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Nick Heller #2.5
Plan B: A Nick Heller Story
"Plan B" finds private spy Nick Heller in Barcelona, Spain on a rescue mission. The target: a walled compound with state-of-the art-security. The object: a teenage girl, held against her will. The plan: get in and rescue the girl and then get out -- without tripping an alarm or alerting the army of guards. But even the best designed plans can go wrong. Which is why Nick Heller always has a Plan B.
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2011
197 people are currently reading
1383 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Finder
70 books2,665 followersJoseph Finder is the author of the forthcoming novel JUDGMENT and fourteen other novels, many of them New York Times bestsellers, published in 35 countries around the world. His book HIGH CRIMES was adapted into a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd; PARANOIA was made into the Harrison Ford/Gary Oldman film.
He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.
He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 30, 2011
So there I am, all happy that I'm reading about a PI break an abductee out of a crime lord's fortress, when all of a sudden the story ends. "There must be something wrong with my e-reader," says I. So I go back and look through the pages. Nope, that terribly unsatisfying ending really did just happen. "Plan B" feels like the author got a phone call in the middle of writing it and ended everything right there. That ruined it for me.
May 7, 2014
I feel bad giving this short story a 3-star review when the only reason it didn't rate higher with me is because it was so short. There isn't much meat to the story, but as usual Finder manages to spin an interesting, unexpected tale. (The twist this time around was pretty predictable, however.)
Nick Heller, ex-Special Forces and intelligence agent with super-spy skills, has been contacted by a wealthy Russian because a wealthy Spaniard has kidnapped his daughter. Heller plans and executes a rescue mission that leads to a surprising discovery.
I'd recommend reading this if you're really into the Nick Heller series. Otherwise, it's short enough to skip and you won't miss anything.
Nick Heller, ex-Special Forces and intelligence agent with super-spy skills, has been contacted by a wealthy Russian because a wealthy Spaniard has kidnapped his daughter. Heller plans and executes a rescue mission that leads to a surprising discovery.
I'd recommend reading this if you're really into the Nick Heller series. Otherwise, it's short enough to skip and you won't miss anything.
December 28, 2014
Just when it was starting to get really good, it just ends. No warning, explanation or hint of resolution, it just ends.
I still like the Nick Heller series, and am looking forward to the next one if/when it is released, but this was pretty disappointing.
I still like the Nick Heller series, and am looking forward to the next one if/when it is released, but this was pretty disappointing.
December 29, 2014
I got this short story as a "freebie" from Audible.com. Only about 30 minutes long, but a nice taste for the character and the pacing. Will definitely pick up one of Finder's other longer selections!
February 13, 2012
I really liked the Nick Heller books, but I'm not a fan of short stories. This one ended right when it was getting good. Oh well, at least it was free.
September 17, 2017
This is a revision of my original review based upon a public forum dialogue with the author and in answer to the several hundred emails I received from the authors many fans, why did I "give" it a one-star?
I was extremely disappointed in this short story for three reasons. Before I get in to those three reasons, I will point out I enjoyed a lot of what was there - while a little thin on such things as development of character backgrounds, plot development, and interaction with other characters so that you really "know" them, that's ok to me in this instance as it's due to the nature of a short story: the author does a pretty good job of getting you involved with the characters working with the space limitations he has. I truly believe, and communicated via email with Mr. Finder the same, this could be a great outline of the start of a successful novel I will never read.
First, when I think of a short story, a novel, or even most items of poetry, I think of three basics: an introduction of what the heck is going on (check), a plot you can believe (sorta check), and a conclusion (complete miss). In my opinion, the author misses my criteria and just stops and leaves you hanging. Your criteria, and conclusion, may differ but that's what I believe.
The author strongly disagreed and pointed out to me in our email correspondence, as well as the unsolicited emailed comments of his fan base, he believes he has an ending. My reply back is this: technically, everything has an ending. In this case, and in my opinion as a reviewer, his ending point left a lot to be desired as I do not believe it was an ending: he just stopped. Have the good guy die, have the good guy win, do something but please don't end it with a huge cliff hanger that for all intents and purposes appears to be a way to get you to make a purchase (see second point).
Second, the author ends it at one point and when you are reading it on your Kindle you are at the 60% mark with a hard page break. However, you don't know you're at the end point and you turn the next page only to (surprise!) see that what you are really receiving is an advertisement / excerpt of an upcoming novel from Joseph Finder. Huh? Where is the rest of the story? If I wanted to read a sample of a story I would have selected a sample!
Third, I believe the publisher changed the description of this short story for a third time due to the backlash on the Amazon discussion boards - the description now reads you are only getting a short story, which was the same description as the pre-order basis that suckered me. Regarding the flack and protest from the Amazon Kindle discussion boards, it would appear the publisher took down the description in version #2 which said this was a free preview of another book and oh by the way did we mention there is an original short story? That doesn't appear to be the fault of the author, but I also believe that is part of the total package for a review.
If you like cliff hanger endings where you will never know the outcome, this short story is for you. It wasn't, for me.
I was extremely disappointed in this short story for three reasons. Before I get in to those three reasons, I will point out I enjoyed a lot of what was there - while a little thin on such things as development of character backgrounds, plot development, and interaction with other characters so that you really "know" them, that's ok to me in this instance as it's due to the nature of a short story: the author does a pretty good job of getting you involved with the characters working with the space limitations he has. I truly believe, and communicated via email with Mr. Finder the same, this could be a great outline of the start of a successful novel I will never read.
First, when I think of a short story, a novel, or even most items of poetry, I think of three basics: an introduction of what the heck is going on (check), a plot you can believe (sorta check), and a conclusion (complete miss). In my opinion, the author misses my criteria and just stops and leaves you hanging. Your criteria, and conclusion, may differ but that's what I believe.
The author strongly disagreed and pointed out to me in our email correspondence, as well as the unsolicited emailed comments of his fan base, he believes he has an ending. My reply back is this: technically, everything has an ending. In this case, and in my opinion as a reviewer, his ending point left a lot to be desired as I do not believe it was an ending: he just stopped. Have the good guy die, have the good guy win, do something but please don't end it with a huge cliff hanger that for all intents and purposes appears to be a way to get you to make a purchase (see second point).
Second, the author ends it at one point and when you are reading it on your Kindle you are at the 60% mark with a hard page break. However, you don't know you're at the end point and you turn the next page only to (surprise!) see that what you are really receiving is an advertisement / excerpt of an upcoming novel from Joseph Finder. Huh? Where is the rest of the story? If I wanted to read a sample of a story I would have selected a sample!
Third, I believe the publisher changed the description of this short story for a third time due to the backlash on the Amazon discussion boards - the description now reads you are only getting a short story, which was the same description as the pre-order basis that suckered me. Regarding the flack and protest from the Amazon Kindle discussion boards, it would appear the publisher took down the description in version #2 which said this was a free preview of another book and oh by the way did we mention there is an original short story? That doesn't appear to be the fault of the author, but I also believe that is part of the total package for a review.
If you like cliff hanger endings where you will never know the outcome, this short story is for you. It wasn't, for me.
December 13, 2017
Plan B novel comes up short!
I enjoyed the writing of Joseph Finder, there jut wasn't enough of it. Nick Heller seems like a capable enough hero, but I never got to find out what his Plan B consisted of.
I enjoyed the writing of Joseph Finder, there jut wasn't enough of it. Nick Heller seems like a capable enough hero, but I never got to find out what his Plan B consisted of.
March 25, 2025
Plan B Nick Heller novel.
I liked this story a lot.
Sometimes, your mission is wrong.
If you like the other Nick Heller books, this one is a must. I wish that it was a better-known book.
I liked this story a lot.
Sometimes, your mission is wrong.
If you like the other Nick Heller books, this one is a must. I wish that it was a better-known book.
July 22, 2025
A clever story featuring Nick Heller as he tries to rescue a girl from a crime lord’s fortress. In terms of the story it was five stars, but selfishly I wanted more, hence knocking a star off and giving it four stars overall.
August 18, 2017
Great read
Fast and furious action. Surprises through the story. Ending is even better.
I highly recommend as a quick and enjoyable read!
Fast and furious action. Surprises through the story. Ending is even better.
I highly recommend as a quick and enjoyable read!
September 2, 2017
Opinion
Looking for plan b . Will probably read his books. Recommended by friend to read. Enjoyed the read and going to read another
Looking for plan b . Will probably read his books. Recommended by friend to read. Enjoyed the read and going to read another
August 10, 2018
I like the Heller series. Plan B. was a Heller maintenance fix. Stevie Wonder could've seen the ending coming, but still an enjoyable read.
August 13, 2018
Short, sweet and thrilling. Nick Heller executed Plan B on a monstrous blight on humanity.
August 26, 2018
Not really a book, more just a chapter
February 26, 2021
A very quick story. It was just OK for me. I have read all the other books in this series but just seen I did not read this short story.
March 27, 2021
Wish it was longer.
June 29, 2021
Very short read of a rescue that might not be a rescue. Who is he working for? Maybe I should check out some of the other books in Nick Heller series to get more insight.
August 20, 2021
Overall I enjoyed this short novel, although it is really not my genre. The protagonist, Heller, seems like a capable enough hero, but I never got to find out what his Plan B consisted of.
October 24, 2021
Entertaining short story.
January 27, 2022
This is the first half of what could have been a pretty good short story. If only he had written the second half.
February 5, 2023
3.5 Stars is about right for this book. Not a great story and Nick wasn't as through as he usually is, but good enough to keep the series going...
September 17, 2023
oh, so this was a preview? but I knew the ending from 5 minutes in. so, not only was it a sucky short story, it was an even worse preview.
October 18, 2023
Nick Heller goes on a dangerous mission to rescue a kidnapped girl, only to find out she was not kidnapped, she escaped. So he switched to plan B
February 6, 2024
Quick read - enjoyable but not necessary for character development if reading the Heller books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2011
I have been suffering from a Book Addict Rut, and that only occurs when I encounter a bad book that knocks me off track.... mentally and physically.. (Yes! it's that serious.. Remember I'm a BOOK ADDICT)
Usually the cure is to find an exciting replacement book to get those juices flowing again...
I decided to take advantage of the free short story offered by Audible.com. I have to say I was very impressed how this author was able to bring this story alive with vivid descriptions of characters and their surroundings.
I know this was a short story, but I felt cheated at the end. Just when things started getting juicy - the story ended. Mr. Joseph Finder has a new book named BURIED SECRETS that came out in June of this year. I was hoping it was a continuation of this story, but unfortunately it's not.. Insert sad face here _________________.
The main character, Nick Heller seems like a man that knows what it takes to get the job done as a private eye/spy. I can't wait to read one of Joseph Finder's full novels and get the full story of our hero, Nick Heller.
The only reason I gave it a 3.5 because the story wasn't complete - short story or not.. I felt as though I planned an extravagant wedding and got left at the altar...
Side Note: If this author intended to entice new readers with this free short story.. Mission Accomplished!!
3.5 Stars out of 5 Stars
Usually the cure is to find an exciting replacement book to get those juices flowing again...
I decided to take advantage of the free short story offered by Audible.com. I have to say I was very impressed how this author was able to bring this story alive with vivid descriptions of characters and their surroundings.
I know this was a short story, but I felt cheated at the end. Just when things started getting juicy - the story ended. Mr. Joseph Finder has a new book named BURIED SECRETS that came out in June of this year. I was hoping it was a continuation of this story, but unfortunately it's not.. Insert sad face here _________________.
The main character, Nick Heller seems like a man that knows what it takes to get the job done as a private eye/spy. I can't wait to read one of Joseph Finder's full novels and get the full story of our hero, Nick Heller.
The only reason I gave it a 3.5 because the story wasn't complete - short story or not.. I felt as though I planned an extravagant wedding and got left at the altar...
Side Note: If this author intended to entice new readers with this free short story.. Mission Accomplished!!
3.5 Stars out of 5 Stars
February 2, 2012
A quick lunchtime read to help make some sense of the character that is Nick Heller. Finder admits he did not know many of the attributes about the main character of his series until he put pen to paper. Was it a must read to understand things? No, not in the least. Was it worth reading? Sure, over your soup and sandwich on a slow work day or while you slurp your oatmeal before doing the crossword puzzle on the weekend.
Heller is known for his knee-jerk reaction to things and this short tale tells it like it is. A kidnap retrieval that goes along an unexpected path, Finder shows us the leadership that Nick Heller is known to show. Still, just as the story was getting good, it ends.
Decent, I suppose, but nothing that bridges the required gaps I was missing in enjoying Finder's work.
Heller is known for his knee-jerk reaction to things and this short tale tells it like it is. A kidnap retrieval that goes along an unexpected path, Finder shows us the leadership that Nick Heller is known to show. Still, just as the story was getting good, it ends.
Decent, I suppose, but nothing that bridges the required gaps I was missing in enjoying Finder's work.
January 24, 2015
Daring escapes and thrilling rescue missions are not my theme of choice so I'm trying to judge this short story objectively.
The main fault most reviewers seem to find with this story is the very sudden ending. But I will be contrary as ever and say that I rather expect and respect that in a short story. How else should such a short work keep you thinking on it long after you've finished?
I think it was quite clear what our main character was going to do and having read about that part of the story would have made it not a short one. All in all, a quick, fun read (listen) if not really the genre for me.
The main fault most reviewers seem to find with this story is the very sudden ending. But I will be contrary as ever and say that I rather expect and respect that in a short story. How else should such a short work keep you thinking on it long after you've finished?
I think it was quite clear what our main character was going to do and having read about that part of the story would have made it not a short one. All in all, a quick, fun read (listen) if not really the genre for me.
April 25, 2012
I love Joseph Finder and his Nick Heller stories, but this short story fell flat. I did not like the end and wanted more. I am glad I read the other Nick Heller stories first before this one. I hope people to not read this first and think it is an indication of Finder's stories. Please read the other books first before making up your mind!! I would definitely recommend Vanished and Buried Secrets, just not this short story.
I give it 3 stars and that is being generous, but I love the Nick Heller stories, and I liked this story until the end. It would have been better as a whole book.
I give it 3 stars and that is being generous, but I love the Nick Heller stories, and I liked this story until the end. It would have been better as a whole book.
May 28, 2011
This is a short.. very short story. I like the premise of the story and was really into it when suddenly.... the story ended. I guess you could call it ended.. to me it just stopped. I felt this story has potential to be a great novel, with lots of twists. But the book felt unfinished and actually turned me away from another stories by Joseph Finder.
May 31, 2011
Loved it. Seeing as how plan A did not work out the way he wanted Nick Heller has resorted to Plan B in this short story. I think Mr. Finder has left it up to the imagination of the reader to figure out what Plan B is, I think I know. I liked how this story moved along and I hope Nick works more with Benito, very good working relationship between the two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews