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Michael Gresham #5
Sakharov the Bear - Michael Gresham Series Book 6
fiction
Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
3245 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
John Ellsworth
134 books512 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
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Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 5, 2017
Spy thriller
Michael Gresham in Moscow to defend two American spies. He doesn't know the rules or even the language. American spy community turned their back on them, even at times on Michael. Real page turner.
Michael Gresham in Moscow to defend two American spies. He doesn't know the rules or even the language. American spy community turned their back on them, even at times on Michael. Real page turner.
April 8, 2018
Love/Hate
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading John Ellsworth's legal thriller series with attorney, Michael Gresham; however, Sakharov the Bear, although very readable, it was also very trite. There was such a huge stretch between character connections in an effort to place this courtroom action in Russia, it was close to comical. What is the likelihood of the lead attorney, in defense of murder charges in a foreign country, knowing nothing about their legal system and not even speaking the language? The whole premise was preposterous and does not warrant the classification of "thriller". Please, Mr. Ellsworth, you can do better.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading John Ellsworth's legal thriller series with attorney, Michael Gresham; however, Sakharov the Bear, although very readable, it was also very trite. There was such a huge stretch between character connections in an effort to place this courtroom action in Russia, it was close to comical. What is the likelihood of the lead attorney, in defense of murder charges in a foreign country, knowing nothing about their legal system and not even speaking the language? The whole premise was preposterous and does not warrant the classification of "thriller". Please, Mr. Ellsworth, you can do better.
February 28, 2017
My opinion on this book
This makes five books by John Ellsworth I have read each one has been very very entertaining , can hardly wait for the next one
This makes five books by John Ellsworth I have read each one has been very very entertaining , can hardly wait for the next one
January 22, 2017
This story is about an American CIA agents Russell Xiang aka Rusty and Anna Petrov. They are working for the United Kingdom, tracking down an arms dealer Henrik who is a MI6 operator. They follow hims home, and kill his 4 body guards. As Henrik drives away, they search his house. They found what could be vital information with a bill of lading along with other information off his computer. It could be real or a set up. Henrik, tells Igor Tarayev that his son was killed. Tarayev demands their capture and brought to him or pictures of their dead bodies. This book is about spying, counter spying, double agents and is fast paced. It is also about protecting America and stopping the distruction of U.S. soil. Can they escape the Russians and find the shipment of deadly weapons Read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
January 16, 2018
I finished the book, but after recently falling in love with Ellsworth's Gresham . . . I think it is time to retire him. In this book the story seemed disjointed. The idea of sharing secrets with total strangers in a non-free land stretched imagination. Violence, where it appeared, seemed unnecessary and added not a wit to the story line. Overall, disappointing. However, I have never written a book. Probably more astute and creative readers than I will find it suitable for a riveting
movie. I hope so for author's sake.
Keep on keeping on Mr. E. I admire your work, and will likely love it again. Best. jhls
movie. I hope so for author's sake.
Keep on keeping on Mr. E. I admire your work, and will likely love it again. Best. jhls
March 1, 2018
When I read Annie's Verdict (Michael Gresham #6), I discovered that there were others in the series before it that I had not read, so it was a foregone conclusion I'd come back to pick them up. Characters get introduced in series, little factoids come out, and you want to know the back story. As another reviewer had said, these do stand alone, but I'm one of those readers who wants to know.
I'd read other books by this author, set in Russia, in a different series, so no particular surprises in the depiction of the system of justice from the American viewpoint. Face it, folks, the world is not the same everywhere.
There were a couple of places where my head was spinning and I was trying to figure out real or dream sequence, and I went back in my reading to check dates... a couple of loose ends that didn't quite tie together by the end of the story... some things implied but not quite stated, so I ended up giving it four rather than five stars. But all in all, the kind of read I come to expect from John Ellsworth.
I'd read other books by this author, set in Russia, in a different series, so no particular surprises in the depiction of the system of justice from the American viewpoint. Face it, folks, the world is not the same everywhere.
There were a couple of places where my head was spinning and I was trying to figure out real or dream sequence, and I went back in my reading to check dates... a couple of loose ends that didn't quite tie together by the end of the story... some things implied but not quite stated, so I ended up giving it four rather than five stars. But all in all, the kind of read I come to expect from John Ellsworth.
December 26, 2018
Don't waste your time!
No wonder it took 4 years to complete. It's more like a First attempt. Mr. Ellsworth would do himself a favor hiring an Editor. This book, and it's sequel, sadly lack one. And behold, "another" illegitimate kid! What a shock! He's a good a friend, as he is a "hero". Michael Gresham lacks character. Pun intended. If I'd read these books in order, I would have gone no farther. And the best is yet to come. He cries over Danny, while in bed with Mei, and takes Verona home! What a guy! And I haven't even gotten to his lawyering. He claims, " the jury doesn't like untruth" while lying his ass off! And it never fails. Someone on his team is always going to jail, or killed. Others pay while Michael skates. And Marcel, the brilliant "interpol" investigator, advises Michael to impersonate another! In Russia! Genius! Sorry, but I found not one thing believable about this book.
No wonder it took 4 years to complete. It's more like a First attempt. Mr. Ellsworth would do himself a favor hiring an Editor. This book, and it's sequel, sadly lack one. And behold, "another" illegitimate kid! What a shock! He's a good a friend, as he is a "hero". Michael Gresham lacks character. Pun intended. If I'd read these books in order, I would have gone no farther. And the best is yet to come. He cries over Danny, while in bed with Mei, and takes Verona home! What a guy! And I haven't even gotten to his lawyering. He claims, " the jury doesn't like untruth" while lying his ass off! And it never fails. Someone on his team is always going to jail, or killed. Others pay while Michael skates. And Marcel, the brilliant "interpol" investigator, advises Michael to impersonate another! In Russia! Genius! Sorry, but I found not one thing believable about this book.
September 23, 2024
Michael does it again, whew I was nervous, recommend
I don’t like fast relationships. Michael seems the type to love so quickly. He wears his heart on his sleeve. But he’s a good guy, he deserves love and happiness. I’m glad Mai went back to China, she was not good for Michael, even when they were young. She always been a cheater. But let’s talk about this president. What kind of evil person was he? He was so cunning and sneaky, not trustworthy. I wonder what happened to Van and Patalov? He pulled strings on people lives. Wow, this case had me sweating. That judge was horrible and unprofessional. Maann, Russia will never be on my bucket list as a vacation spot. I couldn’t pronounce half of these words. Editor really needs to read, check and correct. Sometimes, the story goes a little left and gets confusing. But storylines still good.
I don’t like fast relationships. Michael seems the type to love so quickly. He wears his heart on his sleeve. But he’s a good guy, he deserves love and happiness. I’m glad Mai went back to China, she was not good for Michael, even when they were young. She always been a cheater. But let’s talk about this president. What kind of evil person was he? He was so cunning and sneaky, not trustworthy. I wonder what happened to Van and Patalov? He pulled strings on people lives. Wow, this case had me sweating. That judge was horrible and unprofessional. Maann, Russia will never be on my bucket list as a vacation spot. I couldn’t pronounce half of these words. Editor really needs to read, check and correct. Sometimes, the story goes a little left and gets confusing. But storylines still good.
October 4, 2017
After pushing myself to finish reading this dis-jointed novel, I read a number of the one star and two star reviews by others. I agree with what most of them said. Don't waste your time on this book unless you have nothing else to read. Ellsworth really went downhill here. The entire plot is implausible. An American lawyer attempting to defend CIA agents captive in the Russian prison system, by pretending that he is a Russian, even though he admittedly does not speak the Russian language, is only one example of how far-fetched this story is. The plot never gels; there are too many unexplained and unanswered issues. And there is a small miracle: Gresham romantically sacks not only one, but two women while he's in Russia.
October 4, 2018
Not up to par with the 8 other books I have read from Ellsworth. Totally unbelievable events. Slow moving and I only keep reading because I thought it would get more interesting. The book made Russia sound worse than they probably are. I have visited Russia twice and enjoyed it. Michael can't take much more punishment than he has received in the series so far. I have loved his books so far except for this one and not sure I will continue with series.
October 1, 2019
Interesting and unpredictable thriller
The beginning was a little slow and hard to hold my interest but once I got past that it soon picked up! I was definitely rewarded for my persistence to continue reading because once Michael Gresham’s character entered the story then things took off rather quickly! I would encourage you to read this thriller as it does pay off to have all the details in the beginning of the story.
The beginning was a little slow and hard to hold my interest but once I got past that it soon picked up! I was definitely rewarded for my persistence to continue reading because once Michael Gresham’s character entered the story then things took off rather quickly! I would encourage you to read this thriller as it does pay off to have all the details in the beginning of the story.
June 22, 2020
Started this at 6:00am, and stayed on the couch for eight hours!
It was that good. So, how old is Michael Gresham now? He has a grown son from his college days, and a preschool kid? Got a bit fuzzy at times. Again, I learned a lot about court procedures, especially in Russia. Big difference from America policies, not in a good way. Look forward to the next book, but should probably take a break to get some dinner on the table!
It was that good. So, how old is Michael Gresham now? He has a grown son from his college days, and a preschool kid? Got a bit fuzzy at times. Again, I learned a lot about court procedures, especially in Russia. Big difference from America policies, not in a good way. Look forward to the next book, but should probably take a break to get some dinner on the table!
January 1, 2018
A review and a warning
As usual a well written book. Early on I reach a point with the story that disturbed me greatly. The president of the United States orders the death of members of his own intelligence agency, and thru most of the story it is clear that people are considered disposable. I don't want to live in that world, I hope I don't. But maybe I do.
As usual a well written book. Early on I reach a point with the story that disturbed me greatly. The president of the United States orders the death of members of his own intelligence agency, and thru most of the story it is clear that people are considered disposable. I don't want to live in that world, I hope I don't. But maybe I do.
January 14, 2018
Tedious
Unlike the first 4 Gresham books this was tedious, somewhat predictable, and too violent for my taste. That said, I immediately ordered the next in series. Can't always hit a home run. If you are ok with physical torture and an emotionally pathetic Gresham this provides an alarming inside (maybe) look at Russia.
Unlike the first 4 Gresham books this was tedious, somewhat predictable, and too violent for my taste. That said, I immediately ordered the next in series. Can't always hit a home run. If you are ok with physical torture and an emotionally pathetic Gresham this provides an alarming inside (maybe) look at Russia.
February 8, 2018
Always the entertainer, John Ellsworth, portrays a wonderful plot, vivid characters, and beautiful scenery.
As an avid reader, I do enjoy reading Mr. Ellsworth 's books. He writes the kind of books that are interesting with many scenarios that are actually going on in our courts today. His main character, Michael Gresham, makes the stories pop!
As an avid reader, I do enjoy reading Mr. Ellsworth 's books. He writes the kind of books that are interesting with many scenarios that are actually going on in our courts today. His main character, Michael Gresham, makes the stories pop!
August 8, 2018
The Bear
Mr. Ellsworth really did an outstanding job on this book. It keeps you trying to figure out how he is going get his clients out. I would recommend this to all who esp. like a mystery that contains foreign governments and their ways and rules of procedures we take for granted. Well done!! Thank you again...Cindy
Mr. Ellsworth really did an outstanding job on this book. It keeps you trying to figure out how he is going get his clients out. I would recommend this to all who esp. like a mystery that contains foreign governments and their ways and rules of procedures we take for granted. Well done!! Thank you again...Cindy
January 17, 2019
Slippery moves
Michael once again finds in in the middle of a tough case. Still !living day by day after the loss of the love of his life he is forced to make a decision that could destroy his life to save the lives of his clients half way across the world. I
This legal thriller is a slippery and the streets of a bitter cold Moscow night.
Michael once again finds in in the middle of a tough case. Still !living day by day after the loss of the love of his life he is forced to make a decision that could destroy his life to save the lives of his clients half way across the world. I
This legal thriller is a slippery and the streets of a bitter cold Moscow night.
March 10, 2019
The best so far
This was the best espionage novel I’ve read in many years. It was so believable and terrifying that I had to keep reminding myself that it’s just a novel. John Ellsworth has the writers touch. Thank you for taking me on a journey of intrigue, and characters I will not forget, especially Michael and Marcel. Dr. C. 🎉🎊🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷👍
This was the best espionage novel I’ve read in many years. It was so believable and terrifying that I had to keep reminding myself that it’s just a novel. John Ellsworth has the writers touch. Thank you for taking me on a journey of intrigue, and characters I will not forget, especially Michael and Marcel. Dr. C. 🎉🎊🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷👍
May 15, 2019
Nice read
John I’d not hit this with his usual aplomb. The story line got a little to far fetched and the connivence and perpetuation of affections speaks to a point I have never seen with a Georgetown grad. The ones I know were terrific students and otherwise unremarkable and developing relationships. So with this mythology aside I found this a good book but not to Johns usual standards.
