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Nick Bracco Thriller #2
A Touch of Revenge
From Award-Winning author Gary Ponzo comes the sequel to the wildly successful thriller! FBI agent Nick Bracco heads an elite group of anti-terrorist specialists known as The Team. When his team members start showing up dead, Nick suspects a Kurdish terrorist who has revenge on his mind. As the terrorist closes in, Nick resorts to using an unconventional weapon--his cousin Tommy. Tommy has a quick wit and valuable connections throughout the Mafia.
Sometimes even the bad guys can be patriots.
>>>"This is a wild and exciting ride." - Bob Moats, author of the Jim Richards Murder Novels>>>"Gary Ponzo's thrillers are so powerful, the government should consider using them as a renewable source of energy." - John Locke, #1 bestselling author of the Donovan Creed series. Scroll Up and Grab Your Copy Today!
Sometimes even the bad guys can be patriots.
>>>"This is a wild and exciting ride." - Bob Moats, author of the Jim Richards Murder Novels>>>"Gary Ponzo's thrillers are so powerful, the government should consider using them as a renewable source of energy." - John Locke, #1 bestselling author of the Donovan Creed series. Scroll Up and Grab Your Copy Today!
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2011
139 people are currently reading
2420 people want to read
About the author
Gary Ponzo
38 books245 followersGary Ponzo was born in Brooklyn, but now lives in Phoenix with his wife Jennifer and two children, Jessica and Kyle. He began his writing career focusing on short stories to gain publishing credit. His stories have appeared in numerous publications including Amazing Journeys Magazine and Potpourri. Two of his stories were nominated for the very prestigious Pushcart Prize.
His first novel, "A Touch of Deceit," won the Southwest Writers Novel Contest.
Gary's Nick Bracco series has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.
He is an avid reader, runner and loves spending time with the family.
His first novel, "A Touch of Deceit," won the Southwest Writers Novel Contest.
Gary's Nick Bracco series has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.
He is an avid reader, runner and loves spending time with the family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 15, 2019
Great book. Even better than the first book in this series. Can’t believe I waited this long to read, couldn’t put it down until finished. First time in a long time that I did that. Ponzo keeps you on the edge of your seat while biting your nails till the last page.
August 11, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
After the events of the last book, someone is killing the team that put away the Kurdish terrorists. Nick Bracco is shot, another team member is poisoned, another is blown up.
An assassin called The Russian is behind several of the killings, but isn't the only one after the team. Nick, Tommy, and the team try to save themselves and take down the terrorists.
Pretty decent.
After the events of the last book, someone is killing the team that put away the Kurdish terrorists. Nick Bracco is shot, another team member is poisoned, another is blown up.
An assassin called The Russian is behind several of the killings, but isn't the only one after the team. Nick, Tommy, and the team try to save themselves and take down the terrorists.
Pretty decent.
Read
July 13, 2016The follow up to a smash hit, A Touch of Deceit.
I have to agree that I thought the first book was going to be a tough act to follow but Mr. Ponzo came through with flying colors.
This book highlights how the need for revenge sometimes never dies and as it grows so to does the willingness to go to any means to reach the objective.
There is ton's of action and we see the return of some of the most unexpected patriotic hero in the form of Nick's brother and his band of mafia connected cohorts.
This was a hard book to put down and I would not recommend this one as a bedtime read as sleep could be tough once the adrenaline starts.
Action/thriller fans will be happy to know that this series looks to be high octane joy ride that doesn't have a end in sight.
I have to agree that I thought the first book was going to be a tough act to follow but Mr. Ponzo came through with flying colors.
This book highlights how the need for revenge sometimes never dies and as it grows so to does the willingness to go to any means to reach the objective.
There is ton's of action and we see the return of some of the most unexpected patriotic hero in the form of Nick's brother and his band of mafia connected cohorts.
This was a hard book to put down and I would not recommend this one as a bedtime read as sleep could be tough once the adrenaline starts.
Action/thriller fans will be happy to know that this series looks to be high octane joy ride that doesn't have a end in sight.
September 16, 2016
Suspenseful, but...
Good suspenseful fictional story, but needs a good editor. Start with murder of Buck character, but why he was killed never explained. Kurds are big ethnic group without a country, they want almost forth of Turkey, Iraq and Iran. Very educated, resourceful people. In this story they want US pull their troops from Turkey, FBI and CIA after the Kurdish terrorist in USA, mean time Russian hired killer determined to kill many ex and present FBI agents. Author in one area forget troop pullout supposed to happen from Turkey not Kurdistan, in the next page goes back to Turkey. Didn't need to make up a country doesn't exist.
Good suspenseful fictional story, but needs a good editor. Start with murder of Buck character, but why he was killed never explained. Kurds are big ethnic group without a country, they want almost forth of Turkey, Iraq and Iran. Very educated, resourceful people. In this story they want US pull their troops from Turkey, FBI and CIA after the Kurdish terrorist in USA, mean time Russian hired killer determined to kill many ex and present FBI agents. Author in one area forget troop pullout supposed to happen from Turkey not Kurdistan, in the next page goes back to Turkey. Didn't need to make up a country doesn't exist.
April 5, 2022
A Goodreads giveaway win for Kindle, Thank You Gary Ponzo. I really enjoy the Nick Bracco Thriller series. This is the third book I have read and hope to read more! I have not read them in order, but I still like them, especially as I get to know the characters. I like that this series is Thriller, but they are not deep, dark thrillers. They have good story lines with lots of action, great characters and witty banter.
November 30, 2022
Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways, and to the author, Gary Ponzo.
#KUDOS!
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS!
#WINNER!
#KUDOS!
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS!
#WINNER!
January 21, 2015
Nick Bracco and his wife thought Nick leaving the FBI and taking a job as the sheriff of Payson, Arizona was the answer to living a quiet family life after the death of Kemel Kharrazi. But the terrorists haven’t given up, Nick and Julie are still targets. Matt and his girlfriend, Jennifer Steele, have also moved to Arizona and are still working for the FBI, tracking down the remainder of the KSF cell who have a new leader and a deadly mission. Add a Russian assassin into the mix and prepare for an explosive and thrilling ride.
'The bullet left the sniper’s rifle at 3,000 feet per second. Unfortunately, Nick Bracco didn’t hear the shot until it was too late. He was sitting on his back porch staring at a pregnancy test his wife had just handed him. It was positive.'
Those are the opening few lines and it’s full tilt from then on. Nick is reinstated and heads an elite team tracking down the now leader of the terrorists, Barzani, and his followers. When his team members begin to be murdered one by one Nick enlists the help of his cousin, Tommy, who proves invaluable (and adds so much to the story.) Nick, Matt and Tommy’s characters are developed further and Gary Ponzo isn’t afraid to let their human sides and personality quirks show which adds to the realism.
So, we have another very well written, plausible and action packed storyline with multiple shocks and surprises. Political intrigue at the highest levels and an alliance between the FBI, the CIA and the mafia to protect America from impending disaster at all costs. The plot is full of twists I couldn’t see coming, especially the superb ending. And an excellent narration by R C Bray delivers perfect voices and characterisations. My only grumble is the next two books aren’t out on audio. (I’m hoping I can add ‘yet’ to the end of that sentence.)
'The bullet left the sniper’s rifle at 3,000 feet per second. Unfortunately, Nick Bracco didn’t hear the shot until it was too late. He was sitting on his back porch staring at a pregnancy test his wife had just handed him. It was positive.'
Those are the opening few lines and it’s full tilt from then on. Nick is reinstated and heads an elite team tracking down the now leader of the terrorists, Barzani, and his followers. When his team members begin to be murdered one by one Nick enlists the help of his cousin, Tommy, who proves invaluable (and adds so much to the story.) Nick, Matt and Tommy’s characters are developed further and Gary Ponzo isn’t afraid to let their human sides and personality quirks show which adds to the realism.
So, we have another very well written, plausible and action packed storyline with multiple shocks and surprises. Political intrigue at the highest levels and an alliance between the FBI, the CIA and the mafia to protect America from impending disaster at all costs. The plot is full of twists I couldn’t see coming, especially the superb ending. And an excellent narration by R C Bray delivers perfect voices and characterisations. My only grumble is the next two books aren’t out on audio. (I’m hoping I can add ‘yet’ to the end of that sentence.)
July 4, 2014
A Touch of Revenge is by Gary Ponzo. Once more Gary writes a suspense that keeps one engrossed in the novel. It pertains to terrorism which is the danger at which we are all looking at now. His characters are realistic and are well developed. The plot is twisting and convoluted but keeps you coming back.
Nick Bracco has retired and moved to Payson, Arizona with his wife Julie. He is now the Sheriff and is relaxing for the first time in his life. Then a sniper takes a shot at him and hits him in the chest. Thanks to a couple of good accidental moves, the bullet did not hit anything vital. Now he is in the hospital walking with a walker and ready to get up and move around.
His buddy and friend, Matt has also moved to Payson. He still works for the FBI but works with Jennifer Steele, his long time love. They are still looking for the final group of Kurds who got away before they do something else. Will they find the Kurds in time?
Now a Russian shows up intending to kill Nick. He has never worked outside of Russia before but is enjoying it. Will he keep his word and kill Nick or will Nick get to him first?
Nick Bracco has retired and moved to Payson, Arizona with his wife Julie. He is now the Sheriff and is relaxing for the first time in his life. Then a sniper takes a shot at him and hits him in the chest. Thanks to a couple of good accidental moves, the bullet did not hit anything vital. Now he is in the hospital walking with a walker and ready to get up and move around.
His buddy and friend, Matt has also moved to Payson. He still works for the FBI but works with Jennifer Steele, his long time love. They are still looking for the final group of Kurds who got away before they do something else. Will they find the Kurds in time?
Now a Russian shows up intending to kill Nick. He has never worked outside of Russia before but is enjoying it. Will he keep his word and kill Nick or will Nick get to him first?
December 21, 2011
another great one by gary ponzo. this is the sequel to A Touch of Deceit. can someone please put him in the same league as alex peterson and david baldacci clancy or even brad meltzer?? he is that good. Once you've finished" a touch of deceit", this book seems almost required reading. again, a story much like the new Showtime series, Homeland where terrorists are slipping and sliding right though our american hands. nick bracco, along with his sidekick, matt, save the day. you just have to wait til the last minute to see how it's done. who doesn't like that?!?!?
February 19, 2012
Wow. Mr. Ponzo has done it again. "A Touch of Revenge" keeps you on edge from start to finish. Great characters, and a suspenseful, believable plot. From the beginning, this story grabs you and will not let go. Thank you Mr. Ponzo for giving me another fantastic ride. I certainly hope Nick Bracco and friends return in the near future.
January 12, 2020
Amazingly intense! Ex-FBI agent turned small-town sheriff has to eradicate Turkish terrorists in his town while also outrunning a Russian assassin hired by the terrorists to eliminate him. Every chapter kept me on the edge of my seat with every page turned. The denouement was completely unexpected! Great book!
December 26, 2023
Bun In The Oven
Life becomes even more challenging when Nick learns he is going to be a father. Nick and his partner Matt once again call on his cousin Tommy who has ties to Sicilian Mafia to help locate a cell of terrorists killing government agents and has plans to detonate a large bomb. Good action.
Life becomes even more challenging when Nick learns he is going to be a father. Nick and his partner Matt once again call on his cousin Tommy who has ties to Sicilian Mafia to help locate a cell of terrorists killing government agents and has plans to detonate a large bomb. Good action.
June 19, 2014
Another engrossing tale which kept me up late to find out what happens next. I didn't think it would be as good as the first, but I was wrong... it's just as well-written and enthralling. Now... onto the next in the series
July 3, 2019
The story starts off with the terrorist group KSF who were identified in the 1st story. There is an assassination attempt on Nick Bracco who was instrumental in the death of the KSF leader 8 years earlier.
As retribution, KSF has put out hit contracts on the members of Nick's team. At the same time that the attempt on Nick was done, one of the other members on his team was killed. In D.C. there was a Russian assassin that handle killing 3 other members besides the 1st one.
KSF had a plan for a terror event in Arizona that would kill a great deal of people unless the U.S. Government pulled their armed forces from Turkey.
With the assistance of his cousin and his partners Matt and Steele they had a time constraint where they needed to locate the KSF leader and determine where the event was to occur. In order to find out what happens, you need to read the book which I highly recommend.
As retribution, KSF has put out hit contracts on the members of Nick's team. At the same time that the attempt on Nick was done, one of the other members on his team was killed. In D.C. there was a Russian assassin that handle killing 3 other members besides the 1st one.
KSF had a plan for a terror event in Arizona that would kill a great deal of people unless the U.S. Government pulled their armed forces from Turkey.
With the assistance of his cousin and his partners Matt and Steele they had a time constraint where they needed to locate the KSF leader and determine where the event was to occur. In order to find out what happens, you need to read the book which I highly recommend.
August 10, 2020
Another fast-paced novel from Gary Ponzo. I enjoyed reading it as there were some subtle changes in character compared to A Touch of Deceit (Nick Bracco Thriller #2). The central figures are still Nick and Matt but I felt that Nick's cousin Tommy Bracco took more of a lead this time compared to the first novel. In fact I'd say he outshone Matt who was understandably preoccupied with worry about his girlfriend Jennifer Steele. There's plenty of action but not as many car chases as the other book. There wasn't the same level of laconic dialogue between Nick and Matt but Gary still used some great metaphors and similes to liven up his descriptions of the action and dialogue. I never saw the ending coming, a big surprise in the penultimate chapter. It was an excellent twist, although somewhat improbable but still great to read. Again there were a lot of characters to remember and too many corpses to count.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
June 1, 2021
Overall - 4/5
Revengeful, exciting, super twist
Asks
What lengths will the last head of a terrorist organization go to to get revenge?
Editing Quality - 5/5
Storyline - 5/5
solid beginning, middle and end - carryover from book 1, but the series could end here (this is book 2 of 7 currently). The story is believable within it’s universe, I don’t know how true to life it would really be however.
Characters - 5/5
-favorite character, Tommy - well connected, smart, and funny mobster
Unputdownable - 5/5
Fast paced and a race against the clock
Cover Art - 4
Neither cover I’ve seen is super great or really connected to the story.
Genres
Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Action, Terrorism, Special Ops
Lists
Kindle Unlimited
Thrills and Chills
Revengeful, exciting, super twist
Asks
What lengths will the last head of a terrorist organization go to to get revenge?
Editing Quality - 5/5
Storyline - 5/5
solid beginning, middle and end - carryover from book 1, but the series could end here (this is book 2 of 7 currently). The story is believable within it’s universe, I don’t know how true to life it would really be however.
Characters - 5/5
-favorite character, Tommy - well connected, smart, and funny mobster
Unputdownable - 5/5
Fast paced and a race against the clock
Cover Art - 4
Neither cover I’ve seen is super great or really connected to the story.
Genres
Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Action, Terrorism, Special Ops
Lists
Kindle Unlimited
Thrills and Chills
October 19, 2025
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
I have read several of the Nick Bracco books, and each one is a powerhouse of action and suspense. If you are an adrenalin junkie, then these books are for you. Mr Ponzo creates situations that drags the reader into the plot and won’t let go. You can put yourself into the shoes of the characters. You can feel their rush of adrenalin. And you can feel their determination to see justice done.
If you like action, if you like suspense, if you like to see the bad guys get what’s coming to them, then read the Nick Bracco series. You won’t regret it.
I have read several of the Nick Bracco books, and each one is a powerhouse of action and suspense. If you are an adrenalin junkie, then these books are for you. Mr Ponzo creates situations that drags the reader into the plot and won’t let go. You can put yourself into the shoes of the characters. You can feel their rush of adrenalin. And you can feel their determination to see justice done.
If you like action, if you like suspense, if you like to see the bad guys get what’s coming to them, then read the Nick Bracco series. You won’t regret it.
April 24, 2022
Too "boilerplate" to get a better rating. At least this former FBI agent went up against something that wasn't the mob. Good guys win in the end.....some get hurt.....some almost die......some die (but not main characters).....FBI tries to stay out of it as it is a former agent....President steps in
It had all the parts but not anything that I haven't read in this type of book before. Could step it up by shaking it up.
It had all the parts but not anything that I haven't read in this type of book before. Could step it up by shaking it up.
November 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down. I read Touch of Deceit, and I think this one is even better. More character development in characters that I really like. I think Tommy is my favorite. Twists and turns, and it is action packed from the start. It is very well written and not confusing at all. That is saying a lot for a book, so action-packed with so much going on. Reminders of who people are and past events make for an easy read. I'm looking forward to the next one.
April 6, 2021
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
Nick is back as he heads a group on anti-terrorists but soon his team members are ending up dead. Can he find who is behind the killings before he becomes the next victim?
Nick thinks it is a Kurdish terrorist who wants revenge. He uses his cousin to infiltrate the group as he puts them both in peril.
A delightful thrilling read in the series.
Nick is back as he heads a group on anti-terrorists but soon his team members are ending up dead. Can he find who is behind the killings before he becomes the next victim?
Nick thinks it is a Kurdish terrorist who wants revenge. He uses his cousin to infiltrate the group as he puts them both in peril.
A delightful thrilling read in the series.
May 22, 2025
Good action thriller
I won a copy of this book through Goodreads, Quick moving action thriller, liked there were no inconsistencies in the plot, people's actions were logical and made sense, well worth the read, book two in a series, had not heard of the author before but will now go back and pick up the first volume in the series.
I won a copy of this book through Goodreads, Quick moving action thriller, liked there were no inconsistencies in the plot, people's actions were logical and made sense, well worth the read, book two in a series, had not heard of the author before but will now go back and pick up the first volume in the series.
February 24, 2018
Good for Gary ponzo. A great action and mystery.
If you crave action as if it's this present time in our life , you can't help but enjoy this today. I only wish we could conquer our world problems as good as Nick and Mark. Starting the next ponzo story now.
If you crave action as if it's this present time in our life , you can't help but enjoy this today. I only wish we could conquer our world problems as good as Nick and Mark. Starting the next ponzo story now.
June 20, 2019
A Touch of Revenge review
Wordy and some grammar mistakes, but overall a decent novel. I didn't read the first book and maybe that's why certain things didn't make sense at the time in the book. I'm have to go back and read it now I guess to see.
Wordy and some grammar mistakes, but overall a decent novel. I didn't read the first book and maybe that's why certain things didn't make sense at the time in the book. I'm have to go back and read it now I guess to see.
July 31, 2019
A Touch of Revenge
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. It was well written. The characters were believable and the plot was intense. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. It was well written. The characters were believable and the plot was intense. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 27, 2021
A Touch of Revenge
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I wasn't sure if I would finish reading it. I did and was on the edge if my seat the entire read. I thoroughly
enjoyed this book.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I wasn't sure if I would finish reading it. I did and was on the edge if my seat the entire read. I thoroughly
enjoyed this book.
July 20, 2017
A great read
I really enjoyed this book from the first page till the last if you like these kind of books like I do you will really enjoy this one
I really enjoyed this book from the first page till the last if you like these kind of books like I do you will really enjoy this one
April 11, 2019
Thrill every page
There was so much action, I thought I was watching an action movie not just reading it. Someone finally falls in love, our favorite gangster is back.
There was so much action, I thought I was watching an action movie not just reading it. Someone finally falls in love, our favorite gangster is back.
October 11, 2019
Won this on Goodreads. Liked this one a lot. Will be reading the whole series.
November 7, 2019
WOW
This book was better than the first one of this series, awesome story line with fantastic characters, that held my interest throughout the whole tale...
This book was better than the first one of this series, awesome story line with fantastic characters, that held my interest throughout the whole tale...
August 29, 2021
I love these books! Both I have read so far have kept me on the edge of my seat! Both page-turners. Going to read the one I won from Goodreads Giveaway - Amazon Kindle next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews