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Recommend this book:
Tender Enemies
S. R. Mallery
2024 Gold Medal
133 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Lily Campbell used to be part of a happy family, but those days are long gone, and nowadays, she barely makes ends meet doing extra work for her boss, John McMillan. Americans are naturally concerned about the actions of some members of the public, particularly those connected to the American German Bund Organization since there are increasing rumors of war breaking out in Europe with Nazi Germany spearheading it. John convinces Lily to play her part in protecting America by seducing selected targets for the information she can get out of them. When he sends her to trap Joe Stiles, a young news reporter with a mysterious past and a penchant for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the last thing Lily expects is to be attracted to him. Her findings reveal there is more to him than meets the eye, but she gets caught up in a deadly conspiracy before she reports back to her superiors. Will the hunter become the hunted in this game of cat and mouse? Only time will tell in S.R. Mallery's Tender Enemies.
S.R. Mallery demonstrates a fantastic degree of attention to detail with the timeline by using references like Lily's choice of shoes for a date. Lily's flashbacks elucidate how she ended up in such terrible financial circumstances and draw the reader into her journey, showing rich and nuanced character development. Mallery replaces the traditional cloak-and-dagger approach synonymous with espionage adventures with something more complex but original. The author builds the tension, encouraging readers to think outside the box when considering the connections that bind the characters. A prime example is the way Lily sees John McMillan in a fatherly role when, in reality, their relationship feels more like she is replacing one manipulator with another. The romantic subplot provides a nice break from the action-packed main story. Mallery describes the intimate details of the developing affair, highlighting both parties' cautious approach to avoid possible heartbreak. Readers will love Tender Enemies because of Mallery's masterful storytelling and deft pacing, which turn it into the ideal blend of romance, action, and drama.
Lily Campbell used to be part of a happy family, but those days are long gone, and nowadays, she barely makes ends meet doing extra work for her boss, John McMillan. Americans are naturally concerned about the actions of some members of the public, particularly those connected to the American German Bund Organization since there are increasing rumors of war breaking out in Europe with Nazi Germany spearheading it. John convinces Lily to play her part in protecting America by seducing selected targets for the information she can get out of them. When he sends her to trap Joe Stiles, a young news reporter with a mysterious past and a penchant for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the last thing Lily expects is to be attracted to him. Her findings reveal there is more to him than meets the eye, but she gets caught up in a deadly conspiracy before she reports back to her superiors. Will the hunter become the hunted in this game of cat and mouse? Only time will tell in S.R. Mallery's Tender Enemies.
S.R. Mallery demonstrates a fantastic degree of attention to detail with the timeline by using references like Lily's choice of shoes for a date. Lily's flashbacks elucidate how she ended up in such terrible financial circumstances and draw the reader into her journey, showing rich and nuanced character development. Mallery replaces the traditional cloak-and-dagger approach synonymous with espionage adventures with something more complex but original. The author builds the tension, encouraging readers to think outside the box when considering the connections that bind the characters. A prime example is the way Lily sees John McMillan in a fatherly role when, in reality, their relationship feels more like she is replacing one manipulator with another. The romantic subplot provides a nice break from the action-packed main story. Mallery describes the intimate details of the developing affair, highlighting both parties' cautious approach to avoid possible heartbreak. Readers will love Tender Enemies because of Mallery's masterful storytelling and deft pacing, which turn it into the ideal blend of romance, action, and drama.
Recommend this book:
Stinger
An International Thriller
Gregory D. Lee
2024 Silver Medal
307 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Stinger by Gregory D. Lee is filled with espionage, conspiracy, and betrayal. June Cohen, a CIA operative, informed Robaire Assaly, a DEA confidential informant located in Los Angeles, that his mother and sister had been abducted from the streets of Beirut three weeks prior. In exchange for Robaire's assistance in obtaining a Stinger missile, June promised to ensure the release of his sister and mother. Robaire agreed to help, but in doing so, he had to lie and betray his close friend and longtime DEA agent handler, Gary Lowery. Robaire discovered that June had deceived him into accepting responsibility for the Stinger missile theft, which she had carried out directly in front of the FBI. Robair is a global fugitive currently at large, and Gary and the FBI are after him for the stolen Stinger.
Gregory D. Lee's Stinger was a captivating story with a convoluted, thrilling plot that was expertly crafted and executed. It was an intense thriller that moved quickly and was full of action and unexpected turns. I could not put it down since it was a page-turner, and I had to find out what would happen next. Robaire was my personal favorite among the intriguing and multifaceted characters. In his effort to rescue his mother and sister from their captors, he was resourceful and well-prepared as he maneuvered from crisis to crisis. The novel immediately drew me in due to its excellent writing and a clear indication of Lee’s many years of law enforcement expertise. From beginning to end, the suspense had me engrossed in a world of espionage, mystery, and dark conspiracies.
Stinger by Gregory D. Lee is filled with espionage, conspiracy, and betrayal. June Cohen, a CIA operative, informed Robaire Assaly, a DEA confidential informant located in Los Angeles, that his mother and sister had been abducted from the streets of Beirut three weeks prior. In exchange for Robaire's assistance in obtaining a Stinger missile, June promised to ensure the release of his sister and mother. Robaire agreed to help, but in doing so, he had to lie and betray his close friend and longtime DEA agent handler, Gary Lowery. Robaire discovered that June had deceived him into accepting responsibility for the Stinger missile theft, which she had carried out directly in front of the FBI. Robair is a global fugitive currently at large, and Gary and the FBI are after him for the stolen Stinger.
Gregory D. Lee's Stinger was a captivating story with a convoluted, thrilling plot that was expertly crafted and executed. It was an intense thriller that moved quickly and was full of action and unexpected turns. I could not put it down since it was a page-turner, and I had to find out what would happen next. Robaire was my personal favorite among the intriguing and multifaceted characters. In his effort to rescue his mother and sister from their captors, he was resourceful and well-prepared as he maneuvered from crisis to crisis. The novel immediately drew me in due to its excellent writing and a clear indication of Lee’s many years of law enforcement expertise. From beginning to end, the suspense had me engrossed in a world of espionage, mystery, and dark conspiracies.
Recommend this book:
Havana Hangover
Randy Richardson
2024 Bronze Medal
273 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Giselle Rivera for Readers' Favorite
When Tanner Ford gets asked by his ex-best friend Jackson Swift to take a trip to Cuba, Tanner is hesitant to say yes. He has not talked to Jackson for 5 years because he found out that his girlfriend, Anabel Dubois, was cheating on him with his best friend. Tanner was heartbroken by the betrayal. So why is Jackson reaching out to him after all this time? Tanner ends up saying yes to the invite because of his love for Ernest Hemingway. One of Hemingway’s favorite places was Havana, Cuba. But once they get to their destination, a drunken night turns into something dark and sinister. Did Tanner just make the worst decision by going on this trip with Jackson? Randy Richardson’s Havana Hangover is a story full of plot twists and a web of lies. Hang on to your seat because this novel will have you biting your nails every time you turn the page.
Randy Richardson’s Havana Hangover gave me an emotional response. I cried on two different occasions while reading this novel. The first time was at the beginning when Randy described the setting and history of Cuba, and the second time was when he mentioned the characters were loosely based on friends he had met when he traveled to Cuba. This story is relatable to me because both my parents are Cuban. This novel was full of intense suspense and action around every corner. It also had a little bit of a psychological thriller feel to it. I loved seeing Tanner's character development; how much he had changed from when he was in college till his experience in Cuba. Amazing story! I loved it. Randy touched my heart by talking about the history of Cuba and the people of this country. I would love to read a second installment of this story to find out where Tanner Ford’s life takes him. I can imagine how great the next book will be since I found this one so intriguing and thought-provoking. Thank you so much, Randy, for a spectacular read!
When Tanner Ford gets asked by his ex-best friend Jackson Swift to take a trip to Cuba, Tanner is hesitant to say yes. He has not talked to Jackson for 5 years because he found out that his girlfriend, Anabel Dubois, was cheating on him with his best friend. Tanner was heartbroken by the betrayal. So why is Jackson reaching out to him after all this time? Tanner ends up saying yes to the invite because of his love for Ernest Hemingway. One of Hemingway’s favorite places was Havana, Cuba. But once they get to their destination, a drunken night turns into something dark and sinister. Did Tanner just make the worst decision by going on this trip with Jackson? Randy Richardson’s Havana Hangover is a story full of plot twists and a web of lies. Hang on to your seat because this novel will have you biting your nails every time you turn the page.
Randy Richardson’s Havana Hangover gave me an emotional response. I cried on two different occasions while reading this novel. The first time was at the beginning when Randy described the setting and history of Cuba, and the second time was when he mentioned the characters were loosely based on friends he had met when he traveled to Cuba. This story is relatable to me because both my parents are Cuban. This novel was full of intense suspense and action around every corner. It also had a little bit of a psychological thriller feel to it. I loved seeing Tanner's character development; how much he had changed from when he was in college till his experience in Cuba. Amazing story! I loved it. Randy touched my heart by talking about the history of Cuba and the people of this country. I would love to read a second installment of this story to find out where Tanner Ford’s life takes him. I can imagine how great the next book will be since I found this one so intriguing and thought-provoking. Thank you so much, Randy, for a spectacular read!
Recommend this book:
Deep Cover
The Unknowing Agent
Jeffrey Jay Levin
2024 Honorable Mention
181 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Deep Cover by Jeffrey Jay Levin, Stephan Beck attends a reunion with his girlfriend Lisa Jones, and her friends. Lisa and Jennifer Turner secure funding for their genetic research, but then receive trance-inducing calls with cryptic Russian messages. As the machinations of politics tick away in Washington, the mysterious calls leave Lisa feeling exhausted and seeking isolation. Stephan shares a discovery with Lisa, connecting to the deciphering of mysterious recordings. Lt. Fowler investigates a computer breach involving someone close to Stephan, leading to concerns about his safety when it is discovered. When transferred, Lisa's deep-cover spy status and mission to carry out a scientific assassination are revealed to Stephan by Director Ferguson at Homeland Security, triggering shock that is ultimately overridden by the urgency of saving Lisa and stopping Russian operatives.
What happens when a person is so covertly manipulated that they do not even know they have become a spy? Not in the way someone is blinded by love to the truth, a la Martha Hanson in The Americans, but on a truly biological level. Well, we get the spectacular Lisa Jones effect in Deep Cover by Jeffrey Jay Levin. The star of this story is actually Stephan Beck, and he's the imperfectly perfect hero that every story must have, and Levin gets him right. He comes across as authentic; he experiences emotional turmoil, and we later see guilt, and he feels deeply human. Levin paints Lisa in a light that allows us to freely vacillate between empathy and distrust. Her evolution is thrilling because we are shown a woman who is brilliantly disconnected from her subjective experience of reality and the objective truth of her experiences, which raises questions about the reliability of her perceptions. Between the suspense and thrills, cool prose, and an engrossing storyline, Deep Cover is a win. Very highly recommended.
In Deep Cover by Jeffrey Jay Levin, Stephan Beck attends a reunion with his girlfriend Lisa Jones, and her friends. Lisa and Jennifer Turner secure funding for their genetic research, but then receive trance-inducing calls with cryptic Russian messages. As the machinations of politics tick away in Washington, the mysterious calls leave Lisa feeling exhausted and seeking isolation. Stephan shares a discovery with Lisa, connecting to the deciphering of mysterious recordings. Lt. Fowler investigates a computer breach involving someone close to Stephan, leading to concerns about his safety when it is discovered. When transferred, Lisa's deep-cover spy status and mission to carry out a scientific assassination are revealed to Stephan by Director Ferguson at Homeland Security, triggering shock that is ultimately overridden by the urgency of saving Lisa and stopping Russian operatives.
What happens when a person is so covertly manipulated that they do not even know they have become a spy? Not in the way someone is blinded by love to the truth, a la Martha Hanson in The Americans, but on a truly biological level. Well, we get the spectacular Lisa Jones effect in Deep Cover by Jeffrey Jay Levin. The star of this story is actually Stephan Beck, and he's the imperfectly perfect hero that every story must have, and Levin gets him right. He comes across as authentic; he experiences emotional turmoil, and we later see guilt, and he feels deeply human. Levin paints Lisa in a light that allows us to freely vacillate between empathy and distrust. Her evolution is thrilling because we are shown a woman who is brilliantly disconnected from her subjective experience of reality and the objective truth of her experiences, which raises questions about the reliability of her perceptions. Between the suspense and thrills, cool prose, and an engrossing storyline, Deep Cover is a win. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Primed
Book 2 of the Outsourced series
Eric J. Gates
2024 Finalist
434 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Primed is a work of fiction in the espionage, adventure, thriller, and action genres, and is the second book in the Outsourced series. Penned by author Eric J. Gates, the plot follows Defense Intelligence agent Bridget Mason as she recovers from her injuries and tackles a seemingly simple case that quickly escalates. The story revolves around Nic Stiles and Phil Beasley, who are entangled with a mysterious Tibetan artifact that manipulates destinies and attracts the deadly interest of the Russian Mafia. As they navigate a web of lies and deceit, the artifact's manipulative power continues to influence events unpredictably. Primed is a gripping novel that is just as enjoyable as a standalone adventure.
Author Eric J. Gates has a real sense of descriptive action scenes and great pacing to craft a thrilling and immersive espionage story for readers. The fast-paced narrative is filled with intrigue and suspense, with great moments of lively dialogue against action-packed twists and high-stakes drama, making it hard to put down. The narrative is also suitably varied in mood and tone to keep things interesting. Bridget Mason is highly relatable, thanks to close narration and her emotional journey of recovery, showcasing her resilience and determination so that we support her through every challenge. The interplay between the characters also shows off Gates’ flair for dynamic dialogue exchanges, which move the plot on naturally and instantly characterize newcomers to the scene with wit and style. The twists and turns were plentiful but in keeping with the logic of the story world, and they kept me on edge as the mysteries surrounding the strange artifact grew. Gates' ability to weave together action, mystery, and speculative intrigue makes the book a standout in its genre for the unnerving feeling it gave me. I’d highly recommend it to fans of spy thriller novels everywhere.
Primed is a work of fiction in the espionage, adventure, thriller, and action genres, and is the second book in the Outsourced series. Penned by author Eric J. Gates, the plot follows Defense Intelligence agent Bridget Mason as she recovers from her injuries and tackles a seemingly simple case that quickly escalates. The story revolves around Nic Stiles and Phil Beasley, who are entangled with a mysterious Tibetan artifact that manipulates destinies and attracts the deadly interest of the Russian Mafia. As they navigate a web of lies and deceit, the artifact's manipulative power continues to influence events unpredictably. Primed is a gripping novel that is just as enjoyable as a standalone adventure.
Author Eric J. Gates has a real sense of descriptive action scenes and great pacing to craft a thrilling and immersive espionage story for readers. The fast-paced narrative is filled with intrigue and suspense, with great moments of lively dialogue against action-packed twists and high-stakes drama, making it hard to put down. The narrative is also suitably varied in mood and tone to keep things interesting. Bridget Mason is highly relatable, thanks to close narration and her emotional journey of recovery, showcasing her resilience and determination so that we support her through every challenge. The interplay between the characters also shows off Gates’ flair for dynamic dialogue exchanges, which move the plot on naturally and instantly characterize newcomers to the scene with wit and style. The twists and turns were plentiful but in keeping with the logic of the story world, and they kept me on edge as the mysteries surrounding the strange artifact grew. Gates' ability to weave together action, mystery, and speculative intrigue makes the book a standout in its genre for the unnerving feeling it gave me. I’d highly recommend it to fans of spy thriller novels everywhere.
Recommend this book:
 Bernard Trubshaw experienced a sudden illness. An air ambulance went to his rescue, but the aircraft was found empty and abandoned a short while later. Trubshaw had been kidnapped, or so it seemed. SIS contacted Charlie Allsop Consulting Services, prompting its l...){kind=link}
Leaving Shadows
The Shadows Series Book 1
Eric J. Gates
2023 Gold Medal
494 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
It had all happened so fast. The Chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) Bernard Trubshaw experienced a sudden illness. An air ambulance went to his rescue, but the aircraft was found empty and abandoned a short while later. Trubshaw had been kidnapped, or so it seemed. SIS contacted Charlie Allsop Consulting Services, prompting its leader Roger Bannister to send his Delta team on a recovery mission to find Trubshaw. Things became complicated when the Delta team realized that it had been the Alpha team, their top-ranked elite unit, which had originally handled the kidnapping. Were they being played? It only became worse when the Alpha team lost Trubshaw. While hot on Trubshaw’s trail, the Alpha and Delta teams found themselves involved with the Spanish CNI and a wanted Ukrainian arms dealer. Treading a dangerous path that put their lives on the line, they raced to save the world from a deadly weapon. Get yourself Eric J. Gate’s Leaving Shadows, the first installment in The Shadows Series, to discover what transpired.
It is always a pleasure to read some of an author’s best work. Those moments always make me feel grateful. Eric J. Gates is an exceptionally gifted author and clearly in a league of his own. If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-packed, gripping, espionage novel laced with a compelling tale of betrayal, blackmail, deceit, vengeance, crime, money, murder, sleuths, spies, moles, and crime bosses, Leaving Shadows is a must-read. Weaving a complex plot, the author incorporates ingenious twists, jaw-dropping cliffhangers, and humor, adding edge-of-the-seat suspense. This kept me flipping through page after page. The evocative descriptions brought Europe to life colorfully. It felt as if I was in the middle of all the action from London to Valencia. Fans of Dwayne Johnson’s and Ryan Reynolds’ Red Notice will love this magnificent piece of work from my new favorite author.
It had all happened so fast. The Chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) Bernard Trubshaw experienced a sudden illness. An air ambulance went to his rescue, but the aircraft was found empty and abandoned a short while later. Trubshaw had been kidnapped, or so it seemed. SIS contacted Charlie Allsop Consulting Services, prompting its leader Roger Bannister to send his Delta team on a recovery mission to find Trubshaw. Things became complicated when the Delta team realized that it had been the Alpha team, their top-ranked elite unit, which had originally handled the kidnapping. Were they being played? It only became worse when the Alpha team lost Trubshaw. While hot on Trubshaw’s trail, the Alpha and Delta teams found themselves involved with the Spanish CNI and a wanted Ukrainian arms dealer. Treading a dangerous path that put their lives on the line, they raced to save the world from a deadly weapon. Get yourself Eric J. Gate’s Leaving Shadows, the first installment in The Shadows Series, to discover what transpired.
It is always a pleasure to read some of an author’s best work. Those moments always make me feel grateful. Eric J. Gates is an exceptionally gifted author and clearly in a league of his own. If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-packed, gripping, espionage novel laced with a compelling tale of betrayal, blackmail, deceit, vengeance, crime, money, murder, sleuths, spies, moles, and crime bosses, Leaving Shadows is a must-read. Weaving a complex plot, the author incorporates ingenious twists, jaw-dropping cliffhangers, and humor, adding edge-of-the-seat suspense. This kept me flipping through page after page. The evocative descriptions brought Europe to life colorfully. It felt as if I was in the middle of all the action from London to Valencia. Fans of Dwayne Johnson’s and Ryan Reynolds’ Red Notice will love this magnificent piece of work from my new favorite author.
Recommend this book:
Dragon's Eye
Gregor Pratt
2023 Silver Medal
339 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Dragon’s Eye by Gregor Pratt is an excellent thriller. Jack and Maddy Gamble have a seemingly perfect life. The Ebola Island matter had left them well off and they are international heroes. Maddy teaches English classes at Nelson English Center and gives private lessons to a student named Li Wei at his residence. When Maddy does not come home, Jack contacts the police to report her missing. An eyewitness who saw Maddy's abduction from Li Wei’s residence comes forward. Jack has no idea why Maddy was targeted for kidnapping. Special Agents of the New Zealand government discovered that the Chinese government is involved in the kidnapping. Jack joins the Special Agents in their mission to save Maddy. Will Jack and the team be able to rescue Maddy before she and the kidnappers reach China?
Dragon’s Eye was captivating and complicated. It kept me in suspense, and I could not put it down. It was fast-paced and full of action. The tension built up at every turn in events. There were so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next. Each chapter set the scene for the following one and the storyline flowed. It is a high-tension thriller with an exciting storyline. I was transferred to a world of power and greed, where life is worth nothing. The characters were fascinating and authentic. They were well-developed and relatable. Having just met, they have to learn to trust each other if they want to survive and save Maddy. This story by Gregor Pratt was wonderfully written and well-researched, with a perfect ending to an exciting tale.
Dragon’s Eye by Gregor Pratt is an excellent thriller. Jack and Maddy Gamble have a seemingly perfect life. The Ebola Island matter had left them well off and they are international heroes. Maddy teaches English classes at Nelson English Center and gives private lessons to a student named Li Wei at his residence. When Maddy does not come home, Jack contacts the police to report her missing. An eyewitness who saw Maddy's abduction from Li Wei’s residence comes forward. Jack has no idea why Maddy was targeted for kidnapping. Special Agents of the New Zealand government discovered that the Chinese government is involved in the kidnapping. Jack joins the Special Agents in their mission to save Maddy. Will Jack and the team be able to rescue Maddy before she and the kidnappers reach China?
Dragon’s Eye was captivating and complicated. It kept me in suspense, and I could not put it down. It was fast-paced and full of action. The tension built up at every turn in events. There were so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next. Each chapter set the scene for the following one and the storyline flowed. It is a high-tension thriller with an exciting storyline. I was transferred to a world of power and greed, where life is worth nothing. The characters were fascinating and authentic. They were well-developed and relatable. Having just met, they have to learn to trust each other if they want to survive and save Maddy. This story by Gregor Pratt was wonderfully written and well-researched, with a perfect ending to an exciting tale.
Recommend this book:
The Amsterdam Deception
Book One in The David Knight Series
Tony Ollivier
2023 Bronze Medal
276 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite
The Amsterdam Deception: The David Knight Series Book 1 by Tony Ollivier places us in the shoes of David Knight, a professional ballerino touring Europe with the Canadian ballet troupe; his first foray into this continent of incredible history and abundant differences. One night after rehearsals, David and his good friend Razor venture out into Amsterdam, seeking an education in this foreign culture. Little did David know that the experience would dump him into a washing machine ride through incredibly complex and dangerous waters, where his very survival would become his absolute objective. Governmental control, greed, and religious dogma all converge on a mysterious target. This cynosure paradoxically becomes both David’s greatest hope and his most dire peril. This is something only David can unlock. The ultimate question to be answered is will David survive the shocking revelation?
Tony Ollivier’s The Amsterdam Deception is a rich, fast-paced adventure through some truly incredible backdrops within Europe. The way these locales are written into the reader’s imagination is palpable, and you can almost feel the chill air of Amsterdam or the smooth transit of the TGV as it races through this exciting journey. The characters are all quite believable, diverse, and imbued with accurate blends of humanity, both good and evil. It was particularly clever how David’s understanding of his circumstances was developed, starting with stark confusion and evolving at a slow burn to the point where he understood what had happened to him and who the players were. The amount of empathy this built for his character was impressive. I would recommend The Amsterdam Deception to all those readers who love quality mystery adventures on a global stage.
The Amsterdam Deception: The David Knight Series Book 1 by Tony Ollivier places us in the shoes of David Knight, a professional ballerino touring Europe with the Canadian ballet troupe; his first foray into this continent of incredible history and abundant differences. One night after rehearsals, David and his good friend Razor venture out into Amsterdam, seeking an education in this foreign culture. Little did David know that the experience would dump him into a washing machine ride through incredibly complex and dangerous waters, where his very survival would become his absolute objective. Governmental control, greed, and religious dogma all converge on a mysterious target. This cynosure paradoxically becomes both David’s greatest hope and his most dire peril. This is something only David can unlock. The ultimate question to be answered is will David survive the shocking revelation?
Tony Ollivier’s The Amsterdam Deception is a rich, fast-paced adventure through some truly incredible backdrops within Europe. The way these locales are written into the reader’s imagination is palpable, and you can almost feel the chill air of Amsterdam or the smooth transit of the TGV as it races through this exciting journey. The characters are all quite believable, diverse, and imbued with accurate blends of humanity, both good and evil. It was particularly clever how David’s understanding of his circumstances was developed, starting with stark confusion and evolving at a slow burn to the point where he understood what had happened to him and who the players were. The amount of empathy this built for his character was impressive. I would recommend The Amsterdam Deception to all those readers who love quality mystery adventures on a global stage.
Recommend this book:
Twisted Threads
Kaylin McFarren
2023 Honorable Mention
379 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Twisted Threads is a psychological thriller written by Kaylin McFarren. Akira used to be a geisha, but is forced to be an assassin working for the Yakuza boss. She hates herself for what she is doing. She is ordered to board a cruise ship to determine who killed her boss’s sister. A couple named Paul and Sara Lyons is under suspicion. One of them is the murderer and Akira must investigate to determine which one. If she succeeds, she can start a new life, but if she fails her mother will be killed. The Lyons couple is accompanied by their nephew, Devon Lyons. Akira befriends Devon to get information about his aunt and uncle. She realized she was starting to trust Devon. They work together to solve the murder and find themselves fighting for their lives.
I was captivated and intrigued by Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren. There is a lot of action in the story, and it is fast-paced. There are unexpected twists and turns in the plot I did not see coming. It is suspenseful and nail-biting from the beginning. I just kept reading until the finish because I had to know how it ended. The violence was descriptive and left nothing to the imagination. The characters were complicated and complex. They were authentic and I loved them. My favorite character is Akira. She is strong and well-trained and sometimes needs protection. Twisted Threads is well-written and developed. This mystery brings the themes of murder, revenge, and loyalty together. I guarantee that the ending will be a big surprise.
Twisted Threads is a psychological thriller written by Kaylin McFarren. Akira used to be a geisha, but is forced to be an assassin working for the Yakuza boss. She hates herself for what she is doing. She is ordered to board a cruise ship to determine who killed her boss’s sister. A couple named Paul and Sara Lyons is under suspicion. One of them is the murderer and Akira must investigate to determine which one. If she succeeds, she can start a new life, but if she fails her mother will be killed. The Lyons couple is accompanied by their nephew, Devon Lyons. Akira befriends Devon to get information about his aunt and uncle. She realized she was starting to trust Devon. They work together to solve the murder and find themselves fighting for their lives.
I was captivated and intrigued by Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren. There is a lot of action in the story, and it is fast-paced. There are unexpected twists and turns in the plot I did not see coming. It is suspenseful and nail-biting from the beginning. I just kept reading until the finish because I had to know how it ended. The violence was descriptive and left nothing to the imagination. The characters were complicated and complex. They were authentic and I loved them. My favorite character is Akira. She is strong and well-trained and sometimes needs protection. Twisted Threads is well-written and developed. This mystery brings the themes of murder, revenge, and loyalty together. I guarantee that the ending will be a big surprise.
Recommend this book:
The Child Riddler
Angela Greenman
2023 Finalist
320 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Child Riddler is a thriller by Angela Greenman. Zoe Lorel’s life was perfect. She had a dream job and was planning to marry the love of her life. Everything changed when Zoe was sent to abduct and interrogate a nine-year-old girl. The girl knew the code to the most lethal weapon on earth, and Zoe must get the code from her before someone else obtains it. When the existence of the weapon was revealed, the girl’s life was in danger. Anyone who could benefit from possessing the weapon was after it. Zoe had become attached to the child and must protect her at all costs. Would Zoe be able to use her skills to keep the girl safe from attack, and what would happen to her when everything was over?
The Child Riddler is an outstanding and brilliant tale of espionage. There was never a dull moment on this roller coaster ride. Angela Greenman had my attention from the first page, and I was hooked until the end. It was fast-paced and a brilliant read. The descriptions of the events were detailed and vivid, and I was drawn into them. It was easy to lose myself in this story and become part of it. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a real page-turner full of twists and turns. The characters were excellently developed and were both authentic and intriguing. My favorite was Zoe. She was tough, intelligent, and had all the skills she needed to be an international spy. This thriller was well-planned and executed. It was a fantastic story, and I loved the ending.
The Child Riddler is a thriller by Angela Greenman. Zoe Lorel’s life was perfect. She had a dream job and was planning to marry the love of her life. Everything changed when Zoe was sent to abduct and interrogate a nine-year-old girl. The girl knew the code to the most lethal weapon on earth, and Zoe must get the code from her before someone else obtains it. When the existence of the weapon was revealed, the girl’s life was in danger. Anyone who could benefit from possessing the weapon was after it. Zoe had become attached to the child and must protect her at all costs. Would Zoe be able to use her skills to keep the girl safe from attack, and what would happen to her when everything was over?
The Child Riddler is an outstanding and brilliant tale of espionage. There was never a dull moment on this roller coaster ride. Angela Greenman had my attention from the first page, and I was hooked until the end. It was fast-paced and a brilliant read. The descriptions of the events were detailed and vivid, and I was drawn into them. It was easy to lose myself in this story and become part of it. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a real page-turner full of twists and turns. The characters were excellently developed and were both authentic and intriguing. My favorite was Zoe. She was tough, intelligent, and had all the skills she needed to be an international spy. This thriller was well-planned and executed. It was a fantastic story, and I loved the ending.
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