The Expansion

The Expansion is a page turning thriller that captures your interest from the start. Max a geomatics engineer has been asked to draw up plans for the Panama Canal expansion, previous to this chance of a lifetime we have some background to Max and other main characters. There is intrigue and tension aplenty, romance for Max with Karis supposedly an environmental scientist. Diplomats,CIA agents, the Chinese,British and Americans all make for an engrossing read.
There is quite some build up before everything 'kicks off' but when it does it drags you along at breakneck speed. I would have liked a little more depth from the ending a few 'what's going to happen next' questions, but I'm presuming there is going to be a follow up and hopefully not before long.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book honestly

This book covers the intrigue and machinations associated with a project to expand the Panama Canal. The premise allows for a diverse group of interesting characters as proposals are developed, a contract is awarded, and construction begins. The main characters ae described in depth, with a second tier of more stereotypical personas. The style of writing is straightforward, with little added detail. A romance between Max Burns, the main character, and a CIA agent, covered as an environmental activist, adds spice to the mix. The plot is engrossing, and includes a number of personal relationships between the players. The story arc could be described as a long, slow buildup with a quick hook at the end. The many interesting characters makes this a great read.

Beautifully crafted, clever. Starts off simmerimg, ends with a bang. My review is up on Amazon.a well crafted book!

Max Burns, a geomatic engineer, has the career chance of a lifetime working on a new project for expanding the Panama Canal. He gives up the promise of a sound job with his then fiancee's father, and drops everything to go.
The description of the work, the history of the beginnings of the Panama Canal are riveting, and one realises how little one knew of this part of history.
There is much intrigue in the story. Karis, who is apparently a scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical research Centre, becomes involved. Is she what she appears to be, or is there something else in her background?
Politics, lies, promises and backstabbing make this book race along.
It's a super story.
Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Expansion was a very interesting and entertaining read and well written. Panama is taking bids for the expansion of the Panama Canal. Different countries are preparing their bids for the expansion. Political corruption and monetary gain help make this book even more intriguing. I am looking forward to reading The Expansion sequel. (ARC)I

A thrilling tale set in exotic locations. This is a fast paced story which would be perfect to be made into a film or tv series. It has all the right elements; intrigue, danger, corruption in high places, beautiful people etc. The twists and turns make it exciting to read and difficult to put down.

The Expansion is a tale of the expansion of the Panama Canal and all the politics and espionage and skullduggery that went into it. It is fast paced and complexly written and will grab the reader's interest from the on set. All in all a very good thriller filled with multi-dimensional characters. Thanks to Net Galley and Clink Street for an ARC for an honest review.

A James Bondish thriller complete with the usual heroes and villains,though they may take a bit of untangling.

By now, most of you know that I'm a sucker for a good political thriller. So when I read the description for THE EXPANSION by Christoph Martin, I had to read it! "In politics and big business, truth is a matter of opinion."

We are thrown into the high stakes world of global trade and diplomacy - it's a ruthless one. Max Burns, a geomatic engineer, has been hired for the enormous task of expanding the Panama Canal - a highly competitive position involving other countries - he is thrust into a world of big business construction that throws him out of his element. He soon finds himself being framed for sabotage and murder after an official of the Panama Canal Administration is found dead. He is in the center of an intertwining web of political intrigue, betrayal, and murder that has ties well beyond the shores of Panama.

The only person that he can trust is Karis Deen, a scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Little does he know, Karis holds a dark and dangerous secret that could destroy him - but one that could also change the balance of world power altogether.

Being someone that enjoys anything mildly political when it comes to a thriller, or even other book genres, I loved this story. The intrigue, the deals made under the table, sabotage, and even murder - sounds like politics, right? ;) I think that Martin did an incredible job setting the scene. Now, I've never been to Panama, but I certainly feel like I have now! It was a page turner and I flew through it - definitely the right amount of suspense and mystery to keep you wanting more.

If you aren't a fan of politics in your reading, then I'd say you're probably better passing on this one. However, if you're a fan of a good political thriller, then you should definitely pick this one up!

I give this 4/5 stars!

A big thanks to the author, Christoph Martin, for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Karis and Max and I loved Fredo and Sophia. A very interesting thriller and I am desperately wanting to see the Abbey!

This is one of those books that hooks you straight away with an explosion of fast paced details as you get to travel through the beautiful setting of Panama on an adventure full of intrigue, good old fashioned espionage, secrets and of course murder.

Our darling Brit is everything you could want in a main character and is backed by some equally wonderful help in his friends and family that add a colorful layer to the author’s character work.

After that opening that rocks your seat be prepared to move into a slower pace since this is the first in a new series; he has to lay the foundation for a long drawn out story. Along the way you are going to meet the characters that will be accompanying you on this multi-book journey as they face a variety of trials and he is taking this time to provide some decent complexity to them so you’ll want to keep with their stories. One of the things I loved in his book was that his female characters weren’t here just to prop up their male counterparts, the author really did a good job in making them compelling, strong women. They definitely didn’t come off as the stereotypical ‘Bond’ girls who often feel more like eye candy than substance.

Hopefully you’ll stick through the slow parts as the pace and tension pick up leading you up to a dramatic ending with a strong cliff hanger.

This is a difficult book to categorise, not a thriller, not a mystery, not a political story, not espionage, not a murder. What is it? It has all of these but all take equal share. I was quickly taken in by the easy reading style of writing and although there is no particular outstanding element is does grab you and is a exceptionally good read. The main character Max Burns childhood and background is dealt with at the beginning, in order you can get on with the main story line of the Panama Canal expansion project. The author expertly compresses several years of bidding and construction and concentrates on Max's interaction with the father and son relationship of the Rocos who are leading the project. This may not be to everyone's taste but I enjoyed it.

A High Stakes Political Thriller

When Max Burns leaves his university teaching position to take a job with his future father-in-law, he thinks his future is secure. Suddenly, he’s offered the chance of a life time, designing the expansion of the Panama Canal. Max can’t pass up the opportunity. He leaves England, his new job, and his finacé to go to Panama.

Multiple countries are bidding on the project, UK, US, Germany, and Japan. The teams are surprised that China isn’t bidding. China’s absence leads to speculation that they are planning to disrupt the project. Max puts together a brilliant design working with his old school friend, Godfredo, and his father’s construction company. When the bids are submitted, Max is stunned to learn that they’re the low bidder. He doesn’t believe they can do the project for that amount. What if they win?

Max is a brilliant scientist and a good person. You can’t help, but like him and hope he succeeds against the odds. Godfredo is a likable con artist. He’s completely under his father’s thumb, but he has good instincts and in a crunch doesn’t want to let Max down. Max has a girl friend, Karis Deen, an American working for the Smithsonian in Panama. She is a tough lady, but not as fleshed out as Max and Godfredo.

The book is unique in the thriller genre. There is a murder, but there’s very little violence and the sex takes place off stage. I enjoyed that, but if you’re looking for sex and violence, you’ll be disappointed. The book has a slow start. The author goes deep into backstory for Max and Godfredo, and the political situation. The action doesn’t start until very late in the book. If you don’t mind wading through Max’s early life and the political background, it’s a good read.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

Quite a short novel and definitely in two halves. I was quite caught up in the whole Panama canal expansion project and was quite expecting for it to continue in a corporate corruption genre. However midway through it became a super spy thriller. Whilst either genre would make a great stand alone novel, I think melding the two spoilt it. That's not to say it wasn't a very enjoyable read. I'm sure we haven't heard the last of Karis and hopefully Max too.

I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.

This book is quite a different read to my normal choices these days. The story-line was very intriguing. Conspiracy and treachery around the expansion of the Panama canal.

The books brings an interesting twist with different groups bidding to expand the canal. We have a lot double dealing as it appears the British engineer has come up with an amazing design that is a clear winner..... the issue.... the consortium backing him has bid so low is this a fix....? Are they destined for trouble?

What I loved with the book was the interplay of the bidding wars and the obvious side dealing from the winning consortium. Yes the American's are suspicious, but they were not being sidelined by the Chinese in the way they expected.

Lots of twists and turns and a fun read. No spells, no "killing" per say, just lots of clever writing.

What a great book. I stayed up and read the whole book in one sitting. At one stage I tried to put it down and go to sleep but found myself just reading the next few pages. Next thing I know it is after midnight and I have read the entire book.

A great story with sufficient twists to keep you guessing and then the finish .....

A great read and so looking forward to the next book.

Conspiracy, industrial espionage, murder, clandestine dealings, romance and Political greed and manipulation, all played a major role in this story, I would label this story High Octave on the intrigue side. What a conglomerate of things happening in this book, the storyline is very captivating and filled with intense and gripping scenarios giving this story an exciting and interesting flow. Max and his team have been blindsided through the workings of some deep subterfuge, they were like sheep being led to the slaughter only in this case I would say they were the perfect scapegoats. The characters of this story are awesome and well defined, I like Paco, Godfredo and even Sofia as well as Agent Dean and Alan, giving this book its awesomeness. A truly well written work of art, it was an incredible read and this makes this book a must read for all those adrenaline junkies out there, I am sure you would not regret it.

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"A non-natural disaster is never an isolated event. It is the result of a long story: a series of bad decisions leading up to that point. Each and every decision matters. Each and every moment."
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This was a surprising story - it went in more directions than I anticipated, it taught me a handful of things and led me to do follow-up research on a handful more, and it twisted and turned in ways that I found delightfully engaging. I must admit, I did not know much about the Panama Canal going into this one. I knew the basics - that its development was full of tragedy and drama, that it changed the nature of sea travel, that the US played a major role then surprised many by willingly stepping back - but somehow missed the whole expansion thing (I know, I know - lame, but true). I was fascinated by the tidbits of history the book provided, so much so that I went on a bit of a Google-quest to find out more. I've now seen the locks work via video and read some fascinating statistics and stories - it's truly an engineering marvel! So those parts of the story were extremely interesting to me. But they are merely the underpinning - the true magic in this one is the intrigue and drama Martin paints around the expansion teams...

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"I'm not wise. I simply have the view from the shore."
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This is a great geopolitical mystery-drama - I don't know how else to categorize it! - full of unbelievable characters, convoluted relationships, and more lies and secrets than one isthmus should be able to hold... The characters are well developed and appropriately quirky; the politics are dense and play out in deliciously intertwined plot bits that are well paced and utterly engaging. I definitely recommend this one!

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"One finds, in life, that one doesn't unlearn skills such as how to swing a golf club. It's simply a matter of adapting to new circumstances."
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I received an advanced copy of this novel. All I can say is this author is good. I believe that this may be their debut novel, as there is no record of this novel anywhere on Goodreads or anywhere else for that matter. This surprised me. Why? I shall explain.

The way in which this novel is written, it feels like the kind of thriller that a more experienced author would write. I am not a huge fan of politics, however Martin manages to develop the characters so well in this novel, that you feel a compassion towards each and every one.

I don't believe in spoilers, so I am not going to give the novel away. However, I believe that Martin has written a novel that most likely portrays the reality of tenders/bids for big projects, and the politics involved. There's a snake in the grass, old school friends, a bit of romance and also the secret service thrown in for good measure!!

Martin does not disappoint with this novel, and a bright future awaits if this is any indication. Thoroughly recommend this book to anyone as there is something in it for everyone!

At the moment there is no Goodreads review for this novel as Goodreads do not have it listed on their database.

The book sets the scene when a young boy is orphaned due to a financial disaster that caused his parents to die under tragic circumstances. Penniless he is brought up by his uncle to become a brilliant engineer. He is head hunted to join a team which is to tender for a mega project. His brilliant conceptual design makes him the chief engineer to run the project. Mega engineering projects impinge into the world of politics, vested interests and finance. This then also gives rise to espionage and secret plots and counter plots that threatens to cause a financial crash when the project has been won and in execution. When one of the secret wheelers and dealers is murdered and The engineer is being set up as the fall guy, a US special agent sent to investigate befriends him and the pair manages to save the day. A fascinating insight into the world of engineering.

Loved the characters in this book and the setting in Panama delightful. I felt this would be a ideal title for some one who is new to this genre. I would love to read more about Karis and Max maybe a sequel?

This book jumped out and was a pleasant surprise! I read "The Expansion" after an enthusiastic email from the author, knowing nothing about the story's contents. At first, the story follows Max Burns, an engineer from the UK who has been recruited to help in a project to expand the Panama Canal. He is suddenly sucked into a world of scheming and politics he is likely not prepared for. Mid-book we jump to the story of Karis, a "science student" "studying" in Panama. But is that all Karis is? Spoiler Alert: NO! I was so caught off guard when this story took a turn toward action/thriller, I actually gasped and yelled out loud while reading this book waiting for an oil change: *They killed *SPOILER*!"

