Domino Island

Bill Kemp, Book 1

By: Desmond Bagley, Michael Davies

Narrated by: Paul Tyreman

Discovered after more than 40 years, a vintage action-adventure novel set on Domino Island – a Caribbean paradise toppling under murder, corruption and organised crime…

‘Like a dream come true – an undiscovered Desmond Bagley novel … and it’s a great one!’ LEE CHILD

Bill Kemp, an ex-serviceman working in London as an insurance investigator, is sent to the Caribbean to verify a life insurance claim that will make property magnate David Salton’s young widow a very rich lady.

As Kemp begins to discover that Salton’s political ambitions had made him a lot of enemies, and that his friends are reluctant to reveal themselves, local tensions around the forthcoming elections spill over into protest and violence on the streets – and murder.

Is this all a deliberate smokescreen for an altogether more ambitious plot? And who is the enemy in their midst? As events begin to spiral out of Kemp’s control, even his army training seems feeble in the face of such a determined foe.

Discovered after more than forty years, Domino Island is a vintage tour de force by one of the world’s most successful thriller writers.

©2019 Desmond Bagley, Michael Davies (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

‘What a wonderful book! Domino Island ticks all the boxes for top-notch thriller writing: a plot that unfolds quick as a race car (or I should say Learjet?), exotic locales, intrigue that draws us into manor houses, posh hotels, and the high seats of government, and a protagonist for all time, Bill Kemp—part James Bond, part Philip Marlowe, and all hero. A brilliant and timeless novel.’
JEFFERY DEAVER, author of The Bone Collection and The Never Game

‘A vintage Bagley scenario of siege, jeopardy and explosive action’
MIKE RIPLEY, author of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

‘Bagley has become a master of the genre – a thriller writer of intelligence and originality.’ SUNDAY TIMES

'Bagley is a master storyteller … has the skill to grab your heart or your bowels.’ DAILY MIRROR

‘From word one, you’re off. Bagley’s one of the best.’ THE TIMES

'Literate, exciting, knowledgeable adventure stories … Bagley has no equal at this sort of thing.' SUNDAY MIRROR

‘Unbeatable for sheer gripping excitement’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘Stories charged with suspense.’ FINANCIAL TIMES

‘Bagley hit upon a winning combination of craftsmanship, authenticity and excitement.’ CHRISTOPHER FOWLER

‘I’ve read all Bagley’s books and he’s marvellous, the best.’ ALISTAIR MACLEAN

‘As long as meticulous craftsmanship and honest entertainment are valued, and as long as action, authenticity, and expertise still make up the strong framework of the good adventure-thriller, Desmond Bagley's books will surely be read.' REGINALD HILL

Good story & performance, flawed file

The story is apparently recently released. It is interesting, a little transparent but well-read and reasonably captivating. Part of the recording has skips and flaws unfortunately. No spoilers to be had from me. I am fairly picky and recommend this one.

Old school but great.

Something really refreshing about a murder mystery on an exotic Caribbean island in the days before cell phones or social media. Full of intrigue with well developed characters in a classic gambling/ politics/ Crooked cops/ secret lovers kind of way. Engaging British reader. Perfect escape time.

A long lost masterpiece of the Adventure Thriller genre

Desmond Bagley is a Grand-Master of the Adventure-Thriller Genre. As such, he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Alistair MacLean, Duncan Kyle, Helen MacInnis, and Hammond Innis. In a review of one of Bagley’s books, MacLean wrote, “He writes better than I do.” While not one of his best books, Domino Island will still keep the reader engaged and turning the pages until late at night.

I miss Bagley

I have read everyone of his books multiple times so was thrilled to get a new read. Domino Island lived up to my Hope's and expectations.

very good

Bagley is a skillful writer, bringing the characters and scenes alive. Well narrated. A good listen.