Why We Chose Octagon by C.J. Merritt
Every so often, a thriller novel is sent to us that reminds us exactly why we love the crime genre and Octagon by C.J. Merritt is one of those books.
From its electrifying opening to its breathless final pages, Octagon delivers everything we look for in a Crime Collective pick: razor-sharp pacing, layered intrigue, and characters who feel as real as the threats they face. CJ Merritt’s background, spanning diplomacy, psychology, and intelligence analysis, bleeds into every page, giving the novel a level of authenticity that’s impossible to fake and utterly compelling to read.
This is espionage fiction at full throttle. A dying scientist’s confession, a murdered spy in the English countryside, and a ritualistic killing in Sweden all collide in a chilling, high-stakes conspiracy. At the centre of it all are Stella McRae, a former MI6 agent forced back into the shadows, and Tommy Kane, an ex-SAS operator whose loyalty may be the only thing keeping them alive. Together, they must unravel a devastating plot already in motion.
What makes Octagon stand out isn’t just its relentless action (though there’s plenty of that), but its intelligence. This is a novel that understands modern threats such as extremism, cyber warfare, fractured alliances, and weaves them into a story that feels both cinematic and plausible. It’s no surprise that it’s already drawn comparisons to the greats of the genre, with echoes of Robert Ludlum, Ian Fleming, and the gritty realism of today’s top spy writers.
We couldn’t put it down and we don’t think you will either.
Why You’ll Love It (and Why You Should Join Us):
In the Goldsboro Crime Collective, we pride ourselves on bringing you the very best in crime and thriller fiction. Our editions are carefully selected, beautifully produced, and chosen with genuine passion for the genre.
By subscribing, you’re not just getting a book, you’re joining a community of readers who crave the same pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat storytelling. With Octagon, you’ll be among the first to experience a standout espionage thriller that critics are already calling “a blistering thrill ride” and “a smart, slick, adrenaline-fuelled adventure.”
If you’re a fan of high-stakes spy fiction, morally complex heroes, and plots that keep you turning pages late into the night, this is exactly why the Crime Collective exists.
