Underground Murmurs (Akira and Deane Thriller Series Book 2) (Volume 2) Paperback – July 28, 2014

Overall, it was an entertaining read. However, there is room for improvement. I actually gave it 4.4 stars on my blog but goodreads doesn't allow so I have to round.Plot: 4.5 starsThe plot was great. There’s the vengeful Akira, who holds a grudge against “The West” which includes Europe and the US. He wants to bring them down. He goes about killing as many of their agents as he can while trying to get his pawn elected as the next Russian president. There’s a lot of backstabbing and it’s really hard to tell if anyone’s going to make it. There’s deception and greed and the thirst for revenge.Characters: 4.5It’s hard to get attached to some of these characters. Many of these so called experienced agents make lots of hot-headed irrational decisions that get themselves and others in trouble. And for being so experienced they surely die often. The few civilians in the story include a woman Lorna, who although she has a small role, is quite likable. However Sam Olsen’s fiancé is quite annoying. She’s been with him for almost 10 years and now she wants to change him and wants him to give up his job. She’s very whiny and I don’t really get the feeling that she does it for him but more for herself. Sam is too hotheaded but the fact that his hunches work out makes it harder for him to change. You just can’t help but be on his side though. My favourite character is actually Thomas. He seems to have his head on straight. However even he is not spared from silly decisions. Although most characters aren’t likeable you do get well defined characters and you really get to understand why most of them are the way they are. The best character development in the story was that of Hal Burton. He was an agent who got mixed up in things that he wasn’t supposed to.Writing: 3.5 starsThe writing was fast paced and really pulled me in. However, there were spelling mistakes which were more often in the ending chapters of the book. There were also some inconsistencies with the story, crakow and cracow was used interchangeably. Also sometimes the car they were in changed sometimes without them actually changing cars. Or the author would refer to one person while he was writing about a different character. Or say they were somewhere like Regis House when they were at St. Mary’s. It was a bit confusing and I had to read it over to see if I was just getting confused.Overall though, I did love the story and I’ll be looking out for part 2. I don’t normally read in-between stories and it seems there will be one coming out this year. Not sure if I will have the time, but it does sound interesting. I’m dying to find out the real identity of someone but I don’t want to give that away here.The cover suited the story perfectly. Cover: 5 stars

Tim Jopling creates great character, suspense, and action in Underground Murmurs. From the beginning, I was drawn into the world of action and danger at every turn. Through all this, he creates people that are compelling and keeps you wanting more. The book was a departure from my usual reading, and was a delightful find. I always enjoy learning about what drives the characters in any book. It's not just action and intrigue, but real people in their "regular lives". I can't wait to read his next book! Any fan of spy action- or just reading in general- will love this book!

Will I want to continue with book 3.? Not sure. Characters show human frailties yet, in most cases loyalty. The plot weakened in this book to the point of the reader questioning the possibility that a professional agency would embrace such stupid actions.

I got a copy of the first book free and enjoyed the story so much I bought the next installment here. it's not groundbreaking or Pulizter literature, but if you're looking for a fun, entertaining read I highly recommend. Please keep onn wirting. You have fans out there!

I couldn't put it down. Fascination with being breathless as one scene unfolds to be left on the brink as another takes priority. Disappointed I can't get the third in the series yet! It will leave you hungry for more.

This was an exciting story and well written with few editing problems. I almost did not finish because I found the main character, Olsen, to be a complete jerk who thought rules were for everyone but him. His wife was unbearable too. Other characters were well defined and saved the story.

Was excited to be gifted this novel, and from the first pages on my Kindle to last of this book? Fantastic!What an enjoyable ride! I'm not usually a spy, thriller, mystery kind of girl, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading Author, Tim's new novel series, book 1.An excellent read for a first time novelist, and of course the story pulls you in with the loss of his wife and begins a quest to find who took the love of his life. Awe, always starts with love & loss right? From there, your taken on a thrill ride with action and mystery around every corner. The two main characters were well written into this awesome storyline. No spoilers here. The good news is, that it is a novel series, so readers are guaranteed more novels to this series from a wonderful new prolific writer and author.I sure couldn't guess the "who done it" until the end. Great job Tim. Look forward to book 2. I have to give him a 5 Stars ***** for this novel, book 1.Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon

I loved 'Out Of The Shadows' and this sequel doesn't disappoint. The action is unrelenting. This is achieved in part by having two threads of the story line being interwoven into each chapter and being progressed side by side. The switch of theatre, whether it's the London Underground or the streets of Moscow occurs at a pivotal, cliff-hanger moment. You can't wait to find out what happens next; but then you're suddenly thrown into a different location and the tension builds again with a different cast of characters. A clever ploy and not one to be attempted unless you are a talented writer. You are in safe hands with Mr. Jopling; the level of research required to paint the word pictures in both books I've read so far is staggering and this modern day thriller rings frighteningly true. Can't wait for the next adventure.