Making a Killing: The Explosive Story of a Hired Gun in Iraq

Overall I found it a very readable but there were a few points where I wondered if it was an accurate reflection of what actually happened or the temptation of the publishers to sex up the story to get more sales (as was done with Bravo Two Zero, amongst others). Certainly it isn't a wholesale celebration of war or of the situation in Iraq, and there has been a lot of thought put into why we were there by the author. It certainly came across as being written by someone who had been there and who had taken the opportunity to understand what was going on and why it was going on, that in itself is enough to make it worth reading for all those that wonder what is going on. The news doesn't even come close to giving you the side of the story shown here, and it isn't entirely positive for those prosecuting the war or attempting to rebuild Iraq or maintaining the peace.

As mentioned by another reviewer, the section towards the end where he asks a load of US officers why they are fighting the war is priceless, and possibly the best discussion of the reasons behind the war and the management of its aftermath. Better to spend time reading this book than watching the news.

Awesome! (1/1 people found this helpful)

The book is a well written and covers the dramatic events in a very unassuming style.

The author's opinions and observations of the environment are well balanced and offer a good insight into the life of soldiers and contractors in Iraq.

There is action, there is humour and there is back story on Iraq. It really does have everything and I would recommend it highly - 5 stars!

Thoroughly compelling (1/1 people found this helpful)

Thoroughly enjoyed this books.
Charts the start of the iraq occupation, unfortunatley highlights that Iraq as the author says may take 10,00o years to resolve!

Fantastic! (3/3 people found this helpful)

Made it to my top of the year if not better! A fabulous read. It makes you laugh, it leaves you in sorrow. You get a view on the things people live in Iraq every day, on the cultural clash, on the political aspects, on the military side of things. EVERYTHINGS is there - and written in a way it is impossible to put this book down.

The title is provocative, but a bit misleading. There is killing in the book, as it is the war zone, there are military actions, there is trouble. But there is much, much more to that. And the whole book is very personal and extremely well balanced.

If you look for a book about Iraq, war, PSD - this is the book for you! 5 stars +.

Highly recommended.

Best book I have read in ages sikk (0/0 people found this helpful)

I read this book over the summer and finished it in 4 days. It is really well written and far more entertaining than any hollywood blockbuster. I would reccomend this book to anybody who has even the most vague of interests in the subject of private contractors and Iraq. Some great war tales and also fascinating insights into the world of mercenaries and the US army. Made me want to join royal marines even more (not because they are in the book, I just want to get out there). Can't wait to leave school.

Making a Killing: The Explosive Story of a Hired Gun in Iraq

James Ashcroft

Reader Reviews:

Sensational but thought provoking and 'authentic' (1/1 people found this helpful)

Awesome! (1/1 people found this helpful)

Thoroughly compelling (1/1 people found this helpful)

Fantastic! (3/3 people found this helpful)

Best book I have read in ages sikk (0/0 people found this helpful)

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