What do you think?
Rate this book
Suicide Mission
In the explosive tradition of The Bleeding Edge and Home Invasion , William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone deliver a blistering gut-punch thriller that pits the baddest mercenary army ever assembled against a savage foe bent on the total destruction of America.
To Live Free, You Must Be Brave Enough To Die. . .
Former CIA agent and soldier of fortune "Wild Bill" Elliott thought he was done with impossible missions. But that was before a group of Islamic fanatics teamed up with a Mexican drug cartel to establish a terrorist training camp on America's southern border--and Elliot is tapped by the government to wipe out their base.
To do this Elliott recruits a squad of hardened lifers plucked out of the U.S. maximum security prisons--a terrifying collection of brutal killers, , armed robbers, and savage felons, convicts so out of control they could blow up the mission at any moment. Whipping this ragtag bunch into an assault force capable of infiltrating the terrorist deathtrap will be the greatest challenge Elliott's ever faced. Getting them out alive? That could be a problem. . .
To Live Free, You Must Be Brave Enough To Die. . .
Former CIA agent and soldier of fortune "Wild Bill" Elliott thought he was done with impossible missions. But that was before a group of Islamic fanatics teamed up with a Mexican drug cartel to establish a terrorist training camp on America's southern border--and Elliot is tapped by the government to wipe out their base.
To do this Elliott recruits a squad of hardened lifers plucked out of the U.S. maximum security prisons--a terrifying collection of brutal killers, , armed robbers, and savage felons, convicts so out of control they could blow up the mission at any moment. Whipping this ragtag bunch into an assault force capable of infiltrating the terrorist deathtrap will be the greatest challenge Elliott's ever faced. Getting them out alive? That could be a problem. . .
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,055 books1,425 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 24, 2018
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It sounded like a book I would enjoy, similar to a low budget action flick. To me the authors seemed to have written this as a combination of two stories and the mesh did not quite make it. The first half dealt with suitcase nuke in San Antonio, and that alone could have been enough for an exciting novel. But then the shift to the "Dirty Dozen" aspect of Suicide Mission. The buildup to the Dirty Dozen took up another large chunk of the book and then the actual Suicide Mission assault took up the last little bit. I felt the story at this point of too rushed.
Will I read more books by these authors? Probably will, as I am a sucker for B level action thrillers, both in print and in video.
Will I read more books by these authors? Probably will, as I am a sucker for B level action thrillers, both in print and in video.
April 21, 2020
Suicide Mission was a novel I decided to pick up and read to fill up some time while at home and thought it would be a brisk read.
This was the first Johnstone novel I've read and knew he was similar to other authors' such as Patterson. The chapters were short with simple settings. His development of characters seemed to be proficient enough for the thriller story he wanted to share. The expansion of some characters, such as those that made up the team, was a highlight and I think should have been what started the novel. These characters, in particular, could have each been a short story. The main protagonist and assistants, Catalina and Clark, appear underdeveloped. In addition to the rushed conclusion, the novel had my focus, not on the main story but rather on what the story could have been.
Though, while rushed and it was entertaining and would recommend as a book for someone interested in a straightforward thriller. The reason for three stars is because despite what I wanted to see of the characters the author would break the tempo of the story with obvious remarks about politics that mostly were forced and out of context.
In the future though, if I plan to read any western novels I will be sure to give Johnstone a try.
This was the first Johnstone novel I've read and knew he was similar to other authors' such as Patterson. The chapters were short with simple settings. His development of characters seemed to be proficient enough for the thriller story he wanted to share. The expansion of some characters, such as those that made up the team, was a highlight and I think should have been what started the novel. These characters, in particular, could have each been a short story. The main protagonist and assistants, Catalina and Clark, appear underdeveloped. In addition to the rushed conclusion, the novel had my focus, not on the main story but rather on what the story could have been.
Though, while rushed and it was entertaining and would recommend as a book for someone interested in a straightforward thriller. The reason for three stars is because despite what I wanted to see of the characters the author would break the tempo of the story with obvious remarks about politics that mostly were forced and out of context.
In the future though, if I plan to read any western novels I will be sure to give Johnstone a try.
January 20, 2018
I had attempted to read William Johnstone books in the past and have found it hard to get past his politics, which come screaming out of the main characters. I found that I have read several military action thrillers where one of the authors is a 'retired military bad a$$' and in those series nothing is made of liberal or conservatives, democrats or republicans. Usually, the hero sees ALL politicians as bad. The hero just follows orders and defeats bad guys. Sorry about the diatribe, I got past the political ranting and Suicide Mission is a good action packed shoot'em up. Definite homage to "The Dirty Dozen," but that's not a bad thing. My other complaint is I felt like the book ended suddenly. As if the author had more details and story to tell us but was restricted by a page number he or she had to stop by. Book wraps itself up really quickly for all the build up to why the team is created and how the various team members ended up in prison. I know that all sounds like I didn't like it, but I actually found the book entertaining. It was an entertaining read whilst I was frozen in my home.
July 7, 2018
Another in the non-series of Wild Bill Elliot vs the bad guys. I don't know why this isn't an official series. There are a whole set of these and should be. The Johnstone Clan have so many series. What's one more?
This is much like others with drug cartels out to destroy America, as they are, but adding middle eastern types aiding the effort. which they also are. The reality slides away as one person is asked to help find one involved and then that one person goes out to build a team to really go after the bad guys. What happens next is more than far fetched, but fun to see the bad guys in trouble, as we have never seen happen.
One big problem with the book is a lengthy short story length background stories of each helping Wild Bill. Far more information than needed, though each is an interesting story. Here the Johnstone trademark great character development goes too far. Each story is so interesting, maybe this should have been a short story collection.
The writing is Ok. the settings are better than most Johnstone books.
Bottom line: I recommend this book: 6 out of ten points.
This is much like others with drug cartels out to destroy America, as they are, but adding middle eastern types aiding the effort. which they also are. The reality slides away as one person is asked to help find one involved and then that one person goes out to build a team to really go after the bad guys. What happens next is more than far fetched, but fun to see the bad guys in trouble, as we have never seen happen.
One big problem with the book is a lengthy short story length background stories of each helping Wild Bill. Far more information than needed, though each is an interesting story. Here the Johnstone trademark great character development goes too far. Each story is so interesting, maybe this should have been a short story collection.
The writing is Ok. the settings are better than most Johnstone books.
Bottom line: I recommend this book: 6 out of ten points.
July 24, 2021
Published in 2013, this book is riddled with anti-Obama screeds. No doubt the author is a trumpster who probably was inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.
June 9, 2022
Fast easy read.
I read a handful of the "Ashes" books 30-40 years ago, and this had the same vibe. Good escapism read, without needing to seriously put the brain in gear.
I read a handful of the "Ashes" books 30-40 years ago, and this had the same vibe. Good escapism read, without needing to seriously put the brain in gear.
January 22, 2018
Best books
Love Johnstone books. Can't put them down. There are so many to chase from. Don't think I will ever run out of one's to read.
Love Johnstone books. Can't put them down. There are so many to chase from. Don't think I will ever run out of one's to read.
January 26, 2023
Well written
Great story line. The way this book is written keeps your attention. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Great story line. The way this book is written keeps your attention. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
November 17, 2015
This was the first novel I read by William Johnstone. I was unfamiliar with him until several months back, just for the heck of it, decided to read a western. I picked up one by his nephew, JA Johnstone and much to my surprise, I loved it. I’ve read 3 westerns by JA and have loved them all. I decided to read William and picked up Suicide Mission.
I like reading many genres. Some of my favorite authors are Connelly, Baldacci, Gerritsen, Box, Mayor, Gripando, Scottoline and so on. However, 2 of my favorites are Brad Thor and the late Vince Flynn. When I learned that Wm. Johnstone writes the same genre and Thor and Flynn, I was ecstatic.
I found this novel excellent. It was fast-paced, action-packed. I truly enjoy the authors writing style. It was an exciting book. It’s about 380 pages and I finished it in 2 days.
In the worst way I wanted to give it 5 stars…but I just cant.
I’ll now delve into a dangerous area: Politics.
Mr. Johnstone is apparently a staunch Republican. Right wing conservative. This is plain to see in many of his characters. However, what prevents me from giving this book 5 stars is the fact that I felt like I was constantly getting hit over the head with his political views. It is obvious he greatly dislikes Pres. Obama. Now, what’s funny, is—and please don’t attack me for this—I also am NOT a fan of Obama. I think his is a failed presidency. However, even I, as someone who is NOT a fan of Obama, was getting tired of the author espousing his views.
I’d say that every 30-40 pages, Mr Johnstone, through one of his characters, was going off on an anti-Obama rant. And it wasn’t just the usual anti-Washington stuff such as bi-partisanship, gridlock or career politicians. This was centered around Obama. And even though I agree in principle with the authors’s point, I grew tired of it. I cant imagine someone who likes Obama actually reading this entire book. I cant see someone who is apolitical reading this entire book.
It felt like every 30-40 pages, this book went from a thriller to an op-ed piece, from a fiction novel to his personal views. In my opinion, it took away from the realism of the story. It was as if the author himself kept popping up in the book.
I mentioned Brad Thor earlier. Mr Thor is one of my favorites. He IS a Republican, a staunch conservative. However, when you’re reading his books you would have no idea about his ideology. Unlike Johnstone, Thor focuses on the story, not spouting his opinion.
NOT REALISTIC
Parts of this book were not realistic, others were glossed over.
***I kept waiting to learn that Catalina was secretly a CIA agent. That never happened. The fact that a stripper can beat up a bunch of cartel guys and later shoot down a bunch more simply because she practiced MMA seems pretty far-fetched.
***The fact that 12 people can take down an enemy installation with 200 people also seems far-fetched. As a side note, the author never explained what happened to the cartel guys that survived.
***There is mention of an attack on Washington DC through the use of spores of some sort where people choke and literally blow up internally. However, while the author didn’t need to go into biological details, such a biological weapon does not exist.
***I am not sure about The Alamo but many national landmarks DO have devices that will detect nuclear or chemical weapons in their perimeter. I’m not sure if The Alamo does or does not. If it does, that entire scene is not possible.
***Some of the dialogue was a little…dated. I mean, when was the last time you heard hardened military men or bad-asses use expressions like ‘He’s a varmint.’? I kept picturing Yosemite Sam.
Lastly, this is really a new take, an updated version of “The Dirty Dozen.’ It’s The Dirty Dozen meets terrorists.
Overall, this was good book, enjoyable and entertaining. I will definitely read more of Mr. Johnstone’s novels and look fwd to them.
Suicide Mission is 3 ½ stars but I’ll be generous and give it 4
I like reading many genres. Some of my favorite authors are Connelly, Baldacci, Gerritsen, Box, Mayor, Gripando, Scottoline and so on. However, 2 of my favorites are Brad Thor and the late Vince Flynn. When I learned that Wm. Johnstone writes the same genre and Thor and Flynn, I was ecstatic.
I found this novel excellent. It was fast-paced, action-packed. I truly enjoy the authors writing style. It was an exciting book. It’s about 380 pages and I finished it in 2 days.
In the worst way I wanted to give it 5 stars…but I just cant.
I’ll now delve into a dangerous area: Politics.
Mr. Johnstone is apparently a staunch Republican. Right wing conservative. This is plain to see in many of his characters. However, what prevents me from giving this book 5 stars is the fact that I felt like I was constantly getting hit over the head with his political views. It is obvious he greatly dislikes Pres. Obama. Now, what’s funny, is—and please don’t attack me for this—I also am NOT a fan of Obama. I think his is a failed presidency. However, even I, as someone who is NOT a fan of Obama, was getting tired of the author espousing his views.
I’d say that every 30-40 pages, Mr Johnstone, through one of his characters, was going off on an anti-Obama rant. And it wasn’t just the usual anti-Washington stuff such as bi-partisanship, gridlock or career politicians. This was centered around Obama. And even though I agree in principle with the authors’s point, I grew tired of it. I cant imagine someone who likes Obama actually reading this entire book. I cant see someone who is apolitical reading this entire book.
It felt like every 30-40 pages, this book went from a thriller to an op-ed piece, from a fiction novel to his personal views. In my opinion, it took away from the realism of the story. It was as if the author himself kept popping up in the book.
I mentioned Brad Thor earlier. Mr Thor is one of my favorites. He IS a Republican, a staunch conservative. However, when you’re reading his books you would have no idea about his ideology. Unlike Johnstone, Thor focuses on the story, not spouting his opinion.
NOT REALISTIC
Parts of this book were not realistic, others were glossed over.
***I kept waiting to learn that Catalina was secretly a CIA agent. That never happened. The fact that a stripper can beat up a bunch of cartel guys and later shoot down a bunch more simply because she practiced MMA seems pretty far-fetched.
***The fact that 12 people can take down an enemy installation with 200 people also seems far-fetched. As a side note, the author never explained what happened to the cartel guys that survived.
***There is mention of an attack on Washington DC through the use of spores of some sort where people choke and literally blow up internally. However, while the author didn’t need to go into biological details, such a biological weapon does not exist.
***I am not sure about The Alamo but many national landmarks DO have devices that will detect nuclear or chemical weapons in their perimeter. I’m not sure if The Alamo does or does not. If it does, that entire scene is not possible.
***Some of the dialogue was a little…dated. I mean, when was the last time you heard hardened military men or bad-asses use expressions like ‘He’s a varmint.’? I kept picturing Yosemite Sam.
Lastly, this is really a new take, an updated version of “The Dirty Dozen.’ It’s The Dirty Dozen meets terrorists.
Overall, this was good book, enjoyable and entertaining. I will definitely read more of Mr. Johnstone’s novels and look fwd to them.
Suicide Mission is 3 ½ stars but I’ll be generous and give it 4
February 4, 2014
If you read one of these modern thrillers by the Johnstones, be prepared for an alternate universe tale. Every conservative, i.e. Republican, are selfles patriotic individuals withe the country's bes interests formost and every liberal, i.e. Democrats, and clueless idiots. There certainly are folks like that, but just as many opposite on each side as well.
William "Wild Bill" Elliot, after the B-movie cowboy actor, ex-CIA, es-Priavte contractor, now supposedly retired, gets pulled into a mission to collect a woman with vital infomation about something cslled "El Nuevo Sol," The New Sun,
It sems one of the drug cartels have teamed up with middle Eastern terrorists to establish a training camp/think tank to infiltrate the U.S. across the border and cause havoc.
They use the Dirty Dozen theme as Wild Bill recruits from murderers, thieves, deserters, and the like with an offer of freedom and a new life if they survive.
Not a bad story if they didn't overdo the conservative/liberal thing.
William "Wild Bill" Elliot, after the B-movie cowboy actor, ex-CIA, es-Priavte contractor, now supposedly retired, gets pulled into a mission to collect a woman with vital infomation about something cslled "El Nuevo Sol," The New Sun,
It sems one of the drug cartels have teamed up with middle Eastern terrorists to establish a training camp/think tank to infiltrate the U.S. across the border and cause havoc.
They use the Dirty Dozen theme as Wild Bill recruits from murderers, thieves, deserters, and the like with an offer of freedom and a new life if they survive.
Not a bad story if they didn't overdo the conservative/liberal thing.
January 20, 2016
This was the first Johnstone book I've ever read, having picked up a copy from a "take me I'm free" table on a whim. It's exactly what you'd expect -- a hyper-patriotic action book pitting retired military/spies and harden criminals who decide an honorable act in exchange for freedom is worthwhile take on an army of drug cartel thugs teamed up with Islamist terrorists. There are no surprises, but there are a few interesting characters, big gun fights, and generic fun.
What this book also has is a grating amount of political opinion expressed at every possible turn, even when it isn't necessary. It's basically gratuitous pandering to the far right American reader, as insulting as possible to Democrats and "liberals" in the U.S.. Some of it fit the characters in the book, and I got it. But I got it the first ten times, really. We didn't need the other hundred attacks on the administration in there.
According to the book's back cover, Johnstone has written over 200 books, and yet I had never read one -- I didn't mind this one, and it killed time as I traveled just fine.
What this book also has is a grating amount of political opinion expressed at every possible turn, even when it isn't necessary. It's basically gratuitous pandering to the far right American reader, as insulting as possible to Democrats and "liberals" in the U.S.. Some of it fit the characters in the book, and I got it. But I got it the first ten times, really. We didn't need the other hundred attacks on the administration in there.
According to the book's back cover, Johnstone has written over 200 books, and yet I had never read one -- I didn't mind this one, and it killed time as I traveled just fine.
February 17, 2015
Fast paced; lots of action and full of heroes fighting to save the USA. I received this book as a freebie in addition to one I won on Goodreads..
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews