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Jonathan Grave #2
Hostage Zero
In this riveting new thriller, New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap reveals a clandestine world where the stakes are high, the players are corrupt, and a treacherous secret is about to explode. . .
Hostage rescue expert Jonathan Grave is used to working alone, and this time he'll have to go where even the government won't. An innocent man has been shot and two young people are missing. But tracking them down is just the beginning. To keep them and his covert team alive, Jonathan must plunge into the heart of an ugly secret whose insidious path reaches from one of the world's most remote places into the highest corridors of power--and he must defeat enemies who are willing to kill again and again to keep the truth from being revealed. . .
Praise for John Gilstrap and No Mercy. . .
"Rocket-paced suspense."--Jeffery Deaver
"Grabs hold of you on page one and doesn't let go. No Mercy will leave you breathless." --Harlan Coben
"Taut, action-packed, and impossible to put down "--Tess Gerritsen
"A great hero, a pulse-pounding story."-- Joseph Finder
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2010
1378 people are currently reading
1185 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
78 books1,207 followersA 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
October 13, 2014
The 2ND book in John Gilstrap’s Jonathan Grave Series featuring extraordinaire freelance hostage rescue operative Jonathan "Digger" Grave,
An intricate, multilayered plot with several storylines woven into the story
beginning with the kidnapping of two teenage boys from a school for children of incarcerated parents, which Jonathan has a vested interested in, it soon leads him and his team into the world of corrupt politicians, drug lords and the cocaine factories in Colombia.
The story moves along at a great pace filled with suspense and intrigue with twists and turns at every corner.
The obstacles the team faces seem at times so farfetched but the author somehow makes it seem plausible and believable. Never mind that I am totally out of my depth when it comes to all the gadgets and military tactics that we are shown in the story….it comes together in a way that doesn’t detract from the plot.
The character development is great with some memorable characters that you can’t help engaging with.
Enjoyed the dialogue and interaction between the characters and Jonathan Grave's continually unfolding back-story,
Some quotes that I liked -
is a great follow-up to No Mercy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... .
An intricate, multilayered plot with several storylines woven into the story
beginning with the kidnapping of two teenage boys from a school for children of incarcerated parents, which Jonathan has a vested interested in, it soon leads him and his team into the world of corrupt politicians, drug lords and the cocaine factories in Colombia.
The story moves along at a great pace filled with suspense and intrigue with twists and turns at every corner.
The obstacles the team faces seem at times so farfetched but the author somehow makes it seem plausible and believable. Never mind that I am totally out of my depth when it comes to all the gadgets and military tactics that we are shown in the story….it comes together in a way that doesn’t detract from the plot.
The character development is great with some memorable characters that you can’t help engaging with.
Enjoyed the dialogue and interaction between the characters and Jonathan Grave's continually unfolding back-story,
Some quotes that I liked -
“'All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing'?"”“
“You have to learn to cope with the reality of what is, he heard Father Dom telling him. When bad things happen to us”
“He remembered his drill sergeant from a million years ago in Basic Training telling him that the only life worth living is the one worth dying to protect.
“Harry Truman had said it best: If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
September 28, 2016
I'm giving this a 3.5 read- with a splash of a 4 star read. HOSTAGE ZERO is the second of the Jonathan "Digger" Grave novels. "Digger" is a hostage negotiator who does little negotiating and more covert rescuing, rescuing people the government can’t or will not attempt to repatriate with their families.
Digger runs an orphanage called Resurrection House, and one early morning someone broke in and then kidnapped a couple of his boys - Jeremy Schuler and Evan Guinn - shooting the caretaker in the process. Not only will Digger do everything in his power to get these 2 boys back- but the bigger question is WHY on earth were they taken to begin with?
With Digger and his team they will do everything in their power to get these boys back safely.The story moves from location to location –from the wilds of Alaska to the heat and humidity of Colombia – and slowly but surely the stories merge and we make sense of the kidnappings.
Then comes the mission to get the boys back and there you have your good shoot 'em up, blow 'em up read, and in this, involves Columbia, cocaine country, and child slavery.
There was one or two times where I lost some of the plot in this story- maybe because the author really went into such detail - but that didn't stop me from just plowing through it- I did enjoy this book and I really do love the Jonathan Digger Grave character and all of his crew members. When ever I am in the mood for this type of 'hero' book- this is one of my 'go to series' !!
Digger runs an orphanage called Resurrection House, and one early morning someone broke in and then kidnapped a couple of his boys - Jeremy Schuler and Evan Guinn - shooting the caretaker in the process. Not only will Digger do everything in his power to get these 2 boys back- but the bigger question is WHY on earth were they taken to begin with?
With Digger and his team they will do everything in their power to get these boys back safely.The story moves from location to location –from the wilds of Alaska to the heat and humidity of Colombia – and slowly but surely the stories merge and we make sense of the kidnappings.
Then comes the mission to get the boys back and there you have your good shoot 'em up, blow 'em up read, and in this, involves Columbia, cocaine country, and child slavery.
There was one or two times where I lost some of the plot in this story- maybe because the author really went into such detail - but that didn't stop me from just plowing through it- I did enjoy this book and I really do love the Jonathan Digger Grave character and all of his crew members. When ever I am in the mood for this type of 'hero' book- this is one of my 'go to series' !!
January 27, 2020
Another excellent Grave book. Gilstrap was great, just a smidge less great than in his first one. If not for a couple of slow spots it would have been a fiver. Gail is a good permanent addition. I thought Harvey might have become one but I like the way Gilstrap handled him. This is going to be a great series.
August 4, 2012
A couple of years ago I read John Gilstrap’s first novel No Mercy and loved it. The novel introduced us to a new kind of hero, a hostage negotiator who does little negotiating and more covert rescuing, rescuing people the government can’t or will not attempt to repatriate with their families.
No Mercy was an absolutely thrilling thriller and laid down a terrific foundation for Jonathan Grave’s exploits but Hostage Zero, despite a brilliant premise doesn’t quite live up to his first book in the Grave series. The ending is rushed and although there were a few unexpected moments throughout I always had a feeling I knew how things would play out – there were no edge of the seat defining moments for me which was a shame.
Jonathan Grave is an amazing character and one of my favourite I’ve read over the last few years. He’s cool, reserved, knows what he wants and how to achieve it – either as part of a well-oiled team or on his own. Digger as he is affectionately known to his tight knit unit is certainly back with a bang and when a group of men enter his orphanage called Resurrection House, kidnap a couple of his boys - Jeremy Schuler and Evan Guinn - shooting the caretaker in the process, our protagonist will stop at nothing to get the boys back.
The story moves from location to location –from the wilds of Alaska to the heat and humidity of Colombia – and slowly but surely the stories merge and we make sense of the kidnappings and why the need for a late night raid.
As you would expect from a book of this type there are plenty of explosions, enough killing to satisfy the blood thirsty among us and a few sensitive moments to give a little light and shade. It isn’t all out guns for glory type action, there are some well thought out scenarios and although the dialogue wasn’t as fluent or as powerful as No Mercy it kept the book moving along nicely. The interactions between Boxers and Grave and Harvey and Grave were entertaining to say the least.
Utilising the newest satellite navigation and technology the book moves at a fairly frenetic pace and before you know it the book is over and you’re eagerly anticipating the next adventure in the Grave series. Full of testosterone fuelled encounters, Jonathan Grave isn’t afraid to pull the trigger; I’m certainly looking forward to his next adventure.
No Mercy was an absolutely thrilling thriller and laid down a terrific foundation for Jonathan Grave’s exploits but Hostage Zero, despite a brilliant premise doesn’t quite live up to his first book in the Grave series. The ending is rushed and although there were a few unexpected moments throughout I always had a feeling I knew how things would play out – there were no edge of the seat defining moments for me which was a shame.
Jonathan Grave is an amazing character and one of my favourite I’ve read over the last few years. He’s cool, reserved, knows what he wants and how to achieve it – either as part of a well-oiled team or on his own. Digger as he is affectionately known to his tight knit unit is certainly back with a bang and when a group of men enter his orphanage called Resurrection House, kidnap a couple of his boys - Jeremy Schuler and Evan Guinn - shooting the caretaker in the process, our protagonist will stop at nothing to get the boys back.
The story moves from location to location –from the wilds of Alaska to the heat and humidity of Colombia – and slowly but surely the stories merge and we make sense of the kidnappings and why the need for a late night raid.
As you would expect from a book of this type there are plenty of explosions, enough killing to satisfy the blood thirsty among us and a few sensitive moments to give a little light and shade. It isn’t all out guns for glory type action, there are some well thought out scenarios and although the dialogue wasn’t as fluent or as powerful as No Mercy it kept the book moving along nicely. The interactions between Boxers and Grave and Harvey and Grave were entertaining to say the least.
Utilising the newest satellite navigation and technology the book moves at a fairly frenetic pace and before you know it the book is over and you’re eagerly anticipating the next adventure in the Grave series. Full of testosterone fuelled encounters, Jonathan Grave isn’t afraid to pull the trigger; I’m certainly looking forward to his next adventure.
January 3, 2015
The second book in the kidnapper rescue specialist, Jonathan Grave series. Two 13-year olds are kidnapped from a school for kids with jailed parents, sponsored by Grave. He and Boxer, along with their new colleague, ex-Sheriff Gail Bonneville are pissed off. A local hermit saves one of the boys and then they set off to unravel the reason for the kidnapping, which goes high into the US government. Gilstrap's high octane stuff culminates with a daring attack on a cocaine manufacturing plant in Colombia.
October 25, 2024
Incredible
Words can't express my deep enjoyment of this series. Incredible writing and the best main characters. Each book is the same amazing writing style, detailed and fluid, you picture every movement and engage every second. Deep sadness and fear follows each mission ( my feels), but the tactical descriptions are unparalleled ( no experience here, but I believe every word).
Words can't express my deep enjoyment of this series. Incredible writing and the best main characters. Each book is the same amazing writing style, detailed and fluid, you picture every movement and engage every second. Deep sadness and fear follows each mission ( my feels), but the tactical descriptions are unparalleled ( no experience here, but I believe every word).
October 30, 2024
Always thrilling and action packed. Some insight into personal down time with Digger( unexpected) but well received. I don't know what keeps me dialed in so intensely, but the characters and writing are addictive.
September 10, 2017
This second book in the series was a definite page turner of non-stop heart pounding action. So glad I found this series, and can't wait to read more.
January 10, 2021
I find this series really filled with action and humor and it is not all about bad guys from the middle east like so many other.
December 2, 2025
Audiobook Review - Hostage Zero - John Gilstrap
Listened to “Hostage Zero”, the second book about the kidnapper rescue specialist, Jonathan Grave series. Two 13-year old boys are kidnapped from a school for kids with jailed parents, which is sponsored by Grave. He and his 'right-hand man' along with their new colleague, ex-Sheriff Gail Bonneville are extremely upset. A local homeless veteran saves one of the boys and then the rescue team set off to unravel the reason for the kidnapping, which goes high into the US government. Went back to listen to this book although the reviewers said the story is great but the narrator is 'awful'... They're right, love the storyline so far and see why this narrator was dropped after reading this book...definitely not the right voice for the characters in this book series. John Gilstrap should have a say in choosing who narrates his books. Great story but the narrator just doesn't work in this audiobook...Sorry!
Listened to “Hostage Zero”, the second book about the kidnapper rescue specialist, Jonathan Grave series. Two 13-year old boys are kidnapped from a school for kids with jailed parents, which is sponsored by Grave. He and his 'right-hand man' along with their new colleague, ex-Sheriff Gail Bonneville are extremely upset. A local homeless veteran saves one of the boys and then the rescue team set off to unravel the reason for the kidnapping, which goes high into the US government. Went back to listen to this book although the reviewers said the story is great but the narrator is 'awful'... They're right, love the storyline so far and see why this narrator was dropped after reading this book...definitely not the right voice for the characters in this book series. John Gilstrap should have a say in choosing who narrates his books. Great story but the narrator just doesn't work in this audiobook...Sorry!
September 3, 2013
Another hostage situation for Jonathon Grave to unravel with a little help from his friends. This one will send him off for a little vacation in a lovely Central American country while sending reverberations to the highest levels of the U.S. Government. I like how this Grave fellow is always a step ahead of not just the local law enforcement but also the F.B.I. and any other entity of evil. Seems as if this guy must really have the luck of the Irish on his side, at all times. Action packed novels are always a nice little side trip to take the brain off of the everyday 9 to 5 (or 2200 to 0600) doldrums.
October 1, 2010
The name of the main character is 'Digger Grave' and the rest follows at about that level. Digger has no confidence in the rule of law or due process, but prefers to use his insider status and vast network of personal friendships to set right the issues at hand. Since there are no gray areas, it's a fast read ("breakneck pace") and a "roller coaster ride" (meaning the story builds up slowly and then slides rapidly down through a series of forced turns to its inevitable conclusion).
It's an easy read and might make a better graphic novel than a paperback.
It's an easy read and might make a better graphic novel than a paperback.
August 19, 2014
I'm so glad I have come across this series of books starring Jonathan Grave. He is a hostage rescue specialist who gets in and gets the job done, regardless of how many bad guys he has to kill to achieve his goal. I really liked the inclusion of Harvey in this one, to bring a moral code that can sometimes be forgotten in the quest to rescue people. I loved his interactions with Jonathan and Boxers. Excellent story, well-written thriller with great characters; this is a fantastic series and I am moving straight on to the next one.
September 7, 2018
A book that will bring you to the jungles and try to take you away from your existing problems into a life where kids and people have much bigger problems. How politicians, how thugs...well, this is the working of men with a calling that clashes with society-so we need a person like "Dig" to rescue the situation.
December 27, 2018
This was the first book I've read of John Gilstrap. I'm sure he has a great umber of readers but I'll pass on his writings in the future. He was okay for a typical thriller but it drug on for me. It took me longer to get through.
January 24, 2011
Somewhat improbable thriller, but fast-paced and a book that kept my interest. If the parts about Columbia are accurate, I am horrified.
March 21, 2012
It was hard to put down, so I mostly didn't. I would definitely read another Jonathan Grave story!!
September 21, 2012
What John Grisham does for lawyers, John Gilstrap does for men and women of the armed forces.
December 30, 2014
Loved it! Even better, there are more books in the series.
September 13, 2018
it was a very good book because it was about a cop trying to solve a murder mystery but it was a very good book to read.
April 22, 2018
There's nothing like enjoying a digital book you have checked out from the library and it expiring before you have a chance to finish it! Living life on the road, I had to wait until I got home to get the paperback copy of it because of 5 other people waiting for it!! (And, no, I do not buy digital books if I have the option of paperback. I'd rather buy those because I know it'll sit on my shelf ready to be reread and not disappear like the OTHER kind!)
So this book...I love the way John Gilstrap writes. His words just suck me in and keep me wanting more!! This one had Dig and Box get ANOTHER member in their group. Harvey is a vet that doesn't have much options in life. I loved how he brought a sort of realness to the experience. Boxer does everything without thinking and Digger has a pretty much one track mind. Harvey was the one who wanted to fight for everyone (so he has a conscience?) and voiced his opinion. After two kids are kidnapped from RezHouse (a home for criminal's kids founded by Jonathan), the group set out to find them. Their journey brings them to Colombia and the life described there is awful. I know that stuff like this does happen in reality, but reading it (whether it's true or false) makes it worse. The ending did feel a little rushed at a few points where I was expecting more action. It was still enjoyable and still makes me want more! Bring on the next one!!
So this book...I love the way John Gilstrap writes. His words just suck me in and keep me wanting more!! This one had Dig and Box get ANOTHER member in their group. Harvey is a vet that doesn't have much options in life. I loved how he brought a sort of realness to the experience. Boxer does everything without thinking and Digger has a pretty much one track mind. Harvey was the one who wanted to fight for everyone (so he has a conscience?) and voiced his opinion. After two kids are kidnapped from RezHouse (a home for criminal's kids founded by Jonathan), the group set out to find them. Their journey brings them to Colombia and the life described there is awful. I know that stuff like this does happen in reality, but reading it (whether it's true or false) makes it worse. The ending did feel a little rushed at a few points where I was expecting more action. It was still enjoyable and still makes me want more! Bring on the next one!!
August 17, 2021
I just can't take another book narrated by Jeremy Gage in this genre. It is a complete mismatch of tone and accent to the subject matter. As I mentioned in previous reviews, Mr. Gage's voice characterization range is very limited and he sounds more like a highbrow Ivy League English literature professor than a narrator of mystery/suspense audiobooks. His timbre, tone, pace, pitch, volume are all ill-suited for the subject matter. As for the story itself, I was disappointed the author showed his lack of knowledge of military technical terminology and basic military structure and organization. As these books feature characters either in the military or are former military, having someone with a breadth and moderate depth of the military would be helpful in establishing the author's bona fides. The use of terms like "clip" for magazine and a character who is supposedly a former "marine medic" exposes the author's lack of knowledge. There is no such thing as a Marine Corps medic. Marines, like the US Navy, utilize Navy Corpsmen for this role. The army and air force have medics. The navy and marines have corpsmen. This may seem pedantic, but to former military or those versed in military knowledge and experience know this shows the author's lack of knowledge and failure to do rudimentary research.
May 1, 2022
Two books in and so far so good for this series. I'm liking the Jonathan Grave character and this story puts him on the trail of kidnappers who have abducted two children from Grave's own Resurrection House. If you liked the first in this series No Mercy, you'll enjoy this too. The bad guys are suitably despicable murderers, rapists, and child abusers so it's not hard to wish Grave and company well in their efforts to eliminate them. I also really enjoyed the character of Harvey and his journey of redemption. Hoping to see him reappear in future novels.
While Grave carries the story admirably as the MC, personally I'm finding it hard to get attached to the supporting cast. The intriguing Father Dom is the exception, but Venice, Boxers, and new addition Gail really have no depth for me at this point. They play the usual supporting roles of extra muscle, hacker, etc. but they have zero personality, and if any of them were killed off in the next book I can't say I'd really care. Perhaps as the series continues on they'll be fleshed out a little.
Also would like to say its great to see an author not use cliffhangers. Nothing burns me more then getting cheated out of an ending and these really have been stand alones so far. It's not quite a 'must read' series for me yet, but If you're looking for some fun, slightly over the top action, this is a good bet.
While Grave carries the story admirably as the MC, personally I'm finding it hard to get attached to the supporting cast. The intriguing Father Dom is the exception, but Venice, Boxers, and new addition Gail really have no depth for me at this point. They play the usual supporting roles of extra muscle, hacker, etc. but they have zero personality, and if any of them were killed off in the next book I can't say I'd really care. Perhaps as the series continues on they'll be fleshed out a little.
Also would like to say its great to see an author not use cliffhangers. Nothing burns me more then getting cheated out of an ending and these really have been stand alones so far. It's not quite a 'must read' series for me yet, but If you're looking for some fun, slightly over the top action, this is a good bet.
July 7, 2022
In the second of the Jonathan Grave series, the former special operations veteran and now head of his own security firm, Grave rushes to rescue two kidnapped children taken from his hometown. It's a crime too close to home and seemingly supported by someone very powerful in government. Grave's crack team of agents travel the country and the globe in search of explanations and attempt a dangerous and risky rescue mission in the jungles of South America against steep odds.
The cast of characters from the first book are all back as is the author's penchant for cliched, shallow characters. Although Gilstrap expends some effort trying to elucidate the inner mind and motivations of Grave, most of the other characters are one-dimensional good guys or really, really bad guys.
The plot construct is unusual and there are some interesting and intense fighting scenes that make the book enjoyable, but neither the story nor characters (with the possible exception of Grave) are particularly compelling. Hostage Zero builds on the Grave origin story, but it's not the kind of effort that I would describe as a page turner. Not bad, but it wasn't strong enough to absolutely convince me to continue the series.
The cast of characters from the first book are all back as is the author's penchant for cliched, shallow characters. Although Gilstrap expends some effort trying to elucidate the inner mind and motivations of Grave, most of the other characters are one-dimensional good guys or really, really bad guys.
The plot construct is unusual and there are some interesting and intense fighting scenes that make the book enjoyable, but neither the story nor characters (with the possible exception of Grave) are particularly compelling. Hostage Zero builds on the Grave origin story, but it's not the kind of effort that I would describe as a page turner. Not bad, but it wasn't strong enough to absolutely convince me to continue the series.
November 12, 2020
“Hostage Zero” is the second of the Jonathan "Digger" Grave novels. The book was an absolutely well written thriller when Digger Grave, Boxers and Harvey, a local hermit who rescues one of the two kidnapped thirteen year old boys, set off to unravel the reason for the kidnapping, which goes into the heights of the US government. Digger Graves is working with ex-Sheriff/FBI Agent, Gail Bonneville in this mystery and all the heroes play extraordinary parts in the solution. There are lots of explosions, enough killing, full of testosterone fuelled encounters and a few sensitive moments. The scenarios move from Alaska to Colombia. It isn’t all out blood-thirsty action, as there are some well thought out scenarios. Utilising the newest satellite navigation and technology the book moves at a fairly frenetic pace and before you know it you have finished the book and you’re eagerly anticipating the next adventure. I stayed up half the night to finish the book and I’m certainly looking forward to Digger Graves next adventure.
October 12, 2017
A fast-paced, chilling addition to the series featuring this kinda-former black ops character, Digger Grave.
Plenty of twists, turns, and drama in the plot. And I appreciate that there are two strong females in continuing roles for Digger's "business," with the addition of Gail.
I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. I think that says more about me than it does about Gilstrap or his writing style. In 2017, it feels to me as if there are too many renegades in all directions in the United States, playing fast and loose with the rules of civilization and law enforcement. So Digger didn't feel as much of a robust hero for me this time and I think that's why. I did like that Gilstrap wove in some brief ethical conversations throughout the novel on precisely these points, but I largely disagreed with his characters' conclusions.
I almost put it down. Then decided to just let it be a fiction novel for the pure romp and intrigue.
Plenty of twists, turns, and drama in the plot. And I appreciate that there are two strong females in continuing roles for Digger's "business," with the addition of Gail.
I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. I think that says more about me than it does about Gilstrap or his writing style. In 2017, it feels to me as if there are too many renegades in all directions in the United States, playing fast and loose with the rules of civilization and law enforcement. So Digger didn't feel as much of a robust hero for me this time and I think that's why. I did like that Gilstrap wove in some brief ethical conversations throughout the novel on precisely these points, but I largely disagreed with his characters' conclusions.
I almost put it down. Then decided to just let it be a fiction novel for the pure romp and intrigue.
July 8, 2017
#2 in the Jonathan Grave series. Finalist 2011 Shamus Award for Best Paperback. Non-stop action from Virginia to Colombia and Alaska. Ex-sheriff Gail Bonneville, No Mercy (2009), Is a lead investigator with Graves team. There is no romantic involvement yet, but indications are that it is looming. A very readable page turner.
When two teenage boys are inexplicably kidnapped from a Virginia residential school for children of incarcerated parents, Freelance hostage rescue operative Jonathan "Digger" Grave and his crew set out to locate the victims and apprehend the abductors. Then one of the boys is drugged and left to die in a field, saved only by the fateful intervention of a passing homeless man, and Grave's investigation begins to turn up leads that point to government and organized crime connections.
When two teenage boys are inexplicably kidnapped from a Virginia residential school for children of incarcerated parents, Freelance hostage rescue operative Jonathan "Digger" Grave and his crew set out to locate the victims and apprehend the abductors. Then one of the boys is drugged and left to die in a field, saved only by the fateful intervention of a passing homeless man, and Grave's investigation begins to turn up leads that point to government and organized crime connections.
April 14, 2021
Hard to follow up a fantastic debut like No Mercy (Jonathan Grave #1), but Hostage Zero stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park. Hoping to keep Gail as a permanent addition to the team. As a practicing catholic it makes me so happy to see a priest portrayed in such a great way. It's not overdone, or preachy, it just shows that priests can be very good at what they do, and also addresses the issue of how somebody can deal with the moral considerations of running operations and killing the the bad guys. We rarely see the hero trying to come to grips with the fact that he's taken out evil people in the interest of saving the victim, precious cargo as it's called in the book.
Nicely done John Gilstrap! So glad there are so many more books in this series!
Nicely done John Gilstrap! So glad there are so many more books in this series!
April 21, 2022
As exciting as the tv series 24.
After reading the first book in the Jonathan Grave series, No Mercy, I knew I had to continue with the next novel. Jonathan Graves along with his recurring characters in his hostage rescue business called Security Solutions puts himself in harm’s way to rescue a 14 year old. There are a lot of characters so I had to write them all down in a notebook.
The only part that makes me squeamish is the number of people who are killed along the way and how justified the killings are.
After reading the first book in the Jonathan Grave series, No Mercy, I knew I had to continue with the next novel. Jonathan Graves along with his recurring characters in his hostage rescue business called Security Solutions puts himself in harm’s way to rescue a 14 year old. There are a lot of characters so I had to write them all down in a notebook.
The only part that makes me squeamish is the number of people who are killed along the way and how justified the killings are.
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