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Stark and O'Brien Adventures #3
The Piranha Assignment
The Piranha is America's newest super weapon-a stealth submarine that will give the U.S. total command of the seas. Built in secrecy in Panama, the Piranha is ready for testing, but CIA agent, Mark Roberts feels that something is not quite right about the project. The CIA asks Stark and O'Brien to investigate. When Stark and O'Brien join the Piranha security team they find that the project and its leader are not what they appear to be. But to avert disaster and reveal the truth they must defeat an army of terrorists and survive a climactic battle with a crazed giant who kills jaguars with his bare hands.
286 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Austin S. Camacho
32 books235 followersAustin S. Camacho is the author of six novels about Washington Dc-based private eye Hannibal Jones, five in the Stark and O’Brien international adventure-thriller series, and the detective novel, Beyond Blue. His short stories have been featured in several anthologies including Dying in a Winter Wonderland – an Independent Mystery Booksellers Association Top Ten Bestseller for 2008 - and he is featured in the Edgar nominated African American Mystery Writers: A Historical and Thematic Study by Frankie Y. Bailey.
Camacho is deeply involved with the writing community. He is a past president of the Maryland Writers Association, past Vice President of the Virginia Writers Club, and is an active member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.
Camacho is deeply involved with the writing community. He is a past president of the Maryland Writers Association, past Vice President of the Virginia Writers Club, and is an active member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 22, 2020
Get ready for another exciting adventure from Stark and O’Brien. This time they’re after a maniacal imposter and his steroid and hormone enhanced henchman. A new power source is on the line that Stark and O’Brien must keep from the wrong hands. I understand that some situations are required for the continuity of the story, but they just don’t make sense and pull the listener from the mental image. Here is Stark, in a tree, with eight rounds in a .50 caliber Desert Eagle automatic, and he can’t take down the little two-seater helicopter. Stark’s reputation has always been that he doesn’t miss. Seven shots, all misses but for one in the fuel tank, which did not explode either. Huh? Morgan and Felicity make a great team, their relationship is passionate without the need for sex, and their talents complement each other. But, Felicity’s voice just doesn’t cut it. I love an Irish accent but the tone is too manly. Every time she speaks, I cringe. Bielecki needs to perfect that voice. I’m still a fan of Stark and O’Brien. I just need a more luscious Felicity. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 8, 2020
Starts easily with background and expectations of an old buddy who tags the team to work for the CIA on a project. Then it gets into human and animal enemies, an interesting psychic connection between Stark and O’Brien that is reminiscent of a Vulcan Mind Meld and proves essential to their survival on more than one occasion. I wanted to read it straight through but life intervened. Another winner!
Mark Bielecki's narration really added to the story. I've long since given up on the ability of testosterones to mimic estrogens but he gives it a good shot.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway! Yay me!
Mark Bielecki's narration really added to the story. I've long since given up on the ability of testosterones to mimic estrogens but he gives it a good shot.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway! Yay me!
August 4, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was an intriguing read. It has two characters that Austen has used before. The narration was good. But one of the main characters who is Irish sounds more Australien, so it doesn’t sound right. Otherwise the narration is well done.
The story has one big plot twist that you would never expect. There story is well written and slightly predictable as far a spy mission goes but still thrilling.
Personally, there is one sex scene, which could have been left out.
Other then that it’s a good read for mystery and spy fans.
This was an intriguing read. It has two characters that Austen has used before. The narration was good. But one of the main characters who is Irish sounds more Australien, so it doesn’t sound right. Otherwise the narration is well done.
The story has one big plot twist that you would never expect. There story is well written and slightly predictable as far a spy mission goes but still thrilling.
Personally, there is one sex scene, which could have been left out.
Other then that it’s a good read for mystery and spy fans.
November 7, 2023
The Piranha Assignment: A Stark and O'Brien Thriller, my first read/listen from author Austin S. Camacho, an enjoyable, entertaining read. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Mark Bielecki's narration made the book flow smoothly & quickly. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 8, 2020
This is the third of Austin Camacho's Stark & O'Brien series of thrillers. Stark and O'Brien are an unlikely dynamic duo, but the combination makes for interesting reading. Intrigue, action and interesting plot with many twists keeps you glued to the book. Great read.
October 2, 2011
From author Austin S. Camacho comes the exciting third installment in the Stark and O'Brien series...
...The Piranha is the latest in US weapons technology, a stealth submarine so advanced that it will give the country total command of the world's seas. Developed secretly in Panama, the Piranha is now ready for the test phase of operations. But members of the CIA have reason to believe that there is more to than project than previously thought. That is when Mark Roberts (of the CIA) enlists the aid of his friend Morgan Stark, an ex-mercenary who currently runs a personal security agency with the assistance of former jewel thief Felicity O'Brien. Roberts wants Stark and O'Brien to investigate the program and, specifically, Francisco Bastidas, the person at the helm of the Piranha project. What they discover upon further investigation confirms Roberts' fears: Bastidas is a powerful con-man who is completely lacking in good intentions. In order to get a closer look at the situation, Stark and O'Brien infiltrate the project's security team, and it becomes clear to them that, when it comes to this weapons project, nothing is as it seems. Now, with an impending threat of a nuclear strike, the pair must figure out how to take Bastidas and the entire project down, but that requires defeating an army of terrorists and the crazed giant Rodrigo Herrera, a man who can kill a jaguar with his bare hands. Stark and O'Brien have their work cut out for them in The Piranha Assignment.
The Stark and O'Brien series becomes more thrilling with each new addition, especially as the characters develop and gain dimension. Camacho's specialties include mysteries and action-packed thrillers, like this most recent release, and he has a wealth of experience from which to pull when writing his novels. As a soldier for thirteen years, he traveled a great deal and spent time working with broadcast journalism for the US Army. It was during college that Camacho, then a psychology major, discovered great books. This would serve as an inspiration for him later in life. Even when serving with the Army, he had an interest in writing fiction and would pen adventure and mystery novels set in some of the places he had visited while serving. Now, years later, the result of his labor is evident.
The Piranha Assignment has received praise from readers and critics for its enthralling plot and greater degree of dimension. Avid readers of suspenseful thrillers or any good adventurous book will appreciate the latest release from Austin S. Camacho, The Piranha Assignment, which is now available in stores. If you want to know more about this book, the author, or any of his previous releases, check out the following website: http://www.ascamacho.com/index.htm.
...The Piranha is the latest in US weapons technology, a stealth submarine so advanced that it will give the country total command of the world's seas. Developed secretly in Panama, the Piranha is now ready for the test phase of operations. But members of the CIA have reason to believe that there is more to than project than previously thought. That is when Mark Roberts (of the CIA) enlists the aid of his friend Morgan Stark, an ex-mercenary who currently runs a personal security agency with the assistance of former jewel thief Felicity O'Brien. Roberts wants Stark and O'Brien to investigate the program and, specifically, Francisco Bastidas, the person at the helm of the Piranha project. What they discover upon further investigation confirms Roberts' fears: Bastidas is a powerful con-man who is completely lacking in good intentions. In order to get a closer look at the situation, Stark and O'Brien infiltrate the project's security team, and it becomes clear to them that, when it comes to this weapons project, nothing is as it seems. Now, with an impending threat of a nuclear strike, the pair must figure out how to take Bastidas and the entire project down, but that requires defeating an army of terrorists and the crazed giant Rodrigo Herrera, a man who can kill a jaguar with his bare hands. Stark and O'Brien have their work cut out for them in The Piranha Assignment.
The Stark and O'Brien series becomes more thrilling with each new addition, especially as the characters develop and gain dimension. Camacho's specialties include mysteries and action-packed thrillers, like this most recent release, and he has a wealth of experience from which to pull when writing his novels. As a soldier for thirteen years, he traveled a great deal and spent time working with broadcast journalism for the US Army. It was during college that Camacho, then a psychology major, discovered great books. This would serve as an inspiration for him later in life. Even when serving with the Army, he had an interest in writing fiction and would pen adventure and mystery novels set in some of the places he had visited while serving. Now, years later, the result of his labor is evident.
The Piranha Assignment has received praise from readers and critics for its enthralling plot and greater degree of dimension. Avid readers of suspenseful thrillers or any good adventurous book will appreciate the latest release from Austin S. Camacho, The Piranha Assignment, which is now available in stores. If you want to know more about this book, the author, or any of his previous releases, check out the following website: http://www.ascamacho.com/index.htm.
March 3, 2012
The Piranha Assignment is the third in Camacho’s Stark and O’Brien Thriller Series
The Piranha is a US stealth nuclear submarine being developed in Panama by Francisco Bastidas. CIA agent Mark Roberts suspects all is not well with the project because of its leader, Bastidas, who has already demonstrated his expertise as a major con artist. Roberts enlists the help of his friend, ex-mercenary Morgan Stark, and his partner, former jewel thief Felicity O’Brien, who together formed a private security company, to infiltrate the Bastidas compound and make sure all is what it should be.
Stark and O’Brien have honed their friendship and partnership skills to such an intense level that they share a psychic bond that serves them in sensing and overcoming threats. While investigating, the pair are uncovered. Stark and O’Brien must save the Panama Canal and themselves, from nuclear destruction by fighting their way out of the doomed submarine, and away from Bastidas’ head of security— an ultra-strong animal of a man named Herrera, a fiercely loyal killing machine for Bastidas.
Camacho propels the reader at a high rate of action and speed through a well plotted thriller. That his co-protagonists share a psychic bond adds a new layer to this thriller. Camacho doesn’t disappoint in providing the reader with a satisfying conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews