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Leine Basso Thriller #3
Bad Traffick
BAD TRAFFICK named a 2012 Top 5 Indie Pick by BloodWrites and a Top Pick by Night Owl Reviews! Also recently named a semi-finalist in the Kindle Book Review Best Books of 2013!
Although Bad Traffick is part of a series, it is a standalone novel and can be read by itself.
Dangerous obsessions take center stage when a former assassin and a homicide detective race against the clock to find a missing girl before she's lost forever.
Identified as a person of interest in three cold case murders she didn't commit, ex-assassin Leine Basso accepts a temporary position as a bodyguard for A-list actor Miles Fournier as a favor to Detective Santiago Jensen.
Soon, a woman contacts Miles claiming to be his long-lost sister and confides that her daughter has been abducted by traffickers. Leine must confront her own demons as she races to rescue the girl before it's too late.
Although Bad Traffick is part of a series, it is a standalone novel and can be read by itself.
Dangerous obsessions take center stage when a former assassin and a homicide detective race against the clock to find a missing girl before she's lost forever.
Identified as a person of interest in three cold case murders she didn't commit, ex-assassin Leine Basso accepts a temporary position as a bodyguard for A-list actor Miles Fournier as a favor to Detective Santiago Jensen.
Soon, a woman contacts Miles claiming to be his long-lost sister and confides that her daughter has been abducted by traffickers. Leine must confront her own demons as she races to rescue the girl before it's too late.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2012
568 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
D.V. Berkom
50 books365 followersDV Berkom is the USA Today bestselling author of action-packed, riveting adventure and crime thrillers. Known for creating resilient, kick-ass female characters and page-turning plots, her love of the genre stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, action/adventure stories, and thrillers.
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 2, 2021
Nice to get back to another series I enjoy !
The problem with having so many favourite action authors and series you enjoy, is keeping up with them all !
Leine Basso, a great strong female character.
Dangerous obsessions take centre stage when a former assassin and a homicide detective race against the clock to find a missing girl before she's sold to the highest bidder.
Identified as a person of interest in three cold case murders she didn't commit, retired assassin Leine Basso accepts a temporary position as a security specialist for A-list actor Miles Fournier. Soon, a woman contacts Miles, claiming to be his long-lost sister. Her twelve-year-old daughter, Mara, has been abducted and she's desperate to get her back.
Leine learns from a contact that Mara escaped, but the traffickers are determined to track her down and deliver her to their powerful client. Running out of time, Leine must find Mara before they do, or she will be lost forever.
A great well paced action thriller, with a very realistic characters, Leine kept on her toes all the time, good action, strong subject and sadly a great worry all over the world of human trafficking.
Always good to read DV Berkom books. Four stars
The problem with having so many favourite action authors and series you enjoy, is keeping up with them all !
Leine Basso, a great strong female character.
Dangerous obsessions take centre stage when a former assassin and a homicide detective race against the clock to find a missing girl before she's sold to the highest bidder.
Identified as a person of interest in three cold case murders she didn't commit, retired assassin Leine Basso accepts a temporary position as a security specialist for A-list actor Miles Fournier. Soon, a woman contacts Miles, claiming to be his long-lost sister. Her twelve-year-old daughter, Mara, has been abducted and she's desperate to get her back.
Leine learns from a contact that Mara escaped, but the traffickers are determined to track her down and deliver her to their powerful client. Running out of time, Leine must find Mara before they do, or she will be lost forever.
A great well paced action thriller, with a very realistic characters, Leine kept on her toes all the time, good action, strong subject and sadly a great worry all over the world of human trafficking.
Always good to read DV Berkom books. Four stars
July 28, 2015
Judging by the cover of Bad Traffick, I think DV Berkom will be having me gritting my teeth and hanging on the edge of my seat, hoping and praying that Leine Basso will find the girl before the traffickers. And I am not wrong.
Bad Traffick grabs my attention from the opening page and never lets me go. DV Berkom has the ability to put me in a state of suspense from cover to cover, rooting for the good guys…and maybe one not so good gal, while wishing the worst on the criminals and evil that spread their cancer to the young and innocent.
Leine Basso is an ex assassin and is now working security for an actor, Miles Fournier. His long lost sister comes to him for help to find her twelve year old daughter, Mara, who has been kidnapped by traffickers.
Leine is a strong female protagonist who is a suspect in three cold murder cases. She and Jensen, a detective for the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division, have the hots for each other, but with her being a murder suspect, they have to communicate on the down low. Will Jensen risk everything to be with the babe magnet?
Leine has a special relationship with her twenty one year old daughter, April. They have much more in common than your average mother and daughter. They had both been abducted. Now, April wants to learn “the business.” Hmm, could that be a story for another book? I guess we will have to wait and see. In the meantime…
There is much more going on than trafficking and I am very suspicious. Who can you trust? I found myself holding my breath, leaning forward in my seat with my hands tightly clenching the book as over and over again someone tried to kill her. Is it the same person or group? Is there more than one? I know it can’t happen, but I find myself yelling and talking to her, because even I do not know who she can trust.
Bad Trafffick is the second book in The Leine Basso Series, Serial Date being the first. They stand alone, so no cliffhangers or waiting to find out the ending. Still, I can hardly wait to begin the third book in the series, The Body Market, that sits patiently on my side table saying, “Read me.” DV has also just released the fourth book in the series, Cargo. All books in the series stand alone.
I received a copy of Bad Traffick from DV Berkom in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Bad Traffick grabs my attention from the opening page and never lets me go. DV Berkom has the ability to put me in a state of suspense from cover to cover, rooting for the good guys…and maybe one not so good gal, while wishing the worst on the criminals and evil that spread their cancer to the young and innocent.
Leine Basso is an ex assassin and is now working security for an actor, Miles Fournier. His long lost sister comes to him for help to find her twelve year old daughter, Mara, who has been kidnapped by traffickers.
Leine is a strong female protagonist who is a suspect in three cold murder cases. She and Jensen, a detective for the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division, have the hots for each other, but with her being a murder suspect, they have to communicate on the down low. Will Jensen risk everything to be with the babe magnet?
Leine has a special relationship with her twenty one year old daughter, April. They have much more in common than your average mother and daughter. They had both been abducted. Now, April wants to learn “the business.” Hmm, could that be a story for another book? I guess we will have to wait and see. In the meantime…
There is much more going on than trafficking and I am very suspicious. Who can you trust? I found myself holding my breath, leaning forward in my seat with my hands tightly clenching the book as over and over again someone tried to kill her. Is it the same person or group? Is there more than one? I know it can’t happen, but I find myself yelling and talking to her, because even I do not know who she can trust.
Bad Trafffick is the second book in The Leine Basso Series, Serial Date being the first. They stand alone, so no cliffhangers or waiting to find out the ending. Still, I can hardly wait to begin the third book in the series, The Body Market, that sits patiently on my side table saying, “Read me.” DV has also just released the fourth book in the series, Cargo. All books in the series stand alone.
I received a copy of Bad Traffick from DV Berkom in return for an honest and unbiased review.
June 11, 2017
Tough topic to read... sex trafficking is hard to read, especially when it involves children. Well written, fast pace. Leine is a great protagonist!!
My only regret was that I did not read Book 1 first... some of the references tripped me up. So, I'm guessing that I will go back to Book 1 before I search out the next in the series!!
My only regret was that I did not read Book 1 first... some of the references tripped me up. So, I'm guessing that I will go back to Book 1 before I search out the next in the series!!
October 3, 2014
Wow!! What a great second book, really involved story line. Warning: There is a very raw scene of a rape. It is a tough bit to read.
Again, there is a bit going on in the story other than the main plot of the sex traffickers. That main plot is actually a fantastic plotline. There are plenty of different angle coming at Leine. Good thing she has all that experience from her old life. Too bad that past is catching up with her too.
The narrative is mixed going from several points of view. It is a terrific device for letting the reader in on all the intricacies of the plot. The switches are very well done and always clear when a new narrator is driving the tale. It is in large chunks, which keeps things from getting jumpy.
There is a bit more smexy time with Leine and yummy Santiago. A fair amount of detail to make a gal hot! Not as much as an erotic romance, but no where near closed bedroom door. While the love seems rather quick, I am willing to follow the lust and attraction between them. I can believe love later on in the series.
I really liked the supporting cast and all the dynamics between them. I can not say I was surprised by any of the turns in the plot. Sometimes that doesn't matter in a great story. I was riveted from beginning to end. I fell in love with shallow actor Miles, especially as he grew and found depth. It is really easy to feel for him and Mara the young runaway. You even feel for Selena, she isn't bad, just doing what she has to in order to survive.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kristi Alsip, who was fantastic. I was very happy with the change of narrator. She has a swift pace that adds energy to the read at key moments. I loved her voices and the consistency in them. She had great accents and choices to keep the voices distinct. I really hope she stays with the series. Her tone is slightly raspy and hold all the jaded world weariness of the lead character.
Overall, I was thrilled with this book. I did not want it to end. I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the book! Seriously a nailbitter! I hope there are more books to come!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
Again, there is a bit going on in the story other than the main plot of the sex traffickers. That main plot is actually a fantastic plotline. There are plenty of different angle coming at Leine. Good thing she has all that experience from her old life. Too bad that past is catching up with her too.
The narrative is mixed going from several points of view. It is a terrific device for letting the reader in on all the intricacies of the plot. The switches are very well done and always clear when a new narrator is driving the tale. It is in large chunks, which keeps things from getting jumpy.
There is a bit more smexy time with Leine and yummy Santiago. A fair amount of detail to make a gal hot! Not as much as an erotic romance, but no where near closed bedroom door. While the love seems rather quick, I am willing to follow the lust and attraction between them. I can believe love later on in the series.
I really liked the supporting cast and all the dynamics between them. I can not say I was surprised by any of the turns in the plot. Sometimes that doesn't matter in a great story. I was riveted from beginning to end. I fell in love with shallow actor Miles, especially as he grew and found depth. It is really easy to feel for him and Mara the young runaway. You even feel for Selena, she isn't bad, just doing what she has to in order to survive.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kristi Alsip, who was fantastic. I was very happy with the change of narrator. She has a swift pace that adds energy to the read at key moments. I loved her voices and the consistency in them. She had great accents and choices to keep the voices distinct. I really hope she stays with the series. Her tone is slightly raspy and hold all the jaded world weariness of the lead character.
Overall, I was thrilled with this book. I did not want it to end. I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the book! Seriously a nailbitter! I hope there are more books to come!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
January 12, 2015
After reading the first Leine Basso thriller (Serial Date), I had no hesitation at all diving into book number two. This reminded me of those bath-bomb soaps that fizz and crackle energetically as soon as they touch the water. No sooner had I ‘turned’ (tapped on the Kindle!) a couple of pages, this burst into a fizz of energetic thrills. Mind you, that’s where the similarity ends: a bath bomb invites you to de-stress in its luxurious smelling water. Leine Basso is not the sort of protagonist to let you relax: there’s no doubt that, whether she likes it or not, she’s quite the adrenalin junkie who takes you on a roller-coaster ride.
I’m totally smitten by this character. In this second adventure, Leine takes on another temporary position looking after the security of an actor, Miles Fournier. A popular one of particular interest to a young twelve-year-old, Mara, an abductee of some unscrupulous traffickers, who has managed to escape the horrors they have in store for her. Mara believes Miles can help her, but when her ‘mother’ also contacts Miles, claiming he is her brother and hoping he can help find Mara, alarm bells sound for Leine, and she has to draw on her considerable experience to flush out the traffickers in a bid to find Mara before she gets sucked into their web of heinousness.
My opinion of Leine hasn’t changed. She’s sassy, smart, brave and passionate and doesn’t suffer fools (or evil criminals) gladly.
Utterly gripping, compelling, edge-of-your seat writing. I’d say the only problem is, you’re left wanting more. As it happens, that’s nicely solved (thank goodness) by book number three, which is burning a hole on my Kindle waiting to be read forthwith!
Highly recommended.
I’m totally smitten by this character. In this second adventure, Leine takes on another temporary position looking after the security of an actor, Miles Fournier. A popular one of particular interest to a young twelve-year-old, Mara, an abductee of some unscrupulous traffickers, who has managed to escape the horrors they have in store for her. Mara believes Miles can help her, but when her ‘mother’ also contacts Miles, claiming he is her brother and hoping he can help find Mara, alarm bells sound for Leine, and she has to draw on her considerable experience to flush out the traffickers in a bid to find Mara before she gets sucked into their web of heinousness.
My opinion of Leine hasn’t changed. She’s sassy, smart, brave and passionate and doesn’t suffer fools (or evil criminals) gladly.
Utterly gripping, compelling, edge-of-your seat writing. I’d say the only problem is, you’re left wanting more. As it happens, that’s nicely solved (thank goodness) by book number three, which is burning a hole on my Kindle waiting to be read forthwith!
Highly recommended.
August 30, 2017
Mara is a homeless young girl who is abducted by sex traffickers. When she escapes, they have to find her because the buyer has already paid for her and is impatiently waiting to get his product.
Security specialist, Leine Basso, takes on the job of protecting A-list actor Miles Forunier. Shortly after taking the job, Miles is delighted when he contacted by a woman saying she is his half-sister. But she has a problem that she wants Miles to help her with. Her daughter, Mara, has been abducted.
Miles is so happy to learn he has family that he promises to help find Mara. Leine is not happy with this situation. At all. They find out that Mara was taken by sex traffickers who want her back. Leine has to find her before they do.
This was a gripping thriller that takes us into the world of human trafficking. I hesitated to read this book because I thought it would be too upsetting. But it wasn't. It was informative and a really good story. I loved how Leine was such a strong, competent woman. It was funny how she tolerated Miles and his child-like ways. I loved Mara. It was amazing how she took care of herself at such a young age. I do wish that I had read the first book in this series first so I had some back story on Leine.
Even though this is a difficult subject to address, I didn’t want to put this action-packed book down.
Security specialist, Leine Basso, takes on the job of protecting A-list actor Miles Forunier. Shortly after taking the job, Miles is delighted when he contacted by a woman saying she is his half-sister. But she has a problem that she wants Miles to help her with. Her daughter, Mara, has been abducted.
Miles is so happy to learn he has family that he promises to help find Mara. Leine is not happy with this situation. At all. They find out that Mara was taken by sex traffickers who want her back. Leine has to find her before they do.
This was a gripping thriller that takes us into the world of human trafficking. I hesitated to read this book because I thought it would be too upsetting. But it wasn't. It was informative and a really good story. I loved how Leine was such a strong, competent woman. It was funny how she tolerated Miles and his child-like ways. I loved Mara. It was amazing how she took care of herself at such a young age. I do wish that I had read the first book in this series first so I had some back story on Leine.
Even though this is a difficult subject to address, I didn’t want to put this action-packed book down.
May 1, 2013
Bad Traffick is a great book that sort of sneaks up on you. The plot is solid, taking you behind-the-scenes in the world of human trafficking to the LA police. I had not read the first in the series, but that didn't matter, this is a stand alone story.
This novel has everything you would look for in a great thriller- action and suspense, sprinkled with a little sex and violence. I learned a great deal about the human trafficking industry but never felt like it was preachy.
Miles Fournier, one of the main characters, is a famous, wild actor that keeps the mood light with his partying ways (think Russel Brand in 'Get him to the Greek') and makes Leine Basso, the hired body guard and former assassin, a little tense ... and it's not good if you are a tense bodyguard.
Wrap up these great characters in a thriller to save the life of a young child, and you have the perfect book. Fast paced and ever-changing, I'm sure you'll love this book.
This novel has everything you would look for in a great thriller- action and suspense, sprinkled with a little sex and violence. I learned a great deal about the human trafficking industry but never felt like it was preachy.
Miles Fournier, one of the main characters, is a famous, wild actor that keeps the mood light with his partying ways (think Russel Brand in 'Get him to the Greek') and makes Leine Basso, the hired body guard and former assassin, a little tense ... and it's not good if you are a tense bodyguard.
Wrap up these great characters in a thriller to save the life of a young child, and you have the perfect book. Fast paced and ever-changing, I'm sure you'll love this book.
January 4, 2019
Leine Basso, former professional assassin for a secret government entity known simply as the Agency, finds herself involved in desperate attempts to rescue Mara, a twelve-year-old runaway, before she’s trafficked into the sex trade. The topic is distressing, and you can feel that the author cares deeply about the issue. The victim is never shown in an exploitive scene, though often in danger, as she escapes her captors and struggles to stay free. Leine is once again working security in Hollywood, this time as a bodyguard for a naïve and gullible actor, Miles Fournier. He’s Mara’s idol, and after all the rough times in her life, all the betrayals by adults around her, she’s convinced he’s only the one she can trust to save her.
While Leine fights to protect Miles from apparent kidnappers and save Mara from the traffickers, she’s also haunted by false accusations about crimes she didn’t commit, and the temptation of a passionate relationship that should be off limits. Leine is tough as hell, a skilled fighter with weapons and in hand-to-hand combat, but she’s not heartless. Far from it. Berkom portrays Leine in all her complexity, including showing her as a mother.
The end is satisfying, happy for some characters and not for others. As always in Berkom’s books, the pace is compelling. She’s an author I can always count on, a master of her craft.
While Leine fights to protect Miles from apparent kidnappers and save Mara from the traffickers, she’s also haunted by false accusations about crimes she didn’t commit, and the temptation of a passionate relationship that should be off limits. Leine is tough as hell, a skilled fighter with weapons and in hand-to-hand combat, but she’s not heartless. Far from it. Berkom portrays Leine in all her complexity, including showing her as a mother.
The end is satisfying, happy for some characters and not for others. As always in Berkom’s books, the pace is compelling. She’s an author I can always count on, a master of her craft.
July 9, 2017
Loved this book. I was hooked right from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down. The main character is a very strong woman and I liked that. Fast paced & couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. Can't wait to read the next one.
April 23, 2017
Bad arse!!!
What a great story I couldn't put it down I can't believe this really happens it's sad and these people are really sick sick sick. I never know what is going to happen I think one thing and it's another lol
What a great story I couldn't put it down I can't believe this really happens it's sad and these people are really sick sick sick. I never know what is going to happen I think one thing and it's another lol
April 25, 2017
An entertaining book, look forward to reading others in the series.
April 25, 2017
Fast action filled read
I was Leary about a book on human trafficking. I dislike cruelty but this presented the problem without graphic description and characters were believable.
I was Leary about a book on human trafficking. I dislike cruelty but this presented the problem without graphic description and characters were believable.
July 13, 2025
Despite our despair with the first two books in this set, we owned the three-story Basso box set so decided to polish off this third in the series during a spell when nothing else handy to read was at hand. Herein, a missing person story, while somewhat predictable, involving human trafficking (seemingly a favorite topic these days), is solved with a modicum of suspense. We wouldn't recommend pursuing this set, but this one was not all bad.
March 10, 2019
Fast moving
A fast moving thriller that kept my heart rate elevated. Superb writing and strong plot and subplots. Very realistic and dealt with a heart wrenching subject.
A fast moving thriller that kept my heart rate elevated. Superb writing and strong plot and subplots. Very realistic and dealt with a heart wrenching subject.
April 5, 2017
Every time I read one of DV Berkom's books, my first reaction is always, WOW! They're always so well written and get me hooked right from the beginning. I couldn't help rooting for Leine and Mara and hoping the bad guys would "get theirs" in an excruciatingly painful way. With a little bit of romance and a lot of action and suspense, Bad Traffick had me on the edge of my seat and running a gamut of emotions. The stats at the end of the book are both sobering and heartbreaking. Great read for 18+.
January 28, 2013
In this sequel to the critically acclaimed, Awesome Indies thriller SERIAL DATE, author DV Berkom brings former assassin Leine Basso and steamy detective Santiago Jensen together again for a fast-paced, well-written thriller sure to please fans of the genre. In BAD TRAFFICK, Leine– still under investigation for several cold cases that came to light during events in SERIAL DATE– is under orders to stay in LA until her name is cleared. The implication, of course, is that she will stay in town and stay out of trouble. But this is Leine, so you can pretty much forget that’ll ever happen. While she’s in town flying under the radar, Leine takes a job protecting A-List actor Miles Fournier; not forty-eight hours into the job, a woman claiming to be Miles’ long-lost sister shows up on his doorstep. Miles is thrilled. Leine? Not so much. Soon, Leine finds herself immersed in the dark and very real world of human trafficking, as she fights the clock to save a young girl on the run from a depraved villain bent on having the child at any cost.
In TRAFFICK, Berkom does a stellar job of balancing action, multiple storylines, romance, and an admittedly important issue in society today: that of human trafficking. With grace and her usual wit, she manages to convey the seriousness of the issue without making the read too heavy or ever seeming as though she’s writing from the soapbox. With that said, this is a thriller in the truest sense of the word: There’s sex, there’s violence, there’s language, and Berkom pulls no punches in showing the darkest aspects of human trafficking. If you’re looking for a cozy read to lull you to sleep on a chilly winter night, look elsewhere. This is a fast-paced, gripping, sexy read that had me turning pages late into the night and ultimately dreading when the thrill ride would be over. I love these characters!
Though this is the second in the series featuring Leine and ‘Santa’ Jensen and there is a residual plotline carried over from the first novel, Berkom brings in enough information that readers can easily jump into the series without having read the first novel. But, honestly, why would you want to? Start with SERIAL DATE, and keep reading! Leine Basso is a whip-smart, witty heroine worth following, her sizzling romance with Jensen leaps off the page, and Berkom– already a favorite author of mine– keeps getting better with every new book under her belt. In case you haven’t gotten it so far? BAD TRAFFICK comes very highly recommended by this reviewer.
In TRAFFICK, Berkom does a stellar job of balancing action, multiple storylines, romance, and an admittedly important issue in society today: that of human trafficking. With grace and her usual wit, she manages to convey the seriousness of the issue without making the read too heavy or ever seeming as though she’s writing from the soapbox. With that said, this is a thriller in the truest sense of the word: There’s sex, there’s violence, there’s language, and Berkom pulls no punches in showing the darkest aspects of human trafficking. If you’re looking for a cozy read to lull you to sleep on a chilly winter night, look elsewhere. This is a fast-paced, gripping, sexy read that had me turning pages late into the night and ultimately dreading when the thrill ride would be over. I love these characters!
Though this is the second in the series featuring Leine and ‘Santa’ Jensen and there is a residual plotline carried over from the first novel, Berkom brings in enough information that readers can easily jump into the series without having read the first novel. But, honestly, why would you want to? Start with SERIAL DATE, and keep reading! Leine Basso is a whip-smart, witty heroine worth following, her sizzling romance with Jensen leaps off the page, and Berkom– already a favorite author of mine– keeps getting better with every new book under her belt. In case you haven’t gotten it so far? BAD TRAFFICK comes very highly recommended by this reviewer.
May 2, 2016
Bad Traffick is the 2nd book in the Leine Basso series by bestselling and award-winning thriller author D.V Berkom and it’s one of those stories that will grab you from the first sentences and it won’t let go until the last word.
In Bad Traffick we follow the adventures of ex-CIA female assassin Leine Basso as she tries to distance herself from her previous profession. Unemployed, a mother and in love with a Police Officer, she has to figure out her future. When Leine gets a temporary job providing protection for one of Hollywood’s most successful actor, she finds herself assaulted on multiple fronts. She has to keep the Star safe, as he fears kidnapping, she needs to keep away impostors and in no time she is pulled into a serious situation involving a human trafficking ring and a missing girl. On top of that, some secrets from Leine’s past come to haunt her.
D.V. Berkom has that rare talent to write an intriguing story where things happen so fast and from all sides that you’ll not be able to put the book down or to stop listening. There are a few heart wrenching moments, one of them being the scene of a rape that I found very disturbing. I know the World is full of monsters capable of doing such things, I know the statistics at the end of the book are real, but sometimes I don’t want to believe such things exist, but hey, I’m the guy who doesn’t watch the news exactly because of these reasons. I prefer to keep the distance, to enjoy my books and to see it all as fiction.
Bad Traffick has it all: Gunfights and car chases, movie stars and assassins, beautiful women and powerful men, heroes and scumbags, love and sex. My first book written by D.V. Berkom ended up as a very enjoyable, suspenseful and unputdownable thrilling experience. I rooted for the good guys and hated the traffickers, I really enjoyed the actor’s character arc and I’ll start very soon with the next book in the Leine Basso series, hoping that it will be at least as good as this one.
The audiobook is performed by Kristi Alsip and she does a great job bringing all the main characters and the supporting cast to life. She reads very fast, amplifying the suspense,adding even more urgency to the already tense story. She uses different voices and accents to keep the most important characters differentiated for the listener and I can say that it was a very nice surprise to discover a new, talented, narrator. She is perfect for this series and I’m looking forward to listen to more books performed her.
Ladies, thank you for the entertainment!
In Bad Traffick we follow the adventures of ex-CIA female assassin Leine Basso as she tries to distance herself from her previous profession. Unemployed, a mother and in love with a Police Officer, she has to figure out her future. When Leine gets a temporary job providing protection for one of Hollywood’s most successful actor, she finds herself assaulted on multiple fronts. She has to keep the Star safe, as he fears kidnapping, she needs to keep away impostors and in no time she is pulled into a serious situation involving a human trafficking ring and a missing girl. On top of that, some secrets from Leine’s past come to haunt her.
D.V. Berkom has that rare talent to write an intriguing story where things happen so fast and from all sides that you’ll not be able to put the book down or to stop listening. There are a few heart wrenching moments, one of them being the scene of a rape that I found very disturbing. I know the World is full of monsters capable of doing such things, I know the statistics at the end of the book are real, but sometimes I don’t want to believe such things exist, but hey, I’m the guy who doesn’t watch the news exactly because of these reasons. I prefer to keep the distance, to enjoy my books and to see it all as fiction.
Bad Traffick has it all: Gunfights and car chases, movie stars and assassins, beautiful women and powerful men, heroes and scumbags, love and sex. My first book written by D.V. Berkom ended up as a very enjoyable, suspenseful and unputdownable thrilling experience. I rooted for the good guys and hated the traffickers, I really enjoyed the actor’s character arc and I’ll start very soon with the next book in the Leine Basso series, hoping that it will be at least as good as this one.
The audiobook is performed by Kristi Alsip and she does a great job bringing all the main characters and the supporting cast to life. She reads very fast, amplifying the suspense,adding even more urgency to the already tense story. She uses different voices and accents to keep the most important characters differentiated for the listener and I can say that it was a very nice surprise to discover a new, talented, narrator. She is perfect for this series and I’m looking forward to listen to more books performed her.
Ladies, thank you for the entertainment!
January 31, 2013
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the second installment in this series more than I did the first. It was a very gripping plot and sucked me right in. There was a tough moment of brutality which was hard to get through, but I'm glad I kept going with the story since everything else was much more of the fun thriller / drama stuff. It was great getting to know Leine better. I do still wish there'd been more on her background in either this or Serial Date. We know Carlos was someone she loved, but it seems like there's so much more to that story, and I'm really wanting to get the rest! I can only assume it will be shared in another book...Her current relationship was not a major part of the story, but just enough to add a bit of heat to the ride. The moments with her daughter gave her a bit of a softer side, and were more realistic than in Serial Date, I thought. Towards the end, everything came together really well. I'm still not sure if her biggest enemy is gone or not, so it's good that there's room for more in that direction. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any further installments in this series!
January 31, 2013
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the second installment in this series more than I did the first. It was a very gripping plot and sucked me right in. There was a tough moment of brutality which was hard to get through, but I'm glad I kept going with the story since everything else was much more of the fun thriller / drama stuff. It was great getting to know Leine better. I do still wish there'd been more on her background in either this or Serial Date. We know Carlos was someone she loved, but it seems like there's so much more to that story, and I'm really wanting to get the rest! I can only assume it will be shared in another book...Her current relationship was not a major part of the story, but just enough to add a bit of heat to the ride. The moments with her daughter gave her a bit of a softer side, and were more realistic than in Serial Date, I thought. Towards the end, everything came together really well. I'm still not sure if her biggest enemy is gone or not, so it's good that there's room for more in that direction. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any further installments in this series!
March 17, 2013
Bad Traffick is probably one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time, and if you consider that I read about fifty books a year, that is a grand statement.
Suffice to say, this was a novel that gripped me from the outset and kept me glued to it until the very last page. It came as no surprise to later learn that D V Berkom is a fan of James Bond because this book certainly carries echoes of the breakneck pace of those novels and some excellent fight scenes.
The protagonist, Leine Basso is a credible, very likeable character. Berkom succeeds is creating a female character who has guts, determination and ability. Leine is supported by other strong characters, an intriguing plot. the novel is hugely entertaining. I highly recommend this novel and shall certainly be reading others in this series by this same author.
Suffice to say, this was a novel that gripped me from the outset and kept me glued to it until the very last page. It came as no surprise to later learn that D V Berkom is a fan of James Bond because this book certainly carries echoes of the breakneck pace of those novels and some excellent fight scenes.
The protagonist, Leine Basso is a credible, very likeable character. Berkom succeeds is creating a female character who has guts, determination and ability. Leine is supported by other strong characters, an intriguing plot. the novel is hugely entertaining. I highly recommend this novel and shall certainly be reading others in this series by this same author.
July 15, 2013
I can think of few things worse than the trafficking in children. This story deals with that subject as the 9-year-old potential victim escapes from her kidnappers and everyone goes on the hunt. Mobsters and other characters from Serial Date reappear, as repercussions from that story emerge. Security agent Leine Russo continues her relationship with police detective Santiago Jensen while working to protect an egomaniacal movie star, find the child who has escaped and fight for her own life as she is targeted for assassination.
I can highly recommend this fast-paced book !
The author of this book provided me a copy in return for an honest review.
August 28, 2015
Leine is my kind of woman
I liked these books. I like Leine Basso although I wish I knew how she pronounced her name and I wish I had a better of idea of what she looked like. But she's a tough broad and can handle herself in any situation. Where I'm saying g "wait for backup," Leine goes right into the dangerous situation and gets the best of bad guys. If you want a good book that doesn't tax your brain, then give the Leine Basso books a chance. While you don't have to read them in sequence, each book makes reference to the preceding one.
I liked these books. I like Leine Basso although I wish I knew how she pronounced her name and I wish I had a better of idea of what she looked like. But she's a tough broad and can handle herself in any situation. Where I'm saying g "wait for backup," Leine goes right into the dangerous situation and gets the best of bad guys. If you want a good book that doesn't tax your brain, then give the Leine Basso books a chance. While you don't have to read them in sequence, each book makes reference to the preceding one.
January 30, 2016
Another thrilling story!
I will just say that Leine Basso is one bad a** lady and I'm addicted to this series! The characters are well thought out, the plot is real and gritty, the romance is hit and the relationships/friendships heart warming. I loved the story and want more!
I will just say that Leine Basso is one bad a** lady and I'm addicted to this series! The characters are well thought out, the plot is real and gritty, the romance is hit and the relationships/friendships heart warming. I loved the story and want more!
August 4, 2013
Great book moves at a good pace. Deals with human trafficking in this case a twelve year old girl.
August 16, 2013
Most of the action is in bed. Plot would have stood well enough without that.
March 5, 2020
On the whole, I thought this was a better book than Serial Date (for a start, the transphobic language didn't make a repeat appearance, so yay for that)
I also got a much better sense of Leine as a character, I felt like the action scenes were done better, and the instalust with Jensen played a smaller part in the overall plot too, which were all improvements. The plot itself was fairly simple, and there weren't any surprises, so if you're looking for something particularly twisty, this probably won't do the trick.
But as a quick, undemanding, action read with a competent female protagonist, it worked fairly well for me.
My only criticism was just how long it took Leine to figure out what was going on with "Jean". I felt like the lag just didn't gel with everything we know about Leine's skills and ability to read people - at least professionally - so far.
Overall, I didn't think it was as good as I remember Cargo being, but still readable enough that I'll keep going with the series. I bought Books 1-3 as a bundle, and apparently picked up Book 4 as well at some point after reading Cargo, probably as a BookBub special or similar - so they're waiting for me when I get around to reading them.
I also got a much better sense of Leine as a character, I felt like the action scenes were done better, and the instalust with Jensen played a smaller part in the overall plot too, which were all improvements. The plot itself was fairly simple, and there weren't any surprises, so if you're looking for something particularly twisty, this probably won't do the trick.
But as a quick, undemanding, action read with a competent female protagonist, it worked fairly well for me.
My only criticism was just how long it took Leine to figure out what was going on with "Jean". I felt like the lag just didn't gel with everything we know about Leine's skills and ability to read people - at least professionally - so far.
Overall, I didn't think it was as good as I remember Cargo being, but still readable enough that I'll keep going with the series. I bought Books 1-3 as a bundle, and apparently picked up Book 4 as well at some point after reading Cargo, probably as a BookBub special or similar - so they're waiting for me when I get around to reading them.
May 11, 2019
Fast-paced Page Turner
I came across the Leine Basso series out of order but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the novel. I was gripped by the twists and turns of the hunt for a young girl desperately trying to outrun sex traffickers to whom she was a dollar sign personified, as well as the authorities whom she feared would try to return her to an abusive foster home.
Basso, an ex-assassin, shouldn’t be someone I would ordinarily deem relatable. However she’s also a mother trying to repair a damaged relationship with her daughter, yearning for a man she can’t be with and trying to make a fresh start and I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. Whilst her senses told her the story of a movie star’s long lost relative searching for her missing daughter didn’t add up, she made it her mission to find the youngster, whilst keeping her celebrity ward out of trouble.
The chase to find Mara kept me glued to the story as both Basso and the traffickers used every trick up their sleeves to be the first to find her.
I’m looking forward to starting again from the first in this series to see how Basso evolved.
I came across the Leine Basso series out of order but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the novel. I was gripped by the twists and turns of the hunt for a young girl desperately trying to outrun sex traffickers to whom she was a dollar sign personified, as well as the authorities whom she feared would try to return her to an abusive foster home.
Basso, an ex-assassin, shouldn’t be someone I would ordinarily deem relatable. However she’s also a mother trying to repair a damaged relationship with her daughter, yearning for a man she can’t be with and trying to make a fresh start and I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. Whilst her senses told her the story of a movie star’s long lost relative searching for her missing daughter didn’t add up, she made it her mission to find the youngster, whilst keeping her celebrity ward out of trouble.
The chase to find Mara kept me glued to the story as both Basso and the traffickers used every trick up their sleeves to be the first to find her.
I’m looking forward to starting again from the first in this series to see how Basso evolved.
May 30, 2017
Actually 3.5. Solid plot line, and I like the writing style of the author. It kept me reading, definitely had me engulfed in the story. Leine Basso is hired to keep a star safe - he thinks someone is trying to kidnap him because a little girl rushed him when 2 burley men rushed him (they were after the girl, not him). The girl escaped from sex traffickers who need to deliver her to her buyer for a very large price. Leine is a former kick-butt agent for a clandestine gov't agency who is now being framed for 3 murders by her former boss. It is this story line that lowered my rating - not having read the earlier book, I didn't think this was a necessary side venture. I mean, we already had the sex traffickers, the mob from the Ukraine, the passion for a local cop, and Leine's dealing with the movie star - the murder frame really had nothing to do with the action and was a distraction. Oh well, I may gave DV Berkom another try.
May 22, 2017
I would prefer to give this book 2.5 stars, but that rating is not available. The plot is typical and predictable as a retired agency assassin gets involved in a child sex trafficking case, as a Private Eye. The characters are average likeability and the dialogue is juvenile. I found myself asking; "Why am I bothering to finish this?" without a good answer. The fact that I finished it is more a testament to my stubbornness than to the quality of writing. Another thing that bugged me was the 'romance novel' elements that snuck in from time to time, with the heroine's pulse quickening as she came into the presence of her heartthrob - please, spare me!. I do already own a couple of D.V. Berkom's books, but I will not likely read them.
April 14, 2019
I said a while back I would eventually come back to Leine and see where her story led, and I did. Book Two of the Leine Basso series was better than the first. There were some minor editing issues (you'll notice this is a pet peeve of mine) and a couple of minor consistency issues as well, but nothing major. The character development was decent, and the writing was overall really good. There was the predictability factor, but Berkom did have a couple twists at the end that I didn't completely foresee. This book was definitely a vast improvement over the first. There was even a loose end that I hope is returned to at some point.
I'm going to switch gears for my next read, but I will definitely return to Leine in the future.
Four out of five stars.
I'm going to switch gears for my next read, but I will definitely return to Leine in the future.
Four out of five stars.
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