John I’d not hit this with his usual aplomb. The story line got a little to far fetched and the connivence and perpetuation of affections speaks to a point I have never seen with a Georgetown grad. The ones I know were terrific students and otherwise unremarkable and developing relationships. So with this mythology aside I found this a good book but not to Johns usual standards.
January 25, 2020
As you get into this one it makes you love politics, and especially the CIA. It takes us all the way to chapter ten to mention Michael Gresham. Hey and then a mess occurs and he’s supposed to be Michail Sakharov representing a CIA gunslinger Russell Xiang. It is a good story, just not as engaging as some of his others. 4.8
February 6, 2022
I’m really quite enjoying this series. I have to be honest some of the storylines are hard to believe - long lost children springing up from nowhere. A lawyer who keeps getting on the wrong side of the law just to name a couple.
However there’s something that keeps drawing the reader in to see what the next episode will bring.
However there’s something that keeps drawing the reader in to see what the next episode will bring.
April 2, 2022
A slow start
This book started off fairly slow to me and I almost considered not finishing it. Remembering other books in the series I decided to continue and was glad I did. In light of what is happening in the world today, this was a very interesting book giving details about the Russian legal system.
This book started off fairly slow to me and I almost considered not finishing it. Remembering other books in the series I decided to continue and was glad I did. In light of what is happening in the world today, this was a very interesting book giving details about the Russian legal system.
August 6, 2022
Stay away from Russia!
I have been taught all my life to fear Russia. Reading this book just solidifies that fact. There are no rules in Russia. Kill or be killed. Trust nobody. The Russians do not play well with others. Having observed all of this, I was a little concerned about how the trial turned out. There is no accounting for juries!
I have been taught all my life to fear Russia. Reading this book just solidifies that fact. There are no rules in Russia. Kill or be killed. Trust nobody. The Russians do not play well with others. Having observed all of this, I was a little concerned about how the trial turned out. There is no accounting for juries!
January 23, 2025
Heavy read
A book set in Russia is a heavy read. And all the espionage and counter-espionage is mind-bending. The story is great but this reader is left wondering what is real and what is fiction. This is the second such book I've read about the USSR. Enough for me to know I would never go there as a tourist.
A book set in Russia is a heavy read. And all the espionage and counter-espionage is mind-bending. The story is great but this reader is left wondering what is real and what is fiction. This is the second such book I've read about the USSR. Enough for me to know I would never go there as a tourist.
July 8, 2017
International Flair
I love a legal thriller ... in this case even more so because of the international setting ... Russia. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light yet interesting read.
I love a legal thriller ... in this case even more so because of the international setting ... Russia. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light yet interesting read.
November 29, 2017
The best of the bunch
I have read numbers five, six and seven of the Michael Gresham series. Strange how the writing reminds me of John Grisham. All three were good as stand alone novels. I may continue working my way backward.
I have read numbers five, six and seven of the Michael Gresham series. Strange how the writing reminds me of John Grisham. All three were good as stand alone novels. I may continue working my way backward.
December 21, 2017
Surprise Ending
I’ve read all of the books in this series and all have you thinking, how is he going to get out of this? Legal thrillers are a favorite of mine and this doesn’t disappoint.
I’ve read all of the books in this series and all have you thinking, how is he going to get out of this? Legal thrillers are a favorite of mine and this doesn’t disappoint.
February 20, 2018
Wonderful Ending!
This book was very informational in court proceedings in Russia and I pity anyone put in that position. Even attorneys have to use deceit on occasions to overcome evil!
This book was very informational in court proceedings in Russia and I pity anyone put in that position. Even attorneys have to use deceit on occasions to overcome evil!
April 15, 2018
This is the fifth book in this author’s Michael Gresham series. I enjoyed it-as I have the others. My rating is actually a 3.50. I appreciated the Moscow setting and that fascinating city became a character in the novel. This spy thriller/ legal work was a quick read. I’d recommend it.
May 4, 2018
Awesome writer!!!
Very interesting, full of exciting event's and Hayes to put book down to tend to other things I info to fulfil! I would recommend this book to all that enjoy reading about suspense. ☺
Very interesting, full of exciting event's and Hayes to put book down to tend to other things I info to fulfil! I would recommend this book to all that enjoy reading about suspense. ☺
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews