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Nick Bracco Thriller #4
A Touch of Malice
While filming a documentary, the President's brother is captured deep within the Amazon Rainforest by a Colombian cartel. The President calls the one person who has the underground criminal contacts needed to fight this type of vicious enemy. FBI agent, Nick Bracco. Once again Nick relies on his mafia-linked cousin Tommy to help with the operation. When Tommy recruits an assassin to join the rescue team, the rollercoaster comes off the track and everyone becomes a target.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2013
116 people are currently reading
2217 people want to read
About the author
Gary Ponzo
38 books244 followersGary Ponzo was born in Brooklyn, but now lives in Phoenix with his wife Jennifer and two children, Jessica and Kyle. He began his writing career focusing on short stories to gain publishing credit. His stories have appeared in numerous publications including Amazing Journeys Magazine and Potpourri. Two of his stories were nominated for the very prestigious Pushcart Prize.
His first novel, "A Touch of Deceit," won the Southwest Writers Novel Contest.
Gary's Nick Bracco series has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.
He is an avid reader, runner and loves spending time with the family.
His first novel, "A Touch of Deceit," won the Southwest Writers Novel Contest.
Gary's Nick Bracco series has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.
He is an avid reader, runner and loves spending time with the family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 10, 2026
When you’re POTUS and find out your brother has been kidnapped by the head of the Columbian cartels, what do you do? Whatever it takes to, whomever it takes, NO. HOLDS BARRED.
Enter Nick Bracco and his partner, Matt McColm - the most elite, counterterrorism agents in the USA. They are going to need help so all the alphabets are called in for support but they need a few specialists for this mission: Nick’s cousin Tommy, who’s ex crime family, 3 Navy Seals and, of course, a 6’ 5” retired KGB assassin!
All the top cabinet members are part of the story along with descriptions of the inner workings of the White House and some other intelligence agencies. Great research by the author gives readers a sense of authenticity.
Book four of a series but easily read as a standalone, A TOUCH OF MALICE is a fast paced, political thriller.
I won a free copy of this book in early October from a GoodReads GiveAway. It’s taken awhile to get the time to read it but in light of events in Venezuela, the timing was perfect; a bit creepy, actually📚
Enter Nick Bracco and his partner, Matt McColm - the most elite, counterterrorism agents in the USA. They are going to need help so all the alphabets are called in for support but they need a few specialists for this mission: Nick’s cousin Tommy, who’s ex crime family, 3 Navy Seals and, of course, a 6’ 5” retired KGB assassin!
All the top cabinet members are part of the story along with descriptions of the inner workings of the White House and some other intelligence agencies. Great research by the author gives readers a sense of authenticity.
Book four of a series but easily read as a standalone, A TOUCH OF MALICE is a fast paced, political thriller.
I won a free copy of this book in early October from a GoodReads GiveAway. It’s taken awhile to get the time to read it but in light of events in Venezuela, the timing was perfect; a bit creepy, actually📚
December 2, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Several presidents have had embarrassing, trouble making brothers, the president in this universe has his own, an "anti-authoritarian" documentary film maker. He gets captured by a cartel in Colombia, after seeing something he shouldn't.
The President launches a rescue mission, and goes to Colombia himself, to give the mission some cover. Things go wrong, of course, but Nick and Tommy Bracco have to straighten things out.
Pretty decent. A little different than most Men's Adventure series.
Several presidents have had embarrassing, trouble making brothers, the president in this universe has his own, an "anti-authoritarian" documentary film maker. He gets captured by a cartel in Colombia, after seeing something he shouldn't.
The President launches a rescue mission, and goes to Colombia himself, to give the mission some cover. Things go wrong, of course, but Nick and Tommy Bracco have to straighten things out.
Pretty decent. A little different than most Men's Adventure series.
March 9, 2013
Another excellent mystery in this series about Nick Bracco,his partner Matt and the world of terrorists who will keep coming after this country in many varied ways. The characters continue to grow,and keep you turning the page to see what happens to them next. Every new person is given life in this series,the author is very good at embellishing so that you feel you know exactly who each person is and why they do what they do. A thoroughly entertaining book which will stand by itself,even if you have not read any others in the series. But I hope you will read them all,and will come,like me,to wait for the next!
March 8, 2013
Just as good as the others in the series. I have to confess, I checked the ending because I couldn't take the tension. I mean, I was sure it would all work out, but I had to BE sure, lol.
March 24, 2022
Hard to put down
This book is full of action and suspense. You will be drawn into the story and invested in what will happen next. Nick and his partner Matt along with others work hard to figure out how to save the day even when there seems to be a lot working against them.
This book is full of action and suspense. You will be drawn into the story and invested in what will happen next. Nick and his partner Matt along with others work hard to figure out how to save the day even when there seems to be a lot working against them.
March 16, 2023
Good read. Very action packed and emotional. Would definitely recommend. I could not put it down.
I won this book in a Goodreads book giveaway!
I won this book in a Goodreads book giveaway!
October 24, 2013
I'm glad to be giving this a five-star rating after the last one just got a four from me. This really did have me turning pages. Gary has returned to the story-writing level of the 1st book in the series.
Saying that, there are spoilers in every book with reference to the previous stories, so be careful to not read them in a different order as there are so many references that, sometimes, you'll know the end before you get there.
This one is especially enjoyable for all fans of Tommy! Can't wait to get into the next one!
Saying that, there are spoilers in every book with reference to the previous stories, so be careful to not read them in a different order as there are so many references that, sometimes, you'll know the end before you get there.
This one is especially enjoyable for all fans of Tommy! Can't wait to get into the next one!
February 8, 2014
Hits the ground running and doesn't let up. Kind of like watching an episode of 24.
July 24, 2017
A great read
Another great book about Nick Bracco they keep getting better and better i can't wait to finish one till I can see what the next one is about
Another great book about Nick Bracco they keep getting better and better i can't wait to finish one till I can see what the next one is about
May 3, 2020
Well done
Nick and Matt are awesome fixers and the team they assemble to rescue the resident's brother really rocks. Great read!
Nick and Matt are awesome fixers and the team they assemble to rescue the resident's brother really rocks. Great read!
March 31, 2026
Audiobook: This was my first experience with this author's work. My attention was grabbed from the opening paragraphs until the end as the action was almost non-stop. There were times when I was on the edge-of-my seat as I wasn't sure how events would end. Although I felt like I was set down into the middle of these characters' lives, as I haven't read the first three books in the series, I was able to follow the story, and I became invested in the characters. I will be looking into more books in this series. I thought Gary Bennett's narration started out without much inflection; however, the longer I listened to his performance, the more I enjoyed it. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
December 13, 2019
Great book!
This was my first book by this author. I loved it! I have been so busy with working and the holidays but has a hard time putting it down. The action/suspense was perfect. It had a very realistic plot touching on the realistic issues with those that protect our country. I will definitely be reading more by this author. I highly recommend!!! I believe I am supposed to let you know that I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.... I’m glad I was chosen... I found a new author I may not have otherwise been exposed to. You definitely will not be disappointed. I encourage you to read this book! It was wonderfully entertaining and engaging!!
This was my first book by this author. I loved it! I have been so busy with working and the holidays but has a hard time putting it down. The action/suspense was perfect. It had a very realistic plot touching on the realistic issues with those that protect our country. I will definitely be reading more by this author. I highly recommend!!! I believe I am supposed to let you know that I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.... I’m glad I was chosen... I found a new author I may not have otherwise been exposed to. You definitely will not be disappointed. I encourage you to read this book! It was wonderfully entertaining and engaging!!
February 1, 2019
Entertaining shoot-em-up
I won a copy of “A Touch Of Malice” through Goodreads to read and review.
“A Touch of Malice” is an entertaining, fast-paced, action novel. Nothing too complicated and not much in the way of deep thinking or introspection by the typically macho hero. He is set out to do a job does it with the usual heroics and that is it.
It was the perfect book to read on a freezing, snow swept winter day while sipping on something hot. Or, in fact , any other day when you want a fast bit of fun.
I won a copy of “A Touch Of Malice” through Goodreads to read and review.
“A Touch of Malice” is an entertaining, fast-paced, action novel. Nothing too complicated and not much in the way of deep thinking or introspection by the typically macho hero. He is set out to do a job does it with the usual heroics and that is it.
It was the perfect book to read on a freezing, snow swept winter day while sipping on something hot. Or, in fact , any other day when you want a fast bit of fun.
April 16, 2019
Slow beginning
I don't like giving 4 stars especially on a writer I really like because usually his books are better than a 5. The reason for a 4 is the beginning, there is a lot of back story in the first few chapters and very little action, however, these books are better starting with book one and read as series but they can be used stand alone books therefore the back story takes longer on this book because a lot happened in the first 3. Definitely read though when the action begins it's fantastic
I don't like giving 4 stars especially on a writer I really like because usually his books are better than a 5. The reason for a 4 is the beginning, there is a lot of back story in the first few chapters and very little action, however, these books are better starting with book one and read as series but they can be used stand alone books therefore the back story takes longer on this book because a lot happened in the first 3. Definitely read though when the action begins it's fantastic
December 8, 2021
I have read all 4 so far - this is weird because I had just finished reading a book about Central America then this book came along & it is about Columbia in South America. I had not read about Nick & Matt for a while but everything came back to me about them & Arizona as if I had just finished reading the other 3 books. I don't believe the POTUS would go to South America in the position that he did or do what he did but loved the storyline!
October 26, 2025
Thanks to author Gary Ponzo for this FREE Kindle copy of A Touch of Malice.
I liked it. Well written and moved along at a nice clip. Characters are well fleshed out - a couple main characters were a little too right of center, toward Superman, but a fun read altogether. Also, I think one more read-through would have perhaps caught the remaining editing issues for a nicely polished final edition for release [in 2013]. Nicely done cover work. A good read.
I liked it. Well written and moved along at a nice clip. Characters are well fleshed out - a couple main characters were a little too right of center, toward Superman, but a fun read altogether. Also, I think one more read-through would have perhaps caught the remaining editing issues for a nicely polished final edition for release [in 2013]. Nicely done cover work. A good read.
December 20, 2018
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
The president’s brother is captured while filming a documentary by the Columbia cartel. FBI agent, Nick Bracco is called in to rescue the president’s brother with his mafia liked cousin Tommy. Another thrilled fill story line that keeps moving as fans of the series will not be disappointed.
The president’s brother is captured while filming a documentary by the Columbia cartel. FBI agent, Nick Bracco is called in to rescue the president’s brother with his mafia liked cousin Tommy. Another thrilled fill story line that keeps moving as fans of the series will not be disappointed.
July 28, 2019
What a thriller!!!
Never a dull moment. Ponzo wrote an incredible story that left you hanging out there with indecision trying to figure out what the outcome would be. With each outcome was a pleasant surprise. One could only hope for a good ending to the book. Ponzo did not let you down. A must read!
Never a dull moment. Ponzo wrote an incredible story that left you hanging out there with indecision trying to figure out what the outcome would be. With each outcome was a pleasant surprise. One could only hope for a good ending to the book. Ponzo did not let you down. A must read!
October 8, 2021
a fast paced action packed story
I received this in a goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this fast paced action story with a surprise ending. The president’s brother is kidnapped I bogota. Nick Bracco leads the rescue operation. The president flies down to provide a distraction for the rescue. Will keep you glued to the book
I received this in a goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this fast paced action story with a surprise ending. The president’s brother is kidnapped I bogota. Nick Bracco leads the rescue operation. The president flies down to provide a distraction for the rescue. Will keep you glued to the book
June 18, 2024
Endangered
To bad the really sick cruel killers of the world go about their lives much the same as most of us in our everyday simple lives. Fortunately in what I have come to expect and love about Nick Bracco and his merry bunch of skilled Robin Hoods is that a very bad guy is going to be out maneuvered and murdered by a bunch of real wise guys. Karma is on the winning side.
To bad the really sick cruel killers of the world go about their lives much the same as most of us in our everyday simple lives. Fortunately in what I have come to expect and love about Nick Bracco and his merry bunch of skilled Robin Hoods is that a very bad guy is going to be out maneuvered and murdered by a bunch of real wise guys. Karma is on the winning side.
March 25, 2025
Just finished book four of this series…EXCELLENT! 5 Star
I love the continuity of characters in the Nick Bracco series. One of my favorite things is watching a truly binge-worthy television program on one of my streaming services. The Nick Bracco series is giving me all of that plus the joy you only get from reading.
Excellent writing and storytelling!!!
I love the continuity of characters in the Nick Bracco series. One of my favorite things is watching a truly binge-worthy television program on one of my streaming services. The Nick Bracco series is giving me all of that plus the joy you only get from reading.
Excellent writing and storytelling!!!
January 23, 2022
Great Story!
This story moves quickly and really keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story is all action. The native Indian tribe was one of the most interesting things I read. I wonder how much of that was fiction and how much was based on a tribe or group of them.
This story moves quickly and really keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story is all action. The native Indian tribe was one of the most interesting things I read. I wonder how much of that was fiction and how much was based on a tribe or group of them.
May 13, 2024
I am absolutely addicted on this series! It has everything - bad guys, FBI, the mob. I love the character Tommy, his swager and way of talking to people. The characters come to life and that’s why I enjoy this series.
December 26, 2018
Won this in a Goodreads giveaway. First time for this series. Exciting story taking you to the
Amazon rain forest for a rescue of the President brother.
Amazon rain forest for a rescue of the President brother.
January 1, 2019
Kept my interest throughout
July 19, 2019
Tight narrative, keeps interest going
A very good read. It's fast, with surprises lurking at every bend. Brutal details find place along side crisp humor and a positive feel
A very good read. It's fast, with surprises lurking at every bend. Brutal details find place along side crisp humor and a positive feel
November 9, 2019
Captivating
Another excellent book by this fantastic wordsmith, Gary Ponzo, who has the special talent of writing interesting, spellbound stories. I have enjoyed this series...
Another excellent book by this fantastic wordsmith, Gary Ponzo, who has the special talent of writing interesting, spellbound stories. I have enjoyed this series...
Want to read
December 24, 2019***goodreads giveaway***
Review coming soon
Review coming soon
January 4, 2021
My first Nick Bracco book and I'll go back to read the others. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
May 13, 2021
not a fast read but a good one!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews