Slow Burn: The 17th Spider Shepherd Thriller

Leather's latest thriller, Spider Shepherd, is about a mission to the Syrian border to decide which of the jihadi brides is still a threat and which has information useful to the Secret Service. Spider must take back the wife of a notorious ISIS bombmaker, Salam Jaraf, who has information on terrorist cells in Britain, but hostile forces are following them. This will be one of the most dangerous missions Spider has ever undertaken.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2020
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Leather's latest full-throttle thriller could hardly be more topical, as it hurtles off the page, grabbing the reader by the throat. The novel delves into the complex and controversial issue of jihadi brides in refugee camps in the Middle East, particularly focusing on a group of British women who have traveled to Syria as teenagers.

The story follows Spider Shepherd, a former MI5 agent, as he is sent on an extraordinary mission to the Syrian border. His task is to determine which of the women he meets is still a threat to national security and which ones have information valuable to the Secret Service. Spider must make life-or-death decisions as he navigates through a web of treachery and danger, encountering various factions and individuals with their own agendas.

One of the key characters in the novel is Salam Jaraf, the wife of a notorious ISIS bombmaker. Jaraf is an asylum seeker who has information on terrorist cells in Britain, but he will only reveal this information if his wife and son are brought to him. However, as Spider and Mrs. Jaraf travel across Turkey, they become the target of hostile forces, making their mission even more dangerous.

The novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It raises questions about the nature of extremism, the role of intelligence agencies, and the consequences of making decisions that have far-reaching implications. Spider Shepherd is a compelling and complex character, driven by his desire to protect his country and his loyalty to his fellow agents.

Overall, Leather's Spider Shepherd thriller is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of a topical issue that is sure to resonate with readers. The novel's fast-paced action, intricate plot, and well-developed characters make it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary politics and international intrigue.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473672000