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Stephanie Patrick #2
Chameleon
"Have you ever wondered what it feels like to kill somebody? To look into someone's eyes -- both of you fully aware of what's coming -- and then to pull the trigger. Or to stick the blade in, to feel the hot blood on your finger. Because I could tell you."One Last Assignment. After the tragic loss of her family, Stephanie Patrick was recruited as an assassin with an exceptional ability to change personas as easily as she changed clothes. Eighteen months later, she disappeared. Now, she's living a new life under a new name. But for Stephanie there is no escape from the past -- unless she's willing to kill again. The target: a powerful Russian gangster known as Koba, a brilliant enemy whose influence stretches from the Urals to New York City.
Plunged back into the shadowy underworld of violence and corruption, Stephanie finds the one thing she hadn't expected: Konstantin Komarov, a mysterious player as chameleon like as she is. But in a world where trust is weakness, honesty is naïveté, and brutality is routine, falling in love might be the greatest danger of all . . .
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 28, 2019
2.5 stars
Again too many names and connections to be able to keep track of the plot. But this time without being invested in Stephanie’s story. It was just more of the same. Therefore a star less, this time rounded up to 3 stars but I really hope that the next instalment will be different.
Again too many names and connections to be able to keep track of the plot. But this time without being invested in Stephanie’s story. It was just more of the same. Therefore a star less, this time rounded up to 3 stars but I really hope that the next instalment will be different.
June 10, 2018
I loved the first book but struggled with this one. I don't even know what the problem was really but it didn't hold my interest. I got frustrated with all the Russian names as it was difficult to keep all the characters straight when names are similar but unfamiliar.
September 15, 2013
RATING: 3.25
Chameleon: a person given to often expedient or facile change in ideas or character. The word applies perfectly to Stephanie Patrick. Only a few years earlier, she had been living life as a professional assassin by the name of “Petra Reuter”. In the intervening years, she’s transformed her lifestyle and lives in a peaceful haven in France. She has an attentive paysan by the name of Laurent with whom she dallies, and an income sufficient to keep her comfortable for years to come. That comfort is threatened, however, when she is approached by the man she used to work for, Alexander, who represents Magenta House, a kind of syndicate promulgating various international deals and subterfuges.
Stephanie has no desire to become Petra again, to return to becoming a person who is a cold-blooded, ruthless killer. She struggles against this throughout the book, at varying times being Petra, an expedient way to do what is necessary. Alexander has several plans for her. First, she is to find the person who murdered one of their operatives. Secondly, she is to find a Russian by the name of “Koba”, a chameleon in his own right. And thirdly, she is to purchase a biological weapon.
Normally, any of these assignments would be fairly easy for her to accomplish. What she doesn’t bank on is falling in love with a man by the name of “Kostya” Komarov, a Russian who has as many secrets as Stephanie does. They are 2 people who have survived only because they have only trusted themselves. Will they be able to move from the world of intrigue that they inhabit and into a lasting relationship?
Although I was fascinated with the metamorphosis of the Stephanie/Petra character, I found myself less mesmerized with the events that transpired in the book. Slowly paced and overly complex in its plotting, it was difficult and confusing to keep track of all the multitudinous threads in the book. I wished that Burnell had concentrated on Stephanie’s assignments. Instead, every person that she interacted with also had various activities that they were involved in. I essentially lost track of the plot and was totally confused by that and the sheer number of characters.
Another element that made reading the book difficult was that Burnell switches between third and first person point of view constantly throughout the narrative. I didn’t really see the rationale behind using this device. I think the book would have been more effective told from a first or third person point of view, but not both.
One area where Burnell excelled was in the action sequences. He communicated a vivid sense of danger and excitement in these scenes. Burnell also does a nice job of portraying the various European and Russian settings where the book takes place. The conclusion of the book sets up a terrible dilemma for Stephanie, and there is no indication of how it will turn out until the last moment. I would have enjoyed this book far more if the plot had been streamlined and the focus been on how Stephanie, operating at times as Petra, accomplished what she needed for herself and for the organization.
Chameleon: a person given to often expedient or facile change in ideas or character. The word applies perfectly to Stephanie Patrick. Only a few years earlier, she had been living life as a professional assassin by the name of “Petra Reuter”. In the intervening years, she’s transformed her lifestyle and lives in a peaceful haven in France. She has an attentive paysan by the name of Laurent with whom she dallies, and an income sufficient to keep her comfortable for years to come. That comfort is threatened, however, when she is approached by the man she used to work for, Alexander, who represents Magenta House, a kind of syndicate promulgating various international deals and subterfuges.
Stephanie has no desire to become Petra again, to return to becoming a person who is a cold-blooded, ruthless killer. She struggles against this throughout the book, at varying times being Petra, an expedient way to do what is necessary. Alexander has several plans for her. First, she is to find the person who murdered one of their operatives. Secondly, she is to find a Russian by the name of “Koba”, a chameleon in his own right. And thirdly, she is to purchase a biological weapon.
Normally, any of these assignments would be fairly easy for her to accomplish. What she doesn’t bank on is falling in love with a man by the name of “Kostya” Komarov, a Russian who has as many secrets as Stephanie does. They are 2 people who have survived only because they have only trusted themselves. Will they be able to move from the world of intrigue that they inhabit and into a lasting relationship?
Although I was fascinated with the metamorphosis of the Stephanie/Petra character, I found myself less mesmerized with the events that transpired in the book. Slowly paced and overly complex in its plotting, it was difficult and confusing to keep track of all the multitudinous threads in the book. I wished that Burnell had concentrated on Stephanie’s assignments. Instead, every person that she interacted with also had various activities that they were involved in. I essentially lost track of the plot and was totally confused by that and the sheer number of characters.
Another element that made reading the book difficult was that Burnell switches between third and first person point of view constantly throughout the narrative. I didn’t really see the rationale behind using this device. I think the book would have been more effective told from a first or third person point of view, but not both.
One area where Burnell excelled was in the action sequences. He communicated a vivid sense of danger and excitement in these scenes. Burnell also does a nice job of portraying the various European and Russian settings where the book takes place. The conclusion of the book sets up a terrible dilemma for Stephanie, and there is no indication of how it will turn out until the last moment. I would have enjoyed this book far more if the plot had been streamlined and the focus been on how Stephanie, operating at times as Petra, accomplished what she needed for herself and for the organization.
December 18, 2025
3.5 stars
July 31, 2019
This second book of the series had all the intrigue of a good espionage/spy novel. My problem with Burnell's books is the many, many people and places he introduces at the beginning of the book and throughout. If you can learn to pick and choose which to remember, you'll enjoy the story more. That is what works for me.
January 26, 2017
Meh, at first the book seemed exciting and I love strong female leads. As the book went along the dialog and action became a blur of similar thoughts, words and actions. I completely lost interest and skipped ahead to finish the book. I didn't miss anything.
December 9, 2010
I feel like i didn't fully grasp some of the deeper stories in the book. But it was still one hell of a good read
July 31, 2018
The second in the Stephanie Patrick series: Thinking that her secret life as assassin Petra Reuter is over. Stephanie quits the super secret life and is living in southern France.; it's a peaceful life. When a British agent is murdered the secret intelligence service named Magenta House, wants Stephanie to return as Petra to avenge his death.
Stephanie is a different woman in the three years sine she left, in fact channeling Petra is becoming a problem for her, doubt rears it's head several times in her mission. Sent to find and kill the shadowy Russian criminal Koba isn't that easy. Flying between New York, Moscow and Paris she attempts to stop Koba from selling a lethal biological bomb that could kill inn the tens of thousands in a horrific death.
Another complication is Stephanie has fallen in love with a Russian criminal, who just might be Koba himself.
Burnell does a great job of detailing the effects of this biological weapon, the ins and outs of the Russian underworld and as always Magenta House and its chief, Alexander who pulls Stephanie's strings.
Hard to find but with EON Productions filming to the first book, Rhythm Section, I'm sure this whole series of four novels will be reprinted.
Stephanie is a different woman in the three years sine she left, in fact channeling Petra is becoming a problem for her, doubt rears it's head several times in her mission. Sent to find and kill the shadowy Russian criminal Koba isn't that easy. Flying between New York, Moscow and Paris she attempts to stop Koba from selling a lethal biological bomb that could kill inn the tens of thousands in a horrific death.
Another complication is Stephanie has fallen in love with a Russian criminal, who just might be Koba himself.
Burnell does a great job of detailing the effects of this biological weapon, the ins and outs of the Russian underworld and as always Magenta House and its chief, Alexander who pulls Stephanie's strings.
Hard to find but with EON Productions filming to the first book, Rhythm Section, I'm sure this whole series of four novels will be reprinted.
February 17, 2022
Read this book if you like secret societies, vigilantes, and a political landscape.
Stephanie Patrick thought she could retire, but that is far from the truth when you work for Magenta House. If they need you, they will find you. Stephanie is living a life of content when she's approached for "one more assignment." Falling back into her old ways but also trying to hold onto her humanity, she tries to find a balance that will get her out alive.
Well, I liked the first book a lot better in this series and don't know if I love the way Stephanie is evolving. She comes across as a love sick teenage girl a lot versus the bad ass we all know and love from the first book. I enjoyed following the storyline more but don't think I will keep with the series.
Stephanie Patrick thought she could retire, but that is far from the truth when you work for Magenta House. If they need you, they will find you. Stephanie is living a life of content when she's approached for "one more assignment." Falling back into her old ways but also trying to hold onto her humanity, she tries to find a balance that will get her out alive.
Well, I liked the first book a lot better in this series and don't know if I love the way Stephanie is evolving. She comes across as a love sick teenage girl a lot versus the bad ass we all know and love from the first book. I enjoyed following the storyline more but don't think I will keep with the series.
July 13, 2022
Stephanie....living in France, puttering around and relaxing, rendezvousing with men who catch her fancy.....until one day someone from her past pays her a visit and talks her into coming out of retirement and back to her previous life.
As a hit woman. A very very good hit woman.
And in the interest of trying to buy her permanent freedom, she agrees to her former employer's request. And reunites for a brush up survival course with her trainer/mentor.
Espionage, blood, torture, beatings, the rare female in this male dominant field...Stephanie? Petra?
As a hit woman. A very very good hit woman.
And in the interest of trying to buy her permanent freedom, she agrees to her former employer's request. And reunites for a brush up survival course with her trainer/mentor.
Espionage, blood, torture, beatings, the rare female in this male dominant field...Stephanie? Petra?
June 22, 2023
Stephanie has retired and is content living in the French countryside....until she emerges to get Back To It, while struggling with her myriad of identities, least of whom she seems to like is Petra.
I'd still recommend to not f*ck with her and even more so to avoid the Russians she has found herself tangled up with. Nasty business.
Also this book shifts between 1st and 3rd person narration, which is kind of like the literary equivalent of motion sickness.
I'd still recommend to not f*ck with her and even more so to avoid the Russians she has found herself tangled up with. Nasty business.
Also this book shifts between 1st and 3rd person narration, which is kind of like the literary equivalent of motion sickness.
September 24, 2019
I read some of the other reviews, and yes, there are a lot of names and characters to keep track of. It seems like that'd be a pretty standard requirement of the life of an international spy/assassin/thief. Of course, I've never lived that life, so entertainment may have mislead me. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to start the next in the series.
February 11, 2020
Honestly, the only reason I really read this book was because the cliffhanger at the end of the first book with Frank... which we got NO answers about. I'm invested enough in this series that I'll keep reading, but I hate when plot lines don't get finished. Maybe in the next book?? It is impossible to keep the characters straight. I just try to grasp the main plot and attempt to hold on to that.
May 21, 2023
I thought that this was a great second book in the Stephanie Patrick / Petra Reuter series. Yes, there are a lot of characters in the story to follow but many of them were in the first book, 'The Rhythm Section'. And there are some great new characters in this book including Konstantin Komarov among others. I really enjoyed it maybe more than the first novel.
December 2, 2019
The plot was okay, the research on Russia was top-notch (I could pick on some tiny points like Lubjansky Proezd vs. Prospekt, and that it's one-way down towards the Moskva river). But the storytelling was just meh. Deux ex Machina - twice?! Come on!
February 25, 2020
Sequel to The Rhythm Section. While I understand the heroine's motivation in the first novel - revenge for the murder of her family - I'm not sure her motivation in this second book was as solid. I don't think I have the patience for a third adventure.
May 22, 2020
Jason Bourne has nothing on this lady!
More adventures as Stephanie's life takes an unexpected turn. Just when you think you know what's going on, you discover you're don't! Can't wait for the ongoing saga to continue!
More adventures as Stephanie's life takes an unexpected turn. Just when you think you know what's going on, you discover you're don't! Can't wait for the ongoing saga to continue!
May 16, 2021
I thought the original Petra “movie” was great and I heard he wrote the script. This is second in series and the plot is just marginal. Petra, good, bad guy she loves, bad.......secret agency controls Petra
lots of evil Russians, some good ones , blah, blah. Not sure about reading more..
lots of evil Russians, some good ones , blah, blah. Not sure about reading more..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
2nd in the series and didn’t disappoint. Stephanie kept me on the edge of my seat. Boyd showed up again too. Lots of twist and turns and the ending wasn’t expected. Well written and the characters come alive on the page.
March 21, 2024
Good read.
Not as hard to get into as Rhythm Section started.
Love the twists and turns. Can't wait til Stephanie finally gets revenge on Alexander but, since there are 2 books left, I figure I have some reading to do before that! At least I hope that's how it all ends!
On to Gemini!!
Not as hard to get into as Rhythm Section started.
Love the twists and turns. Can't wait til Stephanie finally gets revenge on Alexander but, since there are 2 books left, I figure I have some reading to do before that! At least I hope that's how it all ends!
On to Gemini!!
January 3, 2025
Disappointing
This read as if the writer didn't have much of a story and needed to fill it with unnecessary detail to pad it out. Padding with travelogue description. For the most part, nothing happens. When it does, it is uninspired. A tedious and disappointing read.
This read as if the writer didn't have much of a story and needed to fill it with unnecessary detail to pad it out. Padding with travelogue description. For the most part, nothing happens. When it does, it is uninspired. A tedious and disappointing read.
February 25, 2019
i loved it. I love this character and it was a great story.
March 19, 2019
Not as good as the first one in the series
March 6, 2020
Well written
But it delved too deep into the characters psyche. Found myself fast forwarding. I enjoy the historical & geographical facts, but it too was a little much.
But it delved too deep into the characters psyche. Found myself fast forwarding. I enjoy the historical & geographical facts, but it too was a little much.
March 12, 2020
slow and grim, and not in an interesting way.
Read
February 18, 2021Not as great as Rhythm Section but captivating anyway!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
DNF. Started good with promise, but bogged down too much in the middle. Like others have said, too many characters with weak links to the story.
May 16, 2021
this is the second book in this serie and its excellent like the others i definitly recommend it if you like this genre ,my favorite ,i am sad that mark burnell doesnt write any more
October 31, 2021
This series is my third with a woman as the central character in a spy thriller/ International crime story. I think this is the best written so far.
January 24, 2022
3,5 stars ... just because of the description of Russia in the post-Soviet era.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews