Published 21 July 2026 · Available now on Amazon in Kindle and paperback
Elite Lloyd’s of London kidnap and ransom negotiator Timo Glock has spent his career protecting the world’s wealthiest people, until he decides to become the predator instead. Using a stolen list of the world’s most heavily insured individuals, encoded inside the film reels of a Hollywood blockbuster shooting on remote Adak Island, Timo sets a global conspiracy in motion, one that reaches from a Los Angeles visual effects studio to a secretive data vault in Valletta.
Follow the story of producer Marcus Riley, who becomes the last link to a murdered colleague’s final warning and is pulled into a web of blackmail, kidnapping and betrayal alongside his partner Mako. Racing through Malta’s underground tunnels, they fight to stop a stolen fortune, and a stolen list, from falling into the wrong hands.
Marcus and Mako reflect on the fragile line between trust and treachery, privacy and exposure, in an era where secrets are currency and betrayal is only ever a password away.
The Bastion by Mark Grenside is published by Sharpe Books.
www.sharpebooks.com
Where Truth Meets Fiction
Bibliography and References
Part One: Heat and Cold
Chapter I
Alaskan Ice Wine
Denali Winery, Gold Rush, and Bear Creek are examples of popular brands.
Game Engine and LiDAR
An industry standard used in creating 3D environments. The explanations that follow are technically correct, as is the reference to 300. As in many movies since the Spartan epic, 300 through to the Avatar series, Tasmin’s new vehicle, Counting Thunder was to be shot in a virtual studio. All the backgrounds and nearly all the sets were to be digitally created in 3D from shots of various real locations or specifically made miniatures. A simple photo is flat and cannot really be used to create a 3D world. Instead, this is achieved by using a small box about the size of a box of cigars, called a LiDAR. This machine essentially uses mirrors and lasers to shoot 360° and build up a complete 3D image of whatever it is pointed at. These images would be given to the special effects editor, who would work his magic and blend them seamlessly with actors filmed against a green screen. The director chooses what he wants to shoot and the LiDAR does the job.
Iridium Extreme 9575
A rugged, GPS-enabled satellite phone providing global voice and data coverage. Manufactured by Iridium Communications Inc.
Chapter 2
Los Angeles Film School
Located at 6363 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Founded in 1999, it offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in entertainment industry fields.
DaVinci Resolve
A proprietary video editing application for macOS, Windows, and Linux, developed by Blackmagic Design. Includes tools for editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production.
Thermite
Extracted from “High Density Thermite Mixture for Shaped Charge Ordnance Disposal,” by Tamer Elshenawy, published in Defence Technology (October 2017).
Chapter 3
Chocolat
The movie, shot in Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, France.
lifeinruralfrance.com/where-was-chocolat-filmed
The Taser 7
This is the latest model of conducted energy weapon designed for law enforcement use. It is more accurate and compact than previous models, aiming to better protect both the public and police officers. Source: Home Office Media Blog (2020). Factsheet: Taser 7 Q&A. Retrieved from homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2020/08/26/factsheet-taser-7-qa
Chapter 7
Data wrangler
A professional who ensures data quality and usefulness within a company by transforming raw data into more appropriate and valuable forms for various purposes, such as analytics.
Chapter 9
Unanga
Bentwood hat making is a traditional Aleutian craft. The closed or open conical hats are worn by chiefs, whalers and high-ranking seal hunters.
Chapter 13
Black Hat Conventions
Now a frequent part of the digital universe calendar, Black Hat is an annual computer security conference that has been active for 27 years, since its inauguration on July 9, 1997. It is held regularly in Las Vegas, Barcelona, London, and Riyadh, bringing together a variety of people interested in information security.
Chapter 14
Special vision contact lenses used by Timo
The clear lens had two gold rings on the outer circumference with a wireless communication processing unit, lens, and storage unit making up a tiny chip just off the center.
Chapter 17
Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune
A 14th-century château in Burgundy, France, that houses unique museums and collections, including fighter planes, Abarth racing cars, motorcycles, fire trucks, and more. The château is open to the public year-round and offers wine tasting in its 17th-century pavilion.
Chapter 20
Point Roberts
A five-square-mile exclave of the United States located on the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen peninsula, south of Vancouver, Canada. It is separated from the rest of Washington state by British Columbia, requiring travelers to cross the Canadian border twice to reach it by land from the U.S. mainland.
Chapter 21
Pirate Gold of Adak Island
A Netflix documentary series following a team of treasure hunters searching for buried gold amid the harsh Alaskan wilderness on Adak Island.
Chapter 23
Alabama State adoption rule
heartgalleryalabama.com/process-to-adopt
Ichthyosis
A rare genetic skin disease characterized by very dry, rough skin with significant flaking and hyperkeratosis (skin thickening).
National Organization for Rare Disorders – rarediseases.org
The Mafia Commission: A History of the Board of Directors of La Cosa Nostra, by Andy Petepiece
Well-researched book on the nearly 100-year history of the Mafia’s Board of Directors. Publisher: Tellwell Talent, 2018. ISBN: 9780228806707
Part Two: The Golden Child and the Taken
Chapter 26
Maltese History
The Great Siege: Malta 1565, by Ernle Bradford
A noted British historian specializing in Mediterranean and naval topics. First published in 1961, it recounts the dramatic events of the Siege of Malta in 1565, when the forces of the Ottoman Empire attempted to capture the island from the Knights of St. John. Publisher: Pen & Sword Military (multiple editions). ISBN: 9781844154672
Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege 1940-1943, by James Holland
An account of Malta’s crucial role during World War II. The book details the island’s strategic importance in the Mediterranean and its relentless bombardment by Axis powers.
The PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital)
Brazil’s largest and most sophisticated criminal organization. Founded on August 31, 1993, by eight prisoners in São Paulo’s Taubaté Penitentiary, the PCC has evolved from a prison-based group to a powerful criminal syndicate with international reach with over 20,000 members of which approx. 6,000 are in prison.
Chapter 29
War Eagle
The battle cry, a greeting, and a symbol of Auburn University’s tradition and spirit. “War Eagle” is deeply ingrained in Auburn culture. The university’s fight song, introduced in 1955, is titled “War Eagle” and is played during football games. Before each home game at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a live eagle, often accompanied by a bald eagle named Spirit, performs a pre-game flight, known as the War Eagle Flight.
Roll Tide
The rallying cry and slogan for the University of Alabama, particularly associated with its athletic programs, most notably the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. The phrase serves as a celebratory cheer, greeting, or expression of pride among fans and alumni. It embodies school spirit, camaraderie, and a sense of community.
Chapter 33
‘Ndrangheta: The History of Italy’s Most Powerful Organized Crime Syndicate, by Charles River Editors
A book that explores the origins, development, and operations of one of the world’s most powerful criminal organizations.
Beretta Pico Pistol
A subcompact semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry.
beretta.com/en-us/pico-pistols
Chapter 34
La Camorra: The Notorious History and Legacy of the Neapolitan Mafia, by Charles River Editors
A comprehensive book that explores the origins, development, and operations of one of Italy’s most notorious criminal organizations. Publisher: Charles River Editors, 2019. ISBN: 9781094223452
Chapter 44
Upper Barrakka Gardens Gun Salute
The Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, are famous not only for their stunning views of the Grand Harbour but also for the daily gun salute ceremony conducted at the Saluting Battery located below the gardens. It has a long history dating back to the Knights of St. John.
Chapter 49
8,000 Years of Water: A Maltese Story of Sustainability, by Daniel Cilia
A groundbreaking book by photographer Daniel Cilia, offering an unprecedented look at Malta’s water infrastructure and history.
Part Three: Neptune’s Fountain and the GawGaw
Chapter 52
Guinness Book of Records Most Expensive Prop
At the time, this was the most expensive prop from a film: the Spanish galleon from the Roman Polanski film Pirates, which cost US $10,271,100.
Chapter 54
The Most Dangerous Gangs in America, by Sam Becker
A journalistic overview of the most violent and influential gangs in the United States, including MS-13, the Crips, the Bloods, and the Aryan Brotherhood. The article explores gang origins, activities, and their impact on American society.
The Yakuza, The Japanese Mafia, by A. Bruno
A detailed exploration of the Yakuza, Japan’s infamous organized crime syndicates.
What is “kompromat” and how does it work
“Kompromat” is a Russian term meaning “compromising material” and refers to damaging information about public figures that can be used for blackmail, intimidation, or discrediting opponents. According to Richard Maher’s article in the New Statesman.
Chapter 57
FN 509 MRD LE
Sidearm that was selected to replace the Smith and Wesson sidearm for the LAPD in August 2021.
fnamerica.com — FN 509 MRD LE press release
Chapter 59
Jurassic World: Dominion
Third installment in the Jurassic World trilogy and the sixth film in the Jurassic Park franchise. Filmed in Malta in August 2020. When it was released in 2022, statues from the movie were put on display in August.
Chapter 68
112
Emergency telephone number in Malta used for police, ambulance and fire brigade.
Chapter 70
Neptune’s Fountain
Built in 1615. The statue was originally sited at the center of the fish market, a beacon easily seen by the ships in Grand Harbour. It had a marble cannon-shaped spout at the base of the fountain to supply fresh water to vessels in the Grand Harbour. The spout was engraved, “Small boats do not be afraid to come close. Instead of fire you will find water”. The statue was removed to the Grand Master’s Palace in 1858 and the base moved to Argotti Gardens in Floriana. The base is now at the Malta Maritime Museum.
Rod of Asclepius
An ancient Greek symbol associated with medicine, featuring a single snake coiled around a staff. It is named after Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine.
Chapter 73
The Pinewood Story: The Authorised History of the World’s Most Famous Film Studio, by Gareth Owen with Brian Burford
Published by Reynolds & Hearn, Ltd., 2000, this authoritative volume chronicles the history of Pinewood Studios, one of the world’s most iconic film studios.
Part Four: One By Land, Two by Sea
Chapter 81
The Panama Papers: Breaking the Story of How the Rich and Powerful Hide Their Money, by Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier
An investigative account of the largest data leak in history, revealing how the global elite use offshore structures to hide wealth, evade taxes, and launder money.
Chapter 82
Crimine-Infinito: The Complex Structure of the Calabrian Mob, by Roberto Saviano
Chapter 91
The Legend of Sisyphus
A Greek myth that has become a powerful metaphor for the human condition and the pursuit of meaning in life. In Homer’s “The Iliad,” Sisyphus is briefly mentioned as a legendary figure known for his cunning and cleverness.