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7 Grams of Lead
A brand-new heart-pounding technothriller from Keith Thomson, bestselling author of ONCE A SPY.
Russ Thornton is a hard-hitting journalist known for his ability to take on big targets in government and in business. An old flame, now a Capitol Hill staffer, contacts him out of the blue wanting to disclose some top-secret information. But she is gunned down in cold blood, right in front of him. Worse, the killers are concerned about what Thornton knows, and who he may tell. He finds himself in a game of cat-and-mouse, where the stakes are life and death and the surveillance technology is so sophisticated that he wouldn't believe it existed--if it weren't implanted in his own head.
Russ Thornton is a hard-hitting journalist known for his ability to take on big targets in government and in business. An old flame, now a Capitol Hill staffer, contacts him out of the blue wanting to disclose some top-secret information. But she is gunned down in cold blood, right in front of him. Worse, the killers are concerned about what Thornton knows, and who he may tell. He finds himself in a game of cat-and-mouse, where the stakes are life and death and the surveillance technology is so sophisticated that he wouldn't believe it existed--if it weren't implanted in his own head.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
30 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Keith Thomson
25 books148 followersKeith Thomson has been a semi-pro baseball player in France an editorial cartoonist for Newsday and a screenwriter. Now a resident of Alabama, he writes about intelligence and other matters for The Huffington Post. His novels include Once a Spy, a New York Times Best Seller, Twice a Spy and Pirates of Pensacola.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 13, 2016
As one expects from Mr. Thomson, a thrill a minute. By the time you finish you will be gasping for breath. An outrageous and entertaining romp.
March 19, 2014
The blurb on the back of the book sounds great and I was expecting a fast paced, thrilling read. I found it hard for me to get into the story because there was a lot of extra words that did nothing to add to the story. I found myself skimming through the pages to get to a good part. I think the plot had real potential in becoming a great read but fell short in the telling.
April 8, 2014
I really enjoyed Once a Spy and was excited to read Seven Grams. Very good concept for a book but it did not deliver. I really struggled to finish the book.
March 11, 2014
7 Grams of Lead: Keith Thomson
Two Russians brought to America and placed in a special facility in order to create the perfect EBomb. Within the facility someone is watching over them and wants to make sure that the Ebomb is created and that there are no loose ends when the final product is made. Just who is behind this and why do we hear the voice of POTUS at the start of the novel is the work of a creative, devious and deadly assassin and operative named Canning. But, first he has many players within his realm of destruction to take out of the equation hoping at the end to reap the monetary benefits.
Russ Thornton is a journalist and blogger who gets in the way of Canning and is about to learn more than he wants revealed when meeting with an old flame named Catherine Peretti. But, Catherine and Russ take many different routes, enter the Statan Island Ferry and find themselves trying to escape anyone that might be following them. But sometimes all the best-laid plans fall short and when the enter Au Pain and take their seats someone comes out of nowhere and ends her life. This is just the beginning for Russ Thornton as he’s fate is now sealed as he’s taken away along with the late Catherine and unknowing to him someone manages to implant a listening and tracking device in his head and hopes to you might say hack into his brain in order to know his ever move. Smart, persistent and definitely astute Russ plans on finding out who planted the bug and hopefully getting it removed. Peretti and a Capitol Hill staffer, is about to disclose something important to him but when is killed right in front of his eyes and now the chase begins to outrun, outfox and gain the insight to the technology that has been created to destroy entire cities with one push of a detonator.
Thinking out loud he contacts an operative at the NSA hoping that O’Clair will provide the answers to how to remove the device and hopefully learn its origin. But, things begin to heat up as the author takes center and us front into the political arena listening to Beryl Mallery and her opponent debate. Odd information comes to light as Beryl wonders how this man learned about her indiscretions and policies.
Information comes at a high price as we flashback to the beginning and learn more about Canning and his goals. Hoping to implant the listening and tracking device in the brains of both Bella and Leo Sokolov something fails and Leo dies. Bella’s implant is a success allowing him to follow her every move, the safe house she was taken to and her decision to not go back to work. When she finally gives in little does she know that those that she is teaching and instructing could be using what they learn to their advantage and someone is listening to it all?
