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Model Agent
The human body consists of two-thirds water.
As concertgoers on a steamy day in Boston find out, water can kill as much as it gives life.
A terrorist attack at City Hall Plaza has the authorities perplexed. The government, in response, sends in a capable but young agent – an agent born from the ashes of terrorism itself – to handle it.
But as her partner dies and the terrorist strikes again, Jaclyn Johnson – code named Snapshot – finds herself in a situation she has trained a decade to face: She’s up against a man with enough money to finance a war against his competition. With a deadline in place to stop him – and with a car holding enough hidden tricks to evade capture – Snapshot infiltrates his hidden installation and finds out her target’s true end game, a secret that could have the world fighting over water.
MODEL AGENT is the start to a brand new thriller series. The sequel, ROGUE AGENT, is also available.
As concertgoers on a steamy day in Boston find out, water can kill as much as it gives life.
A terrorist attack at City Hall Plaza has the authorities perplexed. The government, in response, sends in a capable but young agent – an agent born from the ashes of terrorism itself – to handle it.
But as her partner dies and the terrorist strikes again, Jaclyn Johnson – code named Snapshot – finds herself in a situation she has trained a decade to face: She’s up against a man with enough money to finance a war against his competition. With a deadline in place to stop him – and with a car holding enough hidden tricks to evade capture – Snapshot infiltrates his hidden installation and finds out her target’s true end game, a secret that could have the world fighting over water.
MODEL AGENT is the start to a brand new thriller series. The sequel, ROGUE AGENT, is also available.
265 pages, ebook
First published February 15, 2011
35 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Sean Sweeney
43 books34 followersSean Sweeney’s love of reading began in 1988, when he was handed J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic The Hobbit, and was given a needed reading boost with John Grisham novels and the Star Wars Expanded Universe in the 1990s. His passion for writing began in 1993, as a sophomore in high school, when he began writing sports for his local newspaper. Born and raised in North Central Massachusetts in 1977, Sweeney has written for several newspapers and radio stations. Since then, Sean has written upward of 29 novels along with a handful of novellas and short stories.
When he is not writing, he enjoys reading, watching Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, along with British mysteries and Doctor Who, the New England Revolution, and Arsenal F.C.
Sean lives in Fitchburg, Massachusetts with his wife and their four cats, Finn, Diva, Squeaky, and Spooky.
When he is not writing, he enjoys reading, watching Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, along with British mysteries and Doctor Who, the New England Revolution, and Arsenal F.C.
Sean lives in Fitchburg, Massachusetts with his wife and their four cats, Finn, Diva, Squeaky, and Spooky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 18, 2011
I mentioned in a recent post that I did a lot of reading while the power was out thanks to Hurricane Irene’s wrath. One of the stories I read was Model Agent, a thriller by Massachusetts resident and one of my fellow BNFFs Sean Sweeney.
I ended up purchasing a copy of Model Agent the Friday night before the storm hit, I believe it was, knowing the hurricane was coming and would inevitably leave us without power for a few days.
Before reading Model Agent, I had read excerpts Mr. Sweeney posted from the third installment in the Jaclyn Johnson series and was greatly impressed. I had very high expectations, to say the least.
There have been very few books in recent years that have been able to capture my attention so thoroughly that I don’t want to put them down. This past year I’ve come across some really talented authors that I’ve reviewed/interviewed on this blog that have been able to enthrall me when so many others haven’t been able to.
Unfortunately, for some of those amazing authors that drew me in, life got in the way, and I could only read a little bit of their stories each day. (I know, it’s sad.) Not this time, though. I was able to read Model Agent in record time. In fact, I visited my parents during the power outage and told my mother I had to go home because I needed to finish the book.
If you’re a fan of thrillers, this story is definitely one to read. It grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let you go until the very end, and even then you’re left wanting more, which, to me, is a sign of a great author.
Also, if you’re a fan of the Boston area, that’s another good reason to read this novel. Mr. Sweeney included many well-known landmarks and he described them with such detail that it took me back to my trips into the city over the years.
As far as characters go, my favorite was the lead, Jaclyn. While I don’t want to give away too much about her, I will say that she resonated with me. I love that the author included such a strong, vibrant female who can kick ass like no other female character I’ve seen. She definitely stood out and I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her over the next two novels. I’m rooting for her.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly give Model Agent 5 stars.
(And Sean, sorry for the delay in posting my review.)
I ended up purchasing a copy of Model Agent the Friday night before the storm hit, I believe it was, knowing the hurricane was coming and would inevitably leave us without power for a few days.
Before reading Model Agent, I had read excerpts Mr. Sweeney posted from the third installment in the Jaclyn Johnson series and was greatly impressed. I had very high expectations, to say the least.
There have been very few books in recent years that have been able to capture my attention so thoroughly that I don’t want to put them down. This past year I’ve come across some really talented authors that I’ve reviewed/interviewed on this blog that have been able to enthrall me when so many others haven’t been able to.
Unfortunately, for some of those amazing authors that drew me in, life got in the way, and I could only read a little bit of their stories each day. (I know, it’s sad.) Not this time, though. I was able to read Model Agent in record time. In fact, I visited my parents during the power outage and told my mother I had to go home because I needed to finish the book.
If you’re a fan of thrillers, this story is definitely one to read. It grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let you go until the very end, and even then you’re left wanting more, which, to me, is a sign of a great author.
Also, if you’re a fan of the Boston area, that’s another good reason to read this novel. Mr. Sweeney included many well-known landmarks and he described them with such detail that it took me back to my trips into the city over the years.
As far as characters go, my favorite was the lead, Jaclyn. While I don’t want to give away too much about her, I will say that she resonated with me. I love that the author included such a strong, vibrant female who can kick ass like no other female character I’ve seen. She definitely stood out and I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her over the next two novels. I’m rooting for her.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly give Model Agent 5 stars.
(And Sean, sorry for the delay in posting my review.)
August 8, 2016
I realised my Kindle was accommodating four books by this author, so I thought it was high time I read one of them. I started with the first of the Jaclyn Johnson thrillers. Our model agent (modelling is just something she does when she’s not saving the world) has, as her first assignment, to stop a ruthless and unscrupulous man using outrageous methods to annihilate his competitors in the bottled-water industry. A man who’s almost tyrannical, despotic even, and has to be caught at all costs…some of which turn out to be very high and very tragic.
I’ve got to say you have to suspend disbelief with this book. It’s a little OTT…a female Bond, Jaclyn isn’t. But she’s a no-nonsense, sassy, don’t-mess-with-me chick…and I love female crimefighters like that. And with her tools of the trade: Do-It-All Porsche, glasses, skintight Lycra suit…it’s all a bit daft. The ending doesn’t just require suspending disbelief, it needs gagging and locking up somewhere it can’t whisper, ‘Seriously?’ somewhat repeatedly.
And that…is why I thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed it! Okay, it’s not the best writing I’ve come across (apostrophes, Mr S, apostrophes), but it was all delightfully silly and massively entertaining from start to finish. I loved it. Rogue Agent is the second in the series, and it's ready and waiting on my Kindle.
I’ve got to say you have to suspend disbelief with this book. It’s a little OTT…a female Bond, Jaclyn isn’t. But she’s a no-nonsense, sassy, don’t-mess-with-me chick…and I love female crimefighters like that. And with her tools of the trade: Do-It-All Porsche, glasses, skintight Lycra suit…it’s all a bit daft. The ending doesn’t just require suspending disbelief, it needs gagging and locking up somewhere it can’t whisper, ‘Seriously?’ somewhat repeatedly.
And that…is why I thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed it! Okay, it’s not the best writing I’ve come across (apostrophes, Mr S, apostrophes), but it was all delightfully silly and massively entertaining from start to finish. I loved it. Rogue Agent is the second in the series, and it's ready and waiting on my Kindle.
June 26, 2012
A tiredly written blonde parody of a novel of a federal agent "thriller" replete with unbelievable and unlikeable characters. The author has several ideas yet manages to erratically vomit them without recourse to thought unless inaccuracy or free-association illogic was the creative aim. The protagonist is a model and a Justice Department CIA agent called in since interstate commerce invokes federal jurisdiction. She's blind but light hurts her eyes. She can debilitate at least six Navy SEALs hand-to-hand. She is granted secret high tech gadgets such as an iPad. As a top model, she's most excited about this since she's wanted one for a year and a half. The iPad has an app that opens a slot that dispenses a key that works on most locks. She uses smoke bombs before getting into her car in a parking lot and jumping police roadblocks trying to stop her for speeding. Oh, just let her "get a luck at the scene." She gasps and grimly giggles. She's so tough she "doesn't know the word for ..." most anything at all.
November 27, 2012
Ppsssss..... Just an easy read... Not very realistic, but good enough to get your brain out of gear for a while...
January 6, 2012
When I was a little girl I loved playing “cops and robbers” with my older brother. He, being the complete deviant that he was, took pleasure plotting these massive jewel heist from inside his tree house, and I, the incredibly obnoxious “goodie two shoes” loved taking him down. (Freeze Dirtbag! You are under arrest!) Now, things have changed over the years, my brother has moved away (thank God because he is still a deviant) and I have formed a rather frigged opinion of guns, but one thing will always remain the same; there are few things more thrilling than saving the day.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, duh, I like to hear myself talk (just kidding.) No, the reason I decided to mention just one more mildly embarrassing childhood memory is because “Model Agent” by Sean Sweeney dredged up those long lost desires to become Laura Croft, or at the very least, sport some killer blue skin and call myself Mystique. In short…be the girl superhero that everyone needs, but no one expects.
Jaclyn Johnson is what most women aspire to be; beautiful, smart and confident. She can also kill you with her pinkie. Since the tragic death of her parents Jaclyn has been adopted and trained by the government to do one thing, take out terrorist, but she never expected the terrorist to be one of America’s elite. Could people really be dropping dead from drinking water? That’s exactly what Jaclyn is sent to find out, unfortunately she doesn’t get very far before tragedy strikes her in an entirely different manor and leaves her with a score to settle. Armed with enough goodies to make Bond jealous, Jaclyn does what she does best; sets out to fix the problem, but will she be able to put her personal vendetta aside long enough find the person responsible for bringing Boston to its knees, or will she fail, and take with her the health of an entire nation?
There is no point in denying my hesitance to write this review. See… Sean Sweeney and I are friends, not “Hey let’s go grab lunch” type friends, but we do talk on a daily basis. We have inside jokes, have no problem telling each other that we wish the other would fall off of a cliff, and take pride in our ability to call each other out on our bullshit. For ME reading a book by Sean is different than reading a book by an author I have never talked to. Why? Because it becomes much more difficult to separate the man I KNOW from the author he IS. That being said, I assure I will try my best to be objective in my review (and as a result may judge him more harshly that I would others… tuff love if you will.)
First let me talk about the things that impressed me.
The story. While Sweeney could have very easily dug his own grave by choosing to multi-narrate his novel, the result was actually quite refreshing. More often than not thrillers have us seeking the answers right along with the lead character, however, in a moment of writing genius (I’m sure,) Sweeney decided to follow the killer, as well as the other acting parties. Allowing his reader to view the story from EVERY angle only enhanced a plot line that could have otherwise been very straight and formulatic. (hmm… not so sure that’s a word.) The character development was also quiet impressive, giving background to even the simplest of characters enabling us to FEEL the traumatic situations they were going through.
Now on to the bad. Sweeney was only seconds away from oozing Velveeta when it came to weapon enhancements. While I am an admitted action freak, and read books that are very rarely considered “normal,” his need to make a flying car (think Dukes of Hazard) might have been just one step too far. There were also cliché’s thrown about like confetti that (at times) were distracting and halted the flow of the story.
Overall I think this was a very solid start to a promising new series, and who knows… maybe now that Sweeney has his action feet tucked securely underneath of him he won’t feel so compelled to force the originality of Jaclyn’s toys.
In the end…I think it’s well worth the money.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: never mess with the kiddies… it’s a one way ticket to deadville.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, duh, I like to hear myself talk (just kidding.) No, the reason I decided to mention just one more mildly embarrassing childhood memory is because “Model Agent” by Sean Sweeney dredged up those long lost desires to become Laura Croft, or at the very least, sport some killer blue skin and call myself Mystique. In short…be the girl superhero that everyone needs, but no one expects.
Jaclyn Johnson is what most women aspire to be; beautiful, smart and confident. She can also kill you with her pinkie. Since the tragic death of her parents Jaclyn has been adopted and trained by the government to do one thing, take out terrorist, but she never expected the terrorist to be one of America’s elite. Could people really be dropping dead from drinking water? That’s exactly what Jaclyn is sent to find out, unfortunately she doesn’t get very far before tragedy strikes her in an entirely different manor and leaves her with a score to settle. Armed with enough goodies to make Bond jealous, Jaclyn does what she does best; sets out to fix the problem, but will she be able to put her personal vendetta aside long enough find the person responsible for bringing Boston to its knees, or will she fail, and take with her the health of an entire nation?
There is no point in denying my hesitance to write this review. See… Sean Sweeney and I are friends, not “Hey let’s go grab lunch” type friends, but we do talk on a daily basis. We have inside jokes, have no problem telling each other that we wish the other would fall off of a cliff, and take pride in our ability to call each other out on our bullshit. For ME reading a book by Sean is different than reading a book by an author I have never talked to. Why? Because it becomes much more difficult to separate the man I KNOW from the author he IS. That being said, I assure I will try my best to be objective in my review (and as a result may judge him more harshly that I would others… tuff love if you will.)
First let me talk about the things that impressed me.
The story. While Sweeney could have very easily dug his own grave by choosing to multi-narrate his novel, the result was actually quite refreshing. More often than not thrillers have us seeking the answers right along with the lead character, however, in a moment of writing genius (I’m sure,) Sweeney decided to follow the killer, as well as the other acting parties. Allowing his reader to view the story from EVERY angle only enhanced a plot line that could have otherwise been very straight and formulatic. (hmm… not so sure that’s a word.) The character development was also quiet impressive, giving background to even the simplest of characters enabling us to FEEL the traumatic situations they were going through.
Now on to the bad. Sweeney was only seconds away from oozing Velveeta when it came to weapon enhancements. While I am an admitted action freak, and read books that are very rarely considered “normal,” his need to make a flying car (think Dukes of Hazard) might have been just one step too far. There were also cliché’s thrown about like confetti that (at times) were distracting and halted the flow of the story.
Overall I think this was a very solid start to a promising new series, and who knows… maybe now that Sweeney has his action feet tucked securely underneath of him he won’t feel so compelled to force the originality of Jaclyn’s toys.
In the end…I think it’s well worth the money.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: never mess with the kiddies… it’s a one way ticket to deadville.
November 17, 2014
I was torn as to whether to finish this book and almost stopped several times. Some other reviewers have likened it to a modern day James Bond but with a female James. I cannot agree. Ian Fleming this is not, but that actually does not matter. This supposed thriller is anything but. There are seemingly endless descriptions of the road system in Boston with background sentences on on the history of major buildings none of which add to the plot, which is farcical. Yes I know James Bond's plots are farcical as well, but - really!
Female agent trained by CIA since age of 14 able to disable tens of opponents with just a pistol. Protected by a Kevlar body suit and of course no one shoots her in the head. The evil villain keeps her alive for the purpose of - what - so he can tell her what he is up to - OK Bond did that. This is the same villain that murders anyone who gets in his way all so that he can establish a monopoly over bottled water.
The politicians are so caricatured they could almost be real. No not really and then the President leads the assault on a remote part of a reservoir near Boston that we have a road by road description of how to get too.
The finale is just - well there are less explosions then Bond. Have I mentioned the heroine is a known model as well i.e. has a public life but swans around as a federal agent investigating a domestic crime and she's really in the CIA who are investigating but the villain does not know this. Nor the media, but this same model is a green CIA agent who has direct access to the head of the CIA and effectively the soon to be dead president. Her name is given out to everyone she meets which is the same name she uses for modelling.
The co-villain is the president's son by the way who is in the opposite party who sets out to destroy his mother - yes a female president, female lead, and female head of the CIA, and the attorney general. I am all for strong female characters but... Of course no one else is competent or able to help apart from a partner who is killed off. A partner appointed at the start who's wife was one of the first victims.
By the way the lead is effectively blind - yes blind without the continuously described Heads Up Display of her sunglasses. Yes she has to wear mind controlled sunglasses all the time. She also is given a Porche to drive fitted with the James Bond goodies but drives around past road block and cameras her identity protected by a swivelling number plate (Goldfinger) and a remote control via the iPad she squeals like a little girl when she get it - yes there is a young Q male. This may be a homage to Bond but fails.
In between some of the descriptive passages are quite good and the opening chapter is pretty well done. This standard soon drops. If this was a pastiche - think the Archer cartoon series - then at least it would be funny. Even Bond is funny this is not.
Some people love this book judging by the reviews. I am not one of them but you might love it. Each to his own.
Female agent trained by CIA since age of 14 able to disable tens of opponents with just a pistol. Protected by a Kevlar body suit and of course no one shoots her in the head. The evil villain keeps her alive for the purpose of - what - so he can tell her what he is up to - OK Bond did that. This is the same villain that murders anyone who gets in his way all so that he can establish a monopoly over bottled water.
The politicians are so caricatured they could almost be real. No not really and then the President leads the assault on a remote part of a reservoir near Boston that we have a road by road description of how to get too.
The finale is just - well there are less explosions then Bond. Have I mentioned the heroine is a known model as well i.e. has a public life but swans around as a federal agent investigating a domestic crime and she's really in the CIA who are investigating but the villain does not know this. Nor the media, but this same model is a green CIA agent who has direct access to the head of the CIA and effectively the soon to be dead president. Her name is given out to everyone she meets which is the same name she uses for modelling.
The co-villain is the president's son by the way who is in the opposite party who sets out to destroy his mother - yes a female president, female lead, and female head of the CIA, and the attorney general. I am all for strong female characters but... Of course no one else is competent or able to help apart from a partner who is killed off. A partner appointed at the start who's wife was one of the first victims.
By the way the lead is effectively blind - yes blind without the continuously described Heads Up Display of her sunglasses. Yes she has to wear mind controlled sunglasses all the time. She also is given a Porche to drive fitted with the James Bond goodies but drives around past road block and cameras her identity protected by a swivelling number plate (Goldfinger) and a remote control via the iPad she squeals like a little girl when she get it - yes there is a young Q male. This may be a homage to Bond but fails.
In between some of the descriptive passages are quite good and the opening chapter is pretty well done. This standard soon drops. If this was a pastiche - think the Archer cartoon series - then at least it would be funny. Even Bond is funny this is not.
Some people love this book judging by the reviews. I am not one of them but you might love it. Each to his own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2015
Being blind doesn’t mean you can’t live a full and very adventurous life. In this book one woman shows that she can be blind, be a gorgeous model, and still save the country from its many enemies. Snapshot is a secret weapon that the CIA uses when bottled water kills dozens in Boston. The water is just the beginning as even more get sick and die along the way. Who is killing so many around the Boston area and why? This agent finds out and discovers that it might cost her the life she has created.
In the beginning the story was a mix of slow reading and a steady pace. When it came to the crime and the evil doers (which is not a secret in this book), the pace was well-done. When it come to introducing the main character, I felt that it slowed down quite a bit. But it didn’t detract from the story.
The plot was very interesting. The reader knows from the beginning who the bad guy is so that is not a big part of the plot - the mystery of who did it. It all comes down to what will happen next and what is around the next corner. The story goes between the agent and the evil one so the reader can see more than most writers reveal. There are several surprises that the author holds onto and throws like a grenade at the reader. Keeps one reading to the next chapter.
I went back and forth over the characters. At times I felt connected, and at other times they didn’t seem to do anything for me. They were the weaker parts of the story, but don’t get me wrong. They were not bad. Just personally for me they were hard to connect with.
There is some language in this book. Quite often the F-bomb is dropped as well as other choice words. They are not used just for the sake of being used. I can see the characters actually speaking the way they author has them.
It was a good read. Give the story a try.
Note: I received this book from a free Amazon download with no expectation of a positive review.
In the beginning the story was a mix of slow reading and a steady pace. When it came to the crime and the evil doers (which is not a secret in this book), the pace was well-done. When it come to introducing the main character, I felt that it slowed down quite a bit. But it didn’t detract from the story.
The plot was very interesting. The reader knows from the beginning who the bad guy is so that is not a big part of the plot - the mystery of who did it. It all comes down to what will happen next and what is around the next corner. The story goes between the agent and the evil one so the reader can see more than most writers reveal. There are several surprises that the author holds onto and throws like a grenade at the reader. Keeps one reading to the next chapter.
I went back and forth over the characters. At times I felt connected, and at other times they didn’t seem to do anything for me. They were the weaker parts of the story, but don’t get me wrong. They were not bad. Just personally for me they were hard to connect with.
There is some language in this book. Quite often the F-bomb is dropped as well as other choice words. They are not used just for the sake of being used. I can see the characters actually speaking the way they author has them.
It was a good read. Give the story a try.
Note: I received this book from a free Amazon download with no expectation of a positive review.
February 26, 2011
Book Title: Model Agent-Jaclyn Johnson, Code Name Snapshot Series
Author: Sean Sweeney
Kindle Edition
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review
“My books are like water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) everybody drinks water.” ~Mark Twain
As a grave situation takes an even uglier turn, the president of the United States of America, is forced to send a fairly new CIA agent to investigate. This is no ordinary agent though, she looks at herself as a defender of those that are weaker and is dedicated 100% to her country. Her name is Jaclyn Johnson, who is also a model hence the code name of Snapshot and has an handicap that she doesn't let get in her way. This bullet fast, action filled book follows the model/agent on her quest to take a mad man into justice no matter what. She has many high-tech cool gadgets that can help her do just that.
Most of the book takes place in the Boston, Massachusetts area, home of the Red Sox (my favorite baseball team I must add). It describes many land marks and roadway to get around the area too. It even takes the reader to a baseball game.
I am not even close to kidding when I say that this a fast paced read. There are not many parts where things slow down and may cause the reader to become bored. From the first chapter, I actually thought holy crap, I did not see that coming, and I know I said something to that effect through most of the book. That being said, that is why I am being a little vague in not giving the potential reader too much information of the book. I will say that it is like a ride in an 2010 Porsche AG 918 Spyder on full throttle trying to make the opening pitcher of a world series game, where the Red Sox are playing and have only one game to win it all. Also it will make you think twice about what you decide to have to drink from now on.
Author: Sean Sweeney
Kindle Edition
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review
“My books are like water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) everybody drinks water.” ~Mark Twain
As a grave situation takes an even uglier turn, the president of the United States of America, is forced to send a fairly new CIA agent to investigate. This is no ordinary agent though, she looks at herself as a defender of those that are weaker and is dedicated 100% to her country. Her name is Jaclyn Johnson, who is also a model hence the code name of Snapshot and has an handicap that she doesn't let get in her way. This bullet fast, action filled book follows the model/agent on her quest to take a mad man into justice no matter what. She has many high-tech cool gadgets that can help her do just that.
Most of the book takes place in the Boston, Massachusetts area, home of the Red Sox (my favorite baseball team I must add). It describes many land marks and roadway to get around the area too. It even takes the reader to a baseball game.
I am not even close to kidding when I say that this a fast paced read. There are not many parts where things slow down and may cause the reader to become bored. From the first chapter, I actually thought holy crap, I did not see that coming, and I know I said something to that effect through most of the book. That being said, that is why I am being a little vague in not giving the potential reader too much information of the book. I will say that it is like a ride in an 2010 Porsche AG 918 Spyder on full throttle trying to make the opening pitcher of a world series game, where the Red Sox are playing and have only one game to win it all. Also it will make you think twice about what you decide to have to drink from now on.
September 17, 2011
I read this book in two days total. I started on it and got a couple of chapters in and then life got in the way and I had to put it down. Normally, I am a fantasy/paranormal kind of gal, but somehow, Sean managed to hook and reel me in with this one!
The story line was unusual and that caught my attention right from the beginning. The action all starts when several (at least 40) people are killed by drinking contaminated water from a bottled-water company at a concert. The action never ended after that.
Special agent “Snapshot”, who is also a photo model and legally blind, is called in to investigate the case. I really liked Jaclyn Johnson for several reasons. First, she is a kick-arse-and-take-names-later kind of woman and I love strong female characters. Second, it is cool that a female plays a character in the book that would normally be played by a male; a special agent for the CIA. Third, Jaclyn is strong, but she also has a caring side and she shows it several times in the story. I’m glad that Sean created her this way because otherwise, she would have seemed very fake in my opinion. I mean, I have read stories where a strong female character never shows a softer side and it left me thinking, “What? A woman can’t be both strong and caring, but a man can?!” I also love the fact that in Sean’s story, the president of the United States is a WOMAN! About damn time! LOL! However, I must say that what happens to the president later on left a bad taste in my mouth, but (and here’s a spoiler!) what a way to go!
I gave this story 4 stars and for me to give a action/thriller story 4 stars is unheard of, mostly because I just don’t like the genre. But I did like Sean’s book. He also has a second one featuring “Snapshot” called Rogue Agent and I bet it will be as good as the first!
The story line was unusual and that caught my attention right from the beginning. The action all starts when several (at least 40) people are killed by drinking contaminated water from a bottled-water company at a concert. The action never ended after that.
Special agent “Snapshot”, who is also a photo model and legally blind, is called in to investigate the case. I really liked Jaclyn Johnson for several reasons. First, she is a kick-arse-and-take-names-later kind of woman and I love strong female characters. Second, it is cool that a female plays a character in the book that would normally be played by a male; a special agent for the CIA. Third, Jaclyn is strong, but she also has a caring side and she shows it several times in the story. I’m glad that Sean created her this way because otherwise, she would have seemed very fake in my opinion. I mean, I have read stories where a strong female character never shows a softer side and it left me thinking, “What? A woman can’t be both strong and caring, but a man can?!” I also love the fact that in Sean’s story, the president of the United States is a WOMAN! About damn time! LOL! However, I must say that what happens to the president later on left a bad taste in my mouth, but (and here’s a spoiler!) what a way to go!
I gave this story 4 stars and for me to give a action/thriller story 4 stars is unheard of, mostly because I just don’t like the genre. But I did like Sean’s book. He also has a second one featuring “Snapshot” called Rogue Agent and I bet it will be as good as the first!
February 27, 2011
The tongue-in-cheek cover tagline says, “If Bond had boobs.” In four words this gives the high-level view of Jaclyn Johnson. She’s got Bond’s good looks, enough to model as a cover, hiding her true career. She has the technology of Bond with a plethora of gadgets, a few she invented herself and some that (over) compensate for a rare eye condition that leaves her almost blind without an assist. Topping it off is a car that anyone would envy plus the brains behind the beauty to get the job done. In Jaclyn Johnson, Sweeney has a great new character I hope to see in many sequels.
Without giving away too much of the plot I’ll say that it is also fitting of a Bond tale with an amoral megalomaniac pulling the strings in an evil and far reaching plot. The majority of the book takes place in the Greater Boston area. When a book is happening in a real location those who have some familiarity with the area can often picture the location in their mind’s eye and this adds to the story. Although I’ve only visited once, I was still able to picture many of the landmarks of Boston as I was reading. This and other specific location color about the city and its history helped “put me there.”
The last notable quality I found in "Model Agent" is something I wouldn’t have expected in this genre, especially from a male author. Not only does it have a strong female as the lead character, but also two of the main secondary characters, the President of the US and the director of the CIA, are strong women in powerful positions. As a father and grandfather, this is something I like. Positive female role models, even fictional, are something I like to know are out there for my daughter and granddaughters to see.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
Without giving away too much of the plot I’ll say that it is also fitting of a Bond tale with an amoral megalomaniac pulling the strings in an evil and far reaching plot. The majority of the book takes place in the Greater Boston area. When a book is happening in a real location those who have some familiarity with the area can often picture the location in their mind’s eye and this adds to the story. Although I’ve only visited once, I was still able to picture many of the landmarks of Boston as I was reading. This and other specific location color about the city and its history helped “put me there.”
The last notable quality I found in "Model Agent" is something I wouldn’t have expected in this genre, especially from a male author. Not only does it have a strong female as the lead character, but also two of the main secondary characters, the President of the US and the director of the CIA, are strong women in powerful positions. As a father and grandfather, this is something I like. Positive female role models, even fictional, are something I like to know are out there for my daughter and granddaughters to see.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
July 28, 2011
MODEL AGENT BY SEAN SWEENEY
This refreshing perspective on the feminine hero was an exhilarating ride with a volatile mix of action and thrills. Agent Jaclyn Johnson is a stunning heroine who doesn't let her disabilities impede her activities as a CIA agent. She was born partially blind but can see shadows. At the age of 14, after her parents deaths in 9-11, the government took her under their wing and trained her to become a CIA agent and outfitted her with special Foster Grant glasses equipped with Heads Up Display (HUD) that enhances rather than hampers her duties as an agent.
I was quickly caught up in the intrigue of the storyline and impressed with the super spy gadgetry, which includes a loaded Porsche and specially outfitted I-Pad. I want those. The plot line was exceptional with lots of excitement from the start. Grant Chillings, the terrorist of the story made me worry about our country's safety if our bottled and natural water supply was tampered with. It made me think twice about drinking bottled water.
I'm highly anticipating reading the next installment of this explosive series.
I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy hold-onto-to-your-seat adventures with a lot of action and thrills. It also speaks to those who have a special place in their heart for kick ass heroine who overcome impossible odds to save the day.
5 stars given for the electrifying ride into Agent Jaclyn Johnson's world.
This refreshing perspective on the feminine hero was an exhilarating ride with a volatile mix of action and thrills. Agent Jaclyn Johnson is a stunning heroine who doesn't let her disabilities impede her activities as a CIA agent. She was born partially blind but can see shadows. At the age of 14, after her parents deaths in 9-11, the government took her under their wing and trained her to become a CIA agent and outfitted her with special Foster Grant glasses equipped with Heads Up Display (HUD) that enhances rather than hampers her duties as an agent.
I was quickly caught up in the intrigue of the storyline and impressed with the super spy gadgetry, which includes a loaded Porsche and specially outfitted I-Pad. I want those. The plot line was exceptional with lots of excitement from the start. Grant Chillings, the terrorist of the story made me worry about our country's safety if our bottled and natural water supply was tampered with. It made me think twice about drinking bottled water.
I'm highly anticipating reading the next installment of this explosive series.
I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy hold-onto-to-your-seat adventures with a lot of action and thrills. It also speaks to those who have a special place in their heart for kick ass heroine who overcome impossible odds to save the day.
5 stars given for the electrifying ride into Agent Jaclyn Johnson's world.
March 29, 2012
The first thing I will say is try a preview of this book (if it is not still free) and see if you like the writing. I absolutely did not, and I knew it in a few pages.
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I found this while reading a different book, and it was killing me to wait to read it.
What a huge disappointment. I made it through 9% of my book. It was incredibly wordy and cliched.
In that time I learned who was behind the terrorism. Please - suspenseful.
This book was incredibly hard to read, the writing is horrible, it might be a 7th -8th grade level, and everything felt like a caricature.(it felt like a kid wrote it then went through with a thesaurus and changed words) Agent Snapshot, please - everyone else was called by a name, but they referred to Jaclyn as Agent Snapshot, and I am supposed to take her seriously?
Maybe the book got better, but I had better things to do with my time than wait for it.
If you are looking for an awesome kick butt heroine may I suggest the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I also like the Secret McQueen by Sierra Dean. Under Wraps by Hannah Jayne. Iris Johansen the Ugly Duckling book was great.
I really really wanted to find a great new series, the best thing about this was that it was free, so I did not waste money.
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I found this while reading a different book, and it was killing me to wait to read it.
What a huge disappointment. I made it through 9% of my book. It was incredibly wordy and cliched.
In that time I learned who was behind the terrorism. Please - suspenseful.
This book was incredibly hard to read, the writing is horrible, it might be a 7th -8th grade level, and everything felt like a caricature.(it felt like a kid wrote it then went through with a thesaurus and changed words) Agent Snapshot, please - everyone else was called by a name, but they referred to Jaclyn as Agent Snapshot, and I am supposed to take her seriously?
Maybe the book got better, but I had better things to do with my time than wait for it.
If you are looking for an awesome kick butt heroine may I suggest the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I also like the Secret McQueen by Sierra Dean. Under Wraps by Hannah Jayne. Iris Johansen the Ugly Duckling book was great.
I really really wanted to find a great new series, the best thing about this was that it was free, so I did not waste money.
September 3, 2016
Ok, for my final review :-) I loved this book at the beginning. About 1/3 in, I thought I was just going to have to start skimming the pages, it just felt too over the top to me. That only lasted about 10 pages or so, then I was hooked again. It was a very good book. I enjoyed it and I want to read more of the main character in December when the next book is due out. Now having said that, the only negative that I have, and the reason that it didn't get a 4 star review (I hardly ever give out 5 stars) is that it was mainly about the main character. ** Don't read past this if you don't want to see spoilers. ** The main character is like a modern day 007 who happens to be a woman. I don't mind that. I don't mind even that she's blind. What I can't get is that she's supposedly CIA, yet she works for the most part alone. I could have gotten it if she was a secret spy, or if the events she was assigned to were unknown to the rest of the world. Instead I'm expected to believe that the US President would allow a investigation of a terrorist act that killed dozens of people to be handled by one agent. It just would have been a better read for me if there were more agents involved or if she was a rogue agent sent in to work outside of the official investigation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2015
I'd rate this 2.5, but given the limitations, it's closer to 3 than 2. But I think the author has talent, just not experience (well, probably has that now--this is an early book for this author I see).
He has sentences that are redundant within the sentence, he over-emphasized how beautiful/perfect the female was (got tired of being reminded), I didn't really like the ending.
Although he did not use cliches, the story lines them self were sometimes a bit cliched. It was very reminiscent of the Roger Moore Bond movies era--even stole from Bond movies and a few others.
Although I wasn't overly impressed with this book, I do think he has talent that will reveal better books in his future (if he is bent on improving, that is).
A final note: at 90% (Kindle version, with part of next book following) a sentence starts, flip to new page, chapter starts. Don't know what is missing after that half of sentence and the chapter, but it can't be much, as the story didn't take a hit. Just FYI.
He has sentences that are redundant within the sentence, he over-emphasized how beautiful/perfect the female was (got tired of being reminded), I didn't really like the ending.
Although he did not use cliches, the story lines them self were sometimes a bit cliched. It was very reminiscent of the Roger Moore Bond movies era--even stole from Bond movies and a few others.
Although I wasn't overly impressed with this book, I do think he has talent that will reveal better books in his future (if he is bent on improving, that is).
A final note: at 90% (Kindle version, with part of next book following) a sentence starts, flip to new page, chapter starts. Don't know what is missing after that half of sentence and the chapter, but it can't be much, as the story didn't take a hit. Just FYI.
May 30, 2011
This was a real page turner. It is about a terrorist and the CIA agent sent to track him down. There is more to the CIA agent than meets the eye! The tension was ramped up to fever pitch and over the course of a few nights I had matchsticks in my eyes trying to read 'just one more chapter'. The ending was very explosive and totally unexpected but nonetheless still very exciting. I cannot wait to read the next instalment (a titbit of which was included at the end). Well done Mr Sweeney, you certainly captured this readers attention!
August 4, 2011
The blurb of this book sums it up perfectly. If you enjoy the cinematic action-oriented thrillers of Ian Fleming at his peak then you will enjoy Model Agent. The modern elements of our post-9/11 world are blended perfectly with the traditions of yesteryear.
It's been a long time since I read a thriller and having analysed this one, I can say that Sean Sweeney does not miss a beat. This is a painstakingly crafted piece of work. Five stars for effort, excitement and bringing me back to a genre I had left behind.
It's been a long time since I read a thriller and having analysed this one, I can say that Sean Sweeney does not miss a beat. This is a painstakingly crafted piece of work. Five stars for effort, excitement and bringing me back to a genre I had left behind.
December 12, 2012
This was the first full length novel by Sean Sweeney that I've read in this genre -- I previously read (and enjoyed) Zombie Showdown -- but this is a fun romp through the world of spies with awesomely cool gadgets and almost-super powers! Jacklyn Johnson is an agent extraordinaire and while you do have to suspend some of your disbelief -- it's OK! The story pulls you through the pages and in the end -- you are more than satisfied!
If you like Bond-esque action, you'll love Jaclyn!
If you like Bond-esque action, you'll love Jaclyn!
August 15, 2015
*********SPOILERS!***************
This book would make a good super hero movie. Mix in a little Cat Woman, James Bond and maybe a little Terminator. The plot line is not plausible. A bottled water tycoon wants to take over the world by eliminating his competition and murdering a whole bunch of people in the process. He plans to do this by using rat poison, anti-freeze and anthrax. The story itself, however, is very entertaining and the author was very inventive in the toys our heroine had at her disposal.
This book would make a good super hero movie. Mix in a little Cat Woman, James Bond and maybe a little Terminator. The plot line is not plausible. A bottled water tycoon wants to take over the world by eliminating his competition and murdering a whole bunch of people in the process. He plans to do this by using rat poison, anti-freeze and anthrax. The story itself, however, is very entertaining and the author was very inventive in the toys our heroine had at her disposal.
April 20, 2011
Move over, 007, you have competition! Jaclyn Johnson is a model. She's also a specially trained CIA operative, that the director has been saving for just the right time, and the time is now. A maniac genius is on the loose, and he has big, TERRIBLE plans for the country. He has to be stopped. This book starts fast and doesn't slow down til the end, and that's not even the end, because Sean Sweeney then gives us a taste of the sequel, which is eagerly awaited by new Jaclyn Johnson fans.
April 6, 2011
I was caught up in this story in the first couple pages and it was a fast paced, wild ride from there on out. The story moved along quickly, filled with a ton of twists and turns, that do come together by the end! The twists don't stop either, I was still completely sideswiped by one in Chapter 32! It was a great read from the first page to the last. If you like thrillers and stong female characters, you'll enjoy this. Heck, if you enjoy a good book, this one is fun.
July 30, 2011
A story with a modern day female "James Bond" CIA agent with an unusual disability, a female president and a female in charge of the CIA!!! Women in charge! An enjoyable read, well written story, a nicely paced thriller of mystery and murders. Don't know why I waited so long to read this one...it was fantastic!
May 19, 2011
A great book. Sean Sweeney had me rethinking what I was drinking. This suspence was a page turner and I COULDN'T put it down.I also loved the descriptions of the settings. I felt like I was there with Jaclyn.
October 27, 2011
When I read the first two pages I was happily thinking it would be a nice romantic story. Before the end of the next few pages I was thrown into chaos.
Jaclyn is a fun and exciting character. Strong and superior to men in her field.
Can't wait to read Rogue Agent!
Jaclyn is a fun and exciting character. Strong and superior to men in her field.
Can't wait to read Rogue Agent!
July 18, 2011
WOW! Will write an official review later but grab this book! You won't be disappointed!
September 10, 2016
You can read my review here. http://www.thenovelblog.com/tnbReview...
December 17, 2014
Need more Jaclyn Johnson, she is like a cross between Bond & Borne love this series
August 31, 2019
Excellent read!!
December 23, 2024
A rare DNF for me.
Picked for free long ago and without wishing to be unkind, I can see why.
Excessively flowery and wordy descriptions of entirely unimportant / irrelevant things, an unbelievable main character who seems to be half supermodel, half Robocop, a villian who seems to be able to get away with murdering people at will without them being linked to him even when they are his staff, unrealistic dialogue between the president and her staff (Sarah is prefered to Madam President? Even as a Brit I doubt that protocol)....and this is all just the first 18%
Nope, I'm jumping out before the plot gets even more unrealistic and the inevitable unnecessary romance element kicks in.
A poor advertisement for self-published novels on Kindle, sad to say.
Picked for free long ago and without wishing to be unkind, I can see why.
Excessively flowery and wordy descriptions of entirely unimportant / irrelevant things, an unbelievable main character who seems to be half supermodel, half Robocop, a villian who seems to be able to get away with murdering people at will without them being linked to him even when they are his staff, unrealistic dialogue between the president and her staff (Sarah is prefered to Madam President? Even as a Brit I doubt that protocol)....and this is all just the first 18%
Nope, I'm jumping out before the plot gets even more unrealistic and the inevitable unnecessary romance element kicks in.
A poor advertisement for self-published novels on Kindle, sad to say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2022
An enjoyable thriller with an interesting take on the spy hero. This one is different from the hero to the storyline it is definitely not your basic spy novel.
Having said that the bad guy is your archetypal psychopath businessman but the story was entertaining and had plenty of action.
Having said that the bad guy is your archetypal psychopath businessman but the story was entertaining and had plenty of action.
July 16, 2021
Jackalin Jackson
Meet the new James Bond! Keeps you interested all the way through. Let’s hope the rest in the series are as good!
Meet the new James Bond! Keeps you interested all the way through. Let’s hope the rest in the series are as good!
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