Covert Kill: A David Rivers Thriller

Shadow Strike #3

by Jason Kasper

FROM FORMER GREEN BERET AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR JASON KASPER "Jason Kasper is a name to watch in the thriller world." ―Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of the Gray Man Series When American citizens in Nigeria are kidnapped and held for ransom, David Rivers and his team of CIA contractors find themselves enveloped in an international firestorm. With a US administration determined to protect American lives, David has the authority to do whatever it takes. But as David’s team tracks down the mysterious terror cell responsible for the kidnapping, they uncover a conspiracy beyond anything they could have imagined. And in a race against time to recover the hostages, David and his team must infiltrate the Sambisa Forest, a sprawling Boko Haram stronghold overflowing with enemy soldiers. Failure is not an option. Survival is not guaranteed. _________________ What readers are ★★★★★ "... masterful..."
★★★★★ "...this story, holy crap..."
★★★★★ "...a monster of a thriller..."
★★★★★ "...lean, mean, and true to the scene."
★★★★★ "...reaches out from the beginning and grabs you by the throat..."

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Suspense

352 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2021

About the author

Jason Kasper is a USA Today bestselling thriller author. He served in the US Army, beginning as a Ranger private and ending as a Green Beret captain. Jason is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and was an avid ultramarathon runner, skydiver, and BASE jumper, all of which inspire his fiction.

Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @KasperAuthor.

Join his mailing list for bonus content and book updates: https://bit.ly/440lHom

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a lot of fun! Just one of your traditional, old fashioned special ops action adventures - I haven’t read one of these in ages! Apparently this book three of a series (yes, I’ve done it again) but I didn’t realise it until reading other reviews just now. So rest assured it can certainly be read as a stand alone.

Five operatives from a secretive CIA program are in Nigeria to kill an up and coming Boko Haram captain, Usman Mokhammad. As a side project, if they can get any intel on the terrorist banker, Weisz, that would be a bonus. Of course things do not go according to plan. An ambush on a stretch of road nets them just some underlings and Usman is still in the wind.

So their CIA handler, Duchess, sends them on a reconnaissance mission that nets some interesting intel. Then they are tasked with saving some American oil executives. All the while they learn more about an intricate plot by the Russians to monopolise the Nigerian oil industry and run drugs, all aided by corrupt officials.

Does it sound cliched - yes. But was it entertaining and exciting - yes! This was all about the action and there certainly was a lot of that. I really enjoyed it for a change, especially after a pedestrian NYE party book. Highly recommended for fans of action and espionage books or anyone who likes a rollicking good tale. Many thanks to Netgalley and Severn River Publishing for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Rivers and his team of CIA contractors find themselves on a mission in Nigeria after Americans are kidnapped and held for ransom, trying to do what they do best and extract the citizens alive. But boy, do the terms change quickly when a conspiracy is uncovered that blows all other thoughts out of the water! This author writes from his knowledge of the subject and his heart, imparting so much feeling into every action taken, realism in every line. This mission becomes so much more than what the Team starts out planning to do, and each member delves deep into their own morals and abilities to give their all. And then, just when they are planning to go home, their leader Duchess has some new information delivered. Which path should they follow...Their hearts, which desire a true result, or their heads, which point them to a safe ride home. You will have to grab this exciting story to find out!
Action, unforgettable characters, a mission where to fail is Not an option, but surviving is not guaranteed. An intense military thriller that will have you on the battlefield with your favorite characters through every moral dilemma and crack of a bullet. I received an ARC from the author, and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.

[Steven Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Kasper scores another home run with the third book in his Shadow Strike series, Covert Kill.

Picking up where the second book (Last Target Standing) left off, David Rivers and the motley special operations contractors of Project Longwing are following the threads of an international terror conspiracy. Their hunt takes them to Nigeria, where they pursue a Boko Haram commander who is both on the rise and somehow connected to the conspiracy. The mission rapidly shifts from direct action to hostage rescue as it is revealed that BH has taken several Western oil executives hostage, and Rivers's team is seconded to assist the rescue effort. However, there is far more beneath the surface that they will uncover as they leave piles of corpses in their wake.

I almost docked this book a star for the slightly rushed ending, but the closing line saved it. Still, I felt that the ending could have been expanded a bit more (particularly the subplot with a major supporting character accompanying the Longwing team). That said, everything else is top notch. The plotting otherwise, the characterization and dialogue (Kasper's strengths), and of course, action that clearly broadcasts that Kasper has walked the walk.

I am eagerly awaiting the fourth entry in the series! Highly recommended.

[Ross Sidor · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Shadow Strike novels are the perfect thrillers. In this third entry, Jason Kasper throws David Rivers' team of CIA paramilitary contractors into the middle of terrorism and corruption in Nigeria. A standard counterterrorism mission to assassinate a Boko Haram member and rescue American hostages leads the team to a conspiracy involving sketchy Russians smuggling drugs and sanctioned Venezuelan oil through Nigeria, while sprinkling breadcrumbs related to the series' larger, developing storyline. As usual, the real world details on all things tactical, technical, cultural, and geographical are on point. The pacing is flawless, and Kasper excels at highlighting the team members' oddball quirks and personalities as he brings to life their often amusing banter. As I've said before, this series is more realistic and more entertaining than Flynn or Thor--just on shooters on missions, without pandering politics, filler, and erroneous subplots.

[Andreas Tornberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Jason Kasper and I really enjoyed it. Covert Kill is an action packed special ops action thriller with interesting and fun characters. The pacing is great and the author really knows his stuff. I will definitely read more books by Kasper.

Thanks to the author, Severn River Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covert Kill, written by Jason Kasper, is the third book in his David Rivers and it's a heck of a ride. Rivers and his team are the tip of the spear of a blacker-than-black CIA program charged with eliminating the future leaders of terrorist organizations. Covert Kill begins with the team in Nigeria hunting for a Boko Haram "rising star" when Americans are kidnapped. During the search for the kidnapped Americans the team uncover a worldwide conspiracy with massive ramifications for the U.S.

Kasper, a former Green Beret, has written numerous books and each successive one he improves as a writer. I'm not sure he's written a bad book but now his writing is more fluid and the plots are more well-rounded. You can tell almost instantly he's former special forces because the action sequences, dialogue and techniques in the book all have the authentic quality of someone who's seen some stuff. The only quibble I have with the book is it ended suddenly. I guess he wanted to leave the reader wanting more. Well, it worked.

Covert Kill is an action packed thrill ride with many moving parts but are easily followed. Because this is the third book I would suggest reading the other two in order to get the full effect. However, Covert Kill works as a standalone too although you'll miss some of the backstory as to why they are doing what they do.

My sincere thanks to Jason Kasper, Severn River Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Covert Kill.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covert Kill by Jason Kasper
Shadow Strike #3

Action-packed thrill-ride from beginning to end ~ Could not put it down! Great addition to an amazing series!

What I liked”
* David Rivers “Suicide”: team leader, husband, father, ex-military, intelligent, team player, able to think on the fly, lethal, intriguing, works for the government but in a special capacity with an intriguing team of talented men
* Cancer: sniper, seasoned warrior, pragmatic, lethal, has premonitions, capable, deep, feel there is more to him than we have seen so far
* Angel: intelligence officer, puzzle solver, able to see the big picture, analyst, sees patterns, brilliant, militarily trained, lethal
* Doc and Racegun: two men that are a bit more elusive for me to pin down but equally interesting. One is a medic and the other sets the pace and leads on the ground – want to learn more about both of them
* Feeling that the men are a team but individuals with more to them than what we see when they are together on operations
* Getting to see new-to-me places in the world that I have never been and probably will never go
* Seeing these new places from the eyes of a team with a military task and experiencing it with them
* Getting a feel for the nitty gritty boots on the ground job that men like this team might experience when deployed
* Listening to the way the various members on the team felt
* Tolu: Nigerian, driver, entrepreneur, rap lover, hates Boku Haram for his own reasons
* Knowing who the bad guys were and seeing some of them dealt with
* The look at the fine line between the good and bad guys and how easy it would be to go either direction in life
* Knowing that there are men out there in real life willing to do the jobs this team does in this series
* The way the story is progressing and knowing that there is another book to look forward to
* That the “good guys”won – at least this time

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that there are terrorist groups around the world kidnapping and killing and doing equally horrible things on a daily basis
* Knowing that there are corrupt politicians everywhere in the world
* Everything and everyone I was meant not to like

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Robbie Sheerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic!

This is the third book I’ve read in this series. Each one gets better and better. I feel like I know the characters. Great flow and action by Jason Kasper.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars 🌟

I have found that I enjoy this author and slowly but surely, I've become a fan. This is a difficult genre to break into, as there are so many truly good authors in this space. Yet, when I read the first book in this series - I found that I TRULY enjoyed it. Enough, that when the next book came out, I didn't hesitate.

This book is the next in line of a certain story arc. Unfortunately for David and his team, his superiors seem to think that he is the reason that their program is in jeopardy. In reality, yes....they HAVE pushed many, many boundaries. But...they have also done so much good. David has an amazing ability to be able see the ENTIRE scope of what is REALLY going on - regardless of what he has been told. He also has a really good sense or intuition on determining what is "right". He does his best to try to understand what he is being told in order to do what his superiors are asking him to do. Unfortunately, that might be a bit different from what is necessary to create and complete the mission - at least within the original parameters.

Even though he and his team have brought back information that was over and above the initial target package and they were just able to thwart a MAJOR terrorist plot in the very recent past.....he is still seen as somewhat of a loose canon. He still does not hold the prestige and honor that he should have been awarded since some of his success has come based on the many, many times that his instincts have had him go against orders (yet he has always been "right" - at least so far)

So, when this situation is given to him and his team....his higher ups are still worried that they (David and his team) are going to go something to "screw things up".

That is all I'm going to say about the plot of this story. It starts with a bang, and honestly, things do not slow down after that. This is probably one of the most tamest of the books in this series so far. They do not have to fight "Duchess" on this case as much as they have in the past and they actually have been quite a lot of intel to help them in order to succeed at the various mission that they are given.

This is still a very interesting and exciting story. Our team of great guys are completely in the fight. This time in Africa. They are initially tasked with one mission, that slowly, and then NOT so slowly increases as situations develop.

Another winner in a truly great series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review – Former U.S. Army Green Beret, now author Jason Kasper’s Shadow Strike novels are really good action thrillers. In his third entry, “Covert Kill,” Kasper throws his protagonist David Rivers and his team of CIA paramilitary contractors into the middle of terrorism and corruption in Nigeria, Africa. A standard counterterrorism mission to assassinate a terrorist and rescue American hostages leads the paramilitary team to a conspiracy involving sketchy Russians smuggling drugs and sanctioned Venezuelan oil through Nigeria. As usual with Kasper’s books, the real-world details on all things tactical, technical, cultural, and geographical are on point. The pacing was flawless, and Kasper excels at highlighting the team members' oddball quirks and personalities as he brings to life their often-amusing banter. This series – Shadow Strike - is more realistic and more entertaining than many other action thriller novels. The series is just about ‘door-kicker-shooters’ on missions, without a lot of pandering politics, mushy romance, and erroneous subplots. This story is full of non-stop thrills, plenty of suspense, terror, and tension. It’s got enough tactical detail to keep you interested and the right amount of back-room politics to add to the strategic element. It’s a very well written book from a guy (former Army Green Beret) who has been there and done that. Covert Kill reaches out from the beginning and grabs your undivided attention until the last page. There are plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns and loop-to-loops than an exciting roller coaster ride. This story is an adrenaline-fueled, kickass, in-your-face action thriller that keeps you glued to the pages. I devoured this book! This is a must-read action thriller…

[Alan September · Rating 5 out of 5]

great reads

While we may never fully understand just how these shadow ops work inside the government, there is just enough in each book so far to temper the “no way” feeling. Nothing takes you out of the story which I really enjoy. Each book walks a fine line of detail and explanation, yet it doesn’t distract you, it’s never overwhelming in detail as say Clancy, but doesn’t treat the reader like a moron with immediate explanations.
the story pulls you in with engaging characters (well developed) and a sense of “what next”. I have enjoyed each one, both reading and listening. Fully invested after book 1, each has built on the other with none feeling like a “filler” just to get to the next book. Each can stand on its own, and it’s just icing that they lead into the next so well.

Yea you may need to temper that little voice at times that says “nope wouldn’t happen” because you just DONT KNOW - this isn’t the military, not Delta no “normal” rules and oversight. Frankly I hope we have men and women out there like this now. Even if it’s only in book, you would be hard pressed to find suck a well written series.

[Eric Wadsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

David and his team are in Africa, with one simple mission to achieve.... to kill Usman Mokhammad and get out. Usman is a high-ranking captain with the Boko Haram and must be stopped. On the team's initial attack along a stretch of highway, they fail to intercept Usman and he is gone in the wind. With minimal time to track his phone, all seemed like a failed mission. That was until, the Boko Haram kidnapped and held for ransom American Citizens that worked in the oil industry.

David and his team were the closest operations crew to the kidnapping and therefore offered the best intelligence gathering option the US could deploy quickly. As the team continues to get surveillance and track the terror cells movements, they keep finding potential ties to an mastermind behind all the scenes, Eric Weisz. The team uncovers conspiracy beyond what they initially thought with oil companies, drug trafficking and more terrorist ties. With failure not in David's vocabulary, the team continues to hunt down the hostage locations and finish their mission - killing Usman.

[Mags Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Diamond Mine of Research

Don’t know where to start. The OPCON with Dutchess, the Team Coordination, the skills and thought processes of each of the individual team members, the inter-agency communications, the business camouflage of the bad guys, the descriptions of the safe houses, the details of the weapons and equipment, the indigenous driver—there is clearly a great deal of personal experience as well as immense research. This is the makings of a well scripted movie waiting only for the right actors and some good cameramen. With a myriad of twists, turns, solutions and continuity author Kasper had to have put considerable thought of the long term flow of the story. And, he did just that, yet there were never any points where it dragged out. One of the best books I’ve read this year. VR, Mags

[Roger]

Covert Kill: A David Rivers Thriller (Shadow Strike Book 3), my third read from author Jason Kasper this week. Reminiscent of Tom Clancy & Dan Alatorre's writing, another page-turning military thriller. I don't restrict myself to a particular genre. I'm a sucker for anything with memorable characters and a story that keeps me guessing and a plot that keeps me turning the page & this book did! "I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author, in fact Narco Assassins: A David Rivers Thriller (Shadow Strike Book 4) is next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Caroline Paquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you say “action-packed”?

With shorter chapters except for the main battle scenes, this latest Shadow Strike book is one that is not only action-packed, but full of twists and turns and a pace made possible by the author’s sheer brilliance.

Our five (anti)heroes and their driver were in for a crazy run throughout Nigeria, searching and fighting terrorists in search of the head behind the attack that happened in the first book, all to have us, once more, glued to the pages until the end!

And after the final hook, the next book of David Rivers’ and his team’s missions cannot come fast enough!

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is easy to say this latest episode in Jason Kaspar’s Shadow Strike Series is the best yet. As these stories go on the stories get richer, the action gets more intense and the investigation into finding Eric Weiss begins to get clearer. In the case of Covert Kill, I received a review copy of the audiobook from the publisher not only was the story excellent as I have alluded to earlier, I got an excellent introduction to Corey M. Snow. Mr. Snow’s narration added a dimension to this story that was missing in the previous Shadow Strike stories that I have read. This leads me to believe listening to the previous books would be an excellent undertaking.

[Greg D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Kasper delivers another gripping, adrenaline-fueled ride in Covert Kill. With sharp prose and a relentless pace, the story pulls you deep into the world of David Rivers and his team as they navigate their journey and mission in Nigeria. Kasper’s military expertise shines through, lending authenticity to the action sequences while keeping the stakes sky-high. The plot twists are expertly crafted, ensuring the suspense never lets up. Fans of thrillers and espionage will find Covert Kill impossible to put down. A must-read for anyone who loves smart, intense, and action-packed storytelling.

[David Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Rivers along with his team are on the hunt for kidnappers in Nigeria. He quickly finds corruption and betrayal from all directions. His team links up with other elite forces temporarily to stamp out some bad guys, only to discover more corruption. They return to their ultimate mission of hunting down and dealing with the ones who are responsible for the reign of terror and corruption.
This one is full of action and the darker side of humanity. Jason Kasper is a master of writing about operators because he lived it.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding David Rivers Operation.

If you like fast paced action, this is for you. David and the team arrived in Nigeria with one mission assigned, but become involved in freeing a village from terrorists, rescuing hostages, and uncovering vast amounts of intelligence, before accomplishing the original mission. And the action still wasn't over. A wild journey, but once begun there is no way to stop til you reach the end. And then you are sorry there is no more and you wait impatiently for the next episode.

[Keysman Keith Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covert Kill is a lesson in Espionage and Subversion...

And how to damage their threats. Having read the previous two books, I assumed Covert Kill would be a winner, and it is the best of the three Shadow Strike books. I really like the descriptive nature of the places where the missions occur, as well as the complicated build to the culmination of a mission. Be ready to read Covert Kill, because it will keep you on the edge of your seat, or reading in bed because I couldn't put it down!

[Thomas Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a team thing

The team always wins, even in the most extreme situations. And that is the only reason I gave this only four stars. This is a great adventure story and very realistic; I called up a map of Nigeria and found that I could follow the team's track as they crisscrossed the country on their ever-changing mission. Although the plot in this novel could stand alone, the reader should be aware that this is Book 3 of a series that ought to be read in sequence. On to Book 4!

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series about a small black ops team and their hunt for terrorists and their backers.

If you like quality action thrillers then Jason Kasper's the author for you. In this book the team who are call signed Suicide, Cancer, Angel, Doc, and Racegun are in Nigeria continuing their hunt for the backers which could save Operation Longwing only to be pulled into a situation where innocent lives are on the line. This story is a real nail biter and is absolutely fantastic, there's even a few laughs along the way.

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for an honest review. I have read all of his books. This book is part of a series and should be read in order however, this book could be read as a stand alone book. This book starts fast and continues throughout the story. It is full of action but, does give the reader a break between sequences. The authors books just keep getting better and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Rivers and his team go on a mission to Nigeria. Their goal is to rescue Americans held captive by Boko Haram and kill their leader, Usman. Their plans change as the Nigerians have a plan for an exchange for prisoners in exchange for Usman who they captured. Their mission has constant changes. As dangerous conditions and terrain play into their planning. This is a nonstop action novel to keep your interest elevated.

[Willie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action packed continuation of the series. Excellent development of characters with added insights and issues with command and shared responsibilities. More than enough action to make it mandatory to continue reading to the end. How do you react to the changing missions, internal conflicts and a multitude of advisories while still playing within the rules.
Read them all in the series in order or start with this one and you will want to go back and read from the beginning.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kasper continues exciting warfare adventure

Covert Kill is a thrilling page turner that offers more of Jason’s warfare experience. His grasp of international conflict, geopolitical tensions, and simple world geography is amazing.
I learned so much military strategy, communication and tactics that continues to keep me on the edge of my seat. The realism of his writing keeps looking forward to next time - next chapter- next book. Well done Jason..

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in this series! David and his team are in Nigeria, but the job required of them changes many times as new information comes to light, and the team is thrust into roles they wouldn't normally do.
The kidnapping and corruption is scary to think about, and this story really brings this to the forefront.
This was an intriguing read and I really can't wait for the next one, as they get closer to person they really want.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covert Kill: A David Rivers Thriller (Shadow Strike Book 3) by Jason Kasper is an amazing story to read. This is book number three in this amazing series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about suspense thrillers.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Frank Simecek · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best stories I have read ever

I would give it more than a 5 star rating kept my interest the whole time. The writing put you right in the moment. No BS it didn't have the love story with guys jumping in bed with women. Can't get over how detailed the story was as if the author actually participated in it. Great job goes down as the BEST read ever for me. Going to be a tuff act to follow

[D. La · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes it is covert

Jason Kasper is one of the author's that doesn't write his novels fast enough to keep up with my reading. These stories keeping the same main characters get better with each written novel. Every thing you look for in this type of format, l can't read them fast enough. You will enjoy each and every one he writes. Thanks for all the entertainment. Waiting for the next one.