3 Seconds in Bogotá: all reviews

153 reviews

★★★★★
A wild tale interestingly set within 3 seconds that changed a life
I don't often read travel tales but knew Mark to be an excellent storyteller. I was once again impressed by his ability to draw you into a world, a life, a moment that I would never, ever have lived myself. As heartfelt as it is informative, as well-paced as it is deep, 3 Seconds in Bogota delights (and horrifies), enriches and unsettles. It made me live a portion of a rich, unusual life, from the comfort of my living room.
Myrna Jelman, Richmond, WT site, paperback (signed), 7 June 2025, verified

★★★★★
Remarkable!
everything was great
Chris McGarry, Silkstone Common, WT site, paperback (signed), 4 June 2025, verified

★★★★★
Gripping and captivating
A quirky, non-heavy but descriptive and colourful style written with poignancy and detail. The subject matter is captivating, entertaining, engrossing and horrifying all at the same time. With some charming humour thrown in. Thoroughly enjoyed it and felt deflated when it came to an end.
Rayma Derbyshire, Evesham, WT site, 27 May 2025, verified

★★★★☆
Really, really good.
Super book, very cleverly constructed. It was an excellent book to take me through some very long flights. I highly recommend. It gives some insights into Columbia which is always useful when travelling. Will the author be writing more? I am intrigued to know what became of him.
Heather Gulliver, Gloucester, WT site, 27 May 2025, verified

★★★★★
Enjoyable Reading
Loved Mark's fascinating story, the way he conveys it and the secret in the end is mind-boggling. I read it in a day.
Berc Demir, Corby, WT site, 26 May 2025, verified

★★★★★
Fantabulous - a gripping read with a final twist
Intrigue. Suspense. Tingling fear. This book has it all.
Michael Taylor, London, WT site, hardback (signed), 25 May 2025, verified

★★★★★
Incredible!
This book is like a cross between a travelogue and a thriller. Quite unique and I loved it having visited South America in the early 90s. The descriptions really take you there. Exceptionally well written.
Margaret Nicholls, Cricklade, WT site, paperback (signed), 25 May 2025, verified

★★★★★
Well worth a read!
Interesting and well written. What an experience. Left me wanting to know more about his travels. I bought two more copies as gifts.
Richard Twiddy, Burnley, WT site, 25 May 2025, verified

★★★★★
Thoroughly enjoyed.
(no review body submitted)
Rob Glew, Haywards Heath, WT site, 25 May 2025, verified

★★★★★
A Gripping and true life story.
I purchased this book just before Christmas and hadn't had the chance to read it until a little while ago. But WOW! Once started I couldn't put it down for long, and managed to complete it in a couple of days. What a fabulous frightening journey I took across a part of South America. It was an exciting and educational travelogue as well, as I knew very little about those countries. I savoured every scary, funny, nail-biting adventure, and wonderfully described event, made all the more memorable for being someone's true life experiences. I will enjoy reading it all over again. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants a truly good read.
Tina, Amazon, 29 January 2026

★★★★★
A very enjoyable story. It was not what I expected - it was better. I highly recommend you read it.
Dan, Goodreads, 27 January 2026

★★★★☆
Page Turner
A genuine page turner. I enjoyed every word. Lots of detail about Colombia, great anecdotes, loved the romance involved and was terrified by the bandits.
S. Beck, Amazon, 26 January 2026

★★★★★
Mark Playne is a good storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 3 Seconds in Bogatá.
Jon E. Gustafsson, Goodreads, 25 January 2026

★★★★★
Goodness me! What a read, couldnt put it down, was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Shame it had to finish. Looking froward to reading more books from this fantastic writer.
Mrs T, Goodreads, 12 January 2026

★★★★★
Spectacular Story!
Great book, could not put it down. Beautifully written, thoroughly enteraining and a wonderful twist. Thank you Mark for sharing this epic true story xx
T Elizabeth, Amazon, 12 January 2026

★★★★★
A great concept writing from the back of a taxi in a life or death hold-up. This third addition has some spine chilling stats in, considering I was in Bogota in the same era i'm surprised I'm still alive. The book gives an excellent insight to the wonder, and the danger, of South America in the 90's. i would definitely recommend this book with travel and danger, all rapped in a a beautifully designed book. A real joy
Richard East, Goodreads, 25 September 2025

★★★★★
Love this book!
3 Seconds in Bogota is beautifully written with a great amount of anticipation, with stories of his travels thrown in. I love the concept of 3 Seconds in Bogota written if you like from the back of a taxi in the middle of a life or death hold-up. It was great fun to read, the last few chapters were absolutely excellent, it has a great ending. I must say as a fellow writer ' The Rocky Road by Richard Oswald East' I do admire the production of the book from the cover to the design and layout, it's a beautiful book to hold, Mark obviously spend a lot of time over this aspect of the book. I met Mark one evening and we hit it off immediately, talking all thing travel and all thing AI. Mark has another book out called AI and I, which is another piece of exceptional writing. Well done I love '3 Seconds in Bogota' exceptional.
Amazon Customer, Amazon, 25 September 2025

★★★★★
Worth reading.
Great read.
Amazon Customer, Amazon, 26 June 2025

★★★★★
What an amazing book. I bought it for my husband as he’d travelled round South America many years ago. He loved it! So I decided to read it starting 2.00 am for an hour or so and finishing later today. I was totally gripped by the story and the writing style. Incredibly entertaining but with a hint of menace all the time (I’ve been to Ecuador so I’m aware) This book is one that you can’t put down. I was impressed by the author’s humanity, especially in the last chapters and references. And his antipathy to a certain British ex PM. It’s funny at times yet filled with true humanity. We in the UK are lucky to live in a democracy at the moment and it’s hard to imagine life in Colombia and maybe we want to just ignore the suffering because what can we do? But Mark went there, had incredible encounters, made us laugh …. And then made us think. I’ll certainly read it again and check out the links in the references
Diana Joyce, Goodreads, 25 June 2025

★★★☆☆
Not impressed with this book
Cindy, Goodreads, 23 January 2025

★★★★☆
Refreshingly different
An engaging book, easy to read with an interesting narrative structure. It kept me hooked the whole time, as well as sadly shocked by the stories of crime and violence in South America. I liked the author's easy going style yet absorbing style.
cheri m, Amazon, 14 January 2025

★★★★☆
An engaging book, easy to read with an interesting narrative structure. It kept me hooked the whole time, as well as sadly shocked by the stories of crime and violence in South America. I liked the author's easy going style yet absorbing style.
Cheri Midderigh, Goodreads, 14 January 2025

★★★★★
An absolutely brilliant update to an amazing story. I's a gripping page turner that has you ralising you've been holding your breath. Love it. READ IT!
Janna Rogers, Goodreads, 17 September 2024

★★★★★
An absolutely amazing story. Gripping, a total page turner and a very enjoyable read
I massively love this book. It's beautifully written, so descriptive and evocative. You really feel like you are there, which I'm glad I wasn't! Read it, it's fantastic!
J, Amazon, 17 September 2024

★★★★★
Nail biting from start to finish... What a story teller!
F.Tadford, Goodreads, 1 September 2024

★★★★★
I read 3 seconds in Bogota in one sitting as it was a page turner and written in a style that was somewhat of a suspense story, whilst conveying much about the author's life at that time and the circumstances in which he found himself. South America is an area of the world I know little about, in any detail. the book is a snap shot in time in the author Mark Playne's life, a true story. This I feel makes the book all the more impactful. The book conveys the reasoning, thought processes and drives of a young man and his girlfriend. His view iss view of the exiting world of travel that was South America in the 1990's. At the time Mark made a living, more or less on the street, working hand to mouth selling his wares. Always broke but with adventure in his heart. In fact the book is about the heart, intuition and how these aspects of our lives should never be over looked. The story is written from the narators perspective and touches on many aspects of his life, that of his girlfriend and the area of the world. An understanding of people. Current events, of that time. Judges of character. Decisions made. Some eye opening horror stories and the world of then and likely now. The book keeps you in suspense and it is worth hanging in for the journey. Chance, serendipity, decisions, that perhaps you or I would not make. Would we do the same? I am sure many would not. The follow up explanations in the post script, so to speak, reveal much more and are worth reading by way of explanation. I wrote to Mark via e-mail and will say the same here. Mark is a very lucky man.
Jonathan, Goodreads, 21 August 2024

★★★★★
Brilliantly Written and Educational Too.
Wow, what a book! I'm ashamed to say this book sat on my To-Be-Read list for far too long. However, it was certainly worth the wait. Told in such a way you feel as if you and Mark Playne are chatting over a cold drink as he recounts some memorable moments of his life as well as some truly terrifying ones. I loved the way the 3 Seconds of the title are spread over the course of the book as the author recalls moments of his life that led him to make the decisions he does during those few moments. Brilliantly written and educational at the same time. I for one learnt a lot about various parts of South America I had known little about before.
Chris Wells, Amazon, 9 August 2024

★★★★★
Beware of the locals
A thoroughly enjoyable read. It made me reminisce of my own backpacking experience, and also the context of world affairs happening at that time. A lesson to all who might want to venture in a similar way.
Paul Davies, Amazon, 19 May 2024

★★★★★
A thoroughly enjoyable read and made me reminisce about my own backpacking experience. Also the context of events happening in the world at the time lends to the stories unpredictable outcomes.
Paul Davies, Goodreads, 19 May 2024

★★★★★
Very interesting
Well written, and fascinating..highly recommended
Ms MD Selley, Amazon, 4 April 2024

★★★★★
On the edge-of-your-seat entertaining. If you like excitement while traveling or just reading about it from the comfort of your couch, this book is for you. What would you do if you thought you were about to be mugged? What if family members were with you? How far would you go to protect those you love? I know where my line lays. You will love “3 Seconds in Bogotá,” which will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first chapter. There is never a dull moment as you travel the world with the fabulous, entertaining writer Mark Playne.
Tammy Horvath, Goodreads, 29 February 2024

★★☆☆☆
I dont understand how this book was suppose to be so amazing. I kept putting it down and forcing myself to pick it back up.
Victoria, Goodreads, 28 February 2024

★★★★★
Mark’s true story shares all the ingredients of a life well lived and comes packed with stories of hard travelling, streetwise encounters and a fair share of ducking and diving. But against the harsh realities of a life on the move, a softer, kinder thread shines through: This is a story that celebrates lasting friendship and close family ties. There is the cycle of creativity that connects making to selling then selling to survive. Mark demonstrates an insight into the human condition and his understanding of the motives of others. Above all, it celebrates the joy and precious value of life whatever your background. Then you turn the next corner to suddenly discover that it all hangs in the balance – with just three seconds before the Scales of Fate will fall in one of two directions. This is well thought out, carefully written and beyond the three seconds, Part Two will go a long way to answering the many questions that hang in the air. Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith, Goodreads, 23 February 2024

★★★★★
South American Adventures
How, one might ask, does an author stretch 3 seconds into a whole book. Beautifully, by interspersing those amazing seconds with his travels throughout South America. An interesting travelogue, as well as building suspense, literally, to the last second. Well done, Sir.
Gypsy Grandmum, Amazon, 23 February 2024

★★★★★
A fantastically original presentation of the most harrowing 3 seconds of Mark Playne’s life as he is confronted by a mob of muggers while riding in a taxi in Colombia. The book comes at the reader faster than the long-bladed knife wielded by the assailants, as we keep traveling back to recap the 6 months of life Mark had just spent backpacking in South America as time literally stands still for us in the back of the cab. This is the way to tell a story of seeing your life flash before your very eyes. Full of introspection from a man at 27 years of age about what is the world is about. The moments discussing the perspectives of their involvement in the Falklands War between Mark and his new Argentine friend Rafa had me shaking my head, questioning ‘why are people so ignorant of how the world actually works?’ Well written and easy to read. Enjoyed every page.
Simon Yeats, Goodreads, 21 February 2024

★★★☆☆
Overall I liked the adventures . . . . . Warning Spoilers* upset with “gripping” used on the front of the book, to wait the whole book to find out that kind of ending, I felt mislead a little.*
LaChelle Hunt, Goodreads, 15 February 2024

★★★★☆
Quick read, interesting, and entertaining.
RONALD PEYTON, Goodreads, 8 February 2024

★★★★★
An incredibly well written memoir that will keep your fingers flipping pages as your eyes read a story so descriptive you feel like you're in it! The narrative methodology to get to the title phrase "3 Seconds in Bogata" kept me reading long after I should have been asleep in bed! I highly recommend book!!
Cecilia, Goodreads, 30 January 2024

★★★★☆
I finished the book but wasn't that enthused about it. A tour of his travels and working the street sales. He finally makes it to Argentina but it doesn't meet his expectations.
Linda, Goodreads, 26 January 2024

★☆☆☆☆
Set mostly in Bogotá. 222 pp. I didn’t care for this. The beginning and middle were interesting, and it was a unique way to tell what, really, is a short anecdote, but it really fell apart at the end. The blurb promised more than the book delivered. 3 Seconds in Bogotá by Mark Playne
Beth, Goodreads, 28 October 2023

★★★★★
Kept pages turning.
For a US citizen who has never left the country, and most likely never will, Mark has given me a front seat into adventure, not always something I might wish to experience. The second part of the book goes deeper, and eye opening. For people who hate on immigrants, perhaps this book can give them damned good reasons why they, too, would be trying to escape thier native land I'd the situation were reversed. And maybe shame them for their lack of Humanity and compassion.
Arlene Baker, Goodreads, 11 September 2023

★★★★★
Kept pages turning.
For a US citizen who has never left the country, and most likely never will, Mark has given me a front seat into adventure, not always something I might wish to experience. The second part of the book goes deeper, and eye opening. For people who hate on immigrants, perhaps this book can give them damned good reasons why they, too, would be trying to escape thier native land I'd the situation were reversed. And maybe shame them for their lack of Humanity and compassion.
Arlene B, Amazon, 11 September 2023

★★★★★
Possibly the best-written travel memoir I have ever read
The subject matter is relatively simple. A young man and his girlfriend arrive in Colombia and immediately find themselves in danger. The execution of this book is anything but simple. It's gripping. It's a thriller. Multiple flashbacks, plot points; honestly, this is so well-written I had to check how many other books this writer had published. I figured there must be loads. Nope. This is his debut. Buy this book.
Simon Michael Prior, Amazon, 4 September 2023

★★★★★
Marvellous story
Enjoyed this book excellent read.
Janette C, Amazon, 30 August 2023

★★★★★
I literally could not put this book down. This is a most unusual travel memoir but also a thriller...more thrilling because it's a true story. I loved the format and the countdown of the 3 seconds which totally had me hooked !! Having been to Rio de Janeiro in the early 1990's I also experienced the strangeness of the crazy inflation rate in Brazil and the street children that we observed running in "flocks" from restaurant to restaurant at closing time for the scraps and it was shocking and heartbreaking to see how young some of them were. I also thoroughly enjoyed the travel side of the story and found myself "Googling" and looking at images of such interesting places. The last several chapters in "Part 2 - Stories behind the Stories" is not to be missed.
Jill Robbertze, Goodreads, 28 August 2023

★★★★★
At the Edge of Your Seat
A fun read of the adventures of an English Man in the Americas. It may show the dangers of the areas but other places are safe & beautiful.
Travels with Essie, Amazon, 27 August 2023

★★★★★
Chances favour those with a prepared mind!
This true story about the author's experiences in South America I found both fascinating and scary. It certainly opened my eyes regarding the things that most of us in the Western world are insulated from, and rarely even hear about. The narrative is also quite a detailed account of the author's travels through the continent of South America, which was very interesting, informative, and often funny! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone really, it doesn't fit into any genre I know of but I'm sure we can all get a lot of value from it. Thanks Mark Playne for the good read!
Mr ox, Amazon, 27 August 2023

★★★★★
At the Edge of Your Seat
A fun read of the adventures of an English Man in the Americas. It may show the dangers of the areas but other places are safe & beautiful.
Esther Dan, Goodreads, 27 August 2023

★★★★★
Brilliant story!
I read the first print of 3 Seconds in Bogotá when it was first released and found the book fascinating. The story is well written with an ending that I didn't expect. I read the book in one go! The new edition of Mark's book, with added background information, is even more of a must read. The added content add so much context and reality to the story which I found fascinating if a little scary! This book bring to light the fact that, whatever we have to complain about, there are millions of people across the world living in far worse situations that we will ever experience.
jon collins, Amazon, 25 August 2023

★★★★☆
‘Nice cops don’t live long’ Beware the cultural assumptions we have based on where we grew up and do not inflict them on others while we’re traveling. Every country has its propaganda and we should be cautious in believing everything. Especially, when people in other parts of the world have the opposite experience of what we’ve been taught regarding our own nation’s foreign policies and politics. The author delved into generational trauma of someone in the story. We may think that the choices we make are our business and our business only, but we need to realize that they have a far-reaching impact: Father ‘One man’s infidelity set in motion a cascade of events – an avalanche of trauma that swept over the entire family.’ Son ‘Those whose wings are denied in the physical outer world, find other ways to fly … and the price for the momentary freedom of flight was a just few pesos a hit.’ Daughters ‘We were taught to dance like that when we were young girls. The older women told us that if we mastered the dances, we’d be able to hold [onto] our men.’ As someone who is mono-lingual through no fault of my own (I’ve spent many years attempting to learn French, German, Spanish, and Hebrew), I can TOTALLY relate to the author’s language mangling. I’ve heard some great stories of various faux pas and each one is a treasure. The author sprinkles his tales with pidgin Spanish and Portuguese as well as self-deprecating humor.
TaniaRina, Goodreads, 4 July 2023

★★★★★
I thoroughly enjoyed this account of Mark's incredible travel adventures - and his exploration into living life on the edge! - and what he discovered along the way! Highly recommended!
David Cooper, Goodreads, 13 June 2023

★★★★★
The most incredible insight into South America I’ve read!
What a brilliant book - I could not put it down and I don’t often say that about a book! The perfect mix of thriller, adventure and horror, mixing the fun and antics of the authors travels with the tension of a ‘millionaires taxi ride’ and then the true horror of what this world can be like (the last part is kind of optional if you don’t want to do the further reading - but I would recommend it). His style brings the South American countries to life and you can almost imagine you are there. Love, love, love it!
Andrea M, Amazon, 11 June 2023

★★★★★
What a brilliant book - I could not put it down and I don’t often say that about a book! The perfect mix of thriller, adventure and horror, mixing the fun and antics of the authors travels with the tension of a ‘millionaires taxi ride’ and then the true horror of what this world can be like (the last part is kind of optional if you don’t want to do the further reading - but I would recommend it). His style brings the South American countries to life and you can almost imagine you are there. Love, love, love it!
Andrea, Goodreads, 11 June 2023

★★★★★
'3 seconds in Bogotá' is a frisson of high quality suspense interwoven with lyrical bohemian vignettes and a pathos for witty, self deprecating humour. The hysterically botched rendez-vous with Luciana, (oh, believe me, much funnier stuff than Ben Stiller's tortured grimaces) infuses the whole story. Parts of Bogotá used to be in the mid 90’s, as Afghanistan became in the early 2000: a vortex of madness, violence and scary lawlessness. Logic is implacable though: if this British geezer wrote and published the book, he can't possibly be "resting" between Jim Morrison and Moliere at "Pere Lachaise" Cemetery in Paris. He must have made it out alive. Yet, the writing style is at times so gripping, that the emotional truth has the better of the reader. The narrative is a powerful mix of "Hitchcock bomb under the table" and flow of consciousness. The former generates suspense and dramatic tension - the Bogota taxi driver might drive the anguished passenger in the backseat and his girlfriend, to some back alley where they will be either killed or held for ransom, while on the surface, the story takes us to the author's "axis mundi" , the grandparents's home and Luciaa's dad house, revisited, in a somewhat nostalgic key. The time is expanded through an outburst of emotional subjective memory and these are entertaining passages but in the subterraneous waters of your mind, the question still persists : how will these bohemian but innocent backpackers reverse this macabre situation? How will they make it out alive since it's crystal clear the very writing of the book implies that the author did revisit all this as some harmless and purely aesthetic experience from the safety of his own house? '3 seconds in Bogotá' is a caffeine filled thriller that if transferred to film - if done with the same verve and effervescence that infuses the book - could become something between black comedy, an early Tarantino film and 'Slumdog multi millionaire’. For the British adventurer lead role, one imagines a slightly younger Tom Hiddlestone given to humorously macabre inner ruminations in voice over. The book is highly recommended.
Robert Eugen, Goodreads, 11 May 2023

★★★★★
A Great Adventure and An Education!
WOW - what a story and it's true! So well written: I finished it in two sittings, because I had to know the ending, whilst not wanting the journey to end. I recommend this book for anyone interested in how the subconscious mind can bring triumph in dire situations and for those wanting to know more about the history of, and happenings in, Columbia. This would make a great film. Looking forward to the next offering by Mark Playne.
JMP, Amazon, 20 April 2023

★★★★★
Was worried that as English not being my native language it will be challenging to read it, although had no problems with that. It's incredibly written book with twists and interlinks of stories that grow on you. 3 seconds in Bogota is one of the best if not the best true traveller story including great sense of British humour. Highly recommended
Chris Cwiek, Goodreads, 10 April 2023

★★★★★
This travel memoir had me on the edge of my seat as this international couple backpack their way through South America funding their trip by making and selling jewellery. It is skillfully written by the author who weaves his early life and travels around a very scary moment in Bogota. It also had several laugh-out-loud moments between the pages. I also learnt a lot about the places he visited and about the culture. The reader is free to end with the story, or there is the option to explore political issues and theories if they so wish. However, as someone who will never venture into this part of the world, for me it was a great read from the safety of my own home.
Dawn, Goodreads, 8 April 2023

★★★★★
A Gripping Read
This travel memoir had me on the edge of my seat as this international couple backpack their way through South America funding their trip by making and selling jewellery. It is skillfully written by the author who weaves his early life and travels around a very scary moment in Bogota. It also had several laugh-out-loud moments between the pages. I also learnt a lot about the places he visited and about the culture. The reader is free to end with the story, or there is the option to explore political issues and theories if they so wish. However, as someone who will never venture into this part of the world, for me it was a great read from the safety of my own home.
Clementi, Amazon, 8 April 2023

★★★★★
What an adventure
(No spoiler review) It's incredibly written book with twists and interlinks of stories that grow on you. 3 seconds in Bogota is one of the best if not the best true traveller story including great sense of British humour. Highly recommended
Chris C, Amazon, 7 April 2023

★★★★★
Couldn't put this book down!
Wonderfully crafted throughout showing self depreciative and dead pan humour interwined with the grim experiences of the author's travels through South Anerica. Fantastic twist at the end which leaves you intrigued to glean more about the situation Mark found himself in, so the further insights and suggested reading recommendations in the epilogue takes this book the extra mile. It's a unique and very enjoyable read.
Kindle Customer, Amazon, 29 March 2023

★★★★★
This updated version release is a great read!
I have read the book for the 2nd time. Recall made the events familiar but still a great read. The new chapters provided tremendous and disturbing insights into the reality of the potentially disastrous outcome. I highly recommend that anyone interested in a true life event/s and the culture/s of South America should read the book.
John H., Amazon, 21 February 2023

★★★★★
I have read the book for the 2nd time. Recall made the events familiar but still a great read. The new chapters provided tremendous and disturbing insights into the reality of the potentially disastrous outcome. I highly recommend that anyone interested in a true life event/s and the culture/s of South America should read the book.
John, Goodreads, 20 February 2023

★★★★★
Gripping fun for every reader not just the wondering soul
I came across this book whilst feeding my wanderlust and dreaming of exploring Colombia. After becoming increasingly bored with the bog standard travel guides, this little gem appeared. Finally, an unbiased book about Bogotá, by someone who had actually been and experienced it. This book did not disappoint. I won’t give anything away, but while this story unfolds, several others are also told. I finished this book in two sittings, it was gripping, relatable and with laugh out loud humour. I found myself lost between the pages and needing to know what happened next! This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys adventure, suspense and surprise antidotes.
L. Rio, Amazon, 12 November 2022

★★★★☆
Very well written
Interesting well written short memoir. Easy to read as my volume has large print! But didn’t want to put it down to find out what happened.
G. Ashington, Amazon, 2 May 2022

★★★★★
Great short read
Tells the story of how the couple met and of their travels together through South America. I loved the descriptions of the countries, the land marks and the people. Its made me want to visit them but would be very wary after hearing the stories of disappearing people! I will follow it up with reading his back stories as many points raised have intrigued me to learn more on the subjects, would love to know if he remained with luciana, maybe I'll find out in one of the other books. I can't wait to read more of Mark Playne's books!
Dianne Hughes, Amazon, 1 April 2022

★★★☆☆
Interesting reading
Good
Robert I Jones, Amazon, 30 August 2021

★★★★☆
An autobiographical tale of backpacking around South America with an emphasis on the 3 most important seconds of the journey. When I picked up my Kobo yesterday, this was not the book I meant to read. Owing to klutzy fingers and a determination to see things through, I started to read. Moments later, when the noon sun had inexplicably become the moon, I looked up and breathed. What an amazing adventure! Told from the viewpoint of the author, 3 Seconds in Bogotá reads as though you are in a coffee shop catching up with a well-travelled friend. Humourous and self-deprecating, Mark Playne recounts his trek around the South American continent in such a way that the reader feels as though they are there, sharing in the escapades. Recommended.
Lise, Goodreads, 5 July 2021

★★★☆☆
Not the book I was expecting but an easy read
Simultaneously a page-turner and an easy read. More of a memoir of the couples memories- funny and witty, but not the book I was expecting. The twist at the end was unexpected and I finished the book feeling as though the writer had played a joke and I’d fallen for it as it wasn’t the Bogotá-based thriller I thought I was in for. Easy read though and the stories from his travels in different South American countries were more captivating and/or humorous.
Stephanie, Amazon, 26 January 2021

★★★★★
Road trip, road movie
Un film più che un libro, ad altissimi livelli di adrenalina. Bellissima la giustapposizione dei tempi londinesi e di quelli colombiani, entrambi narrati in modo che il lettore li possa vivere, o rivivere, nel caso di qualcuno, appieno. I tempi della narrazione e quelli degli eventi si confondono, si sovrappongono, si inseguono, si raggiungono, si completano. Le emozioni sono intense e reali, e così anche i personaggi. Incanta e lascia senza fiato il sesto senso del protagonista, che gli salva letteralmente la pelle. Un romanzo scritto come un road movie. Un film che vorreste vedere.
Fulvia, Amazon, 25 January 2021

★★★★★
Mark Playne took me so many interesting places from the comfort of my living room in W7 London....
Well written should be made into a movie
Sky k, Amazon, 11 January 2021

★★★★☆
I received an ARC copy of this book, and I quite enjoyed it, it is one of those books I can not tell is this real or made up? If real then it is a hell of a story and well written, and amazing the adventure the author has had. If made up, it is still a hell of a good read.
Tobius, Goodreads, 22 December 2020

★★★☆☆
An enjoyable quick read about travelling around South America. Only dropped stars, possibly harshly, because a) struggled for a while to relate to the main character/author/narrator. Although warmed to him later, the whole showing off about making money easy selling cheap jewellery, getting women and travelling the world came across as privileged and arrogant. b) although understand is a short story, would of liked more detail in the surrounding areas visited etc. Skimmed over this too much. Overall an enjoyable read that I'd of liked a little more of/from.
David Stringer, Goodreads, 18 November 2020

★★★★☆
I received a free copy of this book and am giving an unbiased review. As it says in the title the book is all about the last 3 seconds leading up to a lifethreatening incident. As the 3 seconds count down we learn the back story to this situation. Cleverly written from an interesting perspective. Even so, I didn't really care about the main characters (sorry author). It did make me want to follow up some of the history of various South American countries, though
Lesley, Goodreads, 19 October 2020

★★★★☆
backpackers in trouble
I received a free copy of this book and am giving an unbiased review. As it says in the title the book is all about the last 3 seconds leading up to a lifethreatening incident. As the 3 seconds count down we learn the back story to this situation. Cleverly written from an interesting perspective. Even so, I didn't really care about the main characters (sorry author). It did make me want to follow up some of the history of various South American countries, though
lizitera, Amazon, 6 October 2020

★★★★★
Hilariously scary!
His book is exactly how my travel stories are...hilarious and not what had first appeared! Now I'm go in got download his Momo books as well as the sequel to this fun read
Cindy Lea, Goodreads, 30 September 2020

★★★★★
Hilariously scary!
His book is exactly how my travel stories are...hilarious and not what had first appeared! Now I'm go in got download his Momo books as well as the sequel to this fun read
Cindy, Amazon, 30 September 2020

★★★★☆
A Good Read
An excellent retelling of a dangerous & threatening event- told in a laid-back, yet enthralling manner. This book is recommended.
Patrick O'Donnell, Amazon, 28 August 2020

★★★★☆
Nicely done travelogue/biography and cleverly written. Really enjoyed this short read on my Kindle and loved the way he ratcheted up the tension. Thoroughly enjoyable - despite the potentially dangerous premise.
Julian Walker, Goodreads, 22 July 2020

★★★★☆
Thoroughly enjoyable
Nicely done travelogue/biography and cleverly written. Really enjoyed this short read on my Kindle and loved the way he ratcheted up the tension. Thoroughly enjoyable - despite the potentially dangerous premise.
Jules, Amazon, 22 July 2020

★★★☆☆
Oh God, It's 3 Seconds!
A traveler's account of his experiences. Experiences of robbery, drug peddling, etc. Mr. Mark has tried his best to present the true story in a gripping manner. Proof being the title of the book.
Kindle Customer, Amazon, 2 July 2020

★★★☆☆
Oh God, It's 3 Seconds!
A traveler's account of his experiences. Experiences of robbery, drug peddling, etc. Mr. Mark has tried his best to present the true story in a gripping manner. Proof being the title of the book.
Sapthagiri, Goodreads, 2 July 2020

★★★★★
an interesting book
enjoyable true story about a couple's adventures through South America, having been there myself I enjoyed it even more.
frances donnelly, Amazon, 1 July 2020

★★★★☆
Brilliant raconteur ❣️ I read the story in one sitting and I was riveted ❣️ Suffice it to say, glad that didn't happen to me 🙌🙌🙌
Ann, Goodreads, 1 July 2020

★★★★★
Did the hotel owner know more about the gang?
Very interesting story posing as a travelers time in Central America. Like most other reviewers I wanted to know more about the aftermath. Maybe the hotel owner knew the folks involved and was simply tickled that his”guests” got away. So many possibilities
Trailrydr, Amazon, 25 June 2020

★★★★★
The format is as compelling as it is unusual. The recording of time passing is clever as the reader is taking on a tour of South America. Traveling from one marketing opportunity to another one gets to experience this trip as if you yourself were the street vendor. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thought the ending extraordinary!
TJ Brooks, Goodreads, 24 June 2020

★☆☆☆☆
Absolute drivel
Feels like it was written for 12 - 14 year olds. Massively tedious sections padded out to fill up pages. Not a book for grown adults. I read it in literally 3 hours. Considering the overly laboured self-indulgent previous sections, the alleged “great twist” is poorly explained and frankly left me feeling I wasted the purchase price. The only positive is that it is ridiculously short and therefore I only wasted a few hours of my life reading it! I will give to my 9 year old to read in a couple of years as he might enjoy it👍
Lauren Highman, Amazon, 21 June 2020

★★★★☆
I was taken to Bogota withthe author!
I was taken to Bogota withthe author! the realism was such that I kept thinking - "this could be me"
fk, Amazon, 18 June 2020

★★★★★
3 Seconds in Bogotá - a review by Rosemary Kenny This 'Quentin Tarantino does Rough Guide to Colombia' may ostensibly only last 3 Seconds, but they're not at all your usual time period, rather what one would expect inside Dr Who's TARDIS - much bigger and more exciting on the inside! Told as almost an aide-memoire/journal, by the male protagonist, a backpacker-cum-itinerant-silversmith, with frequent fascinating flashbacks, narrating his and his beautiful - but deadly-tongued if necessary - feisty Latina street-dancer girlfriend's back story, from their first meeting and journeys en route to an amazingly stunning (and totally unexpected by me) conclusion in the eponymous city of Bogotá, 3 Seconds in Bogotá: A Colombian Kidnapping (Wild Worldwide Travel), by the brilliant Mark Playne, will definitely blow your mind. Whether you absorb it completely on all its many levels - social commentary, morality take, modern classic, urban fantasy, based on what could be a true story etc - and which should definitely be made into an action movie, (with someone like Chris Hemsworth, Johnny Depp or Keanu Reeves as the MC/narrator and maybe Pénélope Cruz, or Anne Hathaway as the love interest), or just as a thought-provoking fiction, there's something within for absolutely everyone. I cannot recommend this wonderful novel, Mark Playne's 3 Seconds in Bogotá, highly enough, as it is so well-written, (not relying on foul language or graphic violence/sex scenes) and fast-pacedly engaging, that I couldn't put it down for one single second, let alone three. Ve rapidò to get your copy today and tell all your friends (and your local library) to make this 5-star winner rocket up the book charts to the top - exactly where it should be - vàmonos amigos!
Rosemary, Goodreads, 17 June 2020

★★★★★
3 Seconds in Bogotá - a review by Rosemary Kenny
This 'Quentin Tarantino does Rough Guide to Colombia' may ostensibly only last 3 Seconds, but they're not at all your usual time period, rather what one might expect from Dr Who's TARDIS time-machine - much bigger and more exciting on the inside! Told as almost an aide-memoire/journal, by the male protagonist, a backpacker/itinerant-silversmith, with frequent fascinating flashbacks, narrating his and his beautiful - but deadly-tongued if necessary - feisty Latina street-dancer girlfriend's back story, from their first meeting, then their various journeys en route to an amazingly stunning (and totally unexpected by me), concluding adventure in the eponymous Bogotá, 3 Seconds in Bogotá: A Colombian Kidnapping (Wild Worldwide Travel), by the brilliant Mark Playne, will definitely blow your mind. Whether you absorb it completely on all its many levels - social commentary, morality' take', modern classic, urban fantasy, based on (what could be), a true story etc and which should definitely be made into an action movie, (with someone like Chris Hemsworth, Johnny Depp or Keanu Reeves as the MC/narrator and maybe Pénélope Cruz, or Anne Hathaway as the love interest) - or just as a thought-provoking fiction, there's something within for absolutely everyone. I cannot recommend this wonderful novel, Mark Playne's 3 Seconds in Bogotá, highly enough, as it is so well-written, (not relying on foul language or graphic violence/sex scenes) and fast-pacedly engaging, that I couldn't put it down for one single second, let alone three, til I get to the end. Ve rapidò (go quickly) to get your copy today and tell all your friends (and your local library) to make this 5-star winner rocket up the book charts to the top - exactly where it should be - vàmonos amigos! (let's go, friends!).
Rosemary56, Amazon, 17 June 2020

★★★★★
Enjoyable Read
I was attracted by the cover and the blurb and although not my normal type of book I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was written in a style that flowed easlly. Great insight into South America, particularly Argentina and a clever twist at the end. Will certainly read other books by Mark Playne
ThillerMan, Amazon, 12 June 2020

★☆☆☆☆
Short, uneventful and interesting, I've had more excitement going to the shops.
Josh, Goodreads, 28 May 2020

★☆☆☆☆
Don’t bother.
This was actually one of the most disappointing books that I’ve read in a while. From the reviews I expected far more. The lead up stories are unbelievable and uninteresting to be honest. The whole thing is really poorly written and the ‘twist’ is just mundane. Thankfully it’s really short so doesn’t go on for too long.
Amazon Customer, Amazon, 18 May 2020

★★★★★
Fantastic
Fantastic book, I loved every minute of it and would recommend it to everybody.
Andreea Manolache, Amazon, 16 May 2020

★☆☆☆☆
Not great
Not much of a story really. Disappointing despite the little twist at the end
D A WOOD, Amazon, 28 April 2020

★★★★★
Disguised as a travel memoire “3 Seconds in Bogotá” explores the path that one’s live takes to bring us to a given second… or three. The actual event, which makes for a funny if haunting tale in a friends-gathering, could be easily explained in a page length. But the actual 3 seconds are not the core of the tale, but much more the natural consequence of the course of action of a series of decisions taken along the way. Mark Playne successfully weaves biographical events into a very entertaining adventure, gripping and haunting at times, eerily and whimsical at others, unexpected and somehow still not surprising, as every step taken along the way inevitably leads to the next. The story is easy to read, a real fast-paced page-turner that keeps the reader on the end of the seat, wishing to reach the final conclusion and finally understand how all paths lead the main character to his actual predicament and of course 😊 and rooting for him to come out as unscathed as possible. Mark Playne is a gifted storyteller, with the scare gift to weave seemingly unrelated (and underrated!) everyday occurrences into a very easy to read and entertaining narrative. A must read for any reader who is looking for an original take on travel literature and as well as everyone who enjoys a very good tale 😉
Katheyer, Goodreads, 26 April 2020

★★★★☆
Nostalgic journey down Latino memory lane
An easy read which flooded back great memories of my own long term trip in Latin america. The twist at the end is certainly entertaining!
Patrick McDermott, Amazon, 21 April 2020

★★★★★
Great Read
Great book.. well written.. great to read true experiences... And the twist for me was .. He comes from STROUD ( In the cotswolds) where I live ...
Jonthebuilder13, Amazon, 14 April 2020

★★★★★
Reads like a thriller - but it's real!
Mark Playne sure has great story telling ability. It is a short read, and because it is such a gripping story, you should finish this in one sitting. It will have you on the edge of your seat!
Dave Waterson, Amazon, 14 April 2020

★★★★★
Loved, loved, loved this book
Highly recommend this book; I could not put this down after opening it and read it in two reads. The suspense is excellent and the author tells the tale with great narration and clarity. It makes it even more powerful with it being based on a true story too. Cannot wait to read about the next adventure (if there is one in the making :-)).
Sally R., Amazon, 25 March 2020

★★★☆☆
Bogota
A lot of background to what us really a trip down memory lane. Twist at end questions accuracy of accounts and actions? Filled an afternoon commuting, but would be reluctant to recommend as a good read
Foge, Amazon, 17 February 2020

★★☆☆☆
this was not about a kidnapping
This book was quite interesting but more of a travel log of 2 young people and they were not kidnapped.
Joyce Ward, Amazon, 14 February 2020

★☆☆☆☆
Non event!
A bit pointless really!
DrNJV, Amazon, 8 February 2020

★★★☆☆
A decent read.
A decent read that keeps you page turning.
Christopher P., Amazon, 27 January 2020

★★★★☆
Extraordinary Adventure
Captivating! The adventures of this backpacker and his partner are based not only in Colombia, but in other South American counties as well. I’ll admit, I found the beginning somewhat confusing. I wasn’t sure where the author was going with this story. But the more I read, the more I found myself turning the pages. At times, I was holding my breath, wondering how he would get himself out of the predicaments he found himself in. If you’re interested in the true adventures of ordinary people leading extraordinary lives, this is the book for you.
Irene, Amazon, 15 January 2020

★★★★☆
Captivating! The adventures of this backpacker and his partner are based not only in Colombia, but in other South American countries as well. I’ll admit, I found the beginning somewhat confusing. I wasn’t sure where the author was going with this story. But the more I read, the more I found myself turning the pages. At times, I was holding my breath, wondering how he would get himself out of the predicaments he found himself in. If you’re interested in the true adventures of ordinary people leading extraordinary lives, this is the book for you.
Irene Pylypec, Goodreads, 15 January 2020

★★★★★
Unique suspensefull travel thriller
Read this one in one sitting. More please
Dominique Beyens, Amazon, 15 January 2020

★★☆☆☆
Ok but awkward to read
Not sure how much of this is fact or fiction. Ending very brief and unconvincing. Don’t like the way that the author wants my email address to find out how the story ends.
Toby, Amazon, 11 January 2020

★★★☆☆
A novella?
This is a brief book with about 200 pages of widely spaced type with around 170 words or so on a full page. In the main, it is an easy and interesting read. I certainly wanted to see what would happen next. There are a few typographical errors in the printing but more importantly on page 7 - ‘About the Author’. It states, “3 Seconds in Bogotá is Mark’s debut novella”. That threw me. I thought I had bought a factual book not a novel. On Page 11 it says “The events of 3 Seconds in Bogotá..........A True Story”. That’s what the reviews had led me believe I’d bought, a true story.. I mention this not for the sake of being pedantic but the novella thought distracted me as I read through the story. Mark’s meeting with Luciana in the streets of London leads to the plan for them to travel through South America from South to North. Argentina to Colombia, paying their way by making jewellery and selling it. There are many interesting encounters along the way, culminating in the 3 seconds of the title, in Bogotá. After the build up throughout the book to the upcoming 3 seconds in Bogotá the tension of the 3 seconds when it comes is undeniable. There is a good twist in the end, it’s not what you expect, and it’s well done. Nevertheless the end is not neatly toed up. To say more would be a spoiler, but what really happened?
Noel, Amazon, 17 December 2019

★★★★★
Spellbounding stories..
Savoured every detail in this gripping travel story... Three seconds turns into a nailbiting read.. Fantastic suspense from a great writer... Can't wait for the next one...
F. S. Tadford, Amazon, 7 December 2019

★★★★★
Travel & Razor's Edge Suspense - Don't Miss This! Excellently written story mixing travel & suspense. A "don't miss" with a great twist. Highly recommend!
Contentmo, Goodreads, 3 December 2019

★★★★★
A page-turner, especially when you know it's based on what actually happened
A chilling story that kept me reading. Highly recommended if you like stories based on true incidents.
Kiw1, Amazon, 2 December 2019

★★★★★
Gripping
I really enjoyed the writing style, fast paced and interesting. A book worth every penny in my opinion, will be waiting for more from the author.
D Rock, Amazon, 27 November 2019

★★★☆☆
Not that good
Superficial flow of consciousness. The characters lacked depth. The characters seemed to be traveling through the adventure in a detached state.
Susan Anderson, Goodreads, 19 November 2019

★★★☆☆
Not that good
Superficial flow of consciousness. The characters lacked depth. The characters seemed to be traveling through the adventure in a detached state.
Kindle Customer, Amazon, 19 November 2019

★★★☆☆
Just okay.
There is a lot of jumping around in this story. The reader gets back to the plot for a few lines at the end of each chapter. To fully understand the ending, the reader will need consult the notes the author makes available when you sign up for his mail list. Would have been better to have included the information in an epilogue.
Michael, Goodreads, 26 October 2019

★★★☆☆
Just okay.
There is a lot of jumping around in this story. The reader gets back to the plot for a few lines at the end of each chapter. To fully understand the ending, the reader will need consult the notes the author makes available when you sign up for his mail list. Would have been better to have included the information in an epilogue.
phoenixrising, Amazon, 26 October 2019

★★★☆☆
Disappointing
The book itself is full of suspense but somehow it does not ring true. The authors says that you can sign up to his newsletter and find out what really happened but he just uses that to promote himself and his movies, and he does not tell you anything about what really happened.
Linda Shelton, Amazon, 23 October 2019

★★★★★
A life which I never knew about, should have known about but prefer not to have experienced.
This book is goose pimples and cold sweat Thanks Mark. Rather you than me!!!!!! You were pushing to the limits.;the cover is exceptional and is a kick start into what you are going to read and experience; full immersion into slow motion fear.
PH, Amazon, 21 October 2019

★★★★★
Travel & Razor's Edge Suspense - Don't Miss This!
Excellently written story mixing travel & suspense. A "don't miss" with a great twist. Highly recommend!
Maria, Amazon, 18 October 2019

★★★★★
Loved it
So interesting. I loved the way it was written, going back in forth time. It left me wishing for more.
Janie D Thornton, Amazon, 13 October 2019

★★★★★
Charming. gripping and thoughtful.
This is very enjoyable writing. This true travel account has an interesting structure, humour, pathos and a thrilling tense conclusion.
Kindle Customer, Amazon, 4 October 2019

★★★☆☆
Travel Adventures
Interesting read, funny and suspenseful. A page turner. I read this in one afternoon, could not put it down for long. Maybe something to keep in mind when traveling in foreign countries.
Kindle Customer, Amazon, 30 September 2019

★★★★★
Gripping, a Must Have
Once you pick this up you won't put it down. Both gripping enthralling this book has you captivated from the first line. A must have for anyone travelling to South America as well as those who just simply enjoy a well told story of life's less predictable events.
EK, Amazon, 29 September 2019

★★★★★
Gripping, funny and thrilling!
I love reading this book while I was travelling this summer..not in Bogota though :) thanks god! ahah. Wittily written this story combines humour and suspence. Once you start to read it will be very difficult to put it down. You can feel that it is honestly based on a true story and the connections with the author's past trips , with flash backs and memories is so interesting. Looking forward to read the next book from this upcoming Author!
olivia, Amazon, 27 September 2019

★★★★★
Great twist!
As clichéd as it sounds, I couldn't put it down!
Amazon Customer, Amazon, 26 September 2019

★★★★★
The longest 3 seconds (or half an hour) story. Unbelievably great despite that. The story starts with a couple of travelers being attacked during a taxi ride to their hotel at night in Bogotá. During the 3 seconds the protagonist has to decide what to do, we follow his thoughts as he reflects in all his travels and adventures and experiences that led them to that moment. Though sometimes it could be a little surreal (like traveling back and forward across the Pacific just to go south of South America, when they clame to be poor), there a a lot of funny and curious stories that I'm sure you will enjoy read. It's like going traveling and meeting people without living your couch. If you are like me you will get antsy in the end. I particularly liked the language translations oddities. They always provide great stories. :) The story ends up with a quite surprising twist. I would like just one more chapter, because my freaked out mind at the end cannot stop expecting there to be a catch we are left wandering. I hope I spiked your curiosity.
Susana Duarte, Goodreads, 15 September 2019

★★★★★
Truth IS stranger than fiction
A thriller with a twist - it's a true story! What choices are made in life lead to consequences, and this books' plot has that truth in bucketloads. For a debut novel it is well written and enjoyable. Good plt with developed characters. Thoroughly recommended
Benjibutton, Amazon, 10 September 2019

★★★★☆
This is a very different type of thriller, with excellent descriptive writing and a quite unique way of telling a story. The locations, in and around Bogota are very evocatively described, and the tension is ratcheted up throughout the story. However for me I found the way that the story was told, with repeated flashbacks, rather disjointed and spoiled the reading flow. This is why I have rated it at 4 stars rather than 5, but it doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it, or that it isn't a good piece of writing, but it just didn't completely suit me. I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
Pete, Goodreads, 8 September 2019

★★★★☆
Original Thriller
This is a very different type of thriller, with excellent descriptive writing and a quite unique way of telling a story. The locations, in and around Bogota are very evocatively described, and the tension is ratcheted up throughout the story. However for me I found the way that the story was told, with repeated flashbacks, rather disjointed and spoiled the reading flow. This is why I have rated it at 4 stars rather than 5, but it doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it, or that it isn't a good piece of writing, but it just didn't completely suit me. I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
Godiva 2000, Amazon, 8 September 2019

★★★★★
Excellent read, could not put it down!
This is a great book. The story is so human, full of warmth and wit. It is engaging, with an unexpected twist, which kept me reading it almost in one go.
MH, Amazon, 28 August 2019

★★★★★
Masterful Suspense!
Superbly crafted, and I love the structure of going back and forth between present tense and flashbacks, stretching time, even making time stand still. Genius! I know it's a cliche to say "couldn't put it down," but it was true in this case, causing me to miss my bus stop because I was so hooked! I received a free copy of this book in a promotion, which has not affected my review.
Abdiel, Amazon, 13 August 2019

★★★★★
Thrilling page turner
3 Seconds in Bogota: The incredible true story of two lives balanced on the edge of a knife (True stories from around the world. Book 1) by Mark Playne I have to start by say I totally LOVED this book. Its unusual, gripping and clever. Mark paints pictures in your head so you can really feel like you are the one travelling in South America. I felt like I was there.The characters are believable and well rounded. Its very well written and the concept clever. I cant wait for more by this author.I recommend this book if you like fast paced thrillers.
Mrs. F. M. Pinsker, Amazon, 10 August 2019

★★★★★
I received an ARC of the book from the author. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thought this was a good book. It showed the realistic view of a foreigner in a different country.
Marlys, Goodreads, 10 July 2019

★★★★★
I have to start by say I totally LOVED this book. Its unusual, gripping and clever. Mark paints pictures in your head so you can really feel like you are the one travelling in South America. I felt like I was there.The characters are believable and well rounded. Its very well written and the concept clever. I cant wait for more by this author.I recommend this book if you like fast paced thrillers.
Fiona, Goodreads, 8 July 2019

★★★★☆
This was a good story of adventure. For those of us who haven’t traveled much internationally,and certainly not the way these two did, this was an interesting and eye-opening true story. I only wish when I was young I was brave enough to have traveled like this. A nice vicarious ride through amazing parts of the world.
Lora, Goodreads, 28 June 2019

★★★★☆
Different.
This 'true story' is a rambling tale of the author's experience at a frightening moment in Bogota (no surprises there!). As his life flashes before him we learn about his background, travels, ambitions all told in a tongue in cheek self-depracating way, with some amusing and well observed anecdotes to keep the reader on track. From time to time we're reminded of the clock slowly ticking away a fraction of a second at a time.. Finally we learn exactly what happens. It's not a long read, but even so I found that I wanted to get to the climax rather more directly. For me this was an interesting but not a great book.
Joviho, Amazon, 22 June 2019

★★★★★
Full of suspense and surprise to the last page!
I am someone who often struggles to stay focused (or even awake) when reading. Not so with this book. I was captivated from start to finish and read the whole thing in one sitting. I love how the author takes us on a journey of previous travel and life adventures whilst still keeping us in suspense over the real subject of the book.
Sylvia Worsnop, Amazon, 11 June 2019

★★★★★
A great quick read.
As a terrifying scenario plays out, this page turner immerses the reader into the wonders of travelling and the complexities of the characters you meet along the way. Packed with anecdotes, I was filled with nostalgia and couldn't put it down!
Amazon Customer, Amazon, 5 June 2019

★★★★★
I love the way this story unfolds. The author knows how to stretch 3 seconds to tell the most awesome story! For those of us who love to travel and know what the world can be like, but still love it and all of the people out there. Great story! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pat Eroh, Goodreads, 25 May 2019

★★★★★
Amazing story..
An amazing book and even more amazing story. The conclusion is impossible to guess and kept me thinking until the last few pages. I have also read Mark Playne’s follow up book, Stories behind the Stories, A short book which fills in all the gaps and adds background and context to 3 Seconds in Bogotá. All in all time well spent reading both books.
jon collins, Amazon, 5 May 2019

★★★★★
A bit like beans on toast.
Sorry, I doubt it will be win any amazing awards for literature, and it's not going to make you look brainy when you read it on the bus. However it's a satisfying story that can be read in one sitting....and sometimes that's all you want...the book equivalent of a quick bite to eat. I would be happy to pay full paperback price..if I saw this book on sale at an airport or bus-station. Some readers might feel a bit short changed given the number of pages..however I like that the Author has been confident enough not to pad out the story with unnecessary faff.
Merry Cherry, Amazon, 24 April 2019

★★★★★
Gripping.
A well written story of travel outside of most people's comfort zone with a nice twist at the end. More please !
glyn, Amazon, 22 April 2019

★★★★★
True story
You know sometimes you watch movies or books and they say these events are all based on true stories, but then you find out later that, that isn't the case. Yeah, this story isn't one of those. From the beginning, we jump into a world full of youthful adventure and mishap, of a young man looking to find himself and maybe looking for love. We follow him as he travels the world trying to make ends meet living his dream and then through the papers of this book you'll go on a joy with him through his ups and downs. A great book. A great read. A memorable story.
Kindle Customer, Amazon, 15 April 2019

★★★★★
Great Read - Fast Spaced Suspence 👍
Thoroughly enjoyed the suspense of all the twists and turns - its journey through many lives and situations. Each page left a feeling of uncertainty about what was coming next. Couldn’t put it down and it read all in one go.
Sally, Amazon, 14 April 2019

★★★★★
A thrilling debut
Such a great read. Evocative, cinematic with a real buzz about it. I was transported to another world. Highly recommend it.
Annie, Amazon, 10 April 2019

★★★★★
Take this scary, fast-moving ride!
Three seconds in – and you know you are hooked: a gripping tale that so vividly describes a terrifying situation and also serves as a vehicle for the author to 'side-track' and describe other fascinating related incidents. So well told and with a clever twist at the end. Excellent
Gilly, Amazon, 9 April 2019

★★★★★
Captivating Edge of Your Seat Stories!
As a world traveler myself, I was enthralled with Mark's recounts of getting in (and out of) some hairy situations. This book was a quick and exciting read! Loved the adventure of it. I highly recommend it!
Endless Summer Girl, Amazon, 9 April 2019

★★★★★
Travelling tale
Having travelled myself in South America, and shared similar experiences in my youth this story brings back so many memories - very well written, weaving many situations, it jumps between narratives to an unexpected twist at the end, I read it all in one sitting, and look forward to reading another episode.
murphy, Amazon, 7 April 2019

★★★★★
Hilariously scary
Exactly how my travel stories are...hilarious and not as they might first appear…!
(name not shown), BookBub

★★★★★
Charming, gripping and thoughtful
This true travel account has an interesting structure, humour, pathos and a thrilling tense conclusion.
(name not shown), BookBub

★★★★★
Gripping, funny and thrilling
Wittily written this story combines humour and suspense. Once you start to read it will be very difficult to put it down.
(name not shown), BookBub

★★★★★
Quentin Tarantino does Rough Guide to Colombia
(no review body submitted)
(name not shown), BookBub

★★★★★
Probably the best travel memoir I’ve read
(no review body submitted)
(name not shown), BookBub