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Tom Benson
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Ten Days in Panama Kindle Edition

by Tom Benson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
Pete Harris is a journalist who will face his demons for the sake of the environment. In the North Atlantic, he was almost killed chasing a story. One year later Pete accepts an assignment, knowing he must face his fears.
Gloria Banderas is a Marine Biologist, dedicated to her work on the Pacific coast of Panama. She feels in control of her life.
In 2010 Gloria receives an email requesting her help.
From the moment Pete and Gloria meet, their emotions are on a rollercoaster ride.
They discover an unknown common adversary wants them both out of the way; permanently.
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  1. Print length
    406 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    December 11, 2013
  5. File size
    1.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00C8WN3NY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tom Benson
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 11, 2013
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 30221st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 406 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

About the author

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Tom Benson

Tom Benson

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In 1969 at the age of 17, Tom left his native Glasgow to join the British Army. Tom’s military career spanned from 1969 to 1992. He followed this with a career in Retail Management, in which he was employed from 1992 to 2012.

Tom has been writing since 2007.

He has published novels, anthologies of short stories, a five-part novel, a variety of erotica books, and a series of genre-based poetry.

Tom is presently working on more novels.

www.tombensonauthor.com

www.tombensoncreative.com

www.tombensonerotica.wordpress.com

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
42 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an entertaining read with a strong romantic element and interesting tale of adventure. The writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting the excellent dialogue, while another appreciates how the narrative is augmented with historical and cultural anecdotes.

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ReadabilityRomanceWriting qualityNarrative style
7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and easy to read, with one customer noting the author's skill in crafting a well-developed narrative.

"...historical and cultural anecdotes, and he has taken great care to craft a well-developed and polished story. I give it 4.5 stars (rounding up!)." Read more

"...get all aflutter, but for more mature readers, the author offers a refreshing outlet...." Read more

"...It is a thoroughly enjoyable read. This book manages to combine an eco-thriller with a sub-plot of romance, and it does so brilliantly...." Read more

"...Good book. I look forward to reading more works by Tom Benson." Read more

6 customers mention "Romance"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as an interesting tale of adventure with a strong romantic element.

"...Reading Ten Days in Panama--an action/adventure story with a strong romantic element--has further solidified, in my mind, Mr. Benson's ability to..." Read more

"...professionals for one another, both with high caliber and intensely engaging careers always has its own edge to it; it’s a particularly modern motif..." Read more

"...This book manages to combine an eco-thriller with a sub-plot of romance, and it does so brilliantly...." Read more

"...The book begins with an exciting scene that depicts our hero as an investigative reporter who takes risk and promises us a few thrills within the..." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer highlighting the well-executed sex scenes and another noting the excellent dialogue.

"...--has further solidified, in my mind, Mr. Benson's ability to write well in multiple genres...." Read more

"...The story has no shortage of steamy, well-written sex scenes for those who like their romance on the more explicit side, without losing any of the..." Read more

"...when dialogues read as contrived, and fortunately, Benson's dialogue writing is excellent. Very realistic...." Read more

"...characters develops naturally and passionately enough for some explicit sexual scenes that hold just the right amount of sex mixed with romance...." Read more

3 customers mention "Narrative style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the narrative style of the book, with one mentioning its wonderful descriptions of encounters, while another notes how it is augmented with historical and cultural anecdotes and helpful background information.

"...this author has clearly done his research, augmenting the story with historical and cultural anecdotes, and he has taken great care to craft a well-..." Read more

"...abounds, as well as pathos, interspersed with helpful snippets of background information on the history and landscape of the area, so..." Read more

"...There are wonderful descriptions of their encounters, driving both the character building and the plot...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • S.L. Stacy
    5.0 out of 5 stars A romantic adventure in Panama
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The first work I read from versatile author Tom Benson was his collection of short stories Smoke and Mirrors, which in itself covered a variety of topics and genres. Reading Ten Days in Panama--an action/adventure story with a strong romantic element--has further solidified, in my mind, Mr. Benson's ability to write well in multiple genres. I believe Ten Days in Panama was one of his first books, and it's an action-packed adventure spanning multiple continents that I think almost any reader, although especially those of travel/adventure and love stories, will enjoy.

    Pete Harris, an investigative journalist from Britain, travels to Panama for an assignment and enlists the help of marine biologist Dr. Gloria Banderas. It's been some time since Pete has been in a committed relationship, still recovering from a prior one, and Gloria has sacrificed much of her social and love life for the sake of her work (although she doesn't have a lack of potential suitors). Therefore, going into the story, neither are really looking for love or expecting to feel the undeniable attraction that inevitably develops between these two characters.

    To be honest, I haven't read many novels with strong romantic elements written by male authors, so I had some reservations going in concerning Gloria's character. Knowing Mr. Benson's skill as a writer, though, there was nothing to fear: Gloria was just as interesting and well-developed a character as Pete, with her own clear ambitions and strengths. Pete and Gloria both have their vulnerabilities and strengths and, as a couple, balance each other out nicely. The development of their romantic relationship is woven flawlessly with intrigue and adventure as they work to uncover an environmental injustice.

    In my reviews, I always try to give a fair critique, and there were a few things that bothered me at the beginning of the book. It started off a little slow for me, although definitely picked up later and proceeded at a fast pace until the end. I also felt that some of the background and history mentioned at the outset could have been woven more organically into the story and dialogue. And, while I came to love most of the characters--particularly Pete and Gloria--I wasn't a huge fan of Bonita, Gloria's assistant, who I felt could have been a bit more fleshed out.

    However, these criticisms are small in the scheme of the book, which is an entertaining read with the perfect blend of adventure and romance against an exotic backdrop. As always, this author has clearly done his research, augmenting the story with historical and cultural anecdotes, and he has taken great care to craft a well-developed and polished story. I give it 4.5 stars (rounding up!).
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  • Ian
    4.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile Eco-Conscious Romantic Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I credit this book with starting me on a reading circuit of novels involving environmental issues. I’ve always considered myself a closet activist, and a huge proponent of defending the environment against corporate malfeasance. But prior to reading Ten Days in Panama, I was solely curating content relating to environmental concerns on Facebook and sharing it to groups of like-minded folks like myself. It never occurred to me that novelists too have environmental concerns and that they serve as the backdrop for some wonderful stories, just like this one.

    The very sexy and scintillating opening chapter of Ten Days in Panama in fact involves an investigative journalist getting shot for his efforts to take photos and expose a ship-going vessel up to no good. My first thought was, “That should have been me! I should have been taking that bullet for him. Why wasn’t I out there?” Our hero, Pete, survives his ordeal, only to plunge himself right back into his investigative reporting of corporate dirty deeds across the world. That brings me to my second favorite point about this book: it’s travel lit. The reader gets to visit exotic locations, among them Panama, where we learn about what oligarchies and corporations do to siphon money off of the great masses of people, creating suffering on a global scale in their wake. Okay, it’s not what we read travel lit for, but broadening our empathy and concern for our fellow humans in the course of reading an intriguing story is never a bad thing. What’s more, there is plenty local color to absorb, including the singing of parrots and the darting about of spider monkeys and so on. Throughout Central America, our investigative journalist notes, nature is “always close beside, pitted against a progressive modern civilization. I haven’t seen the interior yet, but I already think that many people would be happier to have been left alone with the trees, rivers, and traditional way of life.” Pete’s nature safaris to get him a better feel of the place are our chance to fall in love with nature all over again, as well, in a part of the world where it is perhaps most resplendent.

    So far I’ve described just two dimensions of the story. The third, of course, which for some may be the most important, is the romance element. First off, let me say it was rather refreshing to read a romance story that didn’t involve teens. With YA lit dominating e-book fare, one would think adults simply die at the age of twenty-one, or that perhaps they’ve cured aging. Our paramours certainly carry on as if they were teens when their hearts get all aflutter, but for more mature readers, the author offers a refreshing outlet.

    It’s how the three dimensions come together that makes the story a truly memorable experience, the exotic locale, the determination of our hero and heroine to protect the environment against abuse, and their growing love for one another. The love of two professionals for one another, both with high caliber and intensely engaging careers always has its own edge to it; it’s a particularly modern motif, and more often than not these careers pull the lovers apart. Fortunately, in this case, it brings them together. The shared intensity, moreover, of being spied on, shot at, and facing increased opposition by shadowy players during the ten days in Panama feeds the fire between our two paramours. Nothing like sharing a life and death experience—multiple life and death experiences—two bring any two people closer together.

    The story has no shortage of steamy, well-written sex scenes for those who like their romance on the more explicit side, without losing any of the artful tastefulness one would associate with a literary novel. My only complaint was that I thought the romance overshadowed the investigation underway into criminal doings that bring harm to the environment. At times that other story gets lost and becomes overly vague. But even with these shortcomings—if they are shortcomings, as some readers might prefer the book being weighted more towards the romance elements—the book earns a solid four stars from me.
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  • M. Slavidou
    5.0 out of 5 stars An author to watch out for
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is not the first book by Tom Benson that I have read, and it certainly won't be the last. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

    This book manages to combine an eco-thriller with a sub-plot of romance, and it does so brilliantly. The central character, Pete, is so realistic that you feel like talking to him, and his dialogues are very natural - I find it off-putting when dialogues read as contrived, and fortunately, Benson's dialogue writing is excellent. Very realistic.

    Although there is a cerrtain inevitability about the ending, it keeps you going all the way through - you want to know how they will get there and what will happen along the way.

    My one criticism is that I found the romance a little predictable. You could see it coming almost from the beginning. But the scenes themselves are done very well, and it is overall a great read.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • barbara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book does not have the frenetic pace of the first Tom Benson book I read, A Taste of Honey, but it doesn't need it. The slower pace, especially at the beginning, allows the reader to savour the writing particularly the descriptions of the flora, fauna and wildlife of Panama. It is as if you are watching a very engaging documentary at times, so vivid is the detail. But because this is a Tom Benson book and because the main character is an investigative journalist, you know that something bad is going to happen. It does, but I wouldn't dare spoil it. Pete Harris soon learns who he can trust and who has more sinister motives. His relationship with the formidable scientist Gloria is very erotic, made more so by their mutual respect and affection for each other. There is nothing not to like about this book. Great storytelling, excellent characterisation and fascinating plot. I was sorry when I reached the end. Will just have to download another.
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  • RuddersReviews
    4.0 out of 5 stars A steamy romance/thriller with a gritty edge to it..
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A very enjoyable novel of the romance/thriller genre. The story is a relatively simple one, involving an investigation into environmental crimes in Central America, and Panama in particular. But behind the simplicity of the story there are a multitude of strong and colourful characters to captivate the reader's attention. Central to the story is Pete Harris, an investigative journalist and writer, but also possessing a strength, courage, and range of skills that more than equip him in the more dangerous aspects of his profession. And then there is the beautiful and talented marine biologist, Dr. Gloria Bandera, to whom Pete Harris feels an immediate attraction from the moment they meet.

    What starts off as a simple investigative piece of journalism soon escalates into something far more dangerous, endangering both Pete and Gloria's lives, as persons unknown try to spy on and then kill them. Although initial recollections of Pete's previous adventures show he is well able to deal with such threats, he soon appreciates that Gloria, the partner in his current investigations, is also just as resourceful.

    Over the course of ten days, between them they have to deal with being spied on, nearly blown up, being shot at, and almost drowned at sea. Thankfully they are not alone in their efforts, or without allies among the local population. Among these allies are men with equally mysterious pasts, and as Pete suspects, possessing even greater strength and skill at defending themselves, something for which both he and Gloria have reason to be grateful for on more than one occasion.

    Parallel to the investigative side of the story there is the evolving mutual attraction and sexual chemistry of the two main characters; both feel it from the start, but are hesitant to make the first move. Instead the two of them simply resolve to enjoy each other's company, indulging in increasingly witty and suggestive banter and dialogue:

    "I hope I can satisfy your appetite..... I meant with breakfast after our swim."

    It's obvious from the start that something will develop between them but the reader is teased as to just how and when, but when it does things really move quickly. Although each is passionate about their work, they repeatedly demonstrate their passions for each other in a variety of locations. The sex scenes certainly do not leave everything to the imagination, and are more often than not, quite steamy, but they are not overly graphic or beyond those of any couple at the beginning of new relationship. What I liked most about their relationship is that it wasn't simply a sub-plot to the main story, or merely the almost obligatory love interest that is so often contrived into such stories, but was totally relevant and essential to advancing the story. If I had to make some small criticism, I would say that the relationship between Pete and Gloria does at times distract from Pete's mission and reason for being in Panama in the first place, making the investigative and `action' side appear a little vague and undeveloped, compared to the crystal clarity and precision like well executed plot lines of the author's later works. For me, the romance element just seemed to over shadow the thriller/investigative side, making the latter almost the background to the main story rather than the other way round. Overall though, the dialogue is often witty and funny, and used to great effect to explain technical and scientific elements of the story, ensuring the reader doesn't feel they're being given a science lesson. It's also clear that a great deal of research has gone into this novel, giving the reader a real sense of 'being there' as opposed to simply being given a description of a foreign country, and it is this degree of attention to detail and storytelling that the author truly excels in. Had this been the first of the author's books I had read, I would probably have given it a five star rating, but having read his later works, I just feel they have a definite edge to them, so on that basis alone, I give this a strong and well deserved four.

    Thoroughly recommended though, particularly to those readers who prefer a more romantic and steamier side to their reading...
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  • R. Coulson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful romance shot through with mystery and intrigue.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this. It's a delightful romance shot through with mystery and intrigue. Pete is a man with scruples, an environmental reporter. On assignment in Panama he meets the lovely Gloria, a marine scientist. In ten days, they face their own personal demons, and uncover a ring of environmental criminals. The sexual tension between Pete and Gloria teases throughtout, and is handled in a masterly style as the plot unfolds. Strong, believable characters, fabulous location, and an ending that leaves you hoping that... Go read it! Humorous, erotic, intriguing. Recommended.
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  • Lesley Hayes
    4.0 out of 5 stars An enlivened blend of romance and thriller
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I came to this novel having read and much enjoyed Tom Benson’s short story collection ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ last year. Looking at the impressive list of Tom’s more recent books, I can see that this was his first novel, which for me explains the rawness in his writing style in this particular book. I had the sense when reading it that this was Tom finding his feet as a novelist, and I suspect his later books will prove a more satisfying read for me. This is an observation, not a criticism, as I applaud Tom’s ability to tell a good story and build up a sense of erotic tension between his two main protagonists, Pete Harris, an investigative journalist and writer, and marine biologist, Dr. Gloria Bandera – both well-drawn characters with strong, individual voices. Tom excels at describing the banter between them and clearly enjoyed his own relationship with his characters, which makes them believable and keeps the narrative alive. The plot is well-structured and takes forward both the burgeoning romance between Pete and Gloria and the unfolding drama, which tests them both to their limits and inevitably also brings them closer. If you enjoy erotic fiction, romance, mystery and action, all bound up in one exciting parcel, then this is definitely a book for you!
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  • Sarah Stuart - Readers' Favorite Reviewer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended to readers of thrillers with a message!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 10, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Mr Benson’s first full-length novel opens with an explosively dramatic scene that, understandably, gives Pete nightmares. However, he is a dedicated investigative journalist determined not to put his personal hell before success. When he has the opportunity, not only to spend time in Panama, but to feature ecology, he searches the Internet for a suitable guide to the region.

    Gloria hesitates before she puts her name forward, having had an unhappy relationship in the past, and is as dedicated to her scientific work as Pete is to journalism. However, she is worried by threats to wildlife from sea pollution, and this is her chance to help publicise it.

    The plot is intriguing, and Mr Benson’s military knowledge “behind the scenes” is evident and fascinating. Thrown together with a powerful mutual interest, Pete and Gloria rapidly become lovers. Romance is an additional bonus, but the sex scenes were too similar to hold interest and slowed the pace of a very exciting story. However, I read it to the end – even more explosive than the start – and I recommend it, especially to readers concerned about the pollution of Earth, and if it’s presented fictionally, it will still make people think.
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