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THRESHOLD: A totally gripping conspiracy thriller with a jaw-dropping twist
These things I know:
The Vice President is coming to Philadelphia.
Someone is going to try to kill her.
We have four days to stop them.
Key Murphy has been urgently summoned to Philadelphia. There is a threat to the Vice President of The United States. That’s all he knows. It’s what he doesn’t know that scares
Who made the threat? What do they have to gain? Why does someone want him involved? Is the threat real, or is someone just trying to create chaos? What the hell is he supposed to do about it?
“Fans of thrillers like the Bourne series will have a great time with Threshold.” –Readers Favorite
The Vice President is coming to Philadelphia.
Someone is going to try to kill her.
We have four days to stop them.
Key Murphy has been urgently summoned to Philadelphia. There is a threat to the Vice President of The United States. That’s all he knows. It’s what he doesn’t know that scares
Who made the threat? What do they have to gain? Why does someone want him involved? Is the threat real, or is someone just trying to create chaos? What the hell is he supposed to do about it?
“Fans of thrillers like the Bourne series will have a great time with Threshold.” –Readers Favorite
- GenresFiction
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2023
82 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 29, 2023
I usually don't enjoy books with a historical component. But "Threshold" held my interest because of the mix of contemporary issues and (a bit of "embellished") history. Although when I first read the word "covid," I thought I'd be reading a re-hash of the effects of the pandemic. Thank goodness I was wrong. You'll have to ignore whatever political views you have to read the book; but there is enough conflict to satisfy the liberal, moderate, or conservative leanings anyone may have. Because of the plot twists and intermingled storylines, I might have guessed that the author worked for the CIA, FBI, or DHS...if he doesn't, his imagination should qualify him for employment immediately! The book can be read as a standalone as the author gives enough information to connect the predecessor "The Key to Kells." I'd recommend reading that first to fully enjoy the second. And the ending...it sure shocked me! I received an eARC copy for leaving an honest review...and I couldn't put the book away until I finished it!
July 1, 2023
Threshold was an really great book that I enjoyed reading. It kept you in a loop while reading it. I loved how they incorporated the COVID-19 aspects into this story. It was an anticipating and suspenseful story and I recommend everyone to give it a read if you are into thrillers, suspense, government stories, and also a hint of the ability to see previous ancestor's memories. It almost reminds of the Night Shift or Bourne series.
The author did amazing writing this story as it was very complex and well told. I was able to picture in my mind what was happening and to also feel the character's emotions. He tells each character's perspective very well and pulls you into this immersive world he created.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The author did amazing writing this story as it was very complex and well told. I was able to picture in my mind what was happening and to also feel the character's emotions. He tells each character's perspective very well and pulls you into this immersive world he created.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 10, 2023
In this thrilling sequel to The Key to Kells, Key, Arin, and Buck must work quickly to help foil an assassination attempt on the Vice President of the United States. Key and Arin's relaxing vacation is diverted when they are called in to assist with an investigation. There they join Buck and meet Captain Cat Fahey, a woman with the ancestral memory gene which gives her an inhuman gift of perception. She can easily read the tiniest of cues, making her an asset to this investigation. The VP is coming to Philadelphia in a few short days, and this group must work with law enforcement to prevent a catastrophe. A group of white supremacists seem to be the largest threat, but who's pulling the strings? This could be part of a larger conspiracy, and lives are on the line.
I still feel that the ancestral memory gene is such an interesting plot element. In this novel it's more of a side story, not necessarily super relevant to the current events of the threat against the VP, but an interesting look into history and how repeats itself. I loved this introduction to Cat. She's hyper-intelligent and tough as nails, but still has her own battles to fight. She's dedicated to unlocking her ancestral memories, and using them to find the truth in today's world. I also enjoyed the the relationship between Key and Arin; you can see how they've grown closer in this sequel. The only thing that bugged me in this one was all the covid references. (I personally don't like reading about it). I know this novel was set in a specific time period, so it makes sense for it to be mentioned, but I wish the time had been more ambiguous, so I wouldn't have to hear about it so often. I think the plot would have been just fine without those references. Overall this is a fine example of a political thriller, with the unique addition of characters being able to view the memories of their ancestors. I'm excited to see where Arin's memories take them in the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
I still feel that the ancestral memory gene is such an interesting plot element. In this novel it's more of a side story, not necessarily super relevant to the current events of the threat against the VP, but an interesting look into history and how repeats itself. I loved this introduction to Cat. She's hyper-intelligent and tough as nails, but still has her own battles to fight. She's dedicated to unlocking her ancestral memories, and using them to find the truth in today's world. I also enjoyed the the relationship between Key and Arin; you can see how they've grown closer in this sequel. The only thing that bugged me in this one was all the covid references. (I personally don't like reading about it). I know this novel was set in a specific time period, so it makes sense for it to be mentioned, but I wish the time had been more ambiguous, so I wouldn't have to hear about it so often. I think the plot would have been just fine without those references. Overall this is a fine example of a political thriller, with the unique addition of characters being able to view the memories of their ancestors. I'm excited to see where Arin's memories take them in the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
July 20, 2023
I really loved the first book in the series, and eagerly anticipated Threshold being released. I would describe both books in the series as "thrillers" but while Key to Kells was more genre-bending, Threshold was a more traditional edge-of-your-seat thriller.
I am an American who (very intentionally) did not live in America during covid. Threshold really transported me to the mindset and tension of what it was like living in America throughout covid lockdowns, BLM protests, Trump as president, mental health issues running rampant, the general vibe of not being able to catch a break. It makes me doubly glad that I was not in America at this time, and can just experience it at a distance through works of (very realistic) fiction such as Threshold. The plot about the VP was so realistic I am definitely curious if it really happened, or almost really happened.
The tension is palpable throughout the whole book, and is borderline overwhelming, but we are in the safe hands of our main characters. The balance of love, sturdy relationships, people having each others back, and optimism and determination for goodness in the face of so much turbulence is what makes this book so enjoyable. We are able to experience all this intensity, because we feel like Key, Arin, Buck, and Cat will have our backs no matter what.
I really liked all of the travel in Key to Kells, and I hope there is more of that in future books, but the book being predominantly set in Philadelphia over the course of just a couple of days made perfect sense and really set a tone for a specific moment in time.
Check out this book, you won't regret it!
I am an American who (very intentionally) did not live in America during covid. Threshold really transported me to the mindset and tension of what it was like living in America throughout covid lockdowns, BLM protests, Trump as president, mental health issues running rampant, the general vibe of not being able to catch a break. It makes me doubly glad that I was not in America at this time, and can just experience it at a distance through works of (very realistic) fiction such as Threshold. The plot about the VP was so realistic I am definitely curious if it really happened, or almost really happened.
The tension is palpable throughout the whole book, and is borderline overwhelming, but we are in the safe hands of our main characters. The balance of love, sturdy relationships, people having each others back, and optimism and determination for goodness in the face of so much turbulence is what makes this book so enjoyable. We are able to experience all this intensity, because we feel like Key, Arin, Buck, and Cat will have our backs no matter what.
I really liked all of the travel in Key to Kells, and I hope there is more of that in future books, but the book being predominantly set in Philadelphia over the course of just a couple of days made perfect sense and really set a tone for a specific moment in time.
Check out this book, you won't regret it!
Read
June 12, 2023Kevin Barry O'Connor returns with another fascinating, riveting, dynamic and intriguing plotted assassination thriller! The Author combines twisting plotlines, wry wit and clever puzzles to create another immensely entertaining suspense book!
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The chapters are crafted in a compelling design and suspenseful mystery, a brilliant mind-blowing action, suspense and nitty-gritty detail chasing pieces of a multi-faceted unbelievable puzzle! THRESHOLD is extremely relevant, meticulously researched with electrifying details that will leave you with mouth open!
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The pulse of the excitement seemed to follow expected endings but frequently did not, the result instead went differently in more interesting and intense directions! A page-turner with lots of suspense, the plot structure maintains a suspenseful pace and the writing is crisp and pared down! I loved this book and I definitely rate it 5 stars!
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The chapters are crafted in a compelling design and suspenseful mystery, a brilliant mind-blowing action, suspense and nitty-gritty detail chasing pieces of a multi-faceted unbelievable puzzle! THRESHOLD is extremely relevant, meticulously researched with electrifying details that will leave you with mouth open!
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The pulse of the excitement seemed to follow expected endings but frequently did not, the result instead went differently in more interesting and intense directions! A page-turner with lots of suspense, the plot structure maintains a suspenseful pace and the writing is crisp and pared down! I loved this book and I definitely rate it 5 stars!
December 19, 2023
Threshold by Kevin Barry O'Connor is a sophisticated and engaging assassination thriller that grabs the reader from the opening scene and doesn't let go until the suprising ending! The Author weaves an intricate and stylish story with vivid characters, it opens a door into a fascinating and complex world of murder attack, chaos, mind-blowing countdown, suspense and a compelling prose!
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The book is a masterful blend of assassination, political and conspiracy thriller, the characters are well drawn and definitely have an emotional tie to the reader, the riveting plot flows very smoothly and it puts you on the edge of your seat! THRESHOLD is a book filled with tensions, intrigue moments, and character development in its finest I highly recommend you to read this tremendously entertaining and enthralling book!
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The Author's vivid prose transports you into the terrific World so vividly that the characters and setting become as real as any people or places you've experienced, the amazingly crafted chapters are elaborated in a very intriguing and compulsive style, from dazzling backgrounds to breathtaking dialogues and outstanding twists THRESHOLD is a 5/5 read and a must read for every book reader!
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The book is a masterful blend of assassination, political and conspiracy thriller, the characters are well drawn and definitely have an emotional tie to the reader, the riveting plot flows very smoothly and it puts you on the edge of your seat! THRESHOLD is a book filled with tensions, intrigue moments, and character development in its finest I highly recommend you to read this tremendously entertaining and enthralling book!
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The Author's vivid prose transports you into the terrific World so vividly that the characters and setting become as real as any people or places you've experienced, the amazingly crafted chapters are elaborated in a very intriguing and compulsive style, from dazzling backgrounds to breathtaking dialogues and outstanding twists THRESHOLD is a 5/5 read and a must read for every book reader!
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May 21, 2023
Threshold by Kevin Barry O'Connor is a new book and a new author to me. I didn't read the first book, but I felt that was okay as enough was explained in this book to keep me informed.
The plot of Threshold was interesting: Key Murphy has been urgently summoned to Philadelphia. There is a threat to the Vice President of The United States. That’s all he knows. It’s what he doesn’t know that scares him:
Who made the threat? What do they have to gain? Why does someone want him involved? Is the threat real, or is someone just trying to create chaos?
I enjoyed how the author created interweaving scenes and unfolded the story. Some parts had heart-pounding action. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters.
I would recommend this book and this author. A good story with credible characters and an exciting plot.
#Threshold #NetGalley
The plot of Threshold was interesting: Key Murphy has been urgently summoned to Philadelphia. There is a threat to the Vice President of The United States. That’s all he knows. It’s what he doesn’t know that scares him:
Who made the threat? What do they have to gain? Why does someone want him involved? Is the threat real, or is someone just trying to create chaos?
I enjoyed how the author created interweaving scenes and unfolded the story. Some parts had heart-pounding action. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters.
I would recommend this book and this author. A good story with credible characters and an exciting plot.
#Threshold #NetGalley
June 26, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. I recieved a free copy of the book for an honest review so as this was book 2 of the series I of course had to read book 1 first.
I finished the 1st book and couldn't put this one down. I like how each story builds on the characters. Also how each book had a story of its own and a bigger story flowing throughout the series and the final challenge has yet to be dealt with. Looking forward to reading the 3rd book as soon as it comes out. I don't want to say to much as to avoid spoilers..but I will say this series grabs you and keeps you guessing until the end.
I finished the 1st book and couldn't put this one down. I like how each story builds on the characters. Also how each book had a story of its own and a bigger story flowing throughout the series and the final challenge has yet to be dealt with. Looking forward to reading the 3rd book as soon as it comes out. I don't want to say to much as to avoid spoilers..but I will say this series grabs you and keeps you guessing until the end.
May 26, 2023
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Threshold” is the second book in a series by Kevin Barry O’Connor. This book had credible characters with lots of action. The writing is interesting and engaging. Although I read the first book, I believe the author does a great job filling new readers to the series in as to not miss much. This book felt like it would be a very engaging TV movie.
“Threshold” is the second book in a series by Kevin Barry O’Connor. This book had credible characters with lots of action. The writing is interesting and engaging. Although I read the first book, I believe the author does a great job filling new readers to the series in as to not miss much. This book felt like it would be a very engaging TV movie.
June 22, 2023
Another episode of the story of Key and Arin. This time another character, Cat, is the link to her ancestors and the events which are about to unfold. This book was fast moving and kept my interest. This book refers to the first book quite a lot . The references to the past seemed a little cryptic but otherwise a good and interesting read.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 27, 2023
My thanks to Net Galley and Book Whisperer for allowing me to review this arc book.
This was my first book from this author. Very well written and living near a lot of the locations that was used in the book was enjoyable to read .
My negative thoughts. Too long of a build up to the VP coming. That was what drew me in but then book digressed to too many other characters . I didn't get that ancestral gene part. An ok read.
This was my first book from this author. Very well written and living near a lot of the locations that was used in the book was enjoyable to read .
My negative thoughts. Too long of a build up to the VP coming. That was what drew me in but then book digressed to too many other characters . I didn't get that ancestral gene part. An ok read.
May 15, 2023
An excellent follow-up in the Key Murphy series as our protagonist is called on to use his special skills to protect the VP. Lots of action—almost to the super-spy level. Very enjoyable, positively read. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
June 21, 2023
Threshold is full of action and gets the reader's attention from the beginning. Will Key Murphy be able to keep the Vice President safe and avoid all the mayhem that is supposed to happen? Fast-paced and with an interesting plot this domestic thriller will keep you reading for a few hours.
I thank the author, his publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, his publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 24, 2023
Key Murphy returns in an action/ thriller where his unusual talents give him an edge against those that would assassinate the Vice President of the United States. This is book #2 in this series but could be read as a stand alone BUT, the first book is an original thriller that sets up the reader's appreciation for Key Murphy. I'd highly recommend reading both books.
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September 14, 2023THRESHOLD, the second installment in the Key Murphy Thriller series by Kevin Barry O’Connor is a modern thriller that crosses genres and defies expectations. Expect action, international intrigue, and suspense in this must read!
Read the full review on BookTrib.com
Read the full review on BookTrib.com
November 4, 2023
Great 2nd in Series!
Threshold, written by Kevin Barry O'Connor, is the second book in his Key Murphy Thriller series. Not all authors are able to follow a really great first book in a series, with an equally wonderful second, but Mr. O'Connor has definitely done so! This book is so very worth the read and now I am anxiously awaiting the third book in this series!
Threshold, written by Kevin Barry O'Connor, is the second book in his Key Murphy Thriller series. Not all authors are able to follow a really great first book in a series, with an equally wonderful second, but Mr. O'Connor has definitely done so! This book is so very worth the read and now I am anxiously awaiting the third book in this series!
March 2, 2025
So very real.
What an amazingly invite ful story. I could not put it down.. Thank you Mr. O'Connor for writing it. The past teaches us many lessons, but only if we have the wisdom to learn.
What an amazingly invite ful story. I could not put it down.. Thank you Mr. O'Connor for writing it. The past teaches us many lessons, but only if we have the wisdom to learn.
June 22, 2023
So believable.could not put this book down.
June 25, 2023
This was first time i read any thing by this author. The book had an unusual storyline and once i got into it it was very interesting. I will abs read the next book
February 11, 2025
3.5 stars
July 10, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up. Vastly different from the creativity of the first. I thought it was too politically charged/influenced.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews