“Dead Centre” by Andy McNab: A journey into the world of Somali Pirates

When I moved to Tokyo, I discovered a new love for thrillers. While I generally like detective stories and follow crime investigation TV shows, the fast-paced life of central Japan would quickly limit my screen hours and even the time to enjoy lengthy novels. Reading thrillers soon became a bridge between the two worlds. And who better to hook you on action stories than Andy McNab?

A former SAS operative with a storied military career, Andy McNab has channeled his vast experiences into a gripping series of thrillers featuring Nick Stone. “Dead Centre,” the fourteenth installment in this series, follows Stone as he works to free someone dear to him from the claws of Somali pirates. On his journey, he utilizes his firsthand special forces knowledge, providing vivid descriptions of the Somali landscape and the anarchic environment in the process.

I found “Dead Centre” a bit different from the other Nick Stone books I’ve previously read, although it’s a bit hard to explain how so. It almost seems like we meet a more mature Nick (although timeline-wise, the story doesn’t seem too far set from another story—maybe “Crossfire”). It appears Nick has settled down in life, has a new partner he loves, lives in a different country, and even enjoys literature—reading some hardcore Russian classics—and visiting museums. He stays sharp by target practicing at a shooting range and other exercises, but it seems to me his workout regime is that of a hobbyist, not that of a man who has seen serious “action” and knows that anything can happen anytime. There is less blood-boiling urgency in this novel. It’s different, but not in a bad way. McNab seems to go straight to the point here, his hero appearing more surgical. In many ways, this could be a documentary; that’s how realistic it seems (maybe Stone appears a bit more human with superhuman moments, as opposed to having a novel charged with these superhuman moments).

While the book is undeniably intense, it also allows readers to become deeply invested in the characters. Despite the fast-paced storyline, McNab gives enough time for readers to connect with each character, making their fates all the more impactful. The book’s ability to evoke a wide range of emotions is one of its greatest strengths. Highly recommended for fans of military thrillers and anyone seeking a gripping, well-crafted story.