Following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia fell into chaos and Western countries relaxed their defence and security as they reaped the peace dividend. A couple of decades later, a resurgent Russia under President Putin poses a seemingly ever-increasing threat to Europe. In the UK, the Westcountry is home to several installations which are vital to British and even global security. The GCHQ intelligence complex at Morwenstow, the transatlantic cable at Bude, Plymouth’s naval bases and other sites would all be prime Russian targets.
Currently, state-sponsored attack scenarios would likely be executed strategically, methodically, commencing in vital areas where critical weakness has been identified, which could be exploited, at locations where defence is insufficient. A multi-pronged, subversively co-ordinated, sudden communication shutdown could seriously compromise a nation's defence capabilities. In short, the aggressor would be landing a crucially advantageous, albeit ungentlemanly, first blow.
Ahead of the Game could not be more current in today’s climate of increased tension between Russia and the West. Indeed, there have already been attacks on undersea cables which although denied by the Kremlin were almost certainly carried out by Russian special forces or proxies. It seems likely that this is the first such spy novel set in the Westcountry.
Could the events described in "Ahead of the Game" actually happen? The readers will judge, but logic says “yes”.
Reader reviews:-
What seemed unlikely yesterday looks very possible today and will make people both in Cornwall and far beyond stop and think.
- Hugh Monro, Bude, North Cornwall.
One of the many things I enjoyed about Richard Peirce’s first novel Kalahari Gold was the characters. I hoped I would meet them again, and I have, plus a few more. Westcountry residents and visitors alike will enjoy this gallop through familiar territory.
- Makram Alamuddin, Chicago.
Ahead of the Game combines credibility with sometimes tongue-in-cheek spy antics. Fast, fun, furious and worrying! A piercingly topical story.
- Perry Richardson, author and critic.
Richard has done it again, another “ripping yarn” from a first rate story teller. Think John Le Carré meets Modesty Blaise. I was hooked from page 1, compelling, stylish and clever.
- Chris Pringle, Spencer Thorn Bookshop, Bude.