Hoping to have the device removed Thornton and O’Clair devises a plan but not everyone and everything is what it seems. Allowing him to know that if they have two devices and both are removed he might be able to find out where the signal is coming from and locate the receiver, Thornton enlists the help of the Senate hopeful Mallory knowing that she has an implant. But, just when you think you know what will happen next you don’t’ as author Keith Thomson throws a curve bomb or ball you might say right at the reader and things change as O’Clair becomes another expendable casualty in the quest for money, power and much more.
Two FBI agents are working to learn more about Thornton and when you understand just who is behind what is about to happen to him next, who wants him out of the way and why you will shudder. No one can be trusted and there is so much corruption within each agency it is hard to tell just who Thornton might be relies on. But, first he is kidnapped, tortured, prodded and probed, starved and placed in a cell that would make anyone else lose their lunch and mind hoping that the end would be near but not Russ. Just when he thought he would not survive someone comes to his rescue but he’s far from out of the woods as one of his rescuers is not what he appears to be and just how he handles it lets you know he’s no one to fool with and he’s back in the game.
“Joseph Stalin’s solution to a problem was “seven grams of lead to the head.” As the story began Sokolov was believed to have been brought to the United States to work for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency: DARPA, which dealt with the global positioning system, the computer mouse, ARPANET, which included the Internet. Could this bullet be a strong message to anyone in Russia that wants to defect? Or does it mean something else? When journalist and blogger Russ Thornton adds a notation to his posting about this bullet it sends shockwaves down the spine of a dangerous killer. The technology author Keith Thomson describes within Chapter 9 is mindboggling. The range of destruction and the capabilities of some of these weapons unbelievable. But, when you learn more about Peter Canning, what his real agenda is and what he is trying to do, you begin to see the depth of his anger, his mode of destruction yet wonder if anyone will be able to stop what he has planned. Just who does he want to sell is he making an offer for the EBOMB and the formula to make more? Why? What will he gain and how many lives will be taken?
Listen to the encrypted phone call and code words used between Canning and a man called Rapada. Understand that failure is not an option and that no one is immune to his wrath. Senator Langlid what role does he plays and where does he fit into this dangerous equation? How did he learn about Mallery and where did the Intel come from that would give him the senate seat and cause her loss? A listening device implanted in your brain allowing you to learn government secrets, use it as a weapon against anyone that comes up against you and allows you the ability to know what businesses and multi-millionaires have planned? What would you do with this power called “Little Bird”? What happens when Thornton gets too close? A remote so deadly you won’t see it coming but the explosion and impact just might be deadly. What did Mallory and Thornton find out when they break into Windward Actuarial? What happens to foil their efforts? What did they learn that might break it wide open and reveal all of the players? Phones calls and conversations revealed, information about what Catherine Peretti might have seen and seven grams of lead plugged in her brain. Was it to silence her or was it as Thornton says merely a diversion to get them off track dealing with the death of Leonid Sokolov and the reason why Little Bird failed in him but not in his wife? Special Agents so corrupt, a government agency behind it all: What did Catherine see that got her killed you won’t believe it? An ending so explosive you won’t see it coming and the final fate of Mallery and Thornton cannot be revealed, as it is too dangerous to reveal to the reader. Seven Grams of Lead: All the answers to these questions and more will be revealed to readers when you read this FIVE STAR NOVEL.
Russ Thornton is a solid character whose persistence and determination to bring down whoever is behind what happened to Catherine and took the lives of so many others. Seven Grams of Lead: Be careful: Who will get it next? Let’s hope the author brings back Russ in another novel using his journalistic skills to solve a crime.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Two Russians brought to America and placed in a special facility in order to create the perfect EBomb. Within the facility someone is watching over them and wants to make sure that the Ebomb is created and that there are no loose ends when the final product is made. Just who is behind this and why do we hear the voice of POTUS at the start of the novel is the work of a creative, devious and deadly assassin and operative named Canning. But, first he has many players within his realm of destruction to take out of the equation hoping at the end to reap the monetary benefits.
Russ Thornton is a journalist and blogger who gets in the way of Canning and is about to learn more than he wants revealed when meeting with an old flame named Catherine Peretti. But, Catherine and Russ take many different routes, enter the Statan Island Ferry and find themselves trying to escape anyone that might be following them. But sometimes all the best-laid plans fall short and when the enter Au Pain and take their seats someone comes out of nowhere and ends her life. This is just the beginning for Russ Thornton as he’s fate is now sealed as he’s taken away along with the late Catherine and unknowing to him someone manages to implant a listening and tracking device in his head and hopes to you might say hack into his brain in order to know his ever move. Smart, persistent and definitely astute Russ plans on finding out who planted the bug and hopefully getting it removed. Peretti and a Capitol Hill staffer, is about to disclose something important to him but when is killed right in front of his eyes and now the chase begins to outrun, outfox and gain the insight to the technology that has been created to destroy entire cities with one push of a detonator.
Thinking out loud he contacts an operative at the NSA hoping that O’Clair will provide the answers to how to remove the device and hopefully learn its origin. But, things begin to heat up as the author takes center and us front into the political arena listening to Beryl Mallery and her opponent debate. Odd information comes to light as Beryl wonders how this man learned about her indiscretions and policies.
Information comes at a high price as we flashback to the beginning and learn more about Canning and his goals. Hoping to implant the listening and tracking device in the brains of both Bella and Leo Sokolov something fails and Leo dies. Bella’s implant is a success allowing him to follow her every move, the safe house she was taken to and her decision to not go back to work. When she finally gives in little does she know that those that she is teaching and instructing could be using what they learn to their advantage and someone is listening to it all?
Hoping to have the device removed Thornton and O’Clair devises a plan but not everyone and everything is what it seems. Allowing him to know that if they have two devices and both are removed he might be able to find out where the signal is coming from and locate the receiver, Thornton enlists the help of the Senate hopeful Mallory knowing that she has an implant. But, just when you think you know what will happen next you don’t’ as author Keith Thomson throws a curve bomb or ball you might say right at the reader and things change as O’Clair becomes another expendable casualty in the quest for money, power and much more.
Two FBI agents are working to learn more about Thornton and when you understand just who is behind what is about to happen to him next, who wants him out of the way and why you will shudder. No one can be trusted and there is so much corruption within each agency it is hard to tell just who Thornton might be relies on. But, first he is kidnapped, tortured, prodded and probed, starved and placed in a cell that would make anyone else lose their lunch and mind hoping that the end would be near but not Russ. Just when he thought he would not survive someone comes to his rescue but he’s far from out of the woods as one of his rescuers is not what he appears to be and just how he handles it lets you know he’s no one to fool with and he’s back in the game.
“Joseph Stalin’s solution to a problem was “seven grams of lead to the head.” As the story began Sokolov was believed to have been brought to the United States to work for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency: DARPA, which dealt with the global positioning system, the computer mouse, ARPANET, which included the Internet. Could this bullet be a strong message to anyone in Russia that wants to defect? Or does it mean something else? When journalist and blogger Russ Thornton adds a notation to his posting about this bullet it sends shockwaves down the spine of a dangerous killer. The technology author Keith Thomson describes within Chapter 9 is mindboggling. The range of destruction and the capabilities of some of these weapons unbelievable. But, when you learn more about Peter Canning, what his real agenda is and what he is trying to do, you begin to see the depth of his anger, his mode of destruction yet wonder if anyone will be able to stop what he has planned. Just who does he want to sell is he making an offer for the EBOMB and the formula to make more? Why? What will he gain and how many lives will be taken?
Listen to the encrypted phone call and code words used between Canning and a man called Rapada. Understand that failure is not an option and that no one is immune to his wrath. Senator Langlid what role does he plays and where does he fit into this dangerous equation? How did he learn about Mallery and where did the Intel come from that would give him the senate seat and cause her loss? A listening device implanted in your brain allowing you to learn government secrets, use it as a weapon against anyone that comes up against you and allows you the ability to know what businesses and multi-millionaires have planned? What would you do with this power called “Little Bird”? What happens when Thornton gets too close? A remote so deadly you won’t see it coming but the explosion and impact just might be deadly. What did Mallory and Thornton find out when they break into Windward Actuarial? What happens to foil their efforts? What did they learn that might break it wide open and reveal all of the players? Phones calls and conversations revealed, information about what Catherine Peretti might have seen and seven grams of lead plugged in her brain. Was it to silence her or was it as Thornton says merely a diversion to get them off track dealing with the death of Leonid Sokolov and the reason why Little Bird failed in him but not in his wife? Special Agents so corrupt, a government agency behind it all: What did Catherine see that got her killed you won’t believe it? An ending so explosive you won’t see it coming and the final fate of Mallery and Thornton cannot be revealed, as it is too dangerous to reveal to the reader. Seven Grams of Lead: All the answers to these questions and more will be revealed to readers when you read this FIVE STAR NOVEL.
Russ Thornton is a solid character whose persistence and determination to bring down whoever is behind what happened to Catherine and took the lives of so many others. Seven Grams of Lead: Be careful: Who will get it next? Let’s hope the author brings back Russ in another novel using his journalistic skills to solve a crime.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
March 27, 2018
Did not grab me. I did not care enough about the characters nor did I find them believable.
January 6, 2019
Good follow-on book by the author of Once a Spy and Twice a Spy. A bit more brutal than his earlier books, but interesting story line.
July 1, 2023
I liked his other books - I really need to learn how to quit a book early - this was rough
March 3, 2014
I have been waiting months for the release of 7 Grams of Lead by Keith Thomson and after reading it, I am not disappointed. In fact, it was one of the best thrillers I have read. I didn’t think it was possible to write a book as good as, or better than, Once a Spy or Twice a Spy, but he has done it with 7 Grams of Lead. My normal reads include Lee Child, C.J. Box, David Baldacci and Vince Flynn (RIP). Mr. Thomson can hang in there with any of them delivering a fast paced, well researched, can’t put it down, page turner!
His books carry a common theme of the sympathetic misfit the reader can’t help but love. The main character, a blogger and journalist, gets too close to a secret that could mean the end of not only his own life, but the lives of millions and so soon becomes a target himself; he also becomes the unexpected hero. I won’t give away too much because it would eliminate the wonderful surprises in store for anyone smart enough to buy the book except to say it will probably be the best book you will read this year.
His books carry a common theme of the sympathetic misfit the reader can’t help but love. The main character, a blogger and journalist, gets too close to a secret that could mean the end of not only his own life, but the lives of millions and so soon becomes a target himself; he also becomes the unexpected hero. I won’t give away too much because it would eliminate the wonderful surprises in store for anyone smart enough to buy the book except to say it will probably be the best book you will read this year.
March 25, 2016
Nice, fast-paced action thriller
I've enjoyed all three of Keith Thompson's "spy" novels. In each one, a relatively ordinary guy gets caught up in a world of spies, assassins, and corruption, surviving on a combination of luck, intelligence, and skill.
Seven grams of lead is a departure from the characters and theme of his first two novels, but is still an enjoyable read. Sure, there are some really convenient coincidences where characters are brought together to move the story line along. And, of course who among us hasn't at some point had a beautiful, billionaire girlfriend with loose morals who can accurately shoot a gun, mix tranquilizers from household chemicals, and decipher coded messages on the fly?
OK - it's not "War and Peace" but if you like action thrillers with some well researched tech gadgetry, read "Seven grams of Lead".
For anyone trying to reconcile this review with some others under this name, my wife and I comment on (the very different) books we read from the same Amazon account.
I've enjoyed all three of Keith Thompson's "spy" novels. In each one, a relatively ordinary guy gets caught up in a world of spies, assassins, and corruption, surviving on a combination of luck, intelligence, and skill.
Seven grams of lead is a departure from the characters and theme of his first two novels, but is still an enjoyable read. Sure, there are some really convenient coincidences where characters are brought together to move the story line along. And, of course who among us hasn't at some point had a beautiful, billionaire girlfriend with loose morals who can accurately shoot a gun, mix tranquilizers from household chemicals, and decipher coded messages on the fly?
OK - it's not "War and Peace" but if you like action thrillers with some well researched tech gadgetry, read "Seven grams of Lead".
For anyone trying to reconcile this review with some others under this name, my wife and I comment on (the very different) books we read from the same Amazon account.
August 4, 2016
I really enjoyed Keith Thomson's Once a Spy and was hoping this would provide the same sort of spy thriller. In a sense it did because the action is there, the sense of having to stay alive while on the run and while putting together small clues to figure out why one is even being hunted.
However, it didn't have the inner motivation which kept Once a Spy interesting. In that book's case it was the father and son relationship, which was gradually revealed and deepened, combined with the frustration of Alzheimer's and seeing how they would escape the escalating threats. In Seven Grams of Lead I just didn't have a reason to really care about either of the protagonists. So it was a fine enough thriller but I wound up having to push myself through to the end because it felt like an increasing exercise in escapes and not much more.
However, it didn't have the inner motivation which kept Once a Spy interesting. In that book's case it was the father and son relationship, which was gradually revealed and deepened, combined with the frustration of Alzheimer's and seeing how they would escape the escalating threats. In Seven Grams of Lead I just didn't have a reason to really care about either of the protagonists. So it was a fine enough thriller but I wound up having to push myself through to the end because it felt like an increasing exercise in escapes and not much more.
November 11, 2014
Full disclosure: I received this book as a Shelf Awareness giveaway from the author, but this in no way affects the review.
A cast of characters are featured in this action-packed suspense thriller. Russ Thornton, a journalist and blogger, is contacted by a former girlfriend, Catherine Peretti. When she is killed for the information she wants to tell him, he is on the run as he tries to track down who killed her and why. Twists and turns, murder and mayhem, and more as Russ and his new friend, Beryl Mallery, race against time to solve this mystery before they join the growing pile of bodies.
A cast of characters are featured in this action-packed suspense thriller. Russ Thornton, a journalist and blogger, is contacted by a former girlfriend, Catherine Peretti. When she is killed for the information she wants to tell him, he is on the run as he tries to track down who killed her and why. Twists and turns, murder and mayhem, and more as Russ and his new friend, Beryl Mallery, race against time to solve this mystery before they join the growing pile of bodies.
April 10, 2014
Start with several cans of Red Bull. Pour in some Turkish espresso. Crush an amphetamine or two with a hammer and toss in. Drive up to an air force base and borrow a cup or two of jet fuel for good measure. Put all ingredients into blender and hit puree.
And there you have it: The storyline of a Keith Thomson book.
7 Grams of Lead is relentless, lunatic fun. No, it's not Le Carré. Well, maybe if Smiley had been slipped major hallucinogens in his pekoe. Instead, it's 80% action, 10% wry humor, and 10% about getting the girl. Not a bad way to spend a night. Unless, of course, you have to get up early the following day.
And there you have it: The storyline of a Keith Thomson book.
7 Grams of Lead is relentless, lunatic fun. No, it's not Le Carré. Well, maybe if Smiley had been slipped major hallucinogens in his pekoe. Instead, it's 80% action, 10% wry humor, and 10% about getting the girl. Not a bad way to spend a night. Unless, of course, you have to get up early the following day.
April 15, 2014
A roller coaster of a read! With today's headlines about NSA & spying,this is a must. Scary to think of how far this type of surveillance is going. It is not all too serious... it has some light moments that are not forced. The action is solid, but to the point of ridiculousness. Thomson has a deft hand with character and story...detail does not bury the reader in technobabble, the reader can feel that they are in each moment.
Loved his first two books, so it was easy to love this one. Bring on the spies! :-D
Loved his first two books, so it was easy to love this one. Bring on the spies! :-D
September 20, 2024
Thomson writes with a breezy pace that works well. I would describe his novels as light, but well calculated. He frequently places his central character in jeopardy at the hands of the evil doers.
In this novel there is a strong plot with interesting characters. There are a few coincidences, one or two dropped details, and a lot of betrayals. However there are no serious red herrings.
Profanity and one odd plot hole prevented five stars.
In this novel there is a strong plot with interesting characters. There are a few coincidences, one or two dropped details, and a lot of betrayals. However there are no serious red herrings.
Profanity and one odd plot hole prevented five stars.
June 3, 2014
Short Review: I am a fan of Keith Thomson because of his Once/Twice a Spy novels. Seven Grams of Lead is less funny, more traditional spy thriller and has more action. In fact the action is basically non-stop from start to finish. Part of what I like about many spy novels is the slow build and relatively slowness. It is not that this is a bad book, I enjoyed it mostly. But I think it depended too much on action.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/seven-grams-of-lead/
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/seven-grams-of-lead/
February 11, 2018
This is the only Keith Thomson book I have read. That said, it held my interest and I will read his others. It was fast paced and the technology was a little spooky... I would recommend this for people that read Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and Ted Bell. While I like these authors a little more, I expect Keith Thomson will grow on me.
August 24, 2014
I very much enjoyed all of Keith Thomson's four novels. They are high action and fun and intelligent. Great escapes. I recommend starting with Once A Spy.
Russ Thorton is the protagonist in 7 Grams of Lead, and is a hard hitting journalist with a widely read blog. He's investigated some hard cases and remembers and is able to apply all the moves he's learned.
Russ Thorton is the protagonist in 7 Grams of Lead, and is a hard hitting journalist with a widely read blog. He's investigated some hard cases and remembers and is able to apply all the moves he's learned.
February 24, 2015
It reminded me at times of Clive Cussler in its "rip roaring," breakneck pacing. It could have used tighter editing as there were some linguistic oddities and its protagonists were too often the beneficiaries of luck or implausible incompetence such that one's suspension of disbelief was severely strained. But a fun read nevertheless, a 21st Century Pulp in effect.
February 23, 2019
The book was ok, but did not seem to be that well written. Seemed to be written for a specific audience, and the level of details was too geek-ish to have a semblance of reality.
I listened to the audiobook read by Roger Wayne. The reading neither added to nor detracted from the experience.
I listened to the audiobook read by Roger Wayne. The reading neither added to nor detracted from the experience.
April 8, 2014
One of the best thrillers I've read. Literally couldn't put the book down. Each sentence easily flowed into paragraphs and paragraphs into pages without me realizing I was turning them. Highly recommend this book!
April 30, 2017
Not his best.
Of Keith Thompson's 3 thrillers, this is by far the weakest. Convoluted characters make for listless reading and, frankly I just didn't care about any of them. I hope he wasn't hoping for a series of these, because this is kind of a dud.
Of Keith Thompson's 3 thrillers, this is by far the weakest. Convoluted characters make for listless reading and, frankly I just didn't care about any of them. I hope he wasn't hoping for a series of these, because this is kind of a dud.
December 22, 2014
A fun, fast-paced thriller. Didn't love it quite as much as the Once A Spy books, but still, an enjoyable read.
gave-up
April 16, 2014Quit reading a third of the way through. No particular reason - just lost interest.
March 10, 2014
It wants to read like a Clancy or Flynn book, but it's just not written with the same depth or quality.
March 23, 2014
tened to drag a bit towards the end
April 16, 2014
I found this book to be a fun read and interesting.
October 4, 2014
Good book.
May 5, 2014
I will read more by this author.
Want to read
May 16, 2014This is the Kindle Daily Deal. I bought it because I thought "Once a Spy" was hilarious and $1.99 wasn't a lot to invest to see if this one was as good
May 16, 2014
Excellent read!!! Well thought out characters drew me in, and then delivered a great ride. Looking forward to hopefully seeing more of these two!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews