The reason I gave this book four stars is because there were a few inaccuracies regarding aviation that could've easily been fixed with a bit more research. I really rather enjoyed this book. Combining mystery, tension and an all action hero in Mallory, it's the kind of story that is right up my street. I read through it in a couple of evenings and from start to finish it kept me thoroughly entertained. If you like action thrillers, then this is definitely one you should be adding to your reading list. Ant Middleton’s previous self-help books have mostly been self-congratulatory exercises in money-making, and now this book is his first foray into novel writing. This is a very formulaic thriller - lone wolf gets thrown out of army, becomes a one man crusader for justice and hurts a lot of comic-book baddies - which offers nothing new to the well-worn genre other than more of the same, but has some exciting moments. In this book, the main character is Mallory, his best friend Donno, is in hospital in a Coma, after they were in the special forces together and Mallory made a mistake, meaning Donno ended up this way. This is something Mallory deeply regrets and he visits him in hospital every month. One time when he is visiting, Donno's mum approaches Mallory and she tells him that she is worried about the safety of her son, not Donno, her other son Scott. She hasn't seen him for 17 days and she is concerned and wants Mallory to help. Reluctantly, as he has never done anything like this before, he agrees to try and help her find him.

P.S. We finish this book without knowing Mallory's first name and I don't know if I think that is awesome or the ultimate drama queen move. Ant clearly used his experience for the action sequences which meant they were on the whole believable without being overly dramatic/far fetched. Perhaps it's redemption, perhaps he's looking for revenge on the world, but suddenly Mallory has a purpose, and nothing and no one is going to stand in his way.Was also pleased to see that Ant did not fall into the male author trap of over-sexualising the female characters (e.g. Graves, Ivy). It’s here: the landmark debut thriller from superstar Ant Middleton, million-selling, number one Sunday Times author of First Man In and The Fear Bubble and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins. Drawing on the author's own combat experience, there is a real air of authenticity about the story, especially the scenes that recount the final fatal mission that changes Mallory and Donno's fates forever. There is no doubt that the author knows his stuff - also no doubt that we aren't treated to even half of the real work that goes on behind the scenes of such an operational But it's enough to pique the interest, get the heart rate thumping and to make it clear that the conflict they are facing is not just with the enemy. Although spaced carefully throughout the book, the chapters give a real insight into the man and the tragedy that haunts him. Also what keeps him going and why he is determined to do right by Donno and his mother, even when the stakes are increasingly high. I started this book without any expectations but was pleasantly surprised by the beginning: I liked Mallory a lot more than I expected to like a thriller hero. Mallory is the kind of man that is so sure of his capabilities and masculinity that doesn't need to put others down and that is sadly unusual in a lot of thrillers. "Cold Justice" features not only a diverse cast of characters but several female characters that are interesting and dangerous on their own without being sexualized.

Whilst visiting Donno in hospital Mallory meets his mother Susan Nel. Who tells Mallory that her other son Scott who lives in SA is missing. She asks Mallory to find him for her.Ant Middleton is an interesting person; he was the frontman for Channel 4’s hit show: ‘SAS: Who dares wins’ and is the author of several bestselling nonfiction books based on his own experiences during his career in the armed forces where he achieved what is known as the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the UK’s Elite Forces, having served in the Special Boat Service, the Royal Marines and 9 Parachute Squadron Royal. This novel caught my eye for two reasons; it is his first attempt at fiction and part of the novel is set in South Africa.

I also appreciate that the violence wasn't too graphic which in some books of this genre it can be.

Ant Middleton's debut novel was entertaining and a highly enjoyable book. I loved the characters, storyline, and fast-paced action scenes. Descriptive moments, no doubt inspired in part by Middleton’s own life, are life like, on point and transports your mind well.

Throw in a kidnapping, gun fights, a chase through alligator territory and a final showdown, this a thrill ride from beginning to end. And the ending sets up a twist that will no doubt be the main storyline for the next book. But there's just something missing. It's not quite there, the elusive element that doesn't make me fully invested into the story. Mallory himself is portrayed as a complex character so the reader is not alienated from his violent actions. He is flawed, probably suffering ptsd, as well as feeling responsibility for his friend Donno's continuing condition. This guilt serves as the impetus for accepting Susan, Donno's mother pleas to find her wayward other son.Welcome to the exhilarating world of Ant, a beloved figure renowned for his mastery of extreme adventure and his unwavering commitment to fostering a positive mindset. With a remarkable career in the UK's elite forces, including the Marines, 9 Parachute Squadron, and Special Boat Service, Ant's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. This was not my usual read, but I really enjoyed it. The pace was fast and the writing excellent. The descriptions of Johannesburg really brought the city to life. The characters were well written and the main character, Mallory, was strong, kind and interesting, with shoulders big enough to carry off the story. Cold Justice is Ant Middleton’s debut fiction novel which features a former special forces operator by the name of Mallory who is flooded by his own self guilt. He has anger issues and isn’t a guy to mess with.