Damage Control

Jonathan Grave #4

by John Gilstrap

"One of the finest thriller writers on the planet." –Tess Gerritsen

"Gilstrap pushes every thriller button." –San Francisco Chronicle

The hostages are a bus full of teenagers on a church mission. The ransom demands are deliver three million dollars--with zero involvement from law enforcement--or all captives will be executed. But rescue specialist Jonathan Grave doesn't believe in ultimatums. For him and his elite team at Security Solutions, it's all about protecting the innocent. Now Grave must face the chilling possibility that someone within the U.S. government has a deadly secret to protect--one that could jeopardize national security like never before. . .

Praise for John Gilstrap's Thrillers

"SURPRISING AND SATISFYING." --The Denver Post

"A GREAT HERO, A PULSE-POUNDING STORY." --Joseph Finder

"JONATHAN GRAVE IS A HERO FOR OUR TIME. . .AND FOR ALL TIME." –Jeffery Deaver

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Action, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

468 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2012

About the author

A little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.

I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.

My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.

More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.

But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.

And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.

And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan “Digger” Grave aka Scorpion and his operative partner (Boxers) travel to the jungles of Mexico to oversee the delivery of a $3 million ransom to return a youth church group when a slaughter ensues, with a single survivor. The three are blamed by the Mexican police and they have to find their way back into the U.S. On the way, they hook up with the paramour of a Mexican drug lord, bringing even more pressure on their group. Another good effort by Gilstrap, with the usual supporting cast of Venice, Gunslinger, Father Dom, and FBI Director Irene Rivers.

[Scott A. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilstrap is just so freakin great. I think this was the best so far. Tristan was the kind of PC you can get behind. It’s so important in these books. The evil of this particular drug lord and rogue CIA agent was tangible. Digger and The Big Guy never better. Gunslinger and Mother Hen had good reasons for reduced roles. Who knows how one of them will move forward? Father Dom picked up the slack for them.

You could just feel how horrible the drug controlled areas of Mexico are. Gilstrap’ s depictions were so real as to be uncomfortable. The ending left some questions unanswered while others resolved perfectly. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next one!

[Freda Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intense novel with Graves at the helm of a rescue operation. Teenagers on missionary work, the deep jungles of Mexico, and a corrupt government - doesn't mix well. It is up to Graves and Boxers to save the teens. In and out, only someone decided to crash the rescue party. Dead bodies and a lot of them, in this story. I'm not surprised, since Graves' plans always seem to fail whenever he does a rescue. Then there is plan B, C and of course, D if it doesn't work out. Graves always seems to come out on top and without a second thought to the dead bodies left in his wake.

The scene with Gail going to the Reverend's Castle - church- or whatever was pointless. Was kind of confused about the characters involved there and why they all ended up in a shootout there.

I'm so mixed up about this series. I can't find the words for it. I love the action, the good guys vs. bad guys, yet the moral of the stories just don't sit with me very well. It's as if the problems that come up along the rescue could have been avoided. Will there ever be a 'honest to goodness' rescue?!? Without so many dead bodies?

[Michael Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damage Control
by John Gilstrap

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Published June 5th 2012 by Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN 0786024933
edition languageEnglish
url: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/findit...

Overall: 4 out of 5 Stars

Maybe I'm too critical, haha, I am the Critical Critic, but when I see a mass market paperback, I frown. That's what I did when I received Damage Control in a Goodreads giveaway. I have promised myself that I would conduct a thorough, unbiased, review of every book that an author sends me, so I cracked open Damage Control. I loved it! This is an entertaining thriller in John Gilstrap's Jonathan Grave series, of which I have not read any of the others, but I am certainly ready to, now. Jonathan Grave has spend a life being the hunter, but now he is the hunted. His back against the wall, he must fight to survive, while still protecting his valuable cargo, a young teen, Tristan.

Creativity: 2 stars

Sorry, but it is not that I am knocking Gilstrap here, it is just not creative, not in the surprising or revolutionary sense. As stated under the Execution section, I believe Gilstrap could take any old idea and pull it off well.

Characters: 4 stars

There are many characters in Damage Control that play roles in helping or harming the three targets, Graves, Boxers, and Wagner there was no connection with them, but there didn't need to be. Graves, Boxers, and Wagner were very well written. I felt the personalities of all three of them, their actions were always consistent with their stated personalities. In other words, show and tell, blended seamlessly, a true compliment for a writer.

Spelling and Grammar: 5 stars

I always look for grammar and spelling errors, none were noticed.

Execution: 5 stars

I am going to admit some arrogance and prejudice here. When I am about to read something based off of the military or police, my experience in the Marine Corps and Baltimore Police Department causes me to brace myself for tons of B.S. about tactics, weapons, the way we speak, and so forth. I looked on the back cover and saw the picture of John Gilstrap, honestly, I presumed, here we go again, what could this guy know about tactics and weapons? Once again, I was put in my place. John Gilstrap thanks some SEAL members and other military members for teaching him a bit. Whether they were excellent trainers or Gilstrap is an excellent learner, I cannot say, but I did not find myself complaining a single time about the military and police issues. A job well done, indeed.

When I write, I painstaking focus on ensuring that there is not a single flaw in my time lines and that everything makes complete sense. Due to my OCD, I constantly looks for flaws in this with other writers. While there were some minor issues that I noticed in Damage Control, nothing detracted from the story and the real praise for Gilstrap is that I am sure there are more. The praise comes in the fact that I was so into the story, it was so fact paced, and there was so much going on that I lost my desire to scrutinize the details.

I think that anyone that enjoys reading, would have to enjoy Damage Control, regardless of their preferred genre. The story has a bit of everything, while predominately a thriller, there are some love interest, comedy, and mystery, in order to appeal to everyone. This is the first novel that I am giving 4 stars to and the first that I can recommend to everyone. I am reserving my 5 stars for a true classic, if it ever comes along.

Michael A. Wood Jr.

"The Critical Critic"

www.criticalcriticreviews.com

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damage Control

Jonathan Graves and his team had one objective and that was to rescue four adults and five students held captive on a school bus for five days. The captors demanded three million dollars and Jonathan was chosen to be “the bag man,” allowing them to take the money and free the hostages. But not every mission is successful and an unexpected twist would change the course of the mission and take many lives. A group of soldiers get in on the kill and the carnage is beyond devastating. Students handcuffed together for five days and in close proximity of each other, unable to move about freely hoping to survive. But, the situation gets out of control, shots ring out from all directions and the Jonathan and his team lose sight of the situation and the end result is anything but what they expected. Shooters down but one still standing and left of the bus were all it took to kill the hostages in cold blood. But, what one young man recounts at the end would send chills down the spine of not only the survivor but Jonathan’s too. No mercy is shown and the shooter takes out the hostages in such a brutal and sadistic manner it would haunt the normal person’s dreams for a long time. As the scene comes into focus and the author relates the events to the reader, you can see the body count rising, the smell of blood and death all around and the end result is far from over. The carnage has yet to be counted and the final outcome of the mission is not resolved as someone made sure that Jonathan and his team’s position would be followed and the end result manipulated to what it turned out to be. His partner, Boxers, a sharpshooter and the decisions made to take out the opposition should have been enough to complete the mission and bring home the hostages. Their SUV destroyed, their alternate identities in the vehicle and their working identities compromised leaves them no option but to regroup and try and find out what happened. Did the Reverend from the Crystal Palace Church sell them out? Who would set them up but one thing rings true is that there are many players and the police and FBI are among them and not on their side but why? Added into the mix is the corrupt Mexican Government. As Boxers and Jonathan rehash the events that led up to the executions of the hostages they recap and try to formulate a new plan.

Two men discuss their part and both are part of law enforcement. FBI agent Trevor Munro and hired contractor Jerry Sjogren discuss the incident and what still needed to be done for Felix Hernandez the man who hired them. The end result would be a huge pay off and the one lose end was Tristan Wagner the sole student survivor that had to be added to the death list. Why would the heads of the Crystal Palace Church go along with this dangerous plan and endanger its parishioners? Three million dollars to take the risk is a lot of money but is it worth lives? Crystal Palace parents waited for their children to come home were they guilty too?

Venice Alexander aka Mother Hen is the director of operations for the legitimate side of Jonathan’s business called Security Solutions. Dealing with the situation and discussing their options she explains along with another partner what needs to be done and how they should proceed. Gail Bonneville is the other member of the investigative team and she handles the legitimate side of the business and watches the covert side with a keen interest. Facts come into light and the scene comes clearer as the sole survivor of the attack explains what went down in graphically described and brutal account of the executions. But, safety is from their reality as changes have to be made, new identities needed and the quest answers just beginning. Just how did the killers know their position, how and why were they set up and how many other groups and players were involved in this plot.
As the team meets and discusses the situation information about the finances and donations at the Crystal Palace church come to light and a strong conclusion is drawn that they might have sanctioned the kidnappings in order to increase their treasury and to be able to fund their programming on network television. Contributions made before the major outlay and new donors belonging to corporations and funds equal to twice the amount of the ransom. Father Dom D’Angelo is part of the team working with Security Solutions as the author recounts his back-story we get know how and why he and Jonathan met and became close friends. Jonathan’s father was in the mob and took many lives and the father’s family was connected too. Creating a school for children whose parents are in jail and having the father, as its primary counselor was a stipulation when he bought the building for the church.

Meeting with the Director of the FBI Father Dom D’Angelo learns the background behind what is happening with Crystal Palace, the huge donations and who is behind it and why. One CIA agent named Trevor Munro who went by another name is key to the operation and the kidnapping. So, why was she departing this information in the form of a confession and hoping that he would somehow repeat it to the right sources? Learning the connection between an American named Mitchell Ponder and Trevor Munro would help fill in some of the puzzle but not all. Munro was into the sale of drugs and Ponder manufactured the product, which he sold to his best customer a dangerous man named Felix Hernandez. Ponder was killed by Jonathan and the kidnapping and the murders were supposed to weed him out as he was the target. Explaining the chain of events of the donations, the ransom and the link to the Crystal Palace Church is really frightening knowing that somehow someone there allowed the murders to happen. With the help of an informant they hope to find out about the smuggling tunnels in the many different states. His reaction to her words startling and the end result remains to be seen.

Jonathan meets with Father Peron and hopes to enlist his to get out of Mexico. While Jonathan meets with the father Pastor Mitchell receives a disturbing phone call which leads to her placing one using a number she hoped to never employ. While recounting the events he reminds her of her transgressions and the Pastor might have to rethink more than her career. The end result of the children taken would be more than any parent could bear as the truth behind murders would be hidden in burnt carnage. Just how cruel are these players and what is next?

The next two scenes play out like a movie that would keep you fixed to the screen and waiting for more as Jonathan and Boxers come face to face with the police and Tristan learns the true meaning of more than just fear while Gail is about to interrogate Reverend Mitchell and hopefully learn the truth behind Crystal Palace. The betrayals and deceits are many and the death toll rises as more than just simple damage control will settle the dust before all is finally said and done.

The end result is tragic and the trust level lowered as one member is thought to be gone, the police are definitely out to get Boxers and Jonathan and one teen learns many life lessons that most would normally want to forgo. Tough, smart and hardheaded Tristan learns more than he wanted in order to stay alive and just about become part of the team.

What if your parents were brutally murdered would you risk everything to bring down the killer? Maria Elizondo sold herself you might say to Felix Hernandez in order to help bring him down. When approached by this man she stood up for herself but was she safe? When leaving and returning home she finds someone else there? Was this person going to really help her or make things worse? Why was there a tunnel in her bathroom and what was the purpose? Why did the parents of the missionaries agree to allow them to be kidnapped? Why when approached did one think it was no big deal and the other could not believe the truth? What was the real reason they wanted the kidnapping to go down and who was behind it? How would it benefit the church and its members? When Father Dom bears it all to these people what would the end result be when they realize what they had done?

An ending that will make the reader pause for thought as one young teen’s life is in danger, one woman would give up her life for them and some unfinished business will have to wait until the author decides what is next for the team. One drug lord and one CIA agent so corrupt would they get it away with it all? One teenager named Tristan what is his final fate? 

A fast paced plot that kept this reader glued to the printed page as it read the book in two hours and could not put it down until I read the dramatic and explosive ending. Why would parents put children in danger? What happens to Crystal Palace Church and the leaders? Just how far will someone go for money and just how corrupt are governments and our agencies included? Author John Gilstrap leaves the reader wanting to find out the next chapter in the lives of Jonathan and Boxers and hopes that Tristan might make it back in the next one too. Great novel. Great plot. Outstanding characters and great mystery thriller.

Let give this book: FIVE SCORPIONS

Fran Lewis: reviewer

[Kevintipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

“’You’ll have a whole life time to grieve. But ask yourself this: aren’t you living pretty intensely right now? I mean, if you take away the fear and the loss and the pain, can you think of any time in your life that has felt like a bigger adventure?’” (Page 152)

Jonathan Grave “Digger” had a plan and the trap was set in the deep jungles of Southern Mexico. The hostages and their kidnappers would arrive, he would hand over the money, and the kidnappers would leave with the money. He and Boxers would escort the kids and their chaperones back home to America only a little worse for wear. Their mega church, The Crystal Palace, would welcome them home having survived Satan’s work on Earth and his company Security Solutions would have another successful outcome. That was the plan until the voice in his ear bud explained that current satellite imagery indicated they had unwelcome company in the form of a squad of five soldiers.

An American general once famously said that a plan never survives contact with the enemy. That is certainly true here as when the shooting stops, the soldiers are dead, the kidnappers are dead, and only one hostage has survived the carnage on the old school bus. 17 year old Tristan is covered in blood not his own and is in shock. Everybody he knew among the hostages is dead, he is a long way from home, and two very scary guys with guns have him with more enemy forces coming their way. If he thought things were bad before, he had no clue.

This latest thriller from author John Gilstrap is a good and often intense read spanning Mexico and the US. Like most thrillers, the point of view constantly shifts from character to character with the focus on the action. Intense physical action in Mexico as the three literally fight their way north mile after grueling mile to get to the US border. No less intense is the psychological battle here at home to stymy the rest of the team at Security Solutions. Various traitors do their parts to prevent the three from returning and to cover up the vast conspiracy between church and state.

The result is a solidly good thriller novel. The character development in this long running series is saved for Tristan who by the end is a far different person then when he started his adventure heading to Mexico. Forced to grow up at gun point, he becomes a man during the days as he runs for his life. That process also allows “Scorpion” to show a side of himself that he rarely shows. Those who enjoy the Mack Bolan series style of thrillers will especially enjoy Damage Control: A Jonathan Grave Thriller” by John Gilstrap.
Damage Control: A Jonathan Grave Thriller
John Gilstrap
http://www.johngilstrap.com
Pinnacle Books (Kensington Publishing Corp)
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
June 2012
ISBN# 978-0-7860-2493-3
Paperback
400 Pages
$9.99


ARC supplied by PJ NUNN of BreakThrough Promotions for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2012
More reviews at... http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damage Control, the 4th book in this series is a really great a riveting read and so far the one that I liked the most.

From the book’s opening chapters you know you are going on another thrilling adventure with Jonathan “Digger” Grave aka Scorpion and Brian Van de Meulebroeke – known as Boxers which will take you to the jungles of Mexico, have run-ins with drug cartels, new religion movements, shot at by Mexican and US police and having to save their PC (not that does not mean politically correct….read the series and find out what it means….) the sole survivor of a massacre.

Character development at its best…..of previous characters we have met in previous books to new ones…here we have Tristan Wagner, scared survivor trying to deal with something he has no understanding of.

The relationship between Jonathan and Boxers is really amazing and I love their interaction and dialogue.

I can’t wait for book 5 of this series which has become a favorite of mine.

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story.

Kidnapping in Mexico, two came to rescue them. Mexican drug lords, tunnels under the border, bloody killings. Dysfunctional U.S. government agencies and people who runs them. T.V. evangelist their only job to make more money. And all this written with humorously.

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting, thrilling, emotional and hard to digest. Lots of knots develop as you fight your way with the protagonists and try and understand the logic of those, for the lack of a better term, antagonists. To understand a few of the nuances you'd have to read the previous books.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nail biting

Off the charts action and suspense. Scorpion and Big Guy are tasked with saving a bus load of kidnapped teens in the jungle of Mexico. All hell breaks loose and now they're trying to save the sole survivor, and get him back to the states. Long and troublesome trek through the unforgiving landscape, and bodies are piling up . State side has their own struggles to get to the root of the problem. Detailed and brutal.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun page turned where the tough good guys prevail!!

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing and storytelling by John Gilstrap is great. I accidentally started with book 12 and now I have to catch up.

[Sabrina S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Jeff Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why I've never read the earlier books in Grave series, but I'll be looking them up after finishing Damage Control. Textbook thriller and I mean that in a good way. Terrific pace, intricate plot and gripping suspense. Grave and Boxers are a great combo - the humorous give and take between the two seemed a bit forced at times, given the gravity of the situation they were in - but they are strong, fun characters. The violence in the book is pretty graphic - might not be for everyone - but I didn't think it was gratuitous in any way. Really solid read.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like John Gilstrap's writing. Damage Control is a real page-turner. While it resolves most of the questions/issues it raises along the way, this book, more than his prior ones, leaves a few threads loose at the end. It's possible that they'll just stay that way, as it's not necessary that we know an outcome for every piece of the story and character within it (in fact, for one character, never knowing more would make sense), but I really was left wanting more.

With that said, this was a fun read, and the pages went by very quickly!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by John Gilstrap - jonathon Grave book, all in Mexico - kids were kidnapped and Diiger and Boxer were sent in to rescue them - when things go wrong it is the skills of our heros that allow Tristen to get out. Now 2012 and waiting for the next book by gilstrap

[John (JC) · Rating 5 out of 5]

More and more excitement. Looking forward to the sequel.

[Boomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of this series, you'll like Damage Control. It delivers all the things you've come to expect from the Jonathan Grave series - government conspiracies, gunfights, explosions, car chases, and plenty of other over the top action.

Damage Control takes Grave and his team deep into Mexico, trying to retrieve a hostage from a brutal drug cartel with US government connections, only to find themselves framed and on the run from both the cartel and the authorities. I'm liking most of the characters more and more as this series progresses and enjoyed the ride with them here.

Sadly after enjoying 90% of this book, the ending was extremely lackluster. It's one of those where the author decides to wrap up all the storylines in the space of about two pages. Very disappointing, especially when the rest of the book was so enjoyable. After getting through 450 + pages my only reaction was 'That's it???". Not the reaction you want your readers to have.

I'd rate this 3 and a half if I could, but I'll go to 4 because most of the book was really good. Just wish the ending did the rest of it justice.

[Alex Ander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great saga in the journey of Jonathan Grave. Lots of action and lots of running from one place to another. It's weird. When you get to the end and think back to the beginning of the book, the opening scene feels as if it took place so long ago.

While I've enjoyed the main character in each of the first four books, Boxers' character has never really appealed to me...until book #4. He showed a crack in his armor, letting a different side of his personality show through. It wasn't much, but it was enough to show that he must have a heart beneath all the brawn. I'd give Damage Control 5.5 stars out of five, mostly because I've read them in order. Had I started with Damage Control, I might not have rated it as high.

[Informed Citizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well-crafted Jonathan "Digger" Graves thriller from John Gilstrap.
Of all the badass thriller characters from Jack Reacher to Scott Harvath to Jason Bourne, Gilstraps' Graves is unique. His "shtick" is rescuing kidnap victims (PCs - in Digger's world).
Populated with the requisite friends and foes, allies and enemies, Gilstrap's creation has elements that require suspension of belief - as do all such thrillers. But Jonathan Graves is a bit more humane than some of the others.
This book in particular included a character that brought both humanity and humor to what would otherwise be unrelenting mayhem and suspense.
All things considered Damage Control is a worthwhile diversion and a fun read.

[wally · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished 15th february 2023 good read three stars i liked it kindle library loaner 6th from gilstrap and all recent and that should be review enough. violence...suspense...chase...bullets flying...blood...innocents killed...from the southern end of mexico north to the border. there's more than a few writers with series like this all with some variation on the theme...ex-military...this case a man who inherited wealth that he did not want...friends from years so or at least one a catholic priest...friend from military...and they answer the call for help. they've all been entertaining stories...no teeth clamped on the flesh of a forearm here...there was enough of that in the first two. onward and upward

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan 'Digger' Grave and his companion The Big Guy are in Mexico to rescue some church kids from Arizona who were taken hostage whilst on a mission. But what's supposed to be a routine job is suddenly anything but. Digger and The Big Guy are thrust into the middle of a conspiracy that originates in the highest levels of the United States government. Wanted for murder on both sides of the border, hey must figure a way to get back to America and clear their name, with the sole-surviving hostage in tow.

A fantastic read - gripping from first to last. My favourite of the Jonathan Grave books so far.

[Dean McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

DAMAGE CONTROL by John Gilstrap -- To call this book a thriller is an understatement. The action is non-stop, the page turns rapid, and the tension high. It's a rather complex plot:
- a group of teens and sponsors on a mission trip to Mexico
- murder and mayhem caused by drug lords and trafficking and corrupt government officials
- a corrupt megachurch pastor in Arizona
- secret FBI & CIA workings with a traitor in the midst about to take on a major position of leadership
- a team of well-trained, well-armed hostage rescuers
The action is relentless and brutal, with all teens and sponsors slaughtered in Mexico with one survivor to be rescued. Not for the faint of heart.

[Diogenes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another adventure of the superhero crew who rescue hostages and the kidnapped, this time in lawless Mexico. There's a tinge of comic book in their incredulous ability to consistently outgun and defeat dozens of armed, trained soldiers to accomplish their goals. The portrayal of the rescued young man is quite interesting and the highlight of this story. Caveat: gratuitous wholesale loss of life.

[Spicydish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t read this series fast enough.
If you’ve ever watched the original Law and Order series, the format is always the same but the storyline changes. Digger and his partner, Boxer, with the help of Venice, rescue kidnap victims. The action is so intense sometimes I have to take a break and wash dishes or sometime. This time a group of teenage missionaries and their chaperones go to Mexico to do volunteer work. They’re kidnapped in a complicated plot to lure Digger and Boxer to their deaths.

[Huguette A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non stop action

This book starts off with a bang and never lets up until the end. Even knowing there is book 5 I stressed and worried as I kept on reading. I could not put it down but couldn’t imagine how they’d get out of their situation. Do I recommend it, of course I do to the readers that enjoy this type of action packed guns blazing type of book. I do habe to say I cheered the ending. Now, book 5. :)

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't the type of book I normally read, but I've become hooked on this series. The blistering action starts on the first page and doesn't let up for one moment until the very last page. It was quite the heart pounding ride and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The author is definitely the master of this genre, and I will for sure be reading more of this series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan's Run was fantastic, and I've been reading through the Jonathan Grave books sequentially, wondering when Gilstrap will write a dud. As of book 4 in the series, he hasn't yet.

The Jonathan Grave series is non-stop adrenaline, featuring characters with enough heart to keep things interesting.

[Moon Petrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly what I wanted: tough guys, action, violence that isn’t processed too deeply by the characters, and nobody under the age of 15 in harm’s way. I only gave it 3 stars because I don’t think it will be very memorable, but I would happily read more from this author. The writing was clean and unembellished, perfect for this sort of book.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of high school students is kidnapped while in Mexico for humanitarian work. Digger and Boxer are contracted to rescue them. But everything is not what it seems. The missionaries are legitimate but they are the innocent pawns in a setup to get the boys.
The rest of the book is a mad dash to get safely out of Mexico along with their PC(precious cargo).