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Mark Dawson
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Scorpion: A Group Fifteen Novella (Group Fifteen Files) Kindle Edition

by Mark Dawson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,525 ratings
Mark Dawson’s Group Fifteen Files. Quick, lightning-paced, action from the first page to the last.

They call him 'Scorpion.' No-one knows his real name and the only people who have seen his face are dead. He works for the highest bidder, and he’s never missed a target.

The assassin appears in London with the name of an investigative reporter on his list. But has Scorpion met his match? The reporter has a protector - John Milton. And Milton might be the only man in the world more dangerous than him.


Praise for Mark Dawson:

"It’s impossible not to think of Lee Child’s super-selling Jack Reacher. " - The Times

"A literary sensation." - The Daily Telegraph

"Dawson writes the kind of thrillers I love. Non-stop, grab-you-by-the-throat tales of doing the right thing no matter the odds. Simply excellent." - USA Today bestselling author Brett Battles


Praise for Steve Cavanagh:

"THE PLEA is one of the most purely entertaining books you'll read this year. It's a blast." — John Connolly

“A wonderfully flawed hero, Eddie Flynn, one-time con man, now turned lawyer, who will hold you spellbound. This is a hell of a genre-bending book.” — Nelson DeMille


More than 1m copies sold in the John Milton and Rose series and 1000s of five star reviews.
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  1. Part of series
    Group Fifteen Files
  2. Print length
    107 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 7, 2017
  5. File size
    1.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 5 books in this series.
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Steve Cavanagh is an Irish author from Belfast and at the age eighteen he studied law by mistake. He is now the international award-winning author of the Eddie Flynn novels.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0768Z2YKX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Unputdownable (October 7, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 107 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,525 ratings

About the author

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Mark Dawson

Mark Dawson

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Mark Dawson has worked as a lawyer and in the London film industry. He has sold over six million copies of his propulsive, exciting thrillers and is best known for his John Milton, Beatrix and Isabella Rose and Atticus Priest series.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,525 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this novella to be a fast-paced, action-packed thriller with an enlightening glimpse into John Milton's backstory. Moreover, the writing receives praise for its attention to detail, and customers appreciate the character development, with one noting it features a better-than-Bond hero with a conscience. Additionally, the novella is considered a nice short read that can be completed in one sitting.

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52 customers mention "Readability"52 positive0 negative

Customers find the novella to be a wonderful and nice short read, particularly praising it as an excellent Mark Dawson book.

"...I was thrilled to read a story, that doesn't make one grunt and cringe with each sentence. Every ingredient I need to like a book was there...." Read more

"...An entertaining, quick read!" Read more

"...He's an excellent writer, approachable, and willing to listen to suggestions from his pre-readers. I'm fortunate to be one of those...." Read more

"...A perfect read for a rainy afternoon or a plane flight. I'm curious to see what other secrets from the past are revealed in the next books." Read more

44 customers mention "Story length"44 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story length of the novella, finding it action-packed and filled with intrigue and great twists, with one customer noting it starts with a clever twist in Chapter 1.

"...It isn't very long, over one hundred pages in all, but still, I read it in only one sitting, it was so riveting...." Read more

"...There is lots of action, a couple of surprises, and a ruthless cast of characters. An entertaining, quick read!" Read more

"...with a clever twist in Chapter 1 and is action all the way to a very satisfying end. A perfect read for a rainy afternoon or a plane flight...." Read more

"...Mr. Dawson's John Milton shows intelligence, courage and cunning beyond that of most normal people, which makes him the ideal assassin...." Read more

25 customers mention "Pacing"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as a fast-paced tale with non-stop action.

"...If you decide to pick up this story, you will get a magnificent, nail biting drama, making you turn the pages, until finding the end...." Read more

"...John Milton is the real deal, and this short story is no exception. It takes you back into his early years, when he was still with Group Fifteen...." Read more

"Good introduction to John Milton. Story moved fast and clear leaving more questions than answers. I enjoy mark Dawson's writing...." Read more

"'Scorpion' is a fast, hard-hitting novella with action on every page...." Read more

23 customers mention "John milton's story"23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate this novella as an enlightening glimpse into John Milton's backstory, serving as an excellent introduction to the character.

"...Every ingredient I need to like a book was there. A background I can care about, heroes that can interest me, a conflict I can relate to, and all..." Read more

"...It takes you back into his early years, when he was still with Group Fifteen...." Read more

"...This was an enlightening glimpse into John Milton's backstory -- the years before his series of books begins...." Read more

"...The story's twists and turns highlight his abilities and provides an unputdownable read.," Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting the better-than-Bond hero with a conscience, while another notes the addition of backstories to various characters.

"...A background I can care about, heroes that can interest me, a conflict I can relate to, and all delivered in a stand alone, finished story...." Read more

"...There is lots of action, a couple of surprises, and a ruthless cast of characters. An entertaining, quick read!" Read more

"...His character is honorable, seeing others needs ahead of his own, and doing the right thing even if it costs him personally...." Read more

"...triple he cost of his books..His research is impeccable, characters you will believe in, and stories that make you left wanting when you realize you..." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its superb prose and attention to detail, with several mentioning it can be read in one sitting.

"...He's an excellent writer, approachable, and willing to listen to suggestions from his pre-readers. I'm fortunate to be one of those...." Read more

"...The writing was good, the storyline excellent and the plot gripping nevertheless, when I finished reading this microscopic read, it was like I had..." Read more

"Fast pace,attention to detail, almost fell in love with the scorpion a rematch would have been interesting.on my second book" Read more

"This short novella can be read in one sitting and that is good because you won't want to put it down...." Read more

8 customers mention "Series quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the series fantastic, with one customer noting it's a page-turner, while another mentions it starts with a bang.

"...the short length, it has all the action, twists and page turners of all the other books...." Read more

"...This first one started out with a bang and kept the excitement going to the end, with a very satisfying ending, and I can't wait for more...." Read more

"...Very addictively entertaining story! Best part is there are so many books in the series that I was able to read a great story for a few weeks,..." Read more

"I like the Group Fifteen books. I just wish they weren't novellas but actual full length novels. Even so, they're worth the read." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kacmor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quality, quality, quality. Grab it, you won't be sorry.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    It is an incredible pleasure to find a book that is born of true inspiration and impeccable execution. If you decide to pick up this story, you will get a magnificent, nail biting drama, making you turn the pages, until finding the end. It isn't very long, over one hundred pages in all, but still, I read it in only one sitting, it was so riveting. The plot was gripping and believable, the action within reasons of possibility, the background impeccably solid. I was thrilled to read a story, that doesn't make one grunt and cringe with each sentence. Every ingredient I need to like a book was there. A background I can care about, heroes that can interest me, a conflict I can relate to, and all delivered in a stand alone, finished story. If you like the genre, you will find your new favorite author and love the book. I definitely did.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Susan1
    4.0 out of 5 stars Scorpion 🦂 versus Milton
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    John Milton is still part of Group Fifteen, Number Six as a matter of fact, in this novella by author Mark Dawson. That’s important to know as he doesn’t seem to be an alcoholic yet. If you read the John Milton stories, you know he is an expert at killing. In “Scorpion”, Milton’s primary mission is to find and kill an assassin hired by the Russian Mafia to kill 3 people. If he can save any of the 3 people, so much the better.

    There is lots of action, a couple of surprises, and a ruthless cast of characters. An entertaining, quick read!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Carl R. Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced, great short story
    Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Mark Dawson is rapidly becoming one of my all time favorite writers. He's an excellent writer, approachable, and willing to listen to suggestions from his pre-readers. I'm fortunate to be one of those. I read this novella in less than 24 hours, reading bits in between work, sleep and meals. John Milton is the real deal, and this short story is no exception. It takes you back into his early years, when he was still with Group Fifteen. His character is honorable, seeing others needs ahead of his own, and doing the right thing even if it costs him personally. You'll most likely have a hard time putting this down, as I did.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Bookworm Sandy
    5.0 out of 5 stars New Series Starts Off with a Bang! (Or Two)
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This short novella is the first in a new series by Mark Dawson (collaborating with Steve Cavanaugh) dealing with Group 15, the small circle of assassins operating covertly allowing MI6 plausible deniability for "wet" operations. The series is a spin-off of Dawson's John Milton and Beatrix Rose novels..

    SCORPION pits agent John Milton against a former Russian assassin gone rogue. This assassin, code name Scorpion, is in England to kill three people. Milton assignment is to protect one of the targets, a female journalist named Hailey Banks.

    This was an enlightening glimpse into John Milton's backstory -- the years before his series of books begins. The reader sees the first stirrings of the forces that will come to haunt Milton in the present day. While a short read, it starts with a clever twist in Chapter 1 and is action all the way to a very satisfying end. A perfect read for a rainy afternoon or a plane flight. I'm curious to see what other secrets from the past are revealed in the next books.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • WATKINS12
    5.0 out of 5 stars John Milton's in his early years.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Mark Dawson's talent as a writer is once again presented here. This is a novella highlighting John Milton's early career as an agent in Group 15. His assignment is to protect a journalist, Hailey Banks, from the Russian mafia. What does a Saudi prince have to do with it? This is a must read.
    I received the book as and advanced copy in order to provide an honest review. I am also bought the book.
    Mr. Dawson's John Milton shows intelligence, courage and cunning beyond that of most normal people, which makes him the ideal assassin. The story's twists and turns highlight his abilities and provides an unputdownable read.,
    One person found this helpful
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  • Brenda woodruff
    4.0 out of 5 stars John Milton
    Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Good introduction to John Milton. Story moved fast and clear leaving more questions than answers. I enjoy mark Dawson's writing. I have read most of his series regarding including John Milton
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  • Brian Switzer
    5.0 out of 5 stars All Milton, no fluff
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    'Scorpion' is a fast, hard-hitting novella with action on every page. Mark Dawson and Steve Cavanagh collaborate to take the reader back to John Milton's days with Group 15.

    The deadly assassin known as Scorpion is working on English soil, targeting an investigative reporter. There's no way to protect her- Scorpion always gets his mark. But he's never gone up against Milton. And John's not going to wait for the assassin to strike- he's going to take the fight to him.

    All action and all Milton, Scorpion is a five star read.
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  • BobL
    3.0 out of 5 stars Novellas just do not cut it for me !
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I am a huge fan of this author and I adore his John Milton books however, I am very sorry to say this Mark but as a general rule, Novellas just do not cut it for me !
    I read 'The Scorpion: A Group Fifteen Novella' and it pains me say this, but I felt cheated - very cheated. The writing was good, the storyline excellent and the plot gripping nevertheless, when I finished reading this microscopic read, it was like I had just got about two chapters worth out of this novella. I understand the rationale, but I do not want a quick read whilst I wait for a train, I want a proper book with all the longings, frustrations, waiting and guessing which goes along with such a book.
    Dare I also say this, but I almost feel inclined to do a cost analysis on this novella against a normal standalone John Milton book.
    Despite the above comments, I live in hope that you will return to your usual format in the future.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Godiva 2000
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great thriller to start a new series.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book and read it before Mark Dawson revealed that it was written as a collaboration, and I was genuinely surprised to learn that he wasn't the sole author, as it was well up to his usual standard. I have read books from several other authors who have collaborated and the books have been quite disappointing, I am glad to say that this is the exception.
    To the book itself; it is a great story and for readers new to John Milton it provides a superb introduction to this great character, for existing Milton fans it provides some fascinating background to his early days in the secretive Group 15. The action sequences are brilliant and the plot is very clever. This book is highly recommended for anyone who loves thrillers, I enjoyed it so much that even though I received a free copy I bought a copy anyway!.
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  • Neelabh Pratap Singh
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quick read
    Reviewed in India on February 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "Scorpion" by Mark Dawson provides readers with a captivating glimpse into the earlier life of John Milton, portrayed as an assassin working for Britain's covert intelligence agency, Group Fifteen. Set before the events of Dawson's main series featuring John Milton, this novella offers a compelling exploration of Milton's transformation from a ruthless killer to a man grappling with emerging conscience—a journey that ultimately leads to his evolution into John Smith, the central character in Dawson's main series.

    The novella follows Milton on a mission in England to find Scorpion , a Russian assassin who had a job to eliminate three targets. Milton is tasked with protecting Hailey Banks, a female journalist and one of the intended victims.

    "Scorpion" serves as a valuable addition to Dawson's John Milton series, providing readers with crucial insights into the character's backstory and the events that shape his journey in the main series.
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  • Barbara & Alan
    3.0 out of 5 stars Milton is good, but this story leaves you wanting a bit more than it gives.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 21, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Novellas leave many a story empty. It needs more but gives you less. I am a great fan of Mark Dawson and have every book of all his people, dead or alive. But I hope these Novellas he is putting out now will give more to his stories than this story did. Too empty of depth and adventure. Roll on your next BOOK.
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  • roger hunter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product
    Reviewed in Canada on December 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As per title
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  • Richard Latham
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fact and fiction indistinguishable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Everything you want in a thriller and everything you would expect from a Mark Dawson novel.
    This is a short story about a young woman and how her life is affected by meeting s John Milton.
    Hailey Bank’s name is on a hit list that has been outsourced to a independent contract killer known as the Scorpion. John Milton has a twofold agenda, first thwart the hit and secondly take out the Scorpion. The question starts to be posed in the reader’s mind. “How much is Hailey expendable in the greater desire to get his man? Is Hailey simply bait to flush him out, so Milton can take out perhaps the best assassin in this area of operation.?”
    Mind you Group 15 and John Milton demonstrate their effectiveness in saving her life at the start of the story.
    I like the characters. Milton is a troubled soul but very good at what he does. Very confident in his own ability and simply never thinks his mission will fail.
    Some brilliant action sequences and tense moments where you wonder how the author will get Hailey from one near certain death moment to live to draw another breath. There are no corny tricks, Dawson is a master of surprise and plot management.
    I think the strength displayed by Hailey is a little unrealistic but the character created by the writing remains true to this assured nature.
    What is incredible about Dawson and why he is so good at what he does. It is the topics chosen. Here the Russians are up to no good, and fact and fiction are hard to distinguish when elaborate methods of killing targets who have displeased the Russian state and are revealed here and in our news media.
    Group 15 does unravel for Milton in later books, but here he is in harness, working as a government asset protecting U.K. interests. He is bright and resourceful and any book set around him will never disappoint.
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