Book Review: The Marksman by Robin G. Mercier, Danny Kravitz, Chris Charles

I was glad to keep coming back to this Cartel horror of a story.
The Marksman
By Robin G. Mercier, Danny Kravitz, Chris Charles

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BZB6FR3F
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 29, 2023
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level 4 Press, Inc.
Genres: Crime, Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Jim Hanson, an ex-Marine sniper, was getting by in life as a rancher on the Arizona-Mexico border until his wife’s recent battle with cancer wiped him out financially and hollowed him out emotionally. Then he encounters a young Mexican boy, Miguel, and his mother as they are fleeing from a vicious drug cartel. Jim calls the Border Patrol but is soon confronted by cartel soldiers who demand he turn over the mother and son. Jim refuses and is drawn into a shootout, narrowly escaping with Miguel and his mother, who has been fatally shot. She begs Jim to take her son to the safety of his relatives in Chicago just before dying.
Now being pursued by the cartel’s relentless lead assassin, as well as Border Patrol Agents intent on sending Miguel back to Mexico (which is certain death), Jim finds himself as the boy’s protector in a desperate race from Arizona to Chicago. Jim and Miguel fight for their lives during this deadly road trip, becoming the most unlikely pair of fugitives and helping each other heal from deep loss along the way.

Review:
Jim Hanson is an ex-Marine sniper who has fallen emotionally after losing his wife to cancer. Months later, he is struggling to keep his ranch on the Arizona-Mexico border fighting his own destructive behaviors as well as the harsh land that isn’t easy for raising cattle.

One morning Jim is near the border when a woman and child run from through the fence, followed by men in a black SUV. The brutish cartel men demand that he turn over the mother and child and when Jim refuses gunfire is exchanged. Jim kills one of the men while they kill the mother. Before she dies, the mother insists that Jim take her son, 11-year-old Miguel, to relatives in Chicago. She claims if the boy returns to Mexico he will be killed for the actions of others. Initially Jim turns the boy over to Border Patrol but something makes him go to the station the next morning where he is alarmed to see the black SUV and men coming to pick up the boy. Jim manages to sneak Miguel out and he goes on the run.

Jim is traveling with a quiet, scared boy and wondering why he is doing this. The cartel men are on his trail and the border patrol, where his stepdaughter works, are out to get him to return the boy to Mexico. It takes Jim a day or two to realize how the cartel SUV is using corrupt contacts to find him and he increases the anger of the leader by leaving a trail of death each time they get too close.

Finally, as Jim and Miguel develop a strange friendship, Jim decides that he will deliver Miguel to Chicago. But the cartel leader has contacts in Chicago and is prepared to call in favors, unknown to his boss. Can Jim get Miguel safely to his aunt in Chicago? And what will Jim do once the mission is completed?

I was horrified by the extent of the cartel violence and corruption with contacts throughout the States. Sadly, it is very believable. Jim is a flawed hero, and I can imagine Liam Neeson playing the brooding man. I was impressed with the writing that flowed well and kept me coming back to read more. I am glad I was offered this book to read. I expect I will watch the movie sometime in the future. I recommend this book to fans of crime thriller action.

Source: August 2023 Received two ebooks from Alyssia Gonzalez at Publicist, Level 4 Press. This qualifies for 2023Author and 2023eBook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Snow Killer: The DI Barton Series, Book 1 by Ross Greenwood

This is an intriguing police procedural, crime thriller.

The Snow Killer: The DI Barton Series, Book 1
By: Ross Greenwood
Narrated by: David Thorpe

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 11-12-19
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Crime Fiction, Police Procedural, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
‘Fear the north wind. Because no one will hear you scream....’
A family is gunned down in the snow, but one of the children survives. Three years on, that child takes revenge, and the Snow Killer is born. But then, nothing - no further crimes are committed, and the case goes cold.
50 years later, has the urge to kill been reawakened? As murder follows murder, the detective team tasked with solving the crimes struggle with the lack of leads. It’s a race against time and the weather - each time it snows, another person dies.
As an exhausted and grizzled DI Barton and his team scrabble to put the pieces of the puzzle together, the killer is hiding in plain sight. Meanwhile, the murders continue....
The first in a new series, Ross Greenwood has written a cracking, crackling crime story with a twist in its tale which will surprise even the most hardened thriller listeners. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham and Stuart MacBride.
©2019 Ross Greenwood (P)2019 Boldwood Books

Review:
One child survived the gunning down of the rest of the family, including a beloved younger sibling, when they were brutally stalked and killed in the snow. Three years later the surviving child is able to take revenge killing the guilty thugs one at a time in the snow. This gains the name “The Snow Killer” but the murders stop.

Fifty years later there is a new murder of a low level drug addict during a snowstorm. Then another drug involved person is murdered in the next snowstorm. DI Barton and his team are trying to figure out who would have the motive to take out these individuals. Then in the next snowstorm another murder takes place practically under their noses. The murders are occurring in DI Barton’s own neighborhood and the victims are connected to a known local drug family. The police are desperately seeking clues while inclined to protect the surviving member of the drug family as she is the likely next target.

The old Snow Killer has been insulted by one of the local crime members. This has triggered the old anger and revenge which intensifies when the killer recalls one of the thugs had referred to orders from higher command. And now one of the new victims also mentions corruption that goes higher than the henchmen. Can the Snow Killer get to the higher parties in command before the police figure out who they are chasing?

This is only available until 8/10/23 so I pulled it up in my queue and I am glad that I did. The characters, killer and cop, are well drawn including emotional involvement. The author follows both characters so that the reader/ listener is tracking the two different POVs as their inevitable confrontation grows closer. Although the reader is following the killer, the author manages to throw in some surprises. I would be willing to seek more books by this author and I’m sorry I don’t have time to listen to more while they are available free in the Audible Plus Catalog. I recommend this to fans of strong police procedural thrillers.

Audio Notes: David Thorpe does a very good job with the narration. I was engaged throughout the narration with the clear voices and energy.

Source: February 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Oracle by Andrew Pyper

This is a little raw and perfect for fans of dark thrillers.

Oracle
By: Andrew Pyper
Narrated by: Joshua Jackson

Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 08-17-21
Publisher: Audible Originals
Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Oracle is a psychological thriller audiobook following Nate Russo, an FBI psychic who helps solve abductions and homicides by touching those close to the missing persons. His unique gift comes with a terrible price: He sees the horrific moments before the victims disappeared. This high-stakes mystery, written by best-selling author Andrew Pyper and performed by Joshua Jackson, combines crime investigations with supernatural elements and killer instincts.
©2021 Andrew Pyper Enterprises, Inc. (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Nate Russo consults with the FBI in a very special way. He is able to touch a loved one of a missing person and see the terror and fear of the victims as they are taken. He and the two agents he works with try to respond quickly in hopes of finding victims before they are dead. It is a source of anger and frustration that they find the bodies but too late. The cost of reading the loved ones and then failing to bring back a survivor comes at a great cost to Nate.

How Nate got this “gift” or curse is a big part of his past. This becomes an element in his struggles as the latest victim draws the team back to his boyhood town. Tensions increase as Nate finds his brother has returned home too and authorities in the town scorn Nate’s skills.

Nate’s background and feelings are well developed as he is the pivotal character in the story. His partners are not as deeply developed but still have distinct features that add to the team. Nate’s skill of seeing the victims last minutes draws the reader in a macabre fascination.

I generally like to read horror and dark stories in October. I pulled this into my reading/listening queue because it showed it would no longer be available after May 14. There is a sequel and I may add it someday for an October read. I recommend this to fans of dark, psychological thrillers.

Audio Notes: Joshua Jackson does an interesting and good job with narration. He delivers the rather creepy vibe quite well. I am glad I had the chance to listen to this.

Source: 8/2/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Instructor by T.R. Hendricks

I enjoyed the military survival training in this suspenseful story.
The Instructor
By T.R. Hendricks
Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Series: Derek Harrington, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 04-11-23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Military, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Derek Harrington, retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, is barely scraping by teaching the basics of wilderness survival. His fledgling bushcraft school is on the cusp of going out of business and expenses are piling up fast. His only true mission these days? To get his ailing father into a full care facility and to support his ex-wife and their son.
When one of his students presents him with an opportunity too good to be true―$20,000 to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York―Derek reluctantly takes the job, despite his reservations about the group's insistence on anonymity. But it isn't long before the training takes an unexpected turn―and a new offer is made.
Reaching out to an FBI contact to sound his concerns, Derek soon finds himself in deep cover, deep in the woods, embroiled with a fringe group led by a charismatic leader who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When what he wants becomes Derek's head, the teacher is pitted against his students as Derek races against time to stop what could very well be the first attack by the domestic terrorist cell.

Review:
Derek is a retired expert teaching the basics of serious wilderness survival. At the end of the most recent class, one man offers him a significant fee to come train his team. Derek goes reluctantly because he has to leave behind his ailing father and his son who expects him to attend his games. Derek has some concerns about the training when he is delivered blind folded to a compound that raises lots of questions. Especially when he is offered another significant sum for extended training.

On a very brief break from the compound training, Derek reaches out to a friend in the FBI. His friend agrees convinces Derek to go back undercover to gain more information. Derek has to do the training and increase the skills of the compound team over the weeks, or it would be suspicious, even though Derek fears that he may be training terrorists. He finds another undercover agent and they try to plan an exit before they are exposed. But things aren’t quite as they seem, and Derek really hasn’t managed to shelter those he should be protecting.

The story has a good bit of Rambo action. It is filled with wilderness training that I did find interesting. The full-on action and suspense are a great element. Unfortunately, there were some obvious flaws as Derek fails to take some protective steps and falls into some obvious traps. Overall, I did enjoy the action and I would try the next book. I recommend this to fans of military action.

Audio Notes: Jay Snyder does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and emotional feelings to fit the text. I appreciate getting to listen to this audiobook.

Source: 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Crisis Shot: The Line of Duty, Book 1 by Janice Cantore

I enjoyed this Christian police procedure thriller and will want to get more in the series.
Crisis Shot: The Line of Duty, Book 1
By: Janice Cantore
Narrated by: Alice Anne English

Series: The Line of Duty, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 09-05-17
Publisher: Two Words Publishing, LLC
Genre: Clean & Wholesome, Police Procedural, Thriller & Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Tess O'Rourke dreams of becoming the first female chief of police in Long Beach, California. As commander of the East Division, she is well on her way...until the night she responds to an officer-needs-assistance call and fatally shoots an unarmed teenager. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury, Tess is so hounded by the public that she takes a job in Oregon to escape the bad press.
Winning over the residents of Rogue's Hollow might be more difficult than adjusting to her new role as police chief in the small backwater town - especially when her closest friend, the pastor's wife, goes missing and the woman's cousin is found shot. Tess finds an ally in sheriff's deputy Steve Logan, but as they track down Rogue's Hollow's first murderer, she worries that she's breaking one of her rules and getting too close to him.
©2017 Janice Cantore (P)2017 Two Words Publishing LLC

Review:
Tess O’Rourke became a police officer like her father. She was working hard to become the first female chief of police in Long Beach, California. One night she responds to the call of another officer and finds four teens beating the officer with a baseball bat. Three of the boys flee but one stays and ignores her demands to step away. When he reaches for the fallen officer’s gun, Tess fatally shoots him. A local radio journalist starts a campaign against her, ruining her local career even though she is ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

Tess sends out many resumes but only gets one likely interview. She is hired as the new Chief of Police in a small Oregon community with mixed reactions by the hiring team and the residents. When her new friend in town, the pastor’s wife, goes missing, and the woman’s cousin is found shot, Tess finds herself under great scrutiny as she conducts her investigation. She is glad to have an ally and friend in sheriff’s deputy Steve Logan, even as she tries to resist their growing attraction.

There were several good twists in this story, and it moved along quickly. There is a good bit of Christian faith sharing which might not suit all readers, but I found uplifting. I plan to seek more titles in this series. I recommend it to readers who would enjoy a Christian Police Procedural thriller.

Audio Notes: Alice Anne English does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and accents for the female and male characters. She also presents the story with fitting emotion. I enjoyed the audio experience.

Source: 1/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 3) Code of Honor by Jay J. Falconer

This series’ episode fits the bill for a quick action title.
Bunker (Book 3) Code of Honor
Written by Jay J. Falconer
Read by Gary Tiedemann

Run Time 5h 50min
Release Date: May 29, 2017
Publisher: BookBreeze.com
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

A Warrior Lives for Peace. Sometimes All He Finds is War.
When the perpetrators finally reveal themselves, Jack Bunker finds himself the target of a deadly manhunt. He’s all that stands between them and complete control.
Yet mortars, artillery, and machine guns are not the only threats Bunker must face.
News of an airborne pathogen spreads panic across the countryside, leaving everyone to fend for themselves, including Bunker after he’s wounded.
Eventually the citizens of Clearwater must make an impossible decision: resist with their lives or serve on their knees.
>>> From award-winning, bestselling author, Jay J. Falconer, comes another heart-pounding, post-apocalyptic saga you won’t be able to put down. If you love high-intensity thrillers, this book was written just for you.

Review:
Jack Bunker was able to escape with Deputy Daisy from a gang of military mercenaries. But soon find themselves facing Russian enemies. Jack sends Daisy back to town to warn the mayor and others there. Then Jack finds himself running for his life after being spotted.

Jack isn’t the only one the Russians are chasing. Apparently, their real reason for being in Clearwater is to find the man who stole a deadly weapon. That man is on the run with a daughter returning to her home.

Back in town, the community is excited to welcome FEMA trucks and supplies when they roll into town. Although the ‘rescuers’ are manned by a foreign team, the mayor and citizens agree to line up for a special vaccination they are told is to protect them against radiation from the potential threat of a damaged nuclear site miles away.

Soon all injured parties are converging on the home of the local prepper, who is now dead. There is a delayed challenge between some of the primary characters before the straggling group recognize that they need to pull together if they want to protect themselves and help their community from the Russian threat and the unknown, but suspected, threat posed by the ‘FEMA’ group.

I enjoyed this quick listen. I still disapprove of some of the shallow jealousy of one character in particular, although that may have been resolved in this book. I still like how Bunker takes the blows and keeps pushing back. I will be continuing with the next two books which I already own.

Audio Notes: Once again, Gary Tiedemann does a fine job providing distinct voices and appropriate energy that fits the story. I am glad that I can listen to this series.

Source: 10/2/2021 Chirp Purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 1) Born to Fight by Jay J. Falconer - 4.0.
Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War by Jay J. Falconer - 3.75.

Audio Book Reviews: Three More Jack Reacher Novellas by Lee Child

This reminded me why I like this author and this character.

Three More Jack Reacher Novellas
Written by Lee Child
Narrated by Dick Hill

Run Time 8h 9min
Release Date: May 16, 2017
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Genre: Mystery, Short Stories, Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher Description
Lee Child once again demonstrates his mastery of the thriller genre with an unbeatable collection of three Jack Reacher novellas and six short stories, together for the first time in one pulse-pounding collection from the #1 New York Times bestselling author
Too Much Time: In this original novella featuring Jack Reacher after his time in the army, Reacher finds himself in a hollowed-out town in Maine. He witnesses a random bag-snatching but sees much more than a simple crime, in a tale that leads into Lee Child’s new Reacher novel, The Midnight Line.

Small Wars: Lee Child goes back to 1989, when Jack Reacher is an MP assigned to solve the cold-blooded murder of a young officer.
The telex is brief and to the point: One active-duty personnel found shot to death ten miles north of Fort Smith. Circumstances unknown. The victim was shot twice in the chest and once in the head. A professional hit. The crime scene suggests an ambush. Military police officer Jack Reacher is given the case. He calls his older brother, Colonel Joe Reacher, at the Pentagon for intel and taps Sergeant Frances Neagley to help him answer the big question: Who would kill a brilliant officer on the fast-track to greatness?

Not a Drill: Jack Reacher is on the road, hitching a ride with some young Canadians who are planning a hike through the dense forests of Maine. They part ways after sharing a hot meal, and Reacher checks out a quiet town surrounded by countryside serene enough to cool even his raging wanderlust. But not for long. First the trail is suddenly closed. Then the military police show up in force. Maybe it’s a drill. Or maybe it’s trouble-the kind of trouble that always finds Reacher, no matter how far he travels off the beaten path.

And for the first time on audio, additional stories featuring Jack Reacher, including: James Penney’s New Identity, Everyone Talks, Maybe They Have a Tradition, Guy Walks into a Bar, No Room at the Motel, and The Picture of the Lonely Diner

Review:
Jack Reacher was once a military enforcement officer. He lives on the road because that is the way he likes it. He has excellent observation skills and is always watching his situation. He doesn’t always toe the line himself as he has his own sense of real justice. One might think that trouble follows him but, really, he tends to step into trouble. After all, when he sees trouble, i.e. crime, he almost always takes action to handle it, even though he may not be invited. This collection of stories finds Jack doing his normal – stepping into trouble and finding ways, legal or on the edge, to solve it.

In Too Much Time, Jack steps in to stop a bag snatcher. When the police turn on him and declare him to be a conspirator in the crime, he rethinks his observations and knows the crime wasn’t what he saw. He finds soon realizes that someone is anxious to take his view point out of the picture. Jack will have to convince another officer to look more closely at the circumstances if he wants to survive.

Small Wars takes place in 1989 when Jack is still an MP and called on to solve a murder of a rather brash young officer. Once again, Jack can see beyond the obvious at the crime site to unwind the events that resulted in the murder.

The third featured story, Not a Drill, finds Jack hitching a ride to the northern most point of our interstate highways. Jack doesn’t expect to see the three young people again but … things happen. The next day the forest trail is roped off and soon unexpected authorities are turning people away. Once again, Jack has stumbled upon trouble and he feels the need to help his young friends find their way out.

I totally enjoyed Jack’s acute observations and solutions in these stories. As a bonus there are six more short stories. There was only one that I didn’t really find delightful – from a procedural point of view. The package makes me want to go back to the beginning of the series and start listening again. I will have to pick up some more audios in the series.

Audio Notes: Dick Hill is a classic narrator. I hadn’t listened to his narration recently, but I was quick to recognize his distinctive voice. His tone fits Reacher’s character with dry and deliberate presentation. The narration enhanced the story pleasure for me.

Source: 8/14/2021 Chirp Under $2.00. This qualifies for 2022TBr, 2022Audiobook and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story by Ryan W. Aslesen

This is a quick military story to introduce the primary character. It portrays a very sad state of military politics.
Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: Crucible, Book 0
Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 01-19-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The War on Terror provides the backdrop for the thriller that introduces the roots of ultimate antihero, Max Ahlgren.
Captain Max Ahlgren is proud to be one of the first team commanders in the Marine Corps’ nascent MARSOC detachment. Finally, the Corps’ elite warriors are working alongside those of other branches, battling insurgents, not on the front lines but behind them.
After his first mission, however, Max learns he will be replaced as team commander. The new commander, Major Whitbeck, comes from 8th and I: Marine Barracks, Washington DC. His late father, a revered general, died in a terrorist car bombing. The commander is in Afghanistan for vengeance - and redemption. When the team infiltrates the ancient desert fortress of Kazindrak, hunting an elusive Al-Qaeda terrorist, Whitbeck reveals his ineptitude in combat.
Max’s fury grows as the body count rises. When the actual nature of the mission is revealed, Max gets a good look at the sordid underbelly of the War on Terror and sees firsthand what monsters men can become. If he is to survive, however, he may have no choice but to become one. Sometimes the greatest enemy is within.
©2018 Ryan W. Aslesen (P)2021 Podium Audio

Review:
Captain Max Ahlgren was successful in leading men in battle. He has been assigned to a specialist team. Unfortunately, his commander advises him that he is being sent on a mission but rather than leading, he will be second in command. The mission will be led by Major Whitbeck whose record shows no field experience. But he is the son of a revered general who was killed by terrorists.

Max gets warned before going out that the Major did lead a previous mission where everyone on his team died. Apparently, the mission information got buried thanks to his father. Also, before the mission, Max challenges a Sergeant over rough shod treatment of a soldier. The Sergeant clearly dislikes all officers and warns Max to watch his back.

Max and his unique team are quick to recognize the inexperience in the Major and are even more concerned when they learn that the mission is to infiltrate and kill the terrorist that killed the Major’s father. Sure enough, the Major is quick to make misjudgments and soon makes a deadly mistake. The team is soon ducking for their lives and leaving dead enemies and comrades on the ground.

The matter gets worse when the Major, Max, and the handful of remaining soldiers get to the point of completing the mission. Max and his team are horrified. They plan to report on the Major as soon as they get back to base but sadly only Max is still standing when they come to the debriefing. And matters go from bad to worse. The actions taken against Max are disgusting. But then he is made an offer he can’t refuse.

I like Max as a character but was very disturbed by the hatred of the Sergeant and the ineptitude of the Major. This novella tells how Max gets recruited to a terrorist fighting agency. As much as I didn’t like how he got there, I like Max enough to hope he succeeds in his next mission, and I will get the first full book. I recommend this to fans of military thrillers.

Audio Notes: I like Jeffrey Kafer as a narrator and he did a good job with this story. He provided distinct voices and strong energy. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/19/2021 Free download from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War by Jay J. Falconer

This Post-Apocalyptic/dystopian moves the story along.

Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War
Written by Jay J. Falconer
Read by Gary Tiedemann

Run Time 4h 40min
Release Date: April 6, 2017
Publisher: BookBreeze.com
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Those Who Resist, Triumph. Those Who Kneel, Serve.
When a covert communication is intercepted, Jack Bunker and the town leaders of Clearwater swing into action to uncover the secret behind its deadly intent.
However, before their defenses can be fortified and the threat neutralized, a ruthless faction gains a foothold, turning to kidnapping and torture for control.
As the body count rises, Bunker is forced to summon a part of himself he loathes in order to save everyone he cares about.
But rescuing his friends won’t be easy, not when the insurgents focus their attention on him and his mysterious past.

Review:
This second book picks up where book 1 ended. The town council agrees to have Bunker help prepare them for the difficulties they will face from their own community with the tech and electric systems down. But they soon learn of an outside threat. They will need more help and more resources.

Bunker is asked to join Deputy Daisy to travel to the farm of the local ‘prepper’ to try to obtain supplies. Bunker’s friend (from book 1), Stephanie, quickly moves into jealousy mode, having had a bad history with Daisy. Another town leader takes Stephanie and her son Tommy off to his home to help cool her temper.

Stephanie’s group runs into trouble as they approach home while across town, Bunker and Daisy run into trouble as they try to find the old man in his home. The story jumps into action that keeps the reader engaged. The story stretches realism a bit and ends with the next scene yet to come.

My headline summary says that this moves the story along. The bottom of the publisher info does indicate that this is “Audiobook 2 in the Mission Critical Series. A 5-part completed serial.” The reader needs to recognize that these are just short chapters of a full story. I am glad that I was able to get the other ‘chapters’ on sale. The best way to buy this series would be in a boxed set. I will continue to listen to the next books when in the mood for an action post-apocalyptic story.

Audio Notes: I can repeat my assessment of the narrator from my review of book 1. Gary Tiedemann does a fine job providing distinct voices and appropriate energy. I will continue to listen to more in the series.

Source: 10/2/2021 Chirp Purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 1) Born to Fight by Jay J. Falconer

This is a quick post-apocalyptic listen with a hero that I like.
Bunker (Book 1) Born to Fight
Written by Jay J. Falconer
Narrated by Gary Tiedemann

Run Time 3h 46min
Release Date: March 31, 2017
Publisher: BookBreeze.com
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
Cyber-Attacks. EMPs. Invasion. War. When the end comes, few will have the ability to survive.
When a coordinated attack takes out the nation’s power grid, a small town finds itself at ground zero of an all-out invasion.
With limited options and no time to prepare, the citizens have no choice but to turn to a mysterious drifter, Jack Bunker, for help.
The former combat engineer has the skills to keep them alive, but he won’t be able to do it alone, not against an overwhelmingly superior force. Somehow he’ll have to find a way to transform the mild-mannered townsfolk into military-grade warriors and lead them into battle, despite his dark past that leads some to wonder whose side is he really on?
The Bunker series is a 5-part explosive, high-octane thriller. If you like pulse-pounding action, resourceful warriors, and deep political intrigue, then you’ll love this bestselling tale of true grit. It’s Rambo versus Red Dawn, only amped-up with one thrilling scene after another.

Review:
Jack Bunker is a soldier with a mysterious past. He was looking forward to ‘decompressing’ and finding a new beginning when events went haywire. Bunker was on a train traveling north when the power went out. At the same time, the cell phones and tablets of passengers went dead. Next a plane plunged from the sky. It is clear that Bunker suspects a greater problem – an EMP strike – that many others don’t recognize.

Sitting next to Bunker on the train is a young woman and her 10 year-old son. When Bunker chooses to exit the train and start walking, the woman, Stephanie, and her son, Jeffrey, are determined to go with him. Bunker doesn’t want to take any responsibility for them, but he can’t force them not to follow.

Before Bunker and his companions get to the town they set out for, they are pulled in to rescue a busload of children. Now Bunker is in town and facing a crowd with leaders who aren’t sure how to protect themselves from the disruptions that are quickly spreading.

The author has not yet revealed Bunker’s full background, so he is still a mystery, which adds interest to the story. The post-apocalyptic event has just occurred so there is still a lot to learn about what or who caused the event. I liked the action which I hope will increase in the next books. The writing could use more depth, but it has an easy flow in this series opener.

I didn’t necessarily find this ‘enthralling’, but I found it entertaining and want to continue. I was glad I could get audio books 2-5 for just under $10.00 at Chirp. I recommend this to fans of the post-apocalyptic genre.

Audio Notes: Gary Tiedemann does a fine job with the narration. The voices are distinct and the energy fit the story. I look forward to listening to more in the series.

Source: 9/5/2021 Chirp Purchase $.99. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Book Review: Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan

This is a very good crime thriller. I want to continue the series.
Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3)
by Mark Nolan

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07L5GLJQ1
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 19, 2018
File size ‏ : ‎ 2208 KB, 416 pages
Genre: Action, Crime Thriller, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Jake Wolfe is a young lawyer who leads a secret life as a government assassin. Trained by the CIA, Jake now wants a new life of peace and quiet, living on a boat and practicing law. But when his city is shocked by a serial killer and he’s framed for the murder of a friend, Jake must race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.
Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse; at every step Jake and his loved ones are being hunted by the clever, twisted madman. As the city is gripped in fear of the seemingly random shootings that could strike anybody, Jake investigates and uncovers ominous clues until a shocking reversal of fortune changes everything.
With the clock ticking and lives at stake, will Jake be able to find and stop the killer in time, or will he become the next victim?
Buckle up for a wild ride as Jake Wolfe and his exceptionally intelligent dog, Cody, return to action in this page-turning thriller in Mark Nolan’s bestselling series that has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.

Review:
Jake is a former military man who has been recruited as a secret government assassin. He has passed the bar to become an attorney although he doesn’t exactly have paying clients yet. Mainly because he keeps charging only a $1.00. Jake lives on a friend’s boat with his ‘retired’ military dog, Cody. Jake has been dating local veterinarian, Sarah, but she put a hold on their growing relationship after seeing Jake in defensive mode. She feels his life style is too dangerous… which may be true.

Currently Jake is executing (no pun intended) a mission directed by his ‘handler’. He community is dealing with a serial killer called the “Random Killer”. Jake’s sweet elderly neighbor is killed and clues left implicating Jake. Before the local authorities have fully cleared Jake, he has convinced his handler to get him deputized to the Marshall’s office so he can get on the task force hunting this killer.

Jake and Cody set off to find the killer who leads everyone on a chase from one end of town to the other. Unfortunately, Jake’s actions have put the killer on the hunt for Jake and those he loves. Will Jake be able to get the killer before he injures someone he loves? Will his activities result in Sarah totally ending their relationship?

I really like Jake as a character although it does cause mixed feelings to think that assassins and secret organizations exist around us. Author Nolan gives the reader an intriguing view of the killer too, following his thoughts and activities. I like the combination of danger, action, issues of diplomatic immunity, tidbits of law, and a touch of romance in this series and I will look to read more. I recommend this to fans of the strong, silent hero crime thriller.

Source: Author 2019. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021 Alphabet, and Author goals.

 Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1) by Mark Nolan; 4.75
 Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan; 4.5

Audible Book Review: The Bone Farm: A Jane Hawk Case File by Dean Koontz

This is a pretty gritty, good thriller.

The Bone Farm: A Jane Hawk Case File
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers, James Anderson Foster

Series: Jane Hawk, Book 0.5
Length: 2 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 04-25-18
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
An audio original novella featuring bestselling author Dean Koontz’s compelling new heroine, Jane Hawk. From the case files of the former FBI agent before she became the nation’s most wanted fugitive - The Bone Farm details a desperate man-hunt for a serial killer before he murders again.
Katherine Haskell, a young college co-ed is on her way back to school, but she never makes it there. Instead, she becomes the latest prey of the rapist and murderer dubbed by the tabloids the “Mother Hater.” He is a twisted soul who kidnaps young girls for pleasure then discards them.
Katherine is missing, but she’s not yet dead. FBI agents Jane Hawk and her partner Gary Burkett must descend into the hell of this killer’s mind to solve the case before it is too late. The question is - will they both get out alive?
©2018 Dean Koontz (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Review:
Jane Hawk is an FBI agent hunting down a serial killer who preys on young women. The man is known as the “Mother Hater” and Jane and her partner, Gary, are closing in. But they will find a surprise when they face the true killer.

This is a quick story that introduces Jane as a skilled agent who uses her acumen to avoid being trapped and is able to use her weapon if needed. There are chapters from the view of the killer, so the reader has gritty information that Jane and her partner don’t. How the FBI, particularly Jane, handle the interview and resulting actions is engaging. It has been years since I have read Koontz. This reminds me that he delivers a gripping story but often with dark, gritty elements.

I've been eyeing books in this series, so I am glad to listen to a prequel to get a better feel for the protagonist. I note the blurb refers to Jane as a “former” FBI agent who became the nation’s most wanted fugitive. That is intriguing and makes me want to read more in the series. I recommend this short thriller to fans of Koontz and fans of dark suspense.

Audio Notes: Elisabeth Rodgers and James Anderson Foster do a fine job with the narration. They captured the foibles of the characters and made the story more enjoyable for me.

Source: August 2021 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Book Review: Low Tide (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 1) by Dawn Lee McKenna

This is a real to life mystery with a strong female protagonist.
Low Tide (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 1)
by Dawn Lee McKenna

ASIN : B00Z2BXCXE
Publisher : The Sweet Tea Press (June 5, 2015)
Publication date : June 5, 2015
Print length : 191 pages
Genre: Mystery, Small Town, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

In Apalachicola, Florida, sinister things are afoot, as sinister things tend to be.
Lt. Maggie Redmond is called to a crime scene on St. George Island, where she is met with the body of Gregory Boudreaux. The medical examiner calls it a suicide, but no one knows that Maggie has a horrible connection to the dead man.
When Gregory’s uncle, Bennett Boudreaux, the richest and scariest man in town, takes a sudden interest in Maggie, people start to wonder, Maggie included. Maggie knows he may suspect her of killing his nephew, but she finds herself slowly drawn to the man.
As Maggie fights to help a young girl escape the clutches of a volatile drug dealer who’d love to see Maggie dead, she also struggles to hide her dark link to a dead man, and her burgeoning relationship with her boss, Sheriff Wyatt Hamilton.
Unfortunately, secrets have a way of revealing themselves at low tide.

Review:
Maggie is a police Lieutenant called to the scene of a dead man on St. George Island. The dead man, who appears to have committed suicide, is Gregory Boudreaux, a local man related to a rich and powerful man in town. Maggie has known the deceased since school days, but no one knows the truth of their past association. One of the first people Maggie interviews is Gregory’s Uncle, Bennet Boudreaux. Bennet is a man in his sixties but still makes an impression, especially with his power and confidence in his ability to control the narrative around him.

Maggie runs into a small time criminal she has arrested in the past. This time she sees him with a wraith of a young girl who is holding an infant while shielding two toddlers. Maggie suspects the girl, Gracie, is being bullied and tells her to call on Maggie if there is trouble.

Meanwhile, Maggie has to juggle her personal life issues while doing her job. She is a single mother since divorcing her husband, due to his bad life choices. Maggie has found it hard to move on from her childhood sweetheart, but she is glad to often find support from her boss, town sheriff, Wyatt. Their relationship seems to be growing closer and they struggle to balance their attraction with their work situation.

Danger comes after Maggie when it appears someone wants her to not look to closely at Boudreaux’s death. She is also stirring up trouble from a different direction when Gracie turns informant and seeks her help.

The writing has a good, easy flow. The story is character driven with a nice mix of intrigue, suspense, danger and a touch of romance. The multiple real to life threads are interwoven with Maggie's involvement. The ending closes part of the threads but leaves one wide open for more police (and personal) adventure.

The setting is the Forgotten Coast of the Florida Panhandle, within a few hours of my hometown. The author shares wonderful local, small town color. I am reading this with others in my local Woman's Club, which is a great group of service intensive ladies. They plan to forge ahead with the next book in the series. I recommend this to fans of easy mystery set in a small beach town.

Source: Free Kindle 2017. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021eBook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Golden Day by Ursula Dubosarsky

This is a beautifully written, unusual mystery story.
THE GOLDEN DAY
by Ursula Dubosarsky
narrated by Kate Rudd

Length: 3.75 hrs.
Release date: 08-06-13
(Candlewick on Brilliance Audio)
Genre: Historical, Mystery, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

While participating in a field trip that a young class is told not to mention to anyone, their teacher disappears. What happened that day? And whom can the kids talk to? Kate Rudd has the perfect voice to narrate the innocence, wonder, and confusion of a classroom of young girls as they try to figure out what has happened to their teacher. Rudd’s emotional narration captures the girls’ worry and sense of a world gone awry. The novel crafts subtle tension, and Rudd's voice crafts a tone to match as the story unfolds. Her narration builds just the right amount of suspense in a sophisticated thriller that leaves listeners wondering what they believe about what happened.
S.B.T. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2013]

Review:
The morning started with a hanging. The young teacher of a class of eleven young girls tells them about the event and then announces they are going to the park to contemplate death. The girls are excited to be out on a secret field trip with their lively teacher. They visit the park where there is a mysterious poet. Then their teacher meets up with a workman who leads them all on an adventure into the seaside caves. The girls get frightened in the dark cave and lead each other out the way they went in. But their teacher doesn’t come out. What happened to her?

Initially the girls won’t speak to the headmistress or the substitute teacher as they were told not to tell anyone about the field trip. Finally, the school counselor interviews the one child who bursts into tears at the slightest upset. All the others know that she will tell where they went. But they still can’t find the teacher.

The prose in this little piece is beautiful. The mystery and intrigue are carried through to the twist at the end. I am very glad that I got this title through the SYNC program. Sometimes they share some real gems! I recommend this to those who enjoy lovely prose and or a quick mystery.

Audio Notes: Kate Rudd does a beautiful job with the narration. Her presentation carried the mood and enhanced the experience.

Source: SYNC Week 8: June 13 – June 20, 2019. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, 2021Alphabet Audio and 2021Color goals.

Audio Book Review: The Book of Riley: A Zombie Tale by Mark Tufo

This is a zombie tale with a dog hero.
The Book of Riley: A Zombie Tale
Written By: Mark Tufo
Narrated By: Sean Runnette

Duration: 2 hours 58 minutes
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
#Fraterfest

Summary:
When the zombie apocalypse strikes without warning one dog will hold the fate of her pack in her paws. This is the story of Riley, an American bulldog. Follow along as she tries to keep her pack safe from a zombie apocalypse. Traveling with her are Ben-Ben the high strung Yorkie, her favorite two-legger Jessie, Jessie's younger brother Zachary, and Riley's arch enemy Patches the cat. They are a rag-tag group of survivors, who, when pushed to the limit, realize that they are all each other has.

Review:
Riley is a loving dog who wants to protect her human pack. She stands with the human alpha and is surprised to get help from the pip-squeak Yorkie, Ben-Ben. Of course, (according to Riley), the cowardly and obnoxious cat, Patches, hid in the bathroom with the rest of the human pack. When some of her human pack fall, Riley is forced to save the teen daughter, Jessie, and the baby child, Zachery. Riley is joined in the journey to safety by Ben-Ben and Patches who turns out to have some wisdom and cleverness – even if she remains a great annoyance.

I enjoyed the dog’s view which is filled with humor, base thoughts (food, smells and elimination process) and rivalry with the cat. I am fairly sure this is a spin off from the Zombie Fallout series. I had listened to Book 1 of the primary series in 2018 and have a prequel, Zombie Fallout: Zero, ready to go this week as a “Z” title. I think I liked the dog book more but I wouldn’t want a steady diet of this. I recommend the Riley books as quick reads/listens for those you enjoy zombie battles with pets, and humor.

Audio Notes:  It appears that Sean Runnette is the narrator for Mr. Tufo and he has adapted well to the characters, whether dogs, cats or military.

Source: 10/2020 Audiobooks.com Mystery Audiobook Club. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal and #Fraterfest.

Audible Book Review: The Final Day by William R. Forstchen

This is a solid conclusion of another post-apocalyptic series on my TBR list.

The Final Day
By: William R. Forstchen
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Series: After (Forstchen), Book 3
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-03-17
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Political Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The highly anticipated follow-up to William R. Forstchen's New York Times best-sellers, One Second After and One Year After, The Final Day immerses listeners once more in the story of our nation's struggle to rebuild itself after an electromagnetic pulse wipes out all electricity and plunges the country into darkness, starvation, and terror.
After defeating the designs of the alleged federal government, John Matherson and his community have returned their attention to restoring the technologies and social order that existed prior to the EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) attack. Then the government announces that it is ceding large portions of the country to China and Mexico. The Constitution is no longer in effect, and what's left of the US Army has been deployed to suppress rebellion in the remaining states.
The man sent to confront John is General Bob Scales, John's old commanding officer and closest friend from prewar days. Will General Scales follow orders, or might he be the crucial turning point in the quest for an America that is again united? As the dubious Federal government increasingly curtails liberty and trades away sovereignty, it might just get exactly what it fears: revolution.
©2017 William R. Forstchen (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
John Matherson and his community are slowly starting to make a come-back after the break down of society as a result of an EMP strike two years ago. John struggles as the leader who has had to make some really hard choices, including executing vicious members of a gang and a young man who was stealing from the community. The community has no ability to house prisoners and he felt these actions, even if difficult, set the best example. However, the actions didn’t go over well with those who claim to be the restored government, particularly after John led a successful defense against being overtaken by a government-led attack by an overbearing military leader.

John, his seven-month pregnant wife, Makala, and the community are preparing to face a tough winter. They know that they have to be careful of threats from rogue groups as well as possible threats from the government too. When John is advised that a beaten man tried to reach him with a message from his old military friend, General Bob Scales. John was on the phone with Scales who was in the Pentagon on “the Day” when the call got cut off. John is excited that Scales may be alive, and John becomes intent on getting to him to try to find out what is really going on at the “federal” government level.

John manages to get a message to Scales at the risk of important resources. Scales shows up to meet with John and bring the orders that he is supposed to bring John back to the headquarters to face charges for assassination. Instead of taking John in, Scales lets him stay but tells him to lay low so that they can pretend he is in custody.

A couple of men in the community have made a remarkable discovery in the college basement. They are on the edge of having a chance to communicate or at least listen to conversations. But there is also a leak - maybe a mole - who is feeding information to the government. That leak sets John and Makala as targets and tensions rise between John and Scales. Then Scales gets a decoded message that triggers his suspicions and anger. This sends Scales, his troops, John and his hand-picked militia off on an unexpected tactical reconnaissance that is bound to stir up trouble.

It had been several years since I read books one and two in the series (One Second After and One Year After). Book three starts about two years after "the day" and fills in the background with a good reminder of what took place to this point. I really liked the detailed picture of this small mountain community struggling with realistic problems such as limited electricity, water, and food and other day to day items like soap and clothing. John has bittersweet memories that are accompanied by clear envy of his friend’s supply of real coffee! I was puzzled that John never tried to uncover the leak, and I was curious what the title “the final day” would reveal. I did enjoy the action and the twists as John and Scales uncover secrets that change the path of the future.

This story delivers a solid post-apocalyptic/dystopian mix of survival and military intrigue. I recommend the full series to readers who enjoy this genre.

Audio Notes: Bronson Pinchot does a solid job with the narration although the quality of the audio seemed ‘old’ to me. It just didn’t sound crisp. Also, the delivery tends to be a slow drawl which is a bit disconcerting even if it does fit the weary struggles of the characters. I did get over these audio issues and still enjoyed the overall product.

Source: 9/1/18 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook, and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Deep State by Chris Hauty

This is a gripping thriller!
Deep State
by Chris Hauty

File Size: 1723 KB
Print Length: 287 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1982126582
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books (January 7, 2020)
ASIN: B07RPP4NN9
Genre: Assassination Thriller, Political Thriller, Thriller
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Recently elected President Richard Monroe—populist, controversial, and divisive—is at the center of an increasingly polarized Washington, DC. Never has the partisan drama been so tense or the paranoia so rampant. In the midst of contentious political turf wars, the White House chief of staff is found dead in his house. A tenacious intern discovers a single, ominous clue that suggests he died from something other than natural causes, and that a wide-ranging conspiracy is running beneath the surface of everyday events: powerful government figures are scheming to undermine the rule of law—and democracy itself. Allies are exposed as enemies, once-dependable authorities fall under suspicion, and no one seems to be who they say they are. The unthinkable is happening. The Deep State is real. Who will die to keep its secrets and who will kill to uncover the truth?

Review:
Haley Chill is a former Army boxer who is now serving her country as a government intern. She is pleased to be assigned to the White House chief of staff even if it means she is relegated to a cramped desk in the basement. The other interns access this mousey newcomer and don’t see much threat. They are more than willing to let her work the late hours and finish their work. Then they are surprised when she is called in to stand with the chief of staff for face to face work and meetings.

Haley likes the chief of staff and is only a little surprised when he warns her that if either he or the president (disruptive to the status quo) end up dead, it wouldn’t be natural or suicide. She is told, “Trust no one.” Shortly thereafter Haley finds the chief of staff dead. She discovers a single clue that indicates the death wasn’t natural. But who can she trust with this information? She doesn’t want to trust the FBI and she doesn’t plan on telling the Secret Service short term boyfriend whom she is about to break up with.

When Haley is attacked and barely escapes, she ends up sharing her secrets with a new friend, another White House staff worker. Then another man ends up dead. Haley knows the Deep State is at work and the president is in danger. She is on a race to get to the president to warn him before the killers act again.

I loved this gripping thriller. The characters are well developed and the plot has some zingers. I had to get accustomed to the writing style which presents future events in the lives of the characters. I would compare these to facts sometimes disclosed at the final credits of a movie. Although that was a bit unusual, it worked and even helped create a little extra intrigue. The story moves with action and the tension builds to exciting twists. There is some foul language and use of the Lord’s name which I didn’t like. Still, I was able to slide over those pretty quickly. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy a good thriller with twists.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Book Review: Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan

This is a high action and I love Cody, the former war dog.
Vigilante Assassin: An Action Thriller
(Jake Wolfe Book 2)
by Mark Nolan

File Size: 2775 KB
Print Length: 362 pages
Publication Date: October 27, 2017
ASIN: B075665WN5
Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Every marriage has a secret, and this one is deadly. Lauren Stephens wakes up to find her husband, Gene, has vanished during the night. His phone is dead. Desperate, she hires Jake Wolfe and his war dog, Cody. They search the house and discover something so disturbing that Jake won’t allow Lauren near it. “No, if you see this, there is no unseeing it.”
Lauren thought she had it all: a loving partner, two great kids, a successful business, and a beautiful home in the San Francisco hills. But all of that is about to come crashing down, due to a missing husband, a hidden past, and a frightening secret that will shock a trusting wife to the core. Gene has enemies, and now they want something from Lauren.
Jake Wolfe is a flawed man who has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wants to leave his secret, violent past behind him, but when Lauren and her children are threatened, his protective instinct takes command. Jake soon finds himself involved in a dangerous conspiracy, targeted for death, and engaged in battle with a powerful, unseen group who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Jake’s going to have to think fast and fight hard to protect Cody, Lauren and her kids.

Review:
Jake is contemplating peace and quiet as he relaxes on his friend’s boat with his new girlfriend, Sarah. He wakes early and his retired war dog, Cody, warns him of danger in the water. The sun hasn’t even risen as Jake faces the first attack of the day.

As soon as Jake docks, the head of an executive security company appears to ask for his help to protect Lauren Stephens, a wealthy woman whose husband has just gone missing. Soon Jake locates a body in a secret room and discovers dangerous, scandalous secrets. Jake dodges weaponized drones as he begins to hunt for a motive and a killer.

Jake can’t even get to breakfast before he is stopped by a cop who resents Jake. Jake ends up with a head lump and wakes up in jail facing a sexual predator. Jake calls in a government agency to help him get out of jail quickly. The government people will be glad for this extra leverage to get Jake to sign on to their special project(s).

The excitement continues with multiple kidnappings, another beating and Jake facing death threats by a powerful, mysterious enemy. In addition to finding Mr. Stephens’ killer, Jake and his long-time detective friend, Terrell, are tracking drug and arms dealers. While rushing from one danger to another Jake is intent on protecting Lauren and her kids, as well as protecting Sarah and Cody. Jake is even willing to risk teaming up with the mob in order to get quick, on the street help.

Wow! This is packed with high octane action! It reminded me of the TV show 24 with all the things that go in such a short time. Jake and Cody are at the center of all the action and Cody shines with his brilliant nose work. Cody’s skills and complex character are almost on level with Jake’s. The story reads very quickly as the mysteries and danger twists and turns.

This is the second in the series and I do recommend reading the first book, Dead Lawyer’s Don’t Lie. That book introduces the primary characters and explains their backgrounds. I am very glad that I have book three to read soon. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy fast paced action with an extra smart dog as a great partner.

Source: Author review request December 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR and Author goals.

Audible Book Review: The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson

This is wonderfully well written and creative story telling.

The Emperor's Soul
By: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: Angela Lin

Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-02-12
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller
My Rating: 5.0 0f 5.0 Story and Audio.

Publisher's Summary
When Shai is caught replacing the Moon Scepter with her nearly flawless forgery, she must bargain for her life. An assassin has left the Emperor Ashravan without consciousness, a circumstance concealed only by the death of his wife. If the emperor does not emerge after his hundred-day mourning period, the rule of the Heritage Faction will be forfeit and the empire will fall into chaos.
Shai is given an impossible task: to create—to Forge—a new soul for the emperor in less than one hundred days. But her soul-Forgery is considered an abomination by her captors. She is confined to a tiny, dirty chamber, guarded by a man who hates her, spied upon by politicians, and trapped behind a door sealed in her own blood. Shai's only possible ally is the emperor's most loyal counselor, Gaotona, who struggles to understand her true talent.
Time is running out for Shai. Forging, while deducing the motivations of her captors, she needs a perfect plan to escape...
©2012 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2012 Recorded Books

Review:
Shai is a magical “forger” using mediums and soul stamps to forge art, both small and large. If she knows the make-up elements of her subject she is able to recreate it. She is caught as a result of a betrayal. On the eve of her scheduled execution the official arbiters, offer Shai a deal if she will forge a new soul for the secretly comatose Emperor. Although her Soul-Forgery skill is considered an abomination, the arbiters are willing to use it to help them retain their positions of power.

Shai agrees to the project which would allow her freedom… and life. She is ever the opportunist. The arbiters are cautious about her skills as several believe that she is skilled enough to change even the fabric of her cell to make an escape. They go to great lengths to secure her. Shai does plan to forge an escape but she is under constant watch. She is supervised by Gaotona, a man who respects the quality of her skills but disdains her use of them for forgery – not recognizing her form of art.

Shai is offered secret deals by a power-hungry arbiter. She fears that even if she accepts the offer the woman will have her killed before letting her go free. It may take all of Shai’s excellent skills to fashion a way out of her situation and she has a limited amount of time and resources.

This story is wonderfully creative, imaginatively plotted, beautifully written and executed. I kept seeking times to listen as I was fascinated by Shai’s mind maneuvering and the rapport she builds with Gaotona. The story is full even though it is short. By the end my thoughts were “author Brandon Sanderson is an artist”. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a skillfully crafted mystery and fantasy.

Audio Notes: Angela Lin is a narrator who is new to me. Her voice captured the character of Shai and the twisting nuances of the story. The narration enhanced an already excellent work. I would be glad to listen to other books she has narrated.

Source: Audible March, 2017 Daily Deal $1.95 (a bargain). This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry

This mystery has great suspense and tension.
The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die
By: April Henry
Narrated by: Cristina Panfilio

Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-11-13
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

Publisher's Summary
"Take her out back and finish her off."
She doesn’t know who she is. She doesn’t know where she is, or why. All she knows when she comes to in a ransacked cabin is that there are two men arguing over whether or not to kill her.
And that she must run.
In her riveting style, April Henry crafts a nail-biting thriller involving murder, identity theft, and biological warfare. Follow Cady and Ty (her accidental savior turned companion), as they race against the clock to stay alive.
©2013 April Henry (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Cady was kidnapped and tortured for information. When the kidnappers were done with her she was supposed to be killed. Instead she struggled and surprisingly escaped. She is on the run knowing that she is being hunted. She manages to get a young man to help her, pulling Ty into her run from death. They don’t know who to trust or where to hide since the evil men always seem one step behind them and have framed her for a crime in order to pull her in.

The author does a clear presentation in first person with good confusion, mystery and tension expressed through the fear of the character. The story is full of twists, turns and great tension. Although the characters are young and don't always think things through, I was pulled into the story from the beginning and it moved quickly with the suspense. I am glad I picked this up as a daily deal. I will look for more by Ms. Henry. This is suitable for young people as well as adults.

Audio Notes: Cristina Panfilio did a good job with the narration. She portrayed the young voices and gave the characters energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible March, 2017 Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and 2018TBR.