Alex Gardiner Author
With a treasure trove of military experience, Alex Gardiner’s remarkable debut thriller is written with inside knowledge.
He is working on his next novel from his home in Gloucestershire which he shares with his wife and three beloved Weimaraners. Alex Gardiner served as an officer in the Royal Greenjackets, and then as a troop and squadron commander in 22 SAS before leaving the British Army to command 1st Regiment The Sultan’s Special Force in Southern Oman. Since then, he has covered conflict in Bosnia, Kosovo, Ira
30/03/2023
I am chuffed to be stocked here at last. The proudest, newest arrival in South Kensington Books.
19/03/2023
For the Iraqis, even those who had nothing, hospitality was paramount.
13/03/2023
Marsh Arab elder in his traditional Mudheef dwelling, March 2003… his sadness seems to outweigh his hopes for a better future.
26/02/2023
Was waiting to cross into Iraq, 20 years ago. How did this guy know my blood group?
19/02/2023
Coming up to the 20th anniversary of Gulf war 2. Am reporting for Abu Dhabi TV…this USMC Tankie originally came from Aberdeen. Strange how far Scotsmen travel to escape their native climate.
10/01/2023
Happy new year to all. As my first post of 2023 I am proud to have such a distinguished politician as a reader. Not only a distinguished public servant but also a fine soldier.
20/11/2022
The Somerset Arms in Moorend Street, Cheltenham packs a punch with atmosphere and live music. Amelia, who is the jewel in the crown was kind enough to show support.
17/11/2022
I very much enjoyed being interviewed by Bob Wells on his Undercurrent Stories Podcast. Judging by his previous interviewees, I am in exalted company. He gave me a chance to talk about the story I’m currently writing, the working title is “What Metschek saw.
Listen here > https://www.buzzsprout.com/856252/11708090-sas-real-heroes-with-alex-gardiner
15/11/2022
Huge thanks to Emily Fairbairn of for taking the time to review my novel and putting it in front of the Sun readers…great stuff!
Buy it here > https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devils-Magistrate-past-always-present/dp/1910533653/
10/11/2022
A huge thank you to Gavin, the maestro at Military Veterans Podcast, who put this together and made it an enjoyable way to record, for posterity amongst other reasons. I hope people will find it entertaining and informative.
Listen through a whole host of platforms >
Website
https://milvetpodcast.com/episodes/alex-gardiner
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/military-veterans-podcast/id1531710391?i=1000585720793
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/47Lr4bwXvnH9TYDkx1z72B?si=AseXcccySe-7iOYD2EptUg
Google Podcasts
https://podcasts.google.com?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS85MTc4MDYucnNz&episode=QnV6enNwcm91dC0xMTUyOTI0Nw%3D%3D
Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/b343a228-ddab-4575-9346-9af359f8df7e/episodes/6c0097b4-2a46-4e2e-ab98-c8fceaaef63d/military-veterans-podcast-ep-030-maj-alex-gardiner---british-sas-veteran?ref=dm_sh_zHUECqMJorYB2r6iV8RFyyR1R
YouTube Part 1
https://youtu.be/dYbRqzrWuNU
YouTube Part 2
https://youtu.be/1YVphNzLdlk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcast
23/10/2022
Katie and James make everyone welcome at The Wheatsheaf on the Old Bath Road, Cheltenham. The best Sunday roast in the County and a great place to drink the royalties… if I get any. Thank you The Wheatsheaf.
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20/10/2022
Make sure that The Devil’s Magistrate is packed if you are looking for an enthralling read this half-term.
Buy it here > https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devils-Magistrate-past-always-present/dp/1910533653/
16/10/2022
As draws to a close, here are three of my favourite authors who have inspired me to write. Lee Child is the consummate expert at hooking the reader in the first pages. His stories are complicated (to me at least) but the vigilante theme allows the reader to come up for air. Robert Harris, the maestro whose plot twists you just don’t see coming. Lastly, Eric Newby, soldier, wit, raconteur and author whose wry observations keep you chuckling whilst his adventures unfold. The only problem with picking up these authors is the feeling of jealousy and despair at being unable to come anywhere close.
14/10/2022
Foston’s Ash Inn, up on the top road from Birdlip to Stroud…what an amazing place. Old-school charm that comes from being Family-run, with staff who always make you feel welcome and a chef who is exceptional. Truly, one of those Cotswold gems and I’m in two minds about singing its praises in case I can’t get a table next time. It is said that when James spends time in the Cotswolds, this is where he’s sometimes spotted…he is known to like Weimaraners.
11/10/2022
What inspired me to start writing..
‘I have always enjoyed listening to or reading a good story, usually with adventure or military themes, and soon, a voice was telling me “you can do that.. maybe better." So I always knew I would have to put myself to the test. It all seemed so easy, in theory, but even when I thought I had the makings of a good yarn, then the problems started.. trying to concentrate, making characters believable, trying to weave the plot into a convincing flow and making it entertaining.. What appeared a leisurely process becomes an obsession because, what you start.. you must finish. The voice in my head has gone quiet, so far.. I am waiting for its verdict.’
If you have read The Devil’s Magistrate, let me know your verdict!?
09/10/2022
I am privileged to have met Aimen, not many of us get endorsements from Al Qaeda (ok…former AQ). He has to be one of the bravest operators still above ground, spending 8 years inside Al Qaeda: zero hope of back-up or a quick death if things had gone wrong…serious respect to a veteran and a devout Muslim.
View on Amazon > https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devils-Magistrate-past-always-present/dp/1910533653/
06/10/2022
Ease into the start of and visit the best shop in Cheltenham (admittedly I am biased) to support their coffee morning raising funds for the . My book is on sale here – the perfect gift for a husband in exchange for a new coat!
Enjoy 10% discount in our stores while raising money for a worthwhile charity on Friday 7th October:
02/10/2022
The Cheltenham Lit Fest will soon start in town, but without me in the lineup of literary talent…I still can’t fathom why I was left out.
So…in advance, I am launching a, “Support your local author,” campaign in my favourite, pubs, Delis and shops in the Cheltenham and Cotswolds. I may be spotted in any of these wonderful places, drowning my sorrows or drinking the sales cash.
I would be so grateful for Amazon reviews, mentions and shares on SM.
The Fostons Ash Somerset Arms Maison Chaplais John Gordons Whisky & Wine Bar The Wheatsheaf Beatrice von Tresckow Designs
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devils-Magistrate-past-always-present-ebook/dp/B0B4FBGMPG/
27/09/2022
I owe a great debt of gratitude to three Guardsmen without whom, this Rifleman would still be marching, albeit speedily, but in ever decreasing circles.
Nigel Hadden-Paton of excellent Radio H-P found my agent. When Putin has overrun this sceptered isle, Radio H-P will emerge as the voice of resistance.
Harry Bucknall, wit, raconteur, ferociously persistent and debonair agent…also the “go to,” man when you need someone’s doors kicked in.
Anthony Weldon had the guts to publish my first bestseller. Tall, urbane (reportedly the model for 007, back in the day) effortlessly excellent, he is my type of publisher. Aah…those long lunches in St James’ clubland, genteel discussions over the port, ci**rs and brandy of meaty advances and further literary projects, adaptations for stage and screen…oh, how I look forward to them.
Thank you, gentlemen. Celer et Audax.
25/09/2022
25/09/2022
With the release of my debut novel 'The Devil's Magistrate' in the summer, I am delighted to launch my own page. Follow me for my ramblings, inspirations and general distractions from my second novel!