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Jake Armitage series #1
The Russian Ink
How do you trigger an international political incident?
Kill an important asset and blame it on the Russian mafia.
Who can solve the St Petersburg assignment?
NSA contractor Jake Armitage.
Explosive evidence that could bring down the US president.
No clues except a mysterious prison ink.
The new Russian death cult formed from the darkest Gulag.
A journalist who may have answers.
Powerful political enemies arise.
The former black-ops contractor with a death wish.
International security and peace at stake.
Can Jake discover the truth before it’s too late?
Kill an important asset and blame it on the Russian mafia.
Who can solve the St Petersburg assignment?
NSA contractor Jake Armitage.
Explosive evidence that could bring down the US president.
No clues except a mysterious prison ink.
The new Russian death cult formed from the darkest Gulag.
A journalist who may have answers.
Powerful political enemies arise.
The former black-ops contractor with a death wish.
International security and peace at stake.
Can Jake discover the truth before it’s too late?
333 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2022
9 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Simon W. Clark
5Ìýbooks531Ìýfollowers Simon W Clark has been writing, reading and dreaming up adventures since he was a teenager. He has traveled the world frequently for both business; as an art consultant, and pleasure; reaching the far ends of the globe. Breaking down in the Transylvanian mountains and hiking for assistance; staying on a farm in northern Thailand and being holed up at the German/Czech border as authorities searched for wanted fugitives to mention a few highlights.
His most recent novel called 'The Republic's Assassin' is the latest techno-thriller and the third in the Jake Armitage series. It became available on January 1st 2024. The installment follows on at breakneck speed from 'Dead Mercenary's Trail' and 'The Russian Ink' which is set primarily in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Prior work, 'Think Fast or Die', is currently available on Amazon: a spy thriller set in the Middle East. Simon lives with his family in Melbourne, Australia. He continues to travel whenever possible to unexplored destinations that also provides inspiration for his novels. Otherwise he can be found working or relaxing with family and friends.
Thanks for taking the time to consider my work as it's truly an honor with so many titles to choose from.
Further information can be found at
His most recent novel called 'The Republic's Assassin' is the latest techno-thriller and the third in the Jake Armitage series. It became available on January 1st 2024. The installment follows on at breakneck speed from 'Dead Mercenary's Trail' and 'The Russian Ink' which is set primarily in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Prior work, 'Think Fast or Die', is currently available on Amazon: a spy thriller set in the Middle East. Simon lives with his family in Melbourne, Australia. He continues to travel whenever possible to unexplored destinations that also provides inspiration for his novels. Otherwise he can be found working or relaxing with family and friends.
Thanks for taking the time to consider my work as it's truly an honor with so many titles to choose from.
Further information can be found at
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 15, 2022
Fantastic start to a series with a great main spy character. The sub plots and conspiracy come together neatly, and I liked the end. Good genre writing again!
February 7, 2023
Jake Armitage
Overall a great story. A secret agent is sent to St. Petersburg for a job. Matched against some formidable foes and some powerful people, Jake must follow the clues.
One really annoying part of this book is that it kept referring to the same person different ways. For example the secret agent would be Jake in one sentence, Armitage in another, and the agent in yet another. All of these were used in rapid succession. This was for most of the characters, not just the main character.
#Å·±¦ÓéÀÖGiveaway
Overall a great story. A secret agent is sent to St. Petersburg for a job. Matched against some formidable foes and some powerful people, Jake must follow the clues.
One really annoying part of this book is that it kept referring to the same person different ways. For example the secret agent would be Jake in one sentence, Armitage in another, and the agent in yet another. All of these were used in rapid succession. This was for most of the characters, not just the main character.
#Å·±¦ÓéÀÖGiveaway
September 6, 2022
The Russian Ink follows Jake Armitage in his quest to uncover the mystery behind the murder of an important "asset." Each chapter reveals another piece of the puzzle, unveiling an intricate web of corruption leading all the way to the top.
Action sequences are intense. Unlike most spy movies, Jake doesn't have the luxury of fighting inept thugs who couldn't shoot ducks in a barrel. What I mean is that his conflicts feel very realistic, where any false move could be fatal. This culminates in high-stake fights that keep you in tension.
You'll also be graced with highly detailed descriptions of Russian urban life, which really enhance the immersion of the book. The author's skilful writing style is perfectly complemented by thorough research and what I presume is a down-to-earth imagination.
If you're into the spy thriller genre, and enjoy a mix of mystery, action, and suspense, The Russian Ink is for you.
Action sequences are intense. Unlike most spy movies, Jake doesn't have the luxury of fighting inept thugs who couldn't shoot ducks in a barrel. What I mean is that his conflicts feel very realistic, where any false move could be fatal. This culminates in high-stake fights that keep you in tension.
You'll also be graced with highly detailed descriptions of Russian urban life, which really enhance the immersion of the book. The author's skilful writing style is perfectly complemented by thorough research and what I presume is a down-to-earth imagination.
If you're into the spy thriller genre, and enjoy a mix of mystery, action, and suspense, The Russian Ink is for you.
December 15, 2022
Jake is a reluctant NSA spy/hitman/hacker on a final job in St Petersburg, meeting an ‘asset� for some important intel, but the ‘asset� is dead in the front room when he arrives at the mansion, along with a Russian mafia foot soldier in a back room, and it looks like there’s been a fire fight and possible human trafficking and/or prostitution. He prises a USB, containing evidence of Russian interference in a US election, from the asset’s fist, but is trapped by three military-style operators arriving/returning. He kills one and escapes back to his digitally screened apartment, seeks the help of an attractive woman journalist, Katerina, and they set about uncovering a wide cartel involved in political jockeying and international dealings, possibly including a US presidential hopeful (Trump? Biden?). Jake does a lot of killing, Katerina a lot of digital gumshoeing, betrayals are standard and death lurks in every shadow. What is refreshing is Clark's detailed depiction of St Petersburg, formerly Leningrad - cradle of the communist revolution - the most European city (and once capital) in Russia. What keeps you reading is the burgeoning suspense and ricocheting realism of latter-day Russian roulette. The satisfying ending leaves the reader wondering who can Armitage ever rely on and will he vanish one way or another. Character drives spy thrillers as much as plot, and in Jake and Katerina, Clark has an 'asset' that might take us anywhere.
September 10, 2022
A well-paced solid start for spy Jake Armitage set in the mean urban streets of St Petersburg. A murder mystery leads to an international conspiracy that drew me along to the end.
From gritty prison tattoos to corruption and interesting characters I await the next installment.
From gritty prison tattoos to corruption and interesting characters I await the next installment.
November 16, 2022
Covert thriller with NSA loner Jake Armitage. Unique skill set as he sets out in the shadows of Gothic St Petersburg. Solid characters and interaction. Effective gadgets military hardware. Great ending. Look forward to number # 2.
December 6, 2022
Action packed spy thriller and intriguing: I like the interaction between Jake and Katerina.
September 23, 2022
I liked the various city scenes in Russia and the spy craft. Jake is a loner with a past and he uncovers the answers and conspiracy through effective interaction and unique skills. The dynamic between him and Katerina is great too!
October 8, 2022
Really go into this thriller too. Interesting stuff about Russian underground culture right up to political aspects. Loved the conspiracy too.
September 21, 2022
After enjoying the previous thriller, I was excited about this book, and I am glad to say I wasn’t disappointed.
The US political conspiracy resonated strongly with me, considering the parallel to former US president Donald Trump.
This writer’s signature attention to detail is highly reflected in how he describes NSA contractor Jake’s world and colliding encounters with his Russian adversaries.
The Russian Ink is the first book of the Jake Armitage thriller, and I look forward to reading more about Jake’s next adventures and escapades.
The US political conspiracy resonated strongly with me, considering the parallel to former US president Donald Trump.
This writer’s signature attention to detail is highly reflected in how he describes NSA contractor Jake’s world and colliding encounters with his Russian adversaries.
The Russian Ink is the first book of the Jake Armitage thriller, and I look forward to reading more about Jake’s next adventures and escapades.
January 23, 2023
Really liked the flow and plot was tighter than previous. I'll read the second Jake Armitage when it comes out.
September 26, 2022
Who doesn't enjoy a fantastic mystery that can easily make them crazy? The relationships they foster between public figures and individuals are the best and most fascinating part of espionage stories. It is a complex web of corruption that leads to senior leaders, which adds another piece to the jigsaw. It could possibly be connected to political intrigue in the US. The representation of important individuals like Jake (NSA contractor), his contacts with Russian foes, and Russian city life are some of the most incredible non-mystery elements. The book was both enjoyable to read and follow thanks to these descriptions, and I highly suggest the book.
August 30, 2023
great Read
The surgery has a way with words that keeps you involved. Jake is an awesome character. Katerina is a plus.
The surgery has a way with words that keeps you involved. Jake is an awesome character. Katerina is a plus.
October 28, 2022
A new anti-hero comes forth.
The premise and cover initially grabbed my attention. Refreshingly set not in the US but in Russia which coincides with the current turmoil. I loved the cultural nods to both the life and architecture of Saint Petersburg. Much of which I didn’t realise having known more of Moscow.
Tonnes of action and a great ending. Look forward to number 2 in the Jake Armitage series.
The premise and cover initially grabbed my attention. Refreshingly set not in the US but in Russia which coincides with the current turmoil. I loved the cultural nods to both the life and architecture of Saint Petersburg. Much of which I didn’t realise having known more of Moscow.
Tonnes of action and a great ending. Look forward to number 2 in the Jake Armitage series.
October 6, 2023
This was an interesting read with a really entertaining plot. This book was full of action and adventure right from the start and did not let up till the end. Loved the spy aspects of. this book. I thought they were really well done and established. Really enjoyed the characters and how they developed and how they helped in the development of the story. Definitely an enjoyable read that I recommend if you enjoy spy/espionage books, thrillers, and action-packed crime reads!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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