I knew next to nothing about Panama and the fantastic canal with it's intricate entanglements. This book had me running to google to get some history on the canal and brush up on my knowledge of South America in general. It's not often that a work of fiction sends me immediately to research a topic (SO INTERESTING!) but I'm glad it did. Despite this, the story stands strongly on it's own perfectly engineered legs with no prior knowledge necessary. I really enjoyed the characters, the intrigue and the hidden layer of political struggle dragged to the surface .My only complaint is that I wanted more! It felt like we only scratched the surface, even with all the developments in the plot and characters themselves. Looking forward to more by this author. A really easy, enjoyable read.

The Expansion deals with the mega engineering world of the Panama Canal. This book by Christoph Martin is rife with mystery, political intrigue and big business set in exotic locations. Max Burns changes his whole life for a shot at working on the new Panama Canal. He just didn't know how much his life would change.. I don't want to give away too much of the story. If you like tense dramactic mysteries this is a must read..

I have never really read political thriller but this book has added that genre to my list. It was very well written. It had the perfect amount of suspense and mystery to keep a reader hooked. The story was a bit dragged in the middle though, but it ended well. The story line of Karis and Max was interesting and very informative, the book was a bit historical too, takes the reader on a ride. Feels like you're actually living the story..

I was glad to read this book through NetGalley and I thought it was going to be set in the time the Panama Canal was built but was wrong. I did like how the story put in the important characters in first rather than have the murder start it off in the start of the book and then point the finger at the unsuspected. I did feel that Max and Carice's relationship was a little pushed but who knows what will happen to them in the sequel.

You're going to want to start this one on your day off because it is impossible to put down.

What a fascinating political high-stakes thriller. The Expansion is a careening tale that starts off with a bang and doesn't let you go until the end. And, even at the end, you just want more. I already can't wait for the sequel in 2018.

There's a decent-sized cast in the books but I found the characters each distinct enough to keep track of. They really develop their own voices for the reader and each one is just flawed enough to seem real. I enjoyed the multiple POV style as well as it lends an intimacy to the cast and also fuels the 'something under the surface' feeling of the story. The setting is fascinating as well. While I have never been to Central America, it was very alive in the book. My only criticism is that I found time difficult to follow in the book. There's one part where a character mentions that it's been two years and I thought, "Wait, it has? Since when?" But, that is such a small, minor thing that it hardly registered as I continued to sprint to the next page.

Great read that I highly recommend and can't wait to read the next one!

Max Burns attends a school for the super rich with his close buddy Godfredo, getting up to the sort of things only very privileged children can: drinking whisky and cigars, messing around with helicopters Then Max's parents lose their precarious wealth and commit suicide together. Max is immediately banished from this rarefied ambience to live with his poor relations. The shame, the shame.

Max grows up. Then his long-forgotten pal calls him, to invite him to participate in the expansion of the Panama Canal.

Max finds himself once again embroiled in the corrupt and dangerous world of Big Business - to say nothing of Big Politics too, as that canal is a focal point for the interests of at least two superpowers where the wrong move may have disastrous consequences for world peace.

Max has to learn who really has his back and who not, where the stakes are high and scruples thin on the ground and both industrial and political espionage are a given. Will he make it out in one piece?

The Expansion is a decent thriller and spy story with romantic intrigue too and thematically seems to have enough to say about recognising integrity.in a world where money and power corrupt.

One wouldn't necessarily think of the Panama Canal as being the height of international intrigue but The Expansion brings it to you! The title characters are incredibly likable though they seem somewhat less surprised than you might think they would be to find out that one of them is actually a deep undercover agent for the US. But the premise......the idea of international competition and rivalry for expansion of the Canal as ultimately a cover up for an entire Chinese military operation is surprisingly realistic and beyond interesting. My hope is that Mr. Martin will follow up this work so that we learn just how close we may come to impending doom and a promising new romance? Great work, great read!
This title has been reviewed on the blog listed below, twitter, Facebook, Amazon and Goodreads on 10/26/17.

This was a quick read but very much to the point.. Some great character descriptions and An exciting, fast moving storyline.. Lots of twists and turns and an interesting ending. May be more to follow!

This is a terrific first novel about the intrigue of bidding for a contract to expand the Panama Canal and what happens after. The Panama, U.S, Chinese and British governments all play major roles and none are what you might call ethical. If you are a big fan of non-stop shootemups, you may find this book slow, but if you enjoy a plausible, labyrinthine story where none of the characters are lily white, you will devour this book. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy to review.