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Presidential Agent #3
The Hunters
Delta Force Major Charley Castillo returns in the third crackling adventure in Griffin's #1 New York Times-bestselling series.
The first two novels in W. E. B. Griffin's exciting new Presidential Agent series, By Order of the President and The Hostage, immediately raced up the bestseller lists–The Hostage debuting at #1.The Hunters picks up right where The Hostage left off. Two brutal murders and millions of missing dollars in the growing UN/Iraq oil-for-food scandal have lead Castillo and his team to an estancia in Uruguay, where, to his shock, the man they are seeking is himself murdered right before their eyes. Who is responsible? Most likely, the people higher up in the money chain, those willing to risk anything to keep their secrets from being revealed. They've left just enough of a trail, though, for Castillo to pick up the scent, and, with carte blanche from the president, to follow it wherever it takes him, he ends up . . . well, not exactly where he expected
515 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 2007
337 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
W.E.B. Griffin
351 books1,298 followersW.E.B. Griffin was one of several pseudonyms for William E. Butterworth III.
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
October 26, 2016
This novel is so long that often the main character is, "exhausted." Quite fitting for this over lengthy story that contains just enough points of interest to keep me engaged and anxiously awaiting its end. 6 of 10 stars
June 29, 2021
Charley Castillo is still trying to figure out who is behind the murder of an American diplomat. The Hunters by W.E.B. Griffin picks up where The Hostage left us and the trail for the bad guys gets more complicated. Many years ago I found a book called Blood and Honor in a second hand bookstore and I thought it sounded interesting. I was hooked on Griffin from the start. Sadly the books where not available in Sweden so I had to import them myself and I have loved every book he has written. He has a certain way with his stories and characters that I haven't found anywhere else. His books are among the few I read over and over again and I can't help myself loving them.
March 18, 2012
I kinda get tired of hearing about their cell phone conversations and things that don't matter to the plot - they don't make the book or characters more complex, just sometimes they seem like dingbats.
August 29, 2009
Why do I think that W.E.B. Griffin has the inside scoop on how things really work in Washington? When the CIA and FBI can't get the job done, what is a president to do? Create his/her own team, of course, under the guise of "top secret presidential". Such a group by no means escapes political wrangling by others who think that they should really be the ones in charge.
This is the third in the Presidential Agent series by W.E.B. Griffin, and so far it's my favorite. The good-guy characters are (mostly) all business - one of the things that fascinated me about this novel in particular is how the good guys sift through issues of who is trustworthy, and who is not.
The Hunters is intriguing and seems to give some insight into the world of national security and espionage. Sometimes the best friend to have is the enemy of your enemy, a concept that is apparent in this story. There are suspenseful moments but I wouldn't characterize the book as a page-turner. It's more like a tide that pulls you in almost without you realizing it.
Griffin gives us a hero, Charley Castillo, who is far from perfect but still very admirable. His unique and diverse background helps him get into places where others simply cannot go. His intuition combined with this background also helps him to build a highly effective team, even when some members arrive with hesitation and doubt.
There is much to enjoy in this series, and it's probably quite obvious that I highly recommend it.
This is the third in the Presidential Agent series by W.E.B. Griffin, and so far it's my favorite. The good-guy characters are (mostly) all business - one of the things that fascinated me about this novel in particular is how the good guys sift through issues of who is trustworthy, and who is not.
The Hunters is intriguing and seems to give some insight into the world of national security and espionage. Sometimes the best friend to have is the enemy of your enemy, a concept that is apparent in this story. There are suspenseful moments but I wouldn't characterize the book as a page-turner. It's more like a tide that pulls you in almost without you realizing it.
Griffin gives us a hero, Charley Castillo, who is far from perfect but still very admirable. His unique and diverse background helps him get into places where others simply cannot go. His intuition combined with this background also helps him to build a highly effective team, even when some members arrive with hesitation and doubt.
There is much to enjoy in this series, and it's probably quite obvious that I highly recommend it.
May 27, 2008
I guess I like this Preseidential Agent Series by WEB Griffin. I don't know if I would have gotten into the first one if I knew the story was basically going to keep going. The first book was a separate story but the next two are tied together (there is also another coming that also ties into these). This one carries on from the "The Hostage" book as the main character is now in pursuit of the people behind the deed. Again, it is military and action but I do enjoy them as diversion. I read enough business and engineering to really like some escapism reading. These have done that. This is a VERY big book for me, though ...
August 4, 2018
A beautiful, in depth look into the inner workings of intelligence and intelligence agents, with the occasional pulse-pounding action sequence. A terrific book by a great writer. If you want to be there this will put you there with a limited prospect of violent bodily harm..
November 23, 2021
This is a typical government spook novel. Run here, run there, run everywhere. The characters are interesting, but it drags out with a little too much detail,
September 30, 2023
A long read with several dry spots. But in the end, an overall good read.
This book has it all. Spooks, money laundering, murder, torture, secret spy teams. What more can a reader want.
This book has it all. Spooks, money laundering, murder, torture, secret spy teams. What more can a reader want.
November 7, 2014
Can you say "Abridged"? I'm not a fan of a shortened version of stories on Audio Book CDs, but definitely think this story could have easily been covered in 10 disks versus the 18 in the unabridged version. There is way too much "fluff" in this story that really added no benefit to the story. As I'm listening I figure this story has to end with a big bang due to being dragged out so long, but I was totally disappointed when the reader / listener was left with no conclusive answers or a true ending to this story. Really . . . I listened to 18 disks on this story plus 15 disks for the prior story, "The Hostage", and you can't bring this storyline to a close so I'm not left wondering what really happened??? 2 out of 10 on this one for me due to the unnecessary length and the inability of the author to close the story.
June 8, 2020
This was definitely a chunky book, but I had a lot of fun reading it. There are some characters that I wasn't sure about in the last book, but they definitely redeemed themselves and grew on me in this one. Unfortunately, the romance ended and there was a deep betrayal in this one. I loved Charley and the way he managed to maneuver himself through the cut throat world of politics in Washington. There were a lot of action scenes, scenes with a hilarious dog, and friendships that grew. Although it was frustrating that the mystery of who exactly killed Masterson is still unsolved. Lastly, I absolutely loved the ending where Charley decides to get the dog laid for saving his life earlier in the book. It was a fun read.
February 9, 2024
Another entertaining installment.
September 15, 2020
I felt a little better than the other ones, still about a 3.5. As I’m thinking it’s better then it starts getting redundant again. The author has a habit of repeating things throughout the book at least five or six times. We all know the story of what happened at Myer link now. Either the prince killed himself and his 16-year-old lover or the king have them murdered. I thought the “Kangaroo Jury“ in their jet was a little over the top. Overall, it kept me into it.
March 26, 2012
This series seems to be setting up to be an EPIC... The first three novels in this series are interesting, but seem more bent on describing the creation of a secret covert agency under a presidential finding. At the same time, conincidence seems to be the best intelligence, though I suppose careful observation often creates such coincidence. It is almost absurd that Charley's "uncle" (close family friend\employee) would have details, at least a conspiracy theory, that would lead Charley further down the path of his investigation of the Iraqui oil scandal... coincidence that this man has become a target?
While the story progresses and there is some decent action, I, for one, am a bit tired of this agent traveling around the world in a week's time and talking about how tired he is. It is like nobody else on his team can do some of this traveling. Realistic? I see realism from time to time, but the conicidences began to untie the reality knots as I progress through this series.
I find Charley a great character with a deep background. I find his relationships to be a cool factor. I think, at times, that Griffin out-Clancy's the best of Tom Clancy's stuff. However, this books feels more like a setup to a big climax and the author left me disappointed in the Russian mafioso character. The climax was almost anti-climactic as I realized that there has to be so much more to come. I also don't like the idea that as people get to know Charley they accept his unorthodox methods and attitudes. Even those who don't like him find themselves gravitating towards like, as if he is the espionage messiah, come to redeem all of the FBI and CIA pariahs from their troubled (and usually) undeserved exiles, etc.
Still.. this author keeps me turning the pages, hardly able to wait to see what is happening. He drops tidbits of information like worms on a hook and keeps me turning pages. In other words, he is a good writer, even if his plots are a bit overblown.. at lease in this series. I plan to read his police series (Badge Honor) next.
While the story progresses and there is some decent action, I, for one, am a bit tired of this agent traveling around the world in a week's time and talking about how tired he is. It is like nobody else on his team can do some of this traveling. Realistic? I see realism from time to time, but the conicidences began to untie the reality knots as I progress through this series.
I find Charley a great character with a deep background. I find his relationships to be a cool factor. I think, at times, that Griffin out-Clancy's the best of Tom Clancy's stuff. However, this books feels more like a setup to a big climax and the author left me disappointed in the Russian mafioso character. The climax was almost anti-climactic as I realized that there has to be so much more to come. I also don't like the idea that as people get to know Charley they accept his unorthodox methods and attitudes. Even those who don't like him find themselves gravitating towards like, as if he is the espionage messiah, come to redeem all of the FBI and CIA pariahs from their troubled (and usually) undeserved exiles, etc.
Still.. this author keeps me turning the pages, hardly able to wait to see what is happening. He drops tidbits of information like worms on a hook and keeps me turning pages. In other words, he is a good writer, even if his plots are a bit overblown.. at lease in this series. I plan to read his police series (Badge Honor) next.
November 20, 2008
This is the sequel to The Hostage, beginning at—or, in fact, overlapping—the end of that book). Major Charley Castillo continues his hunt for the people involved in the Oil-For-Food scandal, with his merry band of buccaneers now being funded by the money he liberated from the safe of the bad guy at the end of the preceding book. When I first read this, I put it off as errant nonsense, but I have come to think more fondly of Griffin since then; maybe he grows on one. In fact, I like it enough that I will seek out the first book of the series, which Google tells me is entitled (of course) The Presidential Agent. (I should have known.) I am also told that there is now a fourth book, entitled The Shooters. I have no idea what the fourth one is about, but I gather it contains much the same characters (or at least all those who have survived) from the first three. Griffin has a way with characters, and the dialog is natural, even if unbelievable. The world would probably be a better place if it were filled with these brash young men, but I find it difficult to stretch my imagination that far. Still—this books would make a hell of a good action movie.
June 23, 2017
Not enough ACTION!! Too slow with the plot.
October 18, 2020
This book, and the entire series have a lot of potential. Unfortunately, now into book 3 I see that this potential won't unfold. I am unsure if I want to keep going in the series for the following reasons:
1) Repetition: the amount of times he repeats entire conversations, etc. is absolutely a crime. Out of this book's 800 or so pages, at least 200-300 are repeated stuff that really, the reader DOES NOT need to re-read.
2) Character: Charley's character is just too unbelievable. The thing that really pisses me off is if he is that rich, a West Pointer and so connected HE WOULD NOT be telling people it shouldn't be him in charge. He would be way more arrogant and self assured of himself. If he is such a hotshot that he always makes the 5% promotion list, those guys are "go getters" and don't talk shit about self doubt, especially to others. Another thing that drives me nuts is he tells fucking EVERYONE about the top secret presidential thing. Like if shit like that happened IRL, the secret would definitely have gotten out. You don't share that type of shit so casually as he does. Absolutely drives me nuts. Also, how rich is this guy that he can just have $1000 a night rooms going indefinitely? We never really learn and I think if he was THAT fucking rich, he wouldn't have stayed in the military as long as he has. Lastly, his relationship with the "girlfriend" was also a piece of shit when it comes to writing. Book 1 and 2 he is all gaga and then he can't even drop in to see her? WTF? Inconsistent much?
3) Plot: It is all over the place, and honestly this feel like this book was written by the son, not the dad. I don't remember The Corps or Brotherhood being this bad. Yes, there is some mystery that we want to know "who" did it, but it is so badly interwoven it is frustrating.
4) Mystery: I'm at the point now where I don't give a fuck "who did it" because of all the other negative things this series brings to the table, I'm going to just google the results and pass on the next 5 books. I realize the last book was written as a fuck you to his publisher, and it seems his fans, but yeah I just don't care "who did it"
Huge amount of potential in this series. I think if Netflix could get the rights and trim away the 75% of fat this series has the 25% meat would make for a good season of good TV.
1) Repetition: the amount of times he repeats entire conversations, etc. is absolutely a crime. Out of this book's 800 or so pages, at least 200-300 are repeated stuff that really, the reader DOES NOT need to re-read.
2) Character: Charley's character is just too unbelievable. The thing that really pisses me off is if he is that rich, a West Pointer and so connected HE WOULD NOT be telling people it shouldn't be him in charge. He would be way more arrogant and self assured of himself. If he is such a hotshot that he always makes the 5% promotion list, those guys are "go getters" and don't talk shit about self doubt, especially to others. Another thing that drives me nuts is he tells fucking EVERYONE about the top secret presidential thing. Like if shit like that happened IRL, the secret would definitely have gotten out. You don't share that type of shit so casually as he does. Absolutely drives me nuts. Also, how rich is this guy that he can just have $1000 a night rooms going indefinitely? We never really learn and I think if he was THAT fucking rich, he wouldn't have stayed in the military as long as he has. Lastly, his relationship with the "girlfriend" was also a piece of shit when it comes to writing. Book 1 and 2 he is all gaga and then he can't even drop in to see her? WTF? Inconsistent much?
3) Plot: It is all over the place, and honestly this feel like this book was written by the son, not the dad. I don't remember The Corps or Brotherhood being this bad. Yes, there is some mystery that we want to know "who" did it, but it is so badly interwoven it is frustrating.
4) Mystery: I'm at the point now where I don't give a fuck "who did it" because of all the other negative things this series brings to the table, I'm going to just google the results and pass on the next 5 books. I realize the last book was written as a fuck you to his publisher, and it seems his fans, but yeah I just don't care "who did it"
Huge amount of potential in this series. I think if Netflix could get the rights and trim away the 75% of fat this series has the 25% meat would make for a good season of good TV.
June 4, 2024
I’ve suggested in a previous Griffin review that the Presidential Agent series is more like a detective novel on an elaborate scale. There is type of detective form known as a “procedural.” I think it would be fair to suggest that this series could be described as a “logistical.” There’s an awful lot of time spent on how the crew is going to get from point A to point B, how they are going to be transported, who will do what, what will they eat, what weapons they will need, how the communications will work, etc. As you get deeper into the series there’s a lot of recapping of the main character’s history or explaining previous events to new members of the team. It gets a bit tedious but at the same time sort of addictive. Book 3, The Hunters, is a continuation of Book 2 with many of the same characters. There are many meetings, lots of travel and very few surprises. Sometimes the detail of the logistics seems like filler and the end of these stories are often anticlimactic as in this one where things are wrapped up very quickly with a short shoot out and the reveal of who the bad guys are. Mostly the story seems realistic but there are a couple of scenes in this book that raise questions. For example Castillo’s love interest shows up in DC only three weeks after her very extensive surgery where we were told a bullet was removed from her jaw, jaw wired and plastic surgery required. Yet somehow she is able to get out of her hospital bed and return to limited duty on the Secret Service protection detail. It’s mostly a scene to abruptly end their romance. In another scene Castillo, two FBI agents, two Secret Service agents, a CIA officer and assorted green berets kidnap a Texas businessman who was a childhood friend of Castillo’s and mentally torture him aboard the Gulfstream aircraft because he was involved in buying Iraqi oil in questionable conditions. It’s a mean, bullying scene that makes Castillo seem a bit less attractive as our hero. Time to take a Griffin break although the reader reviews for the next book are quite positive.
May 27, 2021
Charley Castillo is back. This book picks up right where Book #2 left off, but I thought the pace picked up a little bit, which is a good thing. Griffin provides lots of detail, which is actually a common complaint of those who have read this book. I think it's what he's great at. Not every page is action. The story focuses on the detailed-driven logistics that goes into following money trails, deciphering information and misinformation, and of course planning ops. Navigating the not-so-glamorous side of diplomacy when it comes to communication, and officially/unofficially working together, of both US and foreign agencies, is explored in depth.
I think the series improves partly because characters that may have appeared as "cardboard" or "stock" characters in Book #1, are beginning to have more complexities, and in turn, become more likeable, by the time the reader gets to "Hunters."
There are times, when even I, who normally enjoys the detail, feels the story slows a little, when even conversations about which credit card to use to fuel up a Gulfstream, take most of a page. I generally want to defend Griffin and the book when I see people make this complaint...but I begrudgingly agree that by cutting down on these perhaps unnecessary details, the author could have skimmed about 50-75 pages off.
The most intriguing thing about the book for me, is the vast amount of red tape, even our super-cool-tough guy-Special Forces/Secret Service/Homeland Security-Presidential Agent has to deal with. That, and the confusion that stems from having so many agencies and people working for the vast arms of the government. I think there's a fair amount of realism to this book. Fun and realistic plot, and likeable characters. Another good read from WEB Griffin.
I think the series improves partly because characters that may have appeared as "cardboard" or "stock" characters in Book #1, are beginning to have more complexities, and in turn, become more likeable, by the time the reader gets to "Hunters."
There are times, when even I, who normally enjoys the detail, feels the story slows a little, when even conversations about which credit card to use to fuel up a Gulfstream, take most of a page. I generally want to defend Griffin and the book when I see people make this complaint...but I begrudgingly agree that by cutting down on these perhaps unnecessary details, the author could have skimmed about 50-75 pages off.
The most intriguing thing about the book for me, is the vast amount of red tape, even our super-cool-tough guy-Special Forces/Secret Service/Homeland Security-Presidential Agent has to deal with. That, and the confusion that stems from having so many agencies and people working for the vast arms of the government. I think there's a fair amount of realism to this book. Fun and realistic plot, and likeable characters. Another good read from WEB Griffin.
February 10, 2022
If you liked the previous book in the series, "The Hostage" then you will like this book too.
This story overlaps with the previous book in the series, "The Hostage". Apparently, the people behind the oil-for-food scam are trying to kill off anyone who might know about their corruption. That includes Carlos "Charley" Castillo, his "uncle" Eric Kocian, and anyone associated with them. In order to be safe Charley will have to hunt down the killers, but that was his job in the first place "to render harmless" the people who murdered Jack Masterson.
Any problems with this story? Well, the transformation of FBI Agent Yung was a little too easy. He had started off in the previous book as extremely hostile to Charley. Yung was backed into a corner, but how could he join Charlie's team so wholeheartedly? Although Yung's transformation was plausible, it didn't seem reasonably plausible.
Any modesty issues? The F-word was used over 20 times. Sex was implied but not described.
The ending was exciting and we found out, in part, how the assassins were getting enough information to track Charley and company.
This story overlaps with the previous book in the series, "The Hostage". Apparently, the people behind the oil-for-food scam are trying to kill off anyone who might know about their corruption. That includes Carlos "Charley" Castillo, his "uncle" Eric Kocian, and anyone associated with them. In order to be safe Charley will have to hunt down the killers, but that was his job in the first place "to render harmless" the people who murdered Jack Masterson.
Any problems with this story? Well, the transformation of FBI Agent Yung was a little too easy. He had started off in the previous book as extremely hostile to Charley. Yung was backed into a corner, but how could he join Charlie's team so wholeheartedly? Although Yung's transformation was plausible, it didn't seem reasonably plausible.
Any modesty issues? The F-word was used over 20 times. Sex was implied but not described.
The ending was exciting and we found out, in part, how the assassins were getting enough information to track Charley and company.
May 3, 2021
Another action-packed thriller from W.E.B. Griffin, this time from the Presidential Agent series. This one involves the search for the people behind the killing of a US diplomat and the kidnapping of his wife, covered in the previous book in this series. This very long (800+ pages) book quickly becomes a much more complex story involving activities in the US (DC, Texas, Pennsylvania, etc.), South America (Uruguay, Argentina) and Europe (Budapest, Fulda, Paris). The action and intrigue is pretty much non-stop, which makes this very long book move right along as a proper page-turner. Our hero, Charlie Castillo, puts together a rather large and diverse team at the behest of special orders and authorization from the President, thus cutting across organizational boundaries, and therefore egos, of the various agencies involved in intelligence and security within the Federal Government. As always, Griffin keeps things moving, involving many rather trite mannerisms that, throughout his many books in several series, don't get in the way of enjoying the story. I'm ready for the next one in this series.
September 8, 2018
This is the third book in the series.
This one takes up where book number 2 finishes. It does go on to rehash certain areas and facts throughout the book. The his one we find out how his love life is going. The impression it gave me wasn't a good one it almost felt like being hit in the face with a wet fish because it was there and happened and gone again.
However, the scenes covered in this excessively long book could have been condensed and the repeating lessened. It was way too long and got annoying to repeating things.
However, this being said above, I could see the potential of where the writer was trying to go, but failed to pull it off as good as they could have.
Its worth the read but a warning is a slow and draining one due to how many things are repeated because it does start to get on your nerves after awhile.
I can see where he author wants to go and suspect there's a huge amount of fighting and carnage coming along shortly.
This one takes up where book number 2 finishes. It does go on to rehash certain areas and facts throughout the book. The his one we find out how his love life is going. The impression it gave me wasn't a good one it almost felt like being hit in the face with a wet fish because it was there and happened and gone again.
However, the scenes covered in this excessively long book could have been condensed and the repeating lessened. It was way too long and got annoying to repeating things.
However, this being said above, I could see the potential of where the writer was trying to go, but failed to pull it off as good as they could have.
Its worth the read but a warning is a slow and draining one due to how many things are repeated because it does start to get on your nerves after awhile.
I can see where he author wants to go and suspect there's a huge amount of fighting and carnage coming along shortly.
September 25, 2025
This was another great read. Long but great. What I enjoy most about this series is the way the squad members bust each others balls about stuff. I'm always having a good laugh and enjoying the camaraderie that you find in close knit sports teams or military units. The mission developed the Oil for Food scandal plot quite a bit, but didn't exactly solve it either. That's fine, I've got time to read a few more of these haha. Really enjoyed the military process and especially the funeral rites they performed at Arlington. I've been there in person and I could see in my mind the honor and ceremony given their fallen comrade. Truly patriotic and moving.
April 27, 2020
A very easy read that provides the typical thrill and details that make this series and author enjoyable. A significant amount of time was spent catching up from the last book and I feel this much reflectiin would not be necessary, unless the reader jumps in halfway through the series. For fans of espionage and clandestine activities, this book hits the mark. The characters grow on you and the details feel as if you are part of the action. I jumped right into the next book.
September 22, 2024
Another highly entertaining book in Griffin's Presidential Agent series. It picks up right where The Hostage left off.
Castillo and his crew are still pursuing whoever was behind the "men in black" who have been killing. He recruits more team members and travels quite a bit between the US, Europe and South America.
I've been reading Griffin's work since I got turned on to him with The Corps series.
Castillo and his crew are still pursuing whoever was behind the "men in black" who have been killing. He recruits more team members and travels quite a bit between the US, Europe and South America.
I've been reading Griffin's work since I got turned on to him with The Corps series.
November 8, 2020
Struggling with this series a bit. I really enjoyed the first series Brotherhood of War. Unlike that series however, the characters are not quite as well developed in this series. Comparatively the BoW series had me eagerly looking forward to the next book where as this one I am actually pondering if I should.
January 1, 2021
Read this as part of the house cup challenge. Completely sad that I can't find book #2 to continue the series. Thankfully I was able to pick up this one and catch up on the series. The cast of favorite characters grows and I love that Argentina plays a part in the story. Love each of these characters. Maybe it is not the highest level of writing but I loved it.
June 15, 2021
Entertaining till the end
I have to say I am once again really enjoying Mr. Castillo and his merry band of misfits. WEB Has again created a world in which I am happy to delve into and wait with eager Anticipation for what will come next. I wish my dad was still alive so I can enjoy this series with him like I did with the others we both read
I have to say I am once again really enjoying Mr. Castillo and his merry band of misfits. WEB Has again created a world in which I am happy to delve into and wait with eager Anticipation for what will come next. I wish my dad was still alive so I can enjoy this series with him like I did with the others we both read
September 20, 2021
After rereading this book and his others in the Presidential Agent series as well as his books in the Brotherhood of War, The Corps, nd Men at War series it is sad that he left us in 2019. A great story teller in the writing of stories of interest for those who enjoy military and adventure stories!
July 1, 2024
This is the five-star rating system I use:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
April 17, 2020
Castillo continues to be exciting
Charlie Castillo’s exploits to solve problems of the USA involves him traveling the world via the use of his newly acquired plane. The level of excitement keeps you from putting down the book!
Charlie Castillo’s exploits to solve problems of the USA involves him traveling the world via the use of his newly acquired plane. The level of excitement keeps you from putting down the book!
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