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Celia Kelly #1
The Pact
Commander Celia Kelly is a perceptive Naval Intelligence Officer rebuilding her life after the tragic loss of her husband. Newly assigned a mission planning Intel for a SEAL Team...The suspicious suicide of a fellow Officer has Kelly questioning everything.
With the help of a one of a kind secretary, by the book assistant, and a Navy SEAL, Kelly discovers she's been set up. Digging relentlessly, nothing is as it seems. Someone is after twenty million dollars that disappeared when Kelly's husband went MIA and now that someone is after her!
With surprises at the turn of every page, the original characters and three dimensional plot lines keep the suspense going until the very end.
With the help of a one of a kind secretary, by the book assistant, and a Navy SEAL, Kelly discovers she's been set up. Digging relentlessly, nothing is as it seems. Someone is after twenty million dollars that disappeared when Kelly's husband went MIA and now that someone is after her!
With surprises at the turn of every page, the original characters and three dimensional plot lines keep the suspense going until the very end.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2003
7 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
C.N. Bring
8 books34 followersListed in USA Book News, The Celia Kelly Series has won the International Book Award for Religious Fiction, ABA Literary Excellence Award for Mystery/Suspense, Wise Bear Books Award for Military/Mystery, and CN Bring was listed as one the 50 Writers you Should Be Reading.
Cindy Nelson Bring gravitated toward military intrigue and suspense with family members serving in the Army, Navy and Air Force and a mother who reads nothing but mysteries.
Cindy was born to Frances and Arthur Nelson and grew up in Helena, Montana. Her father Arthur was an E-4 Specialist who served in the United States Army. After serving he then went to work as an editor for Helena, Montana’s newspaper The Independent Record. Her mother was a homemaker.
Cindy married a logger, Glen Bring, in 1981. They raised four children and now have four grandchildren. Bring spent several years as a Motocross mom and is a big Green Bay Packers fan. She was a homemaker until the children were in High School and then she was a Dispatcher for the local PD and also worked in Central Sterile in the local Hospital’s O.R. In 1998 she went back to school and received an Associate's Degree in Criminal Investigation as well as hand gun training. When Bring is not writing she is visiting children and grandchildren which takes her to various Army Bases around the world and across the US.
Bring is also a member of The Christian Motorcyclist Association, Military Writers Society of America, Toastmasters International, Women’s National Book Association, and a USO Volunteer. Cindy Bring and her husband now make their home in Oregon.
Cindy Nelson Bring gravitated toward military intrigue and suspense with family members serving in the Army, Navy and Air Force and a mother who reads nothing but mysteries.
Cindy was born to Frances and Arthur Nelson and grew up in Helena, Montana. Her father Arthur was an E-4 Specialist who served in the United States Army. After serving he then went to work as an editor for Helena, Montana’s newspaper The Independent Record. Her mother was a homemaker.
Cindy married a logger, Glen Bring, in 1981. They raised four children and now have four grandchildren. Bring spent several years as a Motocross mom and is a big Green Bay Packers fan. She was a homemaker until the children were in High School and then she was a Dispatcher for the local PD and also worked in Central Sterile in the local Hospital’s O.R. In 1998 she went back to school and received an Associate's Degree in Criminal Investigation as well as hand gun training. When Bring is not writing she is visiting children and grandchildren which takes her to various Army Bases around the world and across the US.
Bring is also a member of The Christian Motorcyclist Association, Military Writers Society of America, Toastmasters International, Women’s National Book Association, and a USO Volunteer. Cindy Bring and her husband now make their home in Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 17, 2015
This book hooked me from the beginning and kept my attention the entire time! Celia Kelly is a Naval Intelligence Officer who is assigned to a new case. It involves locating a group known as The Pact and recovering 20 million dollars. Through the course of her investigation, she learns that her husband, who has been missing for four years, was somehow involved but it takes a while for her to figure out how he fit in.
Celia is likable from the beginning. She's coping with a husband who went missing and wonders if she should move on in life. She's hard-working, loyal and gives others the benefit of the doubt. She's also a Christian and she relies on God without coming across as preachy. The other members of her team are split--some believe and some don't. They always show respect to each other and protect one another.
There are quite a few characters and I liked how they came together and felt like more of a team as the story progressed. I also needed to focus to keep everyone straight. It was hard to know exactly who to trust and there were twists and turns which kept it exciting!
I wasn't surprised to learn that the author is from a military family. This book is well-written and feels authentic. I appreciate the fact that this is a clean read and I would feel comfortable recommending it to anyone who enjoys military/mystery/suspense. The ending left me wanting more, so you will be hearing from me on the rest of this series soon!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Celia is likable from the beginning. She's coping with a husband who went missing and wonders if she should move on in life. She's hard-working, loyal and gives others the benefit of the doubt. She's also a Christian and she relies on God without coming across as preachy. The other members of her team are split--some believe and some don't. They always show respect to each other and protect one another.
There are quite a few characters and I liked how they came together and felt like more of a team as the story progressed. I also needed to focus to keep everyone straight. It was hard to know exactly who to trust and there were twists and turns which kept it exciting!
I wasn't surprised to learn that the author is from a military family. This book is well-written and feels authentic. I appreciate the fact that this is a clean read and I would feel comfortable recommending it to anyone who enjoys military/mystery/suspense. The ending left me wanting more, so you will be hearing from me on the rest of this series soon!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
July 24, 2024
"The Pact: Op One" penned by the author CN Bring is a murder mystery. The main character of the story is Celia Kelly, a Navy Commander. Celia lost her husband Tom Kelly years ago. Commander Frank Scott is her best friend. One morning, Frank asked Celia to visit his office. There, she saw a note saying "Celia, if you are reading this, I am in trouble or dead".
The next moment Celia was assigned the case whose Commander was Frank. She was informed that Frank commited suicide. Celia has to go to Syria to get the intelligence first hand. She will be working with five Navy SEALs. The mission is to look for a blond American man in charge of terrorist groups in the Middle East.
On the other hand, Celia was also determined to find the truth about Frank's death. She knows that it wasn't a suicide. Read this story to know will Celia be able to hunt an arms group, The Pact.
The story is gripping. It will keep you hooked till the last page. The writing style of the author is nice. The cover photo is well designed. I loved the strong character of Celia. The story is well paced without any dull moments in it. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
The next moment Celia was assigned the case whose Commander was Frank. She was informed that Frank commited suicide. Celia has to go to Syria to get the intelligence first hand. She will be working with five Navy SEALs. The mission is to look for a blond American man in charge of terrorist groups in the Middle East.
On the other hand, Celia was also determined to find the truth about Frank's death. She knows that it wasn't a suicide. Read this story to know will Celia be able to hunt an arms group, The Pact.
The story is gripping. It will keep you hooked till the last page. The writing style of the author is nice. The cover photo is well designed. I loved the strong character of Celia. The story is well paced without any dull moments in it. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
April 30, 2013
Wise Bear Books Reviews "The Pact" by CN Bring -- 4 Paws!
The Pact is a classic military drama with a twist. The book’s protagonist, Commander Celia Kelly, is a female Naval Intelligence Officer assigned to the biggest mission of her career. Unfortunately, the new assignment also means taking over from her best friend, Commander Frank Scott, without explanation and under dubious circumstances.
It's rare to find a feminine point of view within the military genre—even rarer to find a female protagonist who isn't a caricature of a woman trying to fit into a man's world. Celia is not only likable, you immediately feel respect for her as the leader of her team. She resonates a quiet strength—she has nothing to prove. She is honest, intelligent and attractive without it being a distraction to the main plot. In short, Commander Kelly is a good person who lives by the golden rule; but don't mistake her kindness for weakness, because she's as tough and brave as any Navy Seal.
The story gets off to a quick start and moves at a fast pace with plenty of intrigue and danger throughout. An unexplained death, a cryptic note, a mysterious picture and an underground military organization in search of $20 million sets the stage for the first book in this Celia Kelly mystery thriller series.
The cast of characters is extensive, but each plays a vital role in the story's development and resolution. Commander Kelly is bookended by two other strong female supporting characters. Gwen Sherwood is Celia's sarcastic long-term civilian secretary, who is loyal to a fault and the biggest scene stealer of the novel. On the other end of the spectrum is straight-laced, by-the-book Lt. Commander Georgie Round, who is assigned by the higher-ups to assist Commander Kelly in her new assignment.
The rest of Commander Kelly's co-workers are comprised of seemingly über macho Navy Seals, who are surprisingly in balance with the feminine/masculine dynamic of their team. It would have been easy for the author to have conjured up a simplistic challenge of the sexes rivalry; instead, she focuses on the commitment and efficiency within the group—a much stronger, more thoughtful message. And while there are elements of who on the team can and can't be trusted, this type of uncertainty and suspicion aids in the intrigue of the novel.
Another important element of the story comes from the unresolved issues surrounding her missing and presumed-dead husband, Tom. Somehow his alleged death is tied to this corrupt rogue military group known as "the pact" which places a large target squarely on Celia. This isn't just a mission anymore—her life depends on solving the mystery. Each new detail unearthed gives Commander Kelly hope of discovering her husband's whereabouts, or at least information concerning his demise, but also puts her in greater danger.
Mysteries have an innate formulaic quality which tends to draw readers back for more because they like the protagonist and/or supporting characters. The Pact is the type of novel that satisfies and succeeds because it's not trying to be anything it's not. Yes, there are some good plot twists in the book, but at its core, this is a good character-driven novel.
This book was reviewed as part of the Wise Bear Digital Book Awards competition. Entry fees associated with the contest are administrative in nature and do not influence our honest, unbiased book reviews.
The Pact is a classic military drama with a twist. The book’s protagonist, Commander Celia Kelly, is a female Naval Intelligence Officer assigned to the biggest mission of her career. Unfortunately, the new assignment also means taking over from her best friend, Commander Frank Scott, without explanation and under dubious circumstances.
It's rare to find a feminine point of view within the military genre—even rarer to find a female protagonist who isn't a caricature of a woman trying to fit into a man's world. Celia is not only likable, you immediately feel respect for her as the leader of her team. She resonates a quiet strength—she has nothing to prove. She is honest, intelligent and attractive without it being a distraction to the main plot. In short, Commander Kelly is a good person who lives by the golden rule; but don't mistake her kindness for weakness, because she's as tough and brave as any Navy Seal.
The story gets off to a quick start and moves at a fast pace with plenty of intrigue and danger throughout. An unexplained death, a cryptic note, a mysterious picture and an underground military organization in search of $20 million sets the stage for the first book in this Celia Kelly mystery thriller series.
The cast of characters is extensive, but each plays a vital role in the story's development and resolution. Commander Kelly is bookended by two other strong female supporting characters. Gwen Sherwood is Celia's sarcastic long-term civilian secretary, who is loyal to a fault and the biggest scene stealer of the novel. On the other end of the spectrum is straight-laced, by-the-book Lt. Commander Georgie Round, who is assigned by the higher-ups to assist Commander Kelly in her new assignment.
The rest of Commander Kelly's co-workers are comprised of seemingly über macho Navy Seals, who are surprisingly in balance with the feminine/masculine dynamic of their team. It would have been easy for the author to have conjured up a simplistic challenge of the sexes rivalry; instead, she focuses on the commitment and efficiency within the group—a much stronger, more thoughtful message. And while there are elements of who on the team can and can't be trusted, this type of uncertainty and suspicion aids in the intrigue of the novel.
Another important element of the story comes from the unresolved issues surrounding her missing and presumed-dead husband, Tom. Somehow his alleged death is tied to this corrupt rogue military group known as "the pact" which places a large target squarely on Celia. This isn't just a mission anymore—her life depends on solving the mystery. Each new detail unearthed gives Commander Kelly hope of discovering her husband's whereabouts, or at least information concerning his demise, but also puts her in greater danger.
Mysteries have an innate formulaic quality which tends to draw readers back for more because they like the protagonist and/or supporting characters. The Pact is the type of novel that satisfies and succeeds because it's not trying to be anything it's not. Yes, there are some good plot twists in the book, but at its core, this is a good character-driven novel.
This book was reviewed as part of the Wise Bear Digital Book Awards competition. Entry fees associated with the contest are administrative in nature and do not influence our honest, unbiased book reviews.
August 5, 2016
Reviewed by Gemini
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
The Pact is the first book in the Celia Kelly series. It was a very interesting book. The Pact was a lot more suspenseful than I expected. There is a large cast of characters so I would recommend that you read this book when you have time to really focus on all of the moving parts. I would say that it plays out like a movie with an ensemble cast.
Naval Intelligence Officer Commander Celia Kelly is given a mission to find some stolen weapons and a terrorist group called The Pact. She is joined on this mission by a group of Navy Seals. The mission takes them to Syria and eventually back to the United States. The team soon finds that there may be treason and espionage involved. Commander Kelly also finds that there is a connection between her husband who went missing 4 years prior and The Pact. Nothing is what it seems so you have to be prepared for everything.
Commander Kelly is a very dedicated and smart team leader. She drives a pristine ‘57 Studebaker and has a strong faith in God. Her subordinates are not quite sure what to make of her especially considering they had never worked together before. They soon become a tight knit unit and work tirelessly to hunt down and eliminate the threat. As the plot unfolds, it becomes very difficult to figure out who can be trusted so you will be guessing until the very end. I really liked this book and highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Source: Author
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
The Pact is the first book in the Celia Kelly series. It was a very interesting book. The Pact was a lot more suspenseful than I expected. There is a large cast of characters so I would recommend that you read this book when you have time to really focus on all of the moving parts. I would say that it plays out like a movie with an ensemble cast.
Naval Intelligence Officer Commander Celia Kelly is given a mission to find some stolen weapons and a terrorist group called The Pact. She is joined on this mission by a group of Navy Seals. The mission takes them to Syria and eventually back to the United States. The team soon finds that there may be treason and espionage involved. Commander Kelly also finds that there is a connection between her husband who went missing 4 years prior and The Pact. Nothing is what it seems so you have to be prepared for everything.
Commander Kelly is a very dedicated and smart team leader. She drives a pristine ‘57 Studebaker and has a strong faith in God. Her subordinates are not quite sure what to make of her especially considering they had never worked together before. They soon become a tight knit unit and work tirelessly to hunt down and eliminate the threat. As the plot unfolds, it becomes very difficult to figure out who can be trusted so you will be guessing until the very end. I really liked this book and highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Source: Author
January 10, 2012
In “The Pact”, the first book of the Celia Kelly Series by C. N . Bring, I was immediately drawn into the intrigue and danger that seems to follow, or surround Naval Intellingence Officer Celia Kelly. Although this type of book, political or government intrigue, is not my usual preference; I found this story to be fascinating. I could not stop reading. Author C.N Bring has a wonderful way with words and word-pictures. The danger and suspense was tangible and I felt myself a part of the action from beginning to end.
As I continued through books 2 and 3, I found myself unable to put each book down. Well, actually as soon as I finished one book, I immediately began reading the next. I couldn’t wait to read what would happen next. By the time I got to “The Truth” I was SHOCKED! Honestly and completely shocked at the way this 3rd story in the Celia Kelly series begins. A terrorist bombs a school with the US President’s family inside it! His poor daughter is the only one left living, although paralyzed! I am not usually a fan of political and government books, but this series has completely won me over. The danger, the details, the intrigue and suspense! I must recommend this author, C.N. Bring to any reader who loves a well-told story full of action and suspense; with well-defined characters and sub-characters. Excellent work! I’m a new FAN of Celia Kelly and author C.N. Bring.
As I continued through books 2 and 3, I found myself unable to put each book down. Well, actually as soon as I finished one book, I immediately began reading the next. I couldn’t wait to read what would happen next. By the time I got to “The Truth” I was SHOCKED! Honestly and completely shocked at the way this 3rd story in the Celia Kelly series begins. A terrorist bombs a school with the US President’s family inside it! His poor daughter is the only one left living, although paralyzed! I am not usually a fan of political and government books, but this series has completely won me over. The danger, the details, the intrigue and suspense! I must recommend this author, C.N. Bring to any reader who loves a well-told story full of action and suspense; with well-defined characters and sub-characters. Excellent work! I’m a new FAN of Celia Kelly and author C.N. Bring.
June 12, 2015
***A rare new talent that bears watching***
Four years ago Intelligence Officer, Commander Celia Kelly's husband was listed as missing-in-action. Since then the attractive young officer had concentrated on her Navy career. She believes in discipline, "rules, schedules and maintaining precision because she likes the order it gives to her life." That attitude also helped her climb the Navy's chain of command.
To help stay in condition she has a standing Wednesday appointment with her best friend, Commander Frank Scott at Potomac Park. Running through the park in the frosty predawn air
left her invigorated and refreshed. Today Scott’s competitive camaraderie lightened her spirit and brought a smile, though he wouldn’t let her forget she won by "less than seven inches"
When they separated she said, "see you in an hour" and went home to change. She couldn’t know that was the last time she would see her friend. She would only hear an urgent message with a mystifying request. "If I don't come into the office by noon, get the files from the safe behind the Defense manuals on the bookcase."
That same day…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/plot-sur...
Four years ago Intelligence Officer, Commander Celia Kelly's husband was listed as missing-in-action. Since then the attractive young officer had concentrated on her Navy career. She believes in discipline, "rules, schedules and maintaining precision because she likes the order it gives to her life." That attitude also helped her climb the Navy's chain of command.
To help stay in condition she has a standing Wednesday appointment with her best friend, Commander Frank Scott at Potomac Park. Running through the park in the frosty predawn air
left her invigorated and refreshed. Today Scott’s competitive camaraderie lightened her spirit and brought a smile, though he wouldn’t let her forget she won by "less than seven inches"
When they separated she said, "see you in an hour" and went home to change. She couldn’t know that was the last time she would see her friend. She would only hear an urgent message with a mystifying request. "If I don't come into the office by noon, get the files from the safe behind the Defense manuals on the bookcase."
That same day…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/plot-sur...
June 23, 2013
CM Bring has created a new hero… Commander Celia Kelly. Commander Kelly leads by example in both courage and principles. She finds herself placed in charge of an investigation previously headed by her deceased friend, Commander Frank Scott. Assigned to lead an elite team of SEALs, she uncovers deceit and corruption at every turn. Celia is assigned to track down terrorist arms dealers known as “The Pact”. Their tentacles spread everywhere, even to the highest levels of military command. Desperate to recover 20 million dollars that they inexplicably lost, the pact will do anything and kill anyone to recover the money. Kelly's world spirals as the mystery unravels. The dead mysteriously still live… new friends become spies… and no one can be trusted.
Although the wording was sometimes simplistic, The Pact flows easily and is difficult to put down. The characters are wonderfully developed and immensely likeable. I found myself rooting for them to take down the bad guys … but the bad guys kept changing! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to finding out what REALLY happened to her husband Tom!
Although the wording was sometimes simplistic, The Pact flows easily and is difficult to put down. The characters are wonderfully developed and immensely likeable. I found myself rooting for them to take down the bad guys … but the bad guys kept changing! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to finding out what REALLY happened to her husband Tom!
August 20, 2015
BEST book you'll read all year
I'm not joking or exaggerating. This is by far going to be the best book you'll read all year. Literally every page is dripping with more suspense urging you to keep reading. The very first sentence of the book had me hooked and it only got better from there. I have never read a book that started off great and kept up the pace. Usually, books start off really slow and you get to the middle of the book before it gets any good. Not the case with this one. I've already recommended it to my mother in law and a few friends that were around me while I was engrossed reading it.
I recommend it to you. Go buy it. I read the kindle version on my phone. If you like it, leave a review since you are obviously reading a review now and it is hopefully helping you decide whether or not to get it.
The book is about a female that works at the Pentagon who has been giving a very top secret assignment. Everyone around her is dropping like flies! She has to get to the bottom of it before more die.
I'm not joking or exaggerating. This is by far going to be the best book you'll read all year. Literally every page is dripping with more suspense urging you to keep reading. The very first sentence of the book had me hooked and it only got better from there. I have never read a book that started off great and kept up the pace. Usually, books start off really slow and you get to the middle of the book before it gets any good. Not the case with this one. I've already recommended it to my mother in law and a few friends that were around me while I was engrossed reading it.
I recommend it to you. Go buy it. I read the kindle version on my phone. If you like it, leave a review since you are obviously reading a review now and it is hopefully helping you decide whether or not to get it.
The book is about a female that works at the Pentagon who has been giving a very top secret assignment. Everyone around her is dropping like flies! She has to get to the bottom of it before more die.
July 18, 2011
The Pact by CN Bring is about corruption, deceit and danger within the U.S. Government, told in a tale that will have you turning page after page.
Commander Celia Kelly USN takes over an operation to uncover a weapons ring that is willing to kill anyone who gets too close.
Celia is in charge of a team including Navy SEALs who will stop at nothing to uncover this deadly high level gang.
Come with them as they discover more than they thought possible buried deep in the government’s intelligence community.
Also meet some fascinating members of Celia Kelly’s team. Celia is a hard driven woman that will risk everything to find the answers she seeks. Gwen, Celia’s secretary, brings humor, dry wit and sometimes sense to the troubling case. The SEALs area mixture of hard driven men who will do whatever it take to keep their leader safe.
Read and enjoy CN Bring’s,The Pact, and you won’t be disappointed.
June 21, 2013
I really got into reading The Pact by CN Bring. It is a great spy, terrorist, espionage, seal team, navy action book with a touch of Christianity mixed in. Yes it has a little of everything and it is a great read also.
The author did an awesome job of weaving a story linking all of the above together into a faced paced action adventure. The storyline was well developed and easy to follow. The many twist and turns kept me guessing up to the end who the ultimate bad guy was
.
CN Bring did a great job of making the characters both real and believable. I like when the various characters have strong personalities but you are still able to relate to them. She pulled all of these strong characters together into a team.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend The Pact by CN Bring to all readers.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
The author did an awesome job of weaving a story linking all of the above together into a faced paced action adventure. The storyline was well developed and easy to follow. The many twist and turns kept me guessing up to the end who the ultimate bad guy was
.
CN Bring did a great job of making the characters both real and believable. I like when the various characters have strong personalities but you are still able to relate to them. She pulled all of these strong characters together into a team.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend The Pact by CN Bring to all readers.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
May 16, 2015
This was a good thriller. The occasional stilted dialogue and frequent shifts in POV jolted me out of the story, but the mysteries brought me back in. Some of the characters, especially the men, could have been better developed.
February 23, 2015
I have been a fan of Cindy's since The Pact first came out. I picked it up and could not put it down. With all the different people in her stories you really need to pay attention to what you are reading to keep track of what each one is doing. This is my kind of book
June 22, 2015
very good
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews