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Jack McCall Mystery #1
The Third Coincidence
Headlines scream across the nation as a country in near panic pleads for the capture of the killers. With little progress, U.S. President Samuel Schroeder asks Jack McCall, a veteran of the CIA and Defense Intelligence, to head up a special multi-agency task force to find the killers. A frustrated and unhappy FBI designates, as its representative, Rachel Johnstone, an agent with whom Jack has had some personal history. The Third Coincidence unfolds amidst continued assassinations, accusations that the president is attempting to form his own secret police, and confirmation hearings for reluctant nominees to fill the vacant positions while the Supreme Court struggles to sustain a quorum. Will a terrorist group or a mad assassin succeed in destroying these revered intuitions?
In the spirit of The Day of the Jackal and The Manchurian Candidate, this story is juxta-posed through the eyes of both the hunter and the hunted as the devious plot to change America hurdles forward.
In the spirit of The Day of the Jackal and The Manchurian Candidate, this story is juxta-posed through the eyes of both the hunter and the hunted as the devious plot to change America hurdles forward.
279 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2012
490 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
David Bishop
33 books140 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
I was born in Washington, D.C. From there my life likely mirrored that of a lot of my readers. We moved around. I got some education. Played some sports, and got some more education. Prior to becoming a novelist, I worked as a financial analyst determining the value of companies. But let's talk about my current and final career, writing mystery novels.
As a writer, I conjure up occurrences designed to quickly bring the story to a roiling boil. Along the way, I invent people. Victims and villains and heroes are needed, as well as a supporting cast. I make these people fun and interesting so you will welcome them and introduce them to your friends. Primary characters need habits and tics and talents, the qualities that bring them to life and make you love them or hate them. You'll want to see them humiliated or hunted down, be sucessful or seduced.
My mysteries offer you the opportunity to be challenged to find the villain from among the suspects. Clues as large as a log or as tiny as a bump thereon are salted throughout the stories. There are distractions in the form of false clues, called red herrings, which point to someone other than the real villain.
Take a journey with me. Laugh. Hold your breath. Cheer. Boo. The characters are rich and the plots are grabbers. I promise that you'll be glad you came along. Some people don't like golf or chocolate or even a hearty laugh. But I'll bet you like some of those things and I'll bet you'll like my mysteries. Yours very truly, David Bishop
I was born in Washington, D.C. From there my life likely mirrored that of a lot of my readers. We moved around. I got some education. Played some sports, and got some more education. Prior to becoming a novelist, I worked as a financial analyst determining the value of companies. But let's talk about my current and final career, writing mystery novels.
As a writer, I conjure up occurrences designed to quickly bring the story to a roiling boil. Along the way, I invent people. Victims and villains and heroes are needed, as well as a supporting cast. I make these people fun and interesting so you will welcome them and introduce them to your friends. Primary characters need habits and tics and talents, the qualities that bring them to life and make you love them or hate them. You'll want to see them humiliated or hunted down, be sucessful or seduced.
My mysteries offer you the opportunity to be challenged to find the villain from among the suspects. Clues as large as a log or as tiny as a bump thereon are salted throughout the stories. There are distractions in the form of false clues, called red herrings, which point to someone other than the real villain.
Take a journey with me. Laugh. Hold your breath. Cheer. Boo. The characters are rich and the plots are grabbers. I promise that you'll be glad you came along. Some people don't like golf or chocolate or even a hearty laugh. But I'll bet you like some of those things and I'll bet you'll like my mysteries. Yours very truly, David Bishop
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 10, 2020
I’ve read books by David Bishop in the past and remember enjoying his writing. That wasn’t the case with The Third Coincidence, a book I very much wanted to like.
The premise is an interesting one: what happens if someone assassinates members of the US Supreme Court leaving it without a quorum? The problem I had with book was the author’s vernacular which included misogyny and terms such as “illegals.” I know there are those in the US who use this word to describe fellow humans or who might be interested in the type of bra a female FBI agent wears but I don’t have to like or support those people and I won’t.
The premise is an interesting one: what happens if someone assassinates members of the US Supreme Court leaving it without a quorum? The problem I had with book was the author’s vernacular which included misogyny and terms such as “illegals.” I know there are those in the US who use this word to describe fellow humans or who might be interested in the type of bra a female FBI agent wears but I don’t have to like or support those people and I won’t.
October 5, 2016
Nice plot, but too many murders. The author also makes two words into one, e.g. darkcolor. I don't think you hear a slam when someone hangs up a cell phone. Still a good read.
September 22, 2016
Nobody believes in coincidences when it comes to multiple assassinations, certainly not the FBI or Secret Service in this suspense thriller. So, when Supreme Court Justices and Governors of the Federal Reserve start dropping, in completely different ways, the President has no choice but bring in Jack McCall, a veteran CIA and Defense Department agent to track the killers down and stop them. But is it a them? Or just a him? McCall gathers together and eclectic mix of local cops, FBI agents, and computer whizzes to find out. Given the fractured nature of the Washington security world, the competing agencies want McCall stopped almost as much as they want the killer stopped. The only one in Washington who believes McCall can pull it off is the man who talked him into taking the job -- The President himself. So it is a coast to coast manhunt from Washington DC to the Bay Area of California with very few clues and the clock is ticking. The question is, will McCall and his team stop the killer before we run out of “Supremes,” or before the killer gets McCall? You need to suspend your credibility a bit to believe one killer could pull off that many complicated killings, each unique and against a well-guarded target, but all-in-all, David Bishop’s suspense thriller is a pretty good story. The author has two Jack McCall novels out, plus others in the Lina Darby and Matt Kile books.
William F. Brown is the author of 8 suspense thrillers with over 500 Five-Star Reviews: Burke’s War, Burke’s Gamble, The Undertaker, Amongst My Enemies, Thursday at Noon, Winner Take All, and Aim True, My Brothers, and The Cold War Trilogy. They are all available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and now on Audible Audio Books. You read about them and the author's screenplays and other writing at billbrownwritesnovels.wordpress.com
William F. Brown is the author of 8 suspense thrillers with over 500 Five-Star Reviews: Burke’s War, Burke’s Gamble, The Undertaker, Amongst My Enemies, Thursday at Noon, Winner Take All, and Aim True, My Brothers, and The Cold War Trilogy. They are all available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and now on Audible Audio Books. You read about them and the author's screenplays and other writing at billbrownwritesnovels.wordpress.com
January 11, 2021
Very fast paced book, in my opinion the assassin is not the bad guy he only does things to bad people who deserve it. I'm not sure my view will be shared by many but I'm sure millions of people hate the supreme court and the federal reserve. In my opinion the assassin is a hero. It ended as I expected though.
August 18, 2017
A good thriller no more no less.
Read
March 25, 2012The Third Coincidence By David Bishop
Just in time for the start of a presidential election year and the brouhaha that accompanies the quad annual political turmoil, comes this fast-moving debut novel of murder and intrigue at the national level.
Someone is murdering the nation’s Supreme Court justices and the governors of the Federal Reserve Board. The first such death is regarded as happenstance. The second is thought to be only coincidence. But at the third death, the alarms go off at the highest level and a worried president turns to Jack McCall, a CIA master spy and the only person he can trust to bring down the killer.
McCall quickly assembles a team of experienced investigators drawn from various agencies and departments and each with their own expertise and quirks. Part of Jack’s challenge is to quickly meld this diverse team into an effective force before the shadowy killer claims more lives and the nation descends into panic. Complicating things for Jack’s strictly business approach is the presence on the team of Rachel Johnstone, a top FBI agent and the growing attraction between them.
Who is LW, the initials by which the killer signs his manifesto? Is he a single, crazed individual possessing multiple deadly skills? Or is he what he claims to be, the commander of an underground militia of skilled assassins taking up arms against the government?
The cat and mouse game between McCall and the killer escalates with each new killing while the reader watches the action from both sides, alternating between following McCall and his team as they trace one lead after another and eavesdropping on the killer’s thoughts as he stalks his next victim.
Reviewed by Andrew MacRae for Suspense Magazine
Just in time for the start of a presidential election year and the brouhaha that accompanies the quad annual political turmoil, comes this fast-moving debut novel of murder and intrigue at the national level.
Someone is murdering the nation’s Supreme Court justices and the governors of the Federal Reserve Board. The first such death is regarded as happenstance. The second is thought to be only coincidence. But at the third death, the alarms go off at the highest level and a worried president turns to Jack McCall, a CIA master spy and the only person he can trust to bring down the killer.
McCall quickly assembles a team of experienced investigators drawn from various agencies and departments and each with their own expertise and quirks. Part of Jack’s challenge is to quickly meld this diverse team into an effective force before the shadowy killer claims more lives and the nation descends into panic. Complicating things for Jack’s strictly business approach is the presence on the team of Rachel Johnstone, a top FBI agent and the growing attraction between them.
Who is LW, the initials by which the killer signs his manifesto? Is he a single, crazed individual possessing multiple deadly skills? Or is he what he claims to be, the commander of an underground militia of skilled assassins taking up arms against the government?
The cat and mouse game between McCall and the killer escalates with each new killing while the reader watches the action from both sides, alternating between following McCall and his team as they trace one lead after another and eavesdropping on the killer’s thoughts as he stalks his next victim.
Reviewed by Andrew MacRae for Suspense Magazine
August 12, 2012
The author does a good job of developing some of the characters, but the plot is too predictable. It's an entertaining read, but don't expect much 'meat'.
May 22, 2020
Character development is spotty. Plot was basic and different to believe. A decent book to pass the time but it stirred no emotional connection.
August 14, 2012
This is my third book by this author and for me, the best of the three. I was a bit hesitant as I normally do not care for mystery/thrillers with a political setting but in this case the politics were background and the thriller aspect was definitely dominant.
A plot that definitely resonates with modern society as it seems to be, certainly extreme but unfortunately I don't know that it isn't realistic to some extent.
Good pacing, with action scenes alternating with the task force meetings where details of the investigation were discussed, a good use of "show" rather than "tell" and the dialog moved well. Good characterizations, something this author has always done well from the beginning but I liked these characters from the first chapter.
My only criticism would be that the ending seemed a bit abrupt but from that ending I hope I am seeing an indication that there may be more about this crew in the future.
A plot that definitely resonates with modern society as it seems to be, certainly extreme but unfortunately I don't know that it isn't realistic to some extent.
Good pacing, with action scenes alternating with the task force meetings where details of the investigation were discussed, a good use of "show" rather than "tell" and the dialog moved well. Good characterizations, something this author has always done well from the beginning but I liked these characters from the first chapter.
My only criticism would be that the ending seemed a bit abrupt but from that ending I hope I am seeing an indication that there may be more about this crew in the future.
February 14, 2012
This book was unexpected, and astonishing. The plot is well structured, the scenes flawlessly executed. The author's knowledge of his subject, criminal investigation and serial killers seemed to be tirelessly researched. I got engrossed in the characters, They are well developed, strong in when they need to be. This is just what i like in my heroes. The antagonist, was perfectly selected for the job he was so intent on carrying out. I got very wrapped up in this mystery, having not read any books by this author before I was surprised he was able to capture my interest so thoroughly.
David Bishop has just made it to my list of favorite mystery writer.
I received this as part of a giveaway Goodreads.
David Bishop has just made it to my list of favorite mystery writer.
I received this as part of a giveaway Goodreads.
April 11, 2012
Jack McCall has a great love for his country as he has proved many times before and will prove one more time, as he accepts a special assignment form the President to find out who is killing the Supreme Court justices. Jack puts together a team of agents he trust, which includes Rachael Johnstone, a former love interest. This is a story of mystery, murder and investigations, it makes you think you are involved in a real special ops investigation. This author has done a superb job of making the characters life-like and the story almost real. Congratulations on a wonderful book Mr. Bishop!
Thanks to Net Galley and Oceanview Publishing for giving me the chance to read a great book.
Thanks to Net Galley and Oceanview Publishing for giving me the chance to read a great book.
February 10, 2012
ARC Giveaway & Book Review: I was delighted when the publisher sent me The Third Coincidence by David Bishop. I’ve had a long-standing interest in the workings of the U.S. Supreme Court, so I was looking forward to reading a thriller about the Justices if it was a good one. No problem – this one kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! And even better, the publisher sent me two advance readers’ hard copies to use in a giveaway – that’s right, two readers will win copies! Read the rest of my review and enter to win an ARC at http://popcornreads.com/?p=2872.
January 27, 2012
This book is extraordinary. The plot is well constructed, the scenes well described, and the author's knowledge of his subject (criminal investigation and serial killers) is spot on. I love the characters. They are well developed, strong in every respect, and just what you want in your heroes. The antagonist, in today's world, was perfectly selected for the job he was so intent on carrying out.
February 9, 2012
David Bishop is proving to be a first rate mystery writer. I have now read all of his books and have found them to be compelling page turners. The Third Coincidence is his latest, although I understand it was his first actually written book. Wow. To start out like that is amazing.
November 8, 2015
Political fast paced very good book.
Assassination of Supreme Court justices and government financial officials. One man causing terror, lone wolf. Will held your attention until the last page. Some spelling corrections needed.
Assassination of Supreme Court justices and government financial officials. One man causing terror, lone wolf. Will held your attention until the last page. Some spelling corrections needed.
May 6, 2012
So far really interesting and cannot wait to update my review after done
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2019
How many people have told you they really ought to write a book? Since I've written books, I hear it a lot. Far too many times, in fact. Because, take my word for it, most people really should not write books. And The Third Coincidence by David Bishop is a case in point.
The novel begins with a promising premise: somebody has assassinated an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court. And it's not long before we learn that this is far from a case of a single murder. It's part of a harebrained scheme to upend the American political system.
A promising premise quickly goes awry
Now, in the hands of a skilled thriller writer, this could have been brilliant. But instead we meet a CIA officer named Jack McCall who comes across as a latter-day James Bond. In other words, he's simply not to be believed. Of course, there are women in the story, too. And are you surprised that they're all beautiful as well as strong, smart, and skillful? Then we encounter "LW," who is not just the assassin of that Supreme Court Justice but is responsible for what becomes a string of nearly twenty other murders as well. And he manages to pull this off alone in less than two weeks despite the best efforts of the United States defense and intelligence establishment and the White House.
Why on earth would anyone believe this stuff? I read science fiction and am accustomed to suspending disbelief, but this is stretching the point much too far. The Third Coincidence is a hack effort of the worst sort, and, unfortunately, the perpetrator has "been listed numerous times among the 100 best selling authors of mysteries" according to his bio on Amazon. Is it reasonable to think that that many people could be suckered in by a promising premise?
I'm far from alone in reaching this judgment. As Booklist wrote in its review, "Unfortunately, what should have been a gripping story actually reads like a rushed outline. The characters are shallow, the suspense lacking, and the dialogue is not convincing at all. The great premise may still draw a few readers, but this could have been so much better than it is."
The novel begins with a promising premise: somebody has assassinated an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court. And it's not long before we learn that this is far from a case of a single murder. It's part of a harebrained scheme to upend the American political system.
A promising premise quickly goes awry
Now, in the hands of a skilled thriller writer, this could have been brilliant. But instead we meet a CIA officer named Jack McCall who comes across as a latter-day James Bond. In other words, he's simply not to be believed. Of course, there are women in the story, too. And are you surprised that they're all beautiful as well as strong, smart, and skillful? Then we encounter "LW," who is not just the assassin of that Supreme Court Justice but is responsible for what becomes a string of nearly twenty other murders as well. And he manages to pull this off alone in less than two weeks despite the best efforts of the United States defense and intelligence establishment and the White House.
Why on earth would anyone believe this stuff? I read science fiction and am accustomed to suspending disbelief, but this is stretching the point much too far. The Third Coincidence is a hack effort of the worst sort, and, unfortunately, the perpetrator has "been listed numerous times among the 100 best selling authors of mysteries" according to his bio on Amazon. Is it reasonable to think that that many people could be suckered in by a promising premise?
I'm far from alone in reaching this judgment. As Booklist wrote in its review, "Unfortunately, what should have been a gripping story actually reads like a rushed outline. The characters are shallow, the suspense lacking, and the dialogue is not convincing at all. The great premise may still draw a few readers, but this could have been so much better than it is."
August 2, 2022
Enjoyable
An enjoyable read. The first of the McCall series.
Jack McCall is appointed by the US President (an old acquaintance) to investigate and catch a killer of important US people such as judges, Federal Bank chiefs etc. panic is spreading as finding the killer is not easy (are they ever) and the media are quickly putting pressure on the President to replace McCall who took the job with full control and answerable to nobody but the President. McCall also had carte blanche to pick his own team to assist in the investigation. The team is varied and drawn from all of the US agent and police agencies. As you would expect there is a particularly attractive lady that he has his eye on.
All members of the team contribute to the investigation in their own, occasionally eccentric ways.
It’s not an easy task as more and more deaths occur even though protection is put in place for individuals in the endangered offices. Th killer is obviously well trained and the task looks beyond the team. They just need a bit of luck and are relying on McCall goading the killer into making a mistake.
Read the story and find out what happens. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
An enjoyable read. The first of the McCall series.
Jack McCall is appointed by the US President (an old acquaintance) to investigate and catch a killer of important US people such as judges, Federal Bank chiefs etc. panic is spreading as finding the killer is not easy (are they ever) and the media are quickly putting pressure on the President to replace McCall who took the job with full control and answerable to nobody but the President. McCall also had carte blanche to pick his own team to assist in the investigation. The team is varied and drawn from all of the US agent and police agencies. As you would expect there is a particularly attractive lady that he has his eye on.
All members of the team contribute to the investigation in their own, occasionally eccentric ways.
It’s not an easy task as more and more deaths occur even though protection is put in place for individuals in the endangered offices. Th killer is obviously well trained and the task looks beyond the team. They just need a bit of luck and are relying on McCall goading the killer into making a mistake.
Read the story and find out what happens. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
October 5, 2020
A book i couldn't put down!!!!!!
10++++++++!!!!!!
Jack McCall had a truly mind boggling case the President of the United States called for help.
He put together a team that was truly amazing.
The guy they hunted gave them a run for their money.
There was so many pieces to this book, i couldn't stop reading it. I love football, but i had to keep reading and watch the games at the same time. I even stayed up all night just to read what happened next.
David Bishop knows how to get your attention and keep it until the end.
I don't want to spoil this book because, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED AT ALL!!!!
I am getting ready for the next book in this series.
10++++++++!!!!!!
Jack McCall had a truly mind boggling case the President of the United States called for help.
He put together a team that was truly amazing.
The guy they hunted gave them a run for their money.
There was so many pieces to this book, i couldn't stop reading it. I love football, but i had to keep reading and watch the games at the same time. I even stayed up all night just to read what happened next.
David Bishop knows how to get your attention and keep it until the end.
I don't want to spoil this book because, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED AT ALL!!!!
I am getting ready for the next book in this series.
April 11, 2020
Heart pounding reading
This book is as close to aerobic exercise as you can get by reading. With a heart rate up, pulse pounding conclusion, Jack McCall, is author, Bishop’s, chess piece - - the bishop- - always approaching diagonally, never directly. He zigs and zags across the playing field capturing pawns and easy marks while keeping his eye on the prize, king, L.W. He comes from a surprise angle of attack and pivots from the side to take checkmate. When you finish this book you will need to follow Jack McCall in the next books of the series.
This book is as close to aerobic exercise as you can get by reading. With a heart rate up, pulse pounding conclusion, Jack McCall, is author, Bishop’s, chess piece - - the bishop- - always approaching diagonally, never directly. He zigs and zags across the playing field capturing pawns and easy marks while keeping his eye on the prize, king, L.W. He comes from a surprise angle of attack and pivots from the side to take checkmate. When you finish this book you will need to follow Jack McCall in the next books of the series.
August 9, 2017
A Page Burner
First Jack McCall book for me. Pace was fast and furious without sacrificing logic and character development. I liked the "lone wolf" plot made difficult to see by the number of assassinations committed in such short time over widely spaced geography. The. Recurring theme of male-female agents falling in love and at risk is a cliche by now. But gotta have the sex angle in these stories somewhere I guess.
First Jack McCall book for me. Pace was fast and furious without sacrificing logic and character development. I liked the "lone wolf" plot made difficult to see by the number of assassinations committed in such short time over widely spaced geography. The. Recurring theme of male-female agents falling in love and at risk is a cliche by now. But gotta have the sex angle in these stories somewhere I guess.
November 25, 2020
Good premise that turns into standard potboiler
The book begins with excellent premise of an assassin crippling the Supreme Court and the Federal Reserve bank. The President calls in a veteran U.S. Espionage agent to thwart the killer. The agent selects his team the structure into standard fare. The protagonist and the team has assembled turn into the typical central casting figures who fill such stories.
The book begins with excellent premise of an assassin crippling the Supreme Court and the Federal Reserve bank. The President calls in a veteran U.S. Espionage agent to thwart the killer. The agent selects his team the structure into standard fare. The protagonist and the team has assembled turn into the typical central casting figures who fill such stories.
July 11, 2022
Action and Brain-Numbing Details
Great storyline and characters. Almost hard to keep up with all the details involved in finding the culprit. What however is amazing is the almost prophetic quality of the criminal's mindset toward government and the federal reserve and how our country HAS deteriorated with the the criminal activities of congress, the media, and constitutional law not reflecting our constitution at all.
Great storyline and characters. Almost hard to keep up with all the details involved in finding the culprit. What however is amazing is the almost prophetic quality of the criminal's mindset toward government and the federal reserve and how our country HAS deteriorated with the the criminal activities of congress, the media, and constitutional law not reflecting our constitution at all.
September 9, 2017
The third coincidence
Good thriller with up to date experience of the crazy world we live in today. The premise that someone would stalk the unelected bureaucrats and power brokers was a good one to relate to with today's problems.. The ending was swift and a little bizarre but believable. Next on the agenda?
Good thriller with up to date experience of the crazy world we live in today. The premise that someone would stalk the unelected bureaucrats and power brokers was a good one to relate to with today's problems.. The ending was swift and a little bizarre but believable. Next on the agenda?
July 19, 2018
This is a good fast action thriller. I enjoyed it a lot. I felt the main characters could have been more fully developed early on. I also felt there should have been more detail very end of the book explaining what occurred after the exciting climax. I'm a little let down! Maybe the end of this book roles over seamlessly to #2? Hope so, I'm starting it now.
January 4, 2024
I like how the chapter were short keeping the pace up, especially towards the end as the action increased. The author can be sexually charged about human attributes at times where I think it is unneeded. Maybe it's just his way of explaining things. Overall I did enjoy this book and will read the next one.
August 16, 2017
Totally grabs you right from the beginning.
Loved this book. The author has a great way of describing each character and following through with great detail within the story line. I was totally absorbed with this story and can't wait to read his next book.
Loved this book. The author has a great way of describing each character and following through with great detail within the story line. I was totally absorbed with this story and can't wait to read his next book.
September 5, 2017
Great Thriller
Very suspenseful great investigation details. Characters appear life like to the reader. Explosive ending provides one surprise after another. Could not put book down
Very suspenseful great investigation details. Characters appear life like to the reader. Explosive ending provides one surprise after another. Could not put book down
September 10, 2017
Good Plot
This story reflects current days events is very much an epic for this day and age it has a great plot it moves very quickly and gives you a vast amount of detail into how intelligence agencies work
Great book!
This story reflects current days events is very much an epic for this day and age it has a great plot it moves very quickly and gives you a vast amount of detail into how intelligence agencies work
Great book!
September 22, 2017
Don't pass this great read up. It doesn't stop to let you catch your breath.
The President appoints Jack McCall a long time operative to identify, capture or kill whomever is calling himself LW and methodically killing members of the supreme court and others.
The President appoints Jack McCall a long time operative to identify, capture or kill whomever is calling himself LW and methodically killing members of the supreme court and others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews