In Playing Dirty, Operation Trouser Snake, Andrew R Williams presents us with a political thriller set in a world/time that is disturbingly similar to our own. The political wheeling and dealing, with its betrayals and counter-betrayals, would not be out of place in the books of Michael DobbsFrom the outset, Playing Dirty is a fast-moving page turner of a thriller
Playing Dirty: Operation Trouser Snake tells the story of power-hungry politicians Michael Ventiquatro and Arthur Epistrone’s plan to seize control of the UK Parliament by all and any means necessary.
Both Ventiquatro, and Arthur Epistrone, Ventiquatro’s loyal subordinate, are nasty pieces of work. Killing is in their DNA.
Playing Dirty: Operation Trouser Snake is a parallel of [last year’s novel] Superior.
After orchestrating a nerve gas attack on Parliament to kill off as many MPs as he can, Arthur Epistrone uses the oldest but possibly most effective trick in the book – sex and scandal.
He brings in the beautiful and ruthless Honey Pursamon to lure MPs into bed, take incriminating photographs, and blackmail them with the results.
Hence the code name Operation: Trouser Snake.
Andrew Williams says, “One or two people have asked me if Michael Ventiquatro and Arthur Epistrone are based on anyone in particular, but all I’m prepared to say on that is that there have been 17 Prime Ministers in my lifetime, goodness only knows how many MPs and more sex scandals and discredited politicians than you can shake a stick at so I haven’t been short on inspiration!”
Playing Dirty is my ninth novel. Since the publication of Samantha’s Revenge, there have been four more in the Arcadia’s Children series, including a prequel, Marooned, and the series of sci-fi thrillers.
Excerpt
Pursamon walked into the Majestic Hotel and rang the reception bell.
When the front desk appeared, Pursamon said, “I have an appointment with Alan Fitorez.”
Although Pursamon was smartly dressed, a businesswoman about town, the expression on Front Desk’s face changed; the welcoming smile faded, and suspicion emerged.
The hotel had standards, sex workers were discouraged, and Front Desk was sufficiently experienced to surmise Pursamon fitted into that category.
Sensing that her presence would be queried, Pursamon handed over her ID card without being asked. She said, “Mr Fitorez is expecting me for a private business meeting. Why don’t you call him?”
Front Desk did as intructed an then begrugingly gave gave Pursamon as pass card.
Professional Reviews
Playing Dirty: Operation Trouser Snake
Liz Jenkins review
Five stars from me ****
Playing Dirty was very enjoyable, gripping, and very easy to read. I liked all the intricacy and duplicity in the plot. I want to know what happens next!
Playing Dirty: Operation Trouser Snake
Jane Morrow said
Five stars from me ****
I have read and enjoyed all of Andrew R Williams books and Playing Dirty was no exception. The novel drew me in straight away
Playing Dirty: Operation Trouser Snake
Bob Stone said: Five stars from me ****
In Playing Dirty, Andrew R Williams presents us with a political thriller set in a world/time that is disturbingly similar to our own. The political wheeling and dealing, with its betrayals and counter-betrayals, would not be out of place in the books of Michael Dobbs. However, it is in the rise of a new political party, the S & B Progressive Party, that the world of this book differs. The Party's sinister desire to create a Master Race, through the use of the highly addictive drug Ambronootrop B drives the action of the book and is all too plausible; after all the idea of a Master Race is something we have encountered before. This time, however, with advances is technology at their disposal, the S&B Progressive Party present a frighteningly realistic threat. From the outset, Playing Dirty is a fast-moving page turner of a thriller, populated with believably flawed characters and full of imaginative concepts and recommended to anyone who likes their dystopian sci fi to feel uncomfortably close to home.
