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Soft Target
Mark is a cub reporter looking for his big break. Scott is a New York City cop, trying to fit back into his life after a tour of duty in the Middle East. They're about to discover a plot that will bring the city to its knees.
- GenresThriller
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2013
5 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Rachel A. Brune
33 books100 followersRachel A. Brune graduated from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts in May 2000, and was immediately plunged into the low-stakes world of entry-level executive assistant-ship. Her unexpected journey out of that world and into the military is chronicled in her self-published book Echoes and Premonitions.
Rachel served five years as a combat journalist, including two tours in Iraq, and a brief stint as a columnist for her hometown newspaper. After her second tour, she attended graduate school at the University at Albany in NY, where she earned her MA in Political Communication, and her commission as a second lieutenant in the military police corps.
Although her day job has taken in her in many strange, often twisted directions, Rachel continues to write and publish short fiction. She released her first novel, Soft Target, in early 2013. In addition to writing for the online military interest zine "Task & Purpose," she blogs her thoughts about reading and the writing life at The Infamous Scribbler. You can also follow her on Twitter, where she goes by the handle @rachelabrune.
Rachel served five years as a combat journalist, including two tours in Iraq, and a brief stint as a columnist for her hometown newspaper. After her second tour, she attended graduate school at the University at Albany in NY, where she earned her MA in Political Communication, and her commission as a second lieutenant in the military police corps.
Although her day job has taken in her in many strange, often twisted directions, Rachel continues to write and publish short fiction. She released her first novel, Soft Target, in early 2013. In addition to writing for the online military interest zine "Task & Purpose," she blogs her thoughts about reading and the writing life at The Infamous Scribbler. You can also follow her on Twitter, where she goes by the handle @rachelabrune.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Scott Mabry is a war veteran trying to acclimate to being back in the states. He’s dealing with PTSD and trying to fit back into the NYPD after his tour. Scott is forced to join a Terrorist task force due to an unfortunate mistake on a sting. Mark Granger is a cub reporter out to make a name for himself while trying to keep his job. He’s doing every outrageous thing his boss expects to keep his job. When Mark receives a suspicious email he turns to Scott for help. Scott is the only one willing to stick his neck out to investigate the emails. What happens when danger follows Scott and Mark on their investigation? Are the emails a real threat or an elaborate hoax? In the end who will be alive and who will be dead?
This was a well written, fast paced story that kept my attention throughout. I love that Mark and Scott always ended up at the same place during their investigations. I could feel Scott’s frustration with Mark and Mark’s frustration with his boss. It was fascinating to get a look at the way authorities deal with terrorists and horrifying to know the possibilities that terrorists have. This book really made me think about how terrorists are willing to sacrifice all for their own ideals. A must read for anyone interested in suspenseful thrillers.
Scott Mabry is a war veteran trying to acclimate to being back in the states. He’s dealing with PTSD and trying to fit back into the NYPD after his tour. Scott is forced to join a Terrorist task force due to an unfortunate mistake on a sting. Mark Granger is a cub reporter out to make a name for himself while trying to keep his job. He’s doing every outrageous thing his boss expects to keep his job. When Mark receives a suspicious email he turns to Scott for help. Scott is the only one willing to stick his neck out to investigate the emails. What happens when danger follows Scott and Mark on their investigation? Are the emails a real threat or an elaborate hoax? In the end who will be alive and who will be dead?
This was a well written, fast paced story that kept my attention throughout. I love that Mark and Scott always ended up at the same place during their investigations. I could feel Scott’s frustration with Mark and Mark’s frustration with his boss. It was fascinating to get a look at the way authorities deal with terrorists and horrifying to know the possibilities that terrorists have. This book really made me think about how terrorists are willing to sacrifice all for their own ideals. A must read for anyone interested in suspenseful thrillers.
January 25, 2015
Life after the Middle East isn't as easy as it used to be for veteran New York City cop, Scott. Where he once easily adjusted, he now sees threats. Sleep is a thing of the past and he is itching for a fight. Then you have Mark. The cub reporter looking for a story with teeth. Even if he has to chase glimmers of hope or become the story. Mark wants to report real news and when he thinks he's found it, no one will listen. So he takes it to Scott, the man who busted him in an attempt to make news history.
But Scott has his own problems. Relegated to working terrorist research Scott has to be on his best behavior or it's permanent retirement. Little does Scott know Mark is relentless. Mark won't let the story go, not until Scott agrees to check out the threat.
At first Scott thinks its nothing, but then he begins to notice the signs. Like Mark, no one will listen to him. He is just a tired soldier seeing threats where there aren't any. So Scott decides to take matters into his own hands with the help of Mark they set out to uncover the truth and what they find will be a threat as big as 9/11.
Soft Target is one of those great suspense thrillers that really hits close to home. The whole story takes place in New York around the memorial of 9/11, the day the country was brought to its knees. Even though it has been years for us (in the real world) the idea of a terrorist threat is very real. It is this that brings this story to a whole new level. From the minute you start reading this story, the suspense and thrill of a threat grips you.
In Soft Target you are immersed in the world of a soldier. One who has seen many tours of duty and is just struggling to find his place again. We see his struggle, feel it. And get the chance to understand another side of being the hero. Unlike most stories, no one wants to listen to our hero. He isn't the most popular guy, the youngest or the best. He is an average soldier and cop. But he has dedication and an eye for getting to the truth. And like the soldier that he is, he is willing to lay his life on the line to prevent an event that would again see our country on its knees.
Everything about the story was believable. The characters, which I loved. The terrorist plot and action. There was nothing that made me think, 'yea like that would happen.' Rachel A Brune definitely did her research on this one.
Soft Target is definitely a read for suspense and thrill lovers. The feeling of suspense never leaves you in this story. You know something is going to happen, but like Scott and Mark just can't quite put your finger on what. You will cheer for our heroes the entire time, you may even want to smack them a little, but you will totally be enamored by the story.
*Received free copy in exchange for an honest review
But Scott has his own problems. Relegated to working terrorist research Scott has to be on his best behavior or it's permanent retirement. Little does Scott know Mark is relentless. Mark won't let the story go, not until Scott agrees to check out the threat.
At first Scott thinks its nothing, but then he begins to notice the signs. Like Mark, no one will listen to him. He is just a tired soldier seeing threats where there aren't any. So Scott decides to take matters into his own hands with the help of Mark they set out to uncover the truth and what they find will be a threat as big as 9/11.
Soft Target is one of those great suspense thrillers that really hits close to home. The whole story takes place in New York around the memorial of 9/11, the day the country was brought to its knees. Even though it has been years for us (in the real world) the idea of a terrorist threat is very real. It is this that brings this story to a whole new level. From the minute you start reading this story, the suspense and thrill of a threat grips you.
In Soft Target you are immersed in the world of a soldier. One who has seen many tours of duty and is just struggling to find his place again. We see his struggle, feel it. And get the chance to understand another side of being the hero. Unlike most stories, no one wants to listen to our hero. He isn't the most popular guy, the youngest or the best. He is an average soldier and cop. But he has dedication and an eye for getting to the truth. And like the soldier that he is, he is willing to lay his life on the line to prevent an event that would again see our country on its knees.
Everything about the story was believable. The characters, which I loved. The terrorist plot and action. There was nothing that made me think, 'yea like that would happen.' Rachel A Brune definitely did her research on this one.
Soft Target is definitely a read for suspense and thrill lovers. The feeling of suspense never leaves you in this story. You know something is going to happen, but like Scott and Mark just can't quite put your finger on what. You will cheer for our heroes the entire time, you may even want to smack them a little, but you will totally be enamored by the story.
*Received free copy in exchange for an honest review
May 23, 2013
Rachel Brune's novel, 'Soft Target' examines the after effects of September 11, culminating in her own take on a suspenseful attack on New York City.
Her characters are well-rounded and beautifully written. The heroes of the piece- Scott Mabry and Mark Granger -are worlds apart in their belief systems and views of the world, but Rachel has managed to make their developing relationship one which is both gently evolving and believable. Their gradual build to a grudging respect for one another is enjoyable to read.
The story revolves around the terrorism threats the world has, sadly, come to accept as a part of normal life. Rachel Brune has provided an even and all-encompassing view of both sides of terrorism. She portrays the people who are constantly vigilant for signs of a new terrorism attack on U.S. soil and abroad - giving realistic insight into the difficulties faced as they go about the daily business of evaluating threats. On the other hand, we are given insight into the terrorist point-of-view - what drives them, their beliefs and how unsuspecting people can be drawn into their web of intrigue without truly understanding what they are becoming involved in. It was easy to feel some sympathy for a few of the 'bad guys' purely because of the author's portrayal of their backgrounds and what brought them to this place, at this time.
The suspense was tightly written and gave the reader the feeling of inevitability regarding the unfolding tragedy. It was the equivalent of watching a stick of dynamite burning with a slow-fuse, knowing these characters were building to a climactic and exciting ending and nothing could stop the events once they were put in motion.
All in all, this is an excellent thriller and highly recommended as an exciting and entertaining read. Rachel Brune is an author of remarkable talent and I look forward to her future novels.
Her characters are well-rounded and beautifully written. The heroes of the piece- Scott Mabry and Mark Granger -are worlds apart in their belief systems and views of the world, but Rachel has managed to make their developing relationship one which is both gently evolving and believable. Their gradual build to a grudging respect for one another is enjoyable to read.
The story revolves around the terrorism threats the world has, sadly, come to accept as a part of normal life. Rachel Brune has provided an even and all-encompassing view of both sides of terrorism. She portrays the people who are constantly vigilant for signs of a new terrorism attack on U.S. soil and abroad - giving realistic insight into the difficulties faced as they go about the daily business of evaluating threats. On the other hand, we are given insight into the terrorist point-of-view - what drives them, their beliefs and how unsuspecting people can be drawn into their web of intrigue without truly understanding what they are becoming involved in. It was easy to feel some sympathy for a few of the 'bad guys' purely because of the author's portrayal of their backgrounds and what brought them to this place, at this time.
The suspense was tightly written and gave the reader the feeling of inevitability regarding the unfolding tragedy. It was the equivalent of watching a stick of dynamite burning with a slow-fuse, knowing these characters were building to a climactic and exciting ending and nothing could stop the events once they were put in motion.
All in all, this is an excellent thriller and highly recommended as an exciting and entertaining read. Rachel Brune is an author of remarkable talent and I look forward to her future novels.
August 5, 2016
Scott Mabry is a New York City police officer who has come back from serving in the military and fighting in wars. He comes back and is trying to adjust to life as best he can, but there is a bit of a problem that keeps coming around, that problem being Mark Granger. He is a wet behind the ears report who is trying to find a big story and rise to fame as a news reporter and in the midst try to keep his job.
In the midst of this, Mark tries to prove that airlines still can miss if items are carried onto planes that aren’t allowed and he happens to get a seat next to Scott, who sees the knife and fights him and is claimed a hero. Scott just wants to fade into the limelight, but when he almost shoots a child during a sting, he gets desk duty.
Then things start to happen, Mark gets a message, a threat, that something is going to happen, and he manages to get Scott Mabry wrapped up into it and try to help him solve the puzzle of the letter.
The story gets more intense from there. You have alternation view points from Scott and Mark and then the terrorist themselves. It shows post 9/11 activities that no doubt, can still be planned and happened in today’s society. The case starts off with trying piece bits of information together, but once they are able to break the case, it swarms with pent up emotion and the fight of being able to save thousands of lives.
Ms. Brune certainly wrote a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat, trying to plot out possibilities of how the terrorist are trying to make and attack and what reasons are behind some American criminals assisting them.
If you are looking for a thrilling story, this will not disappoint you.
In the midst of this, Mark tries to prove that airlines still can miss if items are carried onto planes that aren’t allowed and he happens to get a seat next to Scott, who sees the knife and fights him and is claimed a hero. Scott just wants to fade into the limelight, but when he almost shoots a child during a sting, he gets desk duty.
Then things start to happen, Mark gets a message, a threat, that something is going to happen, and he manages to get Scott Mabry wrapped up into it and try to help him solve the puzzle of the letter.
The story gets more intense from there. You have alternation view points from Scott and Mark and then the terrorist themselves. It shows post 9/11 activities that no doubt, can still be planned and happened in today’s society. The case starts off with trying piece bits of information together, but once they are able to break the case, it swarms with pent up emotion and the fight of being able to save thousands of lives.
Ms. Brune certainly wrote a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat, trying to plot out possibilities of how the terrorist are trying to make and attack and what reasons are behind some American criminals assisting them.
If you are looking for a thrilling story, this will not disappoint you.
January 11, 2015
A superb five star suspense!
Scott Mabry is stateside after his latest tour and has parked himself with a Joint Counterterrorism Task Force until he can get back in theater. Not particularly good at following rules or sitting behind a desk, you're constantly wondering if Mabry goes looking for trouble or if trouble just finds him. Worse, Mabry also is really bad at letting things go. But he's so damn likeable, you follow him eagerly, wherever he's going.
"His instinct, that curious subconscious mix of observation and experience, told him that he had been- was still- on to something..." and so is Rachel Brune. "Soft Target" is a perfect mix of accurate description, clue-hunting and perfect story telling. Those with military backgrounds will relate and those without will be brought into the fold.
Particular props to Rachel for her careful treatment around terrorism and Islam, effortlessly blurring the lines for the reader between home grown non-religious terrorism, Islamic extremism and NOT, to where some of the biggest antagonists in the book actually turn out to be News Station producer and bureaucracy itself. And rather than a stereotypical romantic interest gnawing at our protagonist, what you get is a surprisingly refreshing take on Non-romantic relationships- the family that is the military, a boss and a friend, and the oddball relationship between a hero and the press.
This is a writer you will see on the NY Times Best Seller list.
Scott Mabry is stateside after his latest tour and has parked himself with a Joint Counterterrorism Task Force until he can get back in theater. Not particularly good at following rules or sitting behind a desk, you're constantly wondering if Mabry goes looking for trouble or if trouble just finds him. Worse, Mabry also is really bad at letting things go. But he's so damn likeable, you follow him eagerly, wherever he's going.
"His instinct, that curious subconscious mix of observation and experience, told him that he had been- was still- on to something..." and so is Rachel Brune. "Soft Target" is a perfect mix of accurate description, clue-hunting and perfect story telling. Those with military backgrounds will relate and those without will be brought into the fold.
Particular props to Rachel for her careful treatment around terrorism and Islam, effortlessly blurring the lines for the reader between home grown non-religious terrorism, Islamic extremism and NOT, to where some of the biggest antagonists in the book actually turn out to be News Station producer and bureaucracy itself. And rather than a stereotypical romantic interest gnawing at our protagonist, what you get is a surprisingly refreshing take on Non-romantic relationships- the family that is the military, a boss and a friend, and the oddball relationship between a hero and the press.
This is a writer you will see on the NY Times Best Seller list.
February 5, 2015
Scott Mabry and Mark Granger make strange bedfellows, having met during an altercation on a plane. But their shared interest in and a desire to thwart a terrorist plot against New York City brings cub reporter Granger and Army Reservist-turned-NYC Policeman Mabry together to forge an odd and unlikely friendship.
Rachel Brune’s story is riveting, her writing impeccable. Her military background and expertise on her subject lend credibility to her story and make it a can’t-put-down read. Though my genre of choice is contemporary women’s fiction, I was transfixed by Ms. Brune’s SOFT TARGET. I am so hoping for another Scott Mabry-Mark Granger adventure. They make an awesome duo at the skilled hand of Rachel Brune.
Rachel Brune’s story is riveting, her writing impeccable. Her military background and expertise on her subject lend credibility to her story and make it a can’t-put-down read. Though my genre of choice is contemporary women’s fiction, I was transfixed by Ms. Brune’s SOFT TARGET. I am so hoping for another Scott Mabry-Mark Granger adventure. They make an awesome duo at the skilled hand of Rachel Brune.
February 4, 2014
5 Star
"Every time I help you, I end up in front of a camera or in the hospital,"
After returning from a tour in the Middle East, Scott Mabry joins a Terrorist task force for Homeland Security. Mark Granger is a reporter who received a suspicious email. Together they search for the people behind the email and uncover a major plot to cripple New York City worse than the events of 9/11.
Mabry and Granger join together to try to stop the devastation from occurring.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone. The plot is realistic, and could happen at anytime and place.
"Every time I help you, I end up in front of a camera or in the hospital,"
After returning from a tour in the Middle East, Scott Mabry joins a Terrorist task force for Homeland Security. Mark Granger is a reporter who received a suspicious email. Together they search for the people behind the email and uncover a major plot to cripple New York City worse than the events of 9/11.
Mabry and Granger join together to try to stop the devastation from occurring.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone. The plot is realistic, and could happen at anytime and place.
June 1, 2013
Not my usual type of thriller, but I enjoyed it. I usually stay away from the terrorism/military themes because they always seem to end up in either too many technical details I don't want to know or a rant about one side or the other's politics, but this is the perfect blend of just enough of everything.
September 20, 2014
I really LOVED this story! The characters are well rounded, the story is amazing and well written. I was totally hooked until the very end.
September 26, 2017
An unlikely partnership of a journalist and a NYC cop, who don't completely trust or understand each other, as they investigate a terrorist plot in New York. The suspense builds as they follow leads. I found the story an exciting read that held my interest until the ending..
August 8, 2015
The book for review is “Soft Target” by Rachel A. Brune. I would put it in the genre of action, drama and fiction.
Meet our main character Scott. He is a New York City cop who has experience in the military. The Army to be more exact. He is not fitting in to well with civilian life as he tries to volunteer, unsuccessful, on tours back to the Middler East. If he doesn't figure it out he could be left out in the cold. Lucky for him he has not burned all his bridges as his friend Kyle saddles him with a job. One that involves sorting through intelligence and paperwork. It's busy work in his mind but he is to stay put until further notice.
Does he listen? Of course not, thanks to Mark , a reporting looking to make a name for himself and rise up from the position he is in. He is relatively an unknown, doing reports on cauliflowers of all things. Until he starts getting emails, threatening emails, that could prove vital to the security of their nation. Pairing up, unwillingly, the two forge a duo to discover the root of the group behind the emails and recent attacks on them.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, the pace was great as the pages flew by. It didn't take long to finish this novel. A good pick up if you are into action and adventure.
April 12, 2016
I highly recommend this book. I'm looking forward to more exciting stories from Rachel A. Brune; she's an outstanding author!
October 1, 2018
Had a hard time getting into the story. Too many jumps in characters and places for me.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews