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The Hack: International Crime Thriller (Hunter/O'Sullivan Adventures Book 1) Kindle Edition
A vigilante on the hunt. A journalist on a warpath. To expose an international crime ring they might have to pay the ultimate price…
Ex-CIA assassin Doug Hunter wants to forget his lethal past. But when he discovers a well-connected American involved in a grotesque child abuse network, his rage brings him out of retirement. Vowing to take down the entire twisted syndicate, his biggest obstacle will be keeping a beautiful investigative reporter out of the crossfire.
Tabloid journalist Kate Sullivan is hungry for her big break. And after securing classified information on the murder of a child-molesting millionaire, she’s sure she’s found her scoop. But when her stunning exposé makes headlines, her high profile could land her six feet under.
As Kate turns to Hunter for protection, the influential predators close in. But the more the pair learn about the shocking abuses, the clearer it becomes that this evil plot goes all the way to the top…
Can Hunter and Kate blow the lid off the horrifying conspiracy before their enemies silence them forever?
The Hack: International Crime Thriller is the first standalone book in the gripping Hunter/O'Sullivan Adventure series. If you like gritty characters, fast-paced mysteries, and the pursuit of justice, then you’ll love this dark and disturbingly twisted thriller.
Download The Hack and join the fight for the innocent today!
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication date21 Mar. 2012
- File size1.2 MB
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Product description
Review
It tells the story about crimes that not only could happen, but happen every day.
Journalists doing whatever to sell their stories no matter the cost.
Insider trading out of insatiable greed.
Sex tourists from our so-called "civilized world" satisfying their perverted lust in the so-called "Third World"
The CIA all over the world doing whatever they think "right"
Hackers proving that no system is really secure.
Abusive child carers.
"Honorable" members of society buying photos of abused children on the internet, or worse, abusing children themselves, making profit with such photos, discarding the "objects" after use.
All of them play their part in this crime thriller, but there's Doug, the revenge killer.
"Who is more evil? The killer or the victim?"Chief Lee is putting the question not only in Kate's mind but in mine.
TESTIMONIAL…
Mr. Patching is a crime fiction writer who guides the reader into the shadows, but draws you back out into the light with the help of “ultimate justice”.
“The Hack” is a work of fiction that deals with non-fictional issues - a novel that brought back memories of similar investigations I have experienced throughout my career, including those undertaken in cooperation with the Asian law enforcement family.
The author asks of the reader:
Is the character “Hunter” an evil killer or is he a devoted advocate? Is he truly good or purely evil?
Are his actions, by any definition - legally, morally, emotionally, and/or spiritually - justified?
Who are the real evil ones?
Those with a warped sense of perceived power, privilege, and perversion, who believe they rule the planet... or... those who strongly believe in the concepts of truth, honor and justice?
"The Hack" is a thoroughly enjoyable novel and very difficult to put down. The writer is an excellent, highly talented author, in my humble opinion. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Patching.
JOSEPH ROMERO JR.
Life Member of the United States Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) since the 1980s and a former United States Marine, who also served in Vietnam.
From the Author
Originally written before the UK scandal involving celebrity paedophile Sir Jimmy Savile, this latest edition of 'The Hack' - updated, professionally edited and proofread - takes the reader on a thrilling journey into the minds of the powerful - challenging many assumptions regarding the British and American Establishments along the way...
The sequel (The Hunter) is due to be released in early 2017 - another page turner for fans of intriguing international crime thrillers. Register with my Readers Group and request a complimentary advance reader copy if you enjoy reading 'The Hack'!
Visit The Hack website to find out more about the author, more info on this and other novels, and check out the Readers Group to discover lots of 'thriller' related complimentary goodies exclusively for members!
From the Back Cover
For Kate O'Sullivan, a freelance journalist, his death provides the scoop of her dreams when her computer genius brother discovers Simm's dark secret - by hacking into the CIA's confidential report on the killing.
Kate sells the story to a UK tabloid newspaper, setting in motion a bloody chain of events that destroys many lives, and threatens her own.
With a serial killer on the loose in Thailand, the CIA on the hunt for Kate's brother, and ruthless VIPs in London determined not to let Simm's death expose their own paedophile activities, Kate's world will never be the same again...
(Full length novel c107,000 words)
About the Author
Will's novels are not for the faint-hearted. Cozy mysteries they are not! Other readers enjoyed novels by:
Mo Hayder, Alex Karva, Dean Kootz, Jeffrey Deaver, Stuart MacBride, ValMcDermid, Quentin Jardine, Stephen Booth, Peter Robinson, MinetteWalters, Brett Easton Ellis, Iain Banks' Wasp Factory, Misery by Stephen King, the Hannibal Lecter novels by Thomas Harris and many more!
If these authors appeal then you may well enjoy this dark, disturbing crime thriller too.
Website: thehacknovel.com
Product details
- ASIN : B007NKM1UW
- Publisher : Will Patching
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : 21 Mar. 2012
- Edition : 4th
- Language : English
- File size : 1.2 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 292 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Book 1 of 3 : Hunter/O'Sullivan Adventures
- Best Sellers Rank: 673,525 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 2,986 in Women's Adventure Fiction (Kindle Store)
- 5,148 in International Mystery & Crime (Kindle Store)
- 6,025 in Men's Adventure Fiction
- Customer reviews:
About the author

Will Patching was born and raised in ‘Sarf Lunnon’, Engerland, or at least, that’s how he pronounces it! Hence, many scenes from his novels are situated in London, the surrounding suburbs and other parts of southeast England, though they also span as far afield as Thailand and the USA.
His approach to writing is to hit the reader with hard truths about the world we live in, and his mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels are designed to set your pulse pounding. One male reader decided he needed to check his door locks late one night while reading Remorseless and subsequently commented on social media:
‘Seriously scary!’
Will’s eclectic professional experience – from his teenage role as a ‘gardener’ weeding sewage treatment filter beds, through flying a Hawk jet very fast, very low and very dangerously before the RAF realised and booted him out, then attending Harvard on a course for potential CEOs, largely thanks to the Peter Principle of promotion, and more recently, to building his dream, a charter yacht that sank in SE Asian waters – all have led to a rich and varied life, often reflected in his writing.
His gritty crime stories mix murder mystery, psychological suspense and intense thrills while offering unique insights into the darker side of human nature. His ‘pull no punches’ style and sparse but often brutal descriptive passages will not suit all readers, so if you are into cozy mysteries you might want to look elsewhere!
With complex plots and rounded characters, Will’s novels are necessarily longer than average, usually well over 100,000 words, so these are definitely stories designed for readers who like to really get their teeth into a good yarn.
Now considered something of an expert on psychopaths, thanks to his extensive research and personal experience of people with this personality disorder, Will set up a popular website to help lay readers understand these destructive individuals and why their existence is so important to society in general. Please copy and paste into your browser to visit the site:
www.remorselessfiction.com
Will’s writing draws heavily on this expertise but his novels are designed to entertain rather than educate – though many readers appreciate both aspects of his writing. He currently has two trilogies published, though each novel is a self-contained story:
The Remorseless Trilogy features damaged but brilliant forensic psychiatrist, Doc Powers, who is an expert on psychopaths, and Detective Inspector Jack Carver, a rough diamond with a reputation for closing cases. Doc is reluctantly dragged back into his role as a criminal profiler while struggling to come to terms with the death of his wife - aided by Judy Finch, a parole officer who works with him. They tangle with some genuinely evil psychopaths... If you like psychological thrillers that'll make your heart thump, then this series is for you!
The Hack Trilogy features 'Hunter', an ex-CIA assassin - a borderline psychopath - and a feisty female journalist, Kate O'Sullivan. They come together when Kate is sent to investigate a serial killer in Thailand, unaware that her attraction to Hunter - the perpetrator - is endangering her life. Another action-packed thriller series that'll have you on the edge of your seat!
If you would like to know more about this indie author, you might like to join Will’s Readers Group. You’ll also gain exclusive access to novel backstories, author insights, prize draws and more, including notification whenever a new novel is released. Please copy and paste this url into your browser to find out more:
http://www.WillPatchingAuthor.com
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be an excellent first novel with a believable and fast-moving plot, and one review notes its deep emotional content. The writing style receives positive feedback for its skillful handling of the story, and customers appreciate the compelling characters, with one review highlighting the likeable journalist character Kate. While customers find the book entertaining from start to finish, some mention it's slow to start, and they praise its well-researched content and the author's genius.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book to be a fantastic and exciting read, describing it as an excellent first novel that is very well written.
"Decent novel with reading" Read more
"Wow, what a book! The title can be taken several ways, as its different meanings are incorporated into the story...." Read more
"...Taking that aside. There are some positives and morals. A good read. So what awaits?..." Read more
"...But do not let any of that detract from what is a very good book in deed...." Read more
Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, describing it as enthralling and fast-moving, with a clever and disturbing plot that is totally believable.
"...I've been affected on a very deep emotional level by the storyline, difficult as it is to read in places due to the subject matter...." Read more
"Good pace, a bit sci-fi with the computing, but entertaining. I like the style of not trying too hard to describe everything other than the story...." Read more
"...president of the US, to a British Lord, to Russia – it’s an amazingly wide-ranging story which has its roots in the truth...." Read more
"Took a while to get into it. I enjoyed the jumping of scenes between Thailand, U.K., and the U.S.. I found that clever, though I would have enjoyed..." Read more
Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it brilliantly executed and easy to read, with one customer noting how the author skillfully handles the story.
"...I think the author handles the story skilfully and gives the reader a very frank account of something most of us would rather pretend doesn't happen..." Read more
"...You will scarcely get time to draw breath. It’s brilliantly written and the characters are largely not black and white, but multiple grey shades –..." Read more
"...So well written, amazingly this was a debut novel. One can only imagine how good subsequent novels by this author will be...." Read more
"...to find fault with the presentation of this book, the cover is eye-catching, the writing style is well above average and perfectly matched to the..." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting that the main journalist character Kate is very likeable, and another mentioning that the characters are not black and white.
"...I loved that we got to share the story with lots of characters, all of whom have their own perspective of what is going on...." Read more
"...It’s brilliantly written and the characters are largely not black and white, but multiple grey shades – and I found myself rooting for people I’d..." Read more
"...A good novel has characters we learn to care about and when they are threatened, we can't put the book down until we know if they will come through...." Read more
"...the writing style is well above average and perfectly matched to the different characters, wherever they are in the world...." Read more
Customers find the book entertaining from start to finish, keeping them enthralled throughout, with one customer noting it's full of action.
"Good pace, a bit sci-fi with the computing, but entertaining. I like the style of not trying too hard to describe everything other than the story...." Read more
"...is told and the characters fleshed out it's still an entertaining, exciting thrill ride that leaves you feeling sad but hopeful all at the same time." Read more
"Very plausible story full of action and intrigue, thoroughly enjoyed it and even though it was a kindle free book I would have willingly paid for it..." Read more
"...If you like thrillers then I can definitely recommend this addictive page-turner." Read more
Customers praise the book's well-researched content, with one customer noting its up-to-date subject matter.
"...Characters were believable and plot well researched. The subject matter is up to date, rather unpleasant with children involved but so well handled...." Read more
"what can I say... clever if disturbing plot. this book has everything...." Read more
"...what could be happening anywhere in the world, the author has a good insight of a problem that is out there. Hard hitting but very entertaining." Read more
"...and fast paced thriller based around computer hacking, well researched and well written. First class" Read more
Customers praise the author, with one noting they are a new author to them.
"...Would highly recommend and look forward to reading more from this excel l ent author." Read more
"...WILL PATCHING is an author at the top of his game and can only get better (how I don't know)...." Read more
"really enjoyed this book, new author to me I will buy more of his work" Read more
"Opens up the world of children's abuse. Up there with the best-known writers. Story moves along at breakneck speed. Recommended." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it gritty while others describe it as a bit slow to start and a doozy.
"...Well done Will on another truly amazing piece of work, you are a very talented author indeed!!" Read more
"The subject matter of this book is unpleasant - extreme child abuse and a vigilante killer - but I couldn't stop reading...." Read more
"...Wasn't disappointed. Very different but still gritty and in your face in parts. One of those writers where i actually say out loud....Nooooooooo!..." Read more
"...story line that develops slowly and only get 4 stars as it rushes to a conclusion and ties up a few loose ends associated with peripheral characters..." Read more
Reviews with images

A gritty and fast paced conspiracy story that constantly entices you to read on
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 February 2016My oh my, this author really is something else! I didn't believe I could enjoy a book more than I enjoyed "Remorseless" but this one tops even that. I've been affected on a very deep emotional level by the storyline, difficult as it is to read in places due to the subject matter. I think the author handles the story skilfully and gives the reader a very frank account of something most of us would rather pretend doesn't happen. I loved that we got to share the story with lots of characters, all of whom have their own perspective of what is going on. It makes for a dark and gritty read, fast paced and had my heart racing in parts. Anyone that enjoys psychological thrillers will love this book, it certainly has its share of violence but I never felt that it was added unnecessarily......in fact I was often glad of the violent ends some characters met with!
This author is definitely one to watch out for, this is my second book of his that I've read this week! He's up there with the most talented thriller writers on the market, you would be crazy to pass by his books without reading them! I can't wait to read more of his work later this year. Well done Will on another truly amazing piece of work, you are a very talented author indeed!!
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 December 2024Decent novel with reading
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 September 2024Good pace, a bit sci-fi with the computing, but entertaining. I like the style of not trying too hard to describe everything other than the story. It takes away the over complex waffle some writers employ.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2018Wow, what a book! The title can be taken several ways, as its different meanings are incorporated into the story. It ranges from tabloid journalism, computer hacking, the CIA, child prostitution and pornography. It’s got a Thailand connection, a link to the president of the US, to a British Lord, to Russia – it’s an amazingly wide-ranging story which has its roots in the truth. You will scarcely get time to draw breath. It’s brilliantly written and the characters are largely not black and white, but multiple grey shades – and I found myself rooting for people I’d consider bad in normal life. This is so good I’ve downloaded and started the second in the series. Will Patching rocks!
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 February 2021Took a while to get into it. I enjoyed the jumping of scenes between Thailand, U.K., and the U.S.. I found that clever, though I would have enjoyed more time stamps. A couple of loose ends, though you can surmise those. Not keen on some of the language, I think it spoilt some scenes.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 June 2018This is a good fast moving story. It is centred around, the evil scum that pedophiles are. There is some vivid descriptions. So be aware. Taking that aside. There are some positives and morals. A good read.
So what awaits? A billionaire and personal friend of the President of the United States is murdered whilst in Thailand. Who and why would anyone have reason to do this?
Meanwhile, in the UK a teenage geek hacks into US Government computers. He finds, very personal and private data on the deceased individual. He passes, this on to his sister. Who is a journalist. Soon a story is published. A no holds bare tale of a child molester.
Following on from this. Two more people, find their life’s are in immediate danger. Would the pursuers be from a military establishment? Or is there a serial killer who has them on the radar?
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 February 2019This novel tackled a subject that may be uncomfortable for some, but it never offended. Paedophiles exist and vigilantes hunt them down in real life and this author produced a fast paced thriller based on this premise. A good novel has characters we learn to care about and when they are threatened, we can't put the book down until we know if they will come through. So well written, amazingly this was a debut novel. One can only imagine how good subsequent novels by this author will be. I, for one, will be buying more by him.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 November 2016What a fantastic story! It may look a long book when your Kindle tells you how much more there is to go but it never feels like it as it motors forward at a thrilling pace.... I suppose all good things must come to an end.
This story starts from nothing, swapping between countries & time zones as the characters are introduced, of which there are plenty, more than merely the heroine & hero. It deals with the disturbing topic of child sexploitation, hacking into government computers & controlling by important people.
Hopefully it is just an 'imagined' story, although child sexploitation is a global problem & concern, which in this book it takes the issue up to the most highest of echelons in society, it is just a story. The author's following notes explain it was written before the Jimmy Saville affair hit the news but alludes to possibly further scandals involving very important people / missing children / child murders - this has recently been in the news as fabrication. But do not let any of that detract from what is a very good book in deed.
Finally the book was originally published under a different title but the change to 'The Hack' was inspired, the word has multiple meanings & cleverly makes use of those meanings.
Top reviews from other countries
- HazelMReviewed in Australia on 2 April 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A Thrilling Read
Talk about a thrilling read. I loved how the characters were so believable that I really felt I was in the middle of the drama. The storyline was a real page-turner and all up a terrific read. I'll definitely be reading more from this author
- Walter ScottReviewed in Canada on 3 February 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Confronting the evil of human trafficking
Kate and Johnny – siblings – are two young innocents who find themselves targeted by men who are wealthy, powerful, and privileged, and who will stop at nothing to keep their vile secret.
The issue at the core of this novel – human trafficking - is actually present in the world of today. It is an intimidating story to read, as it puts on the reader the burden of considering what they would do about it, and in the process, when presented with finding a solution to the problem, be faced with the question of which would be the greater evil: the obvious problem, or the obvious solution.
As in previous Will Patching novels (and I have read his first three) the content is not for those with weak stomachs. The scenes of violence and abuse are not gratuitous. Will Patching only presents enough detail to make his points.
Well-developed characters and a plot with brisk pacing, all of which are skilfully executed in an atmosphere of fear and tension, are his trademark. For another UK writer whose stories are as well done as Patching’s, try Andrew Barrett, whose Eddie Collins (CSI) series is also based on real world circumstances.
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MARIAMReviewed in France on 9 October 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Thème dérangeant... L'histoire est bien ficelée. Beaucoup d'action avec un peu de romance. J'attends la suite de l'histoire de Kate et Doug avec impatience...
- UDAYAN CHATTERJEEReviewed in India on 12 March 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting
Man knows how to write. Taut, fast paced and ratcheting tension with the turning of each page. Plausible characters. Of course the "genius computer hack" as a plot device is hackneyed and requires suspension of disbelief as also the slickness of CIA operation in a foreign land, Jalalabad notwithstanding!
- Pisces51Reviewed in the United States on 13 January 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars WELL RESEARCHED THRILLER TAKEN STRAIGHT FROM TODAY'S NEWS, A REAL PAGE-TURNER!!!
MY REVIEW THE HACK BY WILL PATCHING (Hunter/O'Sullivan Adventure #1)
5-Stars*****
This first installment of Will Patching's second trilogy (Hunter/O'Sullivan Adventure #1)
is dubbed an "international thriller and sports an impressive 4.27 Rating on Goodreads at the time of this review.
I downloaded The Hack to my Kindle after reading the Remorseless Trilogy from bright new British talent Will Patching.
I confess that I procrastinated when it came to reading this book, instead diving into an assortment of highly rated serial killer thrillers, richly researched police procedurals, and the latest from Lee Child. I think I put The Hack "on hold" because it has been awhile since I read any espionage novels. I was a big fan of Robert Ludlum, and of course have read all of the original James Bond novels---more recently loved Carte Blanche from the wickedly talented Jeffrey Deaver. Having said that I regret that I put off diving into Patching's international thriller The Hack.
Frankly, I loved this book. It was a real page-turner, and the character of Hunter was genuinely intriguing with a back story both sad and illuminating. This is not intended to be any kind of deep or lengthy review. I have only one criticism with the story that Will Patching manages to weave with such suspense. The death of Johnny was very nearly a "deal breaker" for me. I delayed writing any notes of praise for the book, albeit after considerable introspection I did award a somewhat reluctant five stars.