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Matt Hogan #2
Targets Down
Targets Down is the follow-up to retired FBI agent Bob Hamer's Enemies Among Us , which Publishers Weekly hailed as "a page-turning roller coaster that feels like Jack Bauer’s 24 without sailing over the top."
When an FBI wife is critically wounded and two people are found dead on a mountain pass, special agent Matt Hogan is tasked with identifying those responsible. The undercover assignment takes him into the shadow world of Russian organized crime, neo-Nazis, and the sex-slave industry. Matt's cover is almost blown twice—once by accident, once by incompetence within the FBI ranks—making violence appear to be his only solution. As he confronts evil, Hogan relies not only on the strength of his wife's faith but his own quest to find God. He also finds terror and terrorism on this heart-pounding journey.
Acclaim for Targets Down :
"Hamer delivers a gripping suspense novel which could also be read as a textbook on criminal enterprise and undercover operations."
The Suspense Zone
"A poignant, brave, and honest novel, alternately luridly bracing and surprisingly touching . . ."
Nick Searcy , actor ( Justified )
"His lifetime of undercover experiences brings a sense of realism to his latest page-turning work."
Jeffrey Hunt , director ( CSI, NY )
When an FBI wife is critically wounded and two people are found dead on a mountain pass, special agent Matt Hogan is tasked with identifying those responsible. The undercover assignment takes him into the shadow world of Russian organized crime, neo-Nazis, and the sex-slave industry. Matt's cover is almost blown twice—once by accident, once by incompetence within the FBI ranks—making violence appear to be his only solution. As he confronts evil, Hogan relies not only on the strength of his wife's faith but his own quest to find God. He also finds terror and terrorism on this heart-pounding journey.
Acclaim for Targets Down :
"Hamer delivers a gripping suspense novel which could also be read as a textbook on criminal enterprise and undercover operations."
The Suspense Zone
"A poignant, brave, and honest novel, alternately luridly bracing and surprisingly touching . . ."
Nick Searcy , actor ( Justified )
"His lifetime of undercover experiences brings a sense of realism to his latest page-turning work."
Jeffrey Hunt , director ( CSI, NY )
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 26, 2011
Matt Hogan is back on the job, and that's bad news for a Russian, a Muslim terrorist. But it's the light of hope and justice to traumatized teen girls "imported" for the Russian's sex slave trade.
Bob Hamer's sophomore novel is awesome. I judge the quality of a book by how irritated I get with life for interrupting my reading time. And I have to say, I haven't been in a very good mood the last few days. This book is a compelling read. You can't read it without realizing the toll being an undercover FBI agent brings, and you are left with a refined sense of justice. I think the pace in this book was stronger, as was the overall storyline. It's exactly my type of read! I can't wait for more!!
Thanks to Bob Hamer for an ARC to read/review his latest work. No guns were held to my head or threats made in exchange for a positive review. ::grins::
Bob Hamer's sophomore novel is awesome. I judge the quality of a book by how irritated I get with life for interrupting my reading time. And I have to say, I haven't been in a very good mood the last few days. This book is a compelling read. You can't read it without realizing the toll being an undercover FBI agent brings, and you are left with a refined sense of justice. I think the pace in this book was stronger, as was the overall storyline. It's exactly my type of read! I can't wait for more!!
Thanks to Bob Hamer for an ARC to read/review his latest work. No guns were held to my head or threats made in exchange for a positive review. ::grins::
August 3, 2011
I haven’t read many books about undercover agents, so when I found out that this is what Matt Hogan does, I was excited to dive into this suspense novel. I’d definitely label this book a ‘mature read’ for many reasons that I will explain, but even with the adult content, I found it a very neat and exciting adventure.
Matt was a very likeable, rugged guy. Reading about him going undercover and rubbing shoulders with the bad guys, and just the complexity it must be to living two different lives, made me really get to like and respect this guy. What a tough time undercover cops can have! Both from the bad guys and, from Matt’s adventure, dealing with the people in charge higher up who don’t understand what it’s like to be undercover. Certainly makes me respect and appreciate the real undercover agents in this world even more.
As I mentioned, I’d recommend this book for mature readers. Matt goes undercover investigating a strip club, so you can get a pretty good idea of what kind of stuff the book has in it. Bob Hamer never goes into detail, but frequently mentions the things that goes on in that place and the girls there. Admirably, Matt stays as far away from it all as he can when there and refuses to participate. The other adultish-content was between Matt and his wife, Caitlyn. I thought it was really special and sweet to see Matt’s love for his wife, but some of the stuff they mention wasn’t “kid-friendly”. (i.e. one time Matt asks if she wants to “go make a baby”.)
The whole plot surrounded the strip club, The Russian Veil, and everything illegal that was going on there, was pretty neat. The opening of the book was gripping and that tension and adventure was kept up throughout the whole book. The ending was rather sudden and I would’ve liked there to have been more closure on the case. After he eliminated the leading bad guy, I was left wondering how everything else was cleared up. What happened to the Russian Veil and all the woman that were trapped there against their will? What of Stump and Jesse? It wasn’t a bad ending, but I would’ve just liked to have known a bit more how the case wrapped up.
This is the first book I have read by Bob Hamer, but the second book about Matt Hogan. I would definitely pick up another book by Hamer. Matt Hogan was neat to get to know and his adventures undercover were awesome! I hope Hamer continues the series with another book. If your into the secret agent slash undercover cop, then Target Down is the perfect book to get!
Matt was a very likeable, rugged guy. Reading about him going undercover and rubbing shoulders with the bad guys, and just the complexity it must be to living two different lives, made me really get to like and respect this guy. What a tough time undercover cops can have! Both from the bad guys and, from Matt’s adventure, dealing with the people in charge higher up who don’t understand what it’s like to be undercover. Certainly makes me respect and appreciate the real undercover agents in this world even more.
As I mentioned, I’d recommend this book for mature readers. Matt goes undercover investigating a strip club, so you can get a pretty good idea of what kind of stuff the book has in it. Bob Hamer never goes into detail, but frequently mentions the things that goes on in that place and the girls there. Admirably, Matt stays as far away from it all as he can when there and refuses to participate. The other adultish-content was between Matt and his wife, Caitlyn. I thought it was really special and sweet to see Matt’s love for his wife, but some of the stuff they mention wasn’t “kid-friendly”. (i.e. one time Matt asks if she wants to “go make a baby”.)
The whole plot surrounded the strip club, The Russian Veil, and everything illegal that was going on there, was pretty neat. The opening of the book was gripping and that tension and adventure was kept up throughout the whole book. The ending was rather sudden and I would’ve liked there to have been more closure on the case. After he eliminated the leading bad guy, I was left wondering how everything else was cleared up. What happened to the Russian Veil and all the woman that were trapped there against their will? What of Stump and Jesse? It wasn’t a bad ending, but I would’ve just liked to have known a bit more how the case wrapped up.
This is the first book I have read by Bob Hamer, but the second book about Matt Hogan. I would definitely pick up another book by Hamer. Matt Hogan was neat to get to know and his adventures undercover were awesome! I hope Hamer continues the series with another book. If your into the secret agent slash undercover cop, then Target Down is the perfect book to get!
January 27, 2011
This was my first FBI suspense novel and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I’ve never really been a fan of James Bond so I did not know if I would like a book based on an FBI agent’s undercover story. I did not realize how much was involved in the undercover process or how much red tape there was. At one point I was frustrated for Matt as he needed to move forward with the case in order to preserve justice and yet to do so he would have to side-step the rules.
Robert Hamer did an excellent job of weaving into this story a faith in God that sustains us. I really appreciate the example of the power of prayer as Matt’s wife is continually praying for her beloved and for those in her life. I had never taken any part of Micah and memorized it, however toward the end of this novel I found myself being able to recall portions of this scripture. There truly is power and calmness in the Word – this is shown in this book at the very climax.
This is a wonderful book that most certainly would appeal to anyone that likes action and adventure. Though some of the book is set in a place of ill repute because of the criminal nature of it – the main character sets an example of walking in this world and not being conformed. (I also think the fact that he realized that his wife was at home praying for him to be delivered from the evil one kept him from any temptation that might come from his line of work as an undercover agent.)
Thank you B&H and the author for this review copy. I look forward to reading more from Robert Hamer.
Robert Hamer did an excellent job of weaving into this story a faith in God that sustains us. I really appreciate the example of the power of prayer as Matt’s wife is continually praying for her beloved and for those in her life. I had never taken any part of Micah and memorized it, however toward the end of this novel I found myself being able to recall portions of this scripture. There truly is power and calmness in the Word – this is shown in this book at the very climax.
This is a wonderful book that most certainly would appeal to anyone that likes action and adventure. Though some of the book is set in a place of ill repute because of the criminal nature of it – the main character sets an example of walking in this world and not being conformed. (I also think the fact that he realized that his wife was at home praying for him to be delivered from the evil one kept him from any temptation that might come from his line of work as an undercover agent.)
Thank you B&H and the author for this review copy. I look forward to reading more from Robert Hamer.
April 27, 2011
MOM'S REVIEW
The author, being a retired FBI agent, brings current news into this thriller in a most believable way. The characters were not super-heroes and had weaknesses of their own, drawing you into their story. With organized crime, neo-Nazis, terrorism, and the sex-slave industry all woven into the plot, you get a glimpse into our sinful society as it is today. You also gain an appreciation for those who are laying their lives on the line to fight it. I am in awe of what families of FBI agents must endure.
Because of the violence and sex-slave themes, I would not recommend this book for anyone under 16.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided by B&H Publishing but the opinion expressed was in no way influenced.
The author, being a retired FBI agent, brings current news into this thriller in a most believable way. The characters were not super-heroes and had weaknesses of their own, drawing you into their story. With organized crime, neo-Nazis, terrorism, and the sex-slave industry all woven into the plot, you get a glimpse into our sinful society as it is today. You also gain an appreciation for those who are laying their lives on the line to fight it. I am in awe of what families of FBI agents must endure.
Because of the violence and sex-slave themes, I would not recommend this book for anyone under 16.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided by B&H Publishing but the opinion expressed was in no way influenced.
February 9, 2017
I enjoyed this interesting story. It gave me a glimpse into a world I hoped no longer existed. It was loaded with conflict and suspense. The message was done well, not over done or preachy which was nice. Some of the characters were similar and a little hard to keep straight in the beginning. There were a couple of points where the author could have used a little more variety in his sentence construction. Overall, a good read and I'd recommend it.
July 5, 2018
Loved the plot and the action was moving and exciting. As the writer points out, this is not like it is on TV...much more exciting.
December 3, 2020
Truly awful.
May 28, 2024
It was very disappointing. It was suspenseful at times but nothing ever really happened. There were lots of loose ends that were just left hanging.
July 1, 2011
Is this fact or fiction? That is the rub with this. Bob Hamer was an undercover FBI agent for 25 years before he decided to write his awesome suspense filled novels. I have interviewed Bob a few times on The G-ZONE, my blogtalk radio show, and he flat out says that is the part of the fun of the novel. Can we the reader figure out what he really did and what he made up to weave the fabric of the novel together? I can’t; I am not smart enough and besides if he did any or most of what is in the novels that must have been one intense and wild ride.
That aside the fun of the read is not just the suspense of the read, but the main character himself, Matt Hogan. He is special kind of guy and I am going to have to say so is his creator Bob Hamer. Bob has been a good friend to me, the blog I have, Gelati’s Scoop (dropping in many guest posts that have some incredibly great content and relevance) and The G-ZONE. What many people do not know or see is his selflessness, his caring and his giving nature. Bob regularly goes to VA hospitals visiting those soldiers returning from combat, spending time with them, listening to them and encouraging them. He consistently puts others first and has a very strong, well-grounded passion and love for his faith which he includes in his novels. The manner in which he incorporates that into the novel time and time again astounds me as he doesn’t come off preachy or arrogant, instead the novel would seem less if it wasn’t there.
I don’t have any kind of witty sound bit for this post, nothing anyone is going to say: this should make the back of a book jacket. Targets Down is just a very nice read and has all the right elements in it. It is a quality, stand up read just like the author is, and that is fact not fiction.
Here is the synopsis of the novel:
“Targets Down is the follow-up to retired FBI agent Bob Hamer's Enemies Among Us, which Publishers Weekly hailed as "a page-turning roller coaster that feels like Jack Bauer’s 24 without sailing over the top."
When an FBI wife is critically wounded and two people are found dead on a mountain pass, special agent Matt Hogan is tasked with identifying those responsible. The undercover assignment takes him into the shadow world of Russian organized crime, neo-Nazis, and the sex-slave industry. Matt's cover is almost blown twice—once by accident, once by incompetence within the FBI ranks—making violence appear to be his only solution. As he confronts evil, Hogan relies not only on the strength of his wife's faith but his own quest to find God. He also finds terror and terrorism on this heart-pounding journey.”
Things have changed around here. I am now one of Trestle Press’ published authors. Here are the stories I have worked on: “I Have Chrome Balls, Don’t You?” an “In Between The Collaborations”, “Down Low- Dead” with Vincent Zandri, “The Jersey Shore Has Eyes” with Big Daddy Abel”, “G.S.I Gelati’s Scoop Investigations Psychotic Detectives” with Thomas White, “Who Whacked The Blogger” with Benjamin Sobieck,“Thad and The G-Man’s Most Awesome Adventure” with Thad Brown , “Hotel Beaumont” with B.R. Stateham, “Bring Us Your Living…Now!” with HR Toye, “The Edge of Cataclysmic” with Big Daddy Abel, “The Ultimate Six-Pack” ,”Fangs,Inc.” with Laurie Bowler and the soon to be released “A Prince in Trenton ,Seriously?” with Mark Miller . All the stories are available @ Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords. I am also the host of the wildly popular The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show. Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
That aside the fun of the read is not just the suspense of the read, but the main character himself, Matt Hogan. He is special kind of guy and I am going to have to say so is his creator Bob Hamer. Bob has been a good friend to me, the blog I have, Gelati’s Scoop (dropping in many guest posts that have some incredibly great content and relevance) and The G-ZONE. What many people do not know or see is his selflessness, his caring and his giving nature. Bob regularly goes to VA hospitals visiting those soldiers returning from combat, spending time with them, listening to them and encouraging them. He consistently puts others first and has a very strong, well-grounded passion and love for his faith which he includes in his novels. The manner in which he incorporates that into the novel time and time again astounds me as he doesn’t come off preachy or arrogant, instead the novel would seem less if it wasn’t there.
I don’t have any kind of witty sound bit for this post, nothing anyone is going to say: this should make the back of a book jacket. Targets Down is just a very nice read and has all the right elements in it. It is a quality, stand up read just like the author is, and that is fact not fiction.
Here is the synopsis of the novel:
“Targets Down is the follow-up to retired FBI agent Bob Hamer's Enemies Among Us, which Publishers Weekly hailed as "a page-turning roller coaster that feels like Jack Bauer’s 24 without sailing over the top."
When an FBI wife is critically wounded and two people are found dead on a mountain pass, special agent Matt Hogan is tasked with identifying those responsible. The undercover assignment takes him into the shadow world of Russian organized crime, neo-Nazis, and the sex-slave industry. Matt's cover is almost blown twice—once by accident, once by incompetence within the FBI ranks—making violence appear to be his only solution. As he confronts evil, Hogan relies not only on the strength of his wife's faith but his own quest to find God. He also finds terror and terrorism on this heart-pounding journey.”
Things have changed around here. I am now one of Trestle Press’ published authors. Here are the stories I have worked on: “I Have Chrome Balls, Don’t You?” an “In Between The Collaborations”, “Down Low- Dead” with Vincent Zandri, “The Jersey Shore Has Eyes” with Big Daddy Abel”, “G.S.I Gelati’s Scoop Investigations Psychotic Detectives” with Thomas White, “Who Whacked The Blogger” with Benjamin Sobieck,“Thad and The G-Man’s Most Awesome Adventure” with Thad Brown , “Hotel Beaumont” with B.R. Stateham, “Bring Us Your Living…Now!” with HR Toye, “The Edge of Cataclysmic” with Big Daddy Abel, “The Ultimate Six-Pack” ,”Fangs,Inc.” with Laurie Bowler and the soon to be released “A Prince in Trenton ,Seriously?” with Mark Miller . All the stories are available @ Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords. I am also the host of the wildly popular The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show. Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
January 22, 2011
Matt Hogan is an undercover FBI agent. His latest assignment is to infiltrate a ring of criminals suspected of everything from sex slavery to murder. The operation is suspected of attempting to kill a FBI agents wife because she witnessed the disposal of a body on a lonely road.
Matt’s cover is almost blown a couple of times. Each time he is able to convince the “bad guys” that he really is one of them and that their concerns are unfounded. If he is found out to be an FBI agent these criminals will have no problem getting rid of him to save their industry.
Matt rents a warehouse to help establish his credibility with Boris the boss of the crime ring. When Boris brings in a Marine tank and secretly plants explosives on it, Matt realizes that Boris and his gang are into way more than he bargained for.
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed reading. It kept me on the edge of my seat at times. It had a pretty exciting conclusion. BUT, there were other parts of the book that I didn’t like at all. The treatment of one of the FBI’s woman co-worker was so irritating. They called her “The Queen Mother” behind her back and they acted condescending to her face. True, she probably deserved it, but we as the reader only knew this from Matt and his partners point of view. We didn’t get a glimpse of what her thoughts were, what her motives were etc. It seemed a bit too woman bashing for the sake of woman bashing than deserved treatment. There were also several times that I found my eyes rolling at some silly clichés that the author would insert randomly throughout the book. This was definitely a “guy” book. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy the action and suspense. I’ll pass it on to my husband and see what he thinks.
Matt’s cover is almost blown a couple of times. Each time he is able to convince the “bad guys” that he really is one of them and that their concerns are unfounded. If he is found out to be an FBI agent these criminals will have no problem getting rid of him to save their industry.
Matt rents a warehouse to help establish his credibility with Boris the boss of the crime ring. When Boris brings in a Marine tank and secretly plants explosives on it, Matt realizes that Boris and his gang are into way more than he bargained for.
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed reading. It kept me on the edge of my seat at times. It had a pretty exciting conclusion. BUT, there were other parts of the book that I didn’t like at all. The treatment of one of the FBI’s woman co-worker was so irritating. They called her “The Queen Mother” behind her back and they acted condescending to her face. True, she probably deserved it, but we as the reader only knew this from Matt and his partners point of view. We didn’t get a glimpse of what her thoughts were, what her motives were etc. It seemed a bit too woman bashing for the sake of woman bashing than deserved treatment. There were also several times that I found my eyes rolling at some silly clichés that the author would insert randomly throughout the book. This was definitely a “guy” book. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy the action and suspense. I’ll pass it on to my husband and see what he thinks.
January 14, 2017
While browsing in my neighborhood discount Christian bookstore, the cover of TARGETS DOWN caught my eye. It shouted to me: taught, action-packed thriller (and it is). I’d never heard of the author, so I opened the book and discovered that he could write. That settled it. I bought the book and have enjoyed it thoroughly.
Hamer drops the reader right into the action on the streets of Los Angeles with the assassination of a teenage girl who knew too much.
Matt Hogan is an FBI under cover special agent and a Christian. The plot plunges Matt into the under-belly of the so-called City of Angels. He must frequent a Russian club employing young ladies who pole dance, do business with American skin heads, get information from meth addicts…did I mention international terrorism? All this while sticking to his Christian principles. The author keeps it real. The criminals are vile, the crimes are horrid. This FBI thriller can stand next to the works of Vince Flynn and David Baldacci.
Also authentic is the love story between Hogan and his wife Caitlin. The stress and concern Caitlin feels for Matt’s safety is palpable. While the author never takes us into the marital bedroom, there is some banter. The reader will definitely believe these two are married and in love. I recommend this book for a thrilling, realistic crime fiction read.
Hamer drops the reader right into the action on the streets of Los Angeles with the assassination of a teenage girl who knew too much.
Matt Hogan is an FBI under cover special agent and a Christian. The plot plunges Matt into the under-belly of the so-called City of Angels. He must frequent a Russian club employing young ladies who pole dance, do business with American skin heads, get information from meth addicts…did I mention international terrorism? All this while sticking to his Christian principles. The author keeps it real. The criminals are vile, the crimes are horrid. This FBI thriller can stand next to the works of Vince Flynn and David Baldacci.
Also authentic is the love story between Hogan and his wife Caitlin. The stress and concern Caitlin feels for Matt’s safety is palpable. While the author never takes us into the marital bedroom, there is some banter. The reader will definitely believe these two are married and in love. I recommend this book for a thrilling, realistic crime fiction read.
June 10, 2013
FBI Unravels Russian Sex Slave Enterprise. Undercover FBI agent Matt Hogan infiltrates LA biker scene for drug bust and is sucked into a multiple murder tangle spun by ex-pat Russian mobster Boris Gregarian to reign supreme in his sex slave trade. Parlaying a bust into a snitch, Matt gets inside and moves up Boris' ladder via stolen cigarettes and available warehouse space. An unbridled business whore, Boris contracts with jihadists to supply a bomb laden heavy truck for use in the bombing of the Staples Center, which is defused and thwarted by the appearance of the father of an Ukranian girl who tried to leave Boris' harem and was killed.
April 11, 2016
After reading Bob Hamer's great book, Enemies Among Us, I purchased this sequel. I was greatly disappointed! The great special op/FBI action of the first book did not make an appearance until the last third of this book. The sexual innuendo's were disgusting. This book felt forced! It felt as if the author took everyone's advice in what a "good book should look like" and tried to stuff it into this book. Unfortunately, it failed.
May 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the character development was nicely done. I really felt like I knew the characters. It would have been interesting to see them fleshed out in their minds and how they wrestled with the dilemmas the book ran into.
Overall it was an interesting read. I hope to read more by Bob Hamer.
Overall it was an interesting read. I hope to read more by Bob Hamer.
July 23, 2013
Bob Hamer can walk the walk and talk the talk. that is obvious in targets down. he makes you feel as if you are in the middle of some of the worse the world has to offer then brings you right back with the beauty of God.
February 23, 2015
good story but "christian" message forced...awkward dialogue...if i wanted the author to sensor characters' language, then i'd read a children's book...dialogue does not depict true to life scenarios...this book was written for sale to those who live in a religious bubble
February 28, 2016
Excellent !
Well written, lots of twists and turns. Undercover agent Matt and his fellow agents work on cases that intertwine. Truly enjoyed this, and the prior book. Very much look forward to ones in the future !
Well written, lots of twists and turns. Undercover agent Matt and his fellow agents work on cases that intertwine. Truly enjoyed this, and the prior book. Very much look forward to ones in the future !
December 13, 2012
Fast paced, intriguing story. Good read!
August 23, 2013
A pretty good thriller from Bob Hamer from 2011. It's about
Matt Hogan an undercover agent for the FBI and some of the
things he goes through tracking down the drug dealers
in Hollywood.
Matt Hogan an undercover agent for the FBI and some of the
things he goes through tracking down the drug dealers
in Hollywood.
January 28, 2014
This book is better than the first one! Hopefully the next one will be even better!
July 6, 2017
Realistic
Well written story,fast paced and believable.The author writes it as he lived it , great read ! Highly recommend this author .
Well written story,fast paced and believable.The author writes it as he lived it , great read ! Highly recommend this author .
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews