? This time, it’s not blood, guts and gore, but simply sensory deprivation --- no food, sound or sight for days. Dresden and Parker out-bad the bad guys and face insurmountable odds to thwart a virtual nuclear societal implosion.
Instead of the trite rollercoaster analogy, THE UNDERHANDED is a thriller-coaster ride through a nightmare theme park of corruption and betrayal at the brink of civil annihilation.
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
As Dresden tussles with egregiously false academic dishonor and a failed romance in southern France, a persistent caller, Adeline Parker, insists on meeting at a sidewalk bistro. Before café au lait is served, Adeline spies a figure at the café doorway and forces Dresden behind a makeshift barricade. An explosive device does its thing, and they flee to the UK. Parker is “an intelligence officer with Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service…more popularly referred to as MI6. James Bloody Bond,” the U.S. equivalent of the CIA. Easily manipulated mainstream and social media finger Dresden and Parker as the masterminds behind the blast.
Parker has been investigating the Strasbourg Executive, a collective term for a neofascist cabal that wants to return each European country to its ethnic integrity, “the push for nationalism, anti-Muslim laws, violence against immigrants. Brexit was the first step.” The Executive confederacy is led by the Kanzler, or chancellor. Dresden’s historical research has identified dots not yet connected. The Executive assumes it’s only a matter of time until Dresden links a major dot: a reticent bank with no branches but with a hefty balance sheet.
Although in good health, the current Kanzler dies. A maniacal manipulator seizes control without the faction’s knowledge. The new Kanzler orders explosives deployed at indigenous European venues as a reverse psychology tactic and manipulates social media to blame extremist immigrant groups. “The Executive is an evil organization that has no room for anyone but itself.”
Which espionage thriller would be complete without torture to obtain necessary information? This time, it’s not blood, guts and gore, but simply sensory deprivation --- no food, sound or sight for days. Dresden and Parker out-bad the bad guys and face insurmountable odds to thwart a virtual nuclear societal implosion.
Instead of the trite rollercoaster analogy, THE UNDERHANDED is a thriller-coaster ride through a nightmare theme park of corruption and betrayal at the brink of civil annihilation.
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
March 17, 2024
THE UNDERHANDED by Adam Sikes
One of the best books I’ve read this year. That says volumes but doesn’t begin to unravel THE UNDERHANDED. Given Adam Sikes’ resume as a former Marine and CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer, one might expect authentic white-knuckle action. That is there—in spades—but there’s so much more.
Sikes’ refreshing approach to the espionage genre echoes that of psychological suspense. For myself, as a retired CIA Operations Officer, this rings with deep authenticity. One moment you think you understand what’s happening, and the next you realize just how far off the mark you were. The protagonist is not the prototypical ‘six-foot-tall-and-bullet-proof’ man of action, but rather a humble academic who finds himself pulled into a world of secrets and lies. This is one of the real treats of this journey. There is action that rivals the most celebrated authors of the military/spy genre, yet Sikes’ protagonist survives not by training or lethal skill, but by his wits and fortitude, and the assistance of virtuous confederates. The principal of this tale, Professor William Dresden, is not a hero in the traditional sense, but a pilgrim lost in the wilderness of mirrors with a broken compass.
Sikes’ writing is a joy to read. Rich and layered, the word sublime would not be an overstatement. He strikes the balance between talented prose and authentic tradecraft in a way few others have mastered. The underlying threat that drives this narrative is so timely, one might wonder if it’s real. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. I’ll never confirm nor deny, but it certainly could be. It’s the sort of thing that should keep you up at night.
I’ll be the first to admit that I took my time reading THE UNDERHANDED. It challenged me as it glanced an image of puzzle pieces from history and current events that fit together all too easily. That and it was just such a delight to read… I wanted to savor every word.
Read this book.
One of the best books I’ve read this year. That says volumes but doesn’t begin to unravel THE UNDERHANDED. Given Adam Sikes’ resume as a former Marine and CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer, one might expect authentic white-knuckle action. That is there—in spades—but there’s so much more.
Sikes’ refreshing approach to the espionage genre echoes that of psychological suspense. For myself, as a retired CIA Operations Officer, this rings with deep authenticity. One moment you think you understand what’s happening, and the next you realize just how far off the mark you were. The protagonist is not the prototypical ‘six-foot-tall-and-bullet-proof’ man of action, but rather a humble academic who finds himself pulled into a world of secrets and lies. This is one of the real treats of this journey. There is action that rivals the most celebrated authors of the military/spy genre, yet Sikes’ protagonist survives not by training or lethal skill, but by his wits and fortitude, and the assistance of virtuous confederates. The principal of this tale, Professor William Dresden, is not a hero in the traditional sense, but a pilgrim lost in the wilderness of mirrors with a broken compass.
Sikes’ writing is a joy to read. Rich and layered, the word sublime would not be an overstatement. He strikes the balance between talented prose and authentic tradecraft in a way few others have mastered. The underlying threat that drives this narrative is so timely, one might wonder if it’s real. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. I’ll never confirm nor deny, but it certainly could be. It’s the sort of thing that should keep you up at night.
I’ll be the first to admit that I took my time reading THE UNDERHANDED. It challenged me as it glanced an image of puzzle pieces from history and current events that fit together all too easily. That and it was just such a delight to read… I wanted to savor every word.
Read this book.
April 26, 2024
This riveting tale told by a former CIA Operative is a refreshing look into espionage. “The Underhanded” gives us an authentic thrill ride with clever twists and turns, white-knuckle action and clandestine knots. Right from the start I knew I was in for a rare treat.
Professor William Dresden is far from what we expect from the classic protagonist, he is rather unpresuming and by far not a master in the art of espionage, he is a man who simply finds himself pulled into a world of lies. In order to grapple with his trouble past William has found solitude in the south of France. He soon learns he has larger problems when he meets Adeline Parker, a MI6 officer, at an outdoor bistro....Then a bomb explodes..... They soon are pulled into a shadowy war against a cabal and their subversive plots against the Western society.
This suspenseful mix of historical intrigue and present day fallout is vividly told in the first person narrative and is ripped from headlines. I couldn’t put this thriller down I was rooting for this intelligent and complex hero who was a threat to a secret neo-fascist cabal till the very last page. Indeed this story is fast-paced and very engaging, it grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. It may be a little farfetched here and there but in whole it has the feeling of authenticity that comes through. I love the geographical settings.
I got a thrill out of this book
I received a copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
Professor William Dresden is far from what we expect from the classic protagonist, he is rather unpresuming and by far not a master in the art of espionage, he is a man who simply finds himself pulled into a world of lies. In order to grapple with his trouble past William has found solitude in the south of France. He soon learns he has larger problems when he meets Adeline Parker, a MI6 officer, at an outdoor bistro....Then a bomb explodes..... They soon are pulled into a shadowy war against a cabal and their subversive plots against the Western society.
This suspenseful mix of historical intrigue and present day fallout is vividly told in the first person narrative and is ripped from headlines. I couldn’t put this thriller down I was rooting for this intelligent and complex hero who was a threat to a secret neo-fascist cabal till the very last page. Indeed this story is fast-paced and very engaging, it grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. It may be a little farfetched here and there but in whole it has the feeling of authenticity that comes through. I love the geographical settings.
I got a thrill out of this book
I received a copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
April 23, 2024
This is a scary novel, not because of dangers characters face but because of the underlying deception we might be taking in right now. The plot is familiar with a small group of elite aiming to rule the world. It's their technique that is unique. They do not control actions themselves, they shape ideas to incite others to do the action for them. Rather than using any force themselves, they manipulate political attitudes down to the local level. Influential news reports are sent to media outlets reporting fake events created using AI generated photos. They prey on hate, fear and nostalgia.
This novel is a well written international thriller. Sikes also explores the characteristics of most people, such as not being willing to read opposing viewpoints because it makes them feel uncomfortable and no one likes feeling uncomfortable. This makes them vulnerable to directed influence and manipulation, exactly what we see in this novel.
I highly recommend this insightful novel. It is eye opening fiction that may represent possible nefarious powers operating in the shadows today.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This novel is a well written international thriller. Sikes also explores the characteristics of most people, such as not being willing to read opposing viewpoints because it makes them feel uncomfortable and no one likes feeling uncomfortable. This makes them vulnerable to directed influence and manipulation, exactly what we see in this novel.
I highly recommend this insightful novel. It is eye opening fiction that may represent possible nefarious powers operating in the shadows today.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 2, 2024
Professor William Dresden has been disgraced after a researched paper that he published and finds himself in his villa in France getting over his troubled past. Enter, MI6 officer, Adeline Parker, who NEEDS to meet him. There’s not a lot of time for him to sit still and ‘lick his wounds’ as he finds his family’s history unraveling and a group of nationalists who use terror and social media as their most powerful weapons. Dresden and Parker are now in a fight against a group of powerful and motivated neo fascists who want to spread terror over Europe.
I love that Adam Sikes is also a non-fiction author; as this book perfectly intertwines both historic and current events along with enough conspiracy theories that include a secret cabal and intense action to make you want to get to the end as fast as possible. Ohhhhh, but wait… the best part is there is totally an opening for a second book.
So this is my first book by Adam Sikes. With that being said, I am currently trying to find a place where he will be to sign a copy since I had this one on epub. I am a mess I know. (yes, I have Landslide on its way to me know.)
One more thing - I am a fall down the rabbit hole reader... enjoy looking around people. I love it.
I love that Adam Sikes is also a non-fiction author; as this book perfectly intertwines both historic and current events along with enough conspiracy theories that include a secret cabal and intense action to make you want to get to the end as fast as possible. Ohhhhh, but wait… the best part is there is totally an opening for a second book.
So this is my first book by Adam Sikes. With that being said, I am currently trying to find a place where he will be to sign a copy since I had this one on epub. I am a mess I know. (yes, I have Landslide on its way to me know.)
One more thing - I am a fall down the rabbit hole reader... enjoy looking around people. I love it.
March 26, 2024
A new exciting voice in spy thrillers, Adam Sikes’s The Underhanded (2024) is set in current-day Europe against the modern-day rise of national extremism. Princeton History Professor William Dresden is enjoying a break on the Riverina in France, having had his latest research defunded. Whilst he is enjoying a coffee at a street-side café, Adeline Parker joins him to discuss his research. They survive a bomb explosion and have to flee, as a secret organisation known as the Strasburg Executive hunts for them. Adeline is a special operative for MI6 trying to unmask a powerful cartel of rich business people using big data to stir up nationalism and cause civil disturbance. A nicely paced spy tale, with plenty of action and an all-too-real scenario narrative, that has some interesting historical insight. Overall, a believable espionage thriller that is a credible plotted adventure with a four and a half star read rating. With thanks to Oceanview Publishing Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
April 11, 2024
The Underhanded is a fast paced spy thriller that mixes history with a modern conspiracy that feels like it could be happening right now.
What I love about this book is the feeling of authenticity that comes through. From the description of a cup of coffee to the internal struggles of right and wrong, the writing comes from a place of knowledge. And that’s what makes it surprising. You get to understand the characters thoughts, views and what they are grappling with.
I was also surprised with how real these situations really could be. Although they may be a little far fetched here and there, we live in a world that’s ever changing, especially with new technologies, and it’s hard to keep track of what’s fact and fiction. It makes you think about how we take in news and information. Are we seeing the real story? Or just the version someone or some group wants us to see?
The Underhanded is a fast paced thriller that peaks behind the curtain of global espionage and the power behind a movement. If you are a fan of action adventure, mixed with a history lesson, I highly recommend The Underhanded.
What I love about this book is the feeling of authenticity that comes through. From the description of a cup of coffee to the internal struggles of right and wrong, the writing comes from a place of knowledge. And that’s what makes it surprising. You get to understand the characters thoughts, views and what they are grappling with.
I was also surprised with how real these situations really could be. Although they may be a little far fetched here and there, we live in a world that’s ever changing, especially with new technologies, and it’s hard to keep track of what’s fact and fiction. It makes you think about how we take in news and information. Are we seeing the real story? Or just the version someone or some group wants us to see?
The Underhanded is a fast paced thriller that peaks behind the curtain of global espionage and the power behind a movement. If you are a fan of action adventure, mixed with a history lesson, I highly recommend The Underhanded.
February 20, 2024
The Underhanded by Adam Sikes
This isn’t a spy thriller as much as it is an action-adventure. Professor William Dresden is a discredited historian. How a historian becomes discredited is part of the plot. The Professor discovers that his research has inadvertently cast light on the underpinnings of an international conspiracy. British Intelligence approaches him for help in discovering more about the international conspiracy. Said approach triggers major changes in the Professor’s life.
Sike builds his characters with depth. He uses intelligence briefings to give you the necessary background to understand their behavior. The utilization of current events surrounding the neo-fascist nationalistic and anti-immigration issues provides fuel for the international plot.
Occasionally the complexity of the plot becomes confusing but eventually, all is worked out. The sequel door is open. Interesting note, not once did anyone call Professor William Dresden, Bill.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
This isn’t a spy thriller as much as it is an action-adventure. Professor William Dresden is a discredited historian. How a historian becomes discredited is part of the plot. The Professor discovers that his research has inadvertently cast light on the underpinnings of an international conspiracy. British Intelligence approaches him for help in discovering more about the international conspiracy. Said approach triggers major changes in the Professor’s life.
Sike builds his characters with depth. He uses intelligence briefings to give you the necessary background to understand their behavior. The utilization of current events surrounding the neo-fascist nationalistic and anti-immigration issues provides fuel for the international plot.
Occasionally the complexity of the plot becomes confusing but eventually, all is worked out. The sequel door is open. Interesting note, not once did anyone call Professor William Dresden, Bill.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
April 9, 2024
A great read about spies, espionage and more! The Underhanded was a heart pounding non stop action read! The story starts us in many places in Europe, specifically Germany, France, and London are a few of our big places that our MC travels to and from. This book has a few different characters, but our MC is named William. William is a history Professor who has ties to a old secret society who runs the world.
The story centers around William and you find out more and more about him as the story goes on. We find out so many secrets and things I was like WOW!
The writing is engaging, the author knows how to write a compelling story with resonating characters who really can pull you into the story. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it and there are so few books that I say about. I will not give anything away but I loved that ending, it perfectly wrapped up the story and leaves it open for another one! I am really hoping that the author writes another book so I can see where William, Adeline, and the Executive end up!
I highly recommend this book to thriller fans!
The story centers around William and you find out more and more about him as the story goes on. We find out so many secrets and things I was like WOW!
The writing is engaging, the author knows how to write a compelling story with resonating characters who really can pull you into the story. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it and there are so few books that I say about. I will not give anything away but I loved that ending, it perfectly wrapped up the story and leaves it open for another one! I am really hoping that the author writes another book so I can see where William, Adeline, and the Executive end up!
I highly recommend this book to thriller fans!
May 3, 2024
The Underhanded is an amazing blend of espionage, conspiracy, action, and political intrigue. Disgraced history professor Willam Dresden, ostracized by his colleagues, is hiding away at a Villa in France in seclusion.
A call from M16 officer Adeline Parker alters his life, revealing a long-held family secret his family has been involved in for generations: The Strasbourg Executive, a group of neo-fascists and extreme nationalists who're igniting terror and violence across Europe blaming Middle Eastern immigrants.
The narrative propels forward like a freight train moving across Europe. William and Adeline are always two steps ahead evading the cabal's pursuit who want them dead.
This mind-blowing novel sheds light on a chillingly realistic storyline, with the cabal's power and influence extending into media and world politics.
Adam Sikes has written a fast-paced narrative, with intense action, and thought-provoking dialogue. This thriller promises to keep you enthralled in its pages from start to finish.
A call from M16 officer Adeline Parker alters his life, revealing a long-held family secret his family has been involved in for generations: The Strasbourg Executive, a group of neo-fascists and extreme nationalists who're igniting terror and violence across Europe blaming Middle Eastern immigrants.
The narrative propels forward like a freight train moving across Europe. William and Adeline are always two steps ahead evading the cabal's pursuit who want them dead.
This mind-blowing novel sheds light on a chillingly realistic storyline, with the cabal's power and influence extending into media and world politics.
Adam Sikes has written a fast-paced narrative, with intense action, and thought-provoking dialogue. This thriller promises to keep you enthralled in its pages from start to finish.
February 2, 2024
Adam Sikes' thrillers hold a special interest, because he has been there, lived many of these experiences as a former CIA paramilitary officer. The Underhanded creates a believable story that begins with a controversy over immigrants coming into Europe and a secret plot to eliminate them. Knowing that Sikes may have had a role in stopping actual conspiracies like the fictional one in The Underhanded makes the narrative riveting and informative A retired history professor William Dresden joins forces with Adeline, a former M16 operative and they attempt to thwart the neofascist's subversive plot. Sympathetic characters with complicated lives, the pulse pounding action and plot twists combined with the realistic premise will keep the reader turning pages to learn the outcome